Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c10.s5.4

v1.c10.s5.4

Even when the Emperor learnt that the invaders had taken Peshāwar and their advanced troops had appeared near Attock (early in November), he did not realize the seriousness of the threat tc Lāhor. True, he sent his advance tents out of Delhi one day’s march towards the Panjāb on 23rd November; but he fixed a date fully three weeks later (14th December) for actually starting from his capital. He was confirmed in his blindness by the report that the Afghān raiders had gone back from Attock to Peshāwar. The news was very grateful to his indolent and weak character. He had lived in Delhi now for 28 years since his accession, without ever going more than a few miles outside his capital (except on two occasions only.) He had grown extremely ease-loving, and in addition was now suffering from the effects of the opium habit.