Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c42.20

v3.c42.20

Immediately after hearing of the Maratha victory over Ismail Beg at Agra, the Emperor had sent two courtiers with the highest robes of honour and presents to Mahadji (24th June), inviting him to Delhi. But the nāzir and other courtiers of the old gang were mortally afraid lest Sindhia should now punish them for their late treachery and hostility. They clung to the hope of saving themselves by placing Ghulām Qādir Khan in charge of the capital. At first Shah Alam took up a strong attitude of opposition to the Ruhela and ordered the city to be held against him. But he had no longer the efficient corps of Begam Samru at his back. His only generals were Himmat Bahadur Gosāin and Badal Beg the Mughalia leader. The exactions of the Gosain had roused the entire Delhi population against him, and his troops also were weakened by starvation. Badal Beg and the entire Muslim force at Delhi were corrupted by Ghulām Qādir through his friends at Court.