Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c28.s6.9

v2.c28.s6.9

The Maratha generals, after their victory in the field, shrank from attacking the impregnable Jat forts, and therefore could not drive the vanquished Nawal Singh to submission. They decided, instead, to cross into the Doab and there exact tribute from the par-Ruhelas and divide with Najib the parganahs of the middle Doab that he had recently wrested from Nawal Singh's men. Their whole army, reported to be 70,000 strong, assembled at Mathura. Holkar was the first to cross over to the east bank for meeting Najib. Abdul Ahad Khan acted as mediator and conducted the parley from the Ruhela side (13 April.) The 17th of April was selected as an auspicious day for the meeting, after assurances and oaths of good faith had been exchanged. Najib advanced beyond his artillery lines and welcomed Tukoji Holkar, and took him to his tent with every mark of honour. More consultations were held next day, and on the 19th Najib returned the visit. He rode to Tukoji's tent, who introduced him to Ramchandra Ganesh and then to Mahadji Sindhia. Najib tried to soothe Mahadji Sindhia by offering him commonplace condolences like, "Whatever God wills happens. I did not from my side move against Dattaji Patil, but rather sought his friendship, and he too did not intend fighting.