A History of the Mahrattas v2.c54.32

v2.c54.32

Khureem got the district of Shujahalpoor from Umeer Khan, which, with some additions, was afterwards confirmed to him by Sindia, through the interest of Shirzee Rao Ghatgay. During the war of 1803, and the subsequent disturbed state of the country, Khureem contrived to obtain possession of several districts in Malwa, belonging to Sindia’s Jagheerdars; and his land revenue at one time is said to have amounted to fifteen lacks of rupees a year. He also wrested some territory from the Nabob of Bhopaul, on which he built a fort, as a place of security for his family and of deposit for his plunder. Khureem was originally a Sindia Shahee,¹ but like most of the Pindharees, except about five thousand of the Holkar Shahees who remained faithful, he changed sides or plundered his master whenever it suited his convenience, which was as often as he found an opportunity. Sindia, jealous of his encroachments, on pretence of lending him some guns, inveigled him to an interview, made him prisoner, plundered his camp, recovered the usurped districts, and lodged Khureem in the fort of Gwalior.²