Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c8.s2.29

v1.c8.s2.29

Early in May, after the Nawāb had cleared his capital of the enemy, the Marāthas retired to Katwā and then set out on their return home in order to avoid the monsoon rains of Bengal. But Mir Habib brought them back from the way (Birbhum) with reproaches for their lack of spirit and holding out alluring hopes of plunder. So, from the month of June, Katwā became their head quarters and Mir Habib their chief adviser and centre of all affairs (*madār-ul-mahām*). The districts west of the Ganges now passed into their hands. "They set up outposts in many places and occupied the country from Rājmahal to Medinipur and Jalesar. All rich and respectable people abandoned their homes and migrated to the eastern side of the Ganges in order to save their family honour." [Salimullah, 120a; Siyar, ii. 121-122; Eng. F.R.]