Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c22.s6.4

v2.c22.s6.4

Further advance of the invaders was soon reported. Their vanguard (under Hasan Khan) had occupied the deserted city of Sarhind. "At this news great alarm prevailed in the capital, and an exodus began; the families of Khushhālchand, Lachhmi Nārāyan, Nāgar Mal and Diwāli Singh migrated to seek refuge in Mathurā." Even Muhammadans did not feel safe. The wazir himself sent his family away to Rajputana. Antaji Manakeshwar, at the head of 3000 horse, hitherto paid by the wazir, came from Gwalior at his call and halted on the eastern bank of the Jamuna opposite Delhi (30 December.) The wazir now ordered him to stop the flight of the panic-stricken citizens. He barred thei path south of Delhi; "at this the fugitives wanted to return to Delhi, but the Marathas would not let them unless they gave up all their money and belongings for paying the soldiers who would in future be appointed tto guard them. The people paid more or less, and came back to Delhi. The imperial Lord Chamberlain Ziā-ud-daulah's family was similarly obstructed, during their flight, in the Old Fort, but the wazir secured their release on 5th January 1757. Antaji’s men acquired much money and jewellery. Passage out of Delhi was entirely stopped. The people who had emigrated before, mostly took up residence in Mathurā, because during Nādir Shāh’s invasion they had found safety there through the friendliness of the Jāts. But this time, on the contrary, the Jāts took money from the fugitives at every outpost from Badarpur to Mathurā. Mathurā itself was so crowded that few could obtain any residence. Theft became very prevalent.” [TALS. 87a-88a.]