Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c38.s10.10

v3.c38.s10.10

Meantime, Hamadāni had stationed his envoy Lachhmi Ram in Sindhia’s camp for interceding with him to make a peace. The night after the murder, Mahadji sent the envoy back to his master, demanding the surrender of all his artillery, elephants, horses and camels, after which he would be left free to go away anywhere with his family. In case of refusal, war was threatened: “I shall (said Sindhia) ride out and in one *ghari* finish his business.” On the 3rd, after Sindhia had advanced to the west of Khanua, the envoy brought to him Hamadāni’s answer, “I have 15 guns belonging to the Emperor with me. These I am prepared to surrender, but I will not give up the rest. After my death any one can take them.” Nothing was, therefore, left to Sindhia but to fight.