Bangash Visits Abdali's Camp & The Alliance Race Heats Up (March 1760)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Letters Work: Bangash Travels to Abdali

The Success of the Diplomatic Offensive

What Happened:

• Both Abdali and his wazir sent letters to Ahmad Khan Bangash
• The letters were effective
• They wanted to "woo him to their side"

The Result:

"On 31st of March 1760, he reached Abdali's tent or his camp."

Bangash's Roots:

"Because Mr. Bangash had come originally from Afghanistan, he understood the importance of staying in alliance with a powerful king from Afghanistan because he thought it would help him."

The Bond:

• His affinity was with his own clan/tribe
• That's what Abdali represented
• Ethnic and cultural ties mattered

The Intelligence Network

Madhav Singh's Spy Reports

Who Madhav Singh Was:

• Ruler in Jaipur (Rajasthan)
• To the very west of where Abdali was camped

The Intelligence Chain:

• Madhav Singh's representative was in Bangash's court
• This representative communicated news to Madhav Singh in Jaipur
• He knew Bangash had gone to see Abdali
• Sent intelligence report back to his boss

The Geography:

• Jaipur is far west
• Abdali was camped between Yamuna and Ganga rivers
• But Madhav Singh's rep was at Bangash's court
• So he came to know and communicated it

The Grand Entry: Pomp and Circumstance

The Report from Madhav Singh's Representative

The Scene:

"Nabab Bangash got on top of the elephant in terms of with a lot of fanfare."

What "Nabab" Means:

• Another way of saying he was a powerful royal
• From his small principality/kingdom
• Title of respect

The Celebration

The Display:

• Musical instruments playing
• Cannons fired (or fireworks)
• Marking the occasion
• Either when he left his own city
• Or when he reached Abdali's camp (more likely)

The Departure:

• Left before sunrise
• Traveled from his elephant all the way to Abdali's camp

The Red Carpet Treatment

Preparing the Path

The Cleanup:

"From his elephant all the way to Abdali's camp - meaning his tent - they had cleaned it up and made it nice so that it will appear like a VIP is coming to Abdali's tent."

Water on the Path:

• Put water on the way
• Made it smooth and nice
• Not dusty
• More pleasant

The Honor Guard

The Display:

• On both sides of the path
• Soldiers stood
• Giving salute
• Or something like that
• Creating a ceremonial corridor

The Message:

• This is how important you are
• This is how much we respect you
• You are a VIP

The Welcome Ceremony

The Formal Reception

What the Letter Said:

• This is the way he was welcomed
• Then they exchanged gifts

Why Gift Exchange:

• Just a token
• Way of getting started
• Way of initiating discussions
• Happens even in today's age

The Honor:

• Shah (Abdali) honored him
• Prime Minister Shah Wali Khan was there

The Political Messaging

Shah Wali Khan's Statement

What He Said:

"Now according to Shah Nawab's order, the time for India's business will be set."

Translation:

• Abdali (the Shah) will now set the agenda
• The order/structure of India will be determined
• New political reality about to be established

The Marathas Are Defeated Claim

What Shah Wali Khan Told Bangash:

• Marathas had been defeated
• Partially true:
  • Taji Shinde was killed
  • Holkar was defeated
• Existing Marathas in the north were not ready to take on Abdali
• Kind of defeated already

The Implication:

• Marathas are weak
• Now is the time to act
• Join the winning side

The New Order Promise

What "India's Business" Meant

The Setup:

"Now we have to set up a new order in the Mughal Empire."

What This Meant for Bangash:

• There may be a role for Bangash
• If Abdali is able to take control

How It Would Work:

• Abdali would compel the Mughal Emperor
• To make certain appointments
• "This guy becomes blah, blah, blah"
• Court positions, governorships, etc.

Bangash's Benefit:

• That's where Bangash would benefit
• Get appointed to powerful position
• By Abdali's influence over the Mughal Emperor

Abdali's Strategic Alliance-Building

The Proactive Approach

Why He Was Doing This:

• Abdali knew that Maratha army will come to the north
• It was certain
• Even inevitable

His Strategy:

"He wanted to make sure that he will basically sign up allies ahead of Marathas coming to the north."

The Advantage:

• Once they're signed up with him
• Marathas will have no chance of getting these people on their side
• Game over as he sees it

The Math:

• His side will be stronger (much stronger)
• The battle will be much easier for him to fight

The Rajput Situation

Why They Were Receptive to Abdali

The Province:

• Rajasthan - westernmost province
• Madhav Singh in Jaipur
• Vijay Singh in Jodhpur

Their Frustration:

"These guys were very tired of Maratha harassment and asking for tributes all the time."

What They Did:

• Had invited Mr. Abdali
• Sent letters
• Wanted him to come

The "Show Me" Attitude

Abdali's Response:

• Sent them: "Hey, pay up. I want money."

Their Response:

"First show us that you can win with these Marathas. Because if you don't win, then we will be cannon fodder. And this will all be for nothing."

The Status Quo:

• They're waiting to see results
• Not committing until Abdali proves himself
• Don't want to be on the losing side

Abdali's Next Move:

• Sent his messengers to meet with these Rajasthan Rajput royals
• Trying to convince them
• Trying to secure their support

The Rajput Dilemma

Why They Hesitated

The Religious Factor:

• Abdali was Islamic/Muslim
• Not in their interest to openly align with him

The Maratha Problem:

• But they had reached their patience
• Fed up with Maratha demands
• Desperate for relief

Better to Not Take a Side:

• Safest option might be neutrality
• But pressure from both sides

Suraj Mal Jat: The Clearest Conditions

The Throne Requirement

Suraj Mal's Communication to Abdali:

"Unless you defeat Marathas and sit on the throne of Delhi, then you will not have my respect or support. Until then, I won't support you."

What This Meant:

• Not enough to just beat Marathas back
• Had to truly declare intent to be ruler
• Had to be the new emperor in Delhi

Why So Strict:

• Otherwise Marathas will keep coming back
• Keep doing things
• Need permanent solution

The Term:

• "Takhta Aaseen" = Sit on the royal seat
• Aaseen = sit
• Takhta = throne/royal seat
• Must be sitting on the throne

The Standard:

"Unless you do that, I won't be able to support you."

• Much more clear cut
• More strict about that condition
• No half measures

The Rohilla Commanders' Natural Alliance

Hafiz Rehmat Khan and Dunde Khan

Who They Were:

• Rohilla commanders
• Just like Najib Khan
• But a little more established
• Not exactly upstarts

Their Position:

"It's in our interest to align with Abdali."

Why:

• They were themselves soldiers of fortune from Afghanistan
• Had come to India and settled there
• Maybe 10-15 years ago
• Natural for them to support Abdali
• Ethnic and cultural ties

The Decision:

• They aligned with Abdali
• Supported their Afghan brother
• Natural alliance

Key Figures

Timeline

Geographic Context

Abdali's Camp:

• Between Yamuna and Ganga rivers
• The Doab region

Rajasthan (Western India):

• Jaipur - Madhav Singh's territory
• Jodhpur - Vijay Singh's territory
• Very west of Abdali's position
• But had intelligence network

Delhi:

• The throne Suraj Mal wants Abdali to take
• Seat of Mughal power
• The prize

Major Themes

1. Spectacle as Diplomacy

The elephant procession, cannons firing, honor guard, water on the path - all theater to make Bangash feel important.

2. Intelligence Networks

Madhav Singh's representative in Bangash's court shows how rulers kept tabs on each other. Information was power.

3. The Gift Exchange Ritual

Universal diplomatic practice - gifts to initiate discussions, show respect, establish relationship.

4. Ethnic Bonds Trump Politics

Afghan commanders naturally gravitating toward Abdali despite being settled in India for years.

5. The Conditional Alliance

Suraj Mal's demand that Abdali take the throne shows strategic thinking - no half measures, need permanent solution.

6. The "Marathas Are Defeated" Spin

Partially true (Taji killed, Holkar defeated) but exaggerated to convince fence-sitters to pick Abdali's side.

7. Race Against Time

Abdali signing up allies before Marathas arrive - whoever wins the alliance race has huge advantage.

The Alliance Scorecard (So Far)

Firmly with Abdali:

• ✅ Ahmad Khan Bangash - Just committed (March 31)
• ✅ Najib Khan Rohila - Desperately committed
• ✅ Hafiz Rehmat Khan - Natural ally (Afghan)
• ✅ Dunde Khan - Natural ally (Afghan)

Sitting on Fence:

• ⏸️ Madhav Singh (Jaipur) - Watching, waiting
• ⏸️ Vijay Singh (Jodhpur) - Frustrated with Marathas but hesitant
• ⏸️ Suja-ud-Daula (Awadh) - Being courted by both sides

Conditional Support:

• ⚠️ Suraj Mal Jat - Will only support if Abdali takes Delhi throne

With Marathas:

• ❌ Mughal Emperor - Forced to pay Abdali but theoretically Maratha-aligned
• ❌ No strong local allies yet (this is their problem)

Strategic Analysis

Abdali's Advantages

What He's Doing Right:

1. Personal diplomacy - Grand receptions, making people feel important
2. Promise of new order - Concrete benefits (positions, power)
3. Ethnic appeals - Afghan-to-Afghan bonds working
4. Momentum narrative - "Marathas already defeated"
5. Proactive recruitment - Getting allies before Marathas arrive
6. Clear victory conditions - "Join me and we'll restructure India"

Marathas' Disadvantages

Their Problems:

1. Not there yet - Still marching north
2. Reputation - Known for tribute demands, harassment
3. Recent losses - Taji killed, Holkar defeated
4. No local network - Don't have established relationships
5. Bhau inexperienced - First time in the north
6. Defensive posture - Responding to Abdali rather than leading

The Rajput Psychology

Why They're So Frustrated

The Maratha Treatment:

• Constant tribute demands
• Harassment
• Bossing them around
• "They should stay south of Narmada"
• "They shouldn't come into Rajasthan"

Their Ideal:

"Marathas are good but they should stay well south of Narmada."

• Accept Maratha power exists
• But want them far away
• Don't want them in their territory

Why They're Still Hesitant

The Religious Factor:

• Abdali is Muslim
• They're Hindu
• Not natural allies
• Uncomfortable openly aligning

The Risk Factor:

• What if Abdali loses?
• Then face Maratha revenge
• What if Abdali wins but then turns on them?
• Better to wait and see

Suraj Mal's Strategic Brilliance

Why His Condition Was Smart

The Demand:

"Sit on the throne of Delhi or no support from me."

Why This Was Brilliant:

The Problem with Half Measures:

• If Abdali just defeats Marathas and leaves
• Marathas will come back
• Nothing permanently solved
• Jats still stuck with Maratha problem

The Full Solution:

• If Abdali takes the throne
• Becomes new emperor
• Permanent presence
• Marathas can't just come back
• Long-term protection

The Leverage:

• Suraj Mal making demands (not begging)
• Shows his own power
• Not desperate like Najib Khan
• Can afford to set conditions

The "New Order" Promise

What Shah Wali Khan Was Offering

The Pitch:

• "Now we have to set up a new order in the Mughal Empire"
• Abdali will compel Mughal Emperor to make appointments
• You (Bangash) will benefit

What This Actually Meant:

For Bangash:

• Could get Wazir position
• Could get Allahabad (his goal)
• Could get other territories
• Would be elevated

For Others:

• Similar promises likely made
• Everyone gets something in the "new order"
• But only if Abdali wins

The Risk:

• It's all promises
• What if Abdali loses?
• What if he wins but doesn't follow through?
• What if Marathas win?

The Rohilla Situation

Why They Had No Choice

Their Reality:

• Soldiers of fortune from Afghanistan
• Settled in India 10-15 years ago
• Not long-established
• Not from royal lineages
• Seen as opportunists

Their Vulnerability:

• If Marathas dominate → they're finished
• Can't survive Maratha hegemony
• Need external Afghan power
• Absolutely dependent on Abdali

The Natural Alliance:

"It was natural for them to support Abdali."

• Same ethnic background
• Same cultural ties
• Same language
• Same region of origin
• Not even a choice really

The Theater of Power

Why the Grand Reception Mattered

The Elements:

1. Elephant - Symbol of royalty and power
2. Cannons/Fireworks - Military might on display
3. Musical instruments - Joy, celebration, importance
4. Water on path - Luxury, care, attention to detail
5. Honor guard - Military respect, security
6. Gift exchange - Diplomatic respect, reciprocity

The Message:

• You are important
• We value you
• You made the right choice
• You are treated as an equal
• This is what winners do

The Psychology:

• Makes Bangash feel significant
• Makes the alliance feel prestigious
• Makes backing Abdali feel like backing a winner
• Hard to walk away after such treatment

What This Means for the Coming Battle

Abdali's Accumulating Advantages

Local Support:

• Bangash committed
• Rohillas fully committed
• Rajputs leaning toward him
• Even if fence-sitting, they're not helping Marathas

Supplies:

• Local allies provide food, fodder
• Can sustain his massive army
• Don't need to carry everything
• Have local knowledge

Intelligence:

• Like Madhav Singh's spy network
• Knows what's happening everywhere
• Can track Maratha movements
• Information advantage

Morale:

• Momentum narrative working
• "Marathas already defeated"
• Allies joining
• Looks like winning side

Marathas' Mounting Problems

Isolation:

• Few friends in the north
• Many enemies
• Fence-sitters not helping them

Supply Issues:

• No local allies to provide supplies
• Must carry everything
• Harder to sustain army
• More vulnerable

Information Gap:

• Don't have intelligence network
• Don't know local politics well
• Bhau learning on the job
• At disadvantage

Morale:

• Already lost Taji Shinde
• Holkar defeated
• Narrative of defeat spreading
• Have to overcome pessimism

The Critical Moment

March 31, 1760:

• Bangash commits to Abdali
• Another piece falls into place
• Alliance race continuing
• Clock ticking

What's Coming:

• More rulers will have to choose
• Suja-ud-Daula's decision crucial
• Suraj Mal's conditions interesting
• Rajputs still undecided

The Stakes:

• Battle might be decided before armies meet
• Whichever side has more local support
• Can better sustain their forces
• Has better intelligence
• Has more morale
• Likely wins

Where we left off: Bangash has committed. The elephant procession is done. The gifts exchanged. The promises made. Abdali's alliance-building is working. The Marathas are still marching north, still isolated, still learning. The race continues.

One by one, Abdali is securing allies. The theater of power is working - elephants, cannons, honor guards, promises of the "new order." Meanwhile, the Marathas are still trying to figure out who their friends are. The alliance race is tilting heavily toward Abdali, and the actual battle hasn't even started yet.