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Chahár Gulzár Shujá'í, of Hari Charan Dás (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 7 - **Language:** English ### Kasim 'Ali Khan invites Shah 'Alam and Nawab Shuja'u-d daula to 'Azimabad, and a battle is fought with the English. ### [7.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.1) When Kasim 'Ali Khan, Governor of the province of Bengal, Maksudabad and 'Azimabad Patna, having fled from the English, reached the vicinity of Benares, which belonged to Shuja'u-d daula, Shah 'Alam and the Nawab were encamped on the banks of the Jumna, at the ghat of Bibipur, within the boundary of Karra, to settle terms about the fort of Kalinjar, and correspondence was going on about the matter with Raja Hindupat. At that place a petition was received by the Emperor and a letter by the Nawab from Kasim 'Ali Khan, soliciting an interview, and requesting assistance, with promises of remuneration. Satisfactory replies were sent on the part of the Emperor and the Nawab. Kasim 'Ali Khan therefore left Benares, and when he arrived at the ghat of Bibipur, pitched his tents near the royal camp. ### [7.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.2) After an interview with the Emperor and Nawab Shuja'u-d daula, he presented them with a large donation in cash, valuables and curiosities, and derived encouragement and consolation from them. But as in those days a question was under dispute with Raja Hindupat, the Emperor and the Nawab could not attend to any other matter till that was settled. Kasim 'Ali Khan, seeing that the Raja would not come to amicable terms, and that the Emperor and the Nawab could not go to 'Azimabad and Bengal until the dispute was adjusted, offered his mediation, and after an interview with the Raja, settled the question. A part of the contribution money, which the Raja had become liable to pay, was realized, and for the remainder Kasim 'Ali Khan became surety. After this, he entreated the Emperor and the Nawab for assistance, and represented his desperate circumstances to them. He also promised to pay monthly all the expenses of their armies, till such time as he might obtain victory over the English, and reinstate himself in the provinces of Bengal and 'Azimabad. ### [7.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.3) Though some say that the Emperor did not wish to engage in hostilities, nevertheless it was at last determined that the provinces of Bengal and 'Azimabad should be taken from the English and given to Kasim 'Ali Khan, and also that the English should be punished. Accordingly, on the 1st of Zi-l ka'da, 1178 A.H. (20th April, 1765 A.D.), the Emperor, Shuja'u-d daula Waziru-l Mamalik and Kasim 'Ali Khan marched towards 'Azimabad, as far as Benares. The English who were at 'Azimabad Patna trembled like an aspen at the fear of His Majesty Shah 'Alam Badshah and Nawab Shuja'u-d daula, and they sent petitions to them, soliciting forgiveness for their conduct. They deputed Shitab Rai on their part, promising to give up 'Azimabad, pay whatever might be demanded as a contribution, and obey any orders that might be given, praying also that the Emperor and the Nawab would return from Benares without attacking them. The request of the English was not acceded to, Shitab Rai was turned out of the camp, and the royal army marched on from Benares. The English, being informed of this, left the city of Patna, and having assembled at Bach Pahari, six kos from that city, on the road to Benares, fixed their batteries there. Relying upon destiny, they resolved to offer opposition, and prepared to fight. ### [7.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.4) The Emperor and the Nawab, having marched from Benares, proceeded by rapid marches, like an arrow shot from a bow, and encamped at five kos from Bach Pahari. The action commenced with the shooting of arrows and firing of muskets, and it continued for two days. The third day the brave and bold warriors of Shuja'u-d daula's army, making a vigorous attack, advanced their batteries close to Pahari, and engaged with the English, who also spared no effort in resistance, and exerted themselves to fight. The whole day the warriors of both sides stood firm fighting in the field. At the close of the day, when the sun approached the horizon, the brave soldiers of both parties ceased to combat, and the batteries remained fixed in their first positions. But Shuja'u-d daula, by the advice of some ignorant and inexperienced men who were with him, recalled the warriors of his army from Pahari to his own tents. Although Shuja' Kuli Khan and others who were at the batteries remonstrated with him, and remarked that to remove them from their position would be highly inexpedient, because they had been fixed there with great difficulty and pains, and in case of retreat it would be very difficult to regain the position, yet the Nawab would not listen to them, and having recalled the soldiers from Pahari, ordered the batteries to be fixed near his camp. The English, considering this a favour of God, occupied the position where the batteries of the enemy had been. ### [7.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.5) The next day the Nawab could not drive the English from it. In these same days, the wet season commenced, and rain began to fall. The place where the tents of the Emperor and Shuja'u-d daula were pitched being low, and water having collected there, it was considered unfit for the camp, and His Majesty and the Nawab retreated to Baksar, which is thirty kos east of Benares. When the rains were over, in consequence of the war having been prolonged for several months, and the collection of the revenues from the provinces which belonged to Shuja'u-d daula having been delayed on account of the expedition, and as the army which was newly enlisted by the Emperor and the Nawab for this war with the English, as well as the veteran troops, began to demand their pay, the Emperor and the Nawab asked Kasim 'Ali Khan for the money which he had promised for the expenses of the army. But he evaded payment by frivolous excuses. As the demand for arrears created a mutinous spirit in the army, and as Kasim 'Ali Khan, notwithstanding that he was importuned and entreated to pay the money, would not come to a right understanding, but resorted to unfair and dishonest expedients, the Emperor and the Nawab took harsh measures against him, and having called him from his tent, put him under the custody of a guard. Whatever property of his they could lay their hands on, such as elephants and horses, they sold, and paid the army from the proceeds. ### [7.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.6) When the rainy season was over, the English, having marched from 'Azimabad, pitched their tents near Baksar, opposite the Emperor's and the Nawab's camp, at a distance of five or six kos. Lines of intrenchment were prepared on either side, and the action commenced with guns and muskets. As Nawab Shuja'u-d daula had heavy artillery with him, the English army could not stand against it, and they at last prepared to engage in close combat. When recourse was had to this kind of warfare, both parties stood their ground firmly, and the warriors of both sides, expertly using their swords, bows and arrows, destroyed their opponents, and increased the business in the market of the angel of death. The brave and intrepid warriors of Nawab Shuja'u-d daula's army, having overcome the enemy, fell upon his camp, and stretched out their hands to plunder. They put a great number of them to the sword, and beat the drums of triumph and conquest. The Nawab ordered his soldiers not to let any one escape alive. The army of Shuja'u-d daula surrounded the enemy on all sides, and the English, having no way left for flight, collected at one spot, and having resolved to die, made a very desperate attack upon their opponents. Shuja' Kuli Khan, alias 'Isa, who was a slave of the Nawab, and had 4000 horse under his command, observed the furious attack of the English, and cried out to his soldiers, "Friends! it was for such a day as this that you put on those arms. ### [7.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.7) Form a compact body, and at once charge the enemy, and put them to the sword." His followers seemed ready to obey the command. They read the fátiha, and lifted up their hands in prayer, 'Isa, thinking that they would follow him, galloped his horse towards the English front, but only five horsemen out of four thousand followed him. Of those cowards who remained behind, some took to flight, and others stood idle on their ground. 'Isa with his drawn sword furiously attacked the enemy like a Rustam. He killed many, and after astonishing feats of valour, drank the cup of martyrdom. Having shown his loyalty, he met with the mercy of God. ### [7.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.8) When Shuja' Kuli Khan, alias 'Isa, was slain, all his cavalry at once took to flight, and caused great confusion in the army of Nawab Shuja'u-d daula. The English, being informed of this, with great impetuosity attacked the division of Rája Beni Bahadur, the deputy of the Nawab. The Raja, who had never been in action, could not stand his ground, and fled without attempting to fight. As he commanded several thousands, both of horse and foot, his flight caused the defeat of the armies of the Emperor and the Nawab. The English took possession of the intrenchments of the fugitives. Although the Nawab tried much to rally them, and cried out (in the words of Sa'di), "Ye brave men, exert yourselves to fight, and do not put on the clothes of women," yet none returned, all sought safety in flight. When the Nawab and the Emperor's forces fled, the English fell upon their camps, and began to plunder them. The Nawab hastened in confusion towards Benares, and halted when he arrived there. The English took possession of his tents, guns and other property. The Emperor also fled to Benares. The Nawab, after some days, hastened to Allahabad, and stayed there three months collecting a large army. ### [7.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.9) The English, in the mean time, laid siege to Chunar. Sidi Muhammad Bashir Khan, the Governor, offered opposition, and, opening his artillery from the ramparts, fought very bravely. But when several days had passed, and nobody came to reinforce him (for the fort was near Benares, and the Nawab was at Allahabad), he was obliged to capitulate, and leave the fort in their possession. He was allowed to go to Nawab Shuja'u-d daula at Allahabad. The English made an alliance with Shah 'Alam, who was at Benares, and marched with him from that place to Jaunpur. The Nawab moved towards the same place at the head of a large army, with the intention of hazarding a battle. ### [7.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.10) Both parties encamped near Jaunpur, at the distance of two or three kos from each other, and skirmishes took place between them. Two or three English officers fell into the hands of the Mughals of the Nawab's army, and this obliged the English to propose terms of peace through the Mughal chiefs, who at their request advised the Nawab to accept the terms. Beni Bahadur, and some other short-sighted and ignorant people dissuaded him from liberating the English officers, and he would not agree to peace. This created enmity and disaffection in the minds of the Mughal chiefs against the Nawab, and they accordingly entered into an understanding with the English, that if they delivered the Nawab into the hands of the English on the day of battle, they should be rewarded with appointments in the provinces. The Nawab, being apprised of this, was greatly alarmed, because the Mughals were the most powerful body in his army. When the armies prepared to engage, the Mughals stood aloof, and as the Nawab's affairs were reduced to a desperate condition, and a battle could not be hazarded, he broke up his camp near Jaunpur, and retreated towards Lucknow. ### [7.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.11) When he reached that place, Simru Gardi, who was at the head of ten or twelve thousand Gardi Telingas soldiers; Gusain Anup Gir, who commanded several thousand horse; and 'Ali Beg Khan, Shitab Jang, and Agha Bakir, who, though Mughals, had not joined with the insurgents, hastened to meet the Nawab. Najaf Khan, Muhammad 'Ali Khan, Agha Rahim and other Mughal chiefs, went over to the English, and the rest of the army fled. On the 9th of Sha'ban, A.H. 1178 (1 Feb. 1765), the Nawab with his whole family, and all the property which he could collect, marched from Lucknow towards Bareilly, which belonged to Hafiz Rahmat Rohilla. On leaving Lucknow, the Nawab encamped at baoli (well), near Rustam-nagar. Nawab Shuja'u-d daula, having reached Bareilly, which formed the ta'luka of Hafiz Rahmat Rohilla, left his family there with Samru Gardi, who was at the head of several thousand horse and foot soldiers. He himself proceeded to Garh Muktesar, which is situated on the banks of the Ganges, thirty kos from Shah-Jahanabad. He met there the chiefs of the Mahratta army, and made an alliance with them. Having returned thence, he came to Farrukhabad. Gusain Anup Gir, who was a great general and one of the oldest servants of the Nawab, quarrelled with him while encamped on the banks of the Ganges near Garh Muktesar, on account of the pay of his regiments, and having deserted him, went over to Jawahir Singh, son of Suraj Mal Jat. ### [7.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.12) When Nawab Shuja'u-d daula arrived at Farrukhabad, he requested Ahmad Khan and Muhammad Khan Bangash, Hafiz Rahmat, Dundi Khan, Najib Khan, and other Rohilla and Afghan chiefs, to lend him their aid; but through fear of the English they all refused to accompany him. Ghaziu-d din Khan 'Imadu-l Mulk, who was in those days with Ahmad Khan at Farrukhabad, accompanied Shuja'u-d daula from Farrukhabad to the Mahrattas at Kora. The Mahrattas went with them to the ferry of Jajmau, on the banks of the Ganges. The English left Allahabad, and came to the same place, when Nawab Shuja'u-d daula, Ghazi-u-d din Khan and the Mahrattas resolved to oppose them. ### [7.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.13) After an obstinate battle, the army of the Mahrattas took to flight, and having plundered on their way the city of Kora, arrived at Kalpi. Ghaziu-d din, with a few men, fled to Farrukhabad. Shuja'u-d daula, disappointed in obtaining help and assistance in every quarter, determined to venture alone to the English, and make peace with them, rather than wander from place to place in a state of embarrassment. He accordingly came unattended to Jajmau, where the English had encamped. When he approached the camp, and the English were informed of his coming, their chiefs, who were very polite and affable, immediately came out of their tents, and proceeded on foot to meet him. They showed him great hospitality and respect, and, accompanying him to their tents with due honour, promised to restore to him the provinces which had been in his possession, and told him that he was at liberty to place his family wherever he liked. The Nawab, having taken his leave from the English, pitched his tents at the distance of four kos from theirs. He summoned his family from Bareilly, and sent them to Lucknow. ### [7.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.14) Simru, commander of the Gardi regiment, who was now in the service and in charge of the family of the Nawab, had been formerly in the employ of the English; and, taking some offence at them, had entered the service of Kasim 'Ali Khan, Governor of Bengal, and when the Khan was ruined, had entered at Baksar into the service of Nawab Shujau-d daula. As peace was now made, the English demanded his surrender by the Nawab; but the Nawab, respecting his bravery and courage, did not consider it proper to comply, but dismissed Simru from his service. Simru, who was coming with the family of the Nawab from Bareilly to Lucknow, learnt the news of his dismissal on the way. On this he petitioned for the arrears of his pay, and resolved to take severe measures in the event of refusal. The Nawab Begam, mother of Nawab Shuja'u-d daula, and Beni Bahadur, paid him what was due to him near Shahabad, and then dismissed him. Having received his pay, he went to Jawahir Singh Jat at Dig and Kumbher. The family of the Nawab, with the Khanam Sahiba and others, arrived at the baoli (well), near Lucknow, on the 9th Muharram, A.H. 1179 (28 June, 1765 A.D.), and pitched their tents there. ### [7.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7.15) As by this time the Nawab, in company with the English, had reached Phuphamau, near Allahabad; his family followed him to the same place. \* \* But the English intimated to him that he should leave the ladies of his family at Faizabad, and himself accompany them to Maksudabad, where their chief resided. The Nawab acted according to their request, and, having embarked in a boat, accompanied them to that city by water, with only a few attendants. When an interview took place between the English and the Nawab on the way between 'Azimabad and Maksudabad, they showed him great hospitality and kindness, and wrote him a letter, in which they restored to him both the provinces which had been in his possession. They took from him the district of Allahabad, with several other mahals, the annual revenue of which amounted altogether to twelve lacs of rupees, and also the district of Kora, and they gave these places to Shah 'Alam Badshah. They also promised to pay the Emperor annually a sum of fifty lacs of rupees on account of the provinces of Bengal and 'Azimabad, and having placed their officers in the fort of Allahabad, they erected a factory there. From the 13th of Rabi'u-l awwal, A.H. 1179, the Nawab's rule was again established in the provinces of Oudh and Allahabad. The Emperor took up his residence in Sultan Khusru's garden at Allahabad. The English garrisoned the fort of Allahabad, and erected a factory in Benares. Mr. Hooper was appointed Resident at the Court of the Nawab. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.chahar-gulzar-i-shujai~en-elliot.7) · Pramāṇa