The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.248

v4.c20.248

The news that Nādir intended to invade India was received at first with ridicule, but when it became known that he had taken Kābul incredulity gave way to panic, which increased with every stage of the invader's advance. Khān Daurān and Nizām-ul-Mulk were first nominated to the command of an army to oppose him, but declined the honour, and it soon became apparent that the occasion demanded the presence of the emperor and of all the troops which he could place in the field. Burhān-ul-Mulk of Oudh and all other nobles and assignees were summoned, with their contingents, and the same command went to the chiefs of Rājasthān, but all of these made their excuse. Akbar, similarly situated, could have commanded the service of many thousands of valiant Rājputs, but the descendant of Aurangzib could not persuade one to strike a blow in defence of his throne.