Muntakhab al-lubab 175.1

175.1

[Text, vol. ii. p. 790.] Husain 'Ali Khan's letter communicating the terms of the peace, and asking for a confirmatory farman, reached the Emperor. Several well-wishers of the State urged that it was not well to admit the vile enemy to be overbearing partners in matters of revenue and government. So Farrukh Siyar rejected the treaty. [The Emperor makes several appointments to the Dakhin which Husain 'Ali does not carry into effect.] The news from the Dakhin increased the annoyance of the Emperor. In these evil days there was at Court a Kashmiri of low origin, named Muhammad Murad, an idle babbler of disreputable character, who was the common talk of everybody, high and low. In the reign of Bahadur Shah he had obtained, through the interest of Jahandar Shah, a mansab of 1000 and the title of Wakalat Khan. * * He was introduced to Farrukh Siyar, and, availing himself of the opportunity, * * he obtained such an ascendency over him that in a short time he received the title of Ruknu-d daula I'tikad Khan Farrukh Shahi, and an increase of his jagir from 1000 to 7000 and 10,000 horse. He became the Emperor's confidential adviser, and joined in recommending the overthrow of the rule of the Saiyids of Barha. Not a day passed without his receiving jewels of great value, ornamented weapons, dresses, or some great gift.