Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c39.7

v3.c39.7

Mahādji, from his camp some three miles west of the imperial halting-place, came to the audience, being welcomed in advance by the Emperor’s favourite son and destined heir Prince Akbar Shah. The Maratha chief offered a tribute of 101 gold *mohars* and laid his head down on his Sovereign’s feet. Shah Alam graciously patted him on the back, raised him up, gave him the royal embrace, and bade him sit down on the carpet face to face with him in consideration of Sindhia’s lameness, a relic of Panipat. By oriental custom, this first audience was devoted solely to formalities.