Chapter 10: The Road to Delhi
1. The Aftermath of Kalpi
The sun rose over the battlefield of Kalpi, casting long shadows over the countless Mughal corpses. The air was thick with the scent of blood and smoke. Hemu stood on his war elephant, surveying the victory.
His generals gathered around.
Balram Singh (Cavalry General): "Maharaj, the enemy is completely routed. We have captured 3,000 prisoners and seized a massive stockpile of Mughal weapons and supplies."
Jai Kishan (Artillery Commander): "Our cannons performed beyond expectation. The new explosive shells devastated their ranks."
Hemu nodded, pleased. "This victory is just the beginning. We must press forward before Akbar has time to regroup."
He turned to Raghunath Rao. "Prepare the army. We march for Delhi."
The generals saluted, and preparations for the next campaign began.
---
2. The Message to Agra
Before leaving Kalpi, Hemu sent a messenger to Agra, carrying a simple message for Akbar:
"Delhi will be mine. Prepare yourself."
The messenger rode swiftly, knowing he carried words that would shake the Mughal court.
---
3. The Grand War Council
The army camped outside Kalpi for three days, preparing for the march to Delhi. During this time, Hemu called a Grand War Council, summoning his top commanders, ministers, and advisors.
A massive table was set up with a detailed map of Northern India, marking every fort and stronghold between Kalpi and Delhi.
Raghunath Rao (Supreme Commander): "Maharaj, we have three possible routes to Delhi. The fastest is along the Grand Trunk Road, but it is also the most obvious."
Hemu studied the map. "What about the second route?"
Balram Singh: "It takes us through dense forests and hills, allowing us to avoid direct confrontation, but it will slow us down."
Ishwar Pratap (Infantry General): "The third route is a mix of both—moving through key strongholds while keeping us unpredictable."
Hemu nodded. "We shall take the third route. We will capture every Mughal outpost along the way, ensuring that by the time we reach Delhi, Akbar will have no reinforcements left."
The generals exchanged glances, impressed by the strategy.
"Maharaj, it is a bold plan," said Raghunath Rao, "but if we succeed, Delhi will be yours before Akbar can react."
Hemu stood. "Then let us begin."
---
4. The March Begins
With 15,000 soldiers, 2,000 war elephants, and 200 cannons, Hemu led his army towards Delhi.
As they advanced, they encountered small Mughal garrisons, which they swiftly crushed. Hemu personally led the charges, inspiring his men with his bravery.
In Etawah, a key Mughal supply city, they found massive stockpiles of grain, weapons, and gold. Instead of looting, Hemu ordered everything to be sent back to Kalpi to strengthen his rear supply lines.
---
5. Akbar's Response
Meanwhile, in Agra, the messenger arrived at Akbar's court.
Bairam Khan, Akbar's regent, read Hemu's message and scowled. "This man is dangerous. We underestimated him."
Akbar, still young but ambitious, asked, "What shall we do?"
Bairam Khan replied, "We must stop him before he reaches Delhi. I will personally lead the army against him."
A massive Mughal force of 30,000 soldiers was assembled, including Persian cavalry, war elephants, and elite matchlock gunners.
Bairam Khan swore, "Hemu will not see the gates of Delhi."
---
6. The Siege of Agra Fort
Hemu, knowing the Mughals would try to cut him off, decided to strike first.
Instead of marching directly to Delhi, he attacked Agra Fort.
Agra was the Mughal stronghold in the north, heavily fortified and defended by 5,000 elite soldiers.
For five days, Hemu's cannons bombarded the walls. On the sixth day, his elephants breached the gates, and his soldiers stormed the city.
The battle was fierce, but by nightfall, Agra belonged to Hemu.
The Mughal banners were torn down. The flag of Bharat flew over Agra.
---
7. The Final Push to Delhi
With Agra secured, Hemu prepared for the final march to Delhi.
He knew Bairam Khan was coming—but he was ready.
"This will be the greatest battle of our time," Hemu declared. "And we shall emerge victorious!"
The army roared in approval.
The Battle for Delhi had begun.
---
Let me know if you want any changes!