Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c16.s5.3

v1.c16.s5.3

In March Imād at the call of Malhar marched from Mathura to Kumbher, where Aqibat joined him. But the daily efforts of the allies failed against the fort, because of their want of breaching artillery, while complete investment for stopping ingress and egress was impossible. Khandé Rāo having made covered lanes approached the walls. One day (c. 15 March 1754) he had gone in a *pālki* to inspect his trenches, in his usual tipsy condition, when the fort opened fire and he was killed by a *zamburak* shot. Nine of his wives burnt themselves on his pyre, the only survivor being the little girl Ahalyā Bāi, destined to rise to fame as one of India’s noblest queens and purest saints. Malhar was frantic with grief at the death of his beloved son and vowed to extirpate the Jāts in revenge. He first went to Mathura to perform the funeral rites of his son in that sacred city. Imād came to condole with him, remarking, "Henceforth look upon me as your son in the place of Khando." Suraj Mal, too, professed the deepest sorrow for this issue of war and sent mourning robes for Malhar and Khandé's son. The Emperor, on 9 April, presented robes to Malhar and ornaments to Malhar's wife, through Bāpu Rāo Hingané, in token of his sympathy.