The Army of the Indian Moghuls: Its Organization and Administration c26.54

c26.54

Allahābād. This fortress was besieged twice in the 18th century, first in 1131 H. (1719) and again in 1163 H. (1750). On the first occasion the imperial forces were sent to eject the governor, Girdhar Bahādur; on the second, it was attacked by the Pathāns of Farrukhābād, when held by the officers of the then governor, Ṣafdar Jang, who was also ṣūbahdār of Audh and wazīr of the empire. The first investment lasted about nine and the second some seven months, but on neither occasion did the besiegers succeed in reducing the fort. In 1131 H. (1719) Girdhar Bahādur yielded on obtaining the government of Audh, and marched out with all the honours of war. In 1163 H. (1750) the Pathans, before they had made the least impression upon the fortress, were recalled hurriedly to defend their homes against a combined attack by Ṣafdar Jang and the Mahrattas.