Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c6.s6.20

v1.c6.s6.20

Amir Khān reached Delhi on 5th November 1743 and at once re-established his old ascendancy on the Emperor’s mind. Safdar Jang arrived some eight days later, rode into the city at the head of 10,000 splendidly dressed troopers with full pomp, and was lodged in Dārā Shukoh’s mansion within the walls. The Persian influence was now supreme at Court and the Turāni party went down. The post of Mir Ātish (Chief of Artillery) was very important, as its holder guarded and controlled the Emperor’s person family and treasures within the palace of Delhi. On the death of the last incumbent Sāduddin Khān (on 20 June 1743), this office had been conferred upon his son Hafizuddin, a Turāni and a protege of the wazir. But now, on 11th March 1744, it was taken away from him and given to Safdar Jang, at Amir Khān’s suggestion, as Muhammad Shāh had lost all faith in his Turāni nobles. Safdar Jang, by virtue of his office, now took up his residence in the palace-fort and pluralities began to come thick upon him.