Riyaz al-salatin 110.1.1

110.1.1

When Nawab Sarfaraz Khan mounted the masnad of the Nizamat of Bengal, agreeably to the dying instructions of his father, he appointed Haji Ahmad, the Rai Raian and Jagatset to be his Councillors in respect of Revenue and Administrative affairs. But these meddling more than before in State affairs ignored the old officers of Sarfaraz Khan who expected promotions and mansabs, and further intrigued to bring about their disgrace and overthrow. Although Nawab Sarfaraz Khan and the Begams were anxious to promote their old officers, owing to the opposition of the Triumvirate Council, they could not do so. The Triumvirate Council, after secret vows and stipulations, plotted to call in Ali Vardi Khan with his army from 'Azimabad (Patna) under pretext of visiting the Nazim, and then to instal him on the masnad of the Nizamat in supercession of Sarfaraz Khan. And in deliberations over this plot they passed days and nights, but failed to mature any plan. At this time, Nadir Shah, the king of Persia, had defeated Muhammad Shah, captured Nizamu-l-Mulk, Burhanu-l-Mulk, Qamru-d-din Khan, and Muhammad Khan Bangash, &c., who were the pillars of the Mughal Empire, and entering Shah-jahanabad (Delhi) with his Persian troops had plundered the palaces of both the Emperor and his nobles. In consequence, the whole Empire was shaken to its foundation.