Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c44.s2.7

v4.c44.s2.7

But Mahādji’s more immediate concern in Mathurā was a personal quest. He had gained power and fame beyond the dreams of ambition, but Providence had denied him a son, and a stranger would, therefore, enjoy all his life’s earnings after him. In September 1784 he had cherished the hope of getting an heir, but that hope had been dashed down to the ground when his rani Gangā Bāi brought forth a daughter. (Ch. 32 § 18.) And now, back in Mathurā, Sindhia began to woo the gods for the gift of a son. For this he made large gifts to the temples and the Brāhmans, and did worship in person, composing Hindi hymns in praise of his deity.