Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c16.s5.1

v1.c16.s5.1

The Marathas had imposed claims to *chauth* or contribution upon various Rājput States ever since Bāji Rāo's visit in 1736 and particularly in connection with the succession disputes in the three States of Bundi, Jaipur and Mārwār. At the end of September 1753, a powerful army under the Peshwa's younger brother Raghunāth Rāo crossed the Narmadā to realise these dues. Joined by Malhar Holkar, he entered Jaipur territory and spent over two months there (9 Nov. 1753-15 Jan. 1754), securing payment from Jaipur (12 lakhs) and several smaller States. Suraj Mal, who had formed a secret defensive understanding with Mādho Singh during their return from Delhi after making peace with the Emperor, had sent his envoy Ruprām Kothāri to the Maratha camp. Malhar had demanded two *krores* from him on the ground that Suraj Mal had gathered much more than that amount in his plunder of the suburbs of Delhi. The Jāt envoy offered four lakhs for buying the Marathas off, in addition to the Emperor's regular tribute; but Malhar would not accept it and invaded the Jāt country. Inspired by Suraj Mal, the heir and minister of the old king Badan Singh, the Jāt nobles decided on resisting this illegal demand and put their forts in a strong posture of defence, while their common soldiers were animated by a keen sense of brotherhood and the proud consciousness of never having been defeated.