Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c48.s4.9

v4.c48.s4.9

But the fully ripened fruit of peace was destined to rot. For, by this time Malhar Holkar the younger had reached his father’s camp. Fired with boundless pride and ambition, he rebuked the aged Tukoji, crying out, “We have been maintaining an army for the last eight months at the cost of lakhs of Rupees in order to recover our lost prestige in Hindustan. You have now discarded the policy of fighting and thereby saving our honour, and made peace with Sindhia. This has destroyed even the little prestige that was still left to us. You remain here with your peace. I will listen to none, but deliver one battle.” So saying he next day marched away to the front. Then Tukoji turned a somersault, repudiated the agreement made by Parāshar and censured him. The baffled minister sulked in his tent in grief and humiliation.