The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c21.45

v4.c21.45

Within a year of this, French intrigue succeeded in overthrowing the great minister. The pay of the army was due for two years, and “instigated by others” the soldiers caused a riot in the city and forced the Nizām to dismiss Shāh Nawāz (23 July, 1757) and appoint the pro-French Basālat Jang as regent. A terrible popular rising broke out that day; the ruffians and the mob of the city wanted to sack Shāh Nawāz’s house; but two nights later he escaped to Daulatābād, abandoning his house to plunder. Profiting by this internal division, the Peshwā’s son Vishvās Rāo invaded the country east of Aurangābād. So, Salābat made terms with Shāh Nawāz and induced him to return (13 November). But all power now passed into the hands of Nizām ‘Alī, who was appointed heir and regent. The campaign of Nizām ‘Alī against the Peshwā in the Sindkhed region ended in a peace by which the Marāthās gained two and a half million rupees worth of land in the Deccan and the fort of Naldrug (January, 1758).