Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c11.s1.22

v1.c11.s1.22

to great distress by cutting off their grain and water supply. Krishnāji Pawār and Udāji Pawār, out of jealousy for the Peshwā, had been tempted to join their forces with Jai Singh. But Holkar plundered a part of Udāji’s baggage, and mutual friends intervened, severely rebuked the Pawārs for their alliance with their nation’s enemy and induced them to withdraw from the Mughal side. Jai Singh had to sue for peace, offering six lakhs of Rupees to the Marāthas, but Holkar held out for more. While these negotiations were going on, the Rājput captains, emboldened by a rumour that the Emperor in person was marching from Delhi to Agra to support them, came forth to battle. The commander of Jai Singh’s rear-guard was slain. On Holkar’s side a hundred or two hundred horses and some fifteen high officers were killed, and he fell back about 30 miles, while Jai Singh advanced 16 miles. Then Holkar rapidly doubled back to Jai Singh’s position. The Rājput prince had no more stomach for fighting left; he made peace by promising to pay six lakhs in cash and to cede 28 parganahs in lieu of chauth. This happened at the end of February. (S. P. D., xiv., 2, xv. 6.)