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384 Haji Ahmed, Ray Rayan, Aalem-chand, and Jagat-set Fateh-chand. Matters remained in this state in the eastern provinces of the empire until Fakhr-ed-doulah being removed from the government of Azimabad Patna, that province was annexed to the Viceroyalty of Bengal, and the patents conferred on Shujah-khan by Khan Dowran. On being invested with the new government, Shujah-khan hesitated whom he should appoint his deputy. Several persons were proposed to him by his council, to all of whom he objected. His own wish prompted him to send one of his two sons: Zinet-en-nissa, his wife, however, would not consent to part with her son Ser-efraz-khan, while on the other hand, she objected to the nomination of her step-son, Mahomed Taky-khan, whom she viewed as a stranger, and with jealousy; so that as she would consent to neither, her husband at last gave up his intentions. He considered Behar as a country that required a vigilant superintendence. It bordered on Oude, Ilahabad, and on Berar, one of the dependencies of Aurengabad; with the governors of these countries it became necessary to keep up a correspondence; and he considered that such a post could not be more properly filled than by Alia Verdi-khan. On his proposing him to his council, the choice was unanimously approved. The appointment being made public,