Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c21.s5.26

v2.c21.s5.26

At last on 29 August 1756, the artillerymen, despairing of getting their dues by any other means, “absolutely closed all the entrances into the fort. So, the supply of grain, meat, vegetables and water to the inmates of the palace-harem was cut off from the morning.... After noon they opened the back gate, allowing some people to come in and stopping others at their caprice. At last the son of Jagjivandas (the Delhi agent of Jagatseth of Bengal) and Bālgovind Sāhukār personally undertook to satisfy their claims, by Najib-ud-daulah’s mediation.... Their accounts were produced and their dues admitted to be for ten months and a few days.” Taking an advance from Balgovind, the Mir Atish cleared the dues of the men employed *within* the fort and the gates were fully opened on 12 September. But the artilleryists *outside* Delhi fort, under their captains Rao Māu and Harjiu Singh, at not getting their own dues, mutinied and tried to block the fort-gates from outside. Then they were paid in part, and the tumult ceased. |TALS. 78-79.| The sickening tale need not be carried any further.