Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c39.5

v3.c39.5

Shah Alam was highly offended at this disappointment and public exposure of his own impotence. He announced that he would take refuge with Mahadji Sindhia, as the only loyal subject left to him, and deputed two of his trusted personal attendants to the Maratha camp with robes of honour and letters for Sindhia, who replied (7th) through them advising the Sovereign to come to Fathpur Sikri. Next day the Maratha chief despatched 50 camels, four elephants and other transport for the Emperor’s journey from Agra and promised him an escort of 5,000 horse and four battalions of sepoys under Apa Khandé Rao. Leaving Agra on the 10th and passing the next day at Fathpur-Sikri, the Emperor reached Afrāsiyāb’s camping ground at Khanuā on the 12th, and found hospitable gifts and articles for his comfort from Mahadji waiting for him there.