Nader’s dark eyes flashed fiercely and his black beard bristled as he watched the decimated Mughal infantry crash into his centre. He was stationed with his officers and staff on the left flank of his mighty army. In command of the centre was his son, Morteza. Nader’s heart swelled with pride as the battle was joined in earnest. The date was February 24th, 1739.
From where he stood, Nader could see the great curve of the Alimardan river running in a line north to south, parallel to his deployment. To the south-west, across the river, he could just make out the towers of the walled city of Karnal. The sun flashed brightly on the bleached white stonework of its buildings. Opposite his position, he could see the camp of the Mughal Lord, Muhammad Shah.
Tents glowed white and cream in the bright sunlight, banners flew bravely in the wind, and a steady stream of soldiers, cavalry, and war elephants flowed across the river to challenge his position. The Mughal force of the Shah Muhammad was very great, but Nader was not concerned. Force of numbers would not be enough to stop him this day.
