The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.293

v4.c20.293

Abhay Singh of Jodhpur had proved most inefficient in the government of Gujarāt, and since his dismissal none of the great nobles at court could be induced to accept the government of a province in a great part of which the Marāthās were permanently settled. Mūmin Khān, who had acted as governor since the raja’s dismissal, could do nothing without the approval of Dāmājī Gāikwār. In January, 1744, he was succeeded by Fakhr-ud-Daula, who was encouraged to attempt the task by Muhammad Yār Khān. The latter, weary of Nādir Shāh’s stern discipline, had deserted him and remained in India with Safdar Jang of Oudh, but his actions displeased and alarmed his new master who took advantage of the visit to Delhi to dispense with his services. Muhammad Yār Khān had, however, overestimated the fidelity of his troops, only a few of whom were willing to accompany him to Gujarāt. Here master and servant were mutually dissatisfied, the one with the other. The enterprise was a failure and the Marāthās remained dominant in Gujarāt. Muhammad Yār Khān left India and returned to his old master. “You feared the violence of my temper,” said Nādir, “how is it that you have returned to me?” “To be slain by a man like you”, replied Muhammad Yār, “is preferable to spending one’s life among a pack of cowards.”