Page 105 - Lohgarh

Mughal Action Against the Sikhs w 105

approach these Rajput rulers and assure them of his (Emperor’s) hand
of friendship and bring them to his court. 13
On 10 June, Bahadur Shah got the message that Mahabat Khan
had succeeded in his mission and the Rajput rulers were on their way
to see the Emperor. The terrified Bahadur Shah asked his minister to
march towards the route of their journey, grant them warm welcome
and escort them honorably to his presence. The same day Bahadur Shah
dispatched orders to the Lahore officials asking them to grant three
thousand rupees to Mohammed Taqi, the nephew of Wazir Khan, as
travel expenses and ask him to present himself before him (Emperor).
Bahadur Shah also got the news that the officials of the estate of Bakhshi
Shah Niwaz were so scared of the Sikhs that they had fled from their
territory. There was great awe in the Thanesar zone too. Several affluent
residents of Panipat (pargana Faizabad), along with their wealth and
families, have also reached Shahjahanabad (Delhi).
th
On June 11 , Bahadur Shah began his march again. He had not gone
far when Mahabat Khan met him on his way. The two Rajput rulers too
were also with him. Ajit Singh and Jai Singh Swai each presented 200
golden mohars and 2000 rupees to the Emperor. Bahadur Shah, in
return, presented them, some fine robes of honour, swords studded
with gems, elephant, horses and other precious gifts. The Emperor
addressed them in a language of friendship and love. After the meeting,
they sought farewell of the Emperor and assured him of their help in all
his crusades (especially against the Sikhs).
14
Khafi Khan says: “When Emperor reached Ajmer, he received more
news of the turmoil created by the Sikhs. This made him nervous and
sad. By this time some unmraa of Sarhind and the Pirzaadas of Sadhaura
too had reached there. Having learnt about their plight, the Emperor
became very despondent. When they narrated the events, all the persons
present were frightened.”
On 22 June, the Emperor got news that Banda Singh had stationed
himself in Lohgarh Fort. A week earlier, he had ridden an elephant and
left the Fort for Gulabnagar (the name given by Banda Singh to Buria),
a town about 12 km away. He was escorted by two thousand and a half