Sir Hugh Rose had now achieved his goal and reached Jhansi, the abode of the Rani. Tempers are running high in his force as the murders perpetrated in June 1857 have not been forgotten. There is a sense of anger in the air, and the force is eager to take not just the fort, but if they have their way, raze Jhansi to the ground.
The rebels, for their part, have a surprise in store for Sir Hugh and will now attempt to force him to divide his force and fight on two fronts. It is April 1858, and the scene is the Betwa River. The outcome will have repercussions for the Rani and change the campaign.

The taking of Kotah by Roberts was of manifest importance as it re-established British prestige in Rajputana and enabled Sir Hugh Rose to continue his advance towards Kalpi. As no garrison would be left in Kotah, the Rajputana Field Force was now redistributed: Roberts returned to Nasirabad, and a portion of his force was sent to garrison Neemuch. He further detached Brigadier Smith to Sir Hugh Rose, with a column consisting of the 83rd Foot, a wing of the 72nd Highlanders, wings of the 12th and 13th Bombay Native Infantry, two squadrons of the 8th Hussars, two of the 1st Bombay Lancers and a siege train of six pieces. Kotah was left in the hands of the Maharao, and Sir Hugh Rose will enter the final stages of the campaign as he continues to Kalpi. However, there will be more fighting to be done.

The Field Forces

First Brigade

Brigadier C.S. Stuart, Bombay Army, commanding:

One squadron, 14th Light Dragoons
One troop, 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry
HM’s 86th Regiment of Foot, two companies
25th Regiment, Bombay Native Infantry
Three light field batteries, one belonging to the Royal Artillery, one to Bombay, and the third to Hyderabad.
Sappers

Second Brigade

Brigadier Steuart, 14th Light Dragoons, commanding:

14th Light Dragoons, headquarters
3rd Bombay Light Cavalry, headquarters
3rd Bombay European
24th Regiment, Bombay Native Infantry
One battery, Bombay Horse Artillery
One Light Field Battery
One Battery, Bhopal Artillery
One Company, Madras Sappers

Hyderabad Contingent Field Force, under Major Orr, consisting of three regiments of cavalry, two of infantry and one artillery field battery.

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