The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.256

v4.c20.256

Nādir Shāh was apparently ignorant of the wealth and resources of India, and Burhān-ul-Mulk, hearing of the death of Khān Daurān, coveted the rank and title of Amīr-ul-Umarā, which the deceased had borne, and resolved to earn it by a signal service to his master. In the course of a long interview with Nādir he persuaded him to agree to leave Muhammad Shāh on the throne of Delhi and to retire from India at once in consideration of an indemnity of twenty million rupees. Nizām-ul-Mulk was sent by Muhammad Shāh to Nādir Shāh's camp to confirm the offer of this indemnity. His mission was successful, and he had little difficulty, on his return, in persuading his master to confer on him, as a reward for his service, the title of Amīr-ul-Umarā. Burhān-ul-Mulk's rage on learning that his hopes were dashed led him to address Nādir in terms very different from those first employed. It was absurd, he said, that the victor should be content with a miserable twenty millions. He himself, a mere provincial governor, could produce such a sum from his own house. The instinct of the Turkmān robber was aroused. He was ready to keep his promise to maintain Muhammad Shāh on the throne, but the question of the indemnity could stand over until he arrived at Delhi.