Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c30.s3.48

v2.c30.s3.48

In the meantime, the Emperor had advanced from Allahabad (13 April) to Sarai Alamchand (20 miles to the west.) Here he halted for 19 days, planning his march on Delhi and waiting to be joined by Shujā. At the first talk of leaving the British protection, civilised comforts and regular income so long enjoyed by his family and entourage at Allahabad for the privations, danger and poverty of Delhi, a universal lamentation broke out in the exiled Court and among its dependants. But the Emperor, led by Hisam-ud-daulah, held firmly to his purpose, Munir-ud-daulah having entirely lost his hold on his master. As a last chance, the miserable courtiers clung to the hope that when Shuja came, his voice would overbear that of Hisam and the march on Delhi would be abandoned. But Shuja did not object; he supplied 12 lakhs in cash, besides carriages, tents and other necessary articles, and thus secured excuse from personal attendance in the campaign. He detached a body of 10,000 horse and foot of his own to attend the Emperor.