Najaf Khán, in the commencement of the year 1187 A.H. (1773 A.D.), made an irruption into the territories of the Játs; the Bilúchís, Mewáttís, and other tribes also joined with him. He brought many places which belonged to them into his possession, and has continued to spread disturbances in their territories up to this day, the 9th of Jumáda-s sání, 1189 A.H. (Aug. 1775 A.D.). He subdued the Játs, and reduced the Rájas to subjection, as we have particularized in the chapter which gives his history. Najaf Khán took the fortress of Díg by storm from the Játs, who, according to some, also lost possession of Kumbher. This place, as well as Ágra, Mathurá, Bindrában, Kol, Jalesar and Kámá, beside many other maháls, fell into the possession of Najaf Khán, who at the present day, the 1st of the month of Jumáda-l awwal, 1192 A.H. (1 June, 1778 A.D.), has been engaged for some time in besieging the fort of Máchehrí.
When the English had driven out Kásim 'Alí Khán from Bengal, Maksúdábád and 'Azímábád Patna, they confirmed the son of Ja'far 'Alí Khán in the deputy-governorship of Bengal, and Shitáb Ráí in that of 'Azímábád Patna. The armies which were stationed in those provinces under the command of the former governors were all dismissed, and the necessary number of Telinga barkandázes were enlisted, to be kept at the disposal of the deputy-governors of the provinces. It is said that a very strange practice was introduced into the country, namely, that the English began to sell some articles themselves, and that they prohibited other traders from dealing in them according to former practice.
In the month of Shawwál, 1183 A.H. (Feb. 1770 A.D.), in the city of Calcutta, where the English resided, such a storm raged that many men were killed, and houses destroyed by the force of the hurricane. In the same year such a dreadful famine occurred in Calcutta, Bengal, and 'Azímábád, that in places where four maunds of grain had been sold for a rupee, even four sírs were not then to be obtained for the same money. Consequently many persons died of hunger. It is said that in Bengal and 'Azímábád about three million seven hundred thousand men were starved to death; and many sold their sons and daughters for grain, or for four or eight anas a piece. On account of this dearth, the English sent several hundred boats from Calcutta to Faizábád for the purpose of procuring grain. Thus the price of corn was also raised in Faizábád and Lucknow.
It is said that in the month of Muharram, 1183 A.H. (May, 1769 A.D.), such showers of hailstones fell, that the whole city of Calcutta, where the English resided, was reduced to ruins. Several men were killed, houses levelled to the ground, and only a few men survived. In the same month and the same year hailstones fell also in the city of Maksúdábád.
It is said that the English are so just and honest, that they do not interfere with the wealth of any rich men, bankers, merchants and other people who reside in their cities, but, on the contrary, they are very kind to those who are wealthy. But from those who are powerful they manage to obtain money by their wisdom and adroitness, and even by force if necessary; but they are not oppressive, and never trouble poor people. They are a wonderful nation, endowed with equity and justice. May they be always happy, and continue to administer justice!
When, in 1198 A.H. (1784 A.D.), the news spread in Faizábád, Lucknow, and other places under the jurisdiction of the Nawáb Wazíru-l Mamálik Ásafu-d daula, ruler of the provinces of Oudh and Alláhábád, that the Governor General, Mr. Hastings, was coming from Calcutta towards Lucknow, Nawáb Ásafu-d daula, with a view to welcome him, marched from that city on the 9th of Rabí'u-s sání, and encamped at Jhúsí, near Alláhábád. When the intelligence of the Governor General's arrival at Benares was received, the Nawáb despatched the minister, Haidar Beg Khán, accompanied by Almás 'Alí Khán, Governor of Kora and Etáwa, an officer of great ability and influence. They met the Governor General at Benares, and having presented their nazars, remained in attendance on him. When the Governor General reached Alláhábád, Nawáb Ásafu-d daula crossed the river, and after an interview had taken place between these magnates, they came together to Lucknow. Great rejoicings were made by the people on account of the arrival of the Governor General, for the English are very just, equitable and humane.
Every year, in the month of Baisákh (April), the people of India, particularly Hindús, resort to Hardwár, a place of great sanctity, for the purpose of bathing, and a fair lasts for several days. It is said that in Jumáda-l awwal, 1198 A.H. (April, 1784 A.D.), in the (Hindí) month of Baisákh, when the people had collected as usual, such a deadly blast arose that fifteen hundred persons, men and women, died from it in less than two hours. In the same month and year thousands of persons lost their lives from starvation in Dehlí in a space of five or six days, on account of the dearth of corn. The famine raged from Multán down to Bengal and Maksúdábád, with such violence that people were reduced to a very deplorable state. They laboured under double difficulties, one the scarcity of grain, and the other the want of employment, which equally affected both the soldier and the tradesman.
Mr. Hastings, who some years previously had been appointed by the King of England as Governor of Bengal, Maksúdábád, and 'Azímábád Patna, revolted from his obedience, and paid no attention to the King's orders, declaring that he was a servant of the Kings of India.* The King of England sent another governor to Calcutta in his place; and when he arrived in Calcutta, and went to visit Mr. Hastings, that gentleman killed him by the power of his sorceries.
After this, the King of England despatched another officer to fill the place of Mr. Hastings at Calcutta; but that gentleman declined to resign charge of the government. At last they determined on fighting a duel, with the understanding that the victor should assume the office of Governor. A day was fixed, and on that day they fought a duel. Mr. Hastings escaped, but wounded his antagonist in the arm with a pistol-ball, who was consequently obliged to return to England.
The King of England then contrived a plot, and sent to Calcutta about four hundred European soldiers, in a vessel under the command of Mr. Macpherson, with a letter to Mr. Hastings, to the effect that, as in these days he had many battles to fight, Mr. Macpherson had been despatched with these soldiers to reinforce him, and to render service to him whenever exigency might require it. Secret instructions were given to Mr. Macpherson and the soldiers to seize Mr. Hastings and forward him to His Majesty's presence. When the ship reached near Calcutta, Mr. Macpherson sent the Royal letter to Mr. Hastings, and saluted him with the fire of guns of the ship. Mr. Hastings, having read the letter, embarked in a boat, and, in company of the other English officers who were with him in Calcutta, proceeded to welcome Mr. Macpherson. On his approaching the vessel, Mr. Macpherson paid a salute, and with a double guard of the European soldiers, went from the ship into Mr. Hastings's boat. Immediately on boarding the boat, he ordered the soldiers to surround Mr. Hastings, and having thus made him a prisoner, showed him the orders for his own appointment as Governor, and the warrant which His Majesty had given for the apprehension of Mr. Hastings, who saw no remedy but to surrender himself a prisoner. Mr. Macpherson sent him to England in a ship under the custody of the European guard which had come out for that purpose.