Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c38.s2.5

v3.c38.s2.5

The most sinister figure among Mirzā Najaf’s captains was Muhammad Beg Hamadāni, who combined the treachery and ferocity of the Afghan with the martial efficiency and mercenary spirit of the Turkish soldier of fortune. The small bands under Mughalia sardars long settled in India as professional soldiers ready to join the highest bidder, naturally flocked to Hamadāni on account of his known generalship and firmness of character mingled with diplomatic cunning and address, even more than for the sake of his being a brother from *vilāyet*. His nephew Ismail Beg, too, was one of the best generals of the time. But neither of them could hope for any support from Najaf Khan’s Shia sister and personal retainers; they were kept at a distance as mere hirelings unfit to be leaders of the party.