Later Mughals v2.c14.s32: Sec. 58.—Gujarat Affairs, October 1727-June 1728.
Later Mughals v2.c14.s32
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Sec. 58.—Gujarat Affairs, October 1727-June 1728.
v2.c14.s32.1
In 1140 H., after the rainy season (July-Sept. 1727) Chimnaji invaded the province in the interests of his brother Baji Rao the Peshwa. Apparently some arrangement as to the chauth was contemplated and letters had been interchanged. From his camp at Duraha, twelve kos from Ahmadabad, Chimnaji sent Udaji Puar and some Pandits to Sarbuland Khan. The latter named Nath Mal, his secretary, to represent him. But the conditions imposed by the governor prevented an agreement and the negotiations fell through. Chimnaji began to plunder Duraha, an unwalled town, and the villages round it. Many of the local soldiery (qasbati) were killed and wounded, and in the end a khandani or ransom having been agreed to the plundering was stayed. As soon as he had received the money Chimnaji retired to Malwa by way of Godhra and Dohad, taking possession of those parganas and of the fort of Champanir.
v2.c14.s32.2
This season (Oct. 1727—June 1728) Sarbuland Khan devoted to restoring order in Duraha and collecting tribute along the banks of the river Watrak. Lal, zamindar of Mandu, paid twenty thousand Rupees and other Koli chiefs other sums according to their means. The governor was at the village of Barnube when he learnt that Kanthaji had arrived at Mahmuda-bad, twelve kos from the capital, his suspicions aroused by the recent visit of Chimnaji. Sarbuland Khan pitched his tent at Kona Maudij, where he was visited by the representatives of Kanthaji and matters connected with the *chauth* were discussed. Kanthaji moved towards Surat and Sarbuland Khan then retracted his steps and continued operations against the Kolis in the neighbourhood of the Watrak. These men took refuge with their families in the dense jungle near the village of Mahkul in pargana Piplod. The Muhammadan army then moved towards Murasa and Ahmadnagar, and enforcing the payment of revenue as it went it marched along the banks of the Sabarmati on its return to Ahmadabad.