Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c28.s10.7

v2.c28.s10.7

For uniting these scattered atoms, Badan Singh had, at first, no superior armed force, no recognized higher status, no hoarded wealth. But with matchless cunning, tireless patience, and wise versatility in the choice of means, he attained to complete triumph at the end of a long life. First of all, he followed the path of suppleness in getting into the good graces of Sawai Jai Singh, the conqueror of Thun, and securing him as a protector. His manners were so humble and submissive and his conduct so obliging, in contrast with the usual rude character of the Jats, that Jai Singh was quite won over and began to take a special delight in favouring this man whom he had raised from the dust and whose greatness he felt would shed reflected lustre on his patron. Jai Singh bestowed on Badan the *tika*, the *nishān*, the kettle-drum, the five-coloured flag, and the title of *Braja-rāj* (or lord of the holy land of Mathura)* so as to give him authority among the Jats at home and to entitle him to greater respect abroad. But in spite of his getting these insignia of feudatory princes, Badan very astutely abstained from assuming the title of Rajah and throughtout life styled himself only *Thakur* or baron and represented himself publicly as a mere vassal of the Rajah of Jaipur.