Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c22.s6.5

v2.c22.s6.5

On 9 January came the news of the main Afghan army’s arrival at Sarhind and of their dread lord marching close behind them. Next day another council of State was held, but the wazir would not agree to offer battle, as a muster taken showed only 3,000 men actually present and only six bullock-carts for transport! So, at midnight Imād by abject entreaty induced Mughlāni Begam to start for Abdali’s camp, for disarming his anger, and making terms which would avert his coming to Delhi. Next day (11th Jan.) the wazir found his mansion blockaded by his own troops (under Shāhdil Khan Afghan) clamouring for their arrears of pay! Such was the state to which the defence of the empire had been reduced under Imād-ul-mulk’s ministry.