Chapter 100: Battle of Bawal Part -5
The fort’s inner and outer walls were separated by a distance of 50-70 meters, dictated by the natural terrain. The inner wall was manned exclusively by expert archers and equipped with a few catapults, while the outer wall hosted a diverse mix of archers, spearmen, swordsmen, and additional catapults.
Between the walls, the space was occupied by reserve military units and civilians handling logistics. Serpentine stairs connected the outer walls, often forming descending secondary walls at choke points. These stairs featured broader spaces and proper boundary walls, enhancing the fort’s defensive capabilities.
Initially, the archers occupied the first three rows at the front, with two rows of infantry following behind. The catapults were guarded by a small group of Portuguese armed with pikes and muskets, alongside local swordsmen with shield. Once the battle commenced, the archers exchanged their bows for spears or swords matching their units, transforming into a formidable defensive formation.
Due to the overwhelming surge of enemies and prolonged fighting, the forces on the wall became exhausted and urgently needed reinforcement. During the transition, several slip-ups occurred, allowing enemies to breach the fort’s defences.
Few moments before in Southern section of wall
"Don’t let a single man get past us!"
Sardar Ajay and his unit defended the southern wall with their blood and sweat. Chaos erupted as rebels managed to scale the walls with ladder towers.
"Bring them down!"
Ajay’s soldiers fought with fierce determination, employing a variety of tactics to impede the enemy’s progress. They pushed away conventional ladders, cut through grappling ropes, and obstructed the approach of ladder towers.
The weight of the ladder towers’ ladders was substantial, making them difficult to shake off once assailants had already climbed near the wall. From above, they hurled rocks and poured hot oil, aiming to knock down the climbers. Those who reached the top were swiftly met with thrusts of swords by Ajay’s soldiers.
Arrows rained down from both sides, striking indiscriminately.
"There’s a breach! There’s a breach!" a fellow soldier panicked. Amidst this chaos, a commotion erupted on Sardar Ajay’s left flank.