Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c21.s7.5

v2.c21.s7.5

The humbled wazir made a prompt return to Delhi. Here he smelt out a plot for removing him from his high office and giving it to Shujā-ud-daulah with the connivance of the captive Emperor, who was sick of the impotence and poverty to which Imād’s domination had reduced him. The intermediary of the secret negotiations was Ali Quli Khan Dāghestāni, and the instruments of the change were to be Suraj Mal and Ahmad Bangash. The wazir at once struck at the alleged conspirators found in Delhi and expelled even the suspected eunuchs from the palace. Next, in the Emperor’s name he ordered Najib to expel Suraj Mal from his recent acquisitions in the Doāb. Negotiations begun by Nāgar Mal for a peaceful settlement delayed Najib’s departure; but they naturally failed through Suraj Mal’s insistence on retaining all that he had usurped, and at last Najib was given formal leave to march on 17 June. Peace was, however, made through Nāgar Mal’s efforts, about 10 July, on terms which are described in chapter 22. [TALS. 54b-58b].