Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c7.s4.11

v1.c7.s4.11

The political situation of the time greatly favoured his increase of strength. The triumph of Nādir had not only destroyed Afghān rule over Persia but even reduced the tribes of the Qandahār province to vassalage and unemployment. These Afghāns, popularly called *Ruhelas* or hillmen, now crowded into Hindustan for their bread and found a ready welcome with their fellow-clansmen in Rohilkhand. On their way to India they were joined by many Afridi adventurers of the Khaibar region. Thus, by the year 1742, Ali Muhammad commanded a force of thirty to forty thousand Afghāns, besides many others of his countrymen permanently settled on the land in Rohilkhand.