Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c15.s3.5

v1.c15.s3.5

The victorious Afghan king halted at Lahor and sent his envoy Qalandar Beg to Delhi to secure confirmation of the gains of his sword. This man reached the Mughal capital on 1st April. The terrified Emperor and his ministers at once agreed to the formal cession of the provinces of Lahor and Multan to the Abdali, or in actual effect to pay him 50 lakhs of Rupees a year in lieu of their surplus revenue. On 13th April the Afghan envoy was given *conge* by the Emperor in the Hall of Select Audience and told, "I am standing firmly by my promises, but if your master deviates from his agreement I am prepared for fighting." The envoy placed the letter embodying the peace-terms on his head and assured the Delhi Court, "Whosoever is evil-minded towards this God-given State will be consumed by divine wrath." He and three of his companions received rich gifts and were sent away. [*D. C., S. P. D.*, xxi. 53,55; *TAh.* 33*b*.]