270 APPENDIX II

seduced that artless courtier from his allegiance, made him an accomplice in his treacherous designs. Sec- ondly, having induced Kharak Singh and Shamsher Singh, the chiefs of the body of Gardis, or troops with European training, to join his conspiracy, he raised the standard of insurrection. Accordingly, these two faith- less wretches one day, under the pretence of demanding pay for the troops, made an assault on the door of Narain Rao's apartment, and reduced him to great distress. That helpless being, who had not the slightest cognizance of the deceitful strata- gems of the con- spirators, sent a few simple-minded adherents to oppose the insurgents, and then stealthily repaired to Raghunath Rao's house. Kharak Singh and Shamsher Singh, being apprised of the circum- stances, hurried after him, and, unsheathing their swords, rushed into Raghunath Rao's domicile. Raghu- nath Rao first fell wounded in the affray, and subse- quently Narain Rao was slain. This event took place in the year 1187 A. H. (1773 A. D.), so that the period of Narain Rao's reign was one year. Kharak Singh and Shamsher Singh, through whose brains the fumes of arrogance had spread in conse- quence of their control over the whole train of Euro- pean artillery, with wilful and headstrong insolence seated Raghunath Rao on the throne of sovereignty, without the concurrence of the other chiefs; and the