Later Mughals v1.c9.s19.3

v1.c9.s19.3

During these two years (1715-17) the Emperor started on many hunting expeditions, of which the principal object was supposed to be the finding an opportunity to make away with Abdullah Khan. Farrukh-siyar was absent from Dihli for a month, from the 21st Rajab to the 25th Shaban 1127 H. (22nd July—25th August 1715), being then forced to return by illness. It was during this expedition that the secret orders already spoken of were issued to Daud Khan to resist Husain Ali Khan, Nizam-ul-mulk having been taken into council for this purpose. Abdullah Khan, during the interval, enlisted fresh troops and prepared to defend himself. Since, after waiting a month, no news came from Daud Khan, and Farrukh-siyar's ailment had increased, he was forced to return to Dihli. Then on the 10th Shawwal 1127 H. (8th October, 1715) came the report from the Dakhin that on the 8th Ramzan (6th September, 1715) Daud Khan Panni had been defeated and slain by Husain Ali Khan near Burhanpur. Four days afterwards (12th October, 1715) Abdullah Khan, who had been a great deal absent from darbar, presented himself at audience, laid offerings before the Emperor, and congratulated him upon the recent victory over the rebel, Daud Khan. False speeches were made and lying compliments exchanged between Emperor and Wazir. The secret cause of Daud Khan's resistance was already known to the Wazir, and the seeds of fresh ill-will had been sown in both their hearts. One story is that Farrukh-siyar, in Qutb-ul-mulk's presence, said it was a pity that such a brave man as Daud Khan should have been slain. To this the Wazir retorted: "I suppose, if my brother had been slain instead, it would have been a good thing and acceptable to your Majesty?"*