Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c11.s2.14

v1.c11.s2.14

This talk of removing him from his two viceroyalties reached Jai Singh’s ears and positively antagonised him towards the Emperor. A selfish opportunist, he never had much loyalty to the throne. Calling the Marātha agent at his Court to a secret council, he told him, “I have hitherto guarded the prestige and interests of Bāji Rāo because I cannot trust the Turks (i.e., the Mughal royal house.) If the latter triumph over the Deccani forces, they will disregard us. Therefore, in every matter I shall follow the Peshwā’s behest.” He then (August 1735) sent a proposal to Bāji Rāo to come to him at the head of 5,000 horse, taking care not to plunder any place on the way. Jai Singh would pay the daily expenses of this force (Rs. 5,000) in addition to the *chauth* of Mālwa and the rent of Pilāji Jadav’s *jāgir*,—a total of 20 *lakhs* in cash. After the Peshwā’s arrival in Jaipur, Jai Singh would take counsel with him on the situation, secure assurances and oaths of safe-conduct from the Emperor through Khān-i-Daurān and then take the Peshwā to interview the Emperor. Otherwise, the Peshwā would return home from Jai Singh’s country. (*S. P. D.*, xiv. 47.)