Riyaz al-salatin 109.2.6

109.2.6

And in a short period becoming master of immense treasures and a large army, Ali Vardi's power and prestige grew enormously. As 'Abdul Karim Khan held control over all the State affairs, he exercised absolute sway, and ignored Muhammad Ali Vardi Khan. Hence the latter becoming suspicious of the former, inveigled him by some device into his own house, and slaying him raised the standard of triumph. And through the agency of Muhammad Ishaq Khan, Diwan of the Imperial Khalisah, Ali Vardi Khan opened negociations with Qamru-d-din Khan, the Imperial Vizier, and also with other Imperial Ministers, and succeeded in obtaining directly from the Emperor the title of Mahabat Jang Bahadur, without Shuja'u-d-daulah's recommendation. Shuja'u-d-daulah, who reposed full confidence in Haji Ahmad and Ali Vardi Khan, viewed without misgivings this elevation of Ali Vardi's rank; but his son, Sarfaraz Khan, felt misgivings about it. On account of this difference in views, between the father and the son a coolness set in. Another son of Shuja'u-d-daulah by a different wife was Muhammad Taqi Khan. He was Deputy Nazim of Orissa, and was not only brave and bold but was also popular with the Army. Haji Ahmad and Ali Vardi Khan basing their intrigue on his rivalry contrived to bring about a rupture, advantageous to themselves, between the two brothers. When the plan of this intrigue was matured, Haji Ahmad secured the adhesion of Rai Raian 'Alam Chand and Jagatset Fateh Chand;