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Táríkh-i Muzaffarí, of Muhammad 'Alí Khán (Elliot & Dowson, extracts)

Translation of Tarikh-i Muzaffari (Tārīkh-i Muẓaffarī)

Language
English
Date
1877 CE
Translators
Henry Miers Elliot, John Dowson
Extent
25 passages, 4,835 words
Text
complete digital text
Source
archive.org · The History of India, as told by its own Historians. The Muhammadan Period. The posthumous papers of Sir H.… · Public domain (published before 1930)

Contents

Text

1

[(The account tallies exactly with that given in p. 164, Vol. VII. excepting only the following item, and that the word pargana is substituted for mahal throughout :) Suba of Thatta, 4 sarkars, 57 parganas, 74,976,900 dams.

2

The great advancement of the eunuch Jawed, and the power he had acquired in the government of the State, gave great offence to Waziru-l Mamalik Abu-l Mansur Khan Safdar Jang, and led him to form a plot against the Nawab. He first called to his side Suraj Mal Jat with his army, and then sent re-assuring and soothing messages to the Nawab Bahadur. Having thus thrown him off his guard, Safdar Jang invited him to a banquet. Safdar Jang placed a number of his trusty men on the watch in the palace of Dara Shukoh, and having posted two hundred men inside and outside the palace, he sat down in great state to await the arrival of his guest. * * When the Nawab arrived, Safdar Jang advanced to receive him with ceremony and (apparent) cordiality. After the meal was over, he gave his hand to his guest, and conducted him into a private room to talk over State affairs. They had not said much before Safdar Jang assumed a tone of asperity; but before he became heated, he moved to go into his private apartments. Thereupon, 'Ali Beg Khan and some other Mughal officers came out, despatched the Nawab with their daggers and swords, and having cut off his head, threw it outside. The Nawab's attendants, on beholding this, took the alarm and fled, and the idlers and vagabonds of the city fell upon his equipage and plundered it.

Death of Ghazi-d din Asaf Jah Nizamu-l Mulk.

3.1

In the month of Sha'ban, Amiru-l umara Ghaziu-d din Khan left his son, Shahabu-d din Muhammad Khan, as his deputy in the office of Mir Bakhshi, and proceeded towards the Dakhin, taking with him Malhar Rao, on the promise of paying him money upon his arrival at home. He reached Aurangabad at the end of Zi-l ka'da. When intelligence of his arrival reached Haidarabad, Salabat Jang, third son of (the late) Asaf Jah, marched out with a great force to oppose his elder brother, Malhar Rao, being informed of these designs, and seeing that war between the two brothers was imminent, took the opportunity of asking for Khandesh and Khanpur, which were old dependencies of Aurangabad. He foresaw that the struggle with Salabat Jang would be severe, and he deemed it prudent to refrain from taking any part in it, because the officials of the Dakhin were in favour of the succession of Salabat Jang. No fighting had taken place between the rivals, when Amiru-l umara (Ghaziu-d din) died. His adherents, among whom was Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, uncle of the author of this work, carried his coffin to Dehli. They also carried with them his money and valuables, exceeding a kror of rupees in amount, and delivered them over to his son Shahabu-d din Muhammad Khan. This young man, whenever his late father was absent, had deemed it best for his interests to be constant in his attentions to Safdar Jang, and by this conduct he had gained the favour of that minister, who showed him great kindness.

3.2

When the intelligence of his father's death arrived, he communicated the fact to Safdar Jang before it was generally known, and from that day the minister called him his adopted son. By the minister's influence, he was appointed Mir Bakhshi, and received the title of Amiru-l umara Ghaziu-d din Khan 'Imadu-l Mulk. * * After the murder of Jawid Bahadur, the Emperor (Ahmad Shah) felt great aversion for Safdar Jang, and extended his favour to Intizamu-d daula, who, in consequence of the regulations established by Safdar Jang inside and outside of the palace, had ceased for some time to go to the darbar. One day the Emperor observed that Safdar Jang held the great offices of dnvdn-i kull and wazir, and that the post of superintendent of the ghusl-khdna, and of the royal arsenal, with other less offices, might be left for others. From that day great apprehension filled the mind of Safdar Jang, and he set himself either to win over Intizamu-d daula or to remove him out of the way.

3.3

Ya'kub Khan, son of that Haidar Khan who assassinated the Amini-l umara Husain 'Ali Khan, went to the darbar one day, and after making his obeisance and sitting a short time, he rose quickly and asked leave to go home. Intizamu-d daula was surprised, and said, "I am going to-day to pay a visit to the wazir, but what reason is that for your asking to go away?" He replied, "There are some thousands of men armed with swords and daggers waiting there for your honour; and as soon as ever you sit down, you will be served in the same way as the Nawab Bahadur was. Beware, and do not go there until affairs of State are settled." The caution was not lost upon Intizamu-d daula, and he sent an excuse to the wazir. Communications about this went on for two or three days, * * and 'Imadu-l Mulk was also sent to re-assure and conciliate Intizamu-d daula. * *

3.4

(In the course of these negociations) Safdar Jang sent a eunuch to the royal fortress with a letter, * * and the commandant, who was a creature of Safdar Jang's, contrary to usage, admitted him without the royal permission. * * On this being reported to the Emperor, he was highly incensed, and ordered the commandant and the eunuch to be turned out. * * All the servants and dependents of Safdar Jang were turned out of the fortress, not one was left. * * These things greatly troubled Safdar Jang, and for two or three days there was a talk of his attacking the house of Intizamu-d daula. Large numbers of men were assembled before his gates from morning until night, and a great force of Mughals and others collected at the house of Intizamu-d daula; while many nobles gathered together at the royal abode.

3.5

Safdar Jang, seeing that his fortune had changed, sent to ask for permission to retire to his province of Oudh. The Emperor instantly sent him a letter under his own signature, granting him permission to retire some days for the benefit of his health, and to return when better. He had not expected this letter, and was greatly annoyed; but next day he took his departure, and marched away by the bank of the river. * * For two or three days after leaving the city he waited in expectation of a royal summons, and sometimes moved in one direction, sometimes in another. Inside the city, Intizamu-d daula and Ghaziu-d din Khan busied themselves in strengthening the fortifications, and in throwing up intrenchments outside. They manned them with their own men and with the "royal Jats," and exerted themselves to levy old soldiers and recruits. Safdar Jang saw that they were resolved to overthrow him, and so he felt compelled to prepare for battle. In order to reinforce his army, he called to his assistance Suraj Mai Jat, and also Indar Gosain, Faujdar of Badali, with a strong force of followers. * *

3.6

By advice of Suraj Mai Jat and Salabat Khan Zu-l fikar Jang, the wazir Safdar Jang brought out a young prince and raised him to the royal throne. As soon as news of this reached the city, the Emperor appointed Intizamu-d daula to be wazir, and made Hisam Khan Samsamu-d daula commander of the artillery. From that day open hostilities commenced, and Safdar Jang invested Shah-Jahanabad. He took the old city and the houses outside the fortifications from the hands of the Jats, and plundered them. * * When the contest had gone on for six months, and numbers of men had been killed on both sides, Maharaja Madhu Singh Kachhwaha left his country, and approached the capital in the hope of making peace. * * It was settled that Safdar Jang should retain the provinces of Oudh and Allahabad as before, and peace was made when he received the robe of investiture.

3.7

After the retirement of Safdar Jang to his provinces, the new wazir, and Ghaziu-d din ('Imadu-l Mulk) the Amiru-l umara, endeavoured to establish some order in the State. But envy and animosity arose between them, and each one acted according to his own views and interests. Malhar Rao and Jayapa Mahratta now arrived at the head of 60,000 horse, and (Ghaziu-d din) 'Imadu-l Mulk, who was expecting them, resolved to attack and punish Suraj Mal Jat for the part he had taken with Safdar Jang in plundering the environs of Shah-Jahanabad. Intizamu-d daula, the wazir, desired to accept from Suraj Mal an offering of fifty lacs of rupees as the price of forgiveness, and to apply the money to the pay of the troops. 'Imadu-l Mulk, proud of his victory over Safdar Jang, and urged on by the Mahrattas, marched out, and besieging Suraj Mal in the fort of Kumbher, he took possession of his territory. In the course of three months Khandi Rao, son of Malhar Rao, was killed, and it became clear that the fort could not be reduced without heavy guns. 'Imadu-l Mulk then sent Mahmud Khan, who had been his atalik from childhood, * * to bring up the royal artillery. * *

3.8

Intizamu-d daula had conceived the design of bringing the Maharaja, the Rana, the Rathor, and the Kachhwaha Rajas, whose territories and people had suffered greatly from the ravages of the Mahrattas, to form a league against these marauders. He also hoped to win Safdar Jang, who had made overtures of reconciliation, and with their united forces to drive the Mahrattas out of Hindustan. * * Accordingly he came to an agreement with Maharaja Madhu Singh, Ram Singh, Safdar Jang, and Suraj Mal Jat, that as soon as the royal camp was pitched at Kol, Safdar Jang should first join him, and then the royal army should march on to Agra. Being joined at that capital by the Rajas and the Jats, they were to commence their work of settling the country, and of driving out the Mahrattas. Accordingly the Emperor (Ahmad) and the wazir set out for Kol and Sikandra. * * On reaching the neighbourhood of Sikandra, numbers of the royal servants and of the adherents of the amirs in attendance joined the camp. Other men came in from all directions, and suitable artillery was obtained. When the Emperor marched from Dehli, 'Akibat Mahmud Khan followed. * * He went to Intizamu-d daula, and complained of the grievances he felt from want of appreciation by 'Imadu-l Mulk. Intizamu-d daula showed him great kindness, took him to the Emperor, and introduced him to the royal service. Having got leave to go out on pretence of bringing aid, he went off to the town of Khoraja.

3.9

Intelligence now reached the royal camp that Malhar Rao had gone to Dehli with 50,000 horse, to bring one of the royal princes out of Salimgarh. The receipt of this news greatly alarmed the Emperor. * * Malhar Rao approached the royal camp, and after consulting with 'Akibat Mahmud Khan, opened fire upon it with rockets and muskets. * * The Emperor, without even consulting with his friends, resolved to go off to Dehli with Sahiba Zamani, his mother, * * and reached the citadel with his party. * * In the morning Intizamu-d daula found that he had not more than three or four hundred men left, * * and hastened off to Dehli with the Mahrattas in pursuit. All the artillery and camp equipage fell into their hands, and the Emperor's mother was taken, and her equipage plundered. * * Next day 'Imadu-l Mulk came up to the deserted forces, in which there was neither spirit nor power left. He consoled them, and by kindness won them to his own side. He waited on the Empress mother, to pay his respects, and make his excuses, * * and she proceeded on her way to Dehli. 'Imadu-l Mulk and Malhar Rao walked a few paces on foot in attendance upon her. They followed to Dehli. When Jayapa Mahratta saw that these two chiefs had gone off, and that he alone could not effect the reduction of Kumbher, he raised the siege, and went in the direction of Narnaul. Suraj Mal was thus relieved.

3.10

The Emperor entered the fort, and on the evening of the same day he was joined by Intizamu-d daula, * * who advised that a force should be placed under him to throw up intrenchments round the fortress. * * The Emperor replied: "Ghaziu-d din Khan 'Imadu-l Mulk is an old adherent of our house, and will not think of doing me any harm. After receiving the expression of my wishes, he will not fail to effect the withdrawal of the Mahrattas. The best thing you can do is to go and keep quiet at home for a few days." * * He accordingly retired. "'Imadu-l Mulk sent a letter to the Emperor, demanding the office of wazir, and a new distribution of offices. * * Next day he came to the presence, and was installed as wazir. * * 'Akibat Mahmud Khan recommended that Ahmad Shah should be deposed, and another prince raised to the throne in his stead. 'Imadu-l Mulk and the Mahrattas were afraid of his power, and did not see how to act in opposition, so they acquiesced. After that the lawyers were collected, and were consulted as to the deposition of Ahmad Shah. * * On their approval, Ahmad Shah was removed from the throne on the 10th Sha'ban, and cast into prison. * * After that they waited upon the royal princes who were in confinement, to select one to ascend the throne. But the princes were afraid, and no one consented.

3.11

At length, after much trouble, Sultan 'Azizu-d din, son of Jahandar Shah, son of Bahadur Shah, who during his seclusion had devoted himself to theological science, was prevailed upon to accept the crown, with the title of 'Azizu-d din Muhammad 'Alamgir sani (II.), on the 10th Sha'ban, 1167 A.H. Ghaziu-d din Khan 'Imadu-l Mulk was made wazir. Ten days after the accession of 'Alamgir, the wazir 'Imadu-l Mulk and 'Akibat Mahmud Khan caused the deposed Emperor Ahmad and his mother to be blinded. The manner of their contriving this was, that a forged letter under the seal of Ahmad was addressed to the new Emperor, which excited his apprehension. On speaking of the matter to 'Imadu-l Mulk, he suggested that Ahmad should be deprived of sight, and the Emperor accordingly gave orders for the blinding both of him and his mother. Their emissaries entered the private apartments of the deposed monarch, treated him with indignities which it is unfit to write, and blinded him in a cruel manner. His mother, who had endeavoured to obtain his release, was treated in the same way. 'Akibat Mahmud Khan, in the service of 'Imadu-l Mulk, soon afterwards misconducted himself, and his master gave a hint, which was immediately acted upon, and the offender was killed.

4

Nawab Hisamu-d daula Mahabat Jang (Alivardi Khan) died of dropsy near Murshidabad, in the eightieth year of his age, on the 9th Rajab, 1169 A.H. (April 10, 1756 A.D.). From his early youth he had abstained from intoxicating liquors, he had no love for music, and never cohabited with any women except his own wives. * * (His daughter's son), Siraju-d daula, son of Zainu-d din Ahmad Khan Haibat Jang, succeeded him in his government of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. * *
Kishan Ballabh, a zamindar, being in arrears with his revenue, Siraju-d daula gave orders for his imprisonment. But he fled from Dacca, and took refuge in Calcutta, under the protection of Mr. Drake, "the great gentleman" of that place. When Siraju-d daula was informed of this, he proceeded to Murshidabad, and prepared for war. In the month of Ramazan, he started for Calcutta, from a place called Mansur-ganj, which he had built, and on arriving at Calcutta, he pitched his tents outside. The English gentlemen had but a small number of men, and were in want of implements, so they were unable to face him in the field. They shut themselves up in the old fort, threw up intrenchments, and strengthened the defences. Siraju-d daula had with him plenty of guns and large numbers of men; he gave orders for taking the houses, and in the twinkling of an eye he overpowered the English. Mr. Drake, seeing himself reduced to extremity, went on board ship with several of his people and sailed away. Those who were left behind had no leader, but they advanced to the defence. When the ammunition was exhausted, some died fighting with the utmost bravery; others, with their wives and children, were made prisoners. All their wealth and property, which exceeded computation, was taken from the officers of the Company and other chiefs, and became the booty of the vagabonds in Siraju-d daula's army. This happened on the 22nd Ramazan, 1169 A.H. (June 20, 1756 A.D.), two months and twelve days after the accession of Siraju-d daula. The factories belonging to the Company at Kasim-bazar, near Murshidabad, were also pillaged by orders of Siraju-d daula, and Mr. Wajh (Watts), the chief of the factory, and some others, were made prisoners.

Recovery of Calcutta. Defeat of Siraju-d daula.

5.1

Mr. Drake, the governor of Calcutta, after his defeat from Siraju-d daula, went on board ship with his party, and proceeded to Madras, a large factory belonging to the English Company. Other English officers, who were scattered over Bengal on various commissions, when they heard of the loss of Calcutta, escaped as best they could from the straits in which they were placed, and made their way to Madras. At Madras was Colonel Clive, an officer of the army, and a servant of the King of England, who had command over the factories in the Dakhin. In those days he had fought against the French, and had taken from them some of their possessions in the Dakhin, in recognition of which Muhammad Khan Salabat Jang, son of Asaf Jah, had given him the title of Sabit Jang, "Resolute in War." After consultation, Colonel Clive and the gentlemen from Calcutta embarked in ships, with nearly two regiments of Telingas and four companies of Europeans, and sailed to recover Calcutta. As soon as they arrived at the port of Falta, they overpowered the men of Siraju-d daula by the fire of their ships, and making their way up to Calcutta, they anchored there near the factory. They sent proposals of peace to Siraju-d daula, asking pardon for Mr. Drake, and offering to pay several lacs of rupees, on condition of being allowed to rebuild their factories in Calcutta. Siraju-d daula rejected the proposal, and did not even write an answer.

5.2

Colonel Clive then resolved to fight, and placed four guns in position. Nanak Chand (the commander of the place) made some show of fighting, but he soon fled. Colonel Clive and his followers then took possession of their old factories.

5.3

The receipt of this news awoke Siraju-d daula from his dream of security. On the 12th Rabi'u-s sani, 1170 A.H. (Jan. 4, 1757 A.D.), he marched from Murshidabad to fight the English with his army and a good complement of artillery. On reaching the place, he encamped in a suitable position, and a war of guns and muskets at once began. The English endeavoured to treat, and sent their wakíls from time to time. They sent a brave and intelligent person to Siraju-d daula, ostensibly to treat with him, but secretly to take notice of the ways and arrangements of the camp. He went there, and after discharging the requirements of etiquette, he made his observations and returned. In the course of a few days, the English prepared their forces, and one morning, before daybreak, fell upon the rear of Siraju-d daula's camp with volleys of musketry, and poured upon it showers of balls. The Nawab's men were helpless; many were killed, and many were wounded. It is said that the object of the English in this night attack was to seize upon Siraju-d daula, and make him prisoner; but in consequence of a thick fog, the way to his tent was missed, and the files of musketeers passed another way. So the Nawab escaped the danger of being killed or captured. The English returned to their ground in triumph and in joy.

5.4

Siraju-d daula was terrified by this attack, and was afraid that it would be followed by another. He felt the difficulty of maintaining his position, and having called a council of war, he pointed out the inutility of continuing the struggle, and the necessity of retreat. The foundations of a peace were soon laid. The English knew of his weakness and discouragement. They demanded compensation for the plunder of Calcutta, which amounted to a very large sum. After some parley, the terms of peace were settled, and the Nawab agreed to pay the sum demanded. They required ready money, and Siraju-d daula gave them six parganas near Calcutta to hold until the money was paid. Mr. Watts, the superintendent of the factory at Kasim-bazar, obtained his release on the defeat of Siraju-d daula. He now carried on the negociations and correspondence between the two parties, and earned the thanks of both. Siraju-d daula took his departure for Murshidabad, and the English engaged in their commerce at Calcutta as heretofore. * *

5.5

The flames of war now broke out in the Dakhin between the French and English, between whom there has been enmity for five or six hundred years. The English prevailed, and their warships, under the command of Admiral Walker Jang Bahadur, were sent against Faras-danga (Chandernagore), which is near to Hugli. The French had sunk ships in the river, leaving only room for the passage of their own ships one at a time. The English got their ships through that passage, beat the French, and took possession of Faras-danga. They also took the factories near Kasim-bazar. Monsieur Lds, the chief of the French, joined Siraju-d daula, and having collected his followers, he entered into his service with them, and a number of Telingas whom he had drilled.

5.6

The English, being informed of this, sent their wakil to Siraju-d daula, remonstrating that as peace had been made with him, the enemies of one must be looked upon as the enemies of the other, and friends regarded as mutual friends. They were faithful to the agreement they had made, and they required the Nawab to dismiss M. Lds, and give him no support. His neglect to do this would be regarded as a breach of the treaty. Those who were opposed to M. Las, and were well-wishers of the Nawab, earnestly pressed him to comply, to dismiss M. Las, and not to let such a bone of contention put an end to the peace with the English. Siraju-d daula talked and corresponded with M. Lds on the subject, who represented that the Nawab had a large force of his own, and that no harm could come to his authority from accepting the services of a French officer and his men. Siraju-d daula urged this upon the English wakil, but he still strongly insisted upon the removal of M. Las. So Siraju-d daula of necessity sent him away, but told him to proceed to Patna, and make no delay on the road.

5.7

After this the enemies of Siraju-d daula, that is to say, Nawab Mir Ja'far Khan, Raja Dulabh Ram, Jagat Seth, and some others, who were sorely tried by him, passed their days and nights in fear and hope. They came to an understanding with each other, and schemed for the destruction of his life and authority. His maternal aunt, Ghasiti Begam, daughter of Alivardi Khan, who was incensed against him for his seizure of her cash and household goods, joined his enemies secretly. Siraju-d daula summoned Mir Muhammad Ja'far, one of his old associates, to a private meeting, and gave him instructions for raising forces secretly, upon which he proceeded to engage every unemployed soldier he could find. But afterwards he did his best to thwart Siraju-d daula, and to urge on the English.

5.8

Colonel Clive Sabit-jang, being informed of what was passing, and of the evils meditated, cast aside the treaty of peace and prepared for war. He marched from Calcutta, to the great dismay of Siraju-d daula, who sought to conciliate and encourage his own adherents. He sent Raja Dulabh Ram forward with a force to choose a suitable place for throwing up intrenchments and collecting guns. Rai Dulabh started on his commission. Openly he applied himself to carry out the orders of his master; but in his secret heart he lost no opportunity of scheming for his overthrow. He was careful to observe the conditions of the treaty with the English on his own part and on the part of Nawab Mir Muhammad Ja'far, and he won over the officers of the army of Siraju-d daula by offers of money. Mir Muhammad Ja'far occupied himself continually in the same way. So they gathered large numbers around them, and few were left to Siraju-d daula.

5.9

Colonel Clive now approached, and Siraju-d daula was obliged to move from Mansur-ganj, and proceeded with his officers to Plassy. The Colonel, with a small army, which might number three or four thousand men, advanced with great courage and daring, and encamped opposite the army of the Nawab. On the 5th Shawwal, 1170 A.H. (June 23, 1757 A.D.), fire was opened on every side, and the engagement became warm. Europeans are very skilful in the art of war, and in the use of artillery, and they kept up such an incessant fire that the hearers were deafened, and the beholders blinded. Many were killed, and many wounded. Mir Madan (the commander-in-chief), a brave and resolute man, who was the guiding spirit of Siraju-d daula, received a mortal wound from a cannon-ball. He caused himself to be conveyed to his master, and died after speaking a few words of advice and devotion. Siraju-d daula was greatly moved by his death, and sent to summon Mir Muhammad Ja'far. That officer, having resolved upon an infamous course, went to him, accompanied by some other chiefs. Siraju-d daula was greatly dejected, he apologized to Mir Ja'far for the wrongs he had done him, and asked for his advice. Mir Ja'far advised that as little of the day remained, he should recall his advanced force within the lines, and put off the battle to the next day, adding that he would provide for the safety of the army and the conduct of the battle.

5.10

Siraju-d daula directed his diwan, Mohan Lal, who was eager to fight, to go and stop the fighting until next day, and return to the lines. The diwan replied that it was no time for turning back; upon which Siraju-d daula again conferred with Mir Ja'far, who reiterated his advice. The Nawab was bewildered, and could do nothing but follow the counsel of Mir Ja'far. He sent strict orders recalling Mohan Lal, who was fighting manfully at his post. As soon as the diwan retired, many, who were overmatched, took the alarm, and fled to their defences. A general panic ensued, followed by a signal defeat. On learning the condition of his army, Siraju-d daula was filled with dismay; he feared the enemies in front, and his hostile servants around him, and fled in haste towards Murshidabad. On the 6th Shawwal he reached Mansur-ganj, and looked around for friends and help. But misfortune has no friend. Even Muhammad Iraj Khan, father of his wife, made no effort to help him. To satisfy his soldiers, he opened his treasury, and each man got what was his luck. His followers, seeing him helpless, carried off large sums under various pretences to their homes. After staying a short time at Mansur-ganj, on the 7th Shawwal, he secured plenty of ashrafis, and taking with him his favourite Lutfu-n nissa, his wife and his youngest daughter, and several others, he departed in carts and other vehicles towards Bhagwan-gola.

5.11

When he was near Chaukihath, Mir Muhammad Kasim Khan, son-in-law of Mir Ja'far, having heard of his flight, hastened after him with several men, and demanded money and jewels, and he was obliged to give him a box of jewels belonging to Lutfu-n nissa. Mir Kasim then turned back with his valuable prize. * * On reaching Bhagwan-gola, Siraju-d daula embarked on a boat, and went on his way to Patna. It is said that when Siraju-d daula heard that the English army had marched from Calcutta to make war upon him, he wrote a letter to Monsieur Las, according to promise, and urgently called him to his aid. He directed Raja Ram Narain, governor of Bihar, to supply him with money. The Raja saw that the Nawab's star was on the decline, and purposely made a delay of some days in supplying the money. Meanwhile, Siraju-d daula had been defeated at Plassy, and arrived at Mansur-ganj. M. Las and Muhammad 'Ali Khan, a distinguished cavalry officer, set off in boats from Patna, and went as far as Raj-mahal. There they heard that Siraju-d daula had been made prisoner, and they returned to Patna.