Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v2.c28.s1.94

v2.c28.s1.94

War with the Mughals.—“ In 1747, Safi Khan was Hakim of Ajmer : Durga determined to attack him. The Hakim took post in the pass which defends the road ; there Durga assailed him, and made him fly to Ajmer. The tidings reached the king ; he wrote to the Khan, if he discomfited Durgadas, he would raise him over all the Khans of the empire ; if he failed, he should send him bracelets,¹ and order Shujaat from Jodhpur to supersede him. Safi, before abandoning his trust, tried to retain his honours by the circumvention of Ajit. He addressed a letter to him, saying he held the imperial sanad for the restoration of his paternal domains, but that, as the king’s representative, he must come and receive it. Ajit marched at the head of twenty thousand Rathors, sending in advance Mukund Champawat to observe whether any treachery was contemplated. The snare was discovered and reported to Ajit, as he arrived at the foot of the pass beyond the mountains. ‘ Let us, however, have [75] a sight of Ajaidurg as we are so near,’ said the young prince, ‘ and receive the compliments of the Khan.’ They moved on towards the city, and Safi Khan had no alternative but to pay his obeisance to Ajit. To enjoy his distress, one said, ‘ Let us fire the city.’ The Hakim sat trembling for its safety and his own ; he brought forth jewels and horses which he presented to Ajit.