New History of the Marathas v2.c26.79

v2.c26.79

5. Civil war in Delhi.—Matters, however, grew worse between the Emperor and the Wazir. They became so suspicious of each other that they would not freely meet but considered themselves in danger of life from each other. Khoja Javid Khan, (Nawab Bahadur) with the Emperor's mother Udhambai the principal evil genius whom the Wazir would not tolerate, exercised all the imperial power. The Wazir managed to get rid of this Khoja by foul play. Inviting the Khoja to a dinner, he had him assassinated on 27th August 1752. This terrified the Emperor all the more so that the two became mortal enemies of each other. The Emperor realized that he was a mere prisoner in the Wazir's hands. Abdali was quick to discern the situation and sent his agent to Delhi demanding the yearly tribute of 50 lacs stipulated in the last year's agreement. The agent arrived at Delhi on 13th February 1753 and the Wazir with difficulty managed to send him back with some partial payment. The Wazir realizing his danger sent urgent calls to the Peshwa for armed help being quickly sent to him. The Emperor's mother Udhambai was a lady of great talent. She organized a strong opposition to Safdar Jang and moved the Emperor to fight him and remove him from his Wazirship. Intizam-ud-daula, son of Qamr-ud-din Khan was the Mir Bakhshi, and he joined Udhambai's scheme as also did Mir Shahab-ud-din, alias Ghazi-ud-din the younger. Antaji Mankeshwar commanded a small Maratha contingent at Delhi, and the Maratha envoys, the Hingne brothers, were approached by both the parties, the Emperor and the Wazir to support their respective cause.⁵