Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c12.s2.46

v1.c12.s2.46

In two days, the scanty water in the Bakhshi’s position became totally exhausted, but the two Maharajahs barred his way to the only place where a better supply of water could be had. Salābat in helplessness threw the blame for his untenable situation on Bakht Singh, telling him, “For thy sake, I have been put to this disgrace. Thou hast performed none of thy promises.” And then he ranged his artillery round his own tents as a precaution against his ally! On the 6th of April, the Rajah of Bikānir (the steadfast ally of Bakht) reached the Mughal camp with 2,000 men and pacified the Bakhshi. Ishwari Singh, too, sent a conciliatory message, entreating Salābat Khan as a great man to cherish the humble and not to be impatient. So, the Bakhshi halted, intending to take whatever was paid in cash and a written bond for the balance, and to make Rām Singh give some money to Bakht Singh and finally reduce the imposed tribute at the entreaty of Rām Singh, so as to keep both these Rāthor princes under obligation to him! [S. P. D., ii. 16.]