1879.] W. Irvine — The Bern gash Nawabs of ' FarrukMbad. 113 



approved, he would seek an interview and turn Ahmad Khan's mind 

 towards peace. The Wazir was highly delighted at this suggestion. 



'Ali Kuli Khan sent off a formal letter stating how desirous he 

 was of paying a visit to Ahmad Khan. On receiving it, Ahmad Khan sent 

 for Hafiz Rahmat Khan and the other Rohela leader, and informed them 

 of its contents. They all agreed that it would be well for the Nawab to 

 receive the proposed visit, as 'Ali Kuli Khan was his friend. Ahmad Khan 

 sent a reply saying, that there had been no need to ask for leave, his house 

 might be looked on by 'Ali Kuli Khan as his own. 'Ali Kuli Khan having 

 informed the Wazir of this favourable reply, the Wazir made him swear 

 by his head that in no way would he let Ahmad Khan know of the desire 

 to make peace. 'Ali Kuli Khan said, he might feel quite at rest, for the 

 degradation of the Wazir would, in his opinion, be a dishonour to the 

 Emperor. 



On 'Ali Kuli Khan approaching the Nawab's battery, the Nawab's son, 

 Mahmud Khan, was sent out to escort him. On their meeting, they 

 embraced affectionately, and then mounting the same elephant, they started 

 for the Nawab's tent. The Nawab rising from his seat advanced to the 

 edge of the carpet, and there they embraced. Thence hand in hand they 

 walked to the masnad. A friendly conversation began and lasted a long 

 time. 'Ali Kuli Khan was then conducted to a tent, which had been 

 prepared for his repose, where every kind of food was made ready and sent 

 to him. In the evening Nawab Ahmad Khan walked to his guest's tent. 

 At first they talked as friends and then they turned to business. The note, 

 which the Emperor had written to Ahmad Khan with his own hand, was 

 brought out. Taking it in his hand, Ahmad Khan placed it on his head, 

 rose from his seat, turned his face towards Delhi and made a low obeisance. 

 He then read the note. The contents were made known to no one but the 

 principal leaders. It was only after a time that, through the commence- 

 ment of negotiations, it was seen that the Emperor had recommended peace. 

 Ahmad Khan, after he had read the letter, asked what he was expected to do. 

 Ali Kuli Khan told him he should send his son, Mahmiid Khan, and Hafiz 

 Rahmat Khan back with him, in order that the world might see that, 

 although the Wazir had failed, yet as " ul-amr faut ul-adaW (an order super- 

 sedes ceremony), he, Nawab Ahmad Khan, had obeyed the Emperor and had 

 sent his son and the principal leader under Sa'dullah Khan to negotiate 

 with the Wazir. In this way the Wazir's honour would be saved, and thereby 

 the Emperor's dignity preserved. Ahmad Khan objected that in this mat- 

 ter he could not act till he had consulted others. 

 p 



