The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c21.s1.19.4

v4.c21.s1.19.4

On the one side Bakht Singh and on the other Khande Rāo Holkar withdrew, leaving Zu-’l-Fiqār Jang and Rām Singh to arrange their own terms. Zu-’l-Fiqār Jang accepted 300,000 rupees in ready money and a promise of supplies to be delivered at various stages of his retreat and set out at once for Delhi. The reason for his haste was the news of Safdar Jang’s defeat by Ahmad Khān. He assumed that the minister would at once be dismissed and his folly and conceit encouraged him to hope that he might secure the place, but Safdar Jang had already recovered his position. After Zu-’l-Fiqār’s return to Delhi his failure preyed upon his mind. He begged the emperor to help him to discharge his debt to his troops and, when his request was rejected, began to talk treason among his companions. Finally, he attempted to enter the hall of audience fully armed, to intimidate the emperor. Forbidden to appear at court, he appeared no more in public. His property was confiscated and he was deprived of his rank and of the title of Amīr-ul-Umarā, which was conferred upon Ghāzī-ud-dīn Khān,¹ the eldest son of the late Nizām-ul-Mulk.