Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c28.s5.3

v2.c28.s5.3

In the following cold weather, Najib went from Delhi to Aonla, where he celebrated the marriage of his son Kalu Khan with the daughter of Sadullah Khan (the successor of Ali Md. Ruhela) with the most lavish pomp and extravagance. At the end of the festivity, he returned to Delhi. The Sikhs spread through the Karnal district [Nur. 113], and even menaced Delhi.* Najib’s health had now completely broken down. Ever since 1763 he had suffered off and on from an intermittent fever. In youth he had been attacked by an inflamed ulcer (*chaude pisse*), and now that malady took an aggravated form. Throughout this year he was constantly unwell. On the other hand, the Sikhs were year by year increasing in number and spirit; the final retreat of Ahmad Shah, practically beaten, in May 1767, had given them boundless courage. Even at that time, while the Shah was still on this side of the Satlaj, “the Sikhs to the number of 120,000 men, both horse and foot, all devoted to each other and equipped for war, were assembled at Amritsar.” [CPC. ii. 345.] And now the dying Najib confessed himself beaten. It was only against an entire nation in arms, fired with all the energy of a newly risen and hungry people and all the unity of the early Islamites before their dissolution into sects, and multiplying “like ants and locusts,” that he had at last to admit defeat. He had served his sovereign loyally and defended his capital and family as long as he could. But he now begged leave to resign a burden beyond his physical powers. He wrote to the Emperor Shah Alam: “Until this hour I have manifested the firmest devotion and loyalty to the young princes and ex-Empress [in Delhi fort.] But I am no longer able to continue that support to them which is necessary for their protection. Let your Majesty advance to your capital and yourself defend your own honour. Your vassal frankly represents that he is not equal to the charge in his present situation.”