Book Title: Indian Antiquary Vol 59
Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications
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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
(JULY, 1930
fact that the latter was viss irous of personally giving him the presents from the Emperor to the King of England as well as those for the ambassador himself. Ghaziu'd-dîn Khân gave him emphatio warning of the consequences which would ensue if he did not return to the Court, telling him that he had received orders from the Emperor to detain him by force if necessary. Rustamji is no less emphatic in declaring that Sir William continued to slight the request of Châziu l-din Khân, notwithstanding that it was impressed upon him that the Nawab occupied an exalted position, being considered as a "second king" in the Empire. The remonstrance had no effect upon Sir William, who in an angry outburst declared that if the Nawab were "to give me the whole of Hindustan I would not go to take it." Rustamji's account proves that if the ambassador had shown due courtesy to the Nawab in receiving at his hands the presents intended for the King of England he might have avoided giving needless offence to him. Sir William Norris lacked the qualities of a shrewd diplomat in bis dealing with Nawab Ghaziu'd-dîn Khân, who had not only shown great courtesy to him, but had also offered in every way to expedite his journey to Surat. The ambassador went so far as to reply to those overtures in more haughty terms than before, going, according to Rustamji, so far as to say: "Though you were to assemble all the Umaras of Hindustan to guard me more closely, yet I will not stay."
Rustamji explains that on account of the obstinacy shown by Sir William the long drawn out interviews between him and the messengers from Châzîu'd-dîn Khan had ended in a deadlock. Sir William's attitude greatly annoyed the Nawab, who, when he next summoned Rustamji, told him of the indignities offered to his messengers and asked why the ambassador had appeared so alarmed by the prospect of the proposed visit. The Nawab therefore put Rustamji in prison as a hostage pending the safe return of the messengers and also threatened if any harm befell them to cut off his head. The poor broker suffered greatly during the fow hours he was kept in the prison. Meanwhile the ambassador made one more attempt to effect his departure, and actually rode away. But being pursued by a large Mughal force, described by Rustamji as consisting of "from 1,500 to 2,000 horsemen, 1,500 to 2,000 gunners, 20 gun carriages," which followed him for "three leagues begging the ambas. sador to return." Sir William was compelled to retrace his steps and return to the Camp. Rustanji's detailed account of this episode is corroborated by Sir William's own version of his arrest. Rustamji writes that he was entrusted by Sir William with a petition to the Nawab in which he protested against his detention. Not without some justification, the Nawab in his reply pointed out to Sir William that he had been kindly received at the Empe. ror's Court as the representative of the King of England, and that his actions had been unworthy of the position he occupied. He reiterated his great regret that he had been compelled to cleta in him because he had not taken formal leave of the Emperor. At the same time he gave him an assurance that no further harm would be done to him, but that he must remain at the Camp till the Emperor's pleasure became known. According to Rustamji, a long discussion between him, Mr. Mills and the Nawab's brother followed, concerning the time when the ambassador might be allowed to take his leave, whether that would be permitted in two or four days. They debated whether the farmáns should be given now or within forty days at Surat. It was also decided that if the farmáns contained no promises regarding the security of the seas, a lakh of rupees should be given to the Emperor and to Glâzîu'd-dîn khân and Rs. 20,000 to Hamid Khân. Rustamjî was also commissioned to give a written guarantee that these promises would be carried out.11
The last phase of the negotiations between Nawab Ghaziu'd-dîn Khan and the ambassador is revealed in a letter written by Rustamji from Burhanpur to Framji at Surat on December 1, 1701. From this it is evident that the Agent of the Old Company was still actively engaged
11 See 7764, 0. C., 57–II.
