Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c10.s4.2

v1.c10.s4.2

In the service of Nādir Shāh, Ahmad Abdāli greatly distinguished himself and rose to be the chief commander of that king's Abdāli contingent (some six thousand strong.) Nādir used often to say in open Court, "I have not found in Irān Turān or Hind any man equal to Ahmad Abdāli in capacity and character." There is a charming legend that one day Nādir Shāh was enjoying the breeze seated on his golden throne and Ahmad was standing before him at a respectful distance, when the king cried out, "O Ahmad Abdāli! come forward." Ahmad approached, but Nādir said, "Come closer still." When Ahmad had come up, Nādir told him, "O Ahmad Khān Abdāli, remember that after me the kingship will pass on to you. You must treat Nādir's family kindly". Ahmad replied in alarm, "May I be your sacrifice! If you wish to slay me, I am present here. But there is no reason why you should utter such (unfortunate) words as these." Nādir repeated, "I know for certain that you will become an Emperor. Treat Nādir's descendants well". The historian Husain adds that Ahmad Shāh in his days of power was always mindful of his late master's appeal and assisted Shāhrukh Mirzā, the grandson and successor of Nādir. [*Husain Shāhi*, 14-15.]*