Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c37.s1.10

v3.c37.s1.10

In fact, while the regent revelled in pleasure, the administration of the realm broke down. As Shah Alam complained, “Owing to Mirzā Najaf’s neglect of the administration, the empire is falling to pieces ; the soldiers, receiving no pay, are dispersing in bitterness of mind.” And again, “There is maladministration in all the territories under Najaf Khan, and yet he is sunk in pleasure and repose in the company of Latāfat Ali Khan, and takes no step to remedy this sorry state of affairs. Latāfat has gained such a hold on his mind that he agrees to everything that this man tells him.” [*Ibid.*, f. 260 & 302.]