The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.265

v4.c20.265

Sarbuland Khān, excused by his poverty from contributing anything himself, was charged to collect from the nobles, the officers of the court and army, and the wealthy inhabitants, and his zeal and activity were stimulated from time to time by threats and rewards. The property of Khān Daurān and his brother was confiscated and yielded to Nādir's treasury fifty million rupees. Nizām-ul-Mulk and Qamar-ud-dīn Khān each contributed fifteen million in jewels, treasure and goods. Violence and torture were used in extorting contributions. A grand-daughter of Kām Bakhsh was married to Nādir's youngest son, Nasr-ullah Mīrzā. Before leaving Delhi Nādir Shāh formally annexed the province of Kābul and all territory west of the Indus, and gave Muhammad Shāh advice which that prince had neither the sense nor the moral courage to follow. He expressed his horror at the idea of the misbelievers levying taxes in the dominions of Islām, counselled him to resume all assignments and to pay his nobles and officers direct from the treasury, permitting none to maintain troops. At the charges of the state the emperor should have picked horsemen under officers appointed by himself. He warned the emperor particularly against Nizām-ul-Mulk, whom he had found to be cunning, self-seeking and more ambitious than became a subject.