The arms of Scindia at length rescued the unhappy monarch from the power of Gholaum Kaudir, and the crimes of that miscreant met a fearful retribution.[1] The authority of Shah Aulum was once more recognised, but the recognition was only formal, all substantial power being exercised by the Mahratta authorities; and though a considerable sum had been professedly allotted to the support of the royal household, it was so badly paid that the Emperor and his family were often in want. He is described as deeply sensible to the kindness of Lord Lake, on whom he bestowed several titles, such as "the Sword of the State," "the Hero of the Land," "the Lord of the Age," and "the Victorious in War."[2] The English did not restore any shadow of his former power; but they maintained him in comfort, and with some semblance of the pomp by which the Mogul throne had been anciently surrounded. In return, they obtained for all their measures the sanction of a name still venerated throughout the empire; in fact, they were thus virtually seated on the throne of India.
Colonel Ochterlony was left at Delhi, in a capacity similar to that of Resident, and Lord Lake resumed his march upon Agra, the rival capital, which still possessed the advantage of being defended by a strong fort, occupied by a large body of troops. Anarchy, however, prevailed in the garrison; and the officers, being chiefly of English extraction, had become objects of suspicion, and were thrown into confinement. At the same time seven battalions of Scindia's army having been refused admittance, lest they should claim a share of the riches it contained, still kept their post in the town and principal mosque. It was considered necessary to begin by dislodging them, which was effected, though not without an
- ↑ He fled to Meerut; but being hard pressed there by the Mahrattas, he effected his escape, but was subsequently taken, loaded with irons, and exposed in a cage. After this he was deprived of his eyes, ears, nose, hands, and feet; and in this horrible situation he was sent forward to Delhi, but died on the way.
- ↑ The inhabitants of Delhi expressed great delight on this occasion, and the journalists, in the language of Oriental hyperbole, proclaimed that the Emperor, through excess of joy, had recovered his sight again.
