A History of the Mahrattas v1.c8.13

v1.c8.13

This prince was the most accomplished scholar of his age; but as a ruler, he was cruel, rash, and speculative. Two years after he had ascended the throne, the Moghuls advanced in great force to the gates of Delhi, whence their retreat was purchased at an enormous expense. The spoils of the Carnatic and the sack of Dhoor Summooder¹ were not sufficient in Mohummud’s estimation to repair this loss. He adopted many absurd measures for replenishing his treasury, at the expense of public confidence and public credit. He planned an expedition into China, and lost an army in the attempt. He issued a copper coin at a nominal value equivalent to silver, without any security for the payment of such tokens; and he adopted the ruinous and cruel scheme of removing the whole population of Delhi to Deogurh, to which latter he gave the name of Doulutabad. This removal was enforced, and an imperial edict rendered Delhi desolate, distracted the minds of the people, and shook the empire to its centre.