The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c21.s1.36

v4.c21.s1.36

During the six months’ fighting Ghāzī-ud-dīn had summoned to his aid Malhār Rāo Holkar from Mālwā and Jayappa Sindia from Nāgaur, but they did not reach Delhi until peace had been concluded and Ghāzī-ud-dīn now employed them for the punishment of Sūraj Mal. He was deficient in artillery, and discovering, on entering the Jāt country, that without it he could make no impression on the strong fortresses, he asked the emperor to supply him with guns. Intizām-ud-Daula, who knew his nephew’s turbulent and ambitious disposition, warned Ahmad Shāh against the request, and Ghāzī-ud-dīn instigated an attack on the minister’s house, which failed. The timid Ahmad Shāh was now apprehensive of Ghāzī-ud-dīn, and opened communications with Sūraj Mal, who suggested that Safdar Jang should be summoned from Oudh. This suggestion was not adopted, but the emperor and the minister marched from Delhi with the army in order that they might watch the movements of Ghāzī-ud-dīn and, if necessary, unite with Sūraj Mal against him.