Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c30.s3.2

v2.c30.s3.2

Shujā-ud-daulah as a choice for the wazirship was even worse than Imad-ul-mulk. As Jean Law characterises him from personal observation, "Shujā is the most handsome person that I have seen in India. He towers over the wazir [Imād] by his figure,—the latter being small,—and I believe also by the qualities of his heart, but he has to yield to him [Imād] in all that relates to the spirit. He is occupied in nothing but pleasures, hunting and the most violent exercises." Such was his character in 1758-1761. Later, a not unfriendly English observer sketched it thus: "Shuja-ud-daulah was not endowed with the genius of a soldier. He wanted that valour, or courage, which is ever shown in the event of common danger. He evinced throughout the Ruhela war a marked pusillanimity, sheltering himself in the rear and betraying evident signs of fear. He had acquired an extensive knowledge in the practice of every species of deceit, and could perform with facility every character that was necessary to conduct the various purposes of delusion or treachery. Generosity did not form a fixed part of his disposition. He was equally rapacious in acquiring, as sordid in preserving wealth. His excesses in venery, which knew no control, led him to commit actions derogatory from his station, as well as pernicious to his health. His harem was filled with wives and concubines, to the number, it is said, of eight hundred, from whom were born to him fifty children.”*