Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s5.7

v2.c27.s5.7

The light foray plan of campaign even under Malhar Holkar, the ablest cavalry leader among the Marathas, had entirely failed against Abdālī. Returning to Bharatpur, Holkar called for Hāfiz's envoy and resumed the discussion of the peace terms proposed by that chief. As Purushottam Hingané wrote on 12th March, “Hāfiz offers to come and meet our sardār and set Abdali on the path of return, and then join us with his troops for humbling Najib. He promises never to help Najib. Our sardār has agreed not to cross his path, nor to molest his territory. This has been sworn to by both sides.... When Malhar arrived about 30 miles from Bharatpur, Suraj Mal came and met him, and was given assurances of friendship and protection, sworn on *bel* leaves and Ganges water. Then the Jāt Rajah was dismissed with robes of honour to Bharatpur, while Malhar marched to Sāroti 11 m. s. w. of Bayana.” [SPD. ii. 121.]