1 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS. 289
2 The poverty of the government of the Punjaub The poverty
3 . . of the Lahore
4 is apparent from the demands made on its officers to government.
5 restore all horses formerly bestowed as presents,
6 and to render account of money, which had been
7 expended by individuals in the general cause.
8 Lal Singh, the prime minister, or wuzeer, has a
9 difficult part to play, and is determined to institute
10 the most economical and rigid measures with a view
11 to recruit the public treasury. He is the medium The pasition
12 of communication between the Sikhs and the ns
13 British government, and so long as the latter
14 supports him, he may continue to hold his place
15 and maintain his authority.
16 What will appear odd, to an English reader at mene giel
17 least, is the circumstance, that a slave usurps the
18 place of royalty at Lahore, gives advice on matters
19 of state, and inspects the troops! This is a female
20 named Mungloo, who is the favourite of the boy
21 Dhuleep Singh, and occasionally takes his place in
22 the management of affairs. The interests of Lal
23 Singh are intimately mixed up with those of the
24 Ranee and her son, and it may be somewhat offen-
25 sive to his pride and self-conceit, to be thus under
26 the surveillance of the favourite slave. But such
27 influence as that enjoyed by Mungloo at Lahore, is
28 no unusual occurrence at oriental courts ; and at one
29 time it was thought, this woman would exercise
30 considerable power over the councils of the Lahore
31 Durbar.* :
32 * The power of this slave appears to be already on the decline, as she has
33 made over her jagheers, or lands, to Lal Singh.
34 eee - ape =a