New History of the Marathas v2.c26.78

v2.c26.78

It is difficult to say why Safdar Jang delayed so long in reaching Delhi. His negotiations with the Marathas took time. The Wazir’s enemies attributed the delay to the secret satisfaction that he felt at the Emperor being indirectly humbled. Although the Abdali Shah had returned home, Safdar Jang having come to Delhi was anxious at once to march into the Punjab and ensure its defence against the Pathan’s further encroachment. The Emperor, however, would not support the Wazir, being terribly afraid of the latter’s rising power. He refused to ratify the agreement made by him with the Marathas. The Maratha troops remained forcibly in Delhi and would not move away unless they received the promised 50 lacs. The presence of large armies in Delhi soon became troublesome to the populace, as in the absence of payment they freely plundered whatever they could lay their hands on. At this very moment came a call from the Peshwa for Sindia and Holkar to immediately repair to the south with Ghazi-ud-din. This proved a welcome solution of the immediate difficulty. Sindia and Holkar offered to go to the Deccan if the Emperor would grant the Subahdarship of the Deccan to Ghazi-ud-din, displacing Salabat Jang. Ghazi-ud-din was to pay a Nazarana of 30 lacs to the Emperor for his being confirmed : this amount was to be paid to the Marathas in part payment of the amount they had been promised. Thus the plan being settled, Ghazi-ud-din and the sardars left Delhi on 14th May and proceeded to the Deccan. We have already seen the sequel.