their own; and the release of the prisoners taken on both sides.
In these proposals, it will be observed, though there was no actual mention of the title of Nuwáb of the Karnátik, it was taken for granted throughout that that title, bestowed by the Subáhdár of the Deccan, and confirmed by the Mughal sovereign, should remain with Dupleix. To this the English Commissioners took objection. They urged that although the patent of the Subáhdár might pass, the confirming letter from Delhi was unsigned[1], and was wanting in the seal of the Prime Minister. They were prepared to give way on many points, but regarding the rights of Muhammad Alí they were inflexible.
It was on this point that the negotiations broke off. Dupleix would not give way. In vain did Saunders instruct his Commissioners to make the most liberal concessions to ensure agreement. He went so far as to offer to declare the office of Nuwáb vacant, on condition that Muhammed Alí should be appointed to it under the joint protection of the two Companies. But the passions of Dupleix were roused. He had been formally nominated Nuwáb of the Karnátik. His pride would not allow him to renounce so lofty a position in favour of a man who had posed as his rival. Seventy years later, the man whom he most resembled in ambition, in genius, in the power of compelling others, came, under similar
- ↑ My own experience points to the fact that native sovereigns rarely affix their signatures to documents of this description.
