With him the debate arose between Lucknow and Fyzabad for the rank of capital. Sadat Khan certainly lived at Ayodhya and built a fort there: as certainly he also lived at Lucknow, and changed the name of the fort from Killa Likna to Machhi Bawan, or fish-house, in allusion to the crest of a fish, which he had assumed, and which has since become a decoration on the buildings of Lucknow. Unlike his descendants, who built themselves palaces which now fill the city, he was content with a comparatively humble dwelling situated behind the Machhi Bawan, known as the Panch Mahalla, for which he paid a monthly rental of Rs. 565.
History questions the fact of Sadat Khan having, in concert with Nizam-ul-Mulk, Subahdar of the Deccan, invited Nadir Shah's invasion, but a careful comparison of authorities leads to the belief that he was guilty of this treacherous deed. The atrocities committed by Nadir are familiar matters of history. The traitor chiefs did not escape persecutions. Nizam-ul-Mulk and Sadat Khan were not only grossly insulted by Nadir for their treacherous conduct towards the Emperor, but were plundered and made the instruments of extorting treasure from distant provinces. Nizam-ul-Mulk, jealous of the power and ability of Sadat, took advantage of the persecutions of Nadir Shah to execute a plan of getting rid of his rival. He affected to confide in him his own determination of suicide, and agreed with Sadat Khan that each should take poison. The latter drank his cup full, and left the hoary schemer without a rival in the Empire.
Sadat Khan, who had but a few years before been a needy adventurer, and had now been plundered by Nadir Shah, was still enabled to leave his successor a large treasure estimated at nine millions sterling. Though he accumulated so much wealth, he did not leave behind him the character of an oppressor. On the contrary, he seems rather to have respected the poor, and to have restricted his exactions to the rich. He reaped much as he had sown; his ability and management established a Sovereignty; his faithlessness brought him to a premature and ignominious end. He proved no exception to the rule, that they who are busiest in entrapping others are themselves the easiest deluded.
Sadat Khan was buried at Delhi.
2.—MUNSUR ALI KHAN, 1739-1753.
Sadat Khan was succeeded by his son—in-law and nephew, Munsur Ali Khan, Sufdar Jang, who followed his predecessor’s policy in keeping up a strong interest at Court
