The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.240

v4.c20.240

Once more public interests were sacrificed to personal jealousy. Burhān-ul-Mulk had gained credit for his suppression of the rebellion at Korā and now his success against Holkar induced Khān Daurān, as the historian says, “either to make a name for himself or, if that might not be, to reduce Burhān-ul-Mulk to his own level of infamy”. He begged Burhān-ul-Mulk not to be so rash as to attack Bājī Rāo single-handed, as he was hastening to join him and together they would crush the enemy. Burhān-ul-Mulk hesitated and Khān Daurān moved at his leisure to join him. This operation occupied three or four days and a week was spent in reciprocal hospitality. Treachery and folly combined gave Bājī Rāo his opportunity, which he was not slow to seize. Eluding the roysterers he advanced, by forced marches, and encamped only nine miles from the walls of Shāhjahānābād. After some minor acts of spoliation and the total defeat of a force of 8000 horse led from the city, as Burhān-ul-Mulk, Qamar-ud-dīn Khān, and Khān Daurān were closing on him, Bājī Rāo retired towards Gwalior, plundering as he went, and unmolested by the imperial troops.