Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c30.s3.41

v2.c30.s3.41

The question of the Emperor's residence in Delhi thus became a live issue from 1768 onwards. Just at this time the Indian world at last became convinced that Ahmad Shah Abdali would not come to India again, and all hopes and fears from that quarter definitely ceased. Now was the time for all loyal vassals to unite and restore their suzerain to his capital. A Maratha agent suggested (in Nov. 1767, *SPD.* xxix. 192) the project of such action by the English, the Peshwa, the Rajput Rajahs and the Ruhelas in concert (but despite probable Jat opposition). The Jat power ceased to count in North Indian politics after the death of Jawahir Singh in July 1768. The last ray of the hope of getting armed aid from the English in the journey to Delhi flickered and died out in the course of the next year. And the Emperor looked out for new friends to help him in carrying out his heart's desire. The Ruhelas were eliminated as openly hostile to his house. Shujā, nominally the first minister of the Crown, when called upon to support his master, evaded compliance as long as he could, and finally (in 1771) compounded for his abstention from personal participation in the march on Delhi by contributing to its expenses. For his tools the Emperor, therefore, had none but the Marathas to turn to.