Later Mughals v1.c8.s17.20

v1.c8.s17.20

Some of Zulfiqar Khan’s officers, notably Abdus-samad Khan Ahrari, had advised him to attempt the seizure of Farrukh-siyar’s person, an easy enterprize, and if in the morning it were found that Jahandar Shah and his son were slain, Farrukh-siyar’s gratitude could be assured by placing him on the throne. Zulfiqar Khan declined to entertain this project. Others advised an immediate retreat on the Dakhin, where the Nawab’s deputy, Daud Khan, possessed sufficient troops and treasure to renew the struggle. This proposal seemed likely to be accepted. But Sabha Chand interposed with the remark, ‘Think of your weak old father! Will you by your own act give him over to be killed?’ The bystanders remarked to each other that it was an omen of ill-fortune when, at such a moment, a scribe’s opinion was taken and that of soldiers neglected. [Warid 143b, M.U. ii. 93.]