A History of the Mahrattas v1.c25.38.1

v1.c25.38.1

Before the succeeding events in the Deccan can be explained, it becomes necessary to revert to the eldest son of Nizam Ool Moolk, and to those affairs of the Imperial court, in which the Mahrattas were engaged. Ghazee-ud-deen Khan, although desirous of proceeding to the Deccan, had been detained at Delhi since the death of his father, and it seems probable from his commencing the negotiations with the Mahrattas that bribes may have been employed by his brothers, to ensure his being kept there. The Imperial court, soon after the accession of Ahmed Shah, was subjected to a fresh alarm, by intelligence of the return of Ahmed Shah Abdallee towards Lahore, of which, as well as of the province of Mooltan, Meer Munnoo, son of the late Vizier, Kummur-ud-deen Khan, was Governor. Meer Munnoo purchased the forbearance of the Abdallee by the cession of the revenues of four districts; and this expedient left the Vizier, Sufdur Jung, at liberty to follow up certain schemes, which he had in progress against the Rohillas. The growing power and encroachments of these adventurers excited the Vizier’s particular jealousy, as they threatened to extend themselves over his own territories in the province of Oude.