Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c22.s3.19

v2.c22.s3.19

Gorged with the plunder of Delhi, Mathura and Agra, Ahmad Shah set out from Delhi at the beginning of April, on his return homewards. During his stay in India Mughlāni Begam had risen to his highest favour. She had been chosen by the Delhi Emperor and his wazir as their mediator with the Abdali ; she had divulged to the invaders the secrets of all the nobles of Delhi, guiding the Afghans to the hiding place of every noble's treasure and giving information as to the exact amount of wealth that could be squeezed out of each; and she had been Ahmad Shah's agent in procuring the virgin tribute that was exacted for him from the imperial family. She had presented him with costly jewels on her own behalf. There was nothing that the Afghan king could refuse to her. In high delight he had cried out, "Hitherto I had styled you my daughter; but from today I shall call you my son and give you the title of Sultan Mirzā." He presented to her the very cap, aigrette, coat and other vestments that he was then wearing; there could be no more exalted *khilat* than these.