Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c55.s6.2

v4.c55.s6.2

Before the year 1785 was out, the Sikhs were already in open hostility to the Marātha administration of the north Delhi district. In December the Marātha governor had to fight and drive away the Sikh bands that had invaded Patiālā, the dominion of Sāhib Singh, an ally of the Marāthas. But Sikh raids into the upper Doāb and the north Delhi district, for collecting rākhi (two annas for every Rupee of the land revenue) continued during 1786 and 1787. Bāghel Singh of Chhalundi was the first Sikh chief to join Sindhiā's general for pay. But Mahādji's call on the Sikh jāgirdārs in the Cis-Satlaj country to pay the tribute due to the sovereign, antagonised them. Then came the Lālsot campaign in the middle of 1787 and the consequent downfall of Sindhiā's authority, which continued till December 1788.