Lehal Library

186 Punjab Monarchy and Imperialism Nizamuddin Khan of Kasur assured him of the loyalty of the Muslims; Sansar Chand of Kangra guaranteed Hindu collaboration; and Sahib Singh ofPatiala promised to bring the Malwais on the Afghan side. The only people to be reckoned with were the Sikhs of Majha led by eighteen-year-old Ranjit Singh. An Afghan detachment was sent towards Amritsar. Ranjit Singh met it five miles outside the city and after a fierce threehour encounter compelled the Afghans to retreat. He pursued the Afghans to the walls of Lahore. He ordered that the standing crop in the surrounding countryside be burned and he cut off all food supplies to the city. As the days went by, Zaman realized that there was no possibility of breaking through the Sikh barricades and proceeding towards Delhi.6 He gave up talking of a holy war to exterminate the Sikhs and sent his agent to Amritsar to negotiate with the Sardars. He assured them that their possessions would be guaranteed and asked them the price of their co-operation. He also tried to bring disunity among the chiefs by playing on their jealousies and making offers of cash and jagirs to buy their support. This manoeuvre was successful. Several chiefs sent their agents to Lahore. They were received with flattering attention by the Shah. 'I bestow this country on you free from assessment. Continue to keep and cultivate it in confidence,' said Zaman grandly. Ranjit Singh also sent his agent to the Afghan court to negotiate the siibedari of Lahore in order to offset the moves of the other Sardars. Sahib Singh Bedi, who by virtue of his descent from Guru Nanak was held in great esteem by the 6 The following news item from Zaman's court reveals the state of affairs in the Afghan camp: 'NtZamuddin Khan Rasuria represented that the Sikhs were collecting at Amritsar and that Tara Singh and some other chiefs had crossed the Beas and would soon join chem. It woaJd be advisable to send these infidels to hell at once. The King said he would look- to it when all collected.... Ghazeeuddin approved of the King's plan and advised him further to entertain as many Sikhs as might offer lheir services. All Muslims in Hindustan would join His Majesty and facilitate bis operations. The King ordered Wafadar Khan to contrive lo manage the Sikhs for although the Durranis were apparently brave they were at bottom timid.' PC 40 of 11.1.1799.