Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v3.c41.s1.118

v3.c41.s1.118

Attempted Assassination of Jai Singh.—But weeks and months fled ere he found an opportunity to execute his threat; he gradually sold all his horses, and was obliged to dismiss his attendants. Still he lingered, and sold his clothes, and all his arms, except his spear; he had been three days without food, when he sold half his turban for a meal. That day Jai Singh left the castle by the road called mora, a circuitous path to avoid a hill. He was in his sukhasan;¹ as he passed, a spear was delivered, which lodged in the corner of the litter. A hundred swords flew out to slay the assassin; but the Raja called aloud to take him alive, and carry him to Amber. When brought before him and asked who he was, and the cause of such an act, he boldly replied, “ I am the Deoti Bargujar, and threw the spear at you merely from some words with my Bhabhi;² either kill or release me.” He related how long he had lain in wait for him, and added that “ had he not been four days without food, the spear would have done its duty.” Jai Singh, with politic magnanimity, freed him from restraint, gave him a horse and dress of honour (khilat), and sent him, escorted by fifty horse, in safety to Rajor. Having told his adventure to his sister-in law, she replied, “ You have wounded the envenomed snake, and have given water to the State of Rajor.” She knew that a pretext alone was wanting to Jai Singh and this was now unhappily given. With the advice of the elders, the females and children were sent to the Raja at Anupshahr,³ and the castles of Deoti and Rajor were prepared for the storm.