Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c28.s10.34

v2.c28.s10.34

But a worse thing was to come on the Jat chief. Badan Singh died on 7th June 1756, and though the disappearance of the blind old figurehead of the State made no difference in its actual administration, this event precipitated a civil war through the impatient ambition of Suraj Mal's son Jawahir Singh. This youth had been born with a boundless courage, a fierce delight in fighting, and some power of leadership; but these high gifts were neutralized by his reckless impetuosity, blind obstinacy and utter lack of self-control and foresight. While Suraj Mal, with all his power and wealth, lived to the end of his days in a very simple style, being inclined to be miserly rather than liberal in all kinds of expenditure, Jawahir was of exactly the opposite character, a prodigal fond of luxury and profusion, "playing the Mughal umara in his equipage company and diversions." Selfish favourites gathered round him and instigated him against his strict and stingy father as an obstacle to his happiness and independence, and led him on to live far beyond his modest allowance. Suraj Mal's remonstrances only increased his son's anger and aversion towards the Rajah's old counsellors. When he next tried to remove Jawahir's evil advisers, "the young Absalom" (as he is aptly called by a Jesuit priest of Agra) flew into rebellion and prepared for war in the fort of Dig which was then his residence. Suraj Mal had no help but to lay siege to it. Jawahir, as was his wont, made a reckless sortie upon his father's troops, personally rushed into the thickest of the fight, and was captured with three severe wounds from sword lance and bullet. For some time after, his life was despaired of; but he recovered, though these wounds left his right arm weak and one leg lame. Suraj Mal seems to have now made some more liberal provision for Jawahir, because he could not afford to lose his most spirited and war-experienced son.* This civil war ended in November 1756, and next month Abdali's invasion burst upon the Delhi empire.