New History of the Marathas v2.c24.85

v2.c24.85

Chinqilich Khan, however, held office in the Deccan only for two years, 1713-1715, owing to a sharp antagonism between the Emperor and the two Saiyad brothers. Farrukhsiyar appointed Husain Ali to the charge of the Deccan in 1715, and removed Nizam much against his will to the insignificant Foujdari of Moradabad. During these two years of his office Nizam-ul-mulk could not do much to consolidate his power. He encouraged his local assistants and befriended Rambhaji Nimbalkar, Chandrasen Jadhav and others who had risen against Shahu, and tried to strengthen the Mughal hold on Poona and its environs as a means of checking the activities of Shahu and his Peshwa. He lived during this period a life of almost regal splendour at Aurangabad, and lavishly spent on the ceremonies of circumcision of his two sons, Ghaziuddin and Nasirjang, the latter about five years old at the time. Shahu on his part continued to be harassed on all sides, particularly by Chandrasen Jadhav; and the Peshwa Balaji was occupied in saving his master's position against heavy odds. His critical situation is clearly evidenced by the following letter addressed by Shahu to his Peshwa some time in 1715:—