Riyaz al-salatin 111.2.1

111.2.1

Saulat Jang was of a churlish disposition and regulated himself by avarice. For effecting retrenchment in the military expenditure, he took into his service Salim Khan, Darvesh Khan, Nia'mat Khan, Mir A'zizu-l-lah and other generals, and sent back Gujar Khan to Murshidabad, on the plea of smallness of the revenue of Katak. The aforesaid generals who were anxious to avenge the fall of their old master, Murshid Quli Khan, finding now an opportunity, broke out into revolt. Saulat Jang sent to them Qasim Beg, Superintendent of the Artillery, and Shaikh Hidaitu-l-lah, Faujdar (Magistrate) of Katak, for effecting the basis of a reconciliation. The Generals, who were seeking for an opportunity, finding the above two emissaries unescorted, slew Qasim Beg, whilst Hidaitu-l-lah, after receiving some wounds, made his escape. The citizens and soldiers en masse broke out into revolt, and under cover of the darkness of night they besieged Saulat Jang, took him prisoner along with his followers and relations, and looted his treasures and effects. Then inviting over Mirza Baqir Khan, son-in-law of Murshid Quli Khan, from Sikakul across the Chilkah lake, they placed him on the masnad of the Nizamat of Orissa, and advancing with their forces they conquered Mednipur and Hijli. The news of the approach of the Katak army threw Bengal into commotion.