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THE

HISTORY

OF THE

REIGN OF SHAH-AULUM,

THE PRESENT EMPEROR OF HINDOSTAUN.

CO NTAINING

THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE COURT OF DELHI,
AND THE NEIGHBOURING STATES, DURING A
PERIOD OF THIRTY-SIX YEARS:

INTERSPERSED WITH

GEOGRAPHICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL OBSERVATIONS ON
SEVERAL OF THE PRINCIPAL CITIES OF HINDOSTAUN.

WITH AN

APPENDIX,

CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING TRACTS, VIZ.

I. An Account of Modern Delhi.

II. A Narrative of the late Revolution at Ram-
pore, in Rohilcund, in 1794.

in. Tranflation of a Letter, written in the Per-
fian Language, from the Prince Mirza Juiuaun .
Bukht Jehaundar Shah, elded Son of the King of

Delhi, to his Majcfty George the Tliird, King of
Great Britain, in the 7ear 1785 : with a Copy of
the Original.

IV. Tranflation in Verfe of an Elegy, written by
the King of Delhi after the Lofs of his Sight.

BY W. J^ R A N C K L I N,

Captain in the Honourable Eaft-India Company's Service. Bengal Eftabli(hment ; Member of
the Afiatic Society; and Author of a Tour to Perfia.

LONDON:

Printul for the Author, by Cooper and Graham ;
And fold by R. Faulofr, Bond Street; J. Hatchard, Piccadilly; F. and C. RiviNC-
TONS, Sr. Paul's Church Yard; T. Harding, Pall-Mall; and T. Cadell, jun. and
W. Davies, in the Strand.

1798.

[<l2utcrcli at ^^tationcip' l^nH-]

THE HONOURABLE

THE COURT OF DIRECTORS,

FOR CONDUCTING THE AFFAIRS

OF THE

EAST-INDIA COMPANY,

THIS HISTORY

OF THE

REIGN OF SHAH-AULUM

IS INSCRIBED,

WITH THE UTMOST RESPECT,

BY THEIR MOST OBEDIENT

Francklin (W.) The History of

THK Rkion of Shah-.\ui,um, the present
ICmpcror of Hindostaun, cont;iiiiing the
Tran-^actions of tlie Court of VvWu and
the neighbouring States, during a Period
of Thirty-six Years, engraved plates and\
map. 4to, calf. 1798 , ,

"Tliis work was suppressed by the',
Gnvvrnnunl on publication," vide a con-'
tempnrarv MS. note on the fly-leaf. \

AND FAITHFUL HUMBLE SERVANT,

THE AUTHOR.

357953

SUBSCRIBERS,

CAPTAIN RICHARD ADAMS, Bengal

Lieutenant J. Alldin, ditto

Captain St. George, Afhe, ditto

■ ■ J. Adams, ditto

James Anderfon, efq.

Captain James Agg, Engineers

St. Andrew St. John, efq.

Lieutenant-colonel Bradfliaw, Bengal

Lieutenant J. Baillie, ditto

Mr. S. P. Bcllew, ditto, 2 fets

Lieutenant R. Brown, ditto, Artillery

Lieutenant-colonel R. Baillie, Bengal

Mr. James Battie, ditto, Commiflary of Ordnance

Lieutenant-colonel Bruce, Bengal

Captain P. Black, ditto, Cavalry

W. Burton, Bengal

R. Becher, efq. ditto, 4 fets
R. Bruce, efq.

vi SUBSCRIBERS,

J. Bellalis, efq.

R. Blake, efq. Bengal, 2 fets

J. Becher, efq. ditto

Captain Ball, ditto

Colonel Brady, Royal Artillery

Lieutenant Bean, ditto

Captain J. Blagrave, Commiflary of Royal Artillery

Captain Bagot, Royal Irifh Artillery, 4 fets

Mrs. Benge

R. Barker, efq. 6 fets

Colonel Blair

Lieutenant-colonel Braithwaite

J. Bouchier, efq.

Right Honourable Sir Jofeph Banks, bart. and K. B.

Captain Beard, Bombay Eftablifliment

William Boradaile, efq.

Captain J. Cunningham, Bengal

W. H. Cooper, ditto

Reverend Thomas Clarke, ditto
A. Carnegie, efq. ditto
Captain R. Cumming, ditto
L. Cavallo, efq. ditto
Captain A. Campbell, ditto
Alexander Champion, efq.
David Colvin, efq. Bengal
D. Campbell, efq. ditto
R. W. Coxe, efq. ditto

SUBSCRIBERS. vii

r, Cadell, efq.

Sir Robert Chambers, knt. Chief Juftice, Bengal

Collins, efq.

T. Canning, efq.
L. Canning, efq.
Lieutenant Clements, Royal Artillery

Lieutenant W. Dalton, Bengal

J. Dyer, efq. M. D. ditto

Captain M. Daveren, ditto

Captain M. Duncan, ditto

Lieutenant E. Darrell, Artillery

Lieutenant-colonel James Dixon, Bengal

Lieutenant F. Dalfton, ditto

Captain A, Davies, ditto

Major Decaftro, ditto

Captain De Courcy, ditto

J. Davis, efq. ditto

J. Donnithorne, efq. ditto

Captain Dyer, Royal Artillery

W. Dent, efq.

Sir Lionel Darell, bart. M. P. 2 fets

H. Douglas, efq. Bengal

H. V. Darell, efq. ditto, 6 fets

J. Dickens, efq.

Lieutenant Dear, Royal Artillery .

Durnford, Bengal

vili SUBSCRIBERS.

Major Duncan, Royal Artillery

General Dubolgne

Thomas Daniell, efq.

W. Diindas efq. Commiflioner for the Affairs of India

A. W. Devis, efq.

E.
The Honourable Court of Diredlors of the Eaft-India Company,

50 fets
Lieutenant W. Elliott, Bengal
Captain T. Evans, ditto
— — — Eales, ditto
Honourable M. Elphinflone, ditto
Reverend H, H. Edwards

C. Edridge, Chaplain to His Majefty

Captain Evans, Royal Regiment of Artillery
— — — Evans, Royal Navy
John Evelyn, efq.

Captain R. Frith, Cavalry, Bengal

Lieutenant-colonel Frith, ditto, ditto

Major-general FuUarton, ditto

A. Freer, efq. ditto

Captain Roderick Frazer, ditto

W. Frazer, ditto

Mrs. Farren
Edward Fofs, efq.
Mrs. Ford

SUBSCRitBERS. ix

Captain Charles Gladwin, Bengal

Francis Gladwin, efq. ditto

Captain Green, ditto

Enfign J. Gordon, Engineers, ditto

R. Gregory, efq. Bengal

J. F. Greuber, efq. ditto

T. Grindall, efq. ditto

Mrs. Grindall, ditto

Captain P. Gafcoyne, ditto

Edward Goldney, efq.

William Gorton, efq.

John Grant, efq. ^

James Grant, efq.

Captain Grant

W. Garthfliore, efq. M. P.

Stephen Holman, efq.

Captain T. Hardvvick, Artillery, Bengal, 2 fets

Lieutenant T. W. Howard, Bengal

Major T. Holland, Artillery, ditto

Captain T. Hawkins, Bengal

W. Hawkes, ditto

— — — J. Hoare, ditto
' A. Hamilton, ditto

Major-general A. Hardy, ditto
N. Hornfby, efq. ditto

X SUBScfeERS.

\V. Hunter, efq. Bengal

J. H. Harington, efq. ditto

Captain H. W. Hicks

James Halliburton, efq.

Major Hutton, Royal Artillery

Warren Haftings, efq.

— Hovvland, efq.

Mr. J. Hawkes

Captain Hope, Royal Artillery

Rt. Hon. Lord Hawkeibury, Commiflioner for the Affairs of India

Major-general Johnftone, Bengal •

Captain G. Johnftone, Artillery, ditto

George Johnftone, efq. 4 fets

Robert Ireland, efq.

Major Ifted, Northampton Militia

R. Johnfon, efq.

Mifs Johnftone

Colonel Ironfide

Rev. Dr. Jackfon, Dean of Chrift Church

Captain A. Knox, Cavalry, Bengal.

Chriftopher Keating, efq. Bengal

St. George Knudfon, efq.

Mifs Knudfon

Mifs Louifa Knudfon

J. E. Keighley, efq.

SUBSCRIBERS. xi

— Law, efq. Surgeon, Bengal
James Laird, efq.
M. H. Lewis, efq. 2 fets
Captain C. W. Lamborne
R. Law, efq.
Captain W. Lally, Bengal
J. Lumfden, efq. 2 fets
Captain D. Lumfden
■■ James Lawtie
M. Leflie, efq.
Captain H. Lennon
General Lloyd, Royal Artillery
Lieutenant Lee, ditto
Reverend Lockhart Leith
James Lynd, efq.
R. Livie, efq.

Mrs. Motte

Lieutenant-colonel R. Mackenzie, Bengal

E. Montague, Artillery, ditto

Captain G. S. Mounfcy, Cavalry, ditto

W. G. Maxwell, Bengal

Lieutenant F. Maynard, ditto
Lieutenant-colonel Jabez Mackenzie, ditto
Captain W. Mercer, ditto

b 2

SUBSCRIBERS.

Lieutenant A. Mathews, Artillery, Bengal

A. Maxwell, ditto

Captain R. Murray, ditto

Major-general C. Martin, ditto, 2 fets

Lieutenant W. Mitchell, Artillery, ditto

Reverend D, Mackinnon, Bengal

Major Marfack

Captain Mouatt, Engineers, Bengal

J. Macpherfon, efq.

Captain James Mitchell, Bengal

Lieutenant-colonel M' Clary

Captain Miller, Royal Artillery

Major Moore

Lieutenant-colonel Manley, Royal Artillery

Sir John Macpherfon, bart. M. P.

J. R, Middleditch, efq. 3 fets

W. Macdowal, efq. M. P.

Right Honourable Sir Archibald Macdonald, Lord Chief Baron

J. Mackintofli, efq.

John Maclary, efq.

Lieutenant John Nuthall, Bengal
Lieutenant-colonel Noke, ditto
Mr. David Ncfbitt
John Neave, efq.
Major-general Nicol, Bengal
Earl of Northampton

SUBSCRIBERS. xiii

G. Oufely, efq. Bengal

James Orr, efq. ditto, 4 fets

Cornet Obricn, Bengal

Major Oufely

Lieutenant-colonel Ogle, His Majefty's fervice

Lieutenaiit-colonel Ogle, Bengal

Captain J. P. Pigott, Cavalry, Bengal

Lieutenant-colonel H. C. Palmer, Bengal

Lieutenant-colonel J. Pearfon, ditto

Captain Peche, ditto

James Paul, efq. 4 fets

Lieutenant-colonel W. Palmer, 3 fets

Captain S. Palmer

Captain W. G. Palmer, 2 fets

Major-general Popham

E. E. Pote, efq. 4 fets

T. Pattle, efq.

Mifs Pope

Reverend R. Penneck, Britifh Mufeum

Reverend A. Piatt

Reverend C. Piatt

John Piatt, efq.

Mrs. Piatt

General Pattifon, Royal Regiment of Artillery

xiv SUPSCRIBEaS.

J. D. Porcher, efq.
John Philips, efq.
Honourable A. Paget, M. P.

Jofeph Quiros, efq.

Captain R. Ralph, Bengal

Captain W. Rennie, ditto

Mr, J. Roquier, Commiflary of Ordnance

Major-general Rawftome

Captain L. Rawftome

Mifs Ravvftorne

Lieutenant-colonel George RufTell

Captain Robert fon

Lieutenant W. Richards

Mrs. Rofe

Mrs. Ram fay

Mr. Rawlins

Captain W. Raban

Gervafe Robinfon, efq. Bengal

Major Roberts, Ifle of Wight

Captain J. F. Smith, Bengal
Captain Charles Stewart
Lieutenant-colonel H. Stafford
Lieutenant R. Stevenfon
Lieutenant-colonel H. Skinner
N. Sturt, efq.

SUBSCRIBERS. xv

Captain T. Salkeld, 4 fets
E. Strachey, efq.
C. Shakefpear, efq.

J. Sand ford, efq.

C. Sweedland, efq.

Captain Skyring, Royal Artillery

Captain Charles Stuart, Bengal

James Smith, efq.

Captain H. Scott

J. Scott, efq.

J. Strachey, efq.

George Suffie, efq.

W. Si ward, efq.

Captain James Salmond

Colonel Supple, Northampton Militia

R. J. Sullivan, efq.

— Stratton, efq.

A. Strange, efq. Recorder of Madras

Reverend J. Smith, Uflier, Wertminiler School
Captain Symes, His Majefty's 76th Regiment
David Scott, efq. M. P.

T.
Captain James Tetley, Bengal
Captain L. Thomas, ditto
M. S. Taylor, efq. 4 fets
P. Treves, efq.

V.
Reverend Dr. Vincent, Head Mafler, Weftminfter School

xvi SUBSCRIBERS.

John Wombwell, efq.
Major-general Ware, Bengal
Captain C . Webber, ditto
H. V. White, ditto

Charles White, ditto

G. Wei Hi, Bengal

Lieutenant-colonel T. Welfli, ditto
Major Wittit, Artillery, ditto
Enfign G. H. Warner, Bengal
Captain T. Wharton, Cavalry, ditto

T. Whinyates, Bengal

T. Williamfon, ditto

W. Williams, efq. M. D. ditto

Mrs. White

Mifs White

Henry Wildman, efq.

— Webb, efq.

N. Winter, efq. 2 fcts

Reverend Dr. Wingfield, Under Mafter, Weftminfter School

Reverend Thomas Ward, Ulhcr, Wertminfler School

Mr. Lewis Williams, jun.

Reverend T'. Worfley

Reverend James WorHey

Captain Worlley, Bengal

Jofeph Yates, efq.

PREFACE.

X HE work now offered to the public is the refult
of feveral years apphcation, during the author's
relaxation from his profeflional duties, and the
avocation of his leifure hours.

An account of the tranfadions at the court of
Delhi during an interefting and eventful period,
and the incidents and occurrences which have
marked the decline of power of the race of Timoor
under the turbulent reign of the ill-fated Shah-
Aulum, (in all probability the laft of that family

xviii PREFACE.

who will fit on the throne of Hhidoftaun) cannot,
it is prefumed, fail to prove acceptable to a Britifli
reader.

A long refidence in India has afforded the author
frequent opportunities of acquiring much local in-
formation; and moft of the geographical remarks
were obtained by him on the fpot, while on a fur-
vey, ordered by the Bengal government, through
the Doo Ab * and adjacent countries in 1793-4;
and on a fimilar occafion through the province of
Rohilcund in 17 95-6.

The perufal of the fevetal Perfian manufcripts
named in the Appendix, and particularly the Shah
Aulum Nameh, (a hiftory of the reign of the prc-
fent king) written by Gholauni AH, a learned

* A country lying betwixt the rivers Ganges and Jumna.

PREFACE. xlx

native, afforded the author ample materials for re-
lating fuch tranfadlions as took place within the
authority and influence of the court at Delhi: and
to his friends, on various occafions, he is happy to
acknowledge his grateful obligations.

To Major Charles Reynolds, furveyor-general
of the Bombay eftablifliment, Mr. Johnftone of
Lucknow, Major Kirkpatrick, Colonel Palmer,
and Captain Salkeld, of the Bengal eftablifhment,
he begs leave to offer his hearty acknowledgements
for the readinefs with which they fupplied him with
a variety of interefting documents for the prefent
work.

Such are the materials from which the Hiflory of
the Reign of Shah-Aulum has been compiled;
confcious, that notwithftanding the pains and care
which have been beflowed on it to attain perfe6^ion,

c 2

XX PREFACE.

numerous errors and Inaccuracies may have crept
in, the author trufts that the authenticity of the mat-
ter it contains, will, in a great meafure, counter-
balance its defects, and he therefore cheerfully
delivers it to the pubhc, with the diffidence natu-
rally attendant on a firfl attempt in this arduous
branch of literature.

LoifDON,

Bedford Street, Bedford Square ^
March 15, 1798.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAP. I.

Pages

A NARRATIVE of the principal occurrences and revolutions
of the court of Shahjehanabad from the reign of Mahmud
Shah -_.i

CHAP. II.

Shah-Aulum refides at Allahabad — Nejeeb Al Dowla at Delhi
— Succindl account of the Murhattas — The Marhattas invite
the king to return to Delhi- — Negotiations — King fets out —
Arrival at Delhi ___---- ■«5^ 2. ?

CHAP. III.

Proceedings againjl Zabita Khan — The Marhattas refufe to
divide the plunder — Nujuff Khan in high favour — He
quarrels with the Marhattas — His defeat — Pardoned — Ce£ion
of Corah and Allah ubad to the Marhattas — Marhattas retire
to Deccan - - ------ ^fcr 3 cj

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAP. IV.

Page*

Adminijlration ofNujuffKhan—ConqueJls in the Jaut country

— Rupture betuixt Sbuja j^l Dou/a and the Rohillas—Rc-
ducJiofi of Rohilcund—Dcfcription of that country — Death of

Shuja Al Dozvla— Account of the Oude farnily - - TSy ^ ^

CHAP. \^

Return of the captain general to Delhi — Accejfton of Afuf Al
Dowla— Efiibjjfy of llluj Khan to Delhi— Proceedings
againjl Zabita Khan— Defeat of the king's troops— Zabita
Khan unites with the Seiks — SuccinSl account of that nation

— -Occurrences - - ' - - - - - <79~" o /

CHAP. VI.

Revolt of the Rajah of fypore — Succind account of the prin-
cipalities of Oudipore, Joudpore, fypore—The king marches
to fypore— Taking of Narnoul and Dhanfney—Dif grace of
Mujud Al Doivla— Death and CharaHer of Nujuff Khan r©^— ?'o

CHAP. VII.

TranfaSlions at court fubfequent to the death of Zulfcar Al
Dozcla — Afrafiab Khan appointed minijler — Dijfenfons
among the Mogul lords — Elevation of Mirza Shuffee Khan —
Intrigues— He is ajfajfinated before Deig— Re-appointment
of Afrafiab Khan — Reflexions » - _ _ - j-i4-- loi

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAP. VIII.

Pages

Rife and progrefs of Madhajee Sindiah, ruler of Makvah, from
the eJiabliJJoment of his family in that province until his inter-
ference in the politics of the court of Delhi-— Intrigues of
Afrafinb Khan — His death and chara£ier—Sindiah is made
prime minijler _-____- i,j,j.. ^^^

CHAP. IX.

Occurrences at court — War againji Jypore — Intrigues of the
Mogul Nobility — Sindiah is defeated — Retires acrofs the
Chumbul — Intrigues of Gholaum Caudir Khan— /Account of
Begum Somroo — Gholaum Cadir Khan befeges the palace —
He is repulfed, and pardoned — ^ Prince Mirza fuivaun
Bukht — Review of his Life — Death and Character - - . ii^a, " / ^, ,

CHAP. X.

Arrival of Ranah Khan in the Doo Ab— Affairs in the Jypore
province— Spirited conduEl of Begum Somroo— Occurrences
— Ifmaecl Beg is defeated— funHion of that chief with
Gholaum Caudir Khan — Their Intrigues — Shah-Aulum
is dethroned — Occurrences — Conclufion _ - _ f^^ / ^ 3

APPENDIX, I.

An account of fnodern Delhi ~ - - - - 1 99

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

APPENDIX, II.

PagM

A narrative of the late revolution at Rampore, in Rohilcund,

in 1794 - - - - - - - -ai6

APPENDIX, III.

Tranjlation of a letter, written in the Perjian language, from
the prince Mirza fuwaun Bukht fehaundar Shah, eldeji fan
of the king of Delhi, to his majefly George the Third, king
of Great Britain, written in the year 1785: with a copy of
the original - - - - - - - -243

APPENDIX, III.

Tranjlation in verfe of an elegy written by the king of Delhi

after the lofs of his fght : with a copy of the original - 250

HISTORY

OF THE

EMPEROR SHAH-AULUM.

CHAP. I.

A 'Narrative of the principal Occurrences and Revolutions of the
Court of Shahjehanabad from the Reign of Mahmud
Shah.

In the laft year of the reign of Mahmud Shah ( a. d. 1747) Ahmud
Shah*, the king of the Abdallees, invaded Lahoor, which province he
claimed by inheritance from Nadir Shah -f-. Mahmud Shah fcnt a
large army againft him under the command of his fon, Ahmud Shah,
attended by the vizir Cummer-o'dcen Cawn, and his fon, Mohim

* Ahmud Shah Dooranee, or Abdallce ; Shahifliahan, (or King of Kings).

+ By the treaty made between Nadir Shah and Mahmud Sliah, the former was to
poflefs all the countries lying weft of the river Attoc, bcfuies the revenues of the pro-
vinces of Lahoor, Guzzerat, Multan, and Cabul, on the other fide, which were to
be colleded by the officers of the Hindoftaun court

a HISTORY OF

ool Moolk. The Abdallcc was worfted, and obliged to fly to his
own country. Cummcr-o'dcen being flain in this war, his fon,
Mohim ool Moolk, was left Subahdar of the province of Lahoor,
and the prince returned to Shahjehanabad. On his arrival at Pannee-'
putt*, he received the news of his father's death, and immediately
taufcd himfclf to be proclaimed king. He conferred the vizarut
on Munsur Alice Cawn, the fubahdar of Owd, who conflituted
Gazooddeen Cawn, biixey of the empire. The new king being
arrived at the city, gave himfelf up to his pleafurcs, leaving the
affairs of flate to his vizir, who ruled with abfolute authority. The
nobles, jealous of his power, and difpleafed with his adminiftration,
formed a confpiracy againft him, and refolved to raife Intezamo
Dowla-f- to the vizarut. The king, who had great caufe to be
offended at the condu(fl of his minifter towards him, joined in the
defign. The vizir difcovering the ftorm which was brewing againft
him, determined to evade it by depoling the king. He accordingly
furrounded the palace fuddenly with an armed force j but not being
able immediately to effedl his attempt, Gazooddeen Cawn, who was
the leader of the oppofition, and had already levied a confiderable
force, had time to come to the king's refcue. A war enfued, in
which, after various fuccefs, the vizir was at length worfled, and
retired into the country of the Jauts, who were his friends. Inte-
zam o' Dovvla was now created vizir in the room of Munfur Alleq
Cawn, and dreading, perhaps, the growing influence of Gazooddeen

• Forty-two cofc, or 85 miles, from Shahjehanabad.

t The youngeft fon of Cummcr-o'decn Cawn, and uncle, by the mother's fide, to
Gazooddeen Cawn.

SHAH-AULUM. 5

Cawn, perfuaded the king to accept of the mediation of the Jauts
in favour of Munfur AUee Cawn, who fiied for pardon. This was
accordingly granted him, and a khillut, or drefs of honour, with a
fhookka*, or letter under the privy feal, pardoning his paft offences,
and confirming him in his fubafliip, was fent to him from the king.
Gazooddeen Cawn refenting that the king fhould take fuch a ftep
without his concurrence or knowledge, and at a time when he was
near reaping the fruits of his fucceffes, exafperated at the vizir for
his ingratitude, and with the Jauts for having interfered, refolved
upon irevenge. Leaving the purfuit of Munfiir Allee Cawn, he
invaded the country of the Jauts, and fubdued them intirely except-
ing only a flrong fortrefs which they pofleifed in the borders of the
country adjacent to Acbarabad. As he had no artillery with him,
and the place could not be taken without it, unlefs by famine, Abdul
Mejeed Cawn, one of his officers, was difpatched to Shahjehanabad
to requeft that the royal artillery might be fent him ; but the vizir
refufed to part with it, and (hut up all the bullocks and elephants
within the walls of the palace, to prevent their being feized by force,
which was adlually intended. Incenfed as Gazooddeen Cawn was
at this affront, he was not yet in a fufficicnt capacity to refent it. —
Malhar Row, a Marhatta chief, being at that time in the country of
the Rajepoots, where he had been employed in reducing their Rajaii
Jeyfing, Gazooddeen Cawn invited him to his alliftance; which the
Marhatta inftantly complied with, being (befides the advantages
which mufl naturally accrue to the Marhatta power from thcfe divi-
fions) flrongly urged to take the part of Gazooddeen Cawn, from

When font by any of the princes, it is called Rukaa.

4 HISTORY OF

the hatred which he bore to the Jauts, who had flain his fon. He
accordingly joined Gazooddeen Cawn with his forces; and a folemn
treaty was made between them, Malhar Row fwearing to regird
Gazooddeen Cawn as his fon, and the latter to look upon the Ma-
rhatta as his father. Every thing being concerted between them^
they began their march towards the capital, and were met in the way
by the king and vizir, who gave them battle, and were defeated.
The conquerors proceeded to the city, whither the king and the
vizir had retired, and had fhut themfelves within the walls of the
palace with a few followers, their lafl, but poor, refourcc. The
chief officers of the city, whom Gazooddeen Cawn's good fortune
had made his friends, readily obeyed an order from him to furround
the palace till his arrival, when he commanded the wretched king
to be deprived of his fight, and imprifoned together with his
minifter. A prince of the name of Azeezooddeen, being the next
in defcent of the race of Timur, was taken out of the palace, and
proclaimed king by the title of Aulumgheer the Second, Gazooddeen
Cawn afluming the vizarut. This happened about the month of
November 1755.

The new vizir being thoroughly eftablilhed in his authority,
Malhar Row returned to his own country, leaving Junkoojee, one
of his generals, and a confiderable part of his army, to prevent frefla
infurredions, and to collect the revenues afligned as a recompence
for his late fervices.

The king, who was raifed to the throne only as an inftrument of
Gazooddeen Cawn's ambition, was kept by him in a ftate of the

SHAH-AULUM. 5

moil llaviflx dependance, being fiirrounded by the vizir's creatures,
and not allowed to ftir out without his leave. In order to extricate
himfelf from fuch a confinement, he privately wrote to the Abdallee,
defiring him to come to his affiftance. Invitations were fent him at
the fame time by Munfur Alke Cawn, the Jauts, and the Ro-
hillas. The Abdallee readily embraced an occafion tliat promifed
him fuch evident advantages. An accident happened at the fame
time that greatly favoured the enterprize. Mohim ool ^.Toolk, the
fubahdar of Lahoor, received a fall from his horfe in hunting,
which put an end to his life. His begum, a lady of great fpirit,
had intereft enough amongH: the chiefs of the province to procure
their nomination of her to the fubahdarree in the place of her de-
ceafed hufband.

The affairs of the empire were in this ftate, when the Abdallee
invaded it. The Marhattas were mafters of the greateft part of Hin-
doflaun; a nominal king fat on the throne; the adminiftration was
ufurped by a man who derived his influence and eflabliflnnent en-
tirely from a foreign power ; the chiefs of the empire had already
declared their refolution of joining the invader; and Lahoor, the
key of Hindoflaun, was governed by a woman.

The Abdallee having marched as far as Lahoor, fummoned the
princefs to furrender; and upon her refufal, befieged the place. —
After a very gallant defence, he at length became mafler of the city
and of the princefs's perfon, whom he treated with great refpetft,
beflowed the higheft encomiums on her valour and condudt, as well
as on the virtues of her late hufband j and adopting her formally as

6 HISTORY OF

his daughter, confirmed her in the fubahdarree. He left however a
naib with a fmall force at the city, and proceeded towards Shahjc-
hanabad. The vizir, unable to cope with fuch an advcrfary, went
out with the king and all the nobles, and met the Abdallee at Pan-
neeputt, from whence he was condlidcd in great ftate to Shahje-
hanabad.

As foon as he had entered the city, letters were difpatched to all
the ftates of the empire ; and the vackeels refiding at the court were
all fummoned to pay obedience to the King of Kings, and to deliver
a tribute fuitable to the income of each fcveral province. All obeyed
the fummons excepting the Jauts, againft whom he refolved to turn
his arms. Before he left the city, he removed Gazooddeen Cawn
from the vizarut; and leaving the king the choice of his own
miniflers, that prince conflituted his cldefl fon, Aallee Gowher,
naib of the empire, n pofl equal in power to the vizarut, but differ-
ing in the name, in refpccft to the quality of the pofTeflbr.

Leaving a garrifon for the defence of the city, and officers to
colledl the revenues, the Abdallee marched out againft the Jauts,
who were well prepared for his reception. In two engagements
(probably not general) the Jauts had the better. Gazooddeen Cawn,
■who attended the camp under a guard of Naffuckchees, reprefented
to the Abdallee, that if he would entruft him with the command of
the van of his army, he would anfwer with his life for the fuccels.
It is not related what arguments were ufed to perfuade the Abdallee
to accept of a propofal feemingly fo chimerical and dangerous. It
is faid he confented ; and Gazooddeen Cawn leading the army, at-

SHAH-AULUM. 7

tacked the Jauts with fuccefs equal to his promiles. It is certain
that they were entirely defeated, and obliged to fliut themfelves up
within the walls of their fortrefs, and to fue for peace; which, upon
their fubmiffion, and the payment of a large fum of money, was
granted. The Abdallee, pleafcd with the bravery and conduct of
Gazooddeen Cawn, refolved to reward his fervices by reftoring
him to the vizarut, and wrote to the king his intention, re-
quiring him to comply with it. The king unwilling to difplace
his own fon for the fake of a man whom he hnted and feared,
remonftrated againft fuch a proceeding. To remonftrate was all he
could do ; but his haughty patron difdaining an appearance of op-
pofition to his will, immediately fent his NafTuckchees to feize
and bring before him the four fons of the king, and feizing the
cullumdaun * from Allee Go wher, gave it to Gazoodden Cawn. The
princes remained with him in the hands of the Naffuckchces.
About this time news arrived, that the king of Balkh had invaded
the territories of the Abdallee. This obliged him to return home.
Leaving therefore Nejeeb Cawn, the Rohilla, who by his recom-
mendation had been appointed buxey of the Empire, with the
charge of collecting his revenues, he departed with his. army, and
an immcnfe treafure, the fruits of his great fiiccefies. He had no
fooner paflcd the frontier of Hindoftaun, than Gazooddeen Cawn,
who now became as abfolute as before, of his own authority dif-
folved the office of coUedlor, which the Abdallee had conferred on
Nejeeb Cawn, and deprived him likewife of the buxey -gheerce,
which poft he conferred on Ahmud Cawn of the Bungelh race.

* The ftandid), the badge of the vizurut.

8 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1758.

Nejceb Cawn, upon this quitted the court, and retired to his
government at Seharunpore.

The three youngefl fons of Aullumgheer, who \\ere enlarged upon
the Abdallee's departure, returned to the royaJ palace : but Allee
Gowher* not chafing to put himfelf in the power of his profeffed
enemy, fled to Jedgcr, his jaghecr, and raifed forces to defend him-
felf againfl: any attempts upon his perfon. TI -vizir entreated him,
with profefTions of the greatell attacl.mc' 'eJurn; wvA the

king was compelled to fct his hanu ..)i.. >; but

without effecl. At length the vi^ir fok u. iy /"wearing u^c; the
Koran, to attempt nothing againfl his life and j>Lrfon, he fub-
mitted and came back to the city, A houfe without the walls of
the palace was allotted him for his prcfcnt rcfidence ; and the vizir
frequently folicited him to go and dwell in the palace with his
father and the reft of the royal family. But the prince, know-
ing that the vizir fought only to get him into his power, evaded
the fnare by various pretences. This artifice failing, the vizir
had recourfe to violence, and one morning by day break the prince
fuddenly found himfelf furrounded by an armed force. With the
few attendants and guards which were about his perfon he flood
upon his defence, and repulfed the firfl: attacks ; after which the
aflailants furrounded the palace, waiting either frcfli orders, or
fuccour from the vizir. The prince feeing no hopes but in flight,
found means to gain over Mehdee Coollce Cawn, who guarded one
of the avenues to his palace; and fighting his way through the" other

• The prcfcnc Emperor

A.D. I759-] SHAH-AULUM. 9

guards, made his efcape out of the city. Eetal Row, a Marhatta
general, lay encamped on the oppofite banks of the river Jumna.
To him the prince fled for proted:ion, and was kindly received,
Eetal Row fwearing by the water of the Ganges not to betray him,
or deliver him up to the vizir.

The Marhatta continued faithful to his engagements j and not-
withftanding the repeated felicitations of the vizir, kept the prince
in his camp five or fix months.

At length, fearing either a rupture with the vizir, or that he might
attempt to furprife the prince whilfi he remained fo near, he perfuaded
him to return to Jedgcr. The prince faw the neceffity of taking
fuch a ftep, and confented. He was accordingly conducted by a
fi:rong efcort from the Marhatta to that country. Here he continued
a few months ; but not judging himfelf fafe in fuch a fituation, he
accepted of an invitation from Nejeeb Cawn, and repaired to him
at Sehaurunpore. Nejeeb Cawn allotted him a monthly income of
50,000 rupees for his expencesj and treated him with all the rcfpedt
which his birth, and the fimilarity of their fortunes, naturally de-
manded from him. He had not forgot the injury which he fuffered
from Gazooddecn Cawn; and thought he had now a favourable
opportunity to refent it. He accordingly fent letters to Seyed Oolla
Cawn, Hafiz Rahmut Cawn, Doondee Cawn, and the other Ro-
hilla chiefs, to Rajah Soorujmul, the chief of the Jauts, and Sujaa
o Dowla ; inviting them to join him in redrefiing the caufe of the
injured prince, and freeing the king from the tyranny of the vizir;
but the dread of the Marhattas obliged them to decline engaging in

• 10 HISTORY OF [a. d. 175S.

fo dangerous a fchcme. Fruftratcd in his defigns, and unable to
maintain the prince any longer, or to protcdt him againft the vizir,
.who was actually preparing to fend a Marhatta army againft him,
.Nejeeb Cawn perfuadcd him to feck for refuge with the nabob Shu-
jaa o Dowla. In confequence of this advice, the prince, after a
twelvemonth's refidence with Nejeeb Cawn, took leave of him, and
marched with a flendcr train to Lucnow. He was received by Shu-
jaa o Dowla with the greateft honours, and prefented with elephants,
horfes, tents, and all manner of neceffaries fuitable to his ftate, with
a prefent (a nezeranna) of 3 lacks of rupees. The power of the
vizir was too firmly eftabliflied, and the Marhatta name too formi-
dable, to admit of the nabob's aflifting the prince openly, unfup-
ported as he muft be by any other power. To entertain him at his
court could anfwer no end, and muft neceffarily draw upon himfelf
the refentmcnt of the vizir. All the fervice he could afford iiim
was to fupport him privately, and wait a fitter opportunity to ad:
more publickly in his favour. The beft expedient, therefore, that
immediately occurred, and which promifed the fureft fuccefs, was
to attempt the conqueft of Bengal. All appearances concurred to
favour fuch a defign. The province of Bahar belonged to him as
the lawful Subahdar, a prefcriptive right of the eldeft fon of the
king. Jaffer Allee Cawn, the Subahdar of Bengal, and adual
governor of the three provinces of Bengal, Bahar, and Oriffa, had
been raifed to that dignity by the afTiftance of the Englifh, by whofe
influence alone he continued to polTefs it. His government was
generally diliiked. , His behaviour had drawn on him the hatred of
the greateft part of .the country. His Jcmatdars, moft of whom
were once his equals,, could not bi-ook. the .diftance with which they

A.D.i7iS.] SHAH-AULUM. r?

were now treated, and were equally obnoxious to him from the little
refpedl which they put on in their behaviour to him. The Seapoysy
a numerous rabble, were in arrears even from the pay due to them
in the time of Serajah Dowk : the Zemindars of both provinces
were ready for a revolt whenever they could do it with fifety j and
had already appeared in arms againft the Nabob in that of Bahar,
the revenues of which were infufficient to defray its own current
expences. With thefe advantages a more powerful argument yet
concurred, which was, the name of the prince, and the veneration
which the perfon of the heir apparent of the empire naturally drew
from the fubjedis of fo dcfpotic a lliate ; and which was now
heightened by his diftrefles. The conquefl: of thofe provinces being
thus enfured, would facilitate the attainment of his grand objecft,
the freedom of his father, and the fecurity of his own right to the
fucceflion, by the acquifition of fo great a revenue, the increafe of
his force, and the influence this fuccefs would give to his name.

Every thing being concerted for effedling this cnterprife, Shujaa
Dowla affifted him with a party of his own forces under the com-
mand of his kinfman, Mahmud Coolly Cawn, the Subahdar of
Allahabad. The prince folcmnly fwore to beftow the vizarut upon
Shujaa Dowla, whenever hp came to the throne, as a reward for his
loyalty, and departed.

Towards the conclufion of the year 1758, the prince crofled the
Currumnafla*, and entered the province of Bahar j where he was

* A river which divides the province of Bahar from the Zemindarce of Benares

C 2

12 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1758.

foon joined by a number of malccontents, and the difbanded Sea-
poys of Jaffer AUee Cawn. The fuccefs of his Hrft attempt is too
well known to need a particular relation. Repulfed in his attacks
upon the city of Patna, and not daring to lland the approach of
Colonel Clive, whofe name, and the rapidity with which he marched
tu meet the prince, already feemed to denounce his certain defeat,
he retired with precipitation back to the province of Allahabad;
whither it was deemed, in the then-unfettled fituation of the Na-
bob's affairs, imprudent to follow him, as a rupture in that cafe
muft unavoidably have enfued with Shujaa Dowla. After this dif-
appointment, he made a propofal of throwing himfelf upon the
proted;ion of the Englifli ; which was rejedled. He therefore re-
mained at Mukkunpoor, on the borders of the province of Alla-
habad, foifiken by mofl: of his followers, and waiting, without
any determined plan, for what a better fortune Ihould throw in his
way.

Whilit the prince was purfuing his projects in Bengal, a florm
broke out which threatened to overwhelm his ancient friend and pro-
tedlor, Nejeeb Cawn, againft whom the vizir fent Junkoojee, the
Marhatta general, with a large force. At the fame time Dettajee
Toppul, another Marhatta chief, was detached againft Lahoor, which
he reduced, and drove the Abdallee's Naib out of the country. —
Nejeeb Cawn finding himfelf incapable of any long oppofition
againft fo formidable an enemy, called his old allies, Sujaa Dowla,
and the Rohilla chiefs, to his alTiftance ; and at the fame time fo-
licited the Abdallee to return ; who was likewife invited by the
other leaders of the fame party.

A. D. 1758.] SHAH-AULUM. 13

Before his allies could join him, the Marhattas had entered his
country. He met them, and gained feme inconliderable advantages
over them, fufEcient however to gain time till he was ftrengthened
by the jundlion of his friends, who were already on their march
towards him. Junkoojee, fearing left his enemies fhould be too
powerful for him, and hearing of the arrival of the Abdallee at
Lahoor, fent advice to the vizir of hi^ fituation, and delired him
to come to his affiflance. The vizir replied, that he was unable to
obey the fummons, having no forces with him fujfficient to be of
any fervice, nor money to levy others. Junkoojee immediately fent
him five lacks, with which the vizir now alfemblcd his people to-
gether, and prepared to take the field.

Fearing to leave the king behind him at the city, and fufped:ing
that he had leagued with his enemies, and indended to reftore Inte-
zamo Dowla in his abfence, he delired the king to accompany him
on the expedition, which he refufed ; and the vizir in confequence
refolved to rid himfelf at once of his fears by putting him to death.
This bloody refolution being taken, he affedted to be fatisfied with
the king's excufes, marched out of the city, and encamped a few
cofe beyond it ; where he waited the execution of his plot, which
was effeded in the following manner :

Balkbaffrow, an emiflary of the vizir, went to the king, and in-
formed him that a fakeer of great fundlity had taken up his quarters
at the tower of Feroz Shah; and partly by perfuafion, and partly by
force, carried the deluded king to fee him, and in the way caufed
him to be murdered. The vizir having thus accomplilhed liis cxc-

14 HISTORY OF • [aI u. i-[c;cj:

crable clcfign, ordered the palace to be plundered, and the fons and
relations of the deceafed monarch to be ft ripped of all their jewels,
which were converted into money for his urgent neceflities. Mehdee
CoUce Cawn and Coja BufTent were left with the charge of the kella,
Qr fort. The former, by the directions of his maftcr, took a
grandfon of Cambukfh, the youngcll fon of Aurengzeeb, out of the
palace, and proclaimed him king, by the name of Shahjehan the
Second..

Tiic vizir now proceeded towards Junkoojee, and joined him about
tlie fame time that Nejeeb Cawn's Rohilla allies were arrived to his
afTiftancc j and Nejeeb Cawn reached the borders of Nejeeb Cawn's
country, v\herc he met w ith a detachment of Marhattas that had
been fent round to cut off the fupplies of provifions coming to the
Rohilla camp, and put them to the rout. After this he propofed'
an accommodation between the contending parties j and a negotiation
enfued, which he contrived to protract till the Abdallce were ad-
vanced as near as Panneeputt, \\hen the vizir was obliged to march
back with precipitation to prevent their feizing the city ; and Shuja
Dowla, \\iio thought his prcfence no longer neceffary, returned to
his province. The vizir caufed a rtrong entrenchment to be thrown
acrofs the road leading from Panneeputt to Shahjehanabad, and en-
camped behind it, waiting the approach of the enemy. In the mean
time Dettajee Toppul, whom the Abdallee had lately driven from
Lahoor, was detached with part of the army to obftrud: the enemy's
march, and fell in with the van, commanded by Jehan Cawn, by
whom he was attacked, and his army routed, himfelf being flain in
the fliglit. Jehan Cawn continued his march, whilll: the Abdallce,

A.D. I759-] SHAH-AULUM. 15

quitting the dirccl road by the advice of Nejeeb Cawn, turned off to
the left, in order to favour the jundtion of the Rohillas, who were
haftening to him through the defiles of Coonjpoora. Then paffing
by the vizir, he fuddcnly arrived at the capital, of which he took
poffeflion without oppofition.

The vizir, intimidated by this unexpected flroke, durll: not fland
the enemy, but fled to Akbarabad. The Abdallee leaving Yacoob
AUee Cawn to command in the city, and to put a flop to the difor-
-ders committed there by his people, purfued the vizir and cut to
pieces many of the Marhattas and Mogul troops in their flight. —
From Akbarabad the vizir fled to the Jauts, with whom he had
made j)eace a little before the entrance of the /Vbdallee. The con-
quering army continued the purfuit to that city, and, taking poflx:fllon
of it, halted there. The vizir and Junkoojee fent advices of the
unhappy turn of their affairs to Malhar Row, and entreated him to.
come to their relief; he inftantly obeyed the fummons, and marched
to them. During this time the Abdallee having recruited his people,
left Akbarabad, and advanced towards the enemy, who declined
coming to adlion, and fliut themfelves within a ffrong fortrefs be-
longing to the Jauts.

Notwithfl:anding the expeded union of Malhar Row, the vizir
faw that he fhould fl:ill be in little capacity of withftanding the
power of the Abdallee. He, therefore, fcnt a vackeel to the Ro-
hillas to dcfire their mediation with the Abdallee for obtaining a
peace; and if they approved of the motion, that Hafiz Rahmut
Cawn might come and fettle the conditions. The Rohillas con-
2.

i6 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1758.

fented, and fcnt Hafiz Rahmut Cawn to the vizir. The demands
of the Abdallee were hmited to two krore * of rupees, which
the vizir con fented to pay, offering to give thirty lacks upon the
fpot, and affignmcnts on the country for the remainder. At this
interval Malhar Row arrived, and annulled the treaty. Both armies
therefore prepared to renew the war. The vizir continued in the
fortrefs, and the Marhattas marched out to meet the Abdallee. —
Malhar Row commanded the van of the former, Jehan Cawn led
on the latter. They met the Marhattas, were defeated, and fled to
Jeypore, a country of Rajepoots, governed by Raja Jeyfing ; the
vizir followed.

The feafon being far advanced, and the Abdallees ufed to a more
northern climate, being unable to fuftain the fevere heats which now
came on, the army returned to Annoopfhehr, a place on the borders
of Nejeeb Cawn's territories, and not far diftant from the capital,
where quarters were provided for them by Nejeeb Cawn, on the
north-eaft fuic of the Jumna. On their way they befieged the fort
of Sabitghcr, and took it

From Annoopfhehr the Abdallee fent his Naffuckchees with letters
to Alice Gowher and Shuja Dowla, offering the throne to the former,
and the vizarut to the latter. They arrived firft with Shuja Dowla,
who difmiffed them with letters of his own to the prince, preffing
him to feize the occafion, and return to Hindoftaun.

• Two million ftcriing.

A.D. I759-] SHAH-AULUM. ' 17

This prince had, notwithftanding his defeat lafl: year, thought
himfelf in a capacity this to renew his attempts upon the province
of Bahar ; and being invited by Camgar Cawn, the Zemindar of
Mey, who had lately efcaped from imprifonment, and other male-
contents, advanced as far as Safferam, when he heard of his father's
tragical end. He immediately caufed a throne to be made, and
affumed the imperial dignity, taking upon him the name of Shah-
Aulum. He wroto to all the potentates of the empire, requiring
them to acknowledge his title ; and fent a khillut for the vizarut to
Shuja Dov/la. That Nabob accepted of the honours conferred upon
him, ftruck coins in the name of Shah-Aulum, and wrote to the
Abdallee and the Rohillas in behalf of the new kinjr.

'b'

Soon after the Nafllickchees arrived at the prince's camp with the
letters from the Abdallee and Shuja Dowla. He returned a fuitable
anfwer to the former ; and to the latter he replied , that after the re-
dudlion of Bahar and Bengal, he would return to take poireffion of
the throne; but that he would never depart till he had wiped off the
difgrace which his honour had fufFered in thofe provinces.

Shuja Dowla, who waited only to learn the prince's refolutions,
as foon as he had received his anfwer, left him to profecute his de-
figns on Bengal, and fet out with his forces for the camp of the
Abdallee, who had fent him repeated fummons to attend him. As
foon as he was near Annooplhchr, the Abdallee fent forwards his
own vizir to meet him, and bring him in Hate to the camp ; where
he was received as the vizir of the new king, and prefentcd in pcr-
fon with, a khillut for that purpofc.

1 8 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1759.

Malhar Row, after his defeat, had written to Ballajee, reprefcnting
the neceffity of his coming himfelf in perfon, or fending- a large
army to retrieve the Marhatta power in Hindoftaun. Ballajee was
then at war with Salabut Jung, the fubahdar of Deccan, whom he
had reduced to great diflirefs. But upon the news of Malhar's ill
fuccefs, he accepted of a compofition from Salabut Jung, who ceded
to him a confiderable part of the province of Aurungabad ; and a
peace was concluded between them.

Ballajee being now at liberty to purfue the war with greater vigor
in Hindoftaun, raifed a vafi: army of 100,000 men, and fent it
under the command of his own fon, Biffwaffrow. His illegitimate
brother, Shemllieer Bahader, Sedafliewrow, Ibraheem Cawn Gar-
dee, Antajee Mankefer, Appajec, Jeyajee, and Rogojee, were the
principal men that attended Billwaflrovv. They proceeded diredly
to the country of the Jauts, and were met by the vizir, Malhar, and
the Jauts, on the banks of the river Bcea. The river Jumna, which
lay between the two armies, being fvvelled to a great height by the
rains, they were obliged on each fide to remain inadive.

During this interval BifTwaflrow propofed to the Abdallcc a peace
upon the fame conditions which were formerly made with Nadir
Shah. The Abdallee rejedled thcfe offers with difdain, and on his
part demanded that the Marhattas, whom he reproachfully ftiled the
Zemindars of Deccan, Ihould return to their own territories, nor
advance beyond the river Nerbudda, which was to be the boundary
of their jurifdidion : that his own power fliould extend as far as
Panneeputt and Carnal : and that the revenues of the empire Ihoijd

A.D. I759-] SHAH-AULUM. ' 19

be colleCied by the officers of the crown, who fliiould duly pay the
Marhattas their chout ; in the- coUedtion of which the Marhattas
fhould have no concern. As neither fide would recede from their
own conditions, the negotiations had no other effe<rt than to take up
the time which they could not make ufe of to a better advantage.

The city of Shahjehanabad was flill in the hands of Yacoob
Allee Cawn, the governor left in it by the Abdallee with only 2000
men, of which about 500 were Abdallees. BirfwalTrow no fooncr
leamt the weak ftate of the garrifon, than he beficged the city, of
which he foon became mafter, and difinilled Yacoob Allee Cawn,
without any other injury than ftripping him and his people of their
effedis. He was no fooncr mailer of the city, than he difpofTeflcd
all the officers appointed by the vizir, and treated him with fo much
negledl, that he left the army in difgufl:, and encamped with a few
followers at Carna-pahrce, about two cofe from the Marhatta
camp.

It is probable that at this time they had entered into private en-
gagements with Shuja Dowla, to acknowledge him vizir. He
arrived (hortly after at the camp of the Abdallee ; who, by the ad-
vice of the Rohillas, fcnt him to the Marhattas with frefh propol'als
of peace; and the Jauts were defired to acft as mediators. He was
received in the charader of vizir, and with marks of friendfhip, by
Biflwaffi-ow ; who immediately difmifled Rajah Dileer Sing, Gaz-
ooddeen Cawn's vackecl, from his prefence and from the camp. —
Gazooddecn Cawn being thus rejeded by all parties, and deprived

20 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1759.

of all hopes of redrefs, retired into the country of the Jauts, who
afforded him a fubfiftence.

The particulars of the negotiation carried on by Shuja Dowla are
not well known. Two months were confumed in various con-
ferences, without any nearer profpedl of peace. It appears, however,
that he was not altogether idle, from what paffed during this interval.
Each of the powers that fided with the Abdallee were guided by
their own feparate interefts. In one thing they all concurred, which
was an univerfal enmity to Gazooddeen Cawn. Befides this, Shuja
Dowla had other material points in view, the fuccefs of the caufe in
which he had engaged with the prince AUee Gowher, and his own
confirmation in the vizarut. Gazooddeen Cawn was already re-
moved. The prince's title was publicly acknowledged by the Ab-
dallee : nothing was wanting to eflablifli his authority but the con-
currence of the Marhattas. To obtain this feems to have been the
bufinefs of Shuja Dowla's private conferences with the Marhattas.
The refult was, that Biffwaflrow declared AUee Gowher king, and
placed his fon on the koorfee *, as regent of the empire, during his
father's abfence. One condition on which this appointment was
made, was a prefent of five lacks to Biffwaffrow, for which the
mother of the young prince gave her jewels in pledge to the Ma-
rhattas. This flep could not but alarrn the Abdallee, who was in-
cenfed againft Shuja Dowla as the promoter of it. Another cir-
cumftance which happened prefently after, ferved to add to his
fufpicion of Shuja Dowla. Coonjpoora is a ftrong fortified city
belonging to the Rohillas, fituatcd about feven days journey to the

• A chair of ftate.

A.D. T760.] SHAH-AULUM. 21

norrti-weffc of Shahjehanabad . Abdooffummut Cavvn, the Phoj-
dar of Panneeputt, refided here on the part of the Abdallee, and
Kootub Cawn on that of the Rohillas. The Marhattas marched
againft this place, intending to befiege it, and were met by Abdoof-
fummut Cawn, and Kootub Cawn, who gave them batile, but
were defeated, and retreated to the city. The Marhattas, without
allowing them time to recover from the efFecfts of their defeat, en-
tered the place by florm, and put the garrifon and inhabitants to the
fword, and became mafters of the city, wherein was found an im-
menfe booty. The two chiefs were taken prifoners, and font to
BiirwalTrow, who flew Abdooffummut Cawn, and imprifoned the
Rohilla. The Abdallee no fooner heard of this lofs, than he flew
info the moft: violent rage. The river which was ftill very high
preventing him from attacking his enemies, he vented his refent-
ment on Shuja Dowla, whom he accufed as a traitor and an incen-
diary, and commanded him to depart from his army. By the in-
terceflion of the Rohillas, he was foon prevailed upon to pardon and
recall him; but as his fidelity was ftill fufpedled, he would not fuf-
fer him to encamp within his lines. The lofs of a place of fo
much confequence, and the mortification of feeing his enemy carry
on his fucceffes with impunity, determined him upon immediate
revenge. He mounted his elephant, and rode diredtly into the
river, refolved to difcover if poffible fome part where it was ford-
able; but the water, wherever he attempted a paffage, rofe higher
than the elevated trunk of the elephant. Impatient of longer delay,,
he commanded his army to follow him, and pufhing into the midli:
of the ftrcam, he fwam over to the oppofite bank. His troops,
animated by the example of their leader, did the (ame, and in a few

22 HISTORY OF [a. D. 1 761.

hours the whole army was fafely landed on the other fide of the
river, with very little lofs, which fell chiefly to the fliare of Shuja
Dowla.

As foon as he had ranged his forces in order, he marched without
delay to the capital, hoping to feize it before the Marhattas could
arrive to its relief; but he found it fo well garrifoned, that, having
no artillery, he was obliged to defift from the attempt, and turn his
attention towards Biffwaffrow, who was advancing towards him.
They met, and the Marhattas were defeated. It does not appear
that this engagement was ver)' decifive. Some accounts even make
it terminate in favour of the Marhattas; but this is hardly probable.
From this period nothing of confequence happened till the beginning
of Januar)'. Both armies continued in their encampment. The
Abdallce at Schaleh, four cofe caft of Panneeputt, and the Marhattas
at Segher, clofe to Panneeputt. About the month of December a
reinforcement of 15,000 men joined the Abdallee, and the Marhat-
tas received a fupply of treafure, faid to be thirty-feven lacks, con-
duced by an cfcort of 8,000 men from Deccan. The Marhattas
were now (o much inferior to the Abdallee and his allies, that they
durit not ftir from their camp, but kept themfelves confined within
a Along entrenchment; whilfl the Abdallee remained mafter of the
cou.itry round them, and cut off all their fupplies of provifions.

Dcleel Cawn Rohilla, the Zemindar of Coonjpoora, the capital
of which ftill remained in poireffion of the Marhattas, marched into
that country, and facked all the villages, from whence the enemy
might receive anv fupplies; whilft other detachments committed the

A. D. 1762.] SHAH-AULUM. 33

like ravages in other parts; the Marhattas all the time lying inadive,
nor daring to oppofe them. They were at length reduced to the
greateft freights; their provifion was wholly confumed, and the
people and cattle daily wafting away by famine. In this diftrefs,
which every day rendered more deplorable, BiflTwalTrow ammbled
the chiefs, and it was unanimoufly refolved to truft to the dcTperate
hazard of a battle, rather than thus to perilli by hunger. Tins being,
determined on, the whole army marched out of the entrenchments,
and on the morning of the 1 4th of January advanced towards the
enem.y. They were now within two cofe of the camp of the
Abdallee, when he marched out to receive them. When both
armies came in fight of each other, they cannonaded one another
till towards noon, when they came to clofe engagement with their
battle-axes. The fight was maintained with great obftinacy, and
various fuccefs, till towards the clofe of the day, when the advan-
tage feemed to be on the fide of the Marhattas, who had penetrated
even to the Abdallee's camp. At this juncture , a body of Fackeers
in the fervice of Shuja Dowla rufhed in amongft the foremoft of the
Marhattas with fuch intrepidity and fuccefs, as gave a turn to the
battle. The Marhattas, unable to withiland fo fierce a confiidt, gave
back. The affailants purfued their fuccefs, and foon after the rout
became univerfal. Many thoufands of the Marhattas were llain in
the fight, and in the purfuit, which was continued the next dayj
and the relt, difperfed about the country, were maflacred and plun-
dercd by the Zemindars, or cfcapcd and joined by degrees their
feveral commanders. Shemlhcer Bahader, and Ibrahcem Cawn
Gardee, with moft of his people, being on foot, were flain. Shc-
daflievvruw, the principal ollicer under BillwaiTrow, poifoncd hu;

24 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1762.

women to prevent their falling into the hands of the conqueror, and
fled towards Narnonl in the road to Deccan. BiflwafTrow, Mal-
har Row, Junkojee, and other chiefs of note, arc faid to have been
amongfl: the flain; but this is not certain. All accounts concur in
reprefenting the Abdallee's vi^ftory as complete. Shuja Dowla, to
whofe bravery and condud: the fucccfs was chiefly owing, was
honoured by the Abdallce with moft fignal marks of his approba-
tion. That monarch embraced him after the battle, ftiled him in
form his fon, and caufed the vidlory to be proclaimed and rcgift:ercd
in his name. On the i6th of January, by the command of the
Abdallee, proper officers were fent by Shuja Dowla and Nejceb
Cawn to take pofleflion of the Marhatta Gamp at Scgher, and to
take an account of the plunder, which was invaluable, confifl:ing
of the whole artillery, tents, elephants, horfes, camels, and other
cattk and baggage, with a vaft: treafure.

Naroo Sanker, the Marhatta governor of Shahjehanabad, fled the
day after the adion towards Akbarabad, with all his eflPedls and
treafure; the latter of which muft have been very confiderable, as
his government had been a continued fcene of rapine and extortion.
It is faid, that he was flopped in the way by order of Soorujmul
the Jnut, flripped of all his ill-gotten wealth, and left to purfuc his
journey, in equal diftrefs and terror, to Akbarabad. The next day,
a detachment fent by Shuja Dowla entered the city, and took pof-
feflion of the place; and Jchan Cawn, the former Subahdar, who
had gained the affecflions of the people by his moderate and juft
adminiftration, was expeded there fliortly in the fame capacity. On
the 1 6th, Mirza Bawber, the (on of Alice Gowher, rode out,

A. D. 1762.] SHAH-AULUM. 3^5

attended by his court, to vifit the Abdalke, and congratulate him
on his vidory.

It will be proper now to take a fhort llvetch of the affairs of Ben-
gal. The prince affcmbled an immenfe army, defeated Rajah Ram-
marain, who then commanded the forces of Jaffer Ally Cawn in
Bahar; but was foon after attacked and worfted by the young Nabob
and Major Caillaud. By the advice of Camgar Cawn, he fuddcnly
palTed by the young Nabob, and entered the province of Bengal by
the paffes of the mountains; but was lb clofely purfucd, that de-
fpairing of fuccefs, he returned by the fame road, and without
lofing time laid clofe fiege to Patna, which was gallantly defended
by the Englifli garrifon, till the arrival of Captain Knox with a
detachment of Europeans and Seapoys, who relieved it. The prince
immediately raifed the fiege and retired to Tekarree, where he paf-
fed the rains. The young Nabob and Major Caillaud arrived foon
after. Sometime was fpcnt in the purfuit of Khaudim Huflein
Cawn, Naib of Purnea, who had (ided with the prince. But the
campaign was put an end to fooner than was intended by the fudden
death of the young Nabob who was ftruck by lightening. The
troops took up their quarters in Patna. In the month of Odtober
the Nabob Jaffer Ally Cavi-n reflgned his government to his fon-in-
law Coffun Ally Cawn, and retired to Calcutta.

After the rains the two armies again took the field. A treaty of
peace was fet on foot ; but broke off through the means of Camgar
Cawn. At length. Major Carnac, who commanded the Englifli
forces, marched againft the prince on the J5th of January, and

26 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1765.

attacked and beat him, taking M. Law and the French party pri-
foners. He purfued the prince very clofely for fome days, till the
latter found himfelf fo ftreightened, that he offered to throw himfelf
upon the protection of the Englifh, which was accepted ; and on
the 8th of January he joined the Englifh camp, and proceeded with
them to Patna.

The province of Allahabad, including the dillridt of Corah,
eftimated at the yearly revenue of twenty-two lacks of rupees, was
afligned him in guarantee by the Company ; and, in addition, to
render his eftablifhment fplendid, the Britifh governor, in behalf of
the Company, agreed to pay into his majefly's treafury the annual
fum of twenty-fix lacks of rupees from the revenues of Bengal. —
In return for thefe conccffions, Shah-Aulum diredled a firmaun to be
made out, conftituting the Englirti Eaft-India Company perpetual
Dewaun of the rich and fertile provinces of Bengal, Bahar, and
Orifla, affording a revenue of three millions fterling.

The city of Allahabad was feleded for his majefly's refidence,
where he kept his court in great fplcndour.

The provifion thus made for Shah-Aulum was certainly ample,,
and the terms did:ated by a fpirit of confiftent liberality.

Surrounded by his moft faithful fervants, in the bofom of his
family, and under the generous fafcguard of the Britilh nation, had
Shah-Aulum properly appreciated his iituation, l.c miglit no doubt
have paifcd the remainder of his days in tranquillity and comfort.

A. D. 1765.] SHAH-AULUM. 27

It would appear, however, that this prince's difpofition and
capacity has been imperfedlly underftood by his contemporaries. —
The early part of his life had been adlive and enterprifing ; and his
condudt in extricating himfelf from the violence of Gazooddecn
exhibited a fpirit of great gallantry and energy of mind. But
weak, effeminate, and irrefolute, he fuffered himfelf to be wholly
ruled by the will of others. Though apparently fatisfied in his ex-
terior behaviour, Shah-Aulum, even from the moment of his fettlc-
ment at Allahabad, fighed in fecret for the pleafures of the capital,
and was ambitious of re-afcending the throne of his anceftors; under
this impreilion, he unhappily fuffered himfelf to be buoyed up by
the promifes of the Marhatta chiefs, and by the unworthy advice
of his own counfellors, who, big with the hope of ruling with un-
controlled fway, urged their fovereign to throw off this dependance
on the Englifli, affert his own rights, and march to Delhi.

Accordingly, after an unquiet refidence of five years at Allahabad,
the emperor ventured on an ill-judged rafh experiment, which proved
a fource of inceffant misfortune to himfelf and family j and which
the woeful experience of twenty-fix years of anxiety, forrow, and
trouble, has but too fatally demonflrated.

Not, however, to anticipate the feries of events detailed in the
following volume, we proceed to relate the particular circumftances
that gave rife to this extraordinary refolution of Shah-Aulum *.

* As ample details of the tranfacSlions, from the deccafe of Mahmud Shah until
1765, have been given by Colonel Dow and Captain Jonathan Scott, the author has
deemed it eligible to treat of thofc events with brevity.

li 2

a8 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1765.

CHAP. II.

Shah-Aulum rcfidcs ^/Allahabad — Nejeeb Al Dowlah
at Delhi — SuccinB Account of the Marhattas — The
Mark ATT AS invite the King to return to Delhi — Negotin-
tions — King fets out — Arrival at Delhi.

SHAH-AULUM, thus eligibly fituated, in the bofom of his
family, and furrounded by fome of his moft faithful fervants, might
now have fecurcd himfelf a fafe and honourable afylum for the re-
mainder of his days. But it was the misfortune of this prince to
be fwayed by the counfels of defigning perfons, who, 'on the king's
return to his capital, forefaw a renewal of their own confequence,
and an opportunity afforded for the gratification of their ambitious
views.

Buoyed up by the flattering profpedl of afcending the throne of
Timour, and enjoying the luxury and fplendour of the capital, Shah-
Aulum was perfuaded to liften to the overtures which, about this
time, were made him by the Marhatta nation. The power of this
nation, though flowly recovering from the effeds of the fatal defeat
at P^nneeputt, was ftill formidable. Their dominions, in 1770,
were bounded on the wefl by the country of the Rathore Rajpoots ;
and to fouth wefl, including the fertile province of Guzerat, ex-
tended to the Indian ocean. Their eaftern confine touched the ex-
trcniity of Bahar and the Cuttack province, bounded on that fide by

SHAH-AULUM. 39

the Soobanreeka*. On the north by the Chumbul, a large and
majeftic river which rifes in the centrical parts of the Rathore moun-
tains, and, after traverfing feme of the moft fertile parts of Hin-
doftaun, difcharges itfelf into the Jumna on the confines of Binde.

Within this widely-extended circuit were included the ancient
kingdoms of Baglana and Beejapore, acquired by the valour of
Sevajee, founder of the empire, the provinces of Berar and Bundel-
cund, Malwah, Cundeifh, and Guzurat.

Poonah, a large and opulent, but unfortified, city, diftant lOO
miles north of Bombay, is the prefent capital of the Marhatta -^

nation.

In the latter years of the reign of Shah Jehan, Scwajee, a noble
Marhatta, who drew his lineage from the ancient fovercigns of
Deccan, laid the foundation of his country's grandeur. Through a
feries of bold operations, attended by uncommon fuccefs, he baffled
every attempt of the great Aurengzeeb to deprefs his power j and,
during the reign of that prince, he enlarged and extended his ter-
ritory J and died in the plenitude of his power and fovereign fway
over fome of the richeft provinces in Deccan -f. His fon and luc-
ceffor, Sambajee, vv'as weak and diffolute ; but Rajah Sahoo, the

• A river which divides Bengal from tlic Cuttack province.

t In this brief detail of the Marhatta ftatcs, the author has principally followed the
intcrefting reports of the feled committee of the houfc of commons on the firft and
fccoRd Marhatta wars. Mr. Ormc's valuable hiftorical fragments haw alt^een con-*
fultcd occafionally.

30 HISTORY OF

third of tlic family, enjoyed a long and fucccfsful reign. Under
his aufpices the Marhatta leaders, ifTuing from their ftrong holds in
the mountains, defcendcd into the plains of Hindoftaun ; and by a
fucceffion of rapid and brilliant vidlories, overwhelmed the tottering
fabric of the Mogul power, and fhook the throne of Timoor to its
foundations.

On the death of Sahoo, the authority of Serajee's family firft ex-
hibited lymptoms of decline. The great lords of the empire took
advantage of the fituation of an infant fovereign ; and, alfuming an
independant authority, ererted the famous office of PuiJIywah, or
Director-general of the affairs of the empire: which, in time, cm-
braced every department of the flate, and totally eclipfed the in-
fluence of the royal family.

Bajerow Balajee, the firft Paifliwah, was a man of great abilities.
To the bravery of an intrepid foldier and fkilful general, he added
political fagacity ; and after a long and fuccefsful adminiftration,
had the fingular good fortune to tranfmit his authority unimpaired,
and his influence undiminiflied, to his family and defcendants.

A fucccffion of Paifliwahs after Bajerow continued to dircdl the
affairs of the Marhatta (late, until the middle of the prefent century.
During this period the reprcfentativc of the royal line of Sevajee,
immured within the fortrefs of Sittarah, exhibited only the pageant
of a fovereign. The idle ceremony of inverting each fucceffivc
Paifliwah in his office, the only adl of royalty which he was per-

SHAH-AULUM. 31

mitted to exercife, ferved but to render him an objedt of pity and
degradation in the eyes of the princes of Hindoffaun.

The great Jagheerdars, or hereditary landholders, among the
Marhattas, pofTellcd on their own eftates a kind of fovercign au-
thority j and the terms by which they held their domains bore
ftriking fimilarity to the ancient feudal fyftem of many countries in
Europe.

In times of war, indeed, when the public exigencies of the ftate
required, thefe chiefs were obliged not only to furnifli their quota
toward the general ftock, but alfo to appear in the field at the head
of their followers, to defend the great banner of the empire. When
the time of that fervice expired, they returned to their Jagheers what
they enjoyed in perpetuity, converting the revenues folely to their
own ufe- Nor would they, though frequently called upon by the
PaiLhwah's minifters, confent to any diminution therein.

Confcious of their own ftrength and internal rcfources, thefe
hardy chiefs were fatisficd with paying a nominal allegiance to the
commands of the Paifliwah ; and as they increafed in numbers be-
came more daring, till at length they threw off the yoke ; and the
energy and adivity which the firft Paifhwahs had difplayed ceafing,
the Jagheerdars eflablilhed themklves in independance of the court
of Poonah.

This fo far reduced the influence of the Paifhwah family as to.
give the Marhatta nation the appearance of a great military republic,.

32 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1770,

united by general interefts, but divided and diftindl in the operation
of its various executive branches, in which fituation it remains to
the prefent day. At the period now commemorating, Madhoo
Row Ncrrain held the office of Pailhwah at the court of Poonah,
By an early application to bufinefs, he contrived to uphold his
authority againft the intrigues of his numerous enemies, and to ren-
der his authority refpedled.

On the other hand, three pou'crful families in the ftate were
fecretly endeavouring to undermine the authority of the Paifhwah,
and eredt their own on its ruin. i. The family of Bhonfelah,
rulers of the province of Berar, which they held in jaghirc from
Rajah Sahoo. Moodajee Bhonfelah at this time ruled over that
province, and is well known to the Britifli nation. Allied by blood
to the royal family of Sevajee, this chief was confidered with the
highefl: refpedt by the whole Marhatta nation; and having efta-
bliflied his authority on a found bafis, he is looked up to by all
parties as a proper counterpoife to the influence and over-weening
ambition of the court of Poonah. 2. Pillagee Guicawar, or the
herdfman, wliofc anceftors wrefled from the Mogul Furrok Seer
all the country at the foot of the Balah Ghaut mountains, and from
Ahumudabad, the capital of Guzzerat, to the port of Damaun on
the coall of Conkan. This family (whofe jaghire was likewife a
grant horn Rajah Sahoo) formed an alliance with the Britifh go-
vernment during the fecond Marhatta war*. 3. Tookajee Holkar
and Madhajee Sindia, who jointly fharcd the Malwah province.

• See reports of tlie iclcSt committee, &c.

A. D. 1770.] SHAH-AULUM. 33

The Marhatta force when united might amount to 150,000 men,
the major part of which being horfemen, were accuflomed to a de-
fultory and predatory mode of warfare, entirely deftitute of fciencc
or difciphne, but formidable from their numbers and energetick
method of attack. The Marhattas then, as already remark-
ed, having recovered in a great meafure the lliock fuftained
in their late defeat, appeared ready to renew their efforts, and inter-
pofe in the tranfa(!iions of the court of Delhi. Three chiefs of note,
Tookajee, Sindiah, and Bcfagee, had- for fome time paft taken a
favourable pofition with a large force to the northward of the river
Chumbul, in the vicinity of the town of Futtah Pore. Nujeeb AI
Dowla, who had been placed at the head of the adminiftration at
Delhi, continued in that fituation with great credit to himfelf and
benefit to the ftate. An able politician, a valorous foldier, and
pleafant and affable in his manners and demeanour, he gained the
confidence of the Delhians, and his influence was found fufficicnt to
uphold the royal authority in the fmall portion of authority which it
ftill retained. Nujeeb Al Dowla, who was equally defirous with
the king's friends for his majefty to return to Delhi, readily entered
into the views of the Marhattas on that head. He had moreover a
more forcible argument to infpire him with that refolution. The
Jauts, who, notwithflanding their late difafler in the lofs of Sooruj
Mull, their favourite chief, had made head again under his fon and
fucceffor, Jowaher Sing, and threatened Delhi with the horrors of a
fiege. In this critical fituation, the minifter entered into an alliance
vv'ith the Marhatta leaders, and in concert with them, invited Shah-
Aulum to return to his capital. The Marhattas who had an army
confifling of 30,000 horfe, if finccrc in their profeffions of

34 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1770.

meliorating the king's fituation, certainly poflcired the means, totally
independent either of the Britifli or any other nation in Hindoftaun.
But it cannot be denied that their chief aim in uniting with the mi-
nifler, and a concurrence with the king's inclinations, were not dic-
tated by a generous regard for his intcrefls, but intirely with a view
to their own aggrandifemcnt.

They expedted when Shah- Aulum, through their afTiftance, fhould
be eftablilhed at Delhi, the whole management of affairs would be
placed in their hands, and were determined that neither Nujeeb Al
Dowla nor any other minifter fliould pofTefs influence in the ftate.
This intention, indeed, appeared manifeft throughout the negocia-
tions ; conformably to the chara(5lerifl:ic policy of their nation, they
inflrudled their agent to announce to the king the reward they ex-
ped;ed for their interference, in the prefent critical flate of affairs,
and made a previous, though fecret, flipulation for a ceffion of the
provinces of Corah and Allahabad to be delivered over to them for ever.

To thefe demands, however exorbitant, Shah-Aulum, impatient
of his confinement at Allahabad, and eager to fct out on his in-
tended journey, yielded a ready affent. Nujeeb Al Dowla, when he
wrote at this time to the king, recapitulated the circumftances that
led to the prefent offers of the Marhatta leaders, and earneftly pref-
fed the neceffity of his fpeedy appearance at the capital. " By
" this fVep," faid he, " the defigns of your enemies will be fruf-
" trated, and the rebels punilhed; and I fhall have the fingular
•• fatisfadtion of feeing your majefly, before I die, featcdon the throne
" of your illuArious anceflors, and reftored to imperial authority."

A. D. 1770.] SHAH-AULUM. 55

A few days after writing the above letter, this able miniftcr, at an
advanced age, having laboured under a complication of diforders,
expired, to the great detriment of the king's interefts, and the
o-eneral regret of the inhabitants of Delhi, who ftill continue to
fpeak of his adminiftration in terms of refpediful gratitude. This
occurrence, however untoward, made no alteration in the plan
laid down; on the contrary, the king appeared more eager than be-
fore to commence his expedition; and notwithflanding the falutary
advice of the Englifh government, the intreaties of the vizir, or the
remonftrances of fuch of his fervants who were attached to his real
interefts, he perfifted in his defign.

Previous to Shah-Aulum's departure, his minifter, Muneer Al
Dowlah, who had already made two journeys into Deccan to concert
meafures with the Marhatta chiefs, was now for the laft time fent
by the king to Calcutta to demand the approbation of the Britifh
government on his intended movement. But here he met with a
pofitive refufal ; convinced of the imprudence of the ftep his majefty
was about to take, the council ftrongly remonftrated againfl it;
they told Muneer Al Dowlah that the king was throwing away the
fubftance to grafp a fliadow, and facrificing his folid and fubftantial
interefts to the vain and idle gratification of refiding in the imperial
palace; they warned him againft the impolicy of placing confidence
in the Marhattas, the very people whofe perfidious conduct and in-
fatiable ambition had already proved fo fatal to many of his auguft
family. They finally predidted that the prcfent meafure was equally
dangerous and deftrudlive to his real benefit, as it would undoubtedly
hereafter prove diftrefting to his recolledion. With thcfc fenti-

F 2

36 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1771.

ments, certainly honourable to thcmfclves, the council of Calcutta
difmiffed Muneer Al Dowlah. But though the Britilh government
declined to fandtion the king's departure from their prote<5lion, they
permitted him to retain in his fervice fome battalions of Seapoys
which had been trained and difciplined after the European method,
having firfl, however, withdrawn their own officers. With thefe
and other aids, particularly a large fupply from the vizir, and the
exertions of the Mogul nobles, Shah-Aulum was enabled in the
fpring of 1 7-7 1 to afl'emble an army of about 16,000 men. At his
departure, Shuja Al Dowla, the vizir, prefented a magnificent paifh-
cu(h, or offering, with four lacks of rupees in fpecie. He likewifc,
in concert with the commander in chief of the Britifh forces, ac-
companied his majefly to the frontiers of the Corah province; when
having again renewed their folicitations to detain the king, but
without effed:, they took their leave

On the road, intelligence was received of the deatii of Ahmud
Khan Bungeifli, the Nawaub of Furookhabad: on which the army
halted, and a meffage was fent by the king's minifters to ^he guar-
dians of the infant Nawaub, Muzuffur Jung, to demand the arrears
due as paiflacufli to the royal treafury for fcveral years.

This action, confidering the unprotedled ftatc of the young Na-
waub, was confidered as oppreflive and unjuft ; but it was vehe-
mently defended by the minifters, on the principle of his majefty's
want of ability to enforce his right until the prefent period.

Haffam Al Dowlah and other noblemen had a conference with

A.D. I77I-] SHAH-AULUM. 37

the guardians of the young Nawaub ; at which it was agreed that
paifhcufli of four lacks of rupees fliould be given on the part of
Muzuffur Jung ; for which he was honoured by his majefty with
a khilhit, and other marks of diftind;ion; and a patent was direded
to be iffued from the chancery office, confirming him Nawaub of
tlie diflridl.

I'he periodical rains being now fet in, the king ordered his army
to canton at Nabbee Gunje, a town thirty miles weft of Furooka-
bad, and in the high road to Delhi. At this place Anunt Row, a
Marhatta vakeel, waited the arrival of the royal army. He M'as
charged with the following propofitions for the king's confideration :

1 . That whatever balance of Chout * was due from the crown to
the PaiHiwah family fince the time of Mahmud Shah, fliould be
faithfully difcharged. That whatever plunder might be acquired
during the war fhould be equally divided between the Marhattas and
the Mogul troops.

2. That on the king's arrival at Delhi, the Marhatta leaders fhould
be confirmed in the poffeffion of their refpedlive jagheers : and,
finally, for the purpofe of carrying on the war againft the Jauts and
others, the fum of five lacks of rupees fliould be immediately ad-
vanced from the king's treafury,

* The Chout is the tribute impofed by the Marhattas upon every part of Hindoftaun
that came under their authority fince their firft irruptions. It fignifies one fourth part
of the net revenue of any ftate or province,

3571353

38 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1771.

Thcfe propofiils, at a time when his majefly was fo near his
capital, caufed him extreme difguft. He perceived too well the
arrogant fpirit by which they were dictated ; but confcious of his
own inability to refift or evade the fulleft compliance, he acquiefced
in the demand. The vakeel was graciouily received ; and a few
days after the Nawaub Mujud Al Dowla and feveral of the nobility
arrived in the camp from Delhi, to vifit and congratulate his majefty
on his approach. They brought with them from the Marhatta
chiefs a variety of coftly prefents j and many foldiers of fortune and
adventurers having joined the royal flandard, the court exhibited a
gay and fplendid appearance.

The arrival of the Marhatta chiefs enhanced the general fatisfac-
tion ; and on a day appointed, Sindiah, Holkar, and Bcefajee, were
introduced into the king's prefence, and received with marks of
diftinguifhed refpedl.

Every thing being now fettled, the army continued its march;
and on the 25th of December, 1771, Shah-Aulum made his entry
into the capital with much pomp and fplcndour, and amidft the
acclamations of all ranks of people.

A.D.ryyi.] SHAH-AULUM. 39

CHAP. III.

Proceedings againji Zabita Khan — The Marhattas refufe to
divide the Plunder — Nujuff Khan /// high Favour — He
quarrels with the Marhattas — His Defeat — Pardoned —
CeJJion of Corah and Allahabad to the Marhattas —
Shuja Al Dowla marches againji the Marhattas —
Marhattas retire to Deccan.

THE firft objed: to which Shah-Auhim diredted his attention
after a few days repofe, was the punifhment of Zabita Khan, fon
to the late minifter, Nujeeb Al Dowlah. At the time of his father's
death, this nobleman refided at Sehaurunpore, the capital of the
province of the fame name.

This province, fituated in the upper parts of the Dooab *, in the
vicinity of the Seivalick hills, in the latitude of 28-29. N. long.
77. 50. W. and about 70 miles Eaft of Delhi, was the jagheer
beftowed upon Nejeeb Al Dowlah, as a reward for the many fervices
rendered by him to the flate. It commences under the Sewalick
hills, and is bounded on the north by the fortrefs of Ghofe Ghur,
eaft by Sakertaul on the Ganges ', weft by the Purgannah of Seam-
lee; and fouth by the town of Meerut. The foil is fertile and

* Tlie country lying betwixt the rivers Ganges and Jumna.
2

40 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1771.

luxurious, producing grain, fugarcane, and tobacco, in the grcateft

abundance: and until injured by the various internal commotions

• which occurred during the turbulent reigns of Ai;rengzctb's fuc-

ceflbrs, it was efteemed one of the mofl fertile parts of the empire.

Zabita Khan, not equally inclined to fupport the royal caufc as
his father had been, deemed the confufcd llate of the king's affairs
a fit opportunity to facilitate his own ambitious views j and fcarce
had his father expired, when he applied himfcif to raifing troops,
who were chiefly Afghauns of his own tribe, and in fortifymg the
ftrong holds in his dirtridt. Among thefe was the poft of Sakertaul,
fituated fifty miles from the capital, on the wellern bank of the
Ganges. This place was feleded by Zabita Khan as the moft
eligible to make an advantageous lland. He threw up ftrong en-
trenchments ; and having aflembled a numerous body of veteran
Rohillas, refolved to wait the attack of the royal army, now on the
way to punilh his rebellion.

The king commanded in perfon, and under him was the Nawaub
Mirza Nujuff Khan, who began about this time to be noticed with
marks of particular regard by his majeAy, which was the foundation
of his future power. The Marhatta forces were fent on as an ad-
vance guard, and the king and Nujufl;' Khan followed with the re-
mainder of the troops.

Intelligence of the approach of the royal army being conveyed to
Zabita Khan, he thought it better, by making a fpirited effort to
overcome his enemies in the field, than waiting behind his entrench-

A.D. I77I.] SHAH-AULUM. 41

ments. He accordingly advanced a few miles in front of his camp,
and offered battle to the king's troops. The conteft was bloody,
and for fome time doubtful ; the rebel chiefs, Sadut Khan and Syud
Khan, led on their troops with great fpiritj but the former being
unfortunately flain by a cannon ball, the Rohillas, difpirited at that
event, began to give way. Zabita Khan perceiving the dififler,
ordered a retreat, and was foon compelled to leave the field of battle
with precipitation. The Marhatta horfe, advancing with great ra-
pidity, commenced the purfuit of the flying enemy on all fides, and
entering the camp along with the fugitives, they foon got poffefTion
of it, which rendered their vidlory complete. In the camp they
found a fine park of artillery, together with an immenfe plunder of
money, flores, and valuable effedls of every kind ; and the whole
of the family of Zabita Khan were made prifoners.

This firfl effay augured favorably for the fuccefs of his majefly's
arms ; but the avarice exhibited by the Marhattas in the moment
of vidlory caufed. great difcontents among the king's troops,
and laid the feeds of internal difcord and animofity. Notwithfland-
ing the flipulations already recorded, which were entered into at
Nubbee Gunj, the Marhattas appropriated the greatefl part of the
fpoil taken on this occafion to their own ufe. They fecurcd the
whole of the treafure, amounting to a krore of rupees, without
offering to make the fmalleft diftribution with their gallant col-
leagues. The king, incenfed at this condudt, complained of it
with warmth to the Marhatta leaders, but without effed:. He found
their prefent influence too great to be fet afide, and therefore dif-
fcmbled ; but the Mogul nobility nouriflaed a fccret hatred againfl

42 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1771.

them, which they refolved to make manifefl on the firft opportunity
that was afforded them.

Meanwhile the army advanced, and took pofTefllon of Schaurun-
pore, together with other ftrong places in the neighbourhood ; (o
that, excepting the fort of Ghofe Ghur, the whole of the province
acknowiedged the king's authority. The family of Zabita Khan,
who had been taken in his camp, were by order of Shah-Aulum fet
at liberty, and fent with a flrong efcort to the fort of Ghofe Ghur, it
being an inviolable maxim throughout Hindoflaun, and in general
moft religioufly obferved, to refpedt the honour of the Haram*.

Having appointed a perfon to command in Schaurunpore, and
fettled the affairs of the province, Shah-Aulum returned with the
army to Delhi.

The condud of the Marhatta chiefs in refufing to make a fair
diftribution of the fpoil acquired by the late vidory, made a deep
impreffion on the mind of Shah-Aulum. The prefence of perfons
who had infulted his authority v. as irkfome to him j and, in order
to be releafed from the refVraint which they impofed, he requefted
them to march their forces againft the Jauts, who had again affem-
bled in arms under the command of their chief. Rajah Nuwil Sing.
The Marhattas obeyed the order, and departed ; but had not been
gone many days, when the king received authentic information that
they were in league with the rebel, Zabita Khan, who had cajoled

• The Ilaram fignlfics any females of the family, whatever may be thcLr rank or
condition.

A. D. 1772.] SHAH-AULUM. 43

thetn into his views, and were adiially on the point of concluding
a treaty with that nobleman.

Shah-Aulum, determined to make one effort to deftroy their in-
iquitous cabals, aflicd advice from NujuflP Khan. He propofed to
augment the Mogul army, and to raife new levies with all pofliblc
expedition. The king, who knew his ability, and was convinced
of his attachment, relied entirely on his exertions j and to give proof
of his confidence, he publicly beftowed on him the office of Pay-
mafter General of his forces.

Nujuff Khan in a (liort time afl'embled a confiderable body of
troops ; and to animate their zeal on the occafion, he declared it was
for the fole purpofe of protedling the perfon of his majefty againft
the infolent menaces of the Marhatta chiefs.

Thefe precautions were fufficiently juftified by the condudl of the
Marhattas, who, on their arrival in the country of the Jauts, inftead
of profecuting the war, were employed in fettling the terms of a
treaty with Zabita Khan. On the arrival of that chief in their
camp, it was ftipulated that, on his advancing a large fum of money,
they would return to Delhi, and on their arrival, in concert with
him, in lift not only on a pardon for his offences, but the invcftiture
of the office of Ameer Al Omrah *, which his father had enjoyed.
Conformably to this agreement they flruck their tents, and marched
towards Delhi. When arrived in the neighbourhood of that city,

* Chief of the nobility, an office of the highcft rank in Hindoftaun,

G 2

44 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1772.

they fent a melTenger to his majefty to require his comphance with
the demands aforementioned; but Shah-Aulum relying on the at-
tachment of the Mogul troops, and the fidelity of Nujuff Khan,
afTumed a bolder tone, and difmilTed the mefl'enger with a pofitive
relulal.

Meanwhile the minifter by the king's order led out his troops to
battle. He took poft near the monument of a Mahomedan devotee
without the walls of the city, oppofite the gate called Ajmere. His
army was well appointed, having a numerous artillery commanded
by a French officer. The Marhattas, who outnumbered their op-
ponents, were confident of fuccefs, and the attack commenced with
great fury on both fides, but an accident which happened to NujufF
Khan, by the blowing up of an ammunition waggon, and which
caufed a confiderable lofs among his troops, turned the fortune of
the day in favour of the enemy, and with great difficuly the mi-
niflcr was enabled to draw off a part of his army under fhelter of a
flight entrenchment thrown up in halle by the French commandant
of artillery. The Marhattas difliking to attack the entrenchment,
fuddenly wheeled off and attacked the gate of the city which was
near them, hoping to carry it; but Huffam Al Dowlah, who was
flationed in that place, repulfed them with great intrepidity, till
finding they could not effed: their purpofe, they fuddenly withdrew
their army, and retired to a fmall diftance from the city.

From the iffuc of the preceding day, the king fiiw too plainly he
could not hope to prolong the conteft:; and, at a confultation which
he held with liis Mogul officers, they with reluctance advifed him

A. D. 1772.] SHAH-AULUM. 4^

to accommodate matters with the enemy, and a negociation
accordingly commenced. The Marhattas were again invited to
court, whitiier they repaired the enfuing morning, accompanied by
Zabita Khan, who was pardoned, and moreover gratified with a
khilhit, reinstated in his government of Sehaurunpore, and
finally, appointed to the long-expeiled oflice of Ameer Al Omrah.
It has been judged by many that thefe concelfions fo degrading to
the king, were not wholly occafioned by his inability to refill, but
partly from the intrigues of Hufi^am Al Dowlah, who, though he
had behaved gallantly in the late attack, was known to be in the
intereft of the Marhattas. Their triumph was now complete;
and to eftablifli it in the eyes of all Hindoftaun, they afked and
obtained from his m2i]c^y funnuds * for the province of Corah and
Allahabad, which had by a folemn treaty already been granted to
the Englifli.

Though Shah-Aulum acceded to this degradation with indigna-
tion and difguft, rigid impartiality demands that to his own weak-
nefs, effeminacy, and indolence, be afcribed the real caufes of
his difgrace. His total want of energy^ in judging for himfelf,
made him always a ready and eafy prey to the defigns of the info-
lent or ambitious. HufiTam Al Dowla, who had long been the
perfonal enemy of Nujuff Khan, took this opportunity of perfecut-
ing that nobleman to the utmoft. Supported by the Marhatta chiefs,
he publicly accufcd Nujuff Khan as the fole advifer of the late per-
nicious mcafures in effecliting a breach betwixt his majefly and his
faithful adherents the Marhattas, and, that owing to his councils, the

* A grant.

46 HISTORY OF [a. r>. x-j-jz.

aflfairs of the Aate had fallen into difordcr; he infifted therefore on
his immediate execution. The king, though well convinced of
(he attachment of Nujuft' Khan, was incapable of afiording him
any protedlion at the prcfent juncfturc; being entiiely at the difpofal
of the triumphant party, he would therefore have fallen a virtim to
the malice of his enemies, had not his own refolute fpirit refcucd
him.

When the aforementioned ncgociation commenced, NujufFKhan,
who forefaw the gathering florm, had retired prudently to his own
palace i there, animated by a generous indignation at the unworthy
trcatmcnt he had received, he colle<fted his friends and dependants
around him, and thefe to the number of 3,000, determined with
their lord to Iharc his fortunes. Inftigated by Huffam Al Dowla,
the Marhatta forces were ordered to affault Nujuff Khan in his
palace; the affair began to wear a very ferious afpedl, as from the
known bravery of the general, he could not be taken without a
defperate refiflance and much bloodflied. This, however, was
prevented by the interference of Trojakce Holkar; admiring the in-,
trepidity of Nujuff Khan, and aihamed of the part his country-
men were acting, this generous chief offered his mediation, which
was accepted, and Nujuff Khan diredied to repair to court in order
to receive his pardon. Accordingly, ftill attended by his faithful
adherents, who refufcd to quit him, he repaired to the imperial
palace, where he was gracioufly received by his majefty, honoured
with a khillut, and appointed to the command of the army. For
this lafl: favour, he was indebted more to the complexion of affairs

than the inclinations of his enemies.

A.T). 1773.] SHAH-AULUM. 47

During the late commotions within the province of Delhi, others
of a very ferious nature had arifen from an oppofite quarter. The
Rohillas were on the eve of a memorable conteft, in which the in-
terefts of the Vizir Shuja Dowla, as likewife thofe of the king, were
materially involved. The Marhattas, who during the two preceding
years had committed every fpecies of violence and opprcflion, laying
wafte the countries through which they paffed, and infulting the
inhabitants, had, among other places, made irruptions into the fine
province of Rohilcund, and by a barbarous fpecies of warfare in
deftroying the produce of the country, excited in that warlike tribe
a juft indignation. Not being of themfelves fufficiently numerous
to refift the eix-my, they applied to the vizir for ailiftance, who, in
concurrence with the commander-in-chief of the Britifh forces,
agreed to unite and expel the invaders. Hafiz Rehumiit Khan,
chief of the tribe, on this occafion, formed a treaty with the vizir
and the Englifh, in which he agreed, in return for the alhflance
offered, to pay at the end of the war the fum of forty lacks of rupees
to the vizier. In thefe traniadiions, Shah-Aulum had fecretly born
a confiderable part. Pending the treaty, he had privately confulted
with the agents ot the vizir, and had moreover informed the Britifli
government * it was now as much his earneft defire to be rid of the
thraldom in which he was kept by the Marhattas, as he had before
been partial to them. He added, likewife, that every exertion
(Irould be made on his part to countera6t their defigns by conftantly
giving intimation of their intended movements.

In confcquencc of thefe engagements, the forces of Shuja Al
* Sec fclcdt reports, p/jj/im.

48 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1773.

Dowla, accompanied by the Englifli brigades, joined the Rohilla
army, who were Rationed on the frontiers. Previous to this event,
a very large Marhatta army commanded by Holkar and Beefage
had crofTed the Ganges, and laid wafte great part of the country;
they were however foon rcpulfed and driven back acrofs the river
with the utmoft precipitation. The remainder of the Marhatta
army under Sindiah, attended by NujufF Khan, who, as aheady
mentioned, had been reinftated in his appointment, now arrived, but
finding the ill fuccefs of their affociates, and obferving the counte-
nance of the Britifh troops, they held a confultation upon their fu-
ture operations. Finding the fituation of affairs hoflile to their
views, and knowing the king's mind was now entirely eftranged
from them, they refolved for the prefent to return to Deccan, de-
termined to renew their ambitious fchemes as opportunity Ihould
offer. Agreeably to this refolve, Sindiah and Holkar firfl:, and
Befajee afterwards, withdrew their refpedive troops, and taking
the route to Jypore, quitted Hindoflaun. Nujuff Khan returned to
Delhi with the Mogul troops.

A. D. 1773] SHAH-AULUM. 49

CHAP. IV.

Adnilniji ration of Nujuff Khan — Co77queJls in the Jaut Country
- — Rupture detivixt Shv j a Al Dowla and the Rohillas —
ReduHion of Rohilcunu — Defer ipiion of that Country —
Death of Shu J a Dowla — Account of the Omd^ Family.

THE retreat of the Marhattas afforded Shah-Aulum the highefl:
fatisfadtion : freed from the vexations occafioned by their infolcnt
demeanour, he hoped he fliould once more be enabled to maintain
his authority in the flate, and bring his affairs into a better train. —
He was refolved to place his whole confidence on Mirza NujufF
Khan, who in every refpedl was well qualified for the important
truft. High fpirited, and an adlive, equally a valiant commander,
as of courteous and obliging manners, he conciliated the efleem of
every one; and by his unremitting attention to bufinefs, he preferved
regularity, and reflored order throughout every department.

The king, to give public proof of his opinion of this nobleman's
attachment, thouglit proper, as a preliminary ftep, to difmifs his
rival, Haflam Al Dowlah, from all his employments. His majefly
had long beheld the predilecftion which that minifler had entertained
for the Marhattas, whofe interefts he had dared to prefer to thofe of
his lawful fovcreign J and refolved to punifli him for his prefump-
tion. He was degraded from his nobility, and all his eflates con-
fifcated to the royal treafury. His appointments were conferred on

^o HISTORY OF [a. d. 1773.

Nujuff Khan, who was at the fame time created Captain General
of the forces of the empire, and dignified with other titles *.

The trcafurcs taken from HafHim Al Dowla, which had been
amafTed by opprcilive means, afforded a fund fufficicnt to anfvver
the expences of a war with the Jauts, who, during the late difputes
at court, had again made head, and were exciting frefh difturbances
in order to embarrafs the king's government.

About this time, Mujud Al Dowla, a nobleman of confiderablc
eminence, was appointed to the office of Dewaun-f-: and the king,
to encourage his army, caufed it to be fignified to the troops that the
plunder acquired during the intended expedition, Ihould be divided
amongft them.

The country of the Jauts, fo frequently mentioned, is fituatcd on
both fides of the river Jumna, and comprehends a trad: of 1 50 miles
in length, by about 60 in breadth. It extends from the vicinity of
Gwalior, a large tower 60 miles weftward of Agrah, to the fkirts
of the capital ; and contains within its limits many flrong fortreffes
and other holds. Towards the clofe of the reign of Aurcngzeeb,
this fingular tribe firft attradlcd notice. Emigrating from a remote

• His titles at length were, Khan Sipahi Sillar Hindoftaun, Riirtum Al Dowla,
Ruftumi Hind, Zulficar Al Dowla, Mirza Nujuff Kl>an Bchadur, Ghalib Jung. —
In Eiiglifh thus:

Leader of the armies of Hindoftaun, Splendour of the State, Ruftum of India,
Sword of the Empire, Mirza Nujuff Khan viclorious in battle.

t Collector of the revenues.

A. D. 1773.] SHAH-AULUM. 5t

fpot on the banks of the Indus, in the lower parts of the Moultan
province, and accuftomed to the humble occupations of hufbandry,
they were allowed to fettle themfelves peaceably in their prefent re-
fideuce. In the courfe of a few years becoming numerous, they
ventured to attack the caravans proceeding to Delhi with fupplies for
the royal army ; and having met with unexpedled fuccefs on their
firrt: attempts, at length became fo formidable as to require the pre-
fcnce of the imperial troops to overawe them.

Their future progrefs was inconceivably rapid ; and amid the civil
wars carried on by Aurungzeeb's fucceffors, the Jauts found means
to fecure a large portion of country to themfelves, in which they
built forts, and accumulated great wealth. Their natural propenfity
to plunder, which accompanied them in their emigration, has com-
municated itfelf to their pofterity, and they are ftill a moft notorious
and daring banditti.

Chura Mun, one of their firfl: chiefs, was an intrepid foldier, and
remarkably fortunate in his encounters with the imperial troops, who
were frequently compelled to retire with precipitation before this
daring tribe. In later times, Suruj Mull, who fell in an ambuf-
cade a few year fince, was one of the moft refpedtable of their
leaders. He, in 1756, having been dignified with the title of Ra-
jah, or Prince, kept his court with great fplendour. But with his
death their power, in a great meafure, expired. His eldeft fon,
Nuwil Sing, who now commanded the tribe, was not equal to con-
tend with the ability of Nujuff Khan ; but being a man of great
perfonal courage, he determined to rifk the ifliie ; and for this pur-

H 2

52 HISTORY OF [a. d. ijj:^,

pofe, befides augmenting his army, he had fortified in the llrongcft
manner the towns of Deig, BuUum Ghur, and other places within,
his jurifdiiftion.

Zulficar Al Dowla having received his inftrudlions from the king,
put his iioops in motion, and marched towards the Jaiits. In his
way he reduced feveral refradory Zemindars, whom the late dif-
turbances at court had tempted to revolt from their allegiance. On
thefe he impofed heavy fines, and by this means enriched his trea-
fury to a confiderable amount. In the mean time the Jaut Rajah
hearing of the fuccefs of the captain general, was fearful he might
make an attack upon the fort of Deig, one of his flrongcfl holds,
which, if fuccefsful, would undoubtedly put an end to the war, and
prove utter deftrudlion to his affairs. To prevent this, he refolved
to hazard an adlion ; and, agreeably to his determination, threw
nimfelf in the way of the royal army. A fharp engagement en-
fued ; but NujufF Khan's good fortune prevailing, the Jaut Rajah
was totally defeated, and compelled to quit the field of battle with
very few of his foldicrs. He took refuge in the fort of Deig, which
he refolved to defend to the lafi: extremity.

The plunder of Nuwil Sing's camp, which was immenfc, pre-
vented an immediate purfuit : and Nujuff" Khan, elate with his
vidlory, fent an account of it to Delhi without delay. The news
of fuccefs, fo important, was received at court with the highcfl
iatisfa<ftion; and rewards and honours were conferred on the captain
general and his army by the king's exprefs command. He fent the
general a letter of thanks, written with his own hand, and recom-

A.D. I773-] SHAH-AULUM. 53

mended a vigorous purfuit of the enemy, which it was hoped
would bring the conteft to a fpecdy and favourable iflue. From
the field of battle, NujufF Khan led the army to Agrah, which
place he invefled on all fides ; but not having a fufficient train of
artillery, he was compelled to turn the fiege into a blockade, which,
indeed, is the more general method adopted by the armies of Hin-
dollaun.

During the fiege, he fent detachments to different parts of the
furrounding country, by which means, feveral of the refradlory
Zemindars were induced to fubmit themfelves to the kind's au-
thority.

About this time, the Vizir Shuja Al Dowla, advanced into the
Doo Ab with a confiderable army. That prince, whofe am-
bition was great, deeming the retreat of the Marhattas favourable
to his defigns, refolved to appropriate feme of their pofTeflions to-
iiis own ufc. He accordingly laid fiege to Etawah, a city on the.
frontiers, from whence he expelled the Marhattas, and placed a
garrifon therein on his own part. From Etawah he proceeded to
Agrah, then befieged by Nujuff Khan, whom he aililled with an
increafe of force, and feveral fine cannon, which enabled the cap-
tain general to carry on the fiege with vigour. The garrifon, threat-
ened by a dearth of provifions, were, without difficulty, pcrfuaded to
capitulate, and accordingly delivered up the fort and its dependen-
cies to Nujuff Klian. A meffenger was immediately dilpatched'
to the capital with the important intelligence, and carried with him;
the keys of the fort to be laid at his majefly's feet.

54 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1773.

Shuja Al Dowla at the fame time fent Illiij Khan his favourite,
to wait on the king, and, in his name, comphment him on the late
fucceffes. But that nobleman was charged with a ftcret commifTion
of a more important nature. It was to engage the king's confent
to the defigns which he now meditated againft the Rohillas, and,
in the event of conquefl, to participate with his majefty in Iharing
the country between them. The jealoufy with which the vizir had
long beheld the Rohilla power, and his alarm at the extenfion of
their influence, fo contiguous to his own dominions, determined
him, though contrary to ftrid; juftice and found policy, to quarrel
with that nation; and, that a pretext might not be wanting in his
favour, he urged the infraction of the late treaty, and complained
loudly of the treacherous condudt of the Rohillas in delaying pay-
ment of the ftipulated fum.

The violation of a treaty made under fuch circumftances, and by
which the Rohillas had certainly received material affiftance in the
expulfion of the invaders of their country, cannot indeed be juflified
by any principle of common honefl)% though at the fame time the
inordinate ambition of the vizir, and his enterprizing fpirit, were
grounds of alarm, fufficient to perfuade the Rohilla Sirdars to coun-
teradl and curb it by any means within their pov/er.

Illuj Khan, on his arrival at court, confulted with Mujud Al Dowla
on the foregoing points ; and, as he brought a large fum of money
with him, he found lefs difficulty in fuccecding in his objetft. A
fecrct treaty was at length formed, by which the vizir bound himfelf
not only to defray the expences of the war, but, at its conclufion.

A.D. I774-] SHAH-AULUM. 55

his majefty fliould participate in the diftribution of the plunder as
well as a (hare in the conquered province, or, if more agreeable,
have an equal proportion of country more contiguous to Delhi. On
the part of the king, he was to fend the army under Nujuff Khan
to the afliftance of the vizir, who was preparing, in concert with the
Britilh forces, to take the field. Shah-Aulum appeared to liften to
their propofals with much complacency; yet^ as an ingenious hif-
torian * has juftly remarked, he did not heartily concur in the mea-
fure, being averfe to aggrandifing the vizir at the expence of the
Rohillas. Whatever were his real fentiments, the captain-general
was recalled from Agrah, and diredled to march the army towards
Rohilcund, and the king prepared to take the field, but indifpofi-
tion, whether real or pretended, prevented him from attending the
army, which fet out under the command of Nujuff Khan.

The memorable battle of Cutterah, and the termination of the
Rohilla war which foon followed, are too well known to require
any comment in thefe tranfadlions ; it may however gratify curiofity
to take a view of the then fituation, foil, climate, and productions,
of that celebrated province.

Rohilcund, called in Sanfcrit Cuttair, comprehends that tradt
lying eaft of the Ganges, between the 28th and 30th degrees of
north latitude, and from 76 to 80 longitude. Commencing in the
vicinity of Loll Dong, at the foot of the Kummow Hills, it ex-
tends caftward to the town of Pillibect; on the north aiid weft, it

* Captain Jonathan Scott,

56 HISTORY OF

is bounded by the Ganges, and to the fouth, by the diftrid of Ma-
homedy, in the dominions of Oude.

The foil of Cuttair is in general a rich black mould, intermixed
in many parts with fand and red earth ; it is uncommonly fertile,
and capable of the highelt cultivation, abounding in all forts of
grain, fugar-canc, and tobacco. Few countries have, in truth,
more natural advantages than this ; it is well fiipplied with feveral
large rivers, bcfidcs numerous fmaller ftreams. Among the firft,
are the Ramgonga, and Dewah, (or Gambera.)

The Ramgonga, taking its rife between the firft and fecond range
of mountains to the north-eaft, iffues forth into the plains of Hin-
doftaun at the Gaut of Colly ; and after traverfing the grcateft
part of Rohilcund, in a fouth and fouth-wefterly diredlion, and
fertilizing the lands, is joined in its progrefs by other rivers, and
finally, difcharged into the Ganges in the vicinity of Kinnouj.
This majeftic river, until late years imperfedly known, is navigable
for feven months in the year; its ftream is broad and rapid, and its
banks arc adorned with many large and populous villages. On the
eaftern fide, the Dewah iffuing from the fame mountains, runs by
the town of Pillibeet. Here arc embarked the fineft Saul, Siflbo,
and fir timbers, the produce of the neighbouring forefts that fltirt
the foot of the Kummow hills. At the city of Shahjehanpore,
the Dewah joins the Gamberah, whofe name it affumes, and after
wafhing the towns of Sandy, Bjroun, and other places, meets the
Ramgonga near its jundion with the Ganges. The fmaller ftreams
are the Coflillah, Nahul, Byghul, Dakra, Bukrah, Beefrah, and

A.D. I773-] SHAH-AULUM. 57

Yarwufadar; thefe likewifc contribute highly to the cultivation of
the country, and by means of refervoirs, Ikiices, canals and acque-
dudls, difperfe their waters throughout the corn fields in every di-
redlion, but more particularly fo in the jagheer of the late Fyzoo-
lah Khan.

Another property peculiar to Cuttair, is the facility with which
water is procured ; exclufive of the rivers and ftreams before enu-
merated, the foil is fuch, that by digging a few feet from the fur-
face of the earth in any part of the country, water is procured in
abundance.

So happily fituated by nature, Rohilcund has in all times been
deemed of great political importance. In the early times of the
empire, commerce flouriflied. The great cities of Shahabad, Shah-
jehanpore, Bareilly, BiiTbwlee, Bedaon, Ovvlah, Mooradabad and
Sumbul, formerly kept up a conftant intercourfe ^vith the caravans
of the north. By them were exported into Cuttair, the products
of Lahoor, Cabul, Cafhmire, Candahar and Periia, rubies, pre-
cious ftones, tuteneage, copper, iron, tin, lead, borax, drugs, Cafh-
merian Ihawls, Carmanian wool, mules, horfes a:,d camels; in re-
turn they received, coarfe cloths, fugar, grain and tobacco.

During the reign of the Patau Dynafty in Hindoftaun, many prin-
ces of that family kept their courts for a fcrics of years in the an-
tient city of Bedaon. There, as in many parts of Cuttair, are to
be fecn the remains of magnificent edifices, palaces, gardens,
mofques, colleges and nuiufolcums. Among the firft-rate cities of

58 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1773.

modern days are to be placed, Owlah, BiiTowlee, Barcilly and Pil-
libcct, ^\hich having been the relidenccs of thofe Rohilla chiefs
who founded a new empire in CL;'.rair within half a century back,
demand on this occafion particular attention.

The city of Owlah, fituated in the centre, and in one of the fineft
parts of Rohilcund, is built on an eminence, having a commanding
view of the adjacent country. The river Niiwaub Nuddi runs along
the fouth-weltem fide of the city. The town is of confidcrable
extent, and adorned with many handfome buildings, moft of which
are now in ruins. Enough however remains to difcover the former
grandeur of the place, and to regret the fatal ravages of defl:ru6tive
ambition. On the fummit of the eminence is the fort built of brick.
It was eredled about fifty years fince by Ali Mahomed, founder
of the Rohilla government in Cuttair, and here he kept his court.
Within the fort is the palace of Ali Mahomed, a cathedral, and fevc-
ral other public buildings. In the environs of Owlah are ruins of
palaces, gardens, and mofques; the adjacent country is by nature
beautiful, but the total want of cultivation renders melancholy the
profpecft. Owlah is iixteen miles N. W. of Bareilly, from Bif-
fowlee fourteen, and about equal diftant from Delhi and Pillibcet.
At Biffowlee are likevvifc to be fcen evident traces of the former
fplendour of the Rohilla government; and it is moreover remark-
able for being the burial place of feveral of the family of Ali
Mahomed.

Bareilly, fituated on the banks of the united flreams of Jooah
and Sunkra, is a large, handfome, well-built city. It was the

A. D. 1773-1 SHAH-AULUM, £9

capital of Hafiz Rehumut, and a place of confideraMe trade. It is
dillant from Lucknow 1 80 miles, and from tlie Ganges 120.--
Laftly, the town of Pillibeet. This place, thirty-fix miles to the
north-eaft of Bareilly, was peculiarly feledted by the difcriminative
forefight of Hafiz Rehumut Khan, as of great importance in its
commercial refources. For the encouragement of trade that prince
built a fpacious Shehr Punnah, or Fettah, which is four miles in
circumference. It is furrounded by a brick wall, and within the
enclofure is ereded a magnificent mofque. Admirably fituated on
the banks of the Dewah, Pillibeet, during the Rohilla government,
was an emporium of commerce. Its flaples are Saul, Selfoo, and fir
timbers, fugars, and coarfe cloths j and from the mountains of Al-
morah are imported borax, pitch, drugs, wax, and honey; of late
years, however, it is melancholy to add, the hand of commerce is
Ihrunk up, and the want of a well-regulated police, the total dif-
couragement to induflry, and the vexatious impofls levied by the
rulers have almoll annihilated its once-profitable and flourilhing trade.

The revenues of Cuttair are fiated, in the imperial regifier at
Delhi, to be five millions fierling. During the flourifhing times of
the empire, the face of the country will warrant the fuppofition, and
under the Rohilla government, who paid unremitting attention to
agriculture, the province might have yielded that fum. After the
conqueft of Rohilcund by Sliuja Dowla, an offer was made to that
prince to rent the province for two millions. Since that period the
revenues, from a variety of caufcs, have continued to decline; and
under the prefent government, the province of Cuttair with difficulty
yields the fum of 36 lacks, or about 400,000!. f^erling.

I a

to HISTORY OF [a. d. 1774.

Of the inhabitants there yet remains to fpeak. The Rohillas *,
who, it is well known, originally emigrated from the mountains of
Afghaniftaun, about 60 years fince, fettled in Cuttair. They area
hardy warlike race, equally capable of arms and hufbandry. Their
feudal fyftem of government, fimilar to thofe of Europe in former
days, has infpired them with ideas of turbulence and ferocity; at
the fame time they are uncommonly patient under hadfliips, and
attached to their chiefs by indiiroluble bonds of national affedlion.
But withal, in common with other Afghauns, they are crafty,
treaciierous, and revengeful. This charaderiftic national fpirit, aided
by the impetuous fallies of a ferocious and uncivilized mind, renders
difficult the government of this race. Hence frequent revolutions,
civil broils at home, and wars abroad, have conftantly marked the
Rohilla government under its different rulers. Yet has it been
evinced in more inflances than one, that by kind and proper treat-
ment even this generally-confidered ferocious tribe may be rendered
tradable : that when their peculiarities and prejudices are attended to
by a wife and hberal government, they will prove not only good
fubjcds, but even fteady and faithful allies.

Shortly after the battle of Cuttera, Zulfica Al Dowla joined the
vizir and the Britifli forces. He was received with diftindion, and
the vizir nominated him to the Neabut of the vizarut, an office more
honourable than lucrative, but accepted by the captain general with
thankfukiefs. Shuja Dowla now thought proper to difmifs him j

• Confult the account of the Rohilla Afghauns, publiftied by the late Captain Charles
Haniilton, of Bengal.

A. D. 1774.] SHAH-AULUM. 6i

and in order to attach him more to his interefls, gave a reinforce-
ment of his own troops.

It has been feen that by the treaty of Delhi, Shuja Al Dowla had
agreed to fhare his conquefts with the king, and to make an equal
divifion of the plunder acquired by the war. Confonant to the
fpirit of this treaty, the captain general had come from Delhi in
aid of the vizir : but the behaviour of Shuja on this occafion was
neither juft nor honourable. Though immenfe plunder had been
acquired in the late battle, his avaricious fpirit prompted him to re-
tain the whole to himfelf ; and when urged by the captain general to
deliver up the king's fhare, he peremptorily declined it. A con-
dudl, in every refped: fo unwarrantable, excited extreme difguft in
the king's mind ; but having made feveral fruitlefs and ineffedual
endeavours to alter the vizir's refolution, his majefty at length de-
fifled, and NujufF Khan was compelled to return to Delhi.

Shuja Dowla, after fettling the government of the province, and
appointing Aumils to the feveral diftrids, took his leave of the
Britifh commander in chief, and returned to Oude. During the re-
mainder of that year, he employed himfelf in arranging the affairs
of the province of Furrokabad, which was tributary to him ; but
having been long aiflidted with a violent diforder, which now re-
turned with accumulated violence, notwithfl:anding every exertion
and afliftancc afforded by his phyficians, he expired in his palace at
Fyzabad *.

• In the month of January 1775.

62 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1774.

An hiftorian *, refpecftable for his talents, has informed the
world that the reigning family in Oude were obfcurc in their origin
and of low birth; but as that information, from accounts procured
at a later period, appears to be incorrcd:, we have, with that defe-
rence to fidelity %\hich the impartiality of hillory demands, detailed
a more authentic account * of the rife of that familv.

SAADUT KHAN.

Saadut Khan, fon of Mirza Nuflur Al Deen Hyder, known at
firfl under the name of Meer Mahomed Ameen, was born in the city
of Niiliapore, in the province of Khoraufaun. He was defcended
in a direcl line from the Imaum Moufa Kalim, of the family of
Ali, efleemed in Perfia as of the higheft and moft noble cxtradlion.
Towards the conclufion of the reign of Behadur Shah, the fon and
fucceflbr of Aurengzeeb, many Perfian families of diflin<flion, re-
tiring from the diforders and civil wars which overwhelmed their
native country, fought an afylum in Hindollaun, At that period
Meer Mahomed i\meen, who had been bred to arms, became defirous
of fignalifing himftlf ; and with the laudable hope of providing for
his family, he bad adieu to his native country, and repaired to La-
hore. He was received into the imperial fervice, and fliortly after
took the name of Saadut Khan. By means of the friendlhip which
he formed with feveral of the principal officers about the court, he

• Colonel Dow.

+ In this detail the author has principally followed a fmall genealogical work, entitled
Owfaf Afoph, or the Genealogy of Afuf Al Dowla, the prefent vixir, which was pro-
cured by the friendfhip of Mr. George Johnftone, many years refident at Lucknow.

A, D. 1774.] SHAH-AULUM. 63

was introduced to the emperor's notice, and flood high in his favour,
and continued fo until his death. On the acceflion of Mahmud
Shah, Saadut Khan was created a noble of the empire; and through
the influence of his great patron, Sirbullund Khan, he was nomina-
ted to the government of Akbarabad. — Increafing in favour, he was
appointed Soobadar of Oude, and at the fame time prefcnted with
the rank of 7000 horfe, and honoured with a new patent of no-
bility *. During the reign of Mahmud Shah he held with applaufe
the higheft offices of the ftate; and by his fucceffes in Deccan, and
on the frontiers of the empire, upheld the tottering fortunes of a
weak and difTolutc government.

But in paying this tribute to his abilities, his condudl, when adlu-
ated by bafe and unworthy motives, mull: be equally reprobated. —
'At the memorable invafion of Hindoftaun by Nadir Shah, when his
country became a prey to favage ferocity and lawlels outrage, Saadut
Khan, from felfifli views and a fpirit of inordinate ambition, excited
the vengeance of the conqueror, and by apprifing him of the im-
menfe riches to be acquired by viliting the capital, he brought
incalculable calamity upon his fovcreign and his fubjedis-f-. He did
not, however, live, as has been jyftly remarked, to reap tlic fruits
of a condudl fo treacherous, dying, Ihortly alter the conqueror's en-
trance into Delhi, of a cancer in his back.

* His titles at length were Boorhan Al MooJuk, Itiinaud Al Dowla Mcer Mall-
mud Amecn Khan, Behadur Shoukut Jung. In Englirti thus:

Pillar of the empire, confident Support of the State, Meer Mahmud Amcen Khan, the
Glory of War.

t Confult fecond volume of Captain Scott's intcrefling Hiftory of the Succcflbrs of
Aurcngzceb.

64 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1774.

SEFDAR JUNG.

When Saadut Khan quitfed his native country, he left behind him
an only iifter, married to a nobleman named Jaafer Beg. He pro-
mifed at his departure, fliould fortune prove favourable, to fend for
his family to Hindoftaun, which he did accordingly. But Jaafer
Beg had died and left two fons, Abul Munfoor Khan and Mirza
MohulTun, the former better known as Sefdar Jung. Thefe youths
were received with affedionate regard by Saadut Khan ; and to per-
petuate the family honours, he bellowed his only daughter in mar-
riage to the elder brother. That princefs, the grand mother of the
reigning Nuwaub, is well known to the Britifli nation. After living
to the great age of ninety, Ihe expired a few years fmce at her palace
in Oude. On the death of his uncle, the young Nawaub Sefdar
Jung was confirmed by the king in his government of Oude; and
on the departure of the Perfian conqueror, became a great favourite
at the court of Mahmud Shah. Employed, like his predecelfors,
in diftant parts of the empire, his fuccefs was frequently brilliant ;
and he rofe gradually to the highefl: honours in the flate. In addition
to the government of Allahabad, he was appointed to the office of
Grand Mafter of the Artillery; and on the death of the celebrated
Nizam Al Mooluk, was made vizir* of the empire, and dignified

• It was not then the fon of a Perfian pedlar who ruled over Oude, but a man of
birth and family ; and whatever might have been his demerits, or pJitical errors, his
fcrvices to his countrj' entitle him, in every unprejudiced mind, to an appellation more
honourable.

SHAH-AULUM. 65

with honours and titles. He died in 1 756, having the charader of
a daring and intrepid foldier, and efteemed by his own fubjeds as a
good man and upright magiftrate.

SHUJA DOWLA.

Shuja Dovvla, fon and fuccefTor of Sefdar Jung, was called in his
younger* days Mirza Jelaul Addeen Hydcr. Had this prince lived
in the reign of Shah Jehan, or the Great Aurengzeeb, he might have
attained a high characfter in the annals of the empire ; but he was
born at a period when the houfe of Timoor was rapidly declining,
-and the fuperior genius of a foreign nation had acquired an afcen-
dency not to be overborn. Shuja Dowla, in his conteft with the
Engliflr, having rafhly efpoufed the caufe of the unfortunate Caflim
Ali, Nuwaub of Bengal, felt the effedts of this afccndency ; and
after two uncefsful attempts, perceiving his incapacity to refift, he
wifely refolved to conciliate the attention of his enemies. He was
not deceived ; the peace of 1765 (well known in Europe) placed
him in a fituation more eligible than what he held at the commence-
ment of the war : for, exclufive of the reftoration of the conquered
provinces, he became the friend and ally of the Englilh; and to

* It is cuftomary in Hindoftaun, and throughout fevcral of the Afiatic courts, to
change the name of a prince on his acccfllon to the throne. Thus the fainous Jehan-
guire was called Selim ; Shah Jehan, Khorrum ; Shuja Al Dowla, Mirza Jelaul Addeen
Hyder; his fon and fucceflbr, Afuf Al Dowla, was Mirza Atnautii. Many other in-
ftances occur.

66 . HISTORY OF [a. d. 1775.

cement the union by ftill clofet ties, he afked and obtained the aflif-
tance of a Britirti force for the protedlion of his frontiers.

When releafed from the afore-mentioned conteft, Shiija Dowla
diredled his attention to the augmentation of his army, and to the
management of the affairs of his own dominions, into the govern-
ment of which great abufes had been introduced. If we take his
character comparatively, Shuja Al Dowla will be allowed confiJera-
ble merit: aftive and vigorous in his mind, he was bold, daring,
and enterprifing, which he manifeftcd on various occafions, and in
Iltuations of danger and ditBculty. His temper was irafcible,
w hich often led him to commit ads of cruelty ; yet he was an ex-
cellent magiftrate, a lover of juftice, and anxioufly defirous of the
profperity of his country. To the internal economy of his govern-
ment, he paid a rigid attention j and by his judicious and prudent
arrangements, aided by the exertions of fome very able officers, he
cleared his dominions from the remains of a neft of banditti which
had long infefted and difgraced them. His condu(fl with regard to
his neighbours, the Rohillas, was on every account the moll ex-
ceptionable J and his hoftile attempt to deftroy their power evidently
originated from a fpirit of ambition, boundlefs as inordinate and re-
prehenfible : nor can his endeavours to extenuate his condud: by
throwing the blame on the impolitic obilinacy of the Rohillas in
refusing to difcharge the ftipulatcd fum, in any Ihapc juftify the
means he ufed to effcd their deftrudion *.

* In the above detail it has been the authors intention to be guided by tlie
ftriileft impartiality, neither wifhing to exalt too high the charader of any individual
who merited praifc, nor to abftain from cenfurc when it appeared deferving.

A.D.I775-] SHAH-AULUM. 6j

CHAP. V.

Reti/rn of the Captain General to Delhi — AcceJJion 0/ Asuf Al
Dow LA to the Government of Oude — Embajfy of Illuj
Khan to Delhi — Proceedings againfi Z a bit a Khan — De-
feat of the King^s Troops — Zabita Khan unites with the
Seiks — Succin^l Account of that Nation — Occurrences.

NUJUFF KHAN, on his arrival at Delhi, met with a receptior*
different from his expedlations. The king was difgufted with him
for not having infifted in a more refolutc manner upon the delivery
of the diftridls which had been ftipulated in the late treaty with the
vizir j and for omitting to urge his right to participate in the plun-
der acquired in the Rohilla war. Shah-Aulum, in fadt, fufpedled
his minifter to have been influenced on this occafion more by an at-
tention to his own interefts than that of his fovereign, as the vizir,
previous to his departure, publicly beftowed on Nujuff Khan the
Neabut * of the vizarut. This fufpicion was diligently foflered in
the king's mind by the fuggeftions of Mujud Al Dowla, who now
began to acquire an afcendancy over his majefty ; and being jealous
of the authority and influence of Nujuff Khan, refolvcd to oppofe
him in every thing. The minifler had long entertained hopes of that
very appointment ; but baflfled in his exertions to attain it, he reprc-

* The dcputylhip of the office of vizir, or his rcprefenutivc at the court of Dcllu.

K 3

68 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1776.

fcnted his rival as a pcrfon defirous of advancing his own authority
over that of his mafter. NujufF Khan, however, had too powerful
a party at court, as well as in the camp, to be eafily fupplantcd ; and
the war againft the Jauts requiring immediate attention, his majefly
appeared fatisfied with the excufes offered by Nujuff Khan.

The army again afTembled, and the captain general led it without
delay againfl the fort of Deig, the only place of confequence that
remained to the Jauts. Nujuff Khan having inverted the fort on all
fides, and completed the blockade, detached a fmall portion from
his main body throughout the adjacent country, and reduced many
©f the Zemindars to obedience.

While the army lay before Deig, an embaffy arrived in camp,
fent by the vizir Afuff Al Dowla. That young prince, who fuc-
ceeded to the Mufnud of Shuja Al Dowla, was eighteen years of
age. On his acccffion, it was deemed advifeable to requell: of Shah-
Aulum a confirmation of his patent of the vizarut in his own name.
For this purpofe, Illuj Khan, a favourite fervant, was deputed to
Delhi, attended by a fplendid fuite, and carrying with him fifty
lacks of rupees as a paiflicufh. After a Ihort flay in the camp, he
proceeded on to the capital, where his fuccefs at firft fell fhort of his
expe<fldtions. The king did not appear inclined to expedite the pa-
tent ; and under various pretences delayed giving a dire<St anfwer. —
But a fevere misfortune which at this time befel his majefty's arms,
caufed an immediate and ready afl'ent. Zabita Khan had again be-
come refradlory, and reiufed to forward the fl:ipulated tribute to the
royal trcafury j and was now prepared to fi.ipport his rebellion by

A. D. 1776] SHAH-AULUM. 6^

force of arms. Abdul Caflem Khan, on the part of the king, \vas
ordered to march an army to attack the rebel. Zabita Khan, who
was ported in Ghofe Ghur, hearing of that nobleman's approach,
marched boldly out, and offered him battle. A defperate confiidt
enfued, and the event was on the point of proving favourable to the
royal forces, when a body of Patan horfe, who had been planted in
an ambufcade by Zabita Khan at the commencement of the adlion,
came fuddenly out of the place, and fell upon the rear of the king's
troops with fuch fury as totally to difcomfit them. The general was
ilain whilfl endeavouring to rally his men ; and his fall threw the
troops into fuch diforder, that it was with great difficulty Mujud Al
Dowla, who fuccceded to the command, was enabled to make good
his retreat with a very fmall party. Zabita Khan re-entered his fort
in triumph.

Accounts of this fatal difafler arriving at court, created the greatefl
conftemation and difmay. Fortunately, however, for Shah-Aulum,
at this critical moment he was relieved by the appearance of Lutaufut
Khan, one of the vizir's officers, who brought along with him a
body of 5000 troops, and a train of artillery, for the king's xxk.
This falutary aid proved of the higheft fervice j and being relieved
from any apprehenfions for the prefent, the court determined to
gratify the vizir for the effential fervice he had rendered. A patent
was immediately made out, accompanied with the infignia of office
and valuable prefents j and the whole were fent off with much pomp
and folemnity under the charge of four commiflioners named by the
king for this exprefs purpofe.

70 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1776.

During thefe tranfadlions, Nujuff Khan was ftill employed before
Deig : that fortrcfs, which was uncommonly Ilrong and defended
by a numerous garrifon, continued for more than a twelvemonth to
bid defiance to the efforts of Nujuff Khan. The repeated and
bloody affaults which were made by the garrifon had, however,
much weakened their force, and the health of the Jaut prince be-
ginning to decline, he entertained thoughts of fubmiffion ; but before
he had time to execute his refolution, he was hurried off by death.
Runjcet Sing, his brother, fucceeded to the command: he was willing
to continue the defence to the laft extremity; but provifions growing
fcarcc, his troops mutinied, and he was compelled to withdraw
privately from the fort.

Accordingly, availing himfelf of the opportunity of an extreme
dark night, and taking with him his family and treafures, accom-
panied by the greater part of the garrifon, he effedted his efcape.
On the enfuing morning, the king's troops, who were prepared for
an affault, were aflonifhed to find the walls unmanned, and no ap-
pearance of refinance. The general at firfl: fufpeded a ftratagem ;
but on a clofer infpedtion, perceiving the rebels had ad.ually retired,
he entered and took poffeffion.

A great quantity of ammunition and ftores, with a train of ar-
tillery, were taken, but not much plunder, which circumffance ex-
afperated the troops, and induced them to commit all forts of vio-
lence upon the defencelefs inhabitants. Not content with infulting
them, they proceeded to attack their Pagodas, where they broke and
demolifhed the idols, in fpite of the prayers and intreaties urged by

A. D. 1776.] SHAH-AULUM. ;i

the poor wretches in behalf of their altars. On the capture of Deig,
all the remaining part of the Jaut country fiibmitted j and as heavy
fines were impofed by the general upon the different Zemindars, he
continued to fill his treafury, which enabled him to difcharge the
arrears of his troops ; at the fame time he ordered a general rejoicing
throughout the camp.

The embafiy afore mentioned arriving at the fame time, NujufF
Khan availed himfelf on the occafion to fhew his refpedl to the
vizir, by entertaining the commiflioners in the moft: fplendid man-
ner. He feafted them for feveral days, and then difmiffed them
with additional prefents.

The conquefl of the Jauts being now complete, Nujuff Khan
directed his attention to the colledtion of the revenues, and in re-
forming the abufes which had prevailed during the war. But in the
midlt of his arrangements, he was fuddenly called off by letters re-
ceived from Delhi, which required his immediate prefence at that
city. Zabita Khan, whofe fuccefs, as already related, had inflamed
his refentment and excited his ambition, was refolved to perlirt in
his rebellion, and adually threatened Delhi with a fiege. Previous,
however, to proceeding to open holtilitics, he augmented his army,,
and took into his pay large bodies of -.SV//'.r.

He formed, moreover, connedlions with fome of the principal
chiefs of that nation ; and in order to render this alliance the more
effedtual, he embraced the tenets of this extraordinary fedl, and be-
came a convert to their faith. The part which the Seiks have borne.

7a HISTORY OF

in the tranladions of later times in the upper parts of Hindoftaun,
juflify an attempt to defcribe their origin and progreflive advance-
ment to autliority in the empire.

During the reigns of Akbar, Jchanguirc, Shah Jehan and Au-
rengzeeb, the annals of Hindoftaun exhibit a fcries of events and
brilliant adlions which raifed the empire to the firft ftation in the
hifl:ory of Afia. Emulating the condudl of their founder the great
Timoor, thofe princes whilfl they trod in his fleps rendered their
dominions flourifliing and their people happy, and the power of that
auguft family appeared eflablilhed on fo folid a bafis as to bid de-
fiance to the fludluating and capricious changes of fortune; but the
feeds of diiTolution and decay were internally generated even in the
lieight of their profperity ; and the indolence, folly and effeminacy,
of the princes of later times, overthrew the fabrick of power, and
buried the authority of the houfe of Timoor under its ruins. Out
of the fliipwreck of its former grandeur, feveral new and inde-
pentlcnt fiiates arofe. To the Seiks, among others, may be affigned
an intcrefling flation; obfcure in their origin, in a remote part of the
province of Lahoor, this tribe had nothing but novelty to recom-
mend itfclf or attradt notice.

In the reign of the Emperor Baber, Nanick Shab, founder of the
tribe, was born at a fmall village named Tulbindce, in the province
of Lahoor; at an early period of life, this extraordinary perfon, who
poffeffed a good capacity and amiable manners, forfook the world,
and devoted himfelf to a life of religious auflerity. In this reclufc
ftate, aided by the effufions of a fervid imagination, Nanick framed
1

SHAH-AULUM. 73.-

a fyflem of religion, compofed from the fpecuktlve and contempla-
tive theories of Muffulman divinity, which he delivered to his nu-
merous followers as of divine origin. This book he termed Cur-
runt, which, in the Punjabee dialed:, implies fcriptural. Nanick,
after reaching his nintieth year, expired peaceably, and was buried at
Amrit Seer, where his tomb to the prefent day attradls the attention,
and animates the piety of his numerous difciples. He left two
children, Lucfmi Dofs and Sree Chund.

At his death, Nanick Shah, with a view to render permanent his
Qcw fyflem, ordained that the fucceflion fhould be eledlive and not
hereditary, an ordination which, as it precluded the fupreme au-
thority from remaining in one family, placed the benevolent and
dilintcrefted views of the founder in a light truly amiable. Sree
Chund, who found means to fecure his eledlion, prefided over the
tribe for feveral years, and, at his death, Angajee fucceeded. But
this cuftom, though it obtained for fome time, was at length fet
afide, and Gooroo Ram was the iirfl who eflabliflied an hereditary
fucceflion.

The tribe continuing to increafe by the vaft number of converts
which it had acquired, had not hitherto attradled the notice of the
neighbouring powers ; occupied in paying a fcrupulous adherence to
the laws and ordinations of their founder, the Seiks were looked
upon as harmlefs, inoffenfivc devotees; but the period was at
hand when they were to ad: a different part, and to contend with
vigour againfl imperial authority. Teigh Bchadur, whofe adion*
and misfortunes render his name memorable, was the firft who took

74 HISTORY OF

up arms againft the officers of Aurengzeeb, till after many bloody
encounters with the king's troops, he was at length overcome, taken
prifoncr, and put to death. His fucccflbrs, animated by revenge,
continued a predatory war with the defcendants of Aurengzeeb,
and, during the ftruggle, the Seiks acquired a confiderable addition
of territory. Among the moil memorable of thefe chiefs, was
Bundah, who, after a long and fevere conteft, was taken prifoner,
carried to Delhi, and there fuffered with heroic fortitude an igno-
minious death *.

In the reign of Ahumud Shah the tribe became very formidable.
Profiting by the difturbances which then prevailed in every part of
the empire, the Seiks again made head againft the government, and
with far better fuccefs. They conquered the whole of the Punjab,
(or country included within the five rivers which fall into the Indus)
and even puflied their arms beyond it.

In the lafl: reign (Aulum Geer the Second) their dominions' were
bounded on the weft by the country of Cabul, and extended eaft-
ward to the vicinity of Delhi, north by a range of high moun-
tains, and to the fouthweft they embraced the province of Moultan
and the city of Tatta, fituated on the banks of the Indus. Lahoor,
the capital of Punjab, was feledled as their chief city of refidencc,
and as fuch has fince continued. They pofTcfs many large towns,
and among the principal are thofe of Puttiali, Hurrial, Loch Ghur,

• See a particular account of this entcrprifing chief in Captain Scott's fecond volume
«f the Hiftory of Dcccan. Article Furrok Seer.

SHAH-AULUM. 75

Serhind, Shahabad, and TanaiTer, The Seik territories are fliid to
contain prodigious quantities of cattle, horfes, oxen, cows, and
flieep ; and grain of various kinds is produced in abundance. The
precious metals are very fcarce ; and their trade is for that reafon
chiefly carried on by barter, efpecially in the manufadluring towns.

At Pattiali they make excellent cloth, and fire arms fupcrior to
moft parts of Hindoftaun. The colle(fted force of the Seiks is im-
menfe, they being able to bring into the field an army of 250,000 *
men, a force apparently terrific, but, from want of union among
themfelves, not much to be dreaded by their neighbours. Divided
into diftindl diftridls, each chief rules over the portion appropriated
to him with uncontroled fway ; and tenacious of his authority, and

* The following table, which was delivered to the author by a Seik chief when at
Pannepat in 1793-4, will exhibit the fituation of the different chiefs at that period.

Beejce Sing > ..... I2,ooo

Tanah Sing - - . - . . 22,000

Jeffah Sing - .... - 14,000

Kurrun Sing (of Shahabad) - - - _ _ 1 2,000

Jeffah Sing (of Ramghur) .... - 12,000

Jundut Sing (of Amrit Seer) - - - _ « . 24,000

Khofal Sing (of Fuzoolah Pore) _ . - . . 22,000

Herri Sing (on the confines of Moultan) .... - 40,000

Runjet Sing (of Loch Ghur) - - - - - - ^0,000

Shahur Sing (of Pattiali), Loll Sing, Jufwaunt Sing (of Nawbeh), Gujput

Sing (of Chunda), and other chiefs . - - _ 20,«oo

Total 248,000

L %

76 HISTORY OF

jealous of his brethren, it fcklom happens that this nation makes an
united effort *.

The Seiks are armed with a ipcar, fcymetar, and excellent match-
lock. Their horfes are ftrong, very patient under hardihip, and
undergo incredible fatigue. The men are accuflomed to charge
on full gallop, on a fuddcn they ftop, difcharge their pieces with a
deliberate aim, when iuddenly wheeling about, after performing
three or four turns, they renew the attack. The fhock is impreffivc
xvhen offered only to infantry, but againll artillery they cannot ftand.
It is a fad: well known and eflablillied, that a few f.cld pieces is
fuflicicnt to keep in check their moft numerous bodies. Inured
from their infancy to the hardfhips of a military life, the Sciks are
addidted to predatory warfare, in a manner peculiar to themfelves
alone. When determined to invade a neighbouring province, they
affemble at firft in fmall numbers on the frontier, when having firft
demanded the raki or tribute, if it be complied with, they retire
peaceably; but when this is denied, hoftilities commence, and the
Seiks, in their progrefs, are accuftomed to lay wafle the country on
all fides, carrying along with them as many of the inhabitants as

• The alarm once excited in the Britifh government of the formidable power of this
nation, might be obviated by obferving, that the difcordant and clafhing intercfts of the
refpcdivc Seik chiefs prevent almoft tiic pofl"ibility of a general union ; and even if dif-
pofcd to attack tliC territory of our ally, the vizir, they would be nece(rif.Ucd to keep a
watchful eye over their own territories, which would be left open to invafion from the
north. It is well known that Zemaun Shah, the king of Cabul, is defirous of (baring
in the fertile province of Punjab, and efpecially of getting poflcffion of Lahoor, empha-
tically termed the key of Hindoftaun, His late attack at the end of 1796, Is a proof
uf this aflTcrtion. 2

SHAH-AULUM. 77

tliey can take prifoners, and all the cattle. The prifoncrs arc de-
tained as flaves, unlefs redeemed by a pecuniary compenfation. —
But though fond of plunder, tlie Seiks, in the interior parts of their
country, preferve good order, and a regular government : and the cul-
tivation of their lands is attended with much ailiduity. Their revenues
are colle<fted at two ftated periods of fix months each ; and by an
equitable adjuftment between the proprietor and cultivator, the
latter is allowed a fifth part as the reward of his labour.

Of their religion much information has not as yet been acquired;
but it has been remarked by an ingenious and fpirited hiflorian, that
in the ad. of receiving profelytes, they compel them to the perfor-
mance of an a6t equally abhorrent to the principles of the Hindoo
or Mahommedan faith *. Yet, notv/ithftanding the nature of their
ceremonies, it is certain they continue to gain numerous converts.

The Seiks, in their perfons, are fall, and of a manly ered de*
portment ; their afped is ferocious, their eyes piercing and anima-
ted j and in tracing their features a ftriking refemblance is obferva-
ble to the Arabs who inhabit the banks of the Euphrates. The
drefs of the males confifls of a coarfe cloth of blue cotton, thrown
loofely over the flioulders, and coming down between the legs, is
confined round the waifl by a belt of cotton. An ample turban of
blue cloth covers the head, and over this is frequently wore a fafli of
filk and cotton mixed, refembling both in colour and pattern a Scotch

* By obliging the Muflulmaun to drink water, in which fome Seiks have waflicd
their feet, mixed with hog's blood, and the Hindoo with that of a cow. Sec Captain
Scott, Vol. II. article Furrd Ster.

7S HISTORY OF [a. d. 1776.

Tartan. They fpeak thcAufghaun or Pooflito language, with pro-
lific additions of Pcrfian, Arabic, and Hindoovcc *.

From this digreffion let us proceed to relate the tranfadions at court.
Shah-Aukim, who was enraged at Zabita Khan for his repeated ads
of infolence and difrcfpedl, refolved to take the field in pcrfon, and
had for this purpofe, as above remarked, ordered the captain general
from Deig. On the minifter's arrival, the king marched out and
encamped.

At a fecret conference held on the occafion, it was refolved, pre-
vious to commencing hoftilities, to make one effort to perfuade the
rebel to return to his duty; though had a retrofped: of his former
condud: been taken, they would have forefeen the infufficiency of
any but rcfolute meafures. Agreeably to this refolve, Rajah Dai-
eram, Himmut Behadur, and Lutafut, were fent to Sehaurunpore to
treat and offer terms; but for fear of an unfuccefsful iffue, the king
and the general followed with the army. The deputation at firfl

• In the year i 793-4, the author was at Panneput in company with Major Cliarlcs
Reynolds, of the Bombay cftablifhment, employed by the Britifh government on a furvey
through the Doo Ab j the rcfult of which, when communicated to the public, will no
doubt prove a valuable addition to the geography already acquired. At that time he faw
a body of Sciks then in the fcrvicc of the great Sindiah ; they were about one thoufand
in number, under the command of Doolchee Sing, from whofe brother moft of the in-
formation above mentioned was received. The author has to apologife for giving a
fkctch fo imperfedt, though he is hnppy to learn there is another and far better account
already before the public from the late Colonel James Browne, of the Bengal eftablifti-
ment, but which account the author has not fecn. The account here given ftands merely
on his own refcarches.

A.D. I777-] SHAH-AULUM. 79

gave hopes of a peaceful tenniaation. A conference took place be-
tween the captain general, Mujud Al Dowla, and Zabita Khan; but
unhappily a mifunderftanding arofe, which proceeded to violent
altercation on both fides. Whether Zabita Khan, who was of a
turbulent and haughty fpirit, could not brook the manner of the
king's minifters, who talked in a high llrain, or whether he was
determined at all events on refiftance, has not been clearly afcertained..
From whatever caufe it arofe, he was obferved as he came out of the
tent to be uncommonly agitated ; and without waiting for the
minifters to accompany and introduce him, repaired dire<flly to the
royal tent. Having paid his rcfpeds to the king, he withdrew to
his own camp ; and fuddenly, without afligning any reafon for fuch
a condudl, ftruck his tents and went into fort. Notwithftanding fo
glaring and infolent a condud:, the king did not proceed to the im-
mediate punifhment of the rebel. On the contrary, he was per-
fuaded, through the mediation of Lutafut, who, it is aflerted, was
bribed largely on the occafion, to pardon him. Zabita Khan was,,
therefore, invited to court, and, on promifing fubmiflion, was again
confirmed in his government of Sehaurunpore. The army returned
to Delhi.

8o HISTORY OF

CHAP. VI.

Revolt of the Rajah o/" Jypore — SuccinEl Account of the 'Principa-
lities of OuDiPORE — JouDPORE and Jypore — The Ki/ig
marches to Jypore — Taking o/'Narnoul and Dhansney —
Difgrace o/'Mujud Al Dow la — Death of Prince Furk-
H I N D A B u K H T — Death and Charatler o/"Nujuff Khan.

ON the return of the royal army to Delhi, Nujuff Khan, who
had lately been appointed to the government of Agrah, repaired to
that province : about this time news arrived at court of the death of
Madhoo Sing, ruler of Jypore, and of the acceffion of Pertaub
Sing, a youth of twelve years of age, to his f^ither's government.
The confiderable Ihare which this prince bore in the tranfaCtions of
the court of Delhi, juftify our taking a retrofpedlive view of the
provinces of Oudipore, Joudpore, and Jypore, or the countries de-
nominated by geographers Rajpootana*.

When the Moguls firfl: entered Hindoftaun, they found the inha-
bitants in general effeminate and luxurious, and in confcquencc in-
capable of oppofmg \\ ith effe(^t thofe hardy bands who at firfl under
Zingis Khan, and afterwards his defcendant, the Great Timoor, ac-

• Confult the excellent memoir of a mnp of Hindoftaun by Major Rcnnel, to whom
the author begs leave to return his thanks for his liberal and polite attention in permit-
jng him to copy the map prefixed to this volume.

SHAH-AULUM. 8i

quired a fucceflion of conqucfts, and finally laid the foundation of
the Mogul empire in Hindoftaun in the perfon of Baber, lixth in
defcent from Timoor.

But however competent to overturn the Patan government, they
found it more difficult to fubdue the great Rajpoot principalities. —
The princes of thofe countries, who were the aboriginal fovereigns
ot Hindoftaun, inherited from their anceflors a high and warlike
fpirit, which, added to the natural advantages of their (ituation, in
countries furrounded by high mountains and interfedled by narrow
vallies and numerous defiles, rendered hazardous a foreign invafion.
The Rajpoot princes therefore continued long to refifl: with efFed: the
valour and difcipline of the Mogul troops j and the different fove-
reigns of the houfe of Timoor, after repeated, but ineffedlual,
ftruggles to reduce them by force, were in the end neceffitated to
adopt a method more conciliatory. The firfl: princes of the race of
Timoor not only invited them to the capital, and heaped upon them
honours and dignities of all kinds, but were accuflomed to inter-
marry with their families, a circumflance, which, if the tenacious
adherence of the Hindoos to prefcrve their blood pure and unconta-
minated be confidcred, would appear difgraceful j but an alliance
with the fovereign was, among the Hindoos, deemed honourable by
the ancient ufxges of their country.

The great acquifition of intcrefl thus obtained by the Rajpoot
princes, the fecurity of their pofTeflions, and, above all, the profpedt
of their defcendants mounting the throne, were motives that infured
a cheerful acquiefcence in the propofcd alliances, and abated their

83 HISTORY OF

ardent love of independence, and contributed to render them con-
tented in their tributary ftate. Accordingly, during the reigns of
Jehanguire, Shah Jehan, and Aurcngzeeb, the Rajpoot princes,
were gradually allied to royal blood *.

Rajpootanah -^ , or country of the Rathore Rajpoots, in the im-
perial regifter is included in the province of Agimere. From Jypore,
one of the principal cities, it extends 1 68 cofes X to its north- weftcm
boundary of Bekaneer, a city which flcirts the confines of the defart;
to the eaftvvard it extends 150 cofes, and is bounded on that quarter
by Agrah ; v.efl by the city of Debalpore, on the banks of the Sutt-
luzj and fouth by the province of Guzcrat.

The principal river, the Puddar, rifes in the mountainous part of
the country; and, after traverfing a vaft extent, is difcharged into
the fea, near the gulph of Kutch.

Within the afore-mentioned tradl are the cities of Oudipore, Joud-
pore, and Jypore, including the ftrong fortrelles o( Cheitore and
Rintimpore ; the former memorable for relifting the arm.s of the
emperor Akbar; and the latter for having afforded an afylum to the
families of Shah Jehan and Aurengzceb, when in rebellion againft:
their parents. Thefe countries abound in cotton, opium, indigo,

• See Dow's Hindoftaun — pajjlm.

+ In this dcfcription the author has availed himfclf of a/I*crfian MS. intitled
Hudeela Al Aiaukem, or a geographical account of fcvcral of the principal cities and
provinces of Hindoftaun. It is written by a learned native, and contains much curious
and ufeful information.

X Cofs is equal to two Britifli miles. 2

SHAH-AULUM. 83

tobacco, and grain of various kinds, moil of which articles are ex-
ported to Ahumudabad, the capital of Guzerat, which returns the
manufad:ures of Europe and Perfia. They have alfo a breed of ex-
cellent horfes, which are in general u{c among the Marhatta armies.
While the empire flouriflied, the revenues of the Agimere province
were eftimated at twenty-fix millions; and the different Rajahs, wlicn
united, could bring into the field an army of 200,000 men, a force
truly formidable, and which proved frequently fatal to the Mogul
princes, even in the zenith of their power and authority. To con-
clude our remarks on this fingular people, in the words of a fpirited
hiflorian *, " their fituation enabled them to retaliate injuries in the
" center of the empire; but attached to their foil, as ground on
*' which their deities as well as their anceflors had lived, few of
"" their princes had been ambitious of increafing their territory."

Towards the clofe of the lafl century, Jyfing, a prince no lefs
celebrated for his warlike talents than for his reputation as a philofo-
pher and a cultivator of the arts, founded the modern city of Jyporc,
which he called Jynagghar, It is fituated in the central parts of
Rajpootanah, and about 140 miles weft of Agrah. The town is
hand fome and well built ; the houfcs are of llonc, and the ftreets,
which are large and fpacious, interfed: each other at right angles. A
citadel, which commands the town, is built upon a fleep rock, around
which extends a chain of fortifications four miles in circumference.
In the town is to be feen an obfervatory, erefted by t\i£ prince afore-
mentioned, to which, during his life time, many eminent and

• Orme's Hiftorical Fragments.

M 2

84 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1779.

learned men were invited, where the fcience of aftronomy was af-
fiduoufly cultivated.

This city has of late years increafed in commerce and opulence ;
for fince the communication through the province of Lahoor has
been flopped by the Seiks, the merchants from the north have been
accuftomed to enter Hindoftaun by the route of Jypore. Rock fait,
iron, and copper, are found in the province; and its revenues are
eftimated at five millions fterling.

The inhabitants are wholly Hindoos; and their manners are repre-
lented by travellers to be hofpitable and unafFedled. Since the death
of Jyfii'ig, '^vho may be confidered as the founder of the prefent fa-
mily, there has been a fuccclTicn of four princes *. Purtaub Sing,
who, as already remarked, was a minor in the hands of his guar-
dians, from inexperience was incapable of governing and entirely
under the guidance of others. During the late diflurbances, his
minillers taking advantage of the abfence of the royal army, had
negledled to fend to court the cuftomary tribute, which Shah-Aulum
was determined to punilh. He accordingly aflcmbled the army, the
command of which was given to the Nawaub Mujud Al Dowla.
This nobleman, eager to gratify his own ambition, had long beheld
with impatience the authority of Nujuff Khan: he thought the pre-
fent opportunity favourable to his views ; and the abfence of the
captain general, who was employed in the Agrah province, gave him
hopes of cftabhfliing his afcendancy over the mind of his fovcreign,,

* Jyfing Scwaii; Alferi Sing, Prithi Sing, Madhco Sing..

A. D. 1779.] SHAH-AULUM. 8^

and by the Jiedudlion of the Jypore country fix himfclf in power
without controul.

The army being afiembled, Mujud Al Dowla, accompanied by
the king marched againft Rewari, a large town in the dominions
of Pertaub Sing, the place after a fhort refinance fubmitted, as did
alfo the forts of Narnoul and Dhanfney. The I'uccefs of thefe
operations induced Mujud Al Dowla to carry the king to a greater
diflance, and to propofe to his majefly to extend his circuit through
the provinces of Agimere, under pretext of paying his devotions at
the flirine of a Mahomcdan faint. This plan which w^as to fepa-
late the king from Nujuff Khan, would in alf probability have
fjcceeded, had not a circumflance occurred which baffled his
fchemes, and led in the end to important confequences. Nujuff
Khan hearing of the late fucceiTes, and perceiving the incrcafed in-
fluence of Mujud Al Dowla, ventured on aperfonal vifit to the royal
camp ; and leaving the care of Agrah to his friend Mahomed Beg
Khan, he began his march towards Jypore. The minifters of Per-
taub Sing, after the lofles afore mentioned, finding farther refifiance
vain, now made overtures of fubmifi"ion in the name of their
mafter, and a negociation accordingly commenced. A large paifli-
cufli was offered on the part of the young Rajah, and profef-
fions of loyalty and attachment in his future condud. — Pending
this treaty, Nujuflf Khan, who was informed of the circumfiance,
refolved it fhould not be terminated until his own arrival. He
therefore, difpatched an cxprefs to the king, requeuing that the treaty
(hould not be concluded without him j and on his own authority
forbade the Jypore Vakeel to proceed any farther in the affair. Com-

86 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1779.

mands didated in terms fo forcible had the defired effed, and Shah-
Aulum was compelled to acquaint Mujud Al Dowla of his ac-
quiefcence in the demands of his rival.

In a few days the army of NujufF Khan arrived in the neigh-
bourhood of the royal camp, and, to do the general honour, his ma-
jefty fent his third fon, the Prince Yezdan Bukht, to meet and con-
du(5t him to the prefence. A private conference was held on the
occafion, and Mujud Al Dowla was convinced that the authority of
his rival was too powerful to be .nerrhrovvn, Pertaub Sing was now
ordered to repair to the royal can.p, and on prefenting an offering
of five lacks of rupees, received his majelly's pardon, and was re-
florcd to tiie government of the Jypore province. The army then
returned to Delhi, where NujufF Khan, loon atter his arrival, cele-
brated the nuptials of his youngeit daughter with the Navvaub
Nujuff" Cooly Khan. The marria^^c was honoured by the king's
prefence, and in a few days after Nujuff" Khan returned to Agrah.

During the remainder of the current year, little occurs at Delhi
worthy of notice ; but the enfuing fcafon exhibited a new fcene of
adlion, and occafioned a con(idcrabIe alteration on the face of af-
fairs at court. The Seiks, who for feveral years had confined thcm-
felves to their own territories, now fuddcnly appeared in great
numbers on the frontiers. A great force under different leaders
having aflernblcd, entered the king's territories, and commenced
their ufual courfe ot plunder and devaluation. They foon pene-
trated as far as Carnal, a large city ico miles north of the capital.
Of this they took polfclfion, and difpcrfed their parties in various

A. D. 1780.] SHAH-AULUM. 87

dircvftions to overrun the province of Delhi. To repel this daring
invafion, Mujiid A\ Dowla, accompanied by Furkhinda Bukht, a
prince of the royal family, were ordered to take the field. Twenty
thoufand men, with a refpecflable train of artillery, were foon ready
to march. Advancing by eafy marches along the wellern bank of
the river Jumna, the royal army reached Carnal without interruption.
At this place Runjeet Sing and Deo Sing, two of the principal leaders
of the Seiks, difpatched a vakeel to camp with offers of fubmif-
fion. They promifed a puifliculh of three lacks of rupees, and to
recal their affociates from their predatory incurfions. Mujud Al
Dowla acquiefceing in the propofal, thofe chiefs were direded to
attend the royal army in iti. future progrefs. Accordingly hav-
ing evacuated the town of Carnal, they joined the minill:er. From
Carnal, Mujud Al Dowla advanced to Puttiali, a town 60 cofcs
north of the latter, and fituated on the Seik frontier. That place
was defended by Amur Sing, who with a numerous garnfon, and
abundance of provifions, refolved to fullain a fiege. Amur Sing
had, however, other motives for refillance; he was aware that a large
reinforcement of Seiks had left Lahore, and might flaortly be cx-
pedled at Puttiali ; nor was he without hope that even in the event
of their non-arrival, and the town being hard preffed, but that he
fliould be able to gain over the minificr to his views, by the aid of
all-powerful gold. However this might have been, Mujud Al
Dowla bcficged the place in form j but many days had not elapfed,
when it was announced (o the army, that a negociation for peace
was in train. Amur Sing confenting to become tributary, commif-
fioners were appointed on both fides to draw up an amicable treaty..
The conferences accordingly commenced ; but an ad of treachery

88 HISTORY OF [a. p. 1780.

on the part of the Seiks, and in which it was fiifpeded the minilkr
had a conlidcrable fliare, fuddenly diffolved the meeting. To re-
late with precilion the circumftances which led to this breach of
faith, wc mil ft recoiled: that the Seik chieftains, who had fubmitted
at Carnal, were ftill in the royal camp. They having received ad-
vice ot the cxpcded reinforcement of their countrymen being near
at hand, fent notification of it to Amar Sing j at the fame time ad-
vifing that chief by fome means or other to break off the treaty then
pending.

Agreeably to this information, Amar Sing exhibited to the com-
millioners many fliuffling evafions and pretexts ; and to this was
added an haughty and contemptuous behaviour, which could not be
miflaken. Rajah Daieram, the chief commiffioner, perceiving his
drift, quitted the town of Pattiali, and with his aflbciates returned
to camp.

Meanwhile the traitors there endeavoured by ftudied refpedl to
preclude all fufpicion of their fidelity in the mind of the minifter.
Mujud Al Dowla faid nothing; and his fliameful fupinenefs on this
occafion in fuffcring tlae infults fuftained by the royal commiflioners
at Pattiali to pafs unnoticed, afforded additional proofs of his collu-
fion in the difgraceful fcene. Early on the following morning,
Runjcet Sing and his affociate fuddenly left the canip : a party was
diredted to go in purfuit of them ; this party had fcarccly cleared
the advanced pofts of the army, when they difcovered the van
guard of an immenfc hoft of Seiks, who by forced marches had
advanced thus far unnoticed. At the fame inftant Amar Sing, of

A. D. 1780.] SHAH-AULUM. 89

Pattiali, ifluing out of the fort, covered the retreat of the traitors,
and with them fliortly after joined the troops from Lahoor. The
Seiks now made a violent attack on all fides : accuftomed to a de*
fultory mode of warfare, they charged the line in feveral parts at
once, and by the ficrccnefs of their onfet, threw the king's troops
into confufion. The whole army would now have been facrificed
had not the officer who commanded in the rear, by a well-diredled
fire of his artillery, given a timely check to the enemy. The king's
troops were, however, compelled to retire ; and for four days made
a difgraceful and diforderly retreat. On the fifth day, the army
reached Panniput, under the walls of which they encamped. Here
the Seiks quitted them; and unfatiated with fuccefs, and fiercely
thirfling for plunder, they divided into feparate columns, and
crofling the Jumna, fpread themfclves over the upper parts of the
Doo Ab, committing every where adls of cruelty, devaflation, and
death.

The late difgraceful fcenes had excited in the army unlverfal
indignation againft Mujud Al Dowla. On him the eyes of all
men were bent; and numbers fcrupled not openly to accufe him
of having been bribed by the Seiks to betray the king's interefts,
and devote his army to utter ruin. If, indeed, it be confidered
that a finer and better appointed army never marched from Delhi^
that they were fluflicd with recent fuccefTcs, and animated by the
prefence of a prince of the blood; that this army fliould be incom-
petent to fuftain the fhock of a tumultuous rabble, appeared incre-
dible in the eyes of all men, and proved the reproaches thrown on
the minifler to be flridly merited. Even after the enemy iaad re-

^ ^ HISTORY OF [A.D. 1780.

tired, inlUad of remaining on the frontier to recover his foldiers
from their late depreffion, he, as if panic ftruck, marched pre-
cipitately to the capital, thereby leaving the whole country expofed
iri his rear, and the wretched inhabitants a prey to the ravages of
thofe barbarous invaders. But he was foon to receive a punifhmcnt
adequate to his dcferts.

InteUigence of this difaftrous event arriving at Delhi, conftema-
tion and difmay feized on all. The king was highly incenfed at
the bafe condud: of Mujud Al Dowla; and to prevent farther ill con-
fequences, required the immediate attendance of the captain general.
It was indeed high time for fome effcdlual interference. On one
hand the Seiks were filling the Doo Ab with outrage and devafla-
tion, while on the other feveral of the Zemindars, availing them-
fclves of the confufion of the times, rofe in arms in many parts of
the country.

The minifter, who by this time had reached Delhi, on his arrival
laboured incelTantly to remove from the king's mind all fufpicioa
of his fidelity. He entered into a long defence of his condud:,
wherein he attempted to prove that the late difafler was imputable
not to his want of attachment, but to the common accidents of
war ; that for himfclf he had ever been one of the foremoll in zeal
and exertion for his majefiy's fervice.

Shah-Aulum, who was not in a condition as yet to refute the ar-
guments of his minifter, (that nobleman's guards having poiTelfion
of the palace) apparently accepted his apologies ; but the fcqucl

A. D. 1780.] SHAH-AULUM. 91

inclined all thinking perfons to conclude, that the king was in his
own mind refolved on his difgrace. It muft here be remembered
that Mujud Al Dowla, from his extenfive influence at court, had^
ftrong party in his favour in the army ; that he, moreover, was
in pofTeflion of the king's perfon and the citadel, and therefore re-
folved to oppofe his enemies by force of arms. It was juftly
feared that the contention between the rival chiefs would, to the
citizens of Delhi, be attended with confiderable mifchief, if not of
blood (lied.

Thefe alarms, however, were happily fubdued by the condudt
and dexterity of the captain general, who was now on his way to the
capital. By means of his emilTaries, difperfed throughout the city,
he, by large bribes and promifes of preferment, drew over to his own
views the leading chiefs of the minifter's party. Secure on this
head, he hefitated not to carry his deligns into inftant execution.

On his arrival in the neighbourhood, the prince Furkhinda Bukht
and Mujud Al Dowla were ordered to rtieet and condud: the captain
general to court. Prior to Mujud Al Dowla's quitting the citadel,
he received information of the intended combination againft him.
He was told of the defigns of his enemies to feize him, and of the
king's acquiefcence and fecret indignation toward him: finally, tlicy
re«ommended him to be upon his guard j and, in the flrongefl man-
ner, urged him to remain within the citadel, where, with the force
he poffelTed, he might bid defiance to the united efforts of his ene-
mies. Staggered at the unexpciflcd intelligence, the minifter for a
moment paufed. But impelled by an unaccountable infatuation, he

N 2

92 HISTORY OF [a. u. 1781.

relied on the king's pcrfonal favour, and, niaugre the intreaties of
his friends, rcfulved to go on.

Scarcely had the prince's retinue quitted the city, when Afrafiab
Khan, a young foldier of fortune, who had been bred in the camp
and in the family of Zulficar Al Dowla, at the head of 500 horfe,
feized on flie gate; thence proceeding to the citadel, he compelled
the garrifon, who had been ftationcd there by Mujud Al Dowla, to
lay down their arms and evacuate the fort. They obeyed : the
fpirited youth then took pofTellion for Shah-Aulum in the name of
his benefadlor. The king having taken no notice of this tranfadlion,
it was fuppofed his majefly was apprifed of the whole plan prior to
its execution.

By this time the prince and Mujud Al Dowla had reached the
camp of the captain general. After a few complimentary ceremo-
nies, the miniftcr was informed that he was no more to vifit the
king. Perceiving his difgrace inevitable, he begged leave to return
to his palace in the city. This was allowed, but a guard was feht
along with him ; and fhortly after the whole of his property^
amounting to nlorc than twenty lacks of rupees, was feized, and
confifcated to the ufe of the captain general.

In a court fo fruitful of revolutions as Delhi, the removal or death
of a minifter is in general viewed by the people with perfed: apathy
and indifference: yet on this occafion,^ Mujud Al Dowla's condu(ft
in the late expedition had excited a difguft among all ranks; which,
added to his former a<^s of rapacity and opprellion to fupply the

A.D. lySf.] SHAH-AULUM. 93

extravagance of the court, altogether rendered his difgracc juftly
merited .

Zulficar Al Dowlah, on his prefentation at court, was received
by Shah-Auhim with marks of the moft affedlionate refped:. In
return he made an offering of four lacks of rupees, together with
fome beautiful Perfian horfes for the ufe of the king's flable. The
palace of the late vizir Cummir Aldeen Khan was afligned for the
refidence ot the new minifter, who from henceforth determined to
fix his relidence at Delhi,

The difmiflion of Mujud AI Dowla from all his employments
occafioned fome alterations in the arrangement of offices. At the
recommendation of the captain general, the prince Mirza Juvvaun
Bukht was made fuperintendant of the bathing apartments ; prince
Furkhinda Bukht, Meer Atufli, or Grand Mafter of Artillery ; and
his majefty honoured the captain general himfelf witii the high office
of Vakeel Mutluck, or Abfolute Director General of ihc affairs of
the empire..

The commencement of 1781 was taken up in preparations for
punifhing the Seiks. That lawlefs banditti were flill ravaging the
upper parts of the Doo Ab. To chaflife them, Mirza Shuffce Khan,
a young nobleman who poffeffcd great military experience, was de-
tached from the capital with a body of twelve th.oufand men, and
a fuitablc train of artillery. After croffing the Jumna, he \\cnt in
quefl of the enemy; and after feveral incffedtual (kirmiflics and

94 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1781.

a defultory warfare, he at laft brought them to a general and decifivc
a(5lion.

On the 15th of Auguft, under the walls of Meerut, he attacked
them with great gallantry and fpirit : the king's troops, Simulated
by the remembrance of their difgrace the preceding year, and burn-
ing for revenge, exerted on this occafion their utmoft efforts to make
an honourable amend. Succefs crowned their wifhes in a total
overthrow of the enemy with a terrible flaughter. Sahib Sing, their
leader, with fcveral other commanders of note, were flain on the
fpot, and upwards of 5000 men. Difpirited at this lofs, the Seiks re-
turned in the utmoft confufion, croflcd the Jumna with precipitation,
and finally took refuge in their own territories, which afforded relief
to the miferable inhabitants over whom for tlie fpace of feveral
months they had exercifed the moH uncontrokd and imbounded
feverity.

After the victory, Mirza Shuffee Khan humanely direded his
attention to the diftreffes of the inhabitants j and to afford them
folid proofs of his benevolent intentions, he, in the name of his
majefl)'-, granted them a remifTion of taxes for a year.

Order being once more reftored, he returned in triumph to the
capital. Had the advantages we have above detailed been purfued
with a vigour proportionate to the occafion, there is no doubt but
the moil: fubftantial benefits would have acrued to the royal caufe.
The enemy were totally difpirited w ith their lolfes j and by natural
confequcnce, were at variance with each other, and incapable of

A.D. 1781.] SHAH-AULUM. 95

refinance. Here then was a mofl: favourable opportunity afforded
for extending the king's influence from the environs of his capital
even to the Attock ; and of eftabhlliing his authority on fo fecure
and permanent a bafe as in future to have effedlually precluded all
attempts of his ambitious neighbours, or, what was to him of more
confequence, to keep within bounds his own rebellious fubjedls. —
Unfortunately for the ftate, thefe advantages were not followed up;
nor could the prime minifter be prevailed on to re-affemble the army
for an invafion of the Punjab, He was now advancing in years,
and had become indolent, to which it might be added the minifler
could not without jealoufy behold the abilities and rifing fortunes of
Mirza Shuffee Khan. High fpirited and aitlive, that nobleman had
gaiiied the attachment of the foldiery in a very uncommon degree;
and by a(Ss of liberality and munificence, he was careful to confirm
them in their fentiments.

Meanwhile, as the perfon mofl: fit for the appointment, Mirza
Shuffai was nominated to the command of the frontier flation ; and
accordingly having received his difmifllon from the prefence, atten-
ded by a confiderable force, he repaired to the city of Panniput.

About this time ambaffadors from Lahoor arrived at court. —
They brought letters of fubmiflion from the principal chiefs, which
were accompanied by a large paiflrcufla in money, and a promife of
the payment in future of a regular tribute. The city of Carnal was
likewife reflored to the king ; and the ambafladors moreover made
a pecuniary compenfation for the lofles fuflained in the late in-
vafion.

96 HISTORY OF

Shah- Allium now celebrated the nuptials of his fccond fon,
Prince Akbar Shah, with a princefs of the royal family. The
ceremony was performed with much fplcndour at the houfe of the
niiniflcr, who took this opportunity of gratifying his mafter by
beftovving liberal prcfents on the new-married pair.

Toward the latter end of the current year, died the Prince Furk-
hinda Bukht. His remains were interred in the maufoleum of
Humaioon, the general repofitory of the aflics of the houfe of
Timoor *.

The death of tlie prince was followed lliortly after by that of the
minifter. He had been much aflflidled for fevcral preceding years
■with a fevere rheumatic complaint. This was increafed by a com-
plication of other diforders occafioned by an irregular mode of
life, which at length inflamed his humours to fuch a degree of acri-
mony as rendered life a burthen to him. In this deplorable ftatc,
he languiflied for feveral months, till in the month of April 1782,
he expired in the palace of Sefdar Jung, fincerely regretted by his
fovereign, who vifited him during his illnefs, and lamented by the
inhabitants of Delhi, A\ho loved and revered him. He was buried
in the fepulchre of Ali Mirdaun Khan.

Mirza Nujuff Khan Zulficar Al Dowla was a native of Pcrfia :
by the mother's fide, he claimed his defcent from the royal houfe of
Scfi, who, at the commencement of the prefent century, fat on

Vide Appendix i.

SHAH-AULUM. 97

the throne of Perfia. When Nadir Shah ufurped that government,
he put under confinement all the relative branches of the ro)'aI fa-
mily who remained. Among thofe were the mother of Nujuff
Khan : flie had tv/o children, hinifelf and a fifler, named Khadeeja
Sultaun.

In 1746, Mirza MohufTun, brother of Sefdar Jung, Soobadar of
Oude, was fent on an embalfy to the Per fian court. By his intcr-
ceffion, the family obtained their liberty; when the mother, pre-
ferring to remain in her native country, Mirza Mohuffun carried
back into Hindoftaun Mirza Nujuff Khan and his fifter, at that
tirne about thirteen years old. This princefs was fliortly after mar-
ried to her deliverer, and had by him one fon, who, in procefs of
time, became governor of Allahabad. In that ftation Mahmud
Cooli Khan, the perfon above mentioned, was, by order of Shuja
Al Dowla, moft bafely affaffinated *.

Mirza Nujuff Khan, at the time of his nephew's deceafe, was
likewife in the vizir's fervicc. — But Shuja having taken an aver-
fion to him, which mofl probably arofe from an unworthy jealoufy
of his fuperior accomplifhments, treated him in fevcral inftances
with marked difrcfpedt. The high fpirit of Nujuff Khan could
not brook thefe indignities,, and accordingly quitted for ever the
dominions of Oude.

In the year 1762, he repaired to Patna, where Coflim Ali Khan,

* At the fort of Jelaulabad, about five miles diftant from the city of Lucknow.

98 HISTORY OF

Nabob of Bengal, at that time held his court. That prince taking
NujufF Khan into his fervice, he was promoted to the command of
a body of Mogul horfe. He was employed during the war that
foon after broke out between the Sooba and the Britilh government,
and was prefent at the attack of Oudah Nulla, and other places;
and on all occafions conduced himfelf with vigour, fpirit, and
gallantry.

On the defeat of Shuja Dowla at the memorable battle of Buxar,
and the total ruin of the affairs of the unfortunate CofTim, Mirza
Nujuff Khan being unwilling to truft to the vizir's clemency,
fought an afylum in Boghilcund. Here he remained until the treaty
of Allahabad in 1765, when he was fent for by Shah-Aulum; and
at his recommendation. Lord Clivegave him a penfion of two lacks
of rupees, chargeable on the revenues of the Corah province *.

On his majefly's retreat from Allahabad, Nujuff Khan accom-
panied the court ; and from that period he rofe, as we have feen in
the preceding pages, to the firfl oflices and higheft honours in the
flate.

Mirza Nujuff Khan, by his powerful influence, high military
character, and unrelaxed attention to bufincfs, was well fitted to
conducfl the affiiirs of the empire with a vigorous and fteady hand.
He reflored order and tranquillity to the almoft-ruincd provinces ;

* See the reports of the fclecft committee.

SHAH-AULUM. 99

and by his wife adminirtration, recruited in a confiderable degree
the exhaufled finances.

Though continually furrounded by numerous and warlike ene-
mies, the abilities of the captain general were equal to the conteft.
By a fteady and undeviating purfuit in his defigns, he at length
triumphed over all his enemies, and reaped the fruits of his well-
earned labours by ere<fling for himfelf a noble principality. This,
confining of the province of Agrah, of which he was governor,
the adjoining countries of Merut and Macheri, the whole of the
Jaut territories, and greater part of the Doo Ab, altogether yielding
a revenue of two millions ftcrling. His eftablifhment was magni-
ficent and extenfive ; and he lived in a manner worthy a prince.

To great ikill in military affairs, Nujuff Khan added the happy
talent of being able to conciliate the attachment of his troops
in an uncommon degree. The foldiers admired his patience under
adverfity, his affability, generofity, and manlincfs of fpirit ; and
though, from a variety of circumfliances, and the fludluating
changes incident to an Afiatic army, they were not unfrequently
thrown into difcontcnt, and fome times even to mutiny, Nujuff
Khan, on thefe critical occafions, never failed, by his addrefs and
dexterity, to pacify the moft unruly without a diminution of his
own authority. — A rare and fortunate example.

That no other perfon was equally capable to combine and keep
together fuch a variety of difcordant interells as the policy of an

o 2

loo HISTORY OF

Eaftern government ever exhibits, was cffediially evinced in the
Kxamples of his fuccefTors.

Upon the whole, we may, with juftice, afcribe to Nujuff Khan
the charadler of an able ilatefman, a Ikilful commander, and a hu-
mane and benevolent man. Polite and affable in his manners to
all perfons, which is indeed proverbial to his countrymen, he was
generous to his dependants, and ftridtly juft. His death was de-
fervcdly regretted by Shah-Aulum, who certainly owed to Mirza
Nujuff Khan a fituation more refpedable than he had before, or
was hercaftei;, deffined to experience *.

* The foregoing account of the family of Nujuff Khan is extraded fk)m a Perfian
MS. in the author's poffeffion ; it is entitled Khazanah Omrah, or Biography of the
Mogul Nobility, a work frequently mentioned by Oriental hiftorians.

A.D. 17S2.] SHAH-AULUM. loi

CHAP. VII.

Tratifa^ions at Court fubfequent to the Death o/" Zulficar Al
DowLA — Afrasiab Khan appointed Minljler — DiJJ'entions
among the yioGVL Lords — Elevation o/'MiRZA Shuffee Khan
— tntrigues — He is ajfajjinatcd before Deig — Re-appointment of
Afrasia* Khan — Reflexions.

UNTIL NujuffKlian's death, affiiirs at court, though at times in-
terrupted by temporary diffentions and difagreements betwixt the Mo-
gul nobles, had by the aftive vigilance of the captain-general been
amicably fettled. But their turbulent fpirit, however, retrained
during his life time, now broke forth with a fury which was to-
tally ungovernable. Hence in the fequcl of this hiftory we fliall
be reduced to the painful necelTity of recording fcenes of violence,
anarchy, and bloodflied. Shah-Aulum advancing in years, and
diftitute of that energy and vigour of mind fo necelfary to ftem the
torrent, was compelled as occasions demanded to yield to its force,
and the unhappy king, in the evening of life, had the mortification
to perceive his authority totally annihilated, and himfelf become a
wretched pageant in the hands of his rebellious fubjeds.

Among the principal competitors for power was Afrafiab Khan.
This young foldier, bred in the camp, and under the eye of the
late captain-general, had by his military talents acquired the affec-
tions of the army. He was nominated to tlie poll: of Ameer Al

102 HISTORY OF [a. d, 1782.

Omrah. His firfl: attention was judicioully dircdcd to fccure the
attachment of the different Mogul chiefs. Among thefe Mirza
Shuffee Khan was one of the moft powerful ; his late fuccefs againll
the Seiks, and his (ituation in command of the frontiers, induced
the minifler to treat him with extraordinary attention. Afraiiab
Khan, therefore, fent letters to that nobleman, exprcflive of the ut-
moft cordiality, and recommended his vigilant attention to his
charjre on the frontiers. Similar letters were fent to the Nawaub
Zabita Khan, ruler of Sehaurunpore. The new minifter being po-
pular in the army, and a man of acknowledged refolution', it was
thought he would have fecured a continuation of liis authority ; but
an oppofition \yhich arofe totally unexpected by him from an op-
pofite quarter, not only for the prefent deprived him of his autho-
rity, but even brought him to the very brink of ruin.

To trace the caufe of this oppofition, we mufl: recur to the fitua-
tion of the family of the deceafed minifter. Nujuff Khan's fifter,
the Princefs Khadejee Sultaun, was at this time at Delhi, polfeflcd of
great wealth ; and being a woman of a mafculine and intriguing
fpirit, flae boldly entered into the politics of the times, and refolved
to form a party of her own. She had conceived a great averfion to
Afrafiab Khan, who had treated her with difrefpedt, and know-
ing the ambition of Mirza Shuffee, feledted that nobleman as a
counterpoife againfl: the minifter's influence. Khadejee Sultaun,
therefore, in concert with Zeein Al Abuden Khan, his brother, and
other lords, whom fhe had gained over to her views, invited Mirza
Shuffee to march to Delhi, and take upon himfelf the adminiftra-
tion of affairs. They affured him at the fame time, that the king

A.D. 17S2.] SHAH-AULUM. 103

fecretly approved the plan, and concluded by recommending his
fpeedy appearance.

The defign of this confederacy, however cautioufly conduded,
could not long be kept fecret from Afrafiab Khan. Information of
the intended confpiracy being conveyed to him, he refolutely de-
termined on a counter plan, and by a coalition of interefts with
fome difafTedted lords, to defeat the defigns of his enemies.
Among thefe were the depofed minifi:er, the Nawaub Mujud Al
Dowla J that nobleman had fince his difgrace been kept in clofe
confinement. Afrafiab Khan finding him well inclined to the con-
ne(5bion, applied to Shah-Aulum for his releafe. He obferved to
his majefly, that Mujud Al Dowla, having experienced a fevere
punifliment for his faults, in a tedious imprifonment, and the con-
fifcation of his fortune, there was now room for clemency towards
him. Shah-Aulum acquiefcing in the requcfl, Mujud Al Dowla was
liberated from his arreft, and again placed at the head of the Khalifa*,
at the fame time NujufF Cooli Khan, fon-in-law of the late mi-
niftcr, was promoted to the office of Dewaun. The contending
parties were, in force, nearly equal, but as Afrafiab poirelled the
pofl of advantage, in having the citadel under his immediate com-
mand, he flattered himfclf with the hopes of fuccefs.

Such was the fituation of affairs, when Mirza Shuflee Khan,
with his army arrived in the neighbourhood of Delhi. The king,
it is faid, being favourable to his prctenfions, difpatchcd a con-
fidential fervant fecretly to his camp, who recommended for the
prefcnthis remaining inadlivc. This tranfadtion did not efca].e the

* The trcafury.

104 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1782.

notice of Afnifiub Khan, and on receiving information of it from
his cmillaries, he determined by a vigorous meafiirc, at once to
bring the matter to ilTiie. Repairing to the palace, he, in peremptory-
terms demanded the difmilfion of Mirza Shuffce, and told the king
that perceiving his enemies had formed a plan to fiibvert his autho-
rity, it was incumbent on him by every means in his power, to pre-
vent fuch an a(5l of injuftice. That with refpect to the appearance
of Mirza ShufFee at the capital, he mufl: be called on to afTign his
motives for quitting his ftation on the frontiers without Icace ob-
tained, and in manifefl violation of his oath of allegiance.
Afrafiab Khan concluded with remarking the improper conduft of
thePrincefs Khadejee Sultaun, whom he knew a(ft:ed in concert with
his enemies, and urged the neceflity of laying fome reftraint upon
her ambitious and intriguing fpirit. He charged, her with a defign
to degrade his majefty's authority ; and finally concluded his rc-
monftrance, with a requifition for that princefs immediately to de-
liver up the fortrefs of Agrah, with the cannon and warlike ftores
contained therein. Shah-Aulum under the reftraint of his minifter
acquiefced in his demands, and accordingly Mirza Shuffee was
called upon by letter to ftate his reafons for having quitted his ftation.
This vigorous meafure, though it alarmed Mirza Shuffce, did not
incline him to relinquifli his purfuits. Inftead of anfvvering to the
charge, he advanced h.is camp oppofite the Ajimere gate of the
city, which he clofcly blockaded.

The afped of aflfixirs was gloomy. The rival chiefs were each
determined to reft the iifue of their rcfpedtive claims to the fword,
and a fcenc of tumult and horror was apprelituded by the peaceful

A. D. 1782.] SHAH-AULUM. 105

inhabitants. At this crifis of affairs an imexpefted circumftance
arofe, which defeated the defigns of the prime minifler, and gave the
palm of fuccefs to his opponent. During the difputes above re-
lated, Mahomed Beg Khan Hamdani, who was governor of Agrah
on the part of Niijuff Khan, availing himfelf of the confufion of
the times, refolved to participate in the fpoils. He left the fort of
Agrah, and began to plunder and lay wafte the country, but his
vengeance was principally dircdted againft the Jagheer of Afrafiab
Khan, of whofe authority he was jealous. Afrafiab Khan deeming the
prefervation of his eflate preferable to maintaining his authority at
court, determined to retire. But previous to taking that flep he delivered
over the citadel to his affociate Mujud Al Dowla, and at his departure
told the king he would foon return, and take vengeance of his ene-
mies. He then with a feled body of horfe took the road to Agrah.

Scarcely had Afrafiab Khan left the city, when Mirza Shuffee
Khan marched in with his whole force. His fuccefs was rapid,
having fecured the gates and principal avenues to the palace, he
detached a party to furround the hoiifes of Mujud Al Dowla
Lutafut Khan, Nujuff Cooli Khan, and other chiefs, attached to
his rival. After a fhort, but defpcratc refifi;ance, in which feveral
were flain, thofe noblemen were compelled to fubmitj and Mirza
Shuffee, elevated with his fuccefs, repaired in triumph to the palace.
He was immediately inverted with the dignity of Ameer Al Omrah,
and the fupreme adminiftration of affairs. Tranquillity being
reftorcd in the city, Mirza Shuffee paid a vifit to the Princefs
Khadcja Sultaun. After mutual congratulations the princefs pre-
fented him with a large fum of money, of which he was much iii

io6 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1782.

want, and to confirm his authority by every means in her power,
fhe beftowed on him in marriage the only remaining daughter of
her deceafed brother. The nuptials were celebrated with much
fplendour at her own charge.

Arrived at the height of his ambition, it might naturally be con-
jertured that Mirza Shuffee would omit no precautions to confirm
his authority upon a folid bafis. But in his fubfcquent condu<ft he
was highly rcprehenfible. That conducft w hich had acquired him
the affe(flion of the troops and the fupport of the oflicers, now ap-
peared to have forfaken him. His demeanour on a fudden became
haughty and imperious, which excited murmuring and difcontent
in the breafts of his afTociates, and their effecfl were for him but too
foon apparent. In the mean time we muft direifl our attention to
the depofed minifter. Afrafiab Khan hearing of the late revolution,
wifely refolved to make Mahomed Beg Khan Hamdani his friend.
He being equally well difpofcd to a compromife, a treaty was ac-
cordingly drawn up, in which it was agreed to join their lorces and
march forthwith to Delhi, to reinftate Afrafiab Khan in his autho-
rity, and afterwards fliaring in a mutual adminiftration.

In the mean time their views were advanced, though unintention-
ally towards them, by the difclofure of a plan which had been con-
certed under the aufpices of the Prince Juwaun Bukht, which pro-
duced a new revolution in afTairs. That prince, who had long been
indignant at the degraded fituation of the royal authority, thought
the abfcnce of Afrafiab Khan a favourable opportunity for pro-
fecuting a plan for the king's rJief, and of taking a fhare of the
government to himfelf. He had for this purpofe privately gained.

A. D. 1782.] SHAH-AULUM. . 107

over to his views Lutafut Ali Khan, Mahomed Yacoob, and fome
other lords. To the weight of their influence, was added that of
Mr. Pauly, a French officer, who commanded the difciplined bat-
talions of the late Somroo.

The plan of operations having been thoroughly digcfted, Mirza
Juwaun Bukht, accompanied by his afTociates, difclofed it to Shah-
Aulum. They ftrenuoufly urged his majefty to difmifs Mirza Shuffec
Khan from his employments, and to re-affume his authority, and
punifli the rebels. They concluded by recommending the immediate
arreft of the minifter, whom Mr. Pauly undertook to fecure. Shah-
Aulum fignifying his acquiefcence, the confpirators prepared to
carry their plan into execution. It was however rendered needlefs
by the voluntary departure of Mirza ShufFee Khan, He was that
very morning exerciling his troops on the fands of the Jumna,
when he received an account of the plan for his deflrucflion. He
faw his danger, and finding his troops infufficient to face the com-
bination, prudently refolved to retire. The Nawaub Mujud Al
Dowla and about lOOO horfe, accompanied him in his flight.
They took the road to Agrah. On Mirza Shuffec 's departure, tlic
king mounting an elephant proceeded diredlly to the yuimna Musjed*,
where he received the compliments of the nobility, and diftributed
a large fum of money to the troops. His majefly then invefted the
Prince Juwaun Bukt with the office of Ameer Al Omrah, and re-
turned to the palace. But this triumph of the court was of very
ihort duration, and the principal adors in the late tranfadion were

* The principal mofijue in the city of Delhi. See Appemiix i .

P 2

loS HISTORY OF [a. d. 1783.

foon deftined to experience a fad reverfe of fortune. Indeed every
.attempt of this ill-fated monarcii to emancipate himfelf from the
reftraints impofed by his rebellious fervants, feems only in the con-
clufion to have rendered his lituation more wretched.

Mirza ShufFce and his aflbciatc on quitting Delhi, determined ta
feck an afykim in the camp of his inveterate foes. But it muftbe
recolleded that circumftances were now materially altered. He,
like them, was a fugutive, and a fenfe of their common danger had
moreover naturally reconciled the exiled chiefs to a combination of
their mutual intereft. Mahomed Beg, Mirza Shuffee, and Afrafialr
Khan, having met in the neighbourhood of Muttra, after a mu-
tual interchange of compliments, drew up a folcmn treaty to the
following effed : i. An equal divifion was to be made of the lands,
pofTeiTed by the late Nawaub Zulficar Al Dowla. 2. Mirza Shuffee
Khan to be re-inflated in the pofl of prime minifter, and to remain
at Delhi, 3. In conlideration of Afrafiab Khan yielding up his
claim to the chief direClion of affairs, he was to be left in joint au-
thority with Mahomed Beg Khan, to rule in the Doo Ab and fouth
weft of the Jumna. The treaty was concluded by an unanimous
alTurance of infli<fling on their enemies the moft exemplary punifh-
mcnts. The united forces of thefc powerful chiefs then commenced
their march towards the capital. On the road they were joined by
Pertaub Row of Maeheri. On reaching Fereedabad, a town about
twelve miles fouth of Delhi, the confederates encamped, and from
hence refolved to didlate to the emperor their own terms. Agree-
ably to this refolution, Mujud Al Dowla was difpatched to court.
He was commiffioned in the name of the confederates to declare

A. D. 1783.] SHAH-AULUM. 109

to Shah-Aulum, their refolution to maintain their allegiance to his
majefty, but at the fame time to Hate the neccflity of reftoring to
Mirza Shuffee Khan, that authority of which by the machinations
of his enemies he had been fo unjuflly deprived.

The arrival of this ambaffador created the mofl: alarming appre-
henfions in the king's mind. A council was aflcmbled on the oc-
cafion, when Prince Juwaun Bukt fpiritedly propofed to oppofe
the rebels by force. He obferved to his majefly with much judg-
ment, that fliould the rebels obtain their infolent demands, there
was no reafonable ground in future to hope that any refped: would
be paid to his majefty, but that the traitors, as the natural effed: of
an eafy compliance, would not reft fatisfied without the complete
degradation of the royal authority. The prince was fupported in
his opinion by the whole council, and Mr. Pauly affirmed that his
own force was of itfelf fufficient to overthrow and difperfe the rebels.
But the king with a pufillanimity totally unworthy of him, which
arofefrom a fear of fuftaining infults fliould the rebels be fuccefsful,
rejedled the falutary advice of his fon, and commanded him in
concert with Mr. Pauly to enter into an amicable agreement with the
confederates. Many perfons at Delhi fcruplcd not to affirm, that
the king on this occafion, was fwayed by the intrigues carrying on
in the haram. That the Princcfs Khadejee Sultaun, the aunt of
Mirza Shutfee, had perfuaded his majcfly to pacific meafures. It is
moft probable that to the latter caufe may be attributed his irrefolu-
tion. Pauly and Lutafut therefore, were charged with the ncgoci-
ation, and to give appearance of greater cordiality on the part of his
majefly, the Prince Juwaun Bukht was diro<5ted to accompany the

no HISTORY OF [a. d, 1783.

commiiTioncrs to the rebel camp. Mean while a plan of which
Afrafiab Khan is fiiid to have been the contriver, was agitated in the
councils of the confederates. They agreed to the propofitions for
peace, but, inftigated by a revengeful fpirit, defcended to the perpe-
tration of an atrocious ad:.

A general reconciliation of parties being agreed to, and properly
ratified by the refpedive fignatures. Prince Mirza Juwaun Bukht,
accompanied by Pauly and Lutafut, left the city and proceeded to
the confederate armies. But fcarcely had the devoted vidims entered
the camp, when a party of horfe, who had been placed in ambufcade,
fuddenly iHuing from their concealment, attacked and difperfed the
followers of the commiflloncrs, feized and overpowered thofc un-
fortunate men, and by a bloody procefs flruck off the head of Mr.
Pauly, ^nd deprived Lutafut of fight. The army of the rebels then
attacked the battalions of the commiffioncrs, whom as they were
totally unprepared for the treachery, were cafily overpowered. To
the prince they promifed implicit obedience, and fliortly after in his
company entered the city in triumph.

Shah-Aulum, thus reduced, was confirained to receive the rebels
^\ith apparent fatisfadion and marks of rcfpcd. Mirza Shuffcc
was reinftated in his authority, and the other chiefs were honoured
with titles and dignities.

From the afcendancy thus acquired by Mirza Shuffce, had l:c
purfued an upright condud, there was every profped of his authority
being pcr;nancnt. But it foon appeared that the late reconciliation of

A. 0.1783.] SHAH-AULUM. rii

the contending chiefs was temporary and infincere. The prime
minifler, in order to rcftore tranquillity to the province of Agrah,
which had fulfered much by the tumults before mentioned, refolved
to repair thither in perfon : he took with him the prince Solimaun
Shekoo. We may recolledt the flipulations made in the treaty of
Agrah the preceding year. Mahomed Beg Khan Hamduni, who
deemed himfelf the principal inftrument in the refloration of the
miniiler's authority, now called on him for the performance of his
agreement. He demanded his fliare of the lands of the late Zulficar
Al Dowla. Mirza ShufFee, whether he thought his authority too
firmly eftabliliied to be again Ihaken, or jealous of divided fway,
refuled compliance with the terms of the treaty.

Mahomed Beg Khan, juftly inccnfed at this breach of faith, gave
vent to the natural ferocity of his difpofition, and refolved to take
a fevere revenge. It is probable, hov\ever, that the minifler might
have warded off the blow, had he not by an atl of equal foil}' and'
injufl:ice, hurried the whole body of the Mogul nobility into ads of
open hollility. It will be necelfary here to dcvelope the caufcs of
fudden revolution which led to the extinction, not only of his au-
tliority, but his life. To an unbounded ambition, Mirza Shuffec
unfortunately adtlcd an incxtinguifliable avarice: adluated by that
unworthy paffion, he in a fatal moment determined to rcfume thofc
lands which had been granted by the late Nujuff Khan as 'Jaicdad
for the maintenance of the troops of the different Mogul lords. In
lieu of thcfe, he determined it fliould henceforth be di(l-)iMfc'il by
monthly payments from the royal treafury. His commands, when
notified to the different chiefs, excited univcrfal murmurings and dif-
2

,12 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1783.

content. But Mirza Sliuffee enforced obedience to his orders. —
Fatal were the confequences which followed this rafli and impolitic
meafurc. The commanders, irritated at the unworthy treatment,
with juftice deemed their fervices merited a return far different ; and
under the impulfe of paflion, hurried thcmfclves into the commifTion
of a crime of the blackeft dye. Afrafiab Khan, Mahomed Beg
Khan, and other lords, entered into a confpiracy to affaflinate the
minifter J and bound themfelves, after the perpetration of the deed,
to place Afrafiab Khan in the authority of the deceafed, and to rc-
ftore the Jaiedads. The more cffedually to conceal their intentions,
it was agreed to invite Mirza Shuffee, who was by this time ad-
vanced towards Agrah, to an amicable conference, to reconcile and
fettle their mutual difputes.

On the 23d of September of the current year, the two armies
met, and encamped in the neighbourhood of Deig. Though the
confpiracy we have before related, had been planned with the utmoft
fecrecy and caution, it, by fome means or other, reached the ears
of Mirza Shuffee's friends : and previous to the intended interview,
the prime minifter was warned of the treacherous defigns of his
enemies. But Mirza Shuffee rejecfted the information as a concerted
falfehood ; and totally regardlefs of perfonal fafcty, accompanied
by a few followers, he proceeded on his vifit. The army of
Mahomed Beg Khan was drawn out as if rciidy to receive and com-
pliment the minifter. Each of the chiefs was mounted on his ele-
phant ; as the animal on which Mirza Shuffee rode approached the
other, Mahomed Beg Khan, conformable to eftablifl-ied ufage, rofe
up, falutcd, and embraced his rival; but in the performance of
I

A. D. 1783.] SHAH-AULUM. 113

that' adt, having feized hold of the miniftci's right hand, which
was the fignal agreed on, Mirza Ifmaeel Beg, his nephew, who
fat in the Khawafs *, plunged a dagger into the body of the devoted
vidiim. He groaned, fell back, and expired. A defperate adlion
enfued between the armies ; but at length Afrafiab Khan, exerting
his influence, perfuaded the troops of the late minifl^er to join the
confederates. The body of Mirza Shuffee was taken up by his
followers, and interred in the fort of Deig.

Of this event Afrafiab Khan having fent notification to Delhi, an
anfwer was received, cxpreflive of the king's approbation of the
deed. At the fame time a firmaun arrived, which conftituted Afra-
fiab Khan, Ameer Al Omrah, and moreover gave permiflion to
appropriate to his own ufe the effedls of the late minifler. Finally,
Afrafiab Khan and prince Solymaun Shekoo were ordered to repair
to the capital with all poffible expedition.

The indifference with which this important trufl: was conferred
upon Afrafiab, creates a fufpicion that the fate which had befallen
Mirza ShufTee was not difagreeable to his majeffy. A generous
mind, on this furmife, deplores the humiliating fituation of a def-
cendant of Timoor, fandlioning adts difgraccful to humanity, and
fubverfive of the principles of moral and focial order.

When Mirza Shuflfec was afTaiTinated, his brotlicr, Zein Al Abu-

* The Khawafs is the back feat on an elcpliant, in which a pcrfon is ufually placed
with a Chowri, or fan. At court, and amongft the nobility, it is (iecmed the highcft
honour to be placed there.

114 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1783.

deen Khan, was governor of Meerut. The king, tenacious of the
power which he derived from that fituation, determined upon his
removal. A mandate was accordingly iffued for that nobleman's
appearance at court. He was received with refpedl. Shah-Aulum,
after condoling with him on the death of his brother, intimated to
him the neceliity there was to rellgn his government. Zein Al
Abudcen, who was a man of impatient temper, in fecret burnt with
indignation at this unworthy treatment ; at the time, however, he
faid nothing ; but on retiring from the hall of audience, he repaired
to his own palace, whence he privately departed. Senfible that this
condu(ft would enrage the king, he haftened to Meerut ; and deter-
mined to refift the royal authority, he there colled;ed around him his
friends and dependants.

Intelligence of this defedion reaching Afrafiab Khan, he aflem-
bled the army, led it to Meerut, and invefted the town. He had
determined to have punilhcd the rebel in the moft exemplary man-
ner; but this determination was overruled by the advice of his
confidential officers. They reprefented that his power in the ftate
was as yet infirm, and it therefore became him iirfi: to make over-
tures for negotiation, to which, in all probability, Zein Al Abudeen
would aflent. Nor were they deceived in their conjed,ures. Inti-
mation being given, a treaty v\as fct on foot; and Zein Al Abudeen
confenting to fubmit to his majefty's clemency, was pardoned. He
was received at court with honour, and a flipend out of the royal
treafury was allotted for his fupport.

The prime minifter returning to Delhi, was received with great

A. D. 1784.] SHAH-AULUM; 115

diftindlion. He anfwered Shah-Aulum with proteftations of per-
petual attachment; and as proof, prefented his majeity with an
offering of three lacks of rupees, and fome valuable Perfian horfcs.

Cuttub Al Dowla was now fent to command in Mcerut j and
Nujuff Cooli Khan, fon-in-law to the late minifler, who had till
now refided at Meerut, was directed to remain at court.

In the beginning of 1784, Major Brown, who had been com-
miffioned on a deputation to the king by the fupreme council of
Calcutta, arrived at the capital. The Major was received with high
refped: ; and in behalf of the Britifli government, prefented Shah-
Aulum a handfome paiflicufli.

The arrival of this deputation excited various emotions in the
minds of the Delhians ; fome were of opinion that the period was
at hand when Shah-Aulum would return to the protedlion of his
oldeft and, in truth, his beft friends, the Englifli : others again
conjedturcd that the intent of the embaffy was, to arrange with the
minifler the concerns of the royal family, Thefe, during the late
commotions, had arifcn to a height which was truly diftrcfsful.
But the real caufe of Major Brown's arrival * was in confcqucncc
of orders he had received from his government, not to decline any
overture that might be made for affording a military aid to the royal
caufe. The Sciks had for feveral years back, by their predatory
incuriions into Doo Ab and Rohilcund, excited alarm in the go-

• See the proceedings of |*«rliamcnt on the trial of Mr. Mailings.

<i.2

■■%

ii6 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1784.

vcrnment of Afuf Al Dowla: and Mr. Haflings, the Bririfli go-
vernor, with his iifual dii'cemment, deemed the exertions of the
court of Delhi might, at the prefent jiindure of affairs, prove a
benefical counterpoife to the rifing power of the Seiks.

Many days had not elapfed fince the arrival of Major Brown,
when an event occurred which created much confufion in the palace,
and led,, in its future confequences, to concerns of momentous im-
port. The heir apparent, prince Mirza Juwaun Bukht, difgulled
at the daily infults he received from the minifter, refolved to throw
himfclf on the protedtion of the vizir and the Englilli : he hoped
thereby to procure eafe to himfelf, and an alleviation to the diftreffes
of his family. Efcaping from the palace at midnight, he croffcd
the Jumna, and repaired to Lucknow. But as the fortunes of Mirza
Juwaun Bukht will hereafter be detailed in their proper order, it is
here only neceflary to point out the immediate cffedls of his flight
from the capital.

Afrafiab Khan, confcious of the ill treatment the unhappy prince
had, through his means, endured, v. as fearful of the vizir's* refent-
ment. He thought, therefore, that tlie moft effedlual means of
obviating this would be, to perfuade the heir apparent to return to
Delhi. Accordingly, he, in the king's name, fent letters to the
vizir and Mr. Haftings, who was then at Lucknow, demanding, in
terms mofl peremptory, the immediate return of the fugitive prince.
Although Shah-Aulum, by affixing his feal to the difpatches, ap-

• Afuf Al Dowla.

A. 0.1784.] SHAH-AULUM. 117

parently fandlioned the demands of his minirter, it is certain, that
in his own mind he was not averfe to the efcape of his fon. If,
indeed, his unhappy fituation be thoroughly confidered, it is not to
be wondered at he fhould endeavour by any means in his power to
obtain rehef.

Some days after the departure of the letters before mentioned,.
Major Brown, the Britirti Ambaffador, was requefted to proceed to
Lucknow. He accordingly repaired thither. Afrafiab Khan deem-
ing his authority fully eftabliHied, now threw off the maflv, and ex-
hibited himfelf in his natural colours. He firil: propofed to the
king to march to Agrah, the objedl of which he affirmed was the
reftoration of that province to order. Had he refted here, it would
have redounded to the honour of Afrafiab ; but impelled by a jea-
loufy againft Mahomed Beg Khan totally unwarrantable, he, at the
clofe of the conference, in vehement language urged the king to
revenge the afiTaffination of the late minifter in the punifliment of
Mahomed Beg. His majefly perceiving the invidious drift, turned
from the minifler with coldncfs, and retired into his haram.

The fource of this extraordinary demand may, without difficulty,
be traced in the rivalfliip of the two chiefs. Mahomed Beg Khan,
though certainly guilty of an atrocious a<fl, defcrved not punidiment
from the hands of Afrafiab. It has before been feen, that the
minifter himfelf, in conjundion with the Mogul Sirdars, had urged
and ftimulated him to the deed; and for this he was now to bccomu
a facrifice at the fhrine of his imperious coadjutor.

ii8 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1784.

Aftonillied at the king's abrupt departure, Afrafiab Khan, in
lullen filence, retired to his own palace. Giving loofc to his rcfent-
mcnt, he there determined on a meafure equally violent and unjuft.
At the conference above mentioned, the Nuwaub Mujud Al Dowla
had been prefent. That nobleman having endeavoured to difliiade
the king from his intended expedition to Agrah, the officious remark
pafTed not unnoticed by the haughty fpirit of Afrafiab. He now
directed Nujuff Cooli Khan, his dependant, to lead a party of guards
to the palace of Mujud Al Dowla, and fcize his perfon. His or-
ders were obeyed with alacrity, and the unfortunate man again found
himfelf in the courfc of a icw Ihort hours reduced from affluence
and command to penury and a prifon. His property was feized,
and converted to the minifler's ufe. Mujud Al Dowla was after-
wards confined in the fort of Agrah, where he died in 1788; not
much regretted, except by Shall- Aulum, whofe confidence he had
fo frequently abufed by tlie commiffion of oppreffive ad:s upon his
fubjeifls. He was an intriguing artful courtier, avaricious, and in-
folent. Shah-Aulum, when informed of this outrage, was filled
with the deepefl: indignation. He refolved therefore, at all events,
to throw himfelf into the hands of the Marhattas; and by a foreign
aid, to relieve himfelf from the infupportable infults daily offered
him by his ov/n fubjedls.

A. 0.1784.] SHAH-AULUM. 119

CHAP. VIII.

*
Rife and Prog refs of Madhajee Sindiah, Ruler of Malwah,

frof7i the EJiabliJh?7ient of his Family in that Province until his
Interference in the Politics of the Court of Delhi — Intrigues
o/' Afrasiab Khan — His Death a?id Character — Sindiah

is made Prime Minifer.

FROM the preceding fcenes of party violence, the reader will
with pleafure follow hiftory through the more edifying detail of
geographical information. We fhall proceed, therefore, to take a
retrofpedtive view of the Malwah province, in its fludluating flate
under a fucceffion of rulers. But the confiderable influence acquired
by Madhajee Sindiah in the politics of Hindoftaun, previoufly de-
mands attention to the rife and progreffive fortune of this extraor-
dinary man.

Madhajee Sindiah Putteel Bahadur was defcended from a Rajpoot
family. His father, Ranojee Sindiah, was an officer in the fervice
of Bajerow, who, in the latter end of the reign of Rajah Sahoo,
was Paifhwah of the Marhatta ftate. The fupinenefs and effemi-
nacy of the court of Delhi, and the diftraded ftate of the empire
toward the clofe of the reign of Mahmud Shah, rendered eafy the
fubjugation of the Malwah province. Oi\ that expedition Ranojee
Sindiah accompanied the Pailliwah. I'hc fcrvices and ability dif-
I

120 HISTORY GF

played by Ranojce during the campaign, were rewarded with the
management of the province, which was confirmed in jaghcer to his
dcfcendants by Rajah Sahoo. Ranojce had four fons : Appagcc,
Tagee, Tookagee, and Sindiah. Appagec was flain in a civil broil
in the Jynaghur province j Tookagee and Tagee periflicd in the
memorable battle of Panniput in 176^.

Sindiah, in that adlion, though only feventcen years of age, dif-
played a genius and fpirit which well foretold his future greatnefs :
being defperately wounded, and unable to follow the route of the
few furvivors of the Marhatta army, he was fecretly taken care of
in the camp ot the Abdallee. Recovered from his wounds, he was
privately removed from this afylum, and by his protetlors conveyed
into Deccan. He then alfumed the government of his patrimonial
eilate of Ougein. From hh- intcnfe application to bufmefs, aided
by the endowments of a vigorous mind, he foon acquired confidcra-
blc influence in the Marhatta flatc ; and w as early coniidered as one
of the principal Jagheer Dars. In 1770, he accompanied Holkar
and Beefajee into Hindoftaun, where his acflions have been recorded
in the preceding pages.

Malwah*, the greater part of which is the inheritance of the Sin-
diah family, is in length two hundred and forty-five cofs, in breadth
two hundred and thirty. On the north it is bounded by the Agimere
Soobah ; on the fouth by Baglanah ; on the eaft by part of Agrah

• For the following detail of the Mahvah province, the author is happy to confefs
his obligations to Major Charles Reynolds, furvcyor general on the Bombay eftablifli-
nicnt, who furniflicd him witli the materials collcded by himfelf on the fpot.

SHAH-AULUM. lai

and Allahabad ; and on the weft by Guzerat. The principal rivers
that flow through this fertile and extenfive trad:, are the Chumbul,
the Sind, and the Nerbuddah: but it is watered by many other
fmaller ftreams. Though higher than the reft of Hindoftaun, the
land of Malwah is in general fertile ; in it are reared numerous
herds of cattle; and it abounds in opium, indigo, and tobacco. —
In former times the revenues were computed at four millions fterling;
this, of late years, however, has been much reduced; and even
Sindiah, in his coUedtions, can realize only a million.

The Patan princes of the race of Khuljee having conquered that
province from the Hindoos, fixed their feat of government at
Mando*. It was during the long and glorious reign of the renowned
Akbar, that Malwah was gradually ahenated from the Patans. —
Having annexed it to his empire, it remained in his family until the
clofe of the reign of Mahmud Shah.

The Zemindars and foldiers of fortune here, as in other parts of
the empire, during this turbulent period, divided amongft them the
different provinces. Out of thefe arofe feveral independant ftates ;
thofe ftatcs encroaching upon the imperial authority, by degrees
threw off" all but a nominal allegiance to the houfe of Timoor. — ■
Hence, the authority of the Soobah became frequently circumfcribed
to the environs of that city, which he chofe for his refidence. The
Rajah of Chundeely, defcended from the ancient princes of the
country, feized on the north-eaft parts ; the fouthern were occupied

* A large city, fifty miles diftant from Ougcin.
R

122 HISTORY OF

by the Keeches. To the weftward the petty Zemindars of Annunt-
warah and Sooudunah aflumed the ftile of independant princes; and
in the centre of the province was eredted the nabob (hip of Bopaul.

Whilll: thefe rebels were bidding defiance to the royal authority,
anew and more formidable enemy, the Marhattas, foon dcflroyed
the hopes of thofc petty fovereigns, and made themfelvcs mafters
of the whole province. At this period, Kullich Khan, the famous
Nizam Al Mooluk, was governor of Deccan. He alfo, difgufled at
the levity which ftigmatizcd the councils of the court of Delhi, re-
folved to render himfelf independant. To avert, however, the ven-
geance of the royal arms, he fecretly invited the Marhattas to an inva-
fion of the Mahvah province. Delighting in predatory warfare, the
propofal was received with avidity. The immenfe Marhatta hofl was
commanded by Bajerow ; Rajah Gheerdir diredied the imperial
forces. Defperate was the battle which foon enfued j but vidlory
declaring for the invaders, with incredible rapidity they overran both
Mahvah and the rich province of Guzeratj and their vidorious
arms were afterwards carried to the confines of Beianah and Agi-
mere.

The petty fovereigns who had afTumed indcpendancy, in confe-
qucnce, obliged to yield up the befl: part of their pofTefiions, were
reduced to the payment of an annual tribute: but the Nabob of Bo-
paul and a few other Rajahs were ftill permitted to retain a part of
their territories, and to exercife over them an authority fubordinate
to the controul of the Marhatta government.

SHAH-AULUM. 123

Malvvah was then divided into three ftiares : the firft was allotted
to Bajerow ; the fecond to the Marhatta prince, Rajah Sahoo j the
third to the family of Mulhar Holkar. Sindiah, as we have feen,
inherited that part of the province beflowed on his father by Baje-
row. But by a train of fuccefsful operations, he was enabled to
appropriate to himfelf a confiderable portion of the Circar lands.
Tookajce Holkar, who inherits the third divifion of the Malwah
province, fince his acceffion has refided at Indore, a city thirty miles
diftant from Ougein.

Ougein, the modern capital of Malwah, is fituated on the eaflern
bank of the Sipree river, in lat. 23. 12. N. and long. 75. 48. W.
The city is, from its antiquity, of confiderable note in the empire.
The monuments which it exhibits of the piety and fuperflition of
its Hindoo fovereigns, are ftill regarded with veneration ; nor have
the Patan emperors contributed lefs to its embellifhment. Among
a variety of grand and venerable ruins, travellers mention with ap-
plaufe an edifice ereifled by NafTir Al Deen Khuljee in the ninth
century of the Mahomedan aera. About one mile and a half eaft
of the city is a large gloomy building of an oftangular form, and
the whole of the materials of flone. Its foundation is an artificial
ifland, which is formed by a deviation of the weflern channel of the
ftream in the bed of the Sippree, and is conne(fled with the oppofite
bank by a ftone bridge of fixteen arches. The building confifts of
a variety of fpacious chambers, conllrudtcd upon a* level with the
water : throughout thefe, by means of refervoirs, the water is con-
veyed in different channels, and hence, by artificial cafcades, dif-
charges itfelf into the Sippree in pleafing murmurs. The apart-

R 2

124 HISTORY OF

ments in this delightful retreat are cool and falubrious. To each
reccfs are faAencd rings of iron for the purpofe of attaching purdahs,
or fkreens made of the aromatic root called Khufs . Thefe, when fprin-
Jkled with water from without, not only give an agreeable coolnefs to
the entering air, but entirely exclude the inclemency of the fultry fea-
fon. We have before remarked that, among perfons of diflindion,
this luxury is common throughout Hindoltaun. Into thefe watery
abodes, when defirous of repofe, and fatigued with the toils of
ftate, the princes of the houfe of Khuljce were accullomed to retire.
During the periodical rains, the lower parts of this building are en-
tirely overflowed, and an amazing force of water adls againft it:
but fo great were the pains beflowed on its eredtion, and the mate-
rials of fuch wonderful folidity, that after a lapfe of three centuries
it remains entire, and ftill continues to attradl the admiration of the
fpedator. — We refume, after this digrclTion, the thread of our nar-
ration.

Sindiah, on his return from Hindoftaun in 1774, employed his
utmoll exertions to extend his influence, and enlarge his patrimonial
territory. Bold and afpiring in his views, he purfued the plans of
his future aggrandifement with ardor and unremitting perfeverancc.
He had greatly increafcd his revenues, and rendered his country
highly flourifhing, when fix years afterwards was formed the grand
Marhatta confederacy. Joining with that league, he became a prin-
cipal adlor in the fcene, in which it was vainly hoped to have over-
thrown the Britilh empire in the Eafl. It was, however, happily
diflblved, and the fcheme rendered abortive, by the prompitude and

A. D. 1784.] SHAH-AULUM. ,125.

vigor of the Britifli councils, aided by the brilHant afccndancy ac-
quired by Britilh arms under the aufpices of Cootc and Goddard.

Sindiah, who during that memorable contefl had exhibited the
condudl of an adtive and able leader, on its conclufion, turned his
arms againft Gohud *. In 1782, at the head of a numerous and
well-appointed army, he entered that province for a fecond time,
and with a fairer profped: of fuccefs than in his former expedition..

The reigning prince, Rajah Chutter Sing, fearful of the ifTue,
endeavoured, by foliciting an alliance with the Britifli government,
to avert the impending ftorm. Accordingly, by his ambaflador at
Calcutta, in recompence for an interference of the Englifh in his
behalf, he promifed an annual Nuzeranah of four lacks of rupees.
It does not however appear that fuch an alliance was, at the prefent
jundlure, deemed acceptable to the Supreme Government of Bengal.
Although Sindiah's extenfive views of conquefl, and the notoriety
of his ambition, were to the council objects of fufficient magnitude
to excite alarm, ftill the fidelity which that prince had invariably
obferved in his tranfadlions with the Britifh nation, his uprightnefs,
and, above all, his faithful and fteady adherence to treaties, had im-
prclTed the minds of -government with fentiments highly favourable
toward him.

The alliance with the Ranah was, therefore, rejeded : but it was
deemed eligible by the council to endeavour cffcdling an amicable

* A province fituated about fixty cofcs weft of Agrah, and originally ruled by Raj-
poot princes.

126 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1784.

compromife betwixt the contending parties. Confonant to this re-
folve, Mr. David Anderfon*, the Britifli ambaffador at Sindiah's
Durbar, was diredled to afcertain his fentiments in regard to the pro-
pofed mediation. But Sindiah, cither in confcquence of repeated
breaches of faith on the part of Chutter Sing, was animated with a
fpirit of perfonal rcfentmcnt againll: him ; or, impelled by a dcfire
long entertained of extending his dominions, declined the proffered
interference. After a defultory warfare of two years, the reducftion
of Gohud was finally effedted j and, on the 24th of Nov. 1784,
Rajah Chutter Sing furrendered himfclf to his opponent.

Sindiah having thus acquired the province of Gohud, now direc-
ted his whole attention to the aff^iirs of Delhi. Durins; the tranfac-
tions before rnentioned, he had maintained a correfpondence with
Mirza ShuffeeKhan, That nobleman entering into his views, had
promifed him his entire afliftance and fupport in its execution. But
on his arrival on the north of the Chumbul with an army of thirty
thoufand men, Sindiah heard of the death of his affociate. Deem-
ing the opportunity for which he had fo long and fo anxioufly
fought, now arrived, he, from his prefent ffation, difpatched letters
to the court of Delhi. In thefe, after declaring his intentions of
reftoring the royal family to its former fplendour, he made a rcqucfl
to Shah-Aulum to remove with his court to Agrah; at which place,

• To the zealous and faithful exertions of this gentleman, as well as thofe of his
brother, Mr. James Anderfon, who fucccedcd him, may be chiefly afcribed tiie con-
ciliator)' condudl of the Marhatta government, at a momentous and intercfting period,
in entering into an alliance which has hitlicrto been preferved with fidelity on tlicir part.
Sec the reports of the felciSt committee on the fecond Marhatta war.

A. D. 1784.] SHAH-AULUM. 127

the Marhatta chief informed his majefty, he would, to the fatisfac-
tion of all parties, arrange and fettle the affairs of the empire.

Afrafiab Khan, on receipt of thefe letters, laid them before the
king, and urged his majefly to an immediate compliance with the
contents. Shah-Aulum, who for a long time poffefled neither in-
fluence nor authority, affented to the propofal, and the royal tents
were ordered to be got ready. The prime minifter, after nomina-
ting Nujuff Cooli Khan to the government of the fort and city of
Delhi, pitched his camp without the walls. On the enfuing day,
the army took the route to Agrah.

The high pitch of authority to which the minifler had arifen,
gave "him entire controul in the fl:ate; and whilfl his order of march
in this expedition was marked with the moft luxurious extravagance,
inconvenience and diftrefs attended the family- of his fovereign, —
On the march, the prime minifter received letters from the vizir and
the Britifli governor general *. Adtuated by the impulfe of a liberal
mind, thofe powers, on the prefcnt occafion, urged in the mofl pref-
fing terms the releafe of the Nuv/aub Mujud Al Dowla ; and re-
commended to the minifter a different treatment to his unhappy
fovereign. But the unrelenting fpirit of Afrafiab was not to be fof-
tened ; intreaties or threats were to him alike indifferent. Mujud
Al Dowla was ordered into a clofer confinement ; and Afrafiab
Khan, leading the emperor in triumph, encamped under the walls of
Agrah.

* Mr. Haftings.

128 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1784.

Mahomed Beg Khan Hamdani had taken a ftrong pofition about
forty miles from that place, and the Marhatta prince was now ad-
vanced to Futty Pore.

Such was the fituation of the contending parties, when Sindiah
opened a negociation with Mahomed Beg. Anxious to acquire a
thorough knowledge of the fentiments of the Mogul nobility, and
to learn the extent of their different views and expedlations, Sindiah
proceeded in a manner cautious and circumfpecfl : as a preliminary
ftep, he called on Mahomed Beg to exculpate himfclf from the
charge of murder. In extenuation of his crime, that nobleman
threw the odium of the tranfacftion upon the prime minifler. He
had alledged, and truly, that Afrafiab Khan had not only infligated
him to the deed, but bound himfelf by the moll folcmn ties to fup-
port him in it when executed. Regarding himfelf, Mahomed Beg
profelfed a ready obedience to the commands of the Marhatta, and
that if he would fo far interfere as to procure the king's pardon, he
would henceforth attach himfelf to his fortunes. Meanwhile he
declared his intention of remaining quiet in his prefent pofition. —
To thefc infinuations, Sindiah in reply declared that, fatisficd with
fuch a declaration, Mahomed Beg might rely on his interference in
procuring the pardon required. Whilll the above negociation was
pending, Afrafiab Khan beheld the motions of Sindiah with a
watchful and jealous eye : fufpeding an accefllon of influence from
the fubmilTion of Mahomed Beg, he prepared to circumvent it by a
counter treaty. But thefe defigns were fruftrated by an accident
which at once put a period to his ambition and his life.

A. 0.1784.] SHAH-AULUM. 129

To relate with precifion the particulars of this event, we mufl
recur to the fituation of Zein Al Abudeen. That nobleman, the
reader will recollect to have been forgiven: but Afrafiab well know-
ing his difpofition, would not be eafy while he remained at liberty;
on this account he had hitherto been detained in, what by the natives
of Hindoftaun was deemed, an honourable confinement. Upon the
firft letters, however, that paffed between Afrafiab Khan and Sin-
diah, at the particular requeft of the latter, Zein Al Abudeen was
releafed. He appeared in the camp, but refolved to be avenged of
his brother's death. An occafion foon offered. In the month of
November, an interview took place in the vicinity of Futty Pore
between Sindiah and Afrafiab Khan. After the ufual interchange of
civilities, Sindiah returned to his own camp. Rajah Himmut Behadur
and feveral other officers of the army having likewife taken leave,
there remained in the tent Zein Al Abudeen and Afrafiab Khan.

Zein Al Abudeen, whofe plan was already formed, now entered
into converfation with the minifler. In terms apparently cordial,
and in the moft refpeftful manner, he propofed to him for the future
to live upon a more amicable footing j expreffed his wifli that all
former differences fhould be forgotten, and urged the neceffity of
henceforth confolidating their mutual intereffs.

Sufpended at the unexpedlednefs of this addrefs, Afrafiab Khan
remained for a time abforbed in filence. But about to have replied,
Zein Al Abudeen*, with fury in his countenance, rofe from his feat,
a fignal, upon which Maddoo Beg came up, and plunged his dagger

* MS. Narrative of Syud Rezzi Khan.
S

130 HISTORY OF [a. D. 1784.

into the breafl of the devoted minifter. He expired on the fpot. —
A violent tumult enfuing, fcveral perfons were flain : but Zein Al
Abudeen having effedied his efcape, fought and found protedlion in
the camp of Sindiah.

Thus perilhcd Afraiuib Khan, a man of turbulent difpofition and
impetuous manners ; but with great perfonal bravery, he polfelTed
abilities for war. Zulficar Al Dowla having adopted him into his
family, trained him to arms. Confiderable were the ferviccs which
he rendered the ftate, \v hilft under the guidance of his patron ; de-
prived of his falutar) counfels, the paflions of Afrafiab, always
uncontroulable, hurried him into meafures the moft bold and fan-
guinary. The caufe of his ruin may be traced to his unguardednefs
in permitting Zein Al Abudeen to recover his liberty. In that in-
ftance circumfped, he might perhaps have terminated his career
happily.

The condudl of the Marhatta chief in countenancing Zein Al
Abudeen after the perpetration of fo foul a crime, calls loudly for
the fevereft reprehenfion j it is a ftrong prefumptive proof that he
was acccffary to the deed. In recording the tranfadtions of a wicked
and diflipated court, the impartiality of hiftory demands the ftrideft
fcrutiny ; whilft the multiplied aflkffinations which, in later times,
have difgraced the politics of Delhi, in a refleding and fufceptible
mind, mufl: excite horror.

"When the tumult occafioncd by Afrafiab Khan's death had fub-
fided in the camp, Himmut Behadur and the Mogul officers, as if

A. 0,1784.] SHAH-AULUM. 131

by preconcerted agreement, repaired to the tents of the Marhatta
chief. After complimenting him on the death of his rival, they
afTured him of their unanimous fupport in his adminiftration of
affairs : they doubted not but his majefty would confer on him the
office of Ameer Al Omrah, for which he was fo eminently qualified.
Thefe afTurances Sindiah received with real fatisfadion; and the two
armies having joined, he led the united forces to Agrah. We muft
now for a while turn afide to the fituation of the king, who, during
the late negociations, had remained in the fort of Agrah.

The Nuwaub Miijud Al Dowla, who, as before remarked, was
confined by order of the late minifter, hearing of his rival's death,
perfuaded the Killadar of Meerut to connive at his cfcape. This
being effedled, he, in company with Cuttub Al Dowla, vifited the
king. Shah-Aulum received him with kindnefs, and diredled him
to remain near the prcfence. This would in all probability have
led to an immediate return of his honours and employments, had
not his enemy, Shuja Dil Khan, governor of Agrah, in conjundion
with Rajah Daieram, endeavoured to imprefs the king's mind with
fufpicions of his fidelity. But their malice failed of effed: j for
the king, convinced that there was no reafon to fufpedl Mujud Al
Dowla of any difloyal intentions, heard their rcmonftranccs with
difguft, and commanded them to defift.

But the infolent manner in which they had urged their demands,
convinced Shah-Aulum that he was entirely in their power; and
having little to hope for any refpccfl from them in future, he refolved
ro quit Agrah altogether. The arrival of Sindiah would, he hoped

s 2

132 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1784.

and expeded, fpccdily afford him the means of punifhing their pre-
fumption. But in order to leave no room for thofe noblemen to
fufpedt his intentions, he ordered the greater part of his family to
remain behind ; then taking Mujud Al Dovvla along with him, his
houfehold troops cfcorted him to Delhi.

Mahomed Beg Khan, to whofe fituation we muft now recur, re-
mained, during the late tranfadions, in his entrenched camp. Sin-
diah, on Afrafiab's death, wrote to Mahomed Beg to repair to
Agrah. A conference en fued, and a penfion of 16,000 rupees per
month was allotted for his fupport out of the revenues of Shekooa-
bad. A few days after, Sindiah, with his ufual policy, refolved to
employ the abilities of his newly-acquired dependant on a diftant
expedition. By removing Mahomed Beg from the fcene of adion
in Hindoflaun, he effedually prevented any cabals for counterading
his own defigns ; and the probability of his being taken off while
employed on adive fervice was an additional motive in the mind of
this politic chief. He therefore reqiiefted of Mahomed Beg to
proceed to the conquefl: of Rhago Ghur, a ftrong fortrefs in Deccan,
and bordering upon Sindiah's patrimonial eftate. The country of
Keetchwara, in which the before-mentioned fortrefb is fituatcd, was
then in a ftate of adual rebellion ; and to Mahomed Beg was com-
mitted the double charge of reducing it under obedience to Sindiah,
and the fubfequent management of the diftrids. Having made the
neceffary preparations for his departure, Mahomed Beg Khan, ac-
companied by 5000 men, proceeded on his expediton to Rhago
Ghur. 2

A. D. 1785.] SHAH-AULUM. 1^3

Tlie greater part of the Mogul nobility having by this time de-
clared for Sindiah, he now repaired with confidence to the capital.
His expedlations were fully anfwered ; for, wiiethcr Shah-Aulum,
difgufted at the thraldom in which he had been held fince the death
of Nujuff Khan, expeded by a change in the government to ex-
perience fome repofe, or whether he, on this occaiion, made a virtue
of neceihty, has not been clearly afcertained. To Sindiah, however,
the event proved highly favourable. In the month of January, the
Marhatta chief entered Delhi. He was received by the king with
every demonftration of fatisfadlion, and treated with diftinguiflied
honour. In full Durbar, his majefty invefled him with the office of
Ameer Al Omrah ; and as an additional mark of favour, ordered a
patent to be made out for the Paifliwah of the Poonah Durbar,
(under whofe authority Sindiah profefled to adt) conftituting him
Vakeel Mutluck*, or /^bfolute Director General of the affairs of the
Empire, with the Neabut of that office to Sindiah himfelf. On re-
ceiving his honorary drefs, the new minifter prefented an offering of
five lacks of rupees, and retired from the prefence.

• The office of Vakeel Mutluck in Hindoflaun is paramount almoft to fovereign
authority, inafmuch as it empowers the perfon holding that office to raile troops at plea-
fure. It may appear remarkable that the Paifliwah, who is the head of the Marhatta
empire, ftiould deem it any acquifition to his authority to receive an office from what
he confidered as coming from a nominal emperor of Hindoftaun : yet it fliould be re-
membered, that however weak and impotent the prefent dcfcendant of Timoor is ef-
teemcd, it flill continues, and ever will continue, a defirable objciTl among the native
powers to make ufe of his name towards completing their own aggrandiftment.

134 HISTORY OF [a. d. T785.

CHAP. IX.

Occurrences at Court — War againjl ]yvok^—' Intrigues of the Mo-
gul Nobility — SiNDiAH is defeated — Retires acrofs the Chum-
BUL — Intrigues of Gnoi^AVNi Cadir Khan — Account of ^z-
GUM SoMRoo — Gholaum Cadir Khan be/ieges the Palace —
He is repulfed and pardoned- ^Prince MirzaJuwaun Bukht
— Review of his Life — Death and CharaBer.

DURING the late violent commotions, the provinces had fallen
into diforder and decay. Their reftoration \\as the firft objcdl to
which the attention of the new minift;er was diredled. The office
of Dewaiin, or fuperintendant of the revenues, had long been under
the management of Daierani. His condudt of late had, in many
inftances, been highly reprehenfible ; but his behaviour towards the
king at Agrah, determined Sindiah to remove him from office. The
Dewanfhip was accordingly beflowcd on Naraien Dafs, a perfon of
capacity, and a ikilful financier. Remaining a ffiort time at Delhi,
during which he difpofed of feveral offices and employments,
Sindiah aflembled the army for the reduction of Agrah.

The commencement of the current year was marked by the de-
parture of the Britilli governor general from India. In quitting this
important trufl, Mr. Haftings had the fatisfa(flion to perceive him-
felf followed by the unanimous good wilhes of the princes of Hin-
doftaun, and the prayers of the natives. On the prefcnt occafion,

A. D. 1785.] SHAH-AULUM. 135

the king, the vizier of the empire, the nazini o( Deccan and the
court of Poonah, all fent letters to Calcutta; in thofe were expreffed
their regret for the governor's departure, and contained moreover
moft ample teftimonies of the high opinion they entertained of his
abilities, integrity, and good faith *.

On the arrival of the army before Agrah, Sindiah fummoned the
governor to furrender the fort. He declared alfo, that by a reliilancc
to the royal authority, the governor could have no hope for pardon.
Treating the fummons with contempt, Shujah Dil Khan prepared
for a vigorous refiflance. Sindiah commencing his approaches, two
batteries were foon opened, and began to play upon the fort with
confiderable eft'edt. Part of the curtain was thrown down, and
feveral guns within difmounted. The governor in the mean time
was not idle. He repaired the breaches with incelfant acflivity, and
by his own fpirited beluiviour animated the garrifon. A month had
elapfed when Shujah Dil Khan, forefeeing the ultimate reduction of
the place, endeavoured, by an adl of alfumed refpefl, to mollify Shah-
Aulum. That part of the royal family who, as before feen, re-
mained in the fort of Agrah, were now liberated, and fent with
an efcort to Delhi, which they reached without moleftation.

• Time, which removes the veil from the intrigues of policy, has evinced, that the
ideas entertained by the natives of India, of that illuftrious charadcr, wcrcjufl. His
countrymen have beheld with a fatisfaflion, almoft univcrfal, the honourable award of a
Britifh Senate ; an award no lefs honourable to the characfler of Mr. Haftings, tiian
grateful to his mind, harraffcd by the degrading circumftances attendant on a profccution,
which is without parallel in the annals of mankind.

136 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1785.

Sindiah perceived that the fiege advanced but flowly ; he hoped
therefore, that by opening a negotiation with fomc leading men
among the befieged, to gain them over to his interefts. The event
anfwered his wiflies. The Cutwal and feveral other officers having
been bribed by a large fum of money and a promifc of perfonal fecu-
rity, agreed to deliver up one of the gates of the fort. On a pre-
concerted fignal, a feledt body of troops prefenting themfelves,
were admitted by the treacherous Cutwal, and, before the governor
or his affociate Daieram could receive information, were overpowered
and taken prifoners. They were immediately put into clofe con-
finement, and fent off to the camp. Sindiah, when pofTeiTcd of
the fort, by not permitting it to be plundered, adted with becom-
ing policy ; he, however, exadlcd confiderable fums from the mofl
wealthy inhabitants, which he diftributed as a largcfs to the army.
Of the whole of the poffeffions of the late Afrafiab Khan there
now rmained only Ali Ghur. That fort is fituated in the upper part
of the Doo Ab. It had been fortified with great care, and in it
were depofited the family and treafurcs of the deceafed Nuwaub.
Jahaungire Khan, his brother, commanded in Ali Ghur. He had a
flrong garrifon, and the ficgc was expcdled to be long and bloody.
Early in the month of July of the current year Sindiah appeared be-
fore the place. Contrary, however, to all cxpedation, it held out
but a fliort time. It has been imagined that the fears of the women,
for the prcfervation of their honour and effedls, had inclined the
Killadar to pacific mcafures. Certain it is that Jehaungire Khan, fig-
nifying his readinefs to negotiate, a treaty was accordingly drawn
up, and agreed to by the refpedivc parties. To Khadim Hofleen
Khan, eldeft fon of the deceafed Nuwaub, a jaghire was allotted.

A. 0.1785.] SHAH-AULUM. 137

amounting to a yearly revenue of a lack and a half of rupees. To
the Begums were promifed an honourable afylum, and to Jehangire
Khan perfonal fafety. It appears, however, that this treaty was
very ill adhered to by the Marhatta Chief; for on the place being
furrendercd, the Begums and Jehangire Khan were fent under a
ftrong guard to the fort of Gualior, and there detained in confine-
ment. The young Nuwaub, indeed, was received by Sindiah with
great attention, and diredled to remain in tiie royal camp, Sindiah
then took poffeffion of the fort, and with it the whole of the trea-
fures of Afrafiab Khan, amounting, as it has been affirmed, in
fpecie, jewels, and valuable articles, to a crore of rupees.

The fall of Ali Ghur eftabliflied the minifter's authority on a
firm and folid bafis. Having before reduced under obedience the
greater part of the Doo Ab and the countries fouth-weft of the
Jumna, he now found himfelf mafler of the whole of the poffef-
fions of the late Zulficar Al Dowlah, with an acquifition of revenue
of two crore of rupees.

Intelligence of thdfe important fucccfl'es reaching Delhi, Shah-
Aulum demonftrated his fatisfad:ion by iignal marks ot favour.
Thefe were conveyed to the prime miniflcr in three hundred fuperb
Khilluts, to be diftributed by him to the officers of the army. Nor
was Sindiah lefs liberal in his return. Twelve lacks of rupees were
allotted for the fupport of the king's houfj-hold ; and he moreover
fent rich prefents to court.

About this time the prince Juwaun Bukht, the heir apparent, then

138 HISTORY OF

refiding at Benares, forwarded to court a paillicufli of one lack of
rupees. This teftimony of attention afforded great confolation to
the king's mind. He now, for the firft time fince the death of Zul-
£car Al Dowlah, experienced fome repofe from the tumultuous
cabals which had fo long difgraced his court, and filled him with in-
quietude and anguifli.

The departuie of Mr. Haflings having occafioned fome changes
in the BritiOi adminirtration, perfpicuity requires that we bring
under one head fuch tranfadlions under that government as bear rela-
tion to the court of Delhi, during the current year. Sir John Mac-
pherlbn fucceeded Mr. Haftings in the chair. That gentleman,
equally well inclined with his predeccfTor to pay every attention in
his power to the king's interests, took an early opportunity of ligni-
fying the fame. He confirmed to the Shah Zadah the generous aid
he had received the preceding year, and through him affured his
majefty, that the Britilh government would, on all reafonable occa-
fions, extend their aid in fupport of his authority.

On the part of Sindiah Mr. James Anderfon had fucceeded his
brother as ambalfador to that Durbar. Major Brown, who had rc-
fided at court for fome time pafl, was now recalled.

On the fide of Oude, Major Palmer, who had refidcd at the
court of Afuf Al Dowla the two preceding years, was now. at his
own requefl, removed. To him fucceeded Colonel Harper, who
took an early opportunity of paying attention to the king, which he

A. D. 1785.1 SHAH-AULUM. 139

fignified by letters, accompanied on the part of the governor general
by a paifhcufli fuitable to the occafion.

From thefe digreflions we return to affairs at court. After the
capture of Ali Ghur, Sindiah repaired to Delhi, where, on his ar-
rival, his whole care and attention were directed to reftoring good
order to the government, in all affairs, both foreign and domeftic.

Shah-Nizam AI Dcen, a confidential fervant of the miniftcr, was
appointed to the fuperintendance of the royal houfehold, to which
his majefty added the government of the fort and city of Delhi.

Toward the clofe of the current year died Zabita Khan, ruler of
Schaurunpore, a man, whofe long and adive life had been marked
with a variety of alternate fuccefs and misfortune.

Taken comparatively with his father Najeeb AlDowlah, Zabita
Khan appears to have been of inferior capacity ; his frequent rebel-
lions, and the native turbulency of his temper, had totally eflranged
from him the king's mind, and the account of his death was re-
ceived at court with indifference.

Zabita Khan was fuccccded in his territories by his eldeft fon
Gholaum Caudir Khan. He was a youth, proud, cruel, and fero-
cious. His firft a6ton affuming the government was theexpulfion
of his uncle Afzul Khan. This nobleman was at the time advanced
in years, and admired for his exemplary manners. On his degrada-
tion Gholaum Caudir ordered his effedls to be feizcd and confifcated.

T a

140 HISTORY OF [a. 0.1786.

This bold aflumption of the government, without confulting the
court, or petitioning for a continuation of the Sunnud, agreeable
to the eftabliflied ufage of Hindoftaun, gave great offence to the
king. But Gholaum Caudir, ■well aware of the confequences, pre-
pared to fupport his rebellion by open violence. The fort of Ghofe
Ghur was accordingly put into a flate of defence, and the means of
aflembling a confiderable force was afforded him by the confifcation
of his uncle's property.

In thofe ad:s Gholaum Caudir exhibited the firfl: fymptoms of
that diabolical fpirit which defignated the adlions of his future life.
To him it was referved to difgrace the houfe of Timoor, and to add
the laft outrage to the miferies of a long and mofl unfortunate reign.
But previous to entering into a detail of the intrigues of Gholaum
Caudir, we muft for a while carry forward the affairs of Sindiah, and
his operations with the neighbouring flates.

Intelligence of the defection of Gholaum Caudir had fcarcely
arrived at court, when the prime minifler was alarmed by an ac-
count of the rebellious defigns o( the Jynaghur prince. Pertaub
Sing, informed of the late tranfacflions at Ghofe Ghur, had at the
fame time withheld his accuftomed tribute. He thought the prcfcnt
opportunity favourable to a dcfign long entertained of rendering
himfelf indcpendant. Sindiah prepared to fubduc him by force:
but the advice of the Rajah's confidential fervants prevented for
the prefent matters proceeding to extremity. They, forefeeing ruin
to his caufe while Sindiah continued fo powerful in the llate, ptr-
fuadcd Pertaub Sing to defill. Their advice was attended witli

'HI

A.D.1785.] SHAH-AULUM. 141

effedt. The tribute was fent, and an additional paiflacufli which
accompanied it appeafed the refentment of Shah-Aulum.

Rerpe(fi:ed on all fides by the country powers, this fortunate
Marhatta chief now favv with exultation his authority arrived at its
higvheft extent. The fadlious fpirit which had been exhibited by
the Mogul nobility was quelled; and Sindiah's fubfequcnt condudt
toward that powerful body contributed both to reconcile them to
his caufe, and attach them to his perfon. Thus eligibly fituated,.
had Sindiah properly appreciated his good fortune, he might have
fecured a power complete and unimpaired to the end. Unfortu-
nately, however, a fpirit of avarice gaining ground in his breafl,,
inclined or impelled him to deviate from that line of liberal policy
by whichj at the firfl advance of his authority, he had been wifely
guided. This deviation led in its confequcnces to events of a moft
ferious nature, and had well nigh proved the utter deftru6t ion of the
minifter. But in order to explain the caufes of an a«51: which, in its
execution, was followed by a revolution in the ftate, it will be here
necefTary to detail in a more particular manner the nature and tenure
of the Jaicdads, or, as known in Hindoftaun, thofe lands which are
appropriated for the fupport of the troops.

In moft of the courts of India, certain portions of land are fet
apart for the payment of the army; thefe are termed Jaiedads, a
tenure which fecures to the polTelTor a lure and cafy collcdion : they
are made over to the commanding officers, who, exclufive of the
advantages they derive from thefe affignments in realizing their pay,
are moreover enabled to retain a numerous body of dependants.

i4« HISTORY OF [a.d. 17S6,

Thcfe increafed their confequence in the ftate, and not un frequently
afforded them the means of perfonal fafety, when their turbulent am-
bition led them to rebel againfl their fovereign. It was thefe Jaie-
dads that the Minirter determined to refiime ; and for the caufes
before mentioned, their refumption at this jundure was equally dan-
gerous, impolitic, and unjuft : yet did Sindiah perhll; ; and though
having the examples of Mirza Shuffce and others of his predeceffors
before his eyes, he, with a pertinacity approaching to infatuation,
carried his refolves into cft'ecl. Confiderable murmurs there were,
but the great force of Marhattas kept up by the minifter, prevented
for the prefcnt any open adl of hoftiliry on the part of the Mogul
officers. In fecret, however, fired with refentment, they refolved on
vengeance. The blow was gradually preparing. About this time
Naraieen Daufs, who, iince the death of Afraliab Khan, had con-
du(fled the affairs of the Khalifa, was fuddcnly, without accufation,
difmiifed from his employment, and his property, to a large amount,
openly confifcated for the minifter's ufe. The vacant office was
confirmed on Shah-Nuzam Al Deen.

Such repeated ad:s of injuflice excited extreme difgufV. Rajah
Himmut Behadur, who had fo eminently affifled the defigns of Sin-
diah, was not the laft to experience an ungrateful return. An account
of his Jaiedad, together with certain balances, faid to be due to the
royal treafury, were demanded of him in the moft peremptory terms.
But Himmut Behadur, indignant at the controul attempted to be
exerted over him, refolved to withhold all future fupport from iiis
ungrateful affociate. Quitting the court, therefore, he withdrew
to his cflate near Bindrabund, and prepared for refillance.

A. D. 1786.] SHAH-AULUM, 143

The downfall of the miniftcr's authority was accelerated by a
rupture with the Rajah of Jynaghur, againft whom a war now
feemed inevitable.

Pertaub Sing, though himfelf of v;eak capacity, and enervated
by effeminate pleafures, had neverthelefs, during a long interval of
peace, increafed the revenues, and extended the commerce of his
country. He now refolved openly to declare his independance of
the court ; and having, as a prelude to his rebellion, withheld the
cuftomary tribute, he began to colled: forces, and prepare himfelf for
the confequences. But previous to entering into a detail of the war
againft Jynaghur, we muft recur for a w hile to the fituation of Ma-
homed Beg Hamdani, who bore a confiderable Ihare in that war.
Mahomed Beg, the reader will recoiled;, had been fent into the
country of Kitchwara, where having reduced the fortrefs of Ragho
Ghur, and fettled the affairs of the province, he remained in that
Aation for three years. Sindiah now ordered him to the capital,
where he arrived at the commencement of the current year. As he
brought with him a confiderable body of his Mogul troops, the mi-
nifter received him in a manner apparently cordial ; but dreading his
power and influence whilft at the head of an army, endeavoured to
perfuade him todifband his troops. To this Mahomed Beg gave a
pofitive refufal ; and the intelligence of the revolt of Pertaub Sing
arriving at court, deterred the Marhatta prince from enforcing com-
pliance. Mahomed Beg, who retained in his breall: a deep refcnt-
mcnt, was refolved, as opportunity fliould occur, of gratifying it
to the full extent. He had fince his return entered into a correfpon-
dcnce with the prince of Jynaghur, which was terminated by an

144 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1786.

alliance with that chief. Mean while Sindiah having made the nc-
ceffary preparations for the campaign, committed the care of the
capital to his deputy Shah Nuzam Al Dccn, and marched towards
Jynaghur. Pertaub Sing, attended by a numerous army, which he
had recruited by alliances with fevcral of the neighbouring Rajpoot
princes, was encamped on the frontiers of his dominions. — The
.effc6t of that difgufl, long entertained by the Mogul officers, now
began to manifcfi: itfelf to the detriment of the prime miniftcr.
Scarcely was he arrived in the prefence of the eneniy when he re-
ceived information of a defecflion among his own troops. The
Mogul nobility, headed by Mahomed Beg Khan, had fecretly entered
into engagements with Pertaub Sing, whofe fplendid offers of
money and employment in his fervice at once gratified their avarice,
and afforded them the means of being revenged for the indignities
they had fuftained froni the Marhatta prince. Through the agency
of Rajah Daieram a treaty was formally drawn up, by which it
was fettled, that on the approach of the minifter's army, Mahomci
Beg and the other Mogul lords fhould join Pertaub Sing. Accord-
ingly, attended by their whole force, they, in the face of Sin-
diah 's army, went over to the enemy. Afl-onidied, but not dif-
mayed at this treacherous adt, Sindiah with his remaining force he-
litated not to give inftant battle. The adion which enfued was long
and bloody ; but Mahomed Beg Khan Hamdani having been flain
by a cannon ball, the Moguls received a check, and were thrown
into fome confufion. Pertaub Sing, informed of this accident,
haflened to the fpot, and conferred the command of the Moguls
upon Ifniaeel Beg, nephew of the dcceafed chief. Ifmaeel Beg re-
newing the combat with ardour, foon recovered from the diforder.

A. D. 1787.] SHAH-AULUM. 145

and reftored the fuccefs of the day. But the event would have ftill
remained doubtful, had not fome difciplined battalions, formerly in
the fervice of Afrafiab Khan, at this critical moment, fuddenly gone
over to the enemy, by which the Marhattas were difpirited beyond
repair. The affair was immediately decided ; Sindiah retreated
from the field with expedition, and was obliged to take refuge in the
fort of Alwar, the capital of his ally, the prince of Macheri.
That chief received the fugitive with cordiality andrefped: but the
fcvere check which Sindiah 's authority had fuftained in the lofs of
the late battle, and the difperfed ftate of the Marhatta army, con-
vinced him that he could not long hold his fituation at court. Col-
ledling, therefore, the remains of his difcomfited forces, he quitted
Alwar, and retiring fouthward acrofs the Chumbul, repaired to
Gualior, there to wait for reinforcements from Deccan.

Had the Jynaghur prince on this occafion made a proper ufe of
his vidtory, it is probable the Marhatta influence in Hindoftaun
would have been totally annihilated j but content with having cleared
his dominions of the invader, Pertaub Sing, after firft detaching
the Mogul force under Ifmaccl Beg to bcfiege Agrah, which place
was ftill in the hands of the Marhattas, he himfelf returned to
Jynaghur.

The fort of Agrah was defended by Lackwajee, the Marhatta
general; lie had with him a flrong garrifon, with abundance of pro-
vifions and every thing requififc to fuflain the attack. But the in-
habitants of tlie city, totally unprepared with any nicans ot refii-
tancc, and intimidated by threats of military execution, quietly fub-

146 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1787.

mitted on the firfl approach of Ifmaeel Beg. That chief having laid
the inhabitants under a fcvere contribution, now formally demanded
a furrender of the fort, to which Lackwajee replying in the negative,
Ifmaeel Beg commenced the fiege.

Our attention muft now be diredled to the difagreeable fituation
into which the king had been thrown by the defeat and fubfequent
departure of the Marhatta army from Alwar. Prior to that event,
Sindiah had received certain intelligence that the late dcfertion of the
Mogul officers was owing to the intrigues of Rajah Daieram. Refl-
lefs and turbulent in difpofition, that nobleman was continually em-
ployed in fomenting the intrigues and reviving the difcontent of the
Mogul nobility j and through his negociation, the treaty before
mentioned with Pertaub Sing had been effe<fled. Sindiah, in ac-
quainting his deputy, Shah Nuzzam Al Deen, with this circum-
ftance, urged him to inflidl exemplary punilhment upon the traitor.
His orders were obeyed ; for having caufed Rajah Daieram to be
arrefted and brought to court, the ferocious deputy, even in the royal
prefence, gave orders for the unhappy wretch to be trodden to death
under the feet of an elephant *.

Although, by this fanguinary deed, the deputy evinced a deter-
mined fpirited to fupport the Marhatta authority, the accounts of
his mafter's defeat and fubfequent movement towards Dcccan, pre-
pared him to exped; the moft unpleafant iffue. He accordingly put
the fort and city of Delhi into the beft polllble flate of defence. Of
the fe precautions he foon found there was fufficient need. Gholaum
* MS. Narrative of Svnd Rczzi Khan.

A. D. 1787.] SHAH-AULUM. 147

Cadir Cawn, who, as before remarked, had aflemblcd an army, now
determined to employ it in the advancement of his ambitious
fchemes. In a few dnys he arrived on the eaftern bank of the
Jumna, and encamped oppofite the citadel. The Rohilla chief,
however, refted not his hopes of fuccefs wholly on arms. He had
attached to his interefts a perfon of great influence, as well in the
councils, as over the mind of the king. This man was Munfoor
Ali Khan, the Nazir*, who, bred up with Shah-Aulum, had, from
his earlieft youth, been a confidential fervant, and loaded with a
profufion of honours and diftinguifhed kindnefs ; but forgetful of
the duty he owed his fovereign, or gratitude due to his benefadlor,
the treacherous Nazir joined in the intrigues of the rebel. By the
advocates for the Nazir it has been afferted, that hatred againft the
Marhatta government was the real caufe of fo extraordinary a con-
duct. From whatever motive it arofe, certain it is, the Nazir was
determined to introduce Gholaum Cadir into the adminiftration ; and
had accordingly fent letters to the rebel, urging his fpeedy appearance
to demand of his majefty the vacant office of Ameer Al Omrah.

Great was the confternation occafioned at Delhi by the arrival of
the Rohilla army; but Shah Nizam Al Deen, afliffed by Defmouk,
fon-in-law of Sindiah, prepared to repel the invader. Unhappily
for themfelvcs, they defpifed the force of Gholaum Cadir; and
lulled into a fatal fecurity, were contented with detaching a fmall
force acrofs the river, giving pofitive orders to the commanding
officer to make an immediate attack on the enemy's camp. Of this
inattention they, in the fequcl, had caufe to repent ; the battalions,

• Superintcndant of the houfehold.
U 7,

14S HISTORY OF

on the very firft onfet, were driven back and difperfcd by the Ro-
hillas with great lofs j they purfued them to the banks of the river,
where, boats not being at hand, many threw themfelves into the
Jumna and periflied miferably : the few who furvived, afliamed to
appear before the deputy, difperfed themfelves over the city, and, as
iifual in Hindoftaun, began to plunder.

The deputy feeing the difaftrous pofture of affairs, and having
by this time received intelligence of the traitorous defigns of the
Nazir, prepared by a fpeedy flight to fave himfelf from the ven-
geance of the conqueror. Accompanied by Defmouk, he withdrew
privately from Delhi. They repaired to the fort of Bullum Ghiir,
a place twenty miles fouth of the capital. Hera Sing, Killadar
of that place, received them with humanity : but Shah Nizam Al
Deen not deeming himfelf fufficiently fafe at Bullum Ghur, retired
from thence to Deig, which ftill acknowledged Sindiah's authority.
Defmouk repaired to his father-in-law, whom he joined in the
neighbourhood of Gualior.

On the flight of the deputy from Delhi being made public, Gho-
laum Cadir prepared to reap the fruits of his lute fucccfs. He
crofled the river with a feleft body of troops, and went diredl to the
king's palace. On his arrival, (agreeably to a concerted plan) he
was introduced by the treacherous Nazir to the emperor. When
honoured with the cuftomary khilUit, Gholaum Caudir preferred his.
petition for the invcftiture of the office of Ameer Al Omrah, and con-
cluded with protertations of fidelity and attachment to his majefty's
perfon. Shah-Aulum, perceiving himfelf without refource, was

A, D. 1787.] SHAH-AULUM. 149

conftrained, much againfl his inclination, to grant the reqiieft of this
turbulent chief. Having acquiefced in the demand, the patent of
creation was ordered to be got ready, and the Rohilla with a refpedl-
ful obeifance retired from the prefence.

Though by compulfatory means Gholaum Caudir had thus -at-
tained the defired objed:, his power was by no means fecurely efta-
bliflied. Several perfons well attached to the Marhatta government,
as likewife to the king's perfon, Hill remained in Delhi. Thefe,
indignant at the unworthy treatment of their fovereign, and pitying
his degraded ftate, refolved to make one effort for the reftoration of
his authority. Amongft others was the Begum Somroo, who at
that time had confiderable influence in the councils of Delhi. This
lady, wife of Somroo, (a name too well known to Englilhmen by
his infamous condudl at Patna,) now commanded the difciplined
battalions which he had raifed, and was morever pofleffed of a con-
fiderable jaghire.

As this lady will bear a confiderable fliare in the remaining tranf-
a<3;ions, we Ihall proceed to a cone ifc, retro fpedl of her fituation
and progrefs to authority.

Somroo, a German adventurer, whom a fpirited author* has em-
pjia-tically fliled " the bloody agent of the cruelties of Meer Collim,"
after the ruin of his rnafter's affairs, retired into the Jaut province.
He was there taken into the fervice of the late Zulficar Al Dowla,
then in the plenitude of his power. In addition to his difciplined,

• Captain Jonathan Scott, Hift. of Dcccan, Vol. II.

150 HISTORY OF

battalions, NujiifF Khan gave him the command of a body of
Mogul horfc; and for the fupport of the whole, afllgned him tlie
Pergunnah of Serdhauna, fituated in the upper part of Doo Ab, as
a Jaiedad. Somroo, previous to his death, which happened in
I "778, married the daughter of a Mogul nobleman, vvhofe family,
from the unfettled ftate of the times, had fallen into diflrefs. This
lady, the prefent Begum, at the perfuafion of her hufband, em-
braced the Chriflian faith. She received from the king the title of
Zeeb Al NiiTaa, or. Ornament of the Sex j and on Somroo's de-
mife, was continued in command over the troops, and confirmed by
NujufF Khan in the management of her Jaghire, In the centre of
the ruined province of Sehaurunpore, in twenty -ninth degree N. lati-
tude, and about fixty miles difliant from the capital, rifes the fmall
but fertile principality of Serdhauna ; it is bounded on the north by
the town of Berhauna, on the eafl by Nowlah, weft by the Hingun
river near the town of Bernaba, and fouth by the diftrid: of
Meerut. Its extent from north to fouth is thirty-fix miles, and
twenty-four from eaft to weft. An unremitting attention to the
cultivation of the lands, a mild and upright adminiftration, and
care for the welfare of the inhabitants, has enabled this fmall tra<fl
to vie with the moft cultivated parts of Hindoftaun, and to yield a
revenue of ten lacks of rupees per annum. The rivers Hingun
and Crilbna, which traverfe this valuable jaghire, afford an ample
fupply of water; and the foil, naturally fertile, produces in abun-
dance grain of all kinds, cotton, fugar-cane, and tobacco.

The town of Sedhauna, where the Begum generally refidcs, is
of confiderable extent, pleafantly fituated, and commanding a fine

SHAH-AULUM. 151

view of the mountains of Himmeleh to the north-cafl. A fort
near the town contains a good arfenal and foundery for cannon.
Five battalions of difciplined Seapoys, cominanded by Europeans of
different countries, and about forty pieces of cannon of various
cahbres, conftitute the force kept up by Begum Somroo. With
thefeand about two hundred Europeans, principally employed in the
fervice of artillery, (he is enabled to maintain a refpedlable lituation
among the neighbouring powers.

While the furrounding lands exhibit the efFeds of defolation and
diftrefs, the flourifhing appearance of this Jaghire imprefles the
mind of the traveller with fenfations mofl gratifying ; and it is upon
this principle, that, deviating from the rigid line of hiftorical preci-
fion, we embrace the opportunity of paying a tribute defervedly due
to the fpirit, adlivity, and talents of this noble lady. Endowed by
nature with mafculine intrepidity, aflifted by a judgement and fore-
fight clear and comprehenfive, Begum Somroo, during the various
revolutions above detailed, was enabled to preferve her country un-
molefted, and her authority unimpaired. In the fuccellive admi-
niflration of Zulficar Al Dowla, Mirza Shuffee, and Afrafiab Khan,
fhe was confirmed in her poffeflions ; and when Sindiah arrived at
fupreme power, he added to the extent of them by a grant of fome
other lands fouth-wefl of the Jumna. In the war againft Pertaub
Sing, Begum Somroo with her force v/as Rationed at Panniput on
the frontier, and in committing fo important a trufl: to her charge
was fufficient proof of the idea the Marhatta chief had conceived
of her capacity. Her conduit now evinced that that confidence had
not been mifplaced, and her fpirited exertions in defence of the

1^2 HISTORY OF [A. 0.1787.-

king's authority acquired defervcd applaufc in the breafts of all.
To this lady, then, Gholaum Cadir, on retiring from the prefence,
made offers of alliance. Aware of her influence at court, the artful
Rohilla endeavoured, by the moft ftudied refpedt to acquire her fup-
port in the extcnlion of his iifurpcd authority, affured her of a
grateful return on his part, and f;n<illy ^ rcftrcd her an equal (hare
in the administration of affairs. The profpedl was tempting; but
the Begum, well acquainted with the characterillic perfidy of the
Rohilla, and refolved to defend -her fovereign, rejedled all his felici-
tations ; and to give proof of her resolution to maintain the king's
authority, llic with her whole force rtj^airtJ to the palace, and de-
dared her intention of facrificing her hte m iiis majefty's caufe.
Her appearance gave great cotifolation to the ku^g ; and fome other
officers at the fime time affembling troops, th.e court began to talk
in a higher flrain toward the rebel. Matters drew near to a crifis.
Gholaum Cadir, bafiled in his attempts to acquire the Begum's
fupport, when informed of what had pailcd, was inflamed with
favage fury. Going to his camp on the oppofite bank of the
Jumna, he thence difpatched a meffcnger to court, demanding, in
terms mofi: peremptory, the immediate removal of Somroo's wite,
adding, that in the event of non-compliance he fliould proceed to
hoflilities. His meffage having been treated with the contempt
it deferved, Gholaum Cadir commenced a heavy cannonade
upon the royal palace*. This was anfwcred from fome artillery
in the fort, from the guns attached to the Mogul battalions in
his majeliy's fervice, and from a battery which had been eredcd
,with great expedition by Beguni Somroo. Confiderable damage

* Syud RcLti Khan's MS. narntivc.

A. D. 1787.] SHAH-AULUM. 153

was done to the palace by this outrageous infuk ; but the king's
troops behaving with great firmnefs and fpirit, it is mofl: probable
the Rohilla would have been compelled to retire, For the prefent,
however, he was faved by the treacherous machination of his afTo-
ciate within the fort. The Nazir fuddenly declared, that the royal
treafury was exhaufted, and refufed to make any farther difburfe-
ments for the troops. This untoward circumflance on fo critical an
occafion, greatly embarraffed his majefty's affairs ; but as the ur-
gency of the cafe required fome immediate fleps, the royal jewels
and feveral articles of the houfehold were depofited to raife a fum
of money, which was immediately given to the foldiery. During
this difgraceful fcene, intelligence arrived that the Prince Mirza
Juwaun Bukht, accompanied by a large army, was on his march to
the capital. Of this event the Nazir conveyed private information
to Gholaum Caudir, and forefeeing that the prince's arrival would
difconcert his perfidious fchemes, he fi:rongly recommended the Ro-
hilla to make immediate overtures for a pacification, to which he
doubted not the King would agree. No time was to be lofl: ; Gho-
laum Caudir, therefore, having fignified to his majefty his fincere -
contrition for the late infult, prefented a handfomepailhcufli in ready
money, and moreover promifcd to reftore all the royal lands in Doo
Ab which he had lately ufurped. To thefe offers Shah-Aulum,
who knew the infincerity of the Rohilla, would not have confcnted,
but, urged by the repeated folicitaiions of the Nazir, whom by a blind
infatuation he deemed a faithful fervant, at length acquicfced in the
propofals. The terms being fettled, an honorary drcfs was dif-
patched over the river to Gholaum Caudir Khan, who immediately
after receiving it, flruck his camp, and returned to Schaurunporc.

154 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1785.

Scarcely had he departed when letters from the prince Mirza
Juvvaun Bukht arrived at court. In thclc, after acquainting his
father of his rapid approach, he congratulated him on the profpedt
now afforded of punifliing the rebel, and earneftly requefling the
king not to enter into terms. The intimation arrived too late.
To account for the prince's re-appearance at the capital, we muft
now proceed to a brief review of the occurrences of his life.

The death of Nujeeb Al Dowla in 1769, and the intrigues of the
Marhattas having, as already related, recalled Shah-Aulum to his
capital, the prince Mirza Juvvaun Bukht from that period continued
to refide with his father. During the various revolutions which
occurred, the prince, by living in a retired ftate, and forbearing to
interfere with public affairs, efcaped from the perilous fituation of
the contending parties. But the condudl of Afrafiab Khan having,
as before remarked, excited in his breafl a juft indignation, Mirza
Juwaun Bukht refolved to feek an afylum at the court of Oude.
In the year 1 784 he effecled his efcape from the palace ; and accom-
panied only by a few perfons, he croffcd the Jumna, and afterwards
the Ganges, from whence he repaired to Rampore, the capital of
Fizoolah Khan *. He was received by that chief w ith every atten-
tion due to his high rank, and treated with profufe hofpitality. At
his departure, the benevolent Rohilla direded a detachment of horfe
to accompany him to the vizir's frontier.

♦ See a particular detail of the prince's efcape, trnnflatcd from the Pcrfian language,
by Captain Jonathan Scott, at the end of a vcr\- intcreding mciroir written by Mr.
Haftings, late govcinor-gcncral of India.

A. D. 1785.] SHAH-AULUM. 155

On his arrival at Lucknow, the prince was received by the vizir
and the Britifh governor-general, who had lately repaired to Oude,
in order to make fome arrangements in the affairs of that province.
At Mr. Haftings' fuggeftion, the vizir was induced, not only to
extend his protedion to the fugitive prince, but to allow him a pro-
vifion of four lacks of rupees for the fupport of his eftablilliment,
and, moreover, furnifh him with a houfe and every fuitable conve-
nience becoming his dignity. On the governor's departure for Be-
nares, the prince, from motives of gratitude, refolved to accompany
him to that place, where an event occurred which awakened his am-
bition, and determined him to return to his father's court. Hearing
of the death of Afrafiab Khan, the prince applied to Mr. Haftings
to aflift him with an armed force, to accompany him to Delhi, for
the recovery of his authority ; but the governor, not deeming him-
felf authorized to interfere in the politics of Delhi, declined his.
alTent. Mirza Juwaun Bukht, on the governor's departure for
Calcutta, returned to Lucknow, where he had not long been, when
a vifible alteration was perceived in the behaviour of Afuf al Dowla.
'I'he caufe of the breach that eni"ued between them has not been cor-
redlly afcertained ; by fome it was alledged, that the want of punc-
tuality in the payment of the prince's ftipend, occafioned a Iharp
animadverfion on liis part; on the other hand it was affirmed, and
probably with fome reafon, that the vizir was not altogether fo well
pleafed at the diminution his own revenues fuftained in granting the
allowance before mentioned; but fuch fcntimcnts were furcly un-
worthy of the vizir of the empire, whofe family had rifen to power
by the favour of his majefty's anceftors, and on wliich account the
prince ought to have been treated with all imaginable kindncfs.

X 2

1^6 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1786.

Certain, however, it is, that the prince, in confequencc of the flights
which he received, determined him to remove frotn the court of
Oude. In 1785, he repaired to Benares, and made another, though
ineffedlual, attempt to intereft the Britilh government in affording
him afTiftance for the re-efl:ablifliment of his authority at Delhi.
His application failed of fiiccefs ; but Mirza Juwaun Bukht was
aflured that an afylum for himfelf and his family would always be
readily granted within the company's territories, and as his highnefs
declined returning to Lucknow, an order was iflTued upon the com-
pany's treafury at Benares, for the payment of the fl:ipend which
had been allowed him by the vizir. In a fituation fo eligible, Mirza
Juwaun Bukht, had he properly appreciated it, might have paffed
the remainder of his days in happinefs and comfort j but a refl:lefs
fpirit of ambition impelled him to enter into the politics of the times,
and in the end caufed him inconceivable anxiety and the mofl bitter,
though unavailing, regret. Not however, to anticipate our narra-
rative, it is here fufficient to remark, that about this period Earl
Comwallis, who had been nominated to the fupreme government in
India, arrived at the city of Benares in his way to the vizir's court.
To him, the Shah Zada in the moll: preffing manner, renewed his
folicitations for afliftance from the Engliflij but Earl Cornwallis,
adopting the fame line of condudt as his predeceffors, was com-
pelled to give a decided negative to his requefts. The governor-
general*, however, from motives highly to be commended, ferioufly
advifed the prince to remain where he was ; he alTured him that the

• MS. narrative of Syud Rezzi Khan.

A. D. 1787.] SHAH-AULUM. 157

refpedt entertained by the Biitilh government towards his illuftrious
houfe, would ever be evinced, by rendering his highnefs fuch af-
liftance as did not miUtate againll the general line of policy which
they had adopted in their concerns with the princes of Hindoflaun,
and, finally, his lordlhip concluded with obferving to his highnefs,
that the company's territories would always afford him a fafe and
honourable afylum.

Soon after this conference, the governor-general purfued his jour-
ney to Oude, whither the prince followed him. By the good offi-
ces of Earl Cornwallis, an interview between the prince and the
vizir was effed:ed, and an apparent reconciliation enfued : we affirm
apparently only, for the fubfequent condudl of the vizir, after Earl
Cornwallis's departure, fatisfied the prince that this reconciliation
was pretended. Abandoned by the court of Oude and finding he
had nothing to expedl from the Englilli government, Mirza Juwaun
Bukht now diredled his whole attention toward raifing an army *.
Himmut Behadur, the GhofTien, and fome other chiefs, having of-
fered their fervices on this occafion, invited the prince to a confe-
rence on the plains of Bindrabund, in the neighbourhood of Agrah.
By their afTiftance, he, in a fliort time, aflemblcd a confidcrable
force, and being at the fame time joined by the Mogul chief, Ifmaeel
Beg, the prince took the road to Delhi.

At the clofc of the current year he arrived in the neighbourhood
of the city, where he was met by his family and his brother, the

* It was at tliis time he wrote the letter, which appears in tlic appendix, No. 3.

158 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1787.

prince Akbar Shah. The next morning he made his entry into the
capital in great ftate, when Shah-Aulum, by the warmth of his
embraces, tcftified the joy which he experienced on the return of the
heir apparent after fo long and dilbefllng an abftnce. The prince
was immediately inverted with the fole management of affairs j and
there once more feemed a profpedt of relief from that vexation
which the royal family had for a feries of years undergone. The
Marhatta ufurpation was overthrown, and the rebellious chief of
Sehaurunpore had lately made ample fubmilfion : appearances fo
flattering were, however, by the machinations of an ungrateful and
wicked man too foon overclouded. The Nazir, envious of the
prince's authority, and conllant in his attachment to the turbulent
Gholaum Cadir, fct at work every engine to fow diifention in the
royal family, and alienate the king's mind from his fon.

Some days after the prince's arrival, the Nazir, in concert with
other lords whom he had gained over to his party, demanded in full
Durbar the payment of certain arrears, which he alleged to be due
to the troops from the royal treafury. The funds being at that time
infufficicnt, he well knew this demand would embarrafs the prince;
but, contrary to expcdation, the prince, with much fpirit, appealed
to his father, and declared that as the affignments for thofe arrears
were given during the Nazir's adminiftration, he alone ought to be
held refponfible for their liquidation. To this opinion the king not
only aiTented, but in fevere terms commanded the Nazir to defift.
Though baffled in a firff attempt, the Nazir was firmly refolved to
try a fecond ; in wliich, much to the difcredit of Shah-Aulum, he
was but too fuccefsful. Secure in the confidence of his fovereign.

A. D. 1787.] SHAH-AULUM. 159

which he fo fhamefully abufed, he had the audacity to infiniiate to
the king fufpicions of the prince's loyalty. On this occafion, he
obferved to his majefty, that the high pitch of authority to which
he had elevated his fon, would no doubt infpire him with the defign
of riling ftill higher j and that as the king was now rapidly ad-
vancing in years, and confequently incapable of vigorous exertion,
the profpe6l of afcending the throne of Hindoftaun was too feducing
to be paffed over by a perfon even lefs ambitious than his fon : that
his late efforts crowned with fuccefs, and being at the head of an army,
gave him entire and uncontrouled authority ; and thefe advantages
were, when opportunity offered, powerful inducements, as well as
fit inftruments, for the completion of his moft afpiring views.

Thefe infinuations, however unworthy, made a deep impreffion
upon a mind debilitated by age, and obfcured in its intelledlual vigor
and energy by a long feries of defpondency and misfortune. The
audacious prefumption of the interefted fervant was forgotten, and
an eye of fufpicion caft upon the fervices of a faithful and hitherto-
beloved fon.

The effedts of the Nazir's treachery foon became apparent. —
Mirza Juwaun Bukht, who, fince his return, had beffowed unre-
mitting attention to the re-eftablifliment of good order and tranquil-
lity at the capital, now folicited the king's permiffion to take the
command of the army, and at the fame time for his majefly to
accompany it in perfon during its progrcfs. He pointed out the pro-
priety and good effed that might be exped:ed from his majefty's
making a circuit through the Doo Ab, which, he judicioufly ob-

i6o HISTORY OF [a. d. 1787.

fervcd, would contribute much to calm the minds of the people,
agitated as they had been during the late troubles ; and give additional
confcciuence to his majefly's authority, now re-eflablilhed under fuch
happy aufpices.

This propofal, however falutary and wife, was, to the aftonifli-
ment of the prince, rejected by his father with the moft frigid in-
difference. He now too plainly perceived that fome fecret machina-
tions had been fct on foot to inftill into the king's mind the moft
bafe and unjuft fufpicions ; and therefore, difdaining to remain at
court, where ho was treated fo unworthily, he determined to remove
to a diflancc, in hopes that time and abfence would contribute to
efface fuch impreffions from his father's mind. Having obtained
the king's permiffion to repair to Agrah, of which place he had
lately been appointed governor, the prince, accompanied by his
whole family and a fmall efcort, quitted the court, to which he
never more returned,

Ifmaeel Beg, who was at that time befieging Agrah, at firft re-
ceived the prince with the utmofi: refpedl and fubmifTion : but his
fubfequent conduct evinced, that in his heart this ungrateful chief
was actuated by fentiments far different from the loyalty and fidelity
due to his fovereign; and perceiving the untoward ftate of his affairs,
he looked only to the prefervation of his own confequence. The
prince, compelled by urgent neccffity and the very low ffate of his
finances, requcftcd of Ifmaeel Beg to adjuft the affairs of the pro-
vince, and to make over to him a fuitable affignment for the fupport
of the fmall force which had accompanied him from Delhi, and
1

A. D. 1788.] SHAH-AULUM. i6t

who, from long arrears, had become clamorous for pay. The
Mogul chief lent a deaf ear to his felicitations ; and inflamed with
pride, accompanied his refufil with diiVefpecflful language to the
prince. Difgufted at this treatment from a difobedient fubjedl,
Mirza Juwaun Bukht quitted Agrah, and repaired to the camp of
Gholaum Cadir Khan, who was then in the neighbourhood of
Deig: but meeting with fimilar treatment from that chief, and like-
wife narrowly efcaping from a treacherous plot laid to entrap his
perfon by the perfidious Rohilla, the prince now for ever relinquifhed
all hope of re-inftating himfelf in his authority. As a lafl mark of
attachment and affedlion to his friends, he difpofed of fuch effeds
as remained from the wreck of his fortunes, which he divided
equally among them ; after which, attended only by his family and
a few feledl adherents, with an aching heart he once more took the
road to Benares, and repaired to his former afylum among the En-
glifh. The generofity of that nation again received him, and con-
firmed to him his former allowances under difpofal of Mr. Duncan,
the Britifh refident. To follow his eventful life to its clofe, it is
only neceflary to remark, that after fome months refidence at that
place, he terminated both his life and misfortunes. The circum-
ftances which attended his death are particular *. About the middle
of September of the current year, he paid a vifit to the Ihrine of a
Mahomedan faint at the fortrcfs of Chunar ; and on his return ap-
peared much exhaulled by the fatigues of the day and an intenfe hot
fun. Towards midnight he grew worfe ; and though every aflif-
tance was aflforded him, both by his own and European phyficians,

* MS. Narrative of Syud Rczzl Khnn.
Y

1 62 HISTORY OF

it proved of no avail. At the dawn of day he arofe, and in
great agitation proceeded to the apartments of his favourite concu-
bine, where, on his arrival, he called for an infant child who was
afleep ; but before the child could be brought, he was attacked with
violent fpafins, and during a fliort interval from pain, had juft fuf-
ficient time to didate a letter to the Britifli governor-general, recom-
mending his family to the protedlion of the Englifli nation, which
being finilhed, he expired quietly a few minutes after in the forty-
eighth year of his age. His remains were interred with every fuit-
able attention and honours due to his high rank. Agreeably to his
defire, the penlion which had been allowed him was continued to
his family.

Mirza Juvvaun Bukht Jehaundar Shah, though from capacity not
fitted for the bufy fcenes of adive life, nor polTefling any talents for
government, was neverthelefs irreproachable in his private charader,
and deemed by all an accomplilhed gentleman. To his friends he
was conlfant, and to his dependants humane and benevolent. His
domeflic qualities and filial piety have been already exhibited to the
world by teflimony the moft refpedable * : and in his difpofition he
pofTefTed, in an eminent degree, that charadereflic amiability, which
fuccefTive hiliorians have unanimoully attributed to the princes of the
houfe of Timoor.

• Sec Mr. Haftings' Letter from Lucknow, April 1784.

A. D. 1788.] SHAH-AULUM. 163

CHAP. X.

Arrival of Kk^ Ml Khan in the Doo Ae — Aff'airs in the Jypore
Province — Spirited ConduB o/" Begum Somroo — Occurrences
— Ism A EEL Beg is defeated — JunBion of that Chief voith Gho-
LAUM Cadir Kuan — Their Intrigues — Shah-Aulum is
dethroned — Occurrences — Conclufon ,

SINDIAH, who, as related in the preceding pages, had retired
after his defeat acrofs the river Chumbul, and waited for a reinforce-
ment in the neighbourhood of Guahor. The new levies being ar-
rived from Deccan at the commencement of the current year, he, at
their head, entered the Doo Ab. The arrival of the Marhatta chief,
while it encouraged the king to hope for relief from his diftreires,
at the fame time, awakened the fears of the Mogul lords, who
were well aware that their late condud: towards their fovereign
would not be pafled over with impunity. They connccfted them-
felves, therefore, by firmer bonds, and prepared to refifl the Mar-
hatta arms.

Ifmaeel Beg ftill lay before Agrah, but from the adive vigilance
of Lukwajce, the Marhatta general, he had hitherto made but
flow progrefs in the fiege of that place. During thefe tranl-idions,
affairs at court had affumed a different afpedt; Shah-Aulum quitting
Delhi, marched his army into the province of Jynaghur, Pertaub

Y 2

i64 HISTORY OF [a.o. 1788.

Sing, ruler of that country, in omitting to fend to court the accuf-
tomed tribute, evinced his difaffedion to the royal caufe, and excited
the refentment of the court. Pertaub Sing alTemblcd his army on
the frontiers, and appeared difpofcd to refiil:; but on the approach
of the king's troops, he was, through the perfuafion of Rajah
Himmut Bchadur, induced to offer terms of fubmiffion. The latter
chief, who had great influence with the king, had the addrefs to
oppofe his anger, and by promifing, on the part of Pertaub Sing,
a confiderable fum in ready money, and a future increafe of the tri-
bute, he prevailed on his majefty to pardon his difaffecflion. As
the king's neceflities were then very great, thefe conceffions were ac-
cepted without difficulty, and, to complete the reconciliation, the
Jynaghur prince was introduced into the royal camp, cloathed in a
fplendid khillut, and, afterwards, in an honourable manner, dif-
miffed to his own capital.

Thcfe matters being arranged, Shah-Aulum proceeded on his
route, and on his march continued to receive the lubmiffion of va-
rious inferior Zemindars, who, from their remote lituation, had
been enabled to withhold payment of the revenues, and, for a feries
of years, to bid defiance to the court with impunity. One difcon-
tented chief alone ftill withheld his allegiance; Nujuff Cooli Khan,
who, it may be remembered, took an active part during the admi-
niftration of the late Afrafiab Khan, was at this time in poffeflion
of the ftrong fort of Gocul Ghur. When fiimmoned to furrender
himfelf to Shah-Aulum, he peremptorily refufed fubmillion, and
prepared himfelf for a vigorous refiftance. Prior to the commence-
ment of hoftilitics, an effort was made through the influence of the

A. D. 1788.] SHAH-AULUM. 165

Nazir to effect an amicable accommodation j by his advice, NujufF
Cooli Khan offered, if his majefty would condefcend to confer upon
him the vacant office of Ameer Al Omrah, to which, from his
birth and connexions, he deemed himfelf entitled, he would with
all humility, not only immediately deliver up the fort of Gocul
Ghur, but, moreover, forward to court a Paiflicufh of fix lacks
of rupees ; he concluded his propofal by obferving, that fuch a
mark of the royal favour was the only means of preferving liim from
the refentment of his numerous and inveterate enemies who were
bent on his total overthrow. Thefe propofals were laid before a.
council aflembled at that time, and the king, from a defire of pre-
ferving peace, would have acceded to the terms prefcribed, but fome
leading men in the council inclined his majefty to other meafures ;
they reprefented Nujuff Cooli Khan as a man void of honour or
principle, whofe prefcnt propofiils were only a cover to defigns of
a more ambitious nature, and dictated by the mofl infidious policy,
that, when once firmly eflabliflied in the high office of Ameer
Al Omrah, and beyond the power of controul, he would then treat
his fovereign with his accuftomed infolence and difrefpedt ; they
therefore urged his fpeedy cbaflifemcnt. Swayed by thefe councils,
the king, having firfl difmiffed the melTenger of Nujuff Ccoli Khan,
commanded an immediate inveftiture of the fort. The royal army
at this time was compofed of feveral battalions of Ncjccbs, the body
giiard, called the red battalion; a very confiderable body of Mogul
horfcj and three difciplincd battalions of Sepoys, which had be-
longed to the late Somroo, and were then commanded by his Begum
in perfon, and furniflicd with a refpeClable artillery, ferved by Eu-
ropean cannoneers. The head-quarters of Nujuff Cooli Khan were
I

i66 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1788.

at a village about one mile dillant from the fort. The remainder
of his force, under the command of Munfoor Khan, were {Ra-
tioned in Gocul Ghur. The rebel entrenchments being ftronglv for-
tified, his majefty directed Rajah Himmut Behadur and Shah Mcer
Khan, with a cho fen detachment, to ered batteries againft the village,
and with the remainder of his army, he, in perfon, inverted the
fort of Gocul Ghur. The batteries of Himmut Behadur foon com-
menced a vigorous fire upon Nujuflf Cooli Khan's intrenched port,
but at the moment of making an evident imprcfTion, an unfortunate
accident occurred, which not only changed the face of affairs, but
brought the king's perfon into the mofi: imminent peril.

The officers who ferved in the camp of Himmut Behadur, dif-
gufled at their abfence from their comrades in the grand army, and
harrafled by inceffcnt duty in the trenches, forgot the danger of
their fituation, and abandoned themfelves to the moft licentious cx-
cefs i nor could all the admonition or tiireats of their commander
prevail on them to defifl ; they paffed the whole night in not and
debauchery, and the foldiers availing themftlves of the pernicious
example, indulged themfelves in fimibir cxcefs. Nujufi^ Cooli
Khan, who was equally brave as vigilant, mtormed by his fpies
of what was tranfadling, refolved to profit by the enemy's negleft
and folly ; having feledled a flrong detachment of cavalry, he put
himfelf at their head, and, marching in filence out of his entrench-
ment, he fell with great violence upon the royal troops as they lay
buried in fleep, and under the intiuence of their late debauch, A
dreadful and indifcriminate flaughter now took place, the lines were
inftantly carried, and a very large booty acquired by the foldiers of

A.D. 1788.J SHAH-AULUM. 167

Nujuff Cooli Khan. The terror excited by this extraordinary attack
was fo great, that the news being communicated tb the main body
of the king's army, they were thrown into diforder, and began to
prepare for flight; nor did the mifchief end there, for, to incrcafe
the difmay, jufl at the moment the lines were carried, Munfoor
Khan, who commanded in Gocul Ghiir, by a preconcerted agree-
ment with Nujuff Cooli Khan, ilTued out of the town with a ftrong
detachment, and four pieces of cannon. Having, by a circuitous
route, reached the rear of tlie royal army, he commenced a very
heavy fire from his artillery ; the confufion in camp now increafed
tenfold ; every thing was uproar, diforder, and difmay. The
king himfelf was, by this manoeuvre, expofed to the greatefl: perfo-
nal danger, and the royal tents being within range of the fhot, many
perfons about his majefty were killed and wounded. In this dif-
tradied flate the king v/as advifed to remove with the royal family,
(there being at this time fix princes in the camp) to the Herawul,
or advanced guard of the army, which was without the range of'
the enemy's cannon. To that fpot, on the firft alarm. Shah Meer"
Khan had repaired, and was endeavouring by his prefence and ex-
ample to animate and rally the flying troops. The king's tents
were accordingly ftruck, and Shah-Aulum, accompanied by his fa-
mily, proceeded to the advanced guard. But the misfortune was
now happily remedied by the magnanimity and gallantry of Begum
Somroo. That fpirited woman was encamped to the right of the
line ; her force remained entire, unaffected by^ the general panic,
and ftood ready in dreffed ranks. On perceiving the extreme con^
fufion that reigned throughout the line, flie bravely refolved, by a
perfonal effort, to prevent the king's difgrace; flie fent a refpcdtfuL.

1 68 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1788.

niefHige to his majefty, defiring him to repair to her quarters, and
alTured him of her determined refolution to punifh the rebel, or pc-
rifli in the attempt. At the fame time, (he, on the field, wrote a
Ihort note, which flie difpatched to NiijufFCooli Khan, upbraiding
him with his ingratitude towards the king, and threatening him
with immediate and exemplary chaftifement. The gallant lady * then
getting into her palanquin, placed herfelf at the head of 100 of her
own fepoys, accompanied by a fix pounder, commanded by an Eu-
ropean officer. With this detachment flic proceeded to the fpot oc-
cupied by Munfoor Khan, and advancing upon the rebel with much
fpirit, fhe commanded her palanquin to be fet down, and ordered
her artillery to charge with grape fhot; a well-dired:ed fire from the
gun, alTifted by vollies of fmall arms from the fepoys, foon had
the defired effedl. Munfoor Khan, aftoniflied at this fudden and
unexpedled check, began to give ground, and having loft numbers
of his men, he retreated with precipitation under the walls of the
fort. The king's troops having now time to breathe, were rallied,
under the direction of Himmut Behadur and Shah Meer Khan ;
moft of them having rejoined their ftandards, attacked the enemy
in their turn with great fpirit, when after a fliort, but defperate,
conflidt, Nujuff Cooli Khan was compelled to retire, but not before
the gallant Shah Meer Khan had fallen, pierced by a muflcet ball.
His lofs was fincerely and dcfervedly regretted by the king and the
whole army. Order being once more reftored, the king direded his
tents to be pitched, which done, he bethought of beftowing a fuitable
reward to the gallant female who had prefcrved him from imminent

* MS. narrative of Syud Rezzi Khan.

A.D. lySS.] SHAH-AULUM. 169

deftrudiion. Having fent for her to the Durbar, in the warmcft
terms he praifed her gallantry, and thanked her for the fervice ihe
had that day rendered him; he cloathed her in a magnificent veft,
and, in addition to her former titles, honoured her with the appellation
of " his moft beloved daughter." It was, indeed, by all acknow-
ledged, that the intrepidity manifefted by the Begum on fo trying
an occafion, merited the moft honourable reward; to her courag-e
and rcfolution was owing, not only the fafety of the army, but her
fovereign's life.

NujufFCooli Khan, difpirited by his late defeat, now condefcen-
ded to talk in a more humble flrain, and being well acquainted with
the influence of Begum Somroo at court, he endeavoured to avail
himfelf of her good offices to plead his pardon with the king ; he
declared his fincere contrition for his late intemperate condudt, and
offered, as an atonement, a larger fum of money than what he had
before promifed, with profeflions of fidelity in future. The king,
defirous of repofe from the fatigues of the field, was not unwilling
to liflen to thefe folicitations, and in a i'cw days a pardon was made
out for the rebel chief, and he was received at court. The money
agreed on having been paid into the royal treafury, his majefly re-
turned with the army to Delhi.

We muft now return to Ifmaeel Beg, who was ftill employed on
the fiege of Agrah when he received the alarming intelligence of
the approach of the Marhattas.

Sindiah, who as before obfervcd, had re-entered the Doo Ab,

lyo HISTORY OF [a.d. 178S.

having, in the courfe of his route, recovered feveral fortrefles under
the Mogul chiefs, and reduced them to obedience, rcfolved to hazard
a general atlion for the recovery of his authority. For this purpofe,
he fir ft fent forward his favourite general, Ranah Khan, with 6000
fclect cavalry, and brought up the remainder of his army in perfon;
They advanced by eafy marches towards the city of Agrah. If-
maeel Beg, previous to their arrival, had ftrengthened himfclf by
engagements with Gholaum Caudir Khan, and if both parties had
abided by the compaci:, it is probable their united force would have
defeated the Marhatta army, and deftroyed the hopes of Sindiah ;
but unfortunately for Ifmaeel Beg, his verfatile afibciate, at this im-
portant crifis, deferted him, and, acfluatcd either by caprice or
treacherous delign, marched away with his whole force, juft as the
Marhatta army appeared in fight. Thus abandoned, Ifmaeel Beg
did not yield to the did:ates of defpondency or pufillanimous fear,
but refolving, by his own a(5livity and courage to counterbalance the
defedlion of his unworthy colleague; he prepared himfelf for battle
on the 2 2d of Auguft:, in the current year, under the walls of
Agrah ; a defperatc adlion enfued , and fo well was the palm of vic-
tory contefted, that both parties fuftained a ver)' heavy lofs, but for-
tune inclining to the Marhattas, Ifmaeel Beg was compelled to quit
the field, and almoft alone to crofs the river Jumna j he fled to the
frontiers of the vizir's territory; — the whole of the camp equipage,
treafure, and artillery, fell into the hands of the conquerors; and
Ranah Khan, on the enfuing morning, made a triumphant entry
into Agrah; which furrendcred, after fuftaining a ficge of upwards
of a year. 2

A. D. 1788.] SHAH-AULUM. 171

This vidtory, the moft complete that had been gained by the con-
tending parties for many years, cnfured the afcendancy of the Mar-
hatta authority; and had Ranah Khan availed himfelf of the general
panic which it excited, he might have taken immediate pofleffion
of Delhi. That ftep would have entirely defeated the ambitious
intrigues of the Mogul nobility, and prevented the degradation and
difgrace of the unfortunate Shah-Aulum. But previous to entering
into this melancholy detail, it will be neceffary to recur to the fi-
tuation of the fugitive chief, Ifmaeel Beg, and of Gholaum Caudir
Khan.

Scarcely had the latter chief quitted his aflbciatc, when he repen-
ted of his perfidy, and would have returned to his afTiflance, but it
was too late J he learnt the news of his total defeat by Ranah Khan,
and finding his force infufiicient to make head againft the Marhattas,
he deemed it for the prefent more prudent to decline a contefi. —
Quitting the neighbourhood of Agrah, he fuddenly appeared before
the fort of Ali Ghur, a place then garrifoned by Sindiah's troops ; —
by a vigorous alTault he carried the fort, and obtained a confidenible
booty J after leaving a body of his own men in the place, he took
the road to Delhi.

It was at this period Gholaum Caudir firft form.cd his refolution
to flrike a decifive blow; he faw the fupincnefs of the Marhatta
army, and the defencelefs ftatc of the capital, and being totally
void of principle, and heedlefs of confequences, he formed and ex-
ecuted the bold defign of plundering the imperial palace, and de-
throning his fovereign. In order to facilitate the accompliflimcnt

z 3

172 HISTORY OF

of his plan, he previoufly fcnt letters to his former colleague, If-
maeel Beg, in which, after many apologies for his late behaviour
towards that chief, he faithfully promifed for the future to Diare
his fortunes. To excite his compliance, he laid open the propofed
method of accomplifhing this daring enterpri7e, and tempted his
avaricious fpirit with the hopes of rioting in the hidden wealth and
treafures which were faid to be dcpofited within the royal palace.
To th'cfe propofals, however nefarious, Ifmaeel Beg, though at the
expence of his honour, fcrupled not to yield a ready affent. He
accordingly quitted the place of his retirement, and fhortly after
arrived in the camp of Gholaum Caudir. He was received with
every mark, of cordiality and refped:, and the two chiefs, after
making a fuitable arrangement of their force, commenced their
march towards the capital.

A Marhatta garrifon, under the command of Himmut Eehadur,
ftill occupied the fort and city of Delhi, Budel Beg Khan, Sole-
maun Beg, and other lords, were alfo at this time about the king.
The confpirators, on their arrival at the eaftern bank of the river
Jumna, oppofite to the palace, difpatched a meflenger to court, de-
manding, in infolent and threatening terms, an immediate admif-
fion to the royal prefence. Shah-Aulum, who was well acquainted
with the perfidious difpofitions of thefe chiefs, refolutely refufed them
entrance, and relying on the fidelity and attachment of his nobles,
hoped, by their exertions, to defeat the traitors* machinations, —
But, alas, how miferably was the unfortunate prince deceived !
Thofe very men, infiigated by the detcfled policy of the Nazir,
entered clofely into the views of the rebel chiefs, and, forgetful of

A. D. 1788.] SHAH-AULUM. 173

the confidence and beneficent attention of their king, during a feries
of thirty years, they hefitated not to abandon him in the hour of
his diftrefs. To this defedion was added, hkewifc, that of Rajah
Himmut Behadur, who, by a difgraceful and precipitate retreat
from his pofi:, fulHed his reputation as a foldier, and his loyalty as
a fubjedl.

Shah-Auhim was thus left in a defencclcfs fiate ; and every ob-
flac)e being removed, Gholaum Cadir Khan and his wicked affociate
proceeded to the perpetration of their atrocious defign. Two thou-
fand Rohillas accompanied the traitors : on their arrival at the palace,
they were met by the Nazir, who introduced them into the king's
prefence. Gholaum Caudirand Ifmaeel Beg, placing themfclves on
each fide the throne, performed the cuftomary reverence. Giiolaum
Caudir then reprefented to his majefty, that, forced by the machina-
tions of Jiis enemies, who had flandered his reputation by calumnious
charges, he had come to vindicate himfelf in the prefence.

Shah-Aulum, in reply, declared himfelf fatisfied with the con-
dud: of Gholaum Cadir in every point of view ; and in teftimony
of his efteem, embraced the traitor. It was then hinted to the
king, that the hour for his ufual repaft being arrived, it would be
proper for his majcfly to retire into the Haram. On liis majcfty's
departure, the chiefs, who remained in the audience chamber, en-
tered into clofc debate on the execution of their plot. Agreeably to
the advice of the Nazir, the trcafurer of the houfehold, Sectul Dofs,
was diredcd to repair to the king, and acquaint him of the ncceflity
which exifted of a prince of the royal family being immediately

174 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1788.

appointed to attend the arriiy in a progrcfs through the provinces ;
that Gholaum Caudir would charge himlcif with the condii(il of the
war againfl: the Marhattas; and that, as a pledge for his own honour
and fafety, the command of the citadel and garrifon fliould be im-
mediately delivered up to luch perfons as he might choofe to nomi-
nate. In order, however, to quiet the king's apprehenfions, and
evince the (incerity of his own intentions, the crafty Rohilla with
his own hand framed a treaty, in which, as a return for the confi-
dence that was repofed in him, the traitor fulemnly Iwore to defend
the perfon and intcrefts of the king againft all oppofition.

The treaty being properly figncd, Seetul Dofs carried it to the
outward inclofure of the Haram, where it was delivered to an atten-
dant, who conveyed it to his majefty. The king having perufed it,
the treafurer was called in. That nobleman, faithful to his king,
frankly told him that no reliance could be placed on the notorious
perfidy of the Rohilla chief. He mentioned the cabals of the rebels
in terms forrowful and indignant; and, as a ttftimony of his own
loyalty, he offered to return and put Gholaum Cadir Khan to inflant
death. To induce a compliance with his rcqutfl, the treafurer
urged that there was ftill a fuflicient force within the palace to fup-
port the acl, and expel the traitor's troops. But the king, by
fome unaccountable infatuation, refufed his fanrtion to the deed,
though it was the only probable means of extricating himicjf from
his perilous fituation. He rejeded the propofal, and diiecftcd the
treafurer to return to the rebels, and acquaint them with his acqui-
efcence to the terms of the treaty.

SHAH-AULUM. 175

Meanwhile great numbers of the Roliillas who had entered the
palace, penetrated in a tumultuous and diforderly manner into every
part ; nor was any fteps taken by their chiefs to repel tlie outrages
they committed. Shah-Aulum, informed of the circumllance,
came forth from the Haram, and going to the audience chamber,
requeued of Gholaum Cadir that he would, after placing the proper
centinels within the fort, order the remainder of his troops to with-
draw. The traitor profefled obedience ; but had no fooner reached
the outer gate of the fort, than, inftead of making the prop o fed
arrangemicnt, he gave the fignal for the remainder of his guards to
enter, which they inflantly did ; and in a few moments, the fort
and palace, as well as the adjoining fort of Selim Ghur, were in
poffeffion of the rebels.

The king's guards were now difarmed, and their officers put into
clofe confinement. This additional infult being reported to the
king, he diredled an attendant to go to Gholaum Cadir, and in
ftrong terms to remonftrate and reproach him for his condu<fl. —
" The ink*," faid the unhappy monarch, " with which the folemn
*' treaty was written is fcarce yet dry, when he breaks his faith."
The remonflrance proved of no avail ; for the rebel having confined
every perfon who might be able to &iV,{i the king, proceeded to the
perpetration of additional indignities. Entering armed into the au-
dience chamber, he infolently demanded afifignments for the payment
of his troops, who were then clamorous for their arrears. The
king in vain [leaded his total inabdity to afford any relief, but told
the rebel to fcize upon whatever he thought proper within tlic prc-

• MS. narrative of Syud Rezii Khan.

176 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1788.

cinds of the palace. After much altercation, and a difgraceful
fcenc, the unfortunate Shah-Aulum was permitted to return to his
Haram, to ruminate on his miferable and degraded ftatc.

The plan now approached its termination. Early on the enfuing
morning, the rebels in concert, at the head of a numerous band of
followers, well armed, entered the audience chamber where Shah-
Aulum was litting. Completely furrounding the throne, they fternly
commanded the princes of the royal family who were prcfent to
retire within the Haram. — They obeyed. — Gholaum Caudir then
difpatched a medcnger to the fort of Selim Ghur, which is conti-
guous to the palace, to bring forth Bcedar Shah, a fon of the late
emperor Ahumud Shah. The traitor then approached the throne,
and took up the fliicld and fcymctar, which, as emblems of roy-
alty, were placed on a cufhion before the king: thefe he configned
to the hands of an attendant, and turning towards Shah-Aulum,
fternly commanded him to defcend ; " Better, faid the aged mo-
narch, far better will it be for Gholaum Caudir to plunge his dagger
in my bofom, than load me with fuch indignity ;" the Rohilla,
frowning, put his hand to his fuord, but the Nazir at the inftant,
Aepping up, prevented iiim from drawing it. With unblurtiing
effrontery he then turned towards his fovereign, and audacioufly
told him, that refinance being vain, he would do well to comply
with the traitor's demand. Abandoned by all, the king then rofe
from his feat and retired to the Haram, and a few minutes after
Bcedar Shah made his appearance ; — he was faluted by the rebels as
emperor of Hindollaun, under the title of Jchaun Shah, and the
culfomary Nazirs having been prefented, the event was proclaimed

A. D. 1788.] SHAH-AULUM. 177

to the citizens of Delhi by the found of trumpets arfd the acdamat;
tions of the populace.

In return for thefe important fervices, the new king delivered to
Gholaum Caudir an order upon the revenues for thirtv-fix lacks of
rupees, a grant in appearance confiderable, but, in fadt, of no real
value, as the diftraded ftate of the country, occalioned by the late
diflurbances, had totally dried up every fource of revenue or emo-
lument, and the ufurper, though declared fole manager of affairs,
could hope to procure wealth only by extortion. The family of
the dethroned king were now diredled to retire within the fort of
Selim Ghur, and thofe of Jehaun Shah to occupy their apartments
in the palace. Jehaun Shah, however, too foon found himfelf an
idle pageant in the hands of his pretended friends. On applying
to Gholaum Caudir to accompany him on a vifit to the great cathe--
dral, to receive the royal inveftiture with the accuftomed folcmnity
in the eyes of the people, the tyrant anfwered, that the time proper
for fuch ceremony was not yet come, and that bufinefs of greater
moment firft demanded his attention; in the mean time great diflrefs
prevailed within the walls of the Haram, and the cries of females
were heard aloud.

The next ftep taken by the rebellious chiefs, was to fend a party
of foldiers to the palace of the two aged princefl'es, Maleka Zimani,
and Sahiba Mahal. Thefe ladies were the widows of the deceafed
emperor Mahmud Shah, and had, for more than twenty years, lived
in a manner entirely fecluded from the world. As they were known,
not only to be very rich, but to poflbfs confiderable influence over

A A

178 HISTORY OF [a. D. 1788.

the royal family, they were now ordered to court, and, on their ar-
rival, direded to vifit the Haram, and perfuade the females there
confined, quietly to deliver up their jewels and valuable effects.
The office was invidious.

Some perfons in Delhi have not fcruplcd to affirm, that the prin-
cefl'es refufed compliance with the order, and pleaded their advanced
age and high rank as reafons for declining the office; but, on the
other hand, they are accufed of having encouraged the ufurpcr,
and to have endeavoured, by intrigue, to form a fecret treaty to raife
to the throne a relation of their own. Certain it is they vifited the
Haram, but without the fuccefs exped:ed, and on their return, de-
clined farther interference ; this condudl contributed only to exaf-
perate the tyrant. With inhuman rapacity he caufed thofe venerable
ladies to be robbed of all their property, which the benevolence of
their emperor, in more profperous days, had beftowed upon them,
and they were afterwards commanded to retire to their own habita-
tion.

The thirty-lix lacks of rupees, as before ftated, not coming into
the treafury, Gholaum Caudir infolently threatened the new king
with his fevere difj leafure, ^d added, in terms farcaflically poig-
nant, that as he had elevated him to his prefent dignity, he could,
with equal facility, deprive him of it. Perceiving the tyrant's
drift, Jehaun Shah retired info the Haram, and having, partly by
menaces and alternate foothings, conftrained the unhappy women to
deliver up their jewels and ornaments, and other valuables, he fent
them in trays to Gholaum Caudir, The royal family were, by
3

A. D. 1788.] SHAH-AULUM. 179

this means, reduced to great diftrefs ; the cries within the Haram
became much louder, and their fufferings more acute ; and with
forrow we relate, that to fo high a pitch was it carried, that feme
of the inferior order of females acflually perillied for want, or urged
by the bitternefs of defpair, raifed their hands againft their own
lives. Infenfible to the general diftrefs, and unfatiated with plunder,
Gholaum Caudir Khan finding he had nothing more to expecSl from
the new king, proceeded to the lafl: adt of wanton cruelty. He fent
for the dethroned king and all the princes of the royal family to
the audience chamber; on their arrival, he fternly commanded Shah-
Aulum to difcover his concealed treafures ; in vain did the king plead
his degraded ftate, and the confequent inability to conceal even the
fmalleft article. Inflamed by a continual debauch, which had thrown
him into a paroxyfm of rage, the tyrant threatened his fovereign
with inflant lofs of fight ; What ! exclaimed the fuffering prince,
(we quote the literal expreffions of a native author*) " What! will
you dcflroy thofe eyes, which for a period of fixty years have been
affiduoufly employed in perufing the facred Koran ?"

Regardlefs of the pathetic appeal, the Rohilla, with charadlcriftic
inhumanity, commanded his attendants to fcize the king. Having
thrown him on the floor, the ferocious ruffian implanting himfelf
on his bofom, transfixed with a poignard the eyes of his venerable
fovereign! on the completion of this horrid deed, Gholaum Caudir
ordered the king to be removed to a diflant apartment. The mife-
rable Shah-Aulum, pale and bleeding, was conduced to his retreat;

• MS. of Syud Rezxi Khan.
A A 2

i8o HISTORY OF [a. d. 1788.

there, in all the bitternefs of anguilh, to contemplate on his now
ruined fortunes. Emphatic, indeed, were the expreflions of the
fame native author in relating the fallen condition of his fovereign ;
" This wretch," (exclaims the indignant hiftorian) " this accurfed
wretch, has, in one fatal moment, darkened the bright flar of the
augull Timoorian family, and buried in the whirlpool of deflrudtion
the fiately vefTel of imperial authority!" The king, however
evinced, under fuch accumulated misfortunes, a firmnefs of mind,
and relignation highly honourable in his charadler; and it may not
be unworthy to remark, that the natives of Alia in general, proba-
bly from the principles of predellination which they imbibe from
their youth, are obferved to fuftain themfelvcs under misfortune, in
a manner worthy of imitation by the European chriflian.

Shah-Aulum furviving the lofs of his fight during his confine-
ment, folaced himfelf in contemplative reveries, and in compofing
elegiac verfes, defcriptive of his deplorable ftate*.

But from fuch heart-rending fcencs, let us haften to relate the
remaining actions of this execrable monfter. His next vi6tim was
the infamous Nazir. This man, through whofe difloyalty and
ingratitude Gholaum Caudir had been enabled to perpetrate his
atrocities, now moft defervedly experienced the eftedts of his per-
fidious condudl. He was diredled by the tyrant to give in an in-
ventory of his property and effedts, and on refufing to comply, he
was feized and put into clofe confinement, when his ill-gotten wealth

• MS. narrative of Syud Rczzi Khan. See the appendix, No. 4.

A. D. 1788.] SHAH-AULUM. 181

was forcibly taken from him, thus exhibiting to the world an ex-
emplary inftance of retributive juftice for his demerits.

As Gholaum Caudir's wealth accumulated, his avarice rofe to a *
proportionate degree; and blind to the impolicy of fuch a ficp, he
refufed to make an equal divifion of the fpoil with his guilty aflb-
diate. Ifmaeel Beg, incenfed at this treatment, refolved to abandon \
him. He accordingly withdrew his guards from the palace, and
retired to his own houfe. From thence he difpatched letters to the
Marhatta general, acknowledging his errors, and offering to atone I
for them by profcfTions of future obedience and fidelity, and de-
claring his readinefs to join the Marhattas in any meafures toward
the tyrant's expulfion.

The fupinenefs of the Marhatta government during the late dif-
graceful tranfacSions, has been defervedly reprobated, and is difficult
to be accounted for on any principle of policy or advantage to the
ftate. Indeed, the unhappy monarch, from a ftrange combination of
circumflanccs, feems to have been forfaken by all his friends when
he moft needed their affiftance ; and it is much to be regretted that
the ftate of Britifh politics at that time did not admit of interference
on the part of his old and, till now, faithful allies.

Sindiah, when informed of the late tragical events, ordered his
general, Ranah Khan, to march forthwith to Delhi, expel the traitor,
and liberate Shah-Aulum from his confinement. Thefe orders were
obeyed with a willing alacrity on the part of Ranah Khan ; and he
exerted himfclf with fo much diligence, that the van of the Ma-
2-

i82 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1788.

rhatta army was in fight of the capital, when Gholaum Caudir
Khan, awakened from his dream of riot and intemperance, re-
ceived the firft tidings of the enemy's approach. Finding his fitua-
tion in the imperial palace to be untenable, he prepared for flight ;
but previous to his departure, he coUedled the plunder, and taking
the new king along with him, with all the princes of the royal
family, together with the infamous Nazir, he quitted the fort by a
private paiTage, and crolTing the river Jumna, effedled his retreat to
Meerut, a town in the centre of the Doo Ab, and diftant about lixty
miles from Delhi.

On the flight of Gholaum Caudir, the Marhatta general ad
vanced, and took polTeflion of the city and palace. His firfl: care
was t© releafe the dethroned king, caufe him to be proclaimed in
Delhi, and furnifh him with every thing necelTary for his conve-
nience or comfort, Ranah Khan having then placed a llrong gar-
rifon in the citadel, immediately fet out in purfuit of the rebel
chief. Previous, however, to that flep, he, by order of Sindiah,
afforded Ifmaeel Beg a liberal fupply of money for the payment of
his difcontented foldiers ; and directed that chief to proceed to the
diflricts of Rewari and Gocul Ghur, whence he was commanded
to expel Nujufi^ Cooli Khan, who had beheld with indifference the
late enormities at Delhi.

Thefe arrangements being finiflicd, Ranah Khan croffcd the
Jumna. On his fecond day's march, he was joined by a Marhatta
chief, named Ali Behadur, who had for fome time part been em-

A. D. 1788.] SHAH-AULUM. 183

ployed in Bundelcund *, and now brought with him a body of
4000 horfe in fupport of the general caufe. The united force then
proceeded to Meerut, which was garrifoned by a ftrong force of
Rohillas, who ftill adhered to the tyrant's caufe. Ranah Khan, not
having any heavy artillery, was prevented from forming a regular
iiiege ; he therefore drew a line of circumvalation around, and
blockaded the fort. This mode would, he apprehended, compel
the garrifon to a furrender, by the fupplies from without being com-
pletely cut off: nor was he deceived in the expedlation; for a dearth
of provifions enfuing, the Rohillas began to fuflain great incon-
venience. Gholaum Caudir endeavoured, by repeated fallies, to
animate his troops, and repel the befiegers. hi every encounter the
intrepid chief exhibited a gallantry and refolution that would have
done honour to a better caufe. But finding all his efforts fruitlefs,
and the garrifon having now become mutinous, he determined to
attempt an efcape.

Attended by 500 horfe, who were ftill attached to him, he, at
their head, ruflied out of the fort, and charged the enemy io vi-
goroufly, that though every endeavour was exerted to take him pri-
foner, he made his way through the whole line, and accompli ihed
his efcape. But, at length, his own troops perceiving his forlorn
condition, began by degrees to drop off; fo that in a fhort time he
was left quite alone ; and, to complete his milhap, his horle, cx-
haufted by fatigue, funk under him, and he received in the fall a
fevere coutufion. This accident compelled him to take refuge in an

• A province to the fouth-wcft of Allahabad.

1 84 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1788.

jiJjoining village, where, being rccognifcd by the Zemindar of the
place, he was feized, and put into confinement. Information of
this circumftance having been conveyed to Ali Behadur, that chief
fcnt a party of horfe, who conducted him into the Marhatta camp.
On the rebel's flight from Meerut, the garrifon furrendered at dif-
cretion. Their lives were fpared, and the princes of the royal fa-
mily were releafed from their confinement, and under an honourable
cfcort conveyed to Delhi. On their arrival, Jehaun Shah, after fuf-
fering feverely for his fliort-lived elevation, was remanded back to
his former abode in the fort of Sclim Ghur.

On the redu<ftion of Meerut, Ranah Khan led his army to Sehau-
runpore, which place, on hearing the fate of Gholaum Caudir, fub-
mitted to the Marhatta authority, who, from that time, have re-
mained undilhirbed mafters of the whole province.

Soon after this event, Ranah Khan with the army returned to
Delhi, where by this time the Maharajah Sindiah was likewife ar-
rived, and had refumed his former authority in the flate. The
puniflimcnt of the rebel was too remarkable to be palled over in
filence ; nor did his guilty aflbciate, the Nazir, efcape the juft ven-
geance of iiis infulted fovereign.

Gholaum Caudir, on his arrival in the Marhatta camp, was carried
into the prefence of the general ; when, after repeated demands to
difcovcr the place where he had depofited the plunder of the palace,
on his refufing to comply, he was delivered over to a punifliment
terrible indeed. He was firfl placed in an iron cage, conftrudled for

A . D . 1 788 SHA H -AULUM . 1 85

the occafion, and in this fituation was fufpended in front of the
army. After fuflaining the infults and indignities of the foldiers,
his nofe, ears, hands, and feet, were cut off; and in this mutilated
and miferable condition he was, by order of Ali Behadur, font off
to Delhi; but, on the journey, death relieved the miferable wretch
from his fufferings: thus dreadfully atoning for the crimes of his
favage and abandoned life! — The Nazir, on his arrival, at Delhi,
was trodden to death under the feet of an elephant.

The melancholy events pafling fo rapidly in review, whilll relating
the tranfadtions of an Afiatic Durbar, can afford to a benevolent
mind little to contemplate with plcafure or attention : but the pic-
ture, however difgnfting, may notwithftanding be viewed to ad-
vantage. A Britifh reader might, on this review, diredt his infpec-
tion inwards; and while he execrates the infatiate fpirit and detefta-
ble ambition which can thus acftuate men to the commillion of fuch
enormities, he may place before his fatigued mind the more pleafmg
contraft of the fituation and invaluable blellings of his native land —
bleffings, which teach him more highly to value and to venerate that
happy conftitution, which is founded upon an immutable and im-
mortal principle, that a Britifli fovcreign can do no wrong.

Soon after the arrival of the Marhatta army, Sindiah appointed a
day for re-inflating the depofed king on the throne of his anceflors;
and the ceremony was performed in the grand hall of audience with
much pomp and folemnity. An allowance was, moreover, affigned
to his majefly of nine lacks of rupees per annum for the fupport of

B B

1 86 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1791.

his family and houfchold, the I'upcrintendance of which was com-
mitted to Shah Nizam Al Decn, a dependant on the Marhatta chief *,

After the terrible punilhment of Gholaum Caudir Khan, the order
of our narrative leads to the fituation of Ifmaeel Beg. That noble-
man, as already obfcrved, had been detached by order of Sindiah
to reduce Nujuff Cooli khan, at that time in the neighbourhood of
Rewari. On his arrival in the dilbicl, Ifmaeel Beg was informed
of the death of his antagonift, whofe troops were then under the
command of his w-idow, a woman of mafculine fpirit and unboun-
ded ambition. Well acquainted with the adive bravery of Ifmaeel

* Whatever might have been the real intentions of Sindiah when he made this grant,
in appearance fo liberal, it cannot be denied but his kindnefs failed of effccl ; and it
may be affirmed with iiiflicc, that from the chara£\er which this chief originally affumed
of protedlor of the injured rights of die Great Mogul, he, in fact, became the opprcfTor.
Intent only on his own a^randifcment, and in effl:>Sluating his plans at the Poonah
Durbar, the Marhatta chief detained the unhappy king in an apparently-honourable,
but really miferable, confinement 5 and during his own abfence, he delegated his power
to a crafty and defigning dependant, who permitted the king and his family to want the
common neccflarics of lite : a circumftancc which inflicls indelible difgracc on Sindiah"s
memor)'. This alTertion would appear overftraincd, and the circumftancc, perhaps, too
highly coloured, were it not notorious to all Dellii, that out of the above fum allotted
in jaghire for the king's maintenance, he has fcldom received more than 50,000 rupees
per annum, and that frequently ill paid. To bo convinced of the truth of this fact,
the author, when at Delhi, made particular inquiry, and was affurcd by a nobleman of
the court, Syud Rezzi Khan, Colonel Palmer's Vakeel, that is was an aiThial fact. —
This nobleman refides at the capital on the part of the Englifli Ambaifador, as well
iis that of the vizir, Afuf Al Dowla, for the purpofe of diiburfing to his majefty the
fum of two tlioufand rupees per month for his privy purfe, (wliich is termed Zuri
Khafs;) and this money, together with a few trifling prefcnts received when pcrfons are
prefented at court, is all the lineal dcfcendant of Timoor obtains for the fapport of him-
Iclf and his thirty children, rcfiding within the precindls of the imperial palace.

A.D. i79t.] SHAH-AULUM. 187

Beg, the Begum propofed to him a coahtion of interefts ; and, to
excite his hopes of fuccefs in a refinance to the Marhatta authority,
ilie proffered him the forces and treafures ot her deceafed lord. The
natural and hereditary averfion entertained by Ifmaeel Beg againfl the
Marhatta nation, inclined him, without much refled;ion, to accede
to thefe propofals. He accordingly marched his own force to the
town of Canoor, the place where the Begum then refided, and
which was aclually befieged by the Marhattas.

Notwithftanding every exertion on the part of the enemy, he threw
himfelf into the place, and endeavoured by repeated and fpirited
fallies to prevent its fall. Unfortunately, in one of thofe encounters,
the Begum herfelf, who with a gallantry and fpirit not uncommon
among the females of Hindoftaun were accuftomed to be prefent in
adlion, was flain by a cannon ball. This misfortune occasioned a
defedlion in her troops to their obedience of Ifmaeel Beg, and
which had, during her life time, been kept within proper bounds.
The principal leaders entering into a cabal againfl the Mogul chief,
agreed to deliver him up to the Marhattas, with whom they had
commenced a negotiation. But however fecretly the treaty, on this
occafion, was made, it foon reached the ears of Ifmaeel Beg; and,
he, to prevent the cffe(fts of this treachery, was prevailed upon by
his friends to a voluntary furrender, requefting only a guarantee for
his perfonal fafety. This was readily granted him under the faith
of General Duboignc, at that time of high command in the Ma-
rhatta army. Some few days after, Ifmaeel Beg entered the camp,
from whence he was fent off a prifoner to the fort of Agrah, in
which ffatc he has fmce continued. While the Marhatta influence

B n 2

iS8 HISTORY OF [a.d. 1791.

obtains permanency at the court of Delhi, it is probable he will con-
tinue under rcftraint, as that politic and wary people will never fuffer
[o active and intriguing a man to be enlarged. But lliould any un-
forefeen event, in the hazardous fyftem of the prefent politics, occa-
llon a decline, or extindlion of their authority, there is little doubt
but this adive and vigilant partizan will again bear a confpicuous
Ihare in the revolutions.

Among the numerous adventurers who have for a feries of years
emigrated from the regions of the north to the provinces of Hin-
doftaun, few have poffelTed greater military talents than Ifmaeel
Beg. Inured to arms at an early period of life under the tuition of
his uncle, Mahomed Beg Khan Hamdani, he dillinguifhed himfelf
on feveral occafions by his fuperior valour and ability : and if, on a
review of his charader, we except the culpability jufUy attached to
him for the fhare he bore in the tranfadlions of Gholaum Caudir, we
mull: allow Ifmaeel Beg the merit of an adive, gallant foldier j to
which, by the unanimous voice of his contemporaries, may be added
that of an accomplifhed man, generous in difpolition, and kind and
liberal to his followers and dependants.

Of the fate of the remaining pcrfons who fliared in the various
revolutions recorded through this volume, the Begum Somroo de-
ferves notice. The fidelity exhibited by this fpirited lady in defence
of her fovereign on various occafions, merited a better return thai>
that which flie was deftined to experience. The chiefs in the Ma-
rhatta army had long beheld with jealous inquietude the influence
ihe had acquired with the king ; and Sindiah himfelf .appears not

A.D.I795-] SHAH-AULUM. 189

to have been wholly free from this imputation: for, though he can-
not be charged with giving directions to degrade the Begum from
her dignity, his not taking immediate fceps to make reparation for
the afiVont, mufl appear to every unprejudiced mind highly to his
difcredit. On the other hand, it mull, v.ith equal mnpartiality, be
confelTed, that tlie condu(5t of this lady gave her enemies great
advantage..

During the whole of her adminillration, until the period before
us, (he, by prudence and a circumfpedt conduct, governed her ter-
ritory with honour and advantage. Her troops refpeded her valour,
and her officers yielded a ready obedience to her authority. An un-
fortunate attachment, however, which Ihe formed for one of thofe
officers, occafioned her fevere vexation and diflrefs ; and inconfif-
tently with her ufual' prudence, (lie had granted him her hand irr
marriage. Mr. Vaiffaux, a German adventurer, was the perfon fe-
ledted ; who, though a man of abilities, and who had rendered
eflential fervice to the Begum in the management of her artillery and
other military concerns, was neverthclefs of a haughty difpofition
and flern manners, which, unfortunately for both, proved the fource
of a difaflrous event..

The Begum was ftrongly diffuaded from this ftep by her friends,
and by none more than the king, who, in this ill-fated marriage,
fcruplcd not to predid the total downfall of her authority, a pre-
didlion too foon to be fulfilled. By the fecret infligation of (he
Marhatta leaders, the chief officers and fervants of the Begum
entered into a confpiracy, and refolved on her depofition. —

I90 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1795.

To give a fandtion to their proceedings in the eyes of the people,
they invited the Nuwaub Zuffer Yah Khan, fon of the dcceafed
Somroo, by a former wife, to accept of the government as his juft
inheritance. This young man, turbulent in manners, and of a
worthlefs charader, had received, through the bounty of the Begum,
an ample allowance for his fupport, ever fmce his father's death ;
but his condud: had given her fuch difguft, that (he had forbidden
his appearance at her own refidence. He was living at Delhi when
the offer of the confpirators arrived ; undifturbed by any fcruples
of confcience, and not impreffed by any fentiment of gratitude or
affedlion, he accepted the offer with avidity, and repairing to the
town of Sirdhauna, in private, he waited the event with impatience.

A few days fubfcquent to the Begum's marriage, rtie prepared to
accompany her hulband in a circuit through her Jaghire. They had
fcarcely quitted the town of Serdhauna, when a mutiny broke out
among her own troops, and at the fame inftant, Zuffer Yab Khan,
who liad been privately living in the town, now ruflicd forth with
a body of Marhattas, feizcd on the town, and was proclaimed Jag-
hire Dar. Informed of this event, the Begum endeavoured, by the
moft lludied attention and cogent argument, to induce her troops to
return to their allegiance, but in vain j long refolved on their plan,
they were heedlefs of her folicitations, and fcized and confined both
herfelf and hufband. This unfortunate man perceiving himfclf in
the power of his enemies, and difdaining fubmiffion, in a fit of
dcfpcration put a period to his exigence ; and tiie Begum was then

A.D. I795-] SHAH-AULUM. 191

recondu(5ted to her capital, only to behold the rebellion of her fub-
jecfts, and the elevation of her ungenerous relative, to the Mufnud*.

After the fettlement of the government at Delhi, Sindiah direded
his attention to the fubjugation of the different Rajpoot ftatcs, who,
during the late difturbances and frequent revolutions, had become,
in a great meafure, independent of the court. In this arduous un-
dertaking he was affifted by the profefTional abilities of an European
officer of diftinguifhed eminence. Mr. Duboigne, a gentleman
formerly in the fervice of the Eaft- India company, had, of late-
years, upon advantageous offers being made to him, entered into
that of Sindiah, and on many occafions had contributed to the af-
cendancy acquired by that prince over his competitors. Mr. Du-
boigne, whofe acutenefs and penetration enabled him to difcern the
vaft fuperiority which difcipline obtains over irregular multitudes, and.
the advantages to be derived from the introdudlion of European tac-
tics, propofed to Sindiah to raife a body of troops, cloathed and
difciplined, as far as the local and religious prejudices would admit,
after the model of the company's European troops. The propofal

• Though by this outraf;e, deprived of her authority, the Begum pafled not her
time in unavailing lamentations, flic had many friends, and by their affiftance, aided
by the earneft intreaties of the king, flie was, in the fucceeding year, releafed from
her confinemeni, and once more, though with cireumfcribcd authority, put in poircffion
ef her Jighire, where it is the wilh of every feeling mind flie may long continue.
Her attention towards thofc of our countrymen, who have oecafionally vilited her tcr-
iitories> has been moft hofpitable and unremitting, and among others, the authof'
of this hifiory is happy in having an opportunity of adding his tetlimony of cftcem for
the kind offices afforded himfcU" and his companions, during a fortnight's refidence near,
her hofpitiible manlion.

\cjz HISTORY OF [a. d. 1790.

was readily accepted on the part of the Marliatta chief, and Mr. Du-
boigne, who had been raifed to the rank of general, prepared to
carry it into effed:.

In the courfe of the current year*, the firfl: regular brigade ever
attached to the Marhatta fervice, was raifed, cloathed, arc] appointed;
it confifted of ten battalions of 750 men each, feven of which bat-
talions were regulars, denominated by the natives, Talingas, cloathed
and armed with mulket and bayonet, like the company's troops. —
The three remaining battalions were Patnns, armed with matchlocks
of a new invention ; their uniform made after the Perfian falhion,
and the whole brigade regulars, as well as matchlocks, were exer-
cifed by the manual word of command, as prad;ifed in European
armies. To render the brigade more compadt, 500 Mewattis, or
irregular foldicrs, were attached to perform the ordinary routine of
camp duties, fo that the troops might be ready, on all occafions, for
adlive fervice — 500 cavalry were attached to the brigade, and 60
pieces of well-mounted and well-ferved artillery, from 3 to 6 and
9 pounders.

In the fucceeding years of 1791-2-3, the fccond and third bri-
gades v/ere gradually raifed of nearly equal force, with the addition
of 1000 Rohillas, for the exprefs purpofc of leading the ftorming
parties. — The force thus raifed amounted, in the whole, to 24,000

• The following detail was obligingly communicated to the author by General
Duboignc himfclf, who is now in England, and to whom he begs leave to offer his
very hearty acknowledgements.

A. D. 1793.] SHAH-AULUM. 193

men and 130 pieces of artillery, commanded by European officers
of different nations, and directed by the enterprizlng fpirit and un-
remitted perfeverance of the general who raifed them. Their fuc-
cefs on a variety of the moft trying occafions proved equal to their
expectations , and Sindiah confefled his obligations to Mr. Duboigne,
by repofing in him a confidence almoft unlimited, and by the ceffion
of fifty-two diftridls in the Doo Ab, to be appropriated exprefsly
as Jaiedad, for the maintenance of the troops he had raifed. Aided
by his exertions, he, in the period we have mentioned, not only
recovered his former poffeflions, but in the end extended his influ-
ence to the Punjab frontier ; by a rapid fucceffion of victories, he
defeated the Nuwaub Ifmaeel Beg, Gholaum Caudir Khan, the
countries of Oudepore and Joudporc, and Jynaghur; and though he
could not abfolutely^wreft thefe dominions from the laft-mentioned
prince, he compelled him to the payment of an annual tribute.

Towards the middle of 1793, his affairs calling him to the wefl
of India, he left Gopaul Row, his lieutenant-general, to manage
his affairs in the north, and General Duboigne in the center of
his newly-acquired pofTeflions. His power may, at this period, be
faid to have reached its meridian fplendour; his arms again ac-
quired an afcendancy over his contemporaries, and he found himfelf
the leader and preponderating chief of the whole Marhatta empire —
from the confines of Lahore, to the fea of Cambay ; he poffeffed
an authority almoil unlimited ; while the firmnefs, energy, and ac-
tivity, which marked the features of his adminillration, at the fame

c c

194 HISTORY OF [a. d. 1794.

time fhed a bright kiftrc on his charader, in the minds of the princes
of Hindoftaun.

At the clofe of 1793, Sindiah prepared for his return to the
northward, with an intention, as it was fuppofed, of pufliing his
arms againft the Sieks ; all looked forward to the future motions of
this entcrprizing chief in a ftate of anxious fufpenfe j but while the
different powers were either alarmed by the fear, or excited by the
hope, of his appearance amongfl: them, he was fuddenly feized with
a diftemper, which termined his exiftence at the age of 67.

His character has been already delineated by the record of his ac-
tions in the preceding pages; in concluiion it maybe remarked,
that from the inceflant perfeverance with \\ hich he laboured to bring
to maturity fchemes once formed for his own aggrandizement; had
his life been extended, he would, in all probability, have become
a formidable antagonift to the interefts of Great Britain; whofe ru-
lers were not unacquainted with his acflivc fpirit or infatiable ambi-
tion. He was fucceedcd in his paternal dominions by his nephew,
Dowlat Row, who has not as yet attained any pre-eminence among
the princes in the Marhatta ftatcs.

The few remaining years of the reign of Shah-Aulum can afford
little on which to expatiate or digrefs. Reduced to dependence on
a foreign power for the fupport of himfelf and a numerous fixmily,
the duration of his life cannot materially alter his fituation ; the fate
of his family, and eventual fuccelfor, muft remain to be recorded
at a future period, but his reign may be more properly faid to clofe

SHAH-AULUM. 195

when he fuftained the fatal calamity before mentioned. Shah-
Aulum, nominal Emperor of Hindoftaun, is in his 75th year.
His flaturc tall and commanding, his afpedt dignified and majeftic.
The ravages of time are difcernible on his face, and the recolledion.
of his misfortunes have imprcfled his features with melancholy.
His early youth was paffed in fpirited, though inefFecflual, flruggles,
to reftore the diminilhed luftre of imperial authority, and his con-
duit, whilfl contending againfi: the ufurped power of Gazooddeen
Khan, deferves great praife. But in the greater part of his life,
little can be found deferving the applaufe of pofterity. Irrefokitc
and indecifive in his meafures, he too frequently rendered ufelefs
the plans forhned by his friends for the recovery of his authority,
while his excefTive love of pleafure, and infatuated attachment to
unworthy favorites, contributed to degrade him in the eyes of his
neighbours and allies, and render the fmall remains of his dominion
contemptible. All his minifters, with the exception of NujufF
Khan, were prodigal and rapacious in the extreme ; they perceived
the king's weaknefs, and, by flattering his vanity and fupplying
his extravagance, enfured to themfelves an uncontroled authority
in the flate, while they abufed the generofity of their fovereign,
by committing every fpecies of enormity and oppreffive violence.

Shah-Aulum had improved a very good education by ftudy and
refled:ion ; he was a complete maftcr of the languages of the eaft,
and as a writer, attained an eminence feldom acquired by perfons in
his high flation. His correfpondencc with the different princes of
the country, during a very long and chequered reign, exhibits proofs
of a mind highly cultivated ; and if we may judge by an elegiac

c c 2

196 HISTORY OF, &c.

effay, compofed after the cruel lofs of his fight, he appears to have
great merit in pathetic compofition. In the internal ecoHomy of his
houfehold, he is univerfally allowed to be an affecftionate parent, a
kind mafter, and a generous patron. His trials have been many,
and it is earneftly to be hoped the evening of his life may be pafled
in a peaceful tranquillity ; upon a review of his life and adlions,
it may, without injuftice, be pronounced, that though Shah-Aulum
poffeffed not a capacity fufficiently vigorous to renovate the fprings
of a relaxed government, or emulate his illuftrious anceftors, he,
notwilhftanding, had many virtues commendable in a private fla-
tion ; but he unfortunately reigned at a time when the royal autho-
rity was in its moft degraded ftate, and when great and fhining ta-
lents were necelTary to render permanent his power, and curb the
licentious cffufions of rebellious and difobedient fubjecls. The
Sun of Tim 00 r, as a refpecflable hiftorian* has juflly obferved, is
moft probably fet for ever ; and if a continuation of the metaphor
be allowable, it may be added, that the decline and utter extindion
of that auguft family was referved to the days of the unfortunate
Shah-Aulum.

(

* Captain Jonathan Scott, from whofc hiftory of Deccan the author is happy to
acknowledge he has received confiderable advantage, in elucidating the intricacies of.
dates under which oriental writers fo conftantly labour. ^

Lift of Authorities quoted for the prefent TVork,

1. SHAH-AULUM Nameh, or a HiJIory of the Reign of the
Emperor Shah-Aulum, written in the F erf an Language by Gholaum
AH Khan, a Mogul, formerly in the Service of Prince Mirza Juwaun
Bukht Jehaundar Shah, and now Refident at Lucknow.

2. MS. of Syud Rezzi Khan, containing the Tranf anions of the
lafl nine Years of the Reign of Shah-Aulum.

3. MS. of Munnoo Loll, a Hindoo, containing the thirteen frfl
Tears of the Reign of Shah-Aulum.

4. Oufafi Afof: a Genealogical Account of the reigning Family of
Oude — Author unknown.

5. Hudeeka Al Akauleem : a Geographical Account of the differed
Provinces of Hindoflaun, written in the Perftan Language.

6. Captain SalkeWs MS. Operations of Sindiah and Mahomed Beg
Khan Hamdani, written in the Perfian Language.

APPENDIX, L

Account of Modern Delhi *.

X HE province of Delhi, agreeably to the defcription of native
geographers, is bounded on the eafl: by Agrah, on the weft by La-
hore, fouth by Agimere, and north by the Kummow Hills. Its
length, from the town of Pulwul, near Agrah, to the river Sutluz,
is 1 60 cofes J and its breadth, from the town of Rewari to the
Kummow Hills, is 140 cofes. It is divided into eight Circars, or
principal diflridls, namely, Shahjehanabad, (modern Delhi), Ser-
hind, HilTar Feiroozeh, Sehaurunpore, Sumbul, Bedaoon, Nar-
noul. Thefe are again fubdivided into 289 inferior diftridts, yield-
ing, according to the imperial regifter, a revenue of feventy-four
crore fixty-three lacks of Daums -f-, or one million eight hundred
and fifty thoufand pounds fieri ing.

In the year of the Hijerah 1041, (a. d. 1631-2), the Emperor
Shah Jehan founded the prefent city and palace of Shahjehanabad,
which he made his capital during the remainder of his reign. The

• The following account of the prefent ftate of Delhi is cxtrafted from a journal
of obfervations mad: during an official tour tlirough the Doo Ab and the adjacent dif-
tridts by the author, in company with Major Reynolds, of the Bombay eftablilhment, .
appointed by the Bengal government to furvey that part of the country in 1793-4.

t Perfian MS. entitled Hudceka Al Akaulccm.

20O APPENDIX, I.

new city of Shalijehanabad lies on the weftern bank of the Jumna,
in latitude 28. 36. north. The city is about feven miles in circum-
ference, and is furrounded on three fides by a wall of brick and ftone;
a parapet runs along the whole, but there are no cannon planted on
the ramparts. The city has feven gates : viz. Lahore gate, Delhi
gate, ^j/wcrc g^ie, Turkoman gJLte, Moor ga.tc, Caiu/ gate, Cajhmere
gate; all of which are built of free ilone, and have handlome arched
jentrances of fl:one, wheie the guards of the city keep watch. Near
the Ajimere gate is a MudrufTa, or college, erecfted by Gazooddeen
Cawn, nephew of Nizam-ool-Mcoluk; it is built of red flone, and
fituated in the center of a fpacious quadrangle, with a fountain lined
with ftonc. At the upper end of the area is a handfome mofque,
built of red ftone, and inlaid with white marble. This college is
now uninhabited.

In the neighbourhood of the Cabul gate is a garden called Tees
Huzzari Baug, in which is the tomb of the Queen Malika Zemani,
wife of the Emperor IVIahmud Shah ; a marble tablet placed at the
head of the grave is engraved with fome Perfian couplets, informing
us of the date of her death, which happened but five y^jars fince,
A. Hijerah / 203. On a rifing ground near this garden, from whence
there is a fine profpe<ft of the city, are two broken columns ot brown
granite, eight feet high,' and two and a half in breadth, on which
are infcriptions in anticnt characters.

About one mile caft of the city, is the tomb of the celebrated
Jthanarah Begum, eldell: daughter of the Emperor Shah Jchan *,

* Doye,faJ/im.

APPENDIX. I. aoi

no lefs famous for her wit, gallantry, and beauty, than for her filial
attachment in undergoing a voluntary confinement of ten years with
her father in the caftle of Agrah.

The tomb is of fine white marble, uncovered at the top, which
was formerly filled with earth and flowers. At the head of the
grave is a tablet of white marble, with an infcription in black cha-
radlers ; the flab is decorated at its corners with cornelians of dif-
ferent colours.

iS*-*> ^ Llj'^ *^'>^ •N'j-' (jj^^ ^^ •-^^ f^M b' Uj}^*^ tllyUJl aJiilS

In Englifli thus :

" Let no one fcatter over my grave ought befides earth and ver-
" dure, for fuch is beft befitting the fepulchre of one of an humble
" mind."

On the margin :

•• The perifliable Fakeer, Jehanarai Begum, daughter to Shah
*• Jehan, and difciple of the faints of Cheefl:y, in the year of the
" Hijerah 1094.

Within the city of new Delhi are the remains of many fplendid
palaces belonging to the great Omrahs of the empire. Among the
largefl: are thofe of Cummer-o'dcen Cawn, vizir to Mahmud Shah;

D D

202 APPENDIX, I.

Ali Merdan Khan, the Perfian j the Nabob Gazooddeen Cawn ;
Sefdur Jung's ; the garden* of Coodfeah Begum, mother to Mah-
mud Shah; the palace of Sadut Khan, and that of Suhaun Darah
Shekoah. All thefe palaces are furrounded by high walls, and take
up a confidcrable fpace of ground. Their entrances are through
lofty arched gateways of brick and ftone, at the top of which are
the galleries for mufic ; before each is a fpacious court-yard for the
elephants, horfcs, and attendants of the vifitors. Each palace has
likewife a Mahal, or feraglio, adjoining, which is feparated from
the great hall by a partition wall, and communicates by means of
private pafTages. All of them had gardens, with capacious refer-
voirs of flone, and fountains in the center. An ample terrace ex-
tended round the whole of each particuluar palace ; and within the
walls were houfes and apartments for fcrvants and followers of every
defcription, befides ftabling for horfes, elephants, and every thing
appertaining to a nobleman's fuite. Each palace is likewife provided
with a handfome fet of baths, and a Teh Khana under ground.

The baths of Sadut Khan are a fet of beautiful rooms, pa-ved, and
lined with white marble; they confift of five diftind apartments,
into which light is admitted by glazed window s at the top of the
domes. Sefdur Jung's Teh Khana confifls of a fet of apartments
built in a light and delicate flyle; one long room, in which is a mar-
ble refervoir the whole length, and a fmaller one raifed and balluf-
traded on each lide ; both faced throughout \\ ith w hite marble.

• Of this garden and paTace a moft beautiful and accurate painting may be fecn in
Daniell's Views in Hindoftaun.

APPENDIX, I. 203

Shahjehanabad is adorned with many fine mofques, feveral of
which are flill in pcrfeift beauty and repair. The following are
moft worthy of defcription :

Firfl, the yama Musjid*, or great cathedral. This mofque is
Htuated about a quarter of a mile from the royal palace ; the founda-
tion of it was laid upon a rocky eminence named Jujula Pahar, and
has been fcarped on purpofe. The afcent to it is by a flight of
ftone fleps, thirty-five in number, through a handfome gateway of
red ftone. The doors of this gateway are covered throughout with
plates of wrought brafs, which Mr. Bernicr imagined to be copper.
The terrace on which the mofque is fituated, is a fquare of about
fourteen hundred yards of red fi:one : in the center is a fountain lined
with marble, for the purpofe of performing the neceflary ablutions
previous to prayer.

An arched colonade of red ftone furrounds the whole of the ter-
race, which is adorned with odagon pavillions for fitting in. The
mofque is of an oblong form, two hundred and fixty-one feet m
length, furrounded at top by three magnificent domes of white mar-
ble interfc(5led with black firipes, and flanked by two Minarets of
black marble and red ftone alternately, rifing to the height of an
hundred and thirty i&tt. Each of thcfe Minarets has three pro-
jedting galleries of white marble, having their fummits crowned
with light odagon pavillions of the fame. The whole front of the
building is faced with large flabs of beautiful white marble; and

* Of this mofque likewile is to be feen a beautiful painting by the DanicUs,

D u 2

204 APPENDIX. I.

along the cornice are ten compartments, four feet long and two and
a half broad, which are inlaid with infcriptions in black marble in
the Nijkki charader, and are faid to contain the greater part, if not
the whole, of the Koran.

The infide of the mofquc is paved throughout with large flabs of
white marble, decorated with a black border, and is wonderfully
beautiful and delicate; the llabs are about three feet in length by one
and a half broad. The walls and roof are lined with plain white
marble; and near the Kibla* is a handfome Taak, or'hiche, which
is adorned with a profufion of freize work. Clofe to this is a
Mimbcr, or pulpit, of marble, which has an afcent of four fteps,
balluftradcd. .

The afcent to the Minarets is by a winding flair-cafe of an hun-
dred and thirty fteps of red ftone ; and at the top the fpedator is
gratified by a noble view of the king's palace, the Cuttub Minar,
the Hurran Minar, Humaioon's maufolcum, the palace of Ferozc
Shah, the fort of old Delhi, and the fort of Loni, on the oppofitc
banks of the river Jumna.

The domes are crowned with cuUifcs of copper richly gilt, and
prcfent a glittering appearance from afar off. This mofque was
begun by the emperor Shah Jchan in the fourth year of his reign,
and completed in the tenth. The expences of its ered:ion amounted

• Kihla literally implies a compafs, but here means a fmall hollow or excavation in
the walls of Mahomedan mofqucs, fo fituatcd on the crcilion of the buikiings, as al-
ways to look towards tlie city of Mecea.

APPENDIX, I. 205

to ten lacks of rupees ; and it is in every refpedl worthy of being
the great cathedral of the empire of Hindoflaun.

Not far from the palace is the mofque of Rofliun Al Dowla,
rendered memorable to the Delhians for being the place \vherc Nadir
Shah beheld the maflacre of the unfortunate inhabitants. The caufe
afligned by hiflorians for this inhuman adt is, that a fedition broke
out in the great market place, in which two thoufand Perfians were
flain. Nadir, on hearing of the tumult, marched out of the fort
at night with a fmall force to the Musjid of Rofliun Al Dowla,
where he was fired upon in the morning from a neighbouring terrace,
and an officer killed clofc by his fide. He inllantly ordered an in-
difcriminate flaughter of the inhabitants ; and his fquadrons of ca-
valry pouring through the ftreets before the afternoon, put to death
an hundred thoufand perfons of all defcriptions.

" The king of Perfia," fays the tranflator* of Feriflita, " fat,
" during this dreadful fcene, in the Musjid of Roiliun Al Dowla :
" none but flaves durft come near him, for his countenance was
" dark and terrible. At length, the unfortunate emperor-f-, attended
" by a number of his chief Omrahs, ventured to approach him with
" downcaft eyes. The Omrahs, who preceded Mahmud, bowed
*' down their foreheads to the ground. Nadir Shah flernly afked
" them what they wanted ; they cried out with one voice, " Spare
" the city." Mahmud faid not a word, but tears flowed faft from
*' his eyes: the tyrant, for once touched with pity, Iheathcd his

• Colonel Dow. + Mahmud Shah.

2o6 APPENDIX, I.

" fword, and faid, " for the fake of the prince Mahmud I for-
'• give."

Since this dreadful mafTacre, this quarter of Delhi has been but
very thinly inhabited. The mofque of Rofhun Al Dowlah is fi-
tuated at the entrance of the Chandney Choke, or market ; it is of
the common fize, built of rcdftone, and fiu^mounted by three domes,
richly gilt.

Zeenut Al Mufajid, or the ornament of mofques, is on the banks
of the Jumna, and was erefted by a daughter of Aurengzeeb, of
the name of Zeenut Al Niflah. It is of red ftone, with inlayings
of marble, and has a fpacious terrace in front, with a capacious re-
fervoir faced with marble. The princefs who built it, having de-
clined entering into the marriage fl^ate, laid out a large fum of money
in the above mofque, and on its completion, (he built a fcpulchre
of white marble, furrounded by a wall of the fame, in the weft
corner of the terrace. Here fhe was buried in the year of the Hi-
jerah 1122, correfponding to the year of Chrift, 1710. There
were formerly lands allotted for the fupport and repairs of this place,
amounting to a lack of rupees per annum, but they have long fince
been confifcated, during the troubles this city has undergone. Ex-
clufive of the mofques afore mentioned, there are, in Shahjchanabad
and its environs, above forty others ; but as moft of them are of
inferior fize and beauty, and all of them of a fimilar falbion, it is
unneceffary to prefcnt any farther detail.

The modem city of Shahjchanabad is rebuilt, and contains many

APPENDIX, I. 207

good houfes, chiefly of brick; the ftreets are, in general, narrow,
as is ufual in moft of the large cities in Afia j but there were for-
merly two very noble ftreets, the firft leading from the palace gate,
through the city, to the Delhi gate, in a diredion north and fouth..
This ftreet was broad and fpacious, having handfome houfes on
each fide of the way, and merchants* fhops well furnifliedwith a
variety of the richeft articles. Shah Jehan caufed an aquedudt of
red ftone to be made, which conveyed the water the whole length
of the ftreet, and from thence, by a refervoir under ground, into
the royal gardens. — Remains of this aquedudt are ftill to be feen,
but it is in moft parts choaked up with rubbifh. The fecond grand
ftreet entered in the fame manner, from the palace to the Lahore
gate, lying eaft and weft; it was equal in all refpeds to the former;
but in both of them the inhabitants have fpoiled the beauty of their
appearance, by running a line of houfes down the center, and, in
other places, acrofs the ftreet, fo that it is with difficulty a perfon
can difcover, without narrowly infpedling, their former pofition.

The Bazars in Delhi are at prefent but indifferently furniflied, and
the population of late years miferably reduced .^^ The Chandney
Choke is the beft fumifhed in the city, though its commerce is
but trifling. Cotton cloths are ftill manufa(5tured, and they export
indigo. Their imports are by the northern caravans, which gene-
rally come once a year; they bring with them from Cabul z.wA CaJIj^
mere, fliawls, fruits, and horfes; the two former articles are procu-
rable in Delhi at a reafonable rate. There is alfo a manufad;ory at
Delhi for hooka bottoms. Precious ftones are alfo to be had ia
the Bazars, and the black and red cornelians of the largeft and moft

-o8 APPExXDIX, L

beautiful fize. The adjoining country is well cultivated, and the
neighbourhood of the city produces com, rice, mullet, and indigo.

The city is divided into thirty-fix mohauls or diftridls, each of
which is named either after the particular Omrah who refided tliere,
or from fome local circumftance relative to the place.

It appears that modem Delhi has been built principally upon two
rocky eminences, the one where the Jama Musjid is fituated, named
Jujula Pabar ; and the other the quarter of the oil merchants, called
Bejula Pahar ; from both of thefe you have a commanding view of
the reft of the city. With refpedl to the ruins of old Delhi, the ex-
tent cannot, I fuppofe, be lefs than a circumference of twenty
miles, reckoning from the gardens of Shalimar, on the north weft,
to the Kuttub Minar, on the fouth eaft, and proceeding from thence
along the center of the old city, by way of the maufoleum of
Nizam Al Dcen, the tomb of Humaioon, which adjoins, and tlic
old fort of Delhi on the Jumna, to the Agimere gate of Shajeha-
nabad. The environs to the north and wefl are crowded with re-
mains of fpacious gardens and country houfes of the nobility, which
were formerly abundantly fupplicd with water, by means of a noble
canal dug by Ali Merdan Khan, and which formerly entered from
above the city of Panniput, quite down to Delhi, where it joined
the Jumna, fertilizing in its courfe a tradl of more than ninety miles
in length, and beftowing comfort and affluence on thofe who lived
within its extent. This canal, as it run through the fuburbs of
Mogul Parah, nearly three miles in length, was twenty-five feet
deep, and as much in breadth, cut from the quarry of iolid flone.

APPENDIX, I. 209

from which moft of the neighbouring houfcs have been likcwifc
built. Over it, at different places, were built fmall bridges of fl:one,
which communicated with the garden houfes of the nobility.

Ancient Delhi is faid, by hiftorians, to have been eredled by
Rajah Delu, who reigned in Hindoftaun prior to the invafion of
Alexander the Great ; others affirm it to have been built by Rajah
Pettouvar, who flour ifhed at a much later period. — It is called in
Sanfcrit, Indraput, or the abode of Indra, one of the Hindu deities,
and it is thus diftinguifhed in the royal diplomas of the chancery-
office. Whether the eity be of the antiquity reported, it is difficult
to determine, but this much is certain, that the vaft quantity of
buildings, both ancient and modern, which are to be found within
the extent above mentioned, as well as their grandeur and ftyle of
architecture, prove it to have been a rich, flourifhing, and popu-
lous city.

I will only add a fhort account of the royal gardens of ShaVmar;
thefe gardens, made by the emperor Shah Jehari, were begun in
the fourth year of his reign, and finifhed in the thirteenth, on which
occafion, according to Colonel Dow, the emperor gave a grand fef-
tival to his court. Thefe gardens were laid out with admirable tafle,
and coil the enormous fum of a million fterling ; their prefent ap-
pearance does not give caufe to fuppofe fuch an immenfe fum has
been laid out upon them, though great part of the moft valuable
and coftly materials have been carried away. The entrance to them
is through a gateway of brick, and a canal, lined with ftone, having
walks on each fide, paved with brick, leads up to the Dewaun

E E

210 APPENDIX, I.

Khana^ or nail of audience, moft part of uhicli is now fallen
down; from hence, by the fide of a noble canal, having a fountain
in the center; you proceed to the apartments of the Harani, which
occupy a large extent of ground. In front is an Ivauii, or open
hall, with apartments adjoining, the interior of which are decorated
with a beautiful border of white and gold painting, upon a ground
of the fineft chiinam.

On each fide of this Ivaun, enclofed by high walls, are the apart-
ments of the Haram, fome of which are built of red ftone, and
fome of brick, faced with the chunam afore mentioned, and orna-
ments, with paintings of flowers of various kinds. All the apart-
ments have winding paflages, which communicate with each other,
and the gardens adjoining by private doors. The extent of Shalimar
does not appear to have been very large. I fuppofe the gardens al-
together are not above one mile in circumference : a high brick wall
runs around the whole, and the extremities are flanked with odlagon
pavilions of red flone. The gardens flill abound with trees of a
very large fize, and very old. The profpecl, fouth of Shalimar,
towards Delhi, as far as the eye can reach, is covered with the re-
mains of extenfivc gardens, pavilions, mofques, and burial places.
The environs of this once magnificent and celebrated city, appear
now nothing more than a fliapelefs heap of ruins, and the country
round about is equally defolate and forlorn.

•' The fpider hath woven his web in the royal palace of the Cafars,
" Tlje owljlundcth centinel on the watch -ioivers of Afrajiab I"

2 Sadi.

APPENDIX, I. 211

On the nth of March, 1794, the author accompanied Major
Reynolds, who was at Delhi, on a deputation from the Bengal go-
vernment, to an audience of his majefly, Shah-Aulum.

After entering the palace, we were carried to the Dezvaun Khana,
or hall of audience for the nobility, in the middle of which w-as
a throne, raifed about a foot and a half from the ground. In the
center of this elevation was placed a chain of crimfon velvet, bound
with gold clafps, and over the whole wa:s thrown an embroidered
covering of goki and filver thread. A handfomeyiw/^?//^/' *, fup-
ported by four pillars, incruftcd with filver, was placed over the
chair of flate. The king was at this time in the Tiijbeah Khana,
or oratory, an apartment in which he generally fits. On pafling a
.fkreen of. Indian Comiaughts, we proceeded to the front of the
Tujheah Khaiia, and being arrived in the prefence of the king, each
of us made three obeifances in turn, by throwing down the right
hand pretty low, and afterwards raifing it to the forehead ; we then
went up to the Mufnud, on which his majefty fat, and prefented
our Nuzzirs, or white handkerchiefs, each of our names being an-
nounced at the time we offered them. The king received the whole,
and gave the Nuzzirs to his fon, Mirza Akbar Shah, and two other
princes, who fat on his left hand. We then retired with our faces
towards the prefence, made the fame obeifance as before, and re-
turned a fecond time to the Mufnud. After a flight converfation,
we were diredled to go without the enclofure, and put on the Khil-
luts which his majefty had ordered for us. They confifted of light

* Canopy.
E E 3

212 APPENDIX, I.

Indian dreifes, a turband Jamah, and Cumbcrbund, made of cotton,
with fmall gold fprigs. On being cloathcd in thefe drefles, \ve once
more returned, and after a few minutes Hay, previous to which,
Major Reynolds received a fword and a title from the king, we
were difmifled, and fome fervants were ordered to attend us, while
viewing the palace.

The palace of the royal family of Timoor was eredled by the
Emperor Shah Jehan, at the time he built the new city. It is fi-
tuated on the weflem bank of the river Jumna, and is furrounded
on three fides by a wall of red Hone; I judge the circumference of
the whole to be about one mile.

The two ftone figures, mentioned by Beniicr, at the entrance of
the palace, which reprefented the Rajah of Chittore, and his bro-
ther Potta, feated on two elephants of ftone, are not now to be
fecn.— They were removed by order of Aurcngezcbe, as favoring
too much of idolatry, and he enclofed the fpace on which they
flood with a fkreen of red ftone, which has disfigured the entrance
to the palace.

The firft objedt, after entering, that attradls attention, is the
Deioaun Aum, or public hall of audience, for all defcriptions of
people. It is fituated at the upper end of a fpacious fquare, and,
though at prefent much in decay, is a noble building. On each
fide of the Dcsiaun Aum, and all round the fquarc, are apartments
of two ftories in heighjt, the walls and front of which, in the times
of the fplendour of the empire, were adorned with a profufion of

APPENDIX, I. 213

the richefl tapcftiy, velvets and filks, the nobles vying with each
other, in rendering them the mod magnificent, efpecially on
feftivals and days of pubHc rejoicings, which prefented a grand
fight. Thefe decorations have, however, long lince been difcon-
tiniied, and nothing but bare walls now remain.

From the Deivaun Auin we proceeded through another handfome
gateway to the Dewaun Khafs afore mentioned. This building
likewife is fituated at the upper end of a fpacious fquare, elevated
upon a terrace of marble about four feet in height. The Dewaun
Khafs, in former times, was adorned with exceflive magnificence;
and though repeatedly ftript and plundered by fucceflive invaders*
flill retains fufficient beauty to render it admired. I judge the build-
ing to be an hundred and fifty feet in length by forty in breadth. The
roof is flat, fupported by numerous columns of fine white marble,
which have been richly ornamented with inlaid flower work of dif-
ferent coloured ftones : the cornices and borders have been decorated
with freize and fculptured work. The cieling was formerly in-
crufted with a rich foliage of filver throughout its whole extent,
which has been long fince taken away. The delicacy of the inlay-
ing in the compartments of the walls is much to be admired ; and
it is matter of bitter regret to fee the barbarous ravages that have
been made by picking out the different cornelians, and breaking the
marble by violence. Around the exterior of the Dewaun Khafs, in
the cornice, are the following lines,' written in letters of gold upon
a ground of white marble :

cum)

Cf.tf\ ^ ^ <'.*6> b^Aw) 1^4^ tlXwl 1^4^

214 APPENDIX, I.

" If there be a paradife upon earth, this is it — 'tis this — 'tis this."

The terrace of this building is compofed of large flabs of white
inarble, and the building is crowned at top with four pavilions or
cupolas of the fame materials. The royal baths built by the eip-
peror Shah Jehan are fituated a little to the northward of the Dewaun
Khafs, and confift of three very large rooms furmounted by domes
of white marble. The infide of them, about two thirds of the
way up, is lined with marble, having beautiful borders of flowers,
worked cornelians, and other flones executed with much taflc.—
The floors are paved throughout with marble in large llabs ; there
are fountains in the center, which have palfes to carry the water into
the different apartments: large refervoirs of marble, .four feet ipi
depth, are placed in the walls. The light is admitted from the roof
by windows of flained glafs ; and capacious ftoves with iron gra-
tings are placed underneath each feparate apartment. Adjoining
the baths is a very fine mofque made after the falhion already
defcribed.

In the royal gardens is a very large oftagon room, which fac^s
the Jumna: it is called Shah Binj, or the Royal Tower, and is
lined with marble. Through the window of this room, the late
heir apparent. Prince Mir^a Juwaun Bukht, made his efcape in
1784, when he fled to Lucknow. Great part of the palace has
fuffered by the deftrudive ravages of the late invaders. The Ro-
hillas, in particular, who were introduced by Gholaum Cadir Khan,
have flripped many of the rooms of their marble ornaments and
pavements.

APPENDIX, I. 215

Adjoining the palace is the fort of Selim Ghur ; it communicates
by -a bridge of ftone built over an arm of the river : it is now en-
tirely in ruins *.

* Two buildings, which are equally worthy the infpedion of a traveller, have not been
defcribed in the preceding account ; namely, the Gentur Muntur, or Obfervatory, built
by Rajah Jey Sing ; and the Cuttuh Mlnar, or the famous column in the neighbourhood
of the city. Of both of thefe, the Meffrs. Daniclls have brought to England mod
beautiful and accurate paintings, and the latter has likewife been defcribed by Captain
Blunt, of the Bengal engineers, one of the authot-'s comparuons in the journey before
mentioned.

APPENDIX, II.

A Narrative of the Revolution at Rampore in 1794.

FIZOOLAH Khan, after the battle of Cutturah in 1774, retired
with the remainder of the Rohillas to the Cummaoon Hills. The
events of the campaign under Colonel Champion, and the fubfe-
quent treaty of Loll Dong in the fame year, are in the hands of
every one.

By that treaty, Fizoolah Khan had a territory allotted to him,
which was eftimated at the annual value of fourteen lacks of rupees*.
He chofe the city of Rampore as the place of his refidence, and
feduloufly employed himfclf to the improvement of his country, and
his fubjed;s' welfare.

His virtuous efforts were crowned with deferved fucccfs ; and,
after an uninterrupted and profperous adminiftration o( twenty years,
during which he nearly doubled the revenues of his country, he
expired in Auguft 1794 in full pofTefTion of the efteem and love of
his fubjcdls, and in high repute with the native princes of India for
his benevolence, generolity, and good faith.

* About 150,0001. fterljng.

A.D.1794-] APPENDIX, II. 217

Fizoolah Khan left behind him a family of ten children ; feven
fons and three daughters. His eldeft fon, Mahomed Ali Khan,
fucceeded to his dominions, agreeably to the eflabliflied riglus of
primogeniture, and was acknowledged as chief by the Rohilla tribe.

Mahomed Ali is defcribed by his countrymen as being grofs and
cruel ; and was, confequently, exceffively difliked by the body of
the people, who, from the charaderilHc of their natural fpirit, re-
quire from their fuperiors a conciliating manner and kind treatment
ais the price of obedience. On the other hand, the fecond fon (by
the fame mother) named Gholaum Mahomed, who, though a young
man of violent and turbulent difpofifion, was by his tribe generally
beloved. He had been the favourite of his father durine: the latter
years of his life, and had conducted under him the moll important
bufinefs of the ftate.

By his unremitted attention to the cultivation of the jaghire, he
had, in a particular manner, gained the eftecm of the hulbandmen,
who in fad compofe the great body of the people ; and the addition
of a handfome perfon, and an affedcd fuavity of manners, with a
plaufible attention to his exterior demeanor, had riveted him in the
eftcem and warmeft affediion of the foldiers at laroe.

CD"

Spurred on thus by ambition, and having once tafled the intoxica-
ting cup of pleafurc, he could ill brook a fuddcn dcfcent into infig-
nificance ; he fcarccly permitted the eyes of his aged father to be
clofed, when he entered into a cabal with fome of the leading and
moft turbulent of the Rohilla chiefs.

F F

iiS APPENDIX, II. [a. D. 1794.

A confcioufnefs of his own natural fuperiority over his brother,
Simulated him to commit a barbarous crime, at which human na-
ture revolts, and at once to rend afundcr the bonds of brotherhood
and loyalty.

Gholaum Mahomed having gained over to his interefts the prin-
cipal officers of the army, and, through them, fccured the attachment
of the troops, proceeded to execute the defign formed for the depo-
sition of his brother. Seventeen days after the death of Fizoolah
Khan, Gholaum Mahomed, attended by a feled: party well armed,
entered the Durbar of Mahomed Ali. A confidential fervant ap-
prifed the Nuwaub of his brother's intended vifit ; and at the fame
time cautioned him to be on his guard, as treachery was intended.

" It is impoffible my brother can entertain evil defigns againfl
" mc : has lie not taken the ficred Koran ?" was the anfwer of the
infatuated prince. He was too foon convinced of his errror.

On entering the apartment, Gholaum Mahomed, as had bcert
agreed upon by the confpirators, bore himfelf with dcligned haugh-
tinefs and difrefpedt towards his brother. This, as was forefccn
and deiircd, inflamed Mahomed Ali, and excited the irafcibility of
his temper. He broke forth into the groffeft abufc, and, in his un-
governable rage, was fo rafli as to draw his fabre.

Gholaum Mahomed now gave the fignal of attack, and his bro-
ther was inftantly furrounded by the whole body of confpirators,
who, after a refolute and defperate rcfillance, cut him down. He

A.D.1794-] APPENDIX, II. 319

was then confined, and fcnt to the houfe of the late Fizoolah Khan,
where he was received by the women of the family, who having
drcflcd his wounds, endeavoured to alleviate his grief and reconcile

him to his late.

The ufurper was acknowledged by the army and people at Ram-
pore with loud acclamations. Shortly after this event, it was
imderftood by letters which arrived from Lucknow, that the enlarge-
rnent of the depofed Nuwauh, and his being permitted to refide at
Lucknow, would be acceptable to the vizir *.

A council, confilliing of Gholaum Mahomed and his principal
leaders, was held on the occafion, and they were requcfted to give
their refpe<flive opinions on the fubjed; before them.

It has been affirmed, but not corroborated by any teftimony that
has come within our knowledge, that the ufurper himfelf appeared
inclined To a merciful determination, and would have liberated his
brother. This, however, was violently oppofed by fome of the
leaders, and particularly by Nutchoo Khan and Omar Khan, two of
the moft ferocious and fanguinary of the Rohilla tribe ; they de-
clared, as a reafon for their dillike to Mahomed All's enlargement,
that, fliould he once quit the jaghire and be allowed to join the Britifli

* It is neccfliiry here to remark, that the above circumftance was communicated to
th.c author by a confidential fcrvant of the late Fizoolah Khan, who is now living at
Rampore. At the fame time impartiality dcmanils us to fiatc, that the credibility of
the circumftancc rcfts folcly on the teftimonV of tliis man, (it being denied by the people
of Oudc )

F F 2

220 APPENDIX, II. [a. D. 1794.

army, there could be no doubt but all thofe concerned in the late M

revolution, together with their wives and families, would, in the

event of a defeat, be expofed to the moft fevere refentment ; even,

faid Omar Khan, " to their grinding of rice for the infidels *." 1

Thefe arguments decided the queftion ; and it was unanimoufly
rcfolved to put the unhappy prince ta death. But the carrying this
fanguinary refolve into effedl was a matter of no fmall difiiculty, and
required a difplay of confiderable art and perfidy.

Mahomed Ali, as we have fecn, was within the walls of the
Haram, a fandtuary which, in Hindoftaun, it is confidered in the
higheft degree difhonourable to violate or pollute. Gholaum Ma-
homed, therefore, proceeded in a manner equally fubtle, as refinedly
cruel. He fent for a perfon then at Rampore, by name Shah HufTun,
a Syu^-f, and a man refpedled by all for his fandity, his age, and
exemplary manners. In the prefence of this man, the ufurper fwore
upon the Koran, that if his ill-fated brother would voluntarily quit
his afylum, not a hair of his head fhould fuftain injury: he con-
cluded, by requeuing of the Syud to prevail upon his brother to
come forth.

Satisfied with an affurance fo folemn, the holy man repaired to the
palace of Fizoolah Khan ; and there having repeated what he had
heard from the ufurper, Mahomed Ali was pcrfuaded to yield his

• Which, in Afia, is confidered an office of the moft nienial nature..
t Dcfccndant of the Prophet.

A. D. 1794.] APPENDIX, II. 221

aflent. He accordingly quitted his afylum, and was forthwith con-
duced to a fmall fort about a mile diftant from the city.

Having tints obtained poflefTion of his brother's perfon, Gholaum
Mahomed next deliberated on the furefl: mode of depriving him of
his life, without himfelf incurring the guilt of fratricide. Omar
Khan, whom we have before mentioned as the moft lavage of his
advifers, propofed the deteflable method of poifoning his vidtuals ;
and to this, however incredible it may appear, the inhuman brother
gave his confent. The perfons who had charge of the prifoner
were directed to carry this rcfolution ifito effedl. But information
of the defign having been previoully communicated to Mahomed
Ali, he refufcd to eat. For three days and as many nights did the
unhappy prince remain without fuftenance, and in a ftate of torpid
infenfibility. The fourth day, nature being exhaufted, and roufed
by the calls of hunger, the Nuwaub prevailed upon the humanity of
a water-carrier who attended him to afford him a fmall portion of
flour: of this, which he prepared with his own hands by mixing
it with water, he ate a morfal j but his ftomach, weakened by fo
long falling, almofl immediately on fwallowing, rejeded the food.

Meanwhile the barbarian, finding his intentions fruflratcd, and
impatient of the delay, refolved to complete his bloody purpofe by
the daggers of aflaflination. Four wretches, Munfa, Syud Khan,
Toolloo, and another, were fcledted for the perpetration of this
horrid deed.

Notwithflanding the fecrecy with which the order was given, of

222 APPENDIX, 11. [a. D. 1704.

this, likewilc, Mahomed Ali received information, and perceiving
that his fate was approaching, he fent an affediionate mciragc to his
Begum and family, and as a final effort to avert his brother's ven-
geance, he, for the fake of his family, acquainted the Syud, whom
we have before noticed, of the ultimate refolution of his unrelenting
brother.

The Syud, equally aftoniilied as indignant, at the hnfe condud.
of the ufurper, and commiflerating the fiite of his lawful prince,
repaired to the Durbar ef Gholaum Mahomed ; he there publicly
charged him with a breach of faith, and a contempt for the precepts
of religion. The hypocrite, in reply, gave the moft folemn affu-
rances of the fafety of Mahomed Ali, whofe life, he added, " was
dearer to him than his own." But the heart of this ruffian was not
to be foftened ; neither the rccolledlion of their early years, nor the
clofcr ties of fraternal affedion, fince arrived -at manhood, could
incline to pity or remorfe, and to add to the guilt of affaflination,
he defcended to the meaneft and vilefl fubterfuge. hi order that it
might appear an act of fuicide on the part of the miferable brother,
orders were given to the aflaiTuis to contrive the murder to that effc(fl .
Accordingly, entering the chamber of the fleeping prince at mid-
night, they put an end to his exigence by a piflol flrot, and feveral
ftabs of a dagger. \\' hen the deed was done, they removed the
bodytoafmall diftance from where it lay, and after placing the
weapon in the breaft of the deceafcd, they departed.

Next morning intelligence of the deceafe of Mahomed Ali was
conveyed to his brother, while fitting in the Durbar. The ufurper,

x.v. 1794.] APPENDIX, ir. zzs

affeding the utmoft fiirprife and aflonifliment, burft into tears, and
lamented, in the moft poignant terms, the unhappy raflmefs of his
brother, in committing fo defperate an adl. To complete the in-
famy of this diabolical tranfad:ion, he directed the remains of his
brother to be folemnly interred, and diftributed a confiderable fum
of money in charity, to pray for the repofe of the foul of the de-
ceafed .

In this manner, polluted with a brother's blood, did Gholaum
Mahomed afcend the Mufnud of Rampore. The necelfary fteps
were now' to be taken to fecure the ellabliflrment of the ufurper.

As a prelude, letters were difpatched to the vizir, in which Gho-
laum Mahomed endeavoured to excufe the atrocity of his condudl ;
he offered, moreover, to his excellency, in alleviation of his guilt,
a Nazzeranah* and Pailhcufli ; and with profeflions of the higheft
attachment and refpeft for the Nuwaub as his fovcrcign and lord
paramount, he concluded with requeuing a continuation of the Jag-
hire in his own perfon.

It may here be remarked, that this valuable Jaghire had only been
granted for life to its late poflcflbr, and confcquently, at his dcmife,
it reverted to the Vizir, as lord paramount of Rohilcund-f. It is
true that fome years fince, it had been propofcd by the vizir him-

* Niirzcranafi, a prcfcnt M'hicii is ufually fcnt by tributary princes in Hindoftaun,
on their accefllon, to their fovcrcign or lord paramount.

+ Vide report of the klciX eommittcc for India affairs. — Major Palmer's cmbaffy
to Rampore.

224 APPENDIX, II. [a. D. 1794.

felf, through the mediation of the fupreme government at Calcutta,
to Fizoolah Khan, to change the tenure of the Jaghire, which was
only for life, into ar Altian Gbeh, which, by the ufages of Hin-
doftaun, dcfcends in perpetuity to fucceffors. A confideration of
fifteen lacks of rupees was then deemed a fufiicient compenfation.
By fome means or other the offer was rejecftcd on the part of Fi-
zoolah Khan, and, confequently at his demife, the right of refump-
tion of the jaghire was evident and undeniable.

The vizir, who from his earliefl: youth had been immerfed in
pleafure, would now gladly have feized the favourable opportunity
thus afforded him, of confifcating this valuable jaghire, which
would fupply him with frefh means of gratifying his extravagance.

His flu6luating mind, however, unaccuftomed tobufinefs, or dc-
cifive exertion, hefitated, and with the imbecility and little craft in-
herent to Afiiitic policy, he had recourfe to temporizing meafures.

The views of his miniftcr, Rajah Ticket Roy, a man timid,
irrefolute, and deflitute of every qualification above that of a mere
accomptant, v.ere eafily led to encourage the weakncfs ot his maffer.
This miniftcr forefaw and dreaded the difficulties in which he muff
unavoidably be involved, fliould vigorous meafures be purfued.

An empty treafury, a deranged fyftem of finance, a weak go-
vernment, deeply anticipated revenue, and an impovcriflied country,
afforded but flender means for fupplying, not only the ncceflary ex-
pences of the war, but alfo to provide for the parade and extrava-

A.D.I794-] APPENDIX, II. 225

gance of his fovereign, whofe childiflily expenfive turn he knew
would not fail of difplaying its pomp on this occafion. He viewed
with affright the embarraflments that threatened him, and hoped,
by accommodation, to efcape the impending difficulties, and, at
the fame time, by a large muld:, to raife a temporary relief to the
exigences of the flate.

t>^

The vizir and his minifters, although from different motives,
were united in a defire to accommodate, tempted by the magnitude
of the fum* now offered, as Nuzzeranah, by Gholaum Mahomed.
But, however flrong the neceffity of the one, or the extravagance
of the other, yet neither would venture on a deciiive ftep in an af-
fair fo important, without confulting their allies, the Englifh, who
were guarantees to the Jaghire Dar by the treaty of Loll Dong.

Accordingly, the vizir communicated the circumffances of the
event to the Britifh refident at Lucknow, who conveyed the inti-
mation to the fupreme board in Calcutta j at the fame time, his
excellency declared his intention to abide by the advice of that go-
vernment.

It was fuppofed by many, that the Britifh government would
take no part in the bufinefs, and had they been defirous of avoiding
trouble, there exifted a plaufible pretext for permitting the vizir to
follow his own inclinations.

It was, however, juftly confidered, that were the Englilh, under
* Twenty-two lacks of rupees.

"%.

226 APPENDIX, II. [a. D, 1794.

the circumftances of their known and intimate connection with the
vizir, to overlook this foul murder, and fufFcr fo heinous a crime
to go unpuniflied, it would be a condu(5t utterly unworthy and dif-
honourable, and would not fail to derogate from the national cha-
radler, in the eyes of the princes of Hindoftaun.

A<fluated by fo generous a principle, the Britifh government came
to the determination to difpoffefs and punifh the rebel, and in pur-
fuance of this refolution, the two brigades which are flationed in
Oude, by treaty, were ordered to take the field. Sir Robert
Abercrombie, the commander in chief, being at that time on a
tour to infpedl the troops at the upper flations of the army, was
requeftcd to undertake the expedition, and for that purpofe, was in-
verted with the mofl ample authority, and aflifled by the co-opera-
tion of the refident at Lucknow.

Preparatory to the commencement of the campaign, the com-
mander in chief was inftrudied to arrange and concert meafurcs with
the vizir, for the future government of the jaghire. Sir Robert
Abercrombie accordingly had a meeting with his highnefs at Dala-
mow, on the banks of the Ganges. He there explained to the vizir,
in the fulleft and mofl: diftinct manner, that the Englifli were deter-
mined to remove the murderer, Gholaum Mahomed, for ever, from
any fhare in the government of Rampore, and that whatever part
of the jaghire it might hereafter be deemed proper to beftow on
the Rohillus, it mull be conferred upon the infant Jon of the de-
ccafed Jaghire Dar.

A.D. I794-] APPENDIX, II. 227

The vizir, it is faid, was not lefs hurt at the didatorial ftrain of
this communication, than diffatisfied with its tenor (fo averfe to his
own wi{hes) or the wifhes of his minifler. They looked to im-
mediate advantage, and eager to feize the golden prize, and both
being devoid of every idea of national charadlcr, laughed to fcorn
tlie infatuation and folly of expending blood and treafure, for what,
in their own fingular phrufeology, they deemed " A Name.'"

The Nuwaub, exhibiting fymptoms of difaffedlion, was finally
given to underfland, that without he explicitly acquiefced in the
above points, that the Britifh government would take no part in the
bufinefs.

Immediate compliance enfued, and Sir Robert Abercrombie pro-
ceeded, with all expedition, to Cawnpore, and from that place to
Futty Ghur, where he arrived, and aifumed the command of the
army on the 7th of October, 1794; the troops began to crofs the
Ganges at Futty Ghur, and the Cawnpore brigade having joined,
the army was formed a few days after on the banks of the Gamberah
river.

Meanwhile the vizir had been colled:ing his army, which con-
filled of A numerous and undifciplined rabble of infantry, and about
2000 horfe; and, for the fake of an oflentatious difplay of pomp,
200 pieces of cannon, fomc of them of very large dimenfions,
were dragged along with the multitude.

His highnefs quitted Lucknow on the 13th of Odober, and,

G G 2

228 APPENDIX, II. [a. D. 1794.

though by cafy marches, he might eafil) have come up with the
Britifh general and joined forces, he, on the contrary, appeared
defirous to remain in the rear, and, notwithftanding the prcffing and
urgent folicitations of the Englifli refident, and General Martin,
who attended his camp, he could not be perfuaded to advance.

Being folicited to fend on, at leaft, a body of cavalry, he declined
the propofal, and it was not until the day after the acftion, that any
of the vizir's army joined the Britifli. Our narration mufl now
lead us to the lituation of the Englifli army, in which nothing ma-
terial occurred until the 24th inftant, when it encamped on the banks
of the Sunkrah, a fmall river, about five miles in advance of Be-
reilly, upon the high road to Rampore.

In the evening of that day an officer was ordered out with a
party of troopers to patrole three or four miles in front, and report
any occurrence to the general. That officer reported that 1500 of
the enemy's horfe were advanced as far as Millik, a village about
fifteen miles from the Britifh encampment, and that fome horfemen,
about noon, had been fecn examining the pafTage of the Doo yorah,
a fmall river in front, and within the vizir's territories.

On the 25th, the EngliHi preferved the fame pofition, their front,
to the Rampore road, and the Sunkra river, covering their rear,
and, by a winding direction, proteding alfo the right flank, fo that
it could only be attacked, either on the left or in front, and in either
cafe to the difadvantage of the opponents.

A. D.I 794-] APPENDIX, II. 229

About two o'clock, P. M. of this day, the commander in chief
was aftoniflied at the inteUigence that the Rohillas, in full force,
were crolTing the Doo Jorah, accompanied by the cavalry of the
line. The general advanced to a fmall eminence in front, to ob-
ferve the motions of the enemy. A meffage from Gholaum Ma-
homed was, at this time, brought with a letter to the general, which
Sir Robert would not receive, but defired the meflenger might be
diredied to return, and acquaint his mafter, that the Britifh com-
mander would hold no communication with him, until he retired
within the Rampore boundary, and totally evacuated the territories
of the vizir, the invafion of which was highly improper, and ad-
ded much to the atrocity of his crime. That the Rohillas would
be allowed until the evening of the next day to withdraw their
troops, which, if they did not, the Englifh would confider and
treat them as enemies.

To this no anfwer was returned, but on the 26th of October the
enemy appeared in a menacing and hoflile manner, fpreading over
the plain in irregular and confufed, though numerous, columns.

The general who had been to reconnoitre, returned to camp, and
left one of his aids de camp to give timely notice of the enemy's
motions. The enemy continuing to advance, and form, in an
irregular manner, the Britifli troops were immediately ordered to
prepare for action.

The firft brigade, confifting of the 13th native battalion, the 2d
European regiment, and the 1 8th native, with the two regiments

230 APPENDIX, II. [a. D. 1794.

of cavalry, formed tlie referve, and compofed the right wing of the
army. The 3d brigade, confining of fournative battahons, formed
the left wing, and the 2d brigade, of eqnal ftrength, compofed the
center. To each battalion in the line were attached two guns, and
the grand park of artillery was ported, in the interval, between the
center divifion and the left wing. From an eminence in front,
which the enemy were unaccountably permitted to occupy, they foon
commenced an harmlcfs cannonade; their guns being greatly elevated,
the Ihot pafTed over the Britifh line. About ten, A. M. the line
being regularly formed, two guns, the fignal to advance, were fired
in the center. The Englilh troops began to advance, and continued
to prefs forward with great ardour, until they met the enemy, who
came on with unexampled refolution and determined ferocity, upon
the points of their bayonets, fvvord in hand. The Britilh artillery
and muflcctrv did great execution ; but could not entirely check the
firft onfct. The mofl: defpcrate effort of the Rohillas was made on
the right of the referve, where Colonel Burrington commanded, and
fell. The cavalrj' who were on the right fiank, commanded by
Captain Ramfay, when the enemy had advanced to about eighty
paces, fuddenly wheeled to the left, by order of their commanding
officer, who led them into the rear of the referve. The fuddennefs
of this unexpedled and difgraceful movement, and the charge which
the enemy were thereby infpired to make on the rear, threw the ca-
valry into confufion, and left the gallant 13th battalion entirely ex-
pofed : this the enemy perceiving, threw themfelves with the utmoft
violence upon the flank of that corps, and many of them having
turned its rear, the whole right wing of the battalion were cut to
pieces. Captain Macleod the commandant, a gallant and experi-

A. D. 1794-] APPENDIX, ir. 231

enced officer, together with four of his fubalterns, fell; this corps
prefTed upon the European regiment, which being alfo brillvly at-
tacked, were thrown into a like confufion. The Europeans, in
turn, crowded upon the 1 8th battalion, and, notwithftanding the
fteadinefs and exertion of that corps, animated by the prefence of
their gallant leader. Major Bolton, much deflrucflion was committed
in a few minutes. The body of the enemy that made this im-
prefTion on the referve, had fuffered much themfelves, but in the
tumult, had paffed through the intervals occafioned by the diforder,
and were in the rear of the European regiment, when a part of the
cavalry, which had, by the greateft exertions of the fubaltern offi-
cers, been rallied, returned back to the attack, and prevented further
mifchief. The other divisions of the line having maintained an
undaunted face throughout the whole of the battle, refiftance on
the part of the Rohillas, at length, entirely ceafed, and after a clofe
adtion of an hour and forty minutes, (carce a man of the enemy
was to be feen.

The Britilli line halted a few minutes on the field of battle to let
the troops breathe, after which, they purfued the enemy to the Doo
Jorah river, on the oppofite banks of which their camp was fWI
ftanding; this was plundered by the vizir's horfemen, who, ac-
cording to cuftom, had come up after the action, and whilft the
Englifli line was halted, to mark out their encampment, thefe ban-
ditti reaped the reward due to the valour of their allies.

The Rohilla force, from the moft authentic accounts, confiftcd
of 30,000 infantry, and about 4000 horfe; they had nearly 2000

232 APPENDIX, II. [A. D. 1794.

men killed, and as many wounded ; whilft the Britifli had to regret
a dear-bought vidlory, in thclofs of 600 men and fourteen officers*,
men of tried reputation in their profefTion, and who had fought
under the banners of Coote and Cornwallis.

On the 27th, the army halted to inter the dead, and take care of
the wounded, who were fent back to Bercilly the fame day, where
an hofpital was formed for their reception. On the 29th, the army
reached and took pofl'effion of the city of Rampore, the capital of
the Rohilla jaghirc, and excepting the widow and family of Ma-
homed Ali, fcarce a Rohillah remained in the place, the whole hav-
ing evacuated the town the day fucceeding the battle.

The Britifh general then deemed it eligible to give up the town
to the management of the vizir, whofe people accordingly took
poflefTion,

Intelligence of the retreat of the Rohillas into the Almora hills,
which extend along the eaftern boundary of Rohilcund, having been
received, the Britifli army advanced by eafy marches, and on the 5th
of November, encamped at the village of Puttah, at the foot of the

* Names of the officers killed in the adlion of the 26th October, 1794- — Infantry :
Colonel Burrington, Major Bolton, Captain Macleod, Captain Mawbey. Lieutenants :
W. Odcll, W. Hinckfman, John Plumcr, Jofcph Ricliardfon, T. Cummings, Z.
Birch. /FoundfJ: Major R. Bruce, T. Edwards. Lieutenants: R. Adams, Lewis
Thomas, T. Robertfon, J. P. Pigot, cavalry. Artillery: Killed; Captain Mordaunt.
Lieutenants: E. Baker, J. Tilfcr. fVounder/: (fmcc dead) Captain Wells, brigade
major. It may be interefting to the friends of thefc gallant officers, to learn that the
Britifh government have diretScd a monument to be crcifled over their remains, on the
fpot where they fell.

APPENDIX, II. 233

before-mentioned hills. The fame day, Syud Khan, a confidential
perfon, was difpatched by Gholaiim Mahomed into the Englifli
camp, with propofals on the part of his mafter, that he (Gholaum
Mahomed) would deliver himfelf up to the Englifh, with the pro-
vifion of perfonal fafety to himfelf, and an aflurance from the Bri-
tifh general, that the honour of his family fliould be prtferved in-
violate. The Englifh commander readily acquiefced in the propofal,
and about one o'clock next day, the Rohilla chief was met at a
fhort diftance from the Britifli camp, by the rcfident at Lucknow,
and by him conduced to the general's tent. He was accompanied
by his younger brother, a youth of 17 years of age, and two of
his firdars, Syud Khan and Omar Khan, the latter of whom was
an old foldicr, who had fhared the fortunes of the late Fizoolah
Khan, at Loll Dong, and fervcd him from that period until his
death.

Gholaum Mahomed having thus furrendered his perfon, it was
rcafonably fuppofed that matters would fpeedily be brought to a con-
clufion; it foon, however, appeared, that that chief had, by the
natural craft and corrupt turn of his own difpofition, been led to
hope that bribes, and the all-powerful influence of gold, would ftill
fecure him poffeflion of the jaghire. The treafures of his late fa-
ther, amounting to an immenfe fum, which had been amaffed by a
feries of the moft prudent induftry and rigid economy, were in his
hands, and, though rcgardlefs of either honour or honcily, he had
obfervation fufficient to hope that his treafures would not only gild
his crimes, but mollify his enemies, and prove perfuafive advocates
in his favour; in this, however, he failed; and though he pofltively

H H

234 APPENDIX, II.

ofFered the immenfe fum of a lack of gold mohurs to the refident,
another to the general, and a third to the company, if he coiiki be
retained in the Neabot or deputyfliip of the jaghire, he was given
to underfland by Mr. Cherry, that he muft for ever abandon every
hope of that nature, and that neither the jaghire, nor even permifTion
to refidc within its precindls, would ever be granted him. After
this ineffcdlual flruggle, fome days palfed without any thing being
determined, and Gholaum Mahomed, either affedled, or really not
pofTefling any influence over his obflinate countrymen, ftill kept aloof
from decifion, which the general perceiving, and that by patience
and forbearance matters were only more procraftinated, it was deter-
mined to confider the Rohilla chief entirely out of the queftion, and
the plan of a feparate negotiation with the chiefs in the Rohilla
camp was adopted. A general pardon was offered to thofe mif-
guided men and their adherents, on their fubmiffion to the vizir.
Their troops had permiffion to depart to their refpccflive homes, and
a jaghire of ten lacks of rupees, excluding the town of Rampore,
was offered to Ahumud Ali Khan, the infant fon of the murdered
Nuwaub; thefe terms, however rcafonable and confonant to the li-
beral policy which adluated Sir Robert Abercrombic throughout the
tvhole of thefe tranfadiions, were, neverthelcfs, rejected, and many
evafions and extravagant demands were made on the part of the
enemy.

On the 1 2th of November, however, Gholaum Mahomed, ap-
prchcnfive that the other chiefs would now make terms for them-
felves, or probably (as appeared j unified by the coiiclufion) aduated

APPENDIX, II. 235

by more deceptious motives, agreed to fend letters to the Rohilla
camp, with pofitive orders to his firdars to fend out his family and
treafures. Syud Khan was intrufted with the miffion, and he being
detained by the Rohillas, and no anfwer returned, Omar Khan,
with pretended anxiety to efFeift an accommodation, propofed to
vifit the camp, and doubted not of his prevailing over his country-
men to accede to terms.

To this Sir Robert Abercrombie, adluated by the humane defire
of terminating the war without a farther effufion of blood, yielded
his aflent: Omar Khan went, but never returned.

It was now difcovered, from various channels, that Gholaum
Mahomed himfelf, notwithftanding his profeflions of obedience,
was the fole caufe of the obftinate delay of his countrymen, with
whom he had kept up a fecret correfpondence, and urged the chiefs,
who were his creatures, not to accept of any terms in which his
reftoration to the jaghire was not a primary article ; and he aflTured
them, that being refolute and unanimous in this point, they would
infure fuccefs.

It was therefore determined to bring matters, at once, to an iffuc.
In the evening of the 3d of December, an infolent and contemptuous
letter arrived in the Englilh camp ; in that letter, after repeating a
feries of extravagant demands, they concluded with thefe remark-
able words, " If, after this reprefentation, our requefls be denied,
it will be confpicuous throughout the empire of Hindoftaun, that

H H 2

236 APPENDIX, II.

in the days of Ufuf Al Dowlah, aflifted by the Englifh Company,
the Rohilla nation was extirpated,"

The drift of this letter was eafily feen through, and at 12 o'clock
on the fiimc night, Gholaum Mahomed was fent off under charge
of a regiment of cavalry, who were ordered to efcort him to Takoor
Duwarah, a place about twenty miles diftance from the camp : he
was then delivered over to Colonel Baillie, of the ift native bat-
talion, who had been advanced to receive him, fliould this meafure
be deemed neceffary ; that officer carried him on twenty miles far-
ther, fo that by ten o'clock next day he was forty miles diftant from
his friends. The next morning, after fending in a proclamation to
the Rohillas, which was declared to be final, offering pardon, if they
would fubmit, and notifying the vizir's intention to beftow a jaghire
upon the inf;int fon of the deceafed Nuwaubj but in the event of
farther refinance, they muff expedl to meet with exemplary pu-
nifhment.

The Britilli army then moved down to within a mile of the Ro-
hilla intrenchments, and the outpofts of both armies exchanged a
few fhots, but without any mifchief to eitlier party.

The good effe6ls of this proclamation were foon apparent : con-
vinced that by the departure of their chief, all hope of his reftora-
tion was at an end, and that the Englifh were determined to adt with
vigor, the Rohillas, at length, began to treat with fincerity. A
ceffation of arms took place on the 5th; but there being fuch a va-
riety of clafhing interefls to reconcile and to fettle, and arrange the

APPENDIX, II. 237

feledlion of the new jaghire, it was not until the "yth inftant the pre-
liminary articles were figned*. On the 9th, the treafures of the late

* Tranflation of the preliminary engagement between the Nuwaub Vizir Ul Mu-
malick Afof Jah Afof Ul Dowla Yehiheh Khan Buhadre Huzzubber Jung, the Englifh
Company, and the RohiUa tribe.

Article I. When this preliminary engagement fhall be executed, hoftilities fhall
ceafc between the Nuwaub Vizir Ul Mumalick Afof Jah Buhadre and his allies, and
the Rohilla army.

Art. II. The Nuwaub Vizir UlMumalick Afof Jah Buhadre agrees that he has
pardoned the family of the Nuwaub Fizoolah Khan, deceafed, and their adherents, the
faults which they have committed.

Art. III. The Rohilla army agree that they will give over, in depofit, to the
Company, whatever may remain of the treafure of Fizoolah Khan, deceafed. — That
Gholaum Mahomed Khan has delivered an account of the treafure which. was left by
the Nuwaub Fizoolah Khan at his death, to the period that he had charge of it.
From that treafure the fum of 14,000 gold mohtirs has been expended fincc Gholaum
Mahomed Khan left the Rohilla camp, this being deducted, the balance is the fum :
demanded.

Art. IV. The Nuwaub Vizir Ul Mumalick Afof Jah Buhadre agrees, that he
will beftow on Ahomed Ally Khan, the grandfon of the Nuwaub Fizoolah Khan, de-
ceafed, mohuls in jaghire at the annual Jumma of ten lacks of rupees, and that the
town of Rampore fhall be a part of the faid jaghire ; and as Ahomed Ally Khan is a ■
minor, therefore Nuffur Ulli Khan Buhadre, fon of Abdoola Khan, deceafed, fliall
be nominated the guardian of Ahmed Ally Khan, and the manager of tlic faid jagiiire, ,
until Ahomed Ally Kiian fhall arrive at the age of twenty one years.

Art. V. When the Rohilla army fhall have given over the treafure, as is cxprcifLd

in the third article, the armies of the Nuwaub Vizir U I Mum.tlick Afof Jah Buhadre, .

and of the Englifli Company, fliall march from hence, and the Rohilla army f]i:ill dif-

perfe, and go wherever they think proper. Done at Putta Ghaut in the Englifli camp, ,

this 5th Jemmaud Ul Owul, laogHijerah, December 7, 1794.

The feal of the Nuwaub Vizir The fcal of Mr. Geo. Frc- The fcal of Nu/Tur Ulli'

Ul Mumalick Afof Ul Dowla derick Cherry on the part of KJian.

Afof Jah Yehiheh Khan Buhadre the Englilh Company as gua- { LS)

Huzzubber Jung. rantec to the above artielet. .
(LS) (LS)

238 APPENDIX, II.

Fizoolah Khan, amounting to three lacks and 80,000 gold mohurs,
were delivered up to the Britifh general ; and on the following day,
the armies commenced their march on their return. When the army
arrived at Bereilly, it was announced, in orders, that his highnefs,
the vizir, intended to prefent the troops with a donation of eleven
lacks of rupees, part of the trcafure which had been fent into the
EnglilTi camp, and was delivered over to the vizir; this was imme-
diately done, by paying it into the hands of the rcfident at Lucknow,
and the remainder the vizir carried to Lucknow.

Thus terminated a revolution, which, though at the firfl: appear-
ance exhibited but a flight fpeck in the political horizon of Hin-
doftaun, had, ncverthelefs, by a variety of circumftances and inci-
dental caufes during its progrefs, threatened to prove fatal to the
intercfts of Great Britain, or, at leaft, of giving a fevere check to
their authority. To hazard conjedlure on an object of fo great
importance, may furely be deemed excufeable, and if it fhould ferve
to ftimulate exertion, and animate the condudl of a wife and well-
ordered government, to the prefervation and permanency of the va-
luable pofTeflions of Great Britain in the eaft, the obfervation will
not have been made in vain. Of the prefent jaghire, as fettled by
the late treaty, it yet remains to fpeak ; it is fituated in the finefl:
part of Rohilcund, and the jaghire is bounded on the north by the
town of Akberbad, on the fouth by Millik, on the caft by Rooder-
pore, at the foot of the Almora hills, and on the weft by the village
of Safeny ; it is in length about fcventy miles, and thirty-fix in
breadth; the circumference of the jaghire is 291 miles, and contains
about 500 populous villages ; the foil, in common with the reft of

APPENDIX, II. 239

Rohilcund, is a black rich loam, interfperfed in fome places with
red earth; the moil: fruitful parts are the center and fouth-weft
boundary. The face of the country throughout prefents a delightful
view of large groves of mangoe trees, agreeably diver fified with
gentle declivities and afcents alternately. This valuable jaghire is
watered by feveral rivers, befides fmaller flreams, which contribute
to fertilize and embellifli it. Among the principal are the Ram-
gonga and Coflillah, which have been defcribed in the former part
of this work.

The jaghire, though fo highly favoured by nature, has, never-
thelefs, been much afTifted by the induftrious fpirit of its inhabi-
tants, aided by the wife and benevolent inftitutions of the late Fi-
zoolah Khan.

Throughout his whole territory, that prince caufed aqiiedu(Ss to
be made, which traverfe the corn fields in all diredlions ; they arc
fufficicntly broad and deep. In the eaftern confines, near the Al-
mora hills, the inhabitants avail themfelves of the numerous ftreams
which flow from the mountains, by making artificial dams ; and,
at the proper feafons, inundate their lands, which is of particular
benefit to the early crops. All thefe advantages give the country the
appearance of an highly cultivated garden.

Sugar cane, rice, and tobacco, are produced in the greatefl abun-
dance, and of the bed quality ; the canes are from eight to ten feet
high, and the crops of wheat, barley, and various kinds of grain,
are nothing inferior to the moil: cultivated parts of Hindo/laun ; the

240 APPENDIX, II.

principal manufaifhire of this jaghire is coarfe cotton cloth, which
is exported acrofs the Ganges into the Doo Ab, and other parts ot
the vizir's dominions, as are likewife great quantities of grain, fugar,
and tobacco.

Rampore, which is the capital both of the former and prefent
jaghire, is a large town fltiiatcd on tlie weflern bank of the Cofilla
river ; it is about four miles in circumference, and furrounded by a
thick hedge of bamboo, within which are mud fortifications, to-
tally incapable of refinance. The town is large, but the ftreets, as
common throughout Afia, are narrow. There is, however, a very
good bazar, and likewife a mofque, both of them the work of
Fizoolah Khan; during the life-tinie of that chief, Rampore was
fuppofed to contain 100,000 inhabitants; but fmce the late revolu-
tion, great numbers of the Rohillas, in confequence of the reduced
eftablilhment, have quitted the place, and retired with their families
in quefl: of a maintenance.

The prefent jaghire is properly divided into two parts, Rampore,
called alfo Muftafabad, and Shah-Abad, The late treaty fixed the
valuation of the revenues at 10 lacks and 70,000 rupees per annum ;
but the above eftimate was made from a comparative ftatement of
the Jumma, or general colled:ion of twenty-two lacks. There is
reafon to fuppofe that the part now occupied by the Rohillas, is ca-
pable of yielding a much larger fum; and if the induftrious fpirit
of its inhabitants obtains permanency, it will continue to increafe in
value annually *.

• During a furvcy which was made by Captain James Mouatt, of the Bengal cngi-

'APPENDIX, II. 241

As a conclufive remark, it may be obferved, that in whatever di-
rection we traverfe the dominions of the late Fizoolah Khan, the
fame induflry and attention to cultivation is exhibited ; and every
generous mind will doubtlefs join in a cordial wifh, that no ambi-
tious or ferocious chief will again diflurb its internal peace and tran-
quillity.

neers, by order of government, in the years 1795-6, to afcertain the boundaries of
the jaghire, the author, who accompanied that gentleman, had an opportunity of a
perfonal infpedion of every part of it, and from his inquiries and converfations with
many intelligent natives, he has been enabled to prefent the above documents.

I 1

APPENDIX, III.

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APPENDIX, III.

Tranjlation of a Letter from the Prince Mirza fwucaun Bukbt
fehaundar Shah, eldefl Son of Shah-Aidum, to his Majejly
George III. King of Great Britain, mentioned in Page 157.

EXORDIUM* — INVOCATION TO THE DEITY.

" O THOU whofe praife is the firfl: objedt of the hght and
** fplendour of dignified nature, with the celebration of which the
" thoughts and adlions of the moft exalted monarchs ought ever to
" commence; the dazzling brightnefs of whofe purity emanates like
" the fun over the face of the whole creation, and the myflerious
" power of whofe mighty arm is univerfally difplayed from the
" loweft earth to the highefl heavens. Counfel and affift in thy
" mercy, thy chofen prophet, Mahomed, whom thou haft appointed
" the meflenger of thy truth to the children of men, and ftrengthen
•' and confirm his righteous defcendants, and followers and compa-
" nions, who are the foundation of the right way!

" To the moil: illuftrious prince, adorning the univcrfc, in dig-

* All the letters from princes nnd great men throiigliout Afia arc introiiuccd \vitli a
fimilar exordium. For the Inflia or formula, the rciider may confuit the Avcen
Akbary of Mr. Gladwin, or Dr. Balfour's ingenious traiiflatioii of the Inflia Her--

kiMMin,

I I 2

244 APPENDIX, III.

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APPENDIX, III. 245

" nity like Feridoon'^, the monarch diftributing juftice over the world,
" cherifher of friends, and dreadful avenger of enemies, whofe
" throne is refplendent as that of Alexander, and magnificent as
" Ge?)ifiid-\, of afpedl briUiant as the fun, and of aufpicious fortune,
"the mofl exalted King of England, great as Dariiis\, wife, mag-
" nanimous, lord of royal infignia, who colleds tribute from mighty
" kingdoms, be it known and underjiood ; Prior to this addrefs, your
" fuppliant has in the moll; explicit manner reprefented to the throne
" the afylum of the univerfe, that the diflurbances which have arifen
" within the empire of Hindoflaun, the diifenfions among the no-
" bility and Omrahs of high renown, the rebellious defigns of the
" wicked, plots, treafons and confpiracies of difobedient fubjedts,
'• have been related to you by order of the imperial pre fence our re-
" nowned fovereign and venerable parent, (the Khakan § of the
*' world, the bright taper of devotion of the great lord of the con-
" junction (Sahib Keraun ||), and refplendent torch of the family of
" (Goorgaun \) to the Nuwaub of exalted dignity, Mr, Haftings,
" Behaudcr, governor-general, that he might come to the aid and
" afliftance of the royal family.

" In this expedlation for a period of four years we (the prince)

* A king of Perfia famous for his juftice.

+ A king of Perfia who is related to have built the palace of Perfepolis.

% Darius the fon of Hyftafpes or Kiflit-Afp.

§ Khakan, a Scythian or Mogul title, according to hiftorians firft adopted by the
great Timoor on his conqueft of Tartary, and fubfequcntly affumed by all his pofterity
who fat on the throne of Hindoflaun.

II Sahib Keraun. From an aufpicious combination of the planets at the time of his
nativity, or according to others, on his acceffion to the regal dignity.

^ Goorgaun — the family from whom Timoor was defccnded.
2

246 APPENDIX, III.

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APPENDIX, III. 247

** have refided with our friends the Englifli, and our brother dear
" as life the vizir of the empire, and during that period we have
** not failed to folicit from the counfellors of the Eaft- India Com-
" pany the reftoration of our imperial authority, and the re-eftablilh-
" ment of our paternal dominions.

" During this interval, from the relaxed flate of the government,
** and, in confequence of the arrival of the deceitful Marhattas, and of
♦• Sindiah (who is chief of the feditious^ thofe diflurbances and rebel-
" lions increafing in tenfold proportion have augmented the diftrefs
*• of our auguft parent ; and notwithftanding the wholefome advice
" and falutary council given from the throne to the aforefaid chief to
•* conciliate the attachment of the ancient nobility, and extend protec-
" tion to the diftreffed peafantry ^^a condudl which, under divine fa-
*' vour, gives fecurity and permanency to empire) that ungrateful
" chief, regardlefs of the royal will, has eftablilhed himfelf in con-
*' tinued and unvaried oppofition, until, having by his improper con-
" dudl cxafperated the Rajahs and princes of our empire, and particu-
•' larly the moft illuftrious prince of Jynaghur, the pillar of fidelity,
" Maharajah Pertaub Sing, as likewife the ruler of Joudpore, both of
' ' whom are allied by blood to the royal family. Thofe warlike chiefs,.
" uniting to punilh the fource of oppreffion, gave him battle, and dc-
" feated him, fo that, deprived of his office of Ameer Al Omrah, or
** chief of nobles, he fell at once from the fummit of imperial favour,
" and was precipitated into the abyfs of annihilation and contempt..

" Amidil: thefe vicifTitudes of fortune, the machinations of the rc-
" bellious increafcd to an extent almofl immcafurable.

248 APPENDIX, III.

" On one fide, Gholaum Caudir Khan (ion of the detefted Afghaun
" Zabita Khan, whofc whole life was employed in confpiring againft
" the fafety of the ftate) has ereded the ftandard of rebelhon. His
" example encouraging others, the difturbanccs became fo formi-
" dable as to penetrate even to the threfliold of the imperial palace,
" fo that our auguft parent was neceflitated to adopt the mod: ftre-
" nuous efforts to extinguilh this delbudlive fire.

" For this purpofe, he difpatched repeated and urgent commands
" to this your fuppliant, as likewife to the governor-general of high
" dignity (Earl Cornwallis) as to our dear brother the vizir of the
" empire, to come to the aififtance of the imperial court.

" But it appearing that on the arrival of the imperial demand,
*' neither the governor-general or the vizir of the empire had re-
" ceived your majelly's commands to that effed:, they ^\ere of
" confequence conftrained to withhold the afliftance required.

" We, therefore, girding the loins of circumfpedion with the belt
" of rcfolution, and carting our eyes towards future events, and the
" mercies of divine providence in this ftormy ocean of our diftrefs,
" rely on your majcfly for the refloration of our authority; and if
" your majelly, who adorns the throne of the univerfe, will gracioufly
*' condefcend to ilTueyour high commands to the governor-iglheral to
" effed the relloration of the royal authority in thefe kingdoms,
" punilli our rebellious fubjeds, and re-eftabli(h the auguft houfe of
" Timoor, fuch condud will be pcrfedly confiftent with the didates
" of gcnerofity and the ufages of fovereign princes; and finally, the

APPENDIX, III. 249

" refult of this kind interpofition byeflablifhing the repofe of the peo-
•' pie of God, and affording peace and plenty to adiftradled empire,
" will render your Majefly's nanrie renowned among the princes of
" the earth.

" As our honoured parent, his imperial majelly, bound by every
" tie of gratitude, regards your majefly as a brother dearer than life,
" fo this your fuppliant hopes to be honoured by the endearing appel-
*' lation of your nephew.

*' For the reft, may the fun of your majefty's grandeur and pro-
" fperity be perpetually refplendent in the fphere of glory and aufpi-
♦' cious fortune."

The ubcvc letter was written at the commencement of the year 1787, previous to tlie
piincc's departure from Lucknow to Delhi the laft time; tliough the author has not
been able to learn from the moft diligent inquiry whetlier it was ever fcnt to England,
but as the fubjedt-mattcr of it contains a faithful pidlure of the wretched ftate of the
royal family at that period, he has deemed it worthy of infertion.

To Major Oufely, whofe acquifitions in caftern literature have already
fo much benefited the Public, the author begs leave to offer his hearty
thanks for the ufe of the elegant Perfian type of the above letter, with-
out which affiftance he fliould have fuftained much inconvenience.

K K

APPENDIX, IV.

Elegy written by SHAH-AULUM after the

Lofs of his Sight.

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APPENDIX, IV.

Free Tranjlation, in Verfe, of an Elegy co?vpofed hy Shah-Aidum
after the lofs of his Sight, as quoted in chapter loth, page i8o.

* WHERE with bright pomp the ftately domes arife,
In yon dark tower an aged monarch lies.
Forlorn, dejedled, bhnd, replete with woes,
In tears his venerable afpedl fhews ;
As through the lonely courts I bent my way.
Sounds flruck my ear, which faid, or feem'd to fay,

•* I>o, the dire tempefl: gathering from afar,

•' In dreadful clouds has dimm'd the imperial flar;

** Has to the winds, and broad expanfe of heaven,

" My flate, my royalty, and kingdom given i

•• Time was, O King, when clothed in power fupreme,

" Thy voice was heard, and nations hail'd the theme;

" Now fad reverfe, for fordid luft of gold,

" By traitorous wiles, thy throne and empire fold.

* I have thought the firft fix lines, which are merely introdudory, and cannot be
accounted any part of the original, to be better calculated to give fatisfadlion to ti\e
reader, than an abrupt commencement of the elegy, as in the king's own words.

K K a

-5 2 APPENDIX, IV.

" See yon fierce Afghan* with intemperate haftc,

" Gleams like a meteor througli the palace waftc,

'• Frowning, terrific, threatens with a grave

" Thy progeny, O Timoor, good and brave j

" Yet, not the treatment from th' inhuman foe,

" Not all my kingly ftate in diift laid low,

" Can to this breaft fuch torturing pain impart,

** As does, O Nazir-f-, thy detcfted art ;

'■'■ But tho* too late, the day of reckoning come,

'• The tyrant whom thou fervMfl: has feal'd thy doom,

" Has hurled thee, rebel, headlong from the height

" Of power abufed, and done thy fovcreign right :

" Chafte partners of my bed, and joys ferene,

•' Once my delight, but now how changed the fcene !

" Condemned with me in plaintive ftrains to mourn,

' ' The fcanty pittance from our offspring torn I

" The viper, whom with fofiering care I nurft,

" Deep in my bofom plants his fling accurll ;

" Riots in blood, and heedlefs of his word^

" Pants for the ruin of his foverdgn lord.

" Nobles ingrate;}:, upheld by power and pride,

" To whom our favours never -were denied j

" See to what mifery and dire difgrace,

" Your perfidy accurfed, has brought a royal race t

• Gholaum Caudir Khari.

+ Munfoor Ali Khan, fuperintendant of the houfehold.

X The Mogul nobility who abandoned the king on die approach of the rebels.

APPENDIX, IV. 253

" Blight northern ftar from Cabul's realms advance,

" Imperial Timoor* poize the avenging lance.

" On thefe vile traitors quick deflruclion pour,

" Redrcfs my wrongs, and kingly rights refrore ;

" Thee too, O Sindiah, illuflrious chief,

'* Who once didft promife to atford relief;

" Thee r invoke, exert thy generous aid,

" And o'er their heads high wave the avenging blade.

" And "e, O faithful pillars of my ftate,

" By friendfhip bound, and by my power elate,

" Hailen, O Afuff, and ye Englifh chiefs J,

" Nor blufh to footh an injured monarch's griefs ;

" But flay my foul, unworthy rage difown,

'• Learn to feiftain the lofs of fight and throne;

" Learn that imperial pride, and ftar-clad power,

" Are but the fleeting pageants of an hour;

" In the true crucible of dire diftrefs,

*' Purged of alloy, thy forrows foon fliall ccafe ;

" What ! though the fun of empire and command,

" Shojrn of its beams, enlightens not the land ;

* Timoor Shah, king of Cabul, on his father, the Abdallee's, laft vifit to Delhi,
was married to a princcfs of the royal family, which gives his fon, Zimaun Shah, a
claim to the throne of Hindoftaun.

t Afuf Al Dovvla, vizir of the empire.

X It is mucli to be lamented, that the ftate of politics at Calcutta could not, at
that time, admit of government interfering on the occafion — for fuch was the influence
of the Britifh name, that had the detachment ftationed at Anopfhire, only marched
out of their cantonments, the brutal tyrant would have defifted, and the king's misfor-
tunes been averted.

254 APPENDIX, IV.

" Some happier day, a providential care

" Again may renovate the falling ftar;

" Again, O king, raife up thy illuftrious race,

'• Cheer thy fad mind, and clofe thy days in peace*.**

* It may not be amifs to remark, that fcveral MS. copies of the above elegy having
been circulated throughout India, various readings may have occurred. The one here
prefented, was obtained by the author whllft at 'Delhi, and tlierefore appeared to him
the moft authentic ; but he thinks himfelf bound to acknowledge he has read a poetic
verfion of the fame elegy, which appeared in the European Magazine for May, 1797.
faid to be written by Captain Symes, from whofe refearches into the hiftory and anti-
quities of the interefting kingdom of Ava, the public may expe<Sl to derive much ufeful
and inftrudlivc information.

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