Painting

Amir Khan Pindari was a mercenary who became extremely powerful at the Jodhpur court under Maharaja Man Singh (ruled 1803-43). Of Afghan origin, he had been loosely attached to the Maratha army, but sided with whoever gave him the most money. He became Man Singh's protector against a host of enemies, but he became jealous of the Maharaja's powerful spiritual advisor and had him murdered in 1815. He was expelled from Marwar (Jodhpur) in 1818, but given the title of Nawab of Tonk, also in Rajasthan.