Delhi in Moghal Times
in three campaigns against the enemies of his master. But death overtook him in 1782, and removed the last prop of the decayed trunk of the Moghal empire ; he was buried at Aliganj, near Safdar Jang's tomb. The year following his death was one of fearful famine.
In 1785 Zabita Khan died, and Ghulam Kadir succeeded to his estates. In the same year Shah Alam decided to entrust himself to the Mahrattas, under Scindia, who placed a garrison in the palace at Delhi, and was called the " Patel." Ghulam Kadir, however,con-sidered himself sufficiently strong to measure swords with the Mahrattas, and to demand a high post in the state. In 1787 he advanced on Delhi, and encamped at Shahdara, opposite the palace, the garrison of which opened fire on him from the guns mounted on the walls. Ghulam Kadir was not slow to reply, using, at the same time, that still more effective weapon, money, to lessen the resistance ; in the result the Moghals deserted to him, and the Mah- rattas evacuated the city. Ghulam Kadir was accorded an audience by Shah Alam, and was naturally asked what he meant by firing on the palace. He ascribed his action to his zeal, and protested his loyalty, applying for the patent of Amir-ul-Umra, and retiring. The patent not247
