Fall of the Mughal Empire v1.c8.s6.6

v1.c8.s6.6

Alivardi, with Mustafa still threatening Bihār, was then in no position to undertake a campaign in Orissā. He, therefore, deemed it politic to temporise by sending envoys to Raghuji to negotiate for peace. Raghuji knew his strength and demanded three *krors* of Rupees. Alivardi prolonged the discussions for two months and a half, till at the end of June he heard of the death of Mustafa, when he broke off negotiations. On hearing of Durlabhrām's captivity, Alivardi had sent one of his Pathans to Raghuji to negotiate for his release. Raghuji despatched Nilopant as his envoy to the Nawab. While this Pathan was in Raghuji's camp, the Marathas brought in 200 men as prisoners and cut off their noses and ears. Alivardi, angry at this act of atrocity when negotiations were going on, at first ordered Nilopant to be put to death by way of reprisal, but was induced to release him as he had been given a pledge of safety. Thus the peace was ruptured. [S. P. D., xxvii. 11.]