Chapter 148: Siege of Amer Fort Prt-1 (Roar of cannons)
Kingdom of Amber, Fort of Jaipur, few days back on 12th march 1557.
With first rays of morning sun, a sea of soldiers clad in proper chainmail armours marched toward the fort of Amer. From the four Rajputana territories, this amassed army comprised 10,000 cavalry, 350 cannons, 30 siege towers supported by ladders, 40,000 infantry laced with shields, swords, and spears, along with the twenty thousand militia which trembled the earth with its fury.
Upon reaching the vantage point of 1.5 km from the fort, the four kings gathered before their army. King Maldev Rao of Mawar addressed the group.
"They have cannons with the same range and effectiveness. We will split here. Our 50 cannons will provide cover fire, while the other hundred cannons will focus on the gates and then the cannons atop the walls. We must destroy them before the main assault."
King Karan Singh of Bikaner interjected, "But Rana Maldev Ji, they will be under intense fire. Wouldn’t it be better to pull back the cannons once the gates are destroyed?"
King Maldev replied, "Rana Karan Singh Ji, we must not forget their cannons are also a lethal challenge to our forces. This sacrifice is necessary."
King Harshraj Singh of Jaisalmer responded, "Indeed, and our cover fire will serve as a deterrent. If we send them with enough gaps and proper planning, the damages might be reduced."
As they all came to a conclusion, King Prithvi Raj Singh Rathore of Ajmer suggested, "Let me handle the southern direction."
King Maldev Rao nodded, "Then the western front is mine."
With this, Maldev and Karan Singh took half of the forces to tackle the western side of the fort, while Harshraj and Prithvi Raj Singh took the remaining to tackle the southern front.
In western side(defender side)
On the high south-western battlements of the fort, Queen Kalyani and Puran Das stood battle-ready in chain mail armours before dawn. From their elevated position, they had a clear view of the battlefield below. From the cover of ramparts 50 cannons were strategically arranged with gunners preparing for the imminent conflict.