The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c21.s1.16

v4.c21.s1.16

Safdar Jang had reached Mārahra, about sixty-seven miles north-west of Farrukhābād, when he received the news. His difficulties were increased by the turbulence of his troops who, in consequence of a dispute between a camel driver and one of the leading inhabitants, sacked the town of Mārahra while he halted there. Ahmad Khān turned north. The armies met on 24 September between Sahāwar and Patiālī, and Safdar Jang was completely defeated and he was himself wounded by a musket ball. He retired with his beaten army to Delhi, where he learnt with indignation that his defeat had been received by the court party with joy. His death had been reported and the emperor and Jāvīd Khān had prepared to confiscate his property, as was usual, but had waited until the rumour should be confirmed. His wife had assembled such of his troops as remained in Delhi to defend his property. On his return the emperor and Jāvīd Khān attempted to excuse themselves but failed to satisfy Safdar Jang, who warned the queen-mother, as the prime mover in the plot, that he was still alive and that it would go ill with any who attempted to molest him.