Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c6.s6.11

v1.c6.s6.11

This letter and the news of the junction of the wazir and the Nizām in anger with him thoroughly cowed the chicken-hearted Muhammad Shāh. In utter perplexity and alarm he summoned Amir Khān and Ishaq Khān for counsel. Then ensued an amusing scene truly characteristic of the empire's degeneration. Amir Khān insisted on their past agreement. The Emperor remained silent and then sent Amir Khān away for the day. He next took Ishaq Khan apart to his private chamber and urged him with the most solemn oaths to give him without fear or favour the counsel that he considered really best for the State. Ishaq Khān had been raised from obscurity by Amir Khān and had promised him never to give the Emperor any counsel opposed to the policy of his first patron. He was now in a dilemma and remained silent. Muhammad Shāh again took the strongest oaths and asked for his honest advice. Ishaq explained the conflict between his duty to his two patrons and begged to be excused from giving any answer. Then for the third time the Emperor asked for his advice and with still stronger entreaty. So, Ishaq Khān had no help but to reply. He said, "Although Amir Khān is an *āmir* and the son of an *āmir* and possessed of bravery and skill in making arrangements, yet he is known to the nobility and populace of Hindustan as light in character and manner. I and certain other nobles were raised to the peerage (*mansab*) only yesterday. But Asaf Jāh and Itimād-ud-daulah are regarded by all the leading people of Hind with eyes of expectation, and obedience to them is considered as a gain and a blessing. In my humble opinion it is inexpedient to break with such chiefs in reliance upon men like us. You are the best judge of your own interests."