Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c42.5

v3.c42.5

The defection of Muhammad Beg Hamadāni from Sindhia's side (25 May) was Ghulām Qādir's opportunity. Ambāji was recalled with his troops to Rajputana and the Ruhela began to drive out the Maratha collectors from the upper Doab and seize the imperial territory there. The Maratha retreat from Lālsot fanned his ambition to the fullest blaze; Ghulām Qādir would become Mir Bakhshi like his father and grandfather and conduct the government of the Empire. So, he marched his army to Bāghpat (21st August) and sent to ask for an interview with the Emperor. There was a conflict of policy in the royal council. Sindhia's representatives at Court were Shah Nizāmuddin (a former religious mendicant of saintly pedigree) and Lādoji Shitolé Desmukh (Mahadji's son-in-law), and these two tried to uphold his cause though unable to back it with adequate strength of arms. Against them were ranged Manzur Ali Khan the all-powerful superintendent of the harem (nāzir) and the old ministerial clique of Mirzā Najaf's time. The nāzir bore implacable hostility to Sindhia and wanted to use Ghulām Qādir as his tool for overthrowing the hated Hindu control over the Government. Indeed, he had saved the child Ghulām Qādir’s life by throwing his mantle over him at the imperial sack of Ghausgarh and now spoke of him as his nurseling. [*DY.* i. 232.]