Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c11.s2.13

v1.c11.s2.13

The Emperor censured Jai Singh and Khān-i-Daurān for having bought the Marathas off. The Khān pleaded, “I only promised the Marātha generals who had entered Mālwa that they would be given as *jāgir* those parganahs of the province which were in the hands of the refractory Ruhelas and other brigands, but that they should never trouble any district under the Emperor’s (rule.) Bāji Rāo is obedient to your Majesty in every way. See how he has brought his family to Northern India on the plea of bathing in the Ganges. His mother also has come here on pilgrimage. . . . The Marāthas cannot be effectually subdued by fighting. But by friendly negotiations I shall induce Bāji Rāo, or at least his brother Chimnāji, to come and meet the Emperor. If his desires are granted, the imperial dominions will be freed from disturbance in future. If, on the other hand, Sādat Khān and the Nizām unite, they will set up another Emperor.” (*S. P. D.*, xiv. 47, 39, 31.)