History of India, as Told by its own Historians: The Muhammadan Period - The History of India, Volume 4

CONTENTS OF VOL. IV.

APPENDIX.

PREFACE.

THIS fourth volume of the History of India traverses the disordered interval between the irruption of Tímúr and the culmination of Musulmán glory under Akbar; but the thread of the history is not perfect, as the annals of some of the reigns have to be drawn from later works, and will appear in the succeeding volume. The period is one which has been less illustrated than any other in the seven centuries of Muhammadan rule, for, with the exception of Bábar's Memoirs, no work of mark has come down to us, and the authorities within the reach of European students have hitherto been scanty and incomplete.

The Táríkh-i Mubárak Sháhí now makes its first appearance. It is an exceedingly rare work, and a knowledge of it has long been anxiously desired, for it covers that “hiatus of about sixty years” which Col. Lees thought it would be difficult to fill up from “contemporaneous historians.” It is not a work of any literary pretensions, and it can only be regarded as a plain unvarnished chronicle of the period over which it travels. Such as it is, however, it is a contemporary record, and all later writers have been directly or indirectly indebted to it for the history of the troublous times which followed the invasion of Tímúr. Sir H. Elliot's MS. is incomplete, but as Nizám Ahmad, the author of the Tabakát-i Akbarí, made great use of this work, and often quoted long passages verbatim, the deficiencies of the former have been supplied, by quoting from the latter such passages as were required to complete the history of the Saiyid dynasty down to the end of the reign of 'Aláu-d dín in 1450 A.D.

The Extracts from the Matla'u-s Sa'dain consist of some short passages relating to Tímúr's invasion; but the major portion are devoted to the events of the author's embassy to the Rájá of Bíjanagar, and throw considerable light upon the condition of India in the fifteenth century. 'Abdu-r Razzák was a florid writer, and relates his travels in the grand style; but the portions relating to Tímúr's invasion are written in a plain unpretending narrative remarkable by the contrast. It is hardly credible that both could have come from the same pen. The part relating to Tímúr was probably copied or translated, but as only some Extracts of the first volume of the MS. have been available, we are in ignorance as to what account 'Abdu-r Razzák gives of his authorities. The style of the portion devoted to the history of Tímúr is very like that of the Malfúzát-i Tímúrí, and so closely follows the details of that work and the Zafar-náma, that it has been necessary to print only a few lines as specimens.

The Extracts from the Habíbu-s Siyar appertain to the history of the Ghaznivides, and so they are supplemental to the accounts given of that dynasty in the second volume, though, from the date of their composition, they appear in this volume. Sir H. Elliot had so fully annotated these passages as to enhance their intrinsic value, and to justify their publication out of their natural order. To these Extracts are appended Sir H. Elliot's translations from the Odes of 'Unsurí and the Díwán of Salmán, which appear in the Appendix, and upon which he evidently bestowed considerable labour and attention.

Of the Extracts from the Autobiography of Bábar little need be said. These Memoirs are the best memorials of the life and reign of the frank and jovial conqueror; they are ever fresh, and will long continue to be read with interest and pleasure. To have passed these over on the ground of their previous publication would have left a blank in this work which no other writer could supply. Who but himself could have so fully and openly described his aims and feelings, or who could have exhibited that adaptability of character and that ready appreciation of the manners and prejudices of his new subjects? All the important passages relating to India have therefore been extracted from Leyden and Erskine's translation, and they will be the more acceptable since the original work has now become scarce and dear. A new French translation by M. Pavet de Courteille from Bábar's own Turkí version of the Memoirs made its appearance just in time to furnish materials for a few notes and comparisons; but the differences between the translations from the Persian and Turkí versions are not so great as might have been expected.

The Afghán dynasty, which followed that of the Saiyids, has plenty of Chronicles, but no work approaching the dignity of a history. The spirit of clanship has always been strong among Afgháns, and their writers exhibit a greater affection for personal anecdotes and family feuds than for matters of public policy. All the works relating to this dynasty abound with anecdotes and stories, many of which are trivial and uninteresting. The Táríkh-i Sher Sháhí, though written in a spirit of eulogy, does not tend to raise the character of Sher Sháh, who has enjoyed a reputation apparently above his merits. That he was an able administrator is no doubt true, but the account which this work gives of his regulations and arrangements does not show them to be of a very enlightened order. He was a cautious rather than an enterprising commander, and was more prone to seek success by crafty and crooked courses, than by the exercise of valour and daring. His soldier-like death in the trenches has cast a ray of martial glory upon his memory; but the treacherous betrayal of Bíbí Fath Malika of Bengal and the cold-blooded murder of the prisoners of Ráísín would bedim a much brighter fame than he ever achieved.

The Táríkh-i Dáúdí, another of these Afghán chronicles, is of a similar character, and can claim no great literary merit; still the Extracts here printed are the best available authority for the period of which they treat. They enter into details, and furnish many scraps of information hitherto inaccessible, and, in so doing, they afford the means of arriving at a true estimate of the characters of Sultáns Sikandar and Islám Sháh. The work closes with the death of Dáúd Sháh and the extinction of the Afghán dynasty.

The Memoirs of Sher Khán, Khawás Khán, and Shujá'at Khán, which appear in the Appendix, are from the pen of Sir H. Elliot. The Extracts from the Wáki'át-i Mushtákí will show the true value of a work once often quoted, but now little known. It is a favourable specimen of the anecdotal literature of the age, and though asserting no claims to be considered as a consecutive historical record, it contains numerous interesting passages better worthy of attention than many of the stories recorded by the professed historians.

The following is a list of all the articles in this volume, with the names of the writers.

XX.—Táríkh-i Háfiz Abrú—Sir H. M. Elliot and the Editor.
XXI.—Táríkh-i Mubárak-Sháhí—Editor.
XXII.—Matla'u-s Sa'dain—Probably Mr. C. J. Oldfield, B.C.S.
XXIII.—Rauzatu-s Safá—Sir H. M. Elliot.
XXIV.—Khulásatu-l Akhbár—Sir H. M. Elliot.
XXV.—Dastúru-l Wuzrá—Sir H. M. Elliot.
XXVI.—Habíbu-s Siyar—Mr. H. Lushington, B.C.S.
XXVII.—Táríkh-i Ibráhímí—Sir H. M. Elliot.
XXVIII.—Túzak-i Bábarí—Leyden and Erskine's translation.
XXIX.—Tabakát-i Bábarí—Editor.
XXX.—Lubbu-t Tawáríkh—Sir H. M. Elliot.
XXXI.—Nusakh-i Jahán-árá—Sir H. M. Elliot.
XXXII.—Táríkh-i Sher Sháhí—Mr. E. C. Bayley, B.C.S.
XXXIII.—Táríkh-i Dáúdí—“Ensign” Chas. F. Mackenzie.

APPENDIX.

A.—Notes on Matla'u-s Sa'dain—Col. Yule.
B.—Odes of 'Unsurí—Sir H. M. Elliot.
C.—Díwán of Salmán—Sir H. M. Elliot.
D.—Memoir of Mír Alí Sher—Sir H. M. Elliot,
E.—Memoir of Khawás Khán—Sir H. M. Elliot.
F.—Death of Shujá'at Khán—Sir H. M. Elliot.
G.—Wáki'át-i Mushtákí—A munshí and Sir H. M. Elliot.
H.—Bibliographical Notices—Sir H. M. Elliot.
I.—Autobiography of Tímúr—Editor.

A slight change has been made in the title-page, in order to make it more accurately descriptive of the altered position of the Editor, who has had to take a larger share of actual authorship than was at first contemplated. To Sir H. M. Elliot belongs the merit of the whole design and plan of the work, and the collection of the mass of the materials; but a great deal remained to be done in the way of selection and translation at the time of his premature decease. The amount of matter 2required to carry out his designs has proved to be much greater than was supposed when the publication was commenced, and the Editor has had to trace out and translate all that was necessary to complete the work. He has endeavoured to the best of his judgment and ability to finish each volume according to the plan laid down; but he is fully conscious of having fallen short of what Sir H. M. Elliot would have accomplished had his life been spared.

ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA.

Page 99, to note 2, add, “and Yule's edition, vol. ii. p. 320.”
Page 109, last line, for “kichú” read “kichrí.”
Page 118, 119, for “beams” read “slabs.”

Núru-d dín bin Lutfu-llah, better known as Háfiz Abrú, was born in the city of Hirát, but passed his infancy and youth in Hamadán, where he received his education. He attained by his writings a distinguished rank among contemporary authors, and was fortunate enough to secure the esteem of Tímúr, who gave him numerous proofs of his consideration, admitted him to his intimacy, and sought every occasion of doing him service. After the death of that tyrant, he attended the court of Sháh Rukh, and received from the young prince Mirzá Baisanghár every demonstration of kindness and regard. To him he dedicated his great work, under the name of Zubdatu-t Tawáríkh Baisan-ghárí , which contains a complete history of the world, and an account of the institutions and religions of different people down to A.H. 829¹ (A.D. 1425). The author died five years afterwards in the city of Zanján.² A short notice is given of him in the Táríkh-i Chaghatáí.

The work is more generally known as Táríkh-i Háfiz Abrú, and under that name it is quoted by Haidar Rází, Mírkhond, Khondamír, and the Táríkh-i Alfí, and by Abú-l Fazl in the Áyín-i Akbarí as a fabulist. D'Herbelot refers to it, and Sir W. Ouseley frequently quotes it in his Travels as abounding in geographical details.

I have never seen the work, nor am I aware that a copy exists in India, but it is frequently quoted as an authority on subjects connected with Indian History. The only copies in Europe which are spoken of are those in the Imperial Library of St. Petersburgh, and in Sir Gore Ouseley's Collection.

[Sir H. Elliot subsequently had access to a copy of this work belonging to Mr. John Bardoe Elliot, and among his MSS. there is a volume containing extracts copied from it by a munshí at Patna. These extracts comprise the introductory part of the work and the portions relating to the history of Kirmán. From this volume the following synopsis of the Contents and the Extracts have been translated. A large portion of the work is confessedly borrowed without alteration or addition from older historians, from Tabarí, Rashídu-d dín, and the Zafar-náma. The table of Contents gives no clue as to the extent and value of the part devoted to India, but the work is so frequently quoted by later writers that the Indian portion would seem to be original and of some length. The Extract is a specimen of the author's method, and will afford the means of forming a judgment as to his worth as a geographer.]^2a

[CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

Form of the earth.—The Creation.—Division into Climes.— The equator.—Oceans.—Seas.—Rivers.—Mountains.—Countries of Arabia.—Countries of the West.—Cities of the West.— Distances in the Countries of the West.—Andalusia.—Islands of Rúm and the Ocean.—Countries of Egypt.—Holy Temples.— Armenia and Syria.—Frangistán.—Mesopotamia.—'Irák.— Khúzistán.—Fárs and its provinces: Persepolis; Territories of Dárábjard, Ardashír, Shahpúr, and Kubád.—Islands, Rivers, Seas, Valleys, Forts, and Distances of Fárs.—Kings and Rulers of Fárs, Dílamites, Saljúks, Atábaks, Nobles of Changíz Khán, Rulers after Abú Sa'íd.— Kirmán.— Rulers of Kirmán.— Abíward.—Countries of Khurásán.—Rulers of Khurásán.—The Ummayides.

Preface, with a Map.

Volume I.—Preface.—Reasons for writing the history; Definition of history; Nature of the science, benefits of history.— List of the subjects treated of in the 469 sections of this work founded on the work of Muhammad bin Tabarí, from the Creation down to the Khálífa Muktafí bi-llah.—The remainder of the 'Abbáside Khálífas from the Jámi'u-t Tawáríkh.

The histories extracted from the Jámi'u-t Tawáríkh are comprised in two volumes. The first containing the Táríkh-i Gházán is divided into two Bábs. The first Báb contains four sections, and the second two sections, comprising the history of the various Turk and Mughal princes, and of Changíz Khán and his successors, down to Uljáítú Sultán Muhammad Khudá-banda. The second Báb comprises the history of the Ghaznivides, Dílamites, Buwaihides, Saljúks, Khwárizmsháhís, Shalgházis of Fárs, Ism'aílís in two chapters, Ughúz and the Turks, Khatai, Children of Israel, Franks, Indians.

History of the kings who reigned in Tabríz, Baghdád, and those parts from the year 705 A.H., which closes the history of Rashídí, as the events are related in the Zafar-náma and the Táríkh-i Hazrat Saltanat Shi'árí.—Uljáítú Sultán and his successors.—The Kings who reigned in Yazd, Kirmán, Shíráz, and Isfahán.—Princes of Hirát and parts of Khurásán.—Princes of Mázandarán, Sarbadárís of Naishapúr and Sabzawár.—Arghún Sháh of Tús and Mashhad.—'Usmán, Murád, and Báyazíd of Rúm.—Kings of Egypt.—Kings of the Franks.

History of Tímúr and his successors from the Zafar-náma to the end of the year 820, to be completed from other sources to the end of the dynasty.]

EXTRACT.

[River Sind.—This river has its source in the skirts of the mountains of Kashmír, and runs from the western side of those mountains into the country of Mansúra. Its course is from north to south, the end turning to the east. In the neighbourhood of Multán, the river Jamd joins it, and it flows into the Indian sea, which is called the Bahru-l akhzar.

River Jamd.—The source of this river is also in the mountains of Kashmír, on the south side.—It runs from north to south, and passes into the land of Hind.—Its waters are used for agriculture and gardening.—Agriculture in these parts is generally dependent on the rain.—In the neighbourhood of Multán it joins the Sind, and falls into the Bahru-l akhzar.

Biyáh.—This is also a large river which rises to the east of the mountains of Kashmír.—It runs into the country of Laháwar (Lahore), and to the neighbourhood of U'ch.—It falls into the sea in the country of Kambáya.

Jumna.—This is a large river which has its rise in the Siwálik hills to the north of Dehlí.—It passes to the east of that city and joins the Indian sea near Gujarát.—In the reign of Sultán Fíroz Sháh, 760 A.H., the countries (about this river) were very flourishing, for in the Doáb, which is the name given to the country between the Jumna and the Ganges, there were 80,000 villages enrolled as paying revenue to the exchequer.—It has been said in reply to this statement, that it rests with the author to prove it.

Ganges.—This is a large river in India to the east of the Jumna.—In the Hindí language it is called Gángú. Its source is on the east of the country of Kanauj.—The longitude of Kanauj is 114 degrees 50 minutes, and the latitude 26 degrees 35 minutes. Where the river passes Kanauj, it is forty parasangs from that city, this adds two degrees more. When Sáhib Kirán, the fire of God (Tímúr), formed the design of conquering Hindustán in the year 801 A.H., after capturing Dehlí, he crossed the Jumna, and led his forces through this country until he reached the Ganges. Crossing that river, he came to a celebrated place of worship of the Fire-worshippers (gabrán) of India, where he fought against the infidels and slew many of them. There are other large rivers to the east of this which are mentioned by men who have travelled in India; but their names, sources, and embouchures, have not been accurately stated. So also there are many large rivers in China, but it is not known whether they run to the east or to the west, nor where they rise, nor where they discharge. They are therefore passed over.]

[THE author of this work, Yahyá bin Ahmad bin 'Abdu-llah Sirhindí,—or Síhrindí, the older form of the name which he uses,—wrote this work, as Firishta tells us, with the express object of recording the events of the reign of Mubárak Sháh, whose name he has given to the history. The work commences with the reign of Muhammad Sám, the founder of the Ghorí dynasty, and the only copy of the MS. available terminates abruptly in the middle of the reign of Sultán Saiyid Muhammad, in 852 A.H. (A.D. 1448); how much, if any, later the history extended, we have at present no means of deciding. In his Preface the author informs us that he wrote this work in the hope of presenting an acceptable tribute to his sovereign, for “no more worthy offering can be made to a king than a record of the achievements of his predecessors.” Up to the time of the accession of Fíroz Sháh, he acknowledges his obligations to “various histories;” from and after that period he wrote upon “trustworthy information and personal observation.” As to his own position and connexions he is quite silent.

Yahyá has no claims to be ranked as an historian, but he is a careful, and apparently an honest chronicler. His work is the source of all our knowledge of the Saiyid dynasty. Nizámu-d dín Ahmad refers to the Táríkh-i Mubárak-Sháhí as an authority in his Preface to the Tabakát-i Akbarí, and his whole account of the Saiyid period is a mere reproduction of the statements of that work, very often copied verbatim. Badáúní acknowledges his obligations to the work, and follows it very closely, but he uses language of his own, and but rarely copies from his predecessor. Firishta twice refers to this history, and he often borrows its very words. So Yahyá is not only a contemporaneous writer, but the only original authority available upon the times of the Saiyids.

The MS. in Sir H. M. Elliot's library is a copy that was made for him, and bears no statement as to the original from which it was taken. A note of Sir Henry's in another place seems to show that he received a copy of the work from Madras. The MS. is in a fair handwriting, but it is full of errors, the production of a mere scribe, who brought no special knowledge or intelligence to bear upon his work. It is deficient in a few places, but this is probably owing to the original MS. having here and there lost a leaf. As the work is thus defective and ends abruptly a few years before the extinction of the Saiyid dynasty, the Tabakát-i Akbarí has been called upon to repay a portion of its obligations. The missing pages have been supplied from that work, and from it the translation has also been carried down to the close of the Saiyid rule, completing at once this historical era. The translation is the work of the editor. The MS. is a small octavo consisting of 263 pages of thirteen lines in a page.]

[In the year 753 H. (1352 A.D.), on the 3rd Jumáda-l awwal, Prince Muhammad Khán was born in the capital (shahr). ^{* *} In this same year (the Sultán) founded the masjid-i jámi' near the palace, and the college at the top of the hauz-i kháss; ^{* *} and Kiwámu-l Mulk Makbúl, náíb-wazír, became wazír of the State, and received the title of Khán-i Jahán. ^{* *}

In the year 755 H. (1354 A.D.), the Sultán marched with an army against Lakhnautí, leaving Khán-i Jahán at the capital in charge of all affairs of State. ^{* *} When he reached Kúrakhúr, Adí Singh waited upon him, and offering a tribute of twenty lacs of tankas in cash and two elephants, was received into favour. On the 28th Rabí'u-l awwal, he arrived at the fort of Ikdála, and some hard fighting ensued. The Bengalís were defeated, and many were slain. Saha Deo, their leader, with several others, was killed. On the 29th of the month, the army marching from that place, encamped on the banks of the Ganges. Ilyás Hájí was shut up in the fort, and on the 5th Rabí'u-l ákhir, he marched out with his countless Bengalí followers and forces. The Sultán marshalled his army, and as soon as Ilyás Hájí beheld it, he was dismayed and fled. The army (of the Sultán) made the attack; the canopy and forty elephants were captured, and innumerable horsemen and infantry became food for the sword. For two days after the Sultán remained encamped, and on the third he marched for Dehlí. Some months afterwards he founded the great city Fírozábád.

In the year 756 H. (1355 A.D.), the Sultán proceeded to Díbálpúr, and conducted a stream (júí) from the river Satladar (Sutlej), for a distance of forty kos as far as Jhajjar. In the following year he brought the stream of Fírozábád from the mountains of Mandatí (sic) and Sirmor, and having thrown into it seven distinct streams, he conducted it to Hánsí. From thence he led it to Aráman, and there he built a strong fort, which he called Hisár Fírozah. Below the palace (kúshk), he dug an extensive tank, and filled it with the waters of that canal. He formed another canal from the Khakhar (Khagar), to the fort of Sarsutí, and from thence to Harbí-khir.⁸ There he built a fortified place which he called Fírozábád. He brought another canal from the river Jumna, and threw it into the tank of that city, from whence he carried it on farther.

In the month of Zí-l hijja, on the day of the 'Íd-i azha, in the year before named, a robe of honour and a diploma arrived from the Khalífa al Hákim bi amr-illáh Abú al Fath Abú Bakr Abú al Rabi' Sulaimán, the Khalífa of Egypt, confirming on (the Sultán) the territories of Hindustán. ^{* * *}

In the year 759 H. (1358 A.D.) ^{* * *} an army of Mughals came into the neighbourhood of Díbálpúr, and Malik Kabúl, Lord of the Bedchamber (sar-burdah-dár), was sent against them. Before his forces the Mughals retreated to their own country. ^{* *} At the end of this year, Táju-d dín Betah, with several other amírs, came from Lakhnautí to Court as envoys, bringing with them presents and tribute, and they received a gracious reception.

In the year 760 H. (1359 A.D.), the Sultán marched with a large army against Lakhnautí, leaving Khán-i Jahán in Dehlí and Tátár Khán as Shikkdár at Multán, (to guard) the Ghazní frontier. When the Sultán reached Zafarábád, the rains came on, so he halted there. Here he was waited upon by Malik Shaikh-záda Bustámí, who had left the country by royal command. He brought a robe of honour from the Khalífa,⁹ and the Sultán being graciously disposed towards him, granted him the title of 'Azam Khán. Saiyid Rasúldár, who had come with the envoys from Lakhnautí, was now sent back thither, and Sultán Sikandar again sent him to Court with five elephants and rich presents. But before he arrived, 'Álam Khán came to Court from Lakh-nautí, and he was told (by the Sultán) that Sultán Sikandar was foolish and inexperienced, and had strayed from the path of rectitude. The Sultán at first had no desire to draw the sword against him; but as he had not discharged the duties of obedience, he must now understand that the Sultán was marching against him.

After the rainy season, the Sultán proceeded towards Lakh-nautí, and on the way Prince Fath Khán received the insignia of royalty, such as elephants. A coin was struck in his name,¹⁰ and tutors were appointed for him. When the Sultán reached Pandwah, Sultán Sikandar shut himself up in Ikdála, where Sultán Shamsu-d dín, his father, had before taken refuge. On the 16th Jumáda-l awwal, 761 (5th May, 1360), the Sultán sat down against Ikdála, and passed some days in besieging it. The garrison perceived that they could not withstand the assailants, so they were compelled to capitulate, and seek for peace by sending elephants, treasure, and goods as tribute. On the 20th Jumáda-l awwal, the Sultán marched from Ikdála on his return, and when he reached Pandwah, Sultán Sikandar sent him thirty-seven elephants and valuable offerings as tribute. By successive marches he reached Jaunpúr, and the rains coming on he rested there. After the rains were over, in the month Zí-l hijja of the same year, he marched with his victorious army by way of Bihár to Jájnagar. Orders were issued that the baggage animals (lashkar-sutúr), women, horses out of condition, and weak men should not proceed.^10a Malik Kutbu-d dín, brother of Zafar Khán the wazír, was left behind with the elephants and baggage at Karra. The Sultán then marched. When he reached Sikra,^10b he attacked it, and the Ráí took to flight. There Shakr Khá-tún, daughter of Ráí Sádhan, with Adáyah,^10c was taken prisoner. The Sultán placed her in the palace of his daughters. When he advanced farther, he left Malik 'Imádu-l Mulk one stage behind with the prisoners and baggage. At this place Ahmad Khán, who had come up from Lakhnautí, joined the Sultán in the hills of Ranthor,¹¹ and was received with honour. The Sultán then proceeded to the city of Bánárasí, which was the residence of the Ráí. Having left the Máhánadí, the Ráí had fled to Tilang. The Sultán pursued him for one day's march, but when he found that the Ráí was far in advance, he returned. In this neighbourhood he hunted. Ráí Bír Bhándeo^11a sent some persons to sue for peace, that his people might not be killed. The Sultán, according to his wont, turned aside, and (the Ráí) sent in thirty-three elephants and rich offerings as tribute. From thence the Sultán fell back and hunted in Padmávatí and the elephant fields, where he killed two elephants. Afterwards he marched on to Karra, and from Karra he proceeded to Dehlí, which he reached in Rajab, 762 H. (1361 A.D.), and entered as a conqueror.

Some time afterwards he heard that there was in the vicinity of Bardár^11b a hill of earth, through the midst of which a large river flowed and fell into the Satladar (Sutlej). This river was called Sarsutí. On the hither side of the mountain there was a stream called Salímah. If the mountain of earth were cut through, the waters of the Sarsutí would fall into that stream; which would flow through Síhrind^11c (Sirhind) and Mansúrpúr, and from thence to Sannám, keeping up a perpetual supply. The water was brought, but some time was occupied in cutting through the hill. Sirhind, to as far as within ten kos of Sámána, was separated from the shikk of Sámána, and given into the charge of Malik Zíáu-l Mulk Shamsu-d dín Abúrjá, to bring it into cultivation.¹² A fortress was built there, which received the name of Fírozpúr.

When the Sultán saw that the excavation of the mountain was^12a possible, he left the spot and went to Nagarkot, and after conquering it, he proceeded against Thatta. The Jám and Bábiniya were in possession of Thatta. By dint of great exertion the place was invested, and fighting went on for some time, but such a scarcity of provender and grain arose in the Sultán's army, that many men died, so that of necessity, and after a great struggle, he was obliged to retreat into Gujarát.

After the rainy season, he resolved again to march against Thatta. The fief (iktá') of Gujarát was placed under Zafar Khán, instead of Nizámu-l Mulk, who was dismissed and proceeded with his followers to the capital, where he afterwards became wazír of the State. On the Sultán's reappearing before Thatta, Jám and Bábiniya made their submission and waited upon him. They were graciously received, but were carried off with all the chiefs of the country to Dehlí. After having for a while shown obedience, the Sultán reinstated the Jám in the fief (iktá') of Thatta, and sent him there in state.

In the year 772 H. (1370-1 A.D.), Khán-i Jahán died, and his eldest son Jaunán Sháh attained the dignity of Khán-i Jahán. In 773 Zafar Khán died in Gujarát, and his eldest son succeeded him in the fief. In 776, on the 12th of the month of Safar, Prince Fath Khán died at Kanthúr. The Sultán was greatly affected by his death, and his constitution received a manifest shock.

In 778 H. (1376-7 A.D.), Shams Dámaghání offered forty lacs of tankas in excess of the revenue paid for Gujarát, 100 elephants, two hundred Arab horses, and four hundred slaves, children of Hindu chiefs (mukaddam bachagán), and Abyssinians annually. Malik Zíáu-l Mulk Malik Shamsu-d dín Abúrjá was deputy (of the governor) of Gujarát, and an offer was made to confirm it to him on his consenting to these enhanced terms. But he knew he could not pay them, and that Shams Dáma-ghání had made an extravagant offer, so he refused to accept. Shams Dámaghání then received a golden girdle and a silver palankín, and was appointed to Gujarát as deputy of Zafar Khán. When he arrived in Gujarát, wild dreams and fancies entered his brain, and he raised the standard of rebellion, for he found that he could not raise the increased revenue and tribute which he had undertaken to pay. At length the new amírs (amír-i sadah) of Gujarát, such as Malik Shaikhu-l Mulk Fakhru-d dín, rebelled against Shams Dámaghání in the year 778 H., and having slain him they cut off his head, and sent it to Court. His revolt was thus put down. During the prosperous reign of this good and gracious sovereign, his justice and equity had such an effect over every quarter of his territories, that no rebellion had ever broken out, and no one had been able to turn his feet from the path of obedience until the revolt of this Shams Dámaghání, and he quickly received the punishment of his perfidy.

The frontiers (sarhadd) of the empire were secured by placing them under the charge of great and trusty amírs. Thus on the side of Hindustán, on the Bengal frontier, the fief (iktá') of Karra and Mahoba, and the shikk of Dalamau, were placed under the charge of Maliku-s Shark (Prince of the East) Mardán Daulat, who received the title of Nasíru-l Mulk. The fief (iktá') of Oudh and Sandíla,¹³ and the shikk of Kol were placed under Malik Hisámu-l Mulk and Hisámu-d dín Nawá. The fief of Jaunpúr and Zafarábád was given to Malik Bahrúz Sultání. The fief of Bihár to Malik Bír Afghán. These nobles showed no laxity in putting down the plots of the infidels, and in making their territories secure. Thus the Sultán had no anxiety about the safety of these parts of his dominions; but on the side of Khurásán there was no amír capable of withstanding the attacks of the Mughals. He was therefore compelled to summon Maliku-s Shark Nasíru-l Mulk from Karra and Mahoba, and to send him to Multán, in order to put down and punish the assaults of these accursed foes. The fiefs (iktá's) of this quarter were conferred upon him, and the fief of Hindustán, that is to say Karra and Mahoba, was also ordered to be confirmed to Maliku-s Shark Shamsu-d dín Sulaimán, son of Malik Mardán Daulat. After the murder of Dámaghání, the fief of Gujarát was granted to Malik Mufarrih Sultání, who received the title of Farhatu-l Mulk. ^{* * *}

In the year 781 H. (1379 A.D.), the Sultán made a progress towards Sámána, and when he arrived there, Malik Kabúl Kurán Khwán, amír of the privy council and chief of Sámána, presented his tribute, and the Sultán showed him great favour. Passing from thence through Ambála and Sháhábád, the Sultán entered the hills of Saháranpúr, and after taking tribute from the Ráís of Sirmor and the hills, he returned to his capital. Just at this time information came of the rebellion of Khargú, the Hindu chief (mukaddam) of Katehr.¹⁴ This Khargú had invited Saiyid Muhammad, who held the fief of Badáún, and his brother Saiyid 'Aláu-d dín, to a feast at his house, and had then basely murdered them. In 782 H. (1380 A.D.), the Sultán proceeded there to avenge this murder, and ravaged the district of Katehr. Khargú fled, and took refuge in the mountains of Kamáún, in the country of the Mahtas.^14a The Sultán also attacked them. ^{* *} Every year he used to proceed to Katehr, ostensibly to hunt, and that country became so devastated that nothing but game lived there.

In 784 H. (1382 A.D.), he built a fortress at Beolí, seven kos from Badáún, and called it Fírozpúr, but the people named it Púr-i ákhirín (the last town). The Sultán now grew old and feeble, for his age was nearly ninety years, and Khán-i Jahán, the wazír, exercised unbounded authority. All the affairs of the State were in his hands, and the maliks and amírs were entirely subservient to him. If any one opposed him, he got him removed from the presence of the Sultán in any way he could. Some he killed, others he put in confinement. At length it came to this, that whatever Khán-i Jahán said the Sultán used to do. So the affairs of the kingdom fell into disorder, and every day some loss occurred. One day Khán-i Jahán represented to the Sultán that Prince Muhammad Khán had allied himself to certain nobles such as Daryá Khán, son of Zafar Khán, amír of Gujarát, Malik Ya'kúb Muhammad Hájí, master of the horse [etc., etc.], and was on the point of raising a rebellion. As the Sultán had given over everything to the charge of the Khán, he, without thought or consideration, gave the order that they should be taken into custody. When the prince heard this, he did not come to the palace for several days, and although Khán-i Jahán sent for him, he made excuses. Then the Khán, upon the pretext of a balance of accounts, kept Daryá Khán, son of Zafar Khán, amír of Mahoba, confined in his house. This alarmed the prince still more, and he made a statement of his position to his father. The Sultán gave orders for the dismissal of Khán-i Jahán, and for the release of Daryá Khán. The prince having done this, Malik Ya'kúb Beg, master of the horse, brought out all the royal horses, and Malik Kutbu-d dín Farámurz, keeper of the elephants, brought out the elephants with their howdas and armour, and took them to the prince. The slaves of Sultán Fíroz, the amírs, and other people of the city, also joined the prince.

In the month of Rajab, 789 (July, Aug., 1387 A.D.), being fully prepared, the prince proceeded late one night, with a large body of men, to the house of Khán-i Jahán. When the Khán heard of their approach, he took Daryá Khán, son of Zafar Khán, out of prison and put him to death. Then he came out with a few chosen followers, and was attacked by the prince. Being defeated, he fled to his house, and received a wound as he was entering. Unable to make further resistance, he again left his house with a few followers and fled into Mewát, where he sought refuge with Koká Chauhán, at Mahárí. The prince plundered Khán-i Jahán's house of all its gold and wealth, and arms, horses and effects; he then returned with his followers to the palace. Next he caused Malik Bihzád Fath Khán, [and several other adherents of] Khán-i Jahán, to be brought to the palace and to be beheaded. When these proceedings were reported to the Sultán, he gave over his authority to Prince Muhammad Khán, and the maliks and amírs and slaves of Sultán Fíroz, and the people in general, rallied round the prince. The Sultán was old and feeble, so of necessity he gave over to the prince the reins of government, with all the horses and elephants, wealth and state. He conferred upon him the title Násiru-d dín Muhammad Sháh, and then he retired to his house to serve his God. In all the chief mosques throughout the dominions the khutba was repeated in the names of the two sovereigns, and in the month of Sha'bán of the same year Muhammad Khán took his seat upon the throne in the palace of Jahán-numá. The titles and offices, fiefs, and allowances, pensions and gifts, and whatsoever had been enjoyed by any one during the late reign, were confirmed. Malik Ya'kúb, master of the horse, was made Sikandar Khán, and received the fief of Gujarát. ^{* *} He was then sent with an army to Mahárí against Khán-i Jahán. When this force reached Mahárí, the accursed Koká seized Khán-i Jahán and sent him prisoner to Sikandar Khán, who killed him, and carried his head to Court. Sikandar Khán then departed to his fief of Gujarát, and the prince devoted himself to the duties of government.

In the month of Zí-l ka'da of the same year, he went to the mountains of Sirmor, and there spent two months in hunting the rhinoceros and elk.¹⁶ While thus engaged, information was brought to him of the death of Sikandar Khán, whom Malik Mufarrih, amír of Kambay, and the new amírs of Gujarát, had risen against and slain. The retinue that had marched with him from Court, some of them wounded and some of them despoiled, returned home with Saiyid Sálár. When Prince Muhammad Khán heard this intelligence, he became thoughtful and anxious, and returned to his capital. But he was young and inexperienced, and he gave himself up to pleasure. For five months longer the old rules and arrangements kept the affairs of the kingdom in order, but at length great irregularities arose. The slaves of the late Government of Fíroz Sháh, of whom there were about a lac in Dehlí and Fírozábád, stirred up by the opposition shown by Malik Samáu-d dín and Malik Kamálu-d dín, abandoned the prince, and joined themselves to the late sovereign; hence arose contention and strife. When the prince became aware of the facts, he sent Malik Zahíru-d dín Loharí to parley with the insurgents, who had assembled in the maidán; but they pelted him with bricks and stones, and after wounding him they made a display of their force and rejected all propositions for peace. Zahíru-d dín returned wounded to the prince, who was ready for action. He proceeded with all his force of horse and foot, and elephants, to the maidán against the rebels; and when he attacked them, they fled to the palace and sought refuge with the old Sultán. Fighting went on for two days, and on the third the prince was prepared to renew the struggle, when the insurgents brought out the old Sultán from the palace. The soldiers and elephant-drivers, directly they saw the face of their Sultán, deserted the side of the prince and joined themselves to their old master. Finding that he could no longer maintain the struggle, the prince turned and fled with a small band of followers to the mountains of Sirmor. The insurgents plundered his house, and those of his adherents. That day tranquillity was restored, and the people were satisfied. The Sultán then appointed Prince Tughlik Sháh, his grandson, son of Fath Khán, to be his heir, and delivered over all the affairs of Government to him. Amír Husain Ahmad Ikbál, son-in-law of the Sultán, who had separated from the party of the prince, was made prisoner, and the prince had him beheaded before the entrance of the palace. Orders were also sent to the new amírs of Sámána directing them to seize 'Alí Khán, the amír, and bring him to Court. When he was brought in, the prince sent him away to Bihár, and granted the fief of Sámána to Malik Sultán Sháh.

On the 18th Ramazán, 790 H. (26th September, 1388 A.D.), Sultán Fíroz died, worn out with weakness. Veracious historians and truthful chroniclers of venerable age have recorded that since the days of Násiru-d dín, son of Shamsu-d dín Altamsh, who was a second Naushírwán, there has been no king in Dehlí so just and merciful, so kind and religious, or such a builder. His justice won for him the hearts of his subjects. If any poor traveller, by the visitation of God, fell in the road and died, the feudal chiefs, the officers, and the mukaddams having called together the kázís and all Musulmáns, they examined the body, and drew up a report under the seal of the kází, certifying that no mark of a wound was discernible upon the body, and after that they buried it. Thus by inquiries of the kázís, all the injunctions of the law were fulfilled, and it was in no way possible that during the reign of this Sovereign, any strong man could tyrannize over the weak. God Almighty took this gentle, beneficent, and just king to his everlasting rest, after a reign of thirty-seven years and nine months.¹⁸

This Sultán, with the concurrence of several of the amírs and maliks and servants of the late Sultán, took his seat upon the throne in the palace at Fírozábád, on the day of his predecessor's death, and took the title of Sultán Ghiyásu-d dín. Malik-záda Fíroz,¹⁹ son of Malik Táju-d dín, was made wazír, and was honoured with the title Khán-i Jahán. Khudáwand-záda Ghiyásu-d dín Turmuzí was placed over the armoury. Fíroz 'Alí was taken out of prison, and his father's office of sar-jándár was conferred upon him. The fief of Gujarát was granted to Malik Mufarrih Sultání, who held it under the late Sultán. The various other fiefs and appointments were confirmed to the holders. Malik Fíroz 'Alí and Bahádur Náhir were sent with a considerable force against Prince Muhammad Khán. The amírs of the fiefs (iktá's), such as Sultán Amír Sháh of Sámána, Ráí Kamálu-d dín and others, were sent along with them. In the month of Shawwál the army entered the mountains of Sirmor, and Prince Muhammad Khán retired to the top of the mountains by hostile roads, till he reached the fort of Baknárí.^19a The royal army also entered the mountains, and when it reached the valley (darra) of Baknárí, some little fighting followed, but the place being strong, the prince was not subdued. From thence he ascended the mountains and went towards Sakhet. (The royal army)^19b then marched from Baknárí to the town of Arú, and encamped in the darra of Arú, near to the station (chautara) of Kimár. The prince then left Sakhet, and went to the fort of Nagarkot. The royal forces followed to the confines of Gwáliyar in pursuit, but they met with opposition on the way, so Malik Fíroz 'Alí and the other amírs gave up the pursuit, and returned. The prince secured himself in Nagarkot.

Tughlik Sháh was young and inexperienced. He knew nothing of politics, and had seen none of the wiles of fickle fortune. So he gave himself up to wine and pleasure. The business of government was entirely neglected, and the officers of the late Sultán asserted so fearlessly their power, that all control of the State was lost. The Sultán imprisoned his brother Sálár Sháh without any reason. Abú Bakr Sháh, son of Zafar Khán, having fled for refuge, Malik Ruknu-d dín Janda, deputy wazír, and several other amírs and slaves²⁰ of the late Sultán, made common cause with him, and raised a revolt. They despatched with the sword Malik Mubárak Kabírí, in the palace at Fírozábád, as he was retreating through the door. A great outcry thereupon arose in the palace, and the Sultán hearing it, escaped through the door opening on the Jumna. Malik Fíroz, the wazír, was with him; but the traitor, Rukn Janda, being apprised of his escape, followed him with his own adherents, and with a party of the late Sultán's slaves. When they reached the ford of the Jumna, they killed Sultán Tughlik Sháh and the prince Fíroz. Then they cut off their heads, and threw them down in front of the palace. This happened on the 21st Safar, 791 H. (19th February, 1389 A.D.)

After this they brought Abú Bakr Sháh out from his dwelling, and seating him upon an elephant, with a canopy over his head, they proclaimed him under the title of Sultán Abú Bakr. Rukn Janda was made wazír. After a few days, Rukn Janda conspired with several slaves of the late Sultán Fíroz, with the intention of slaying Abú Bakr, and of making himself king. But certain others, who were unfriendly to him, anticipating his action, killed him, and put his confederates to the sword. Abú Bakr was in possession of Dehlí, the royal elephants and treasure were in his hands, and his power was day by day increasing. Just at this juncture the new amírs of Sámána treacherously slew Malik Sultán Sháh Khush-dil, with their swords and daggers, at the tank of Sannám, on the 4th Safar. Then, taking possession of Sámána, they plundered the houses of Malik Sultán Sháh and slew all his dependents. They cut off the head of Malik Sultán, and sent it to Nagarkot, to Prince Muhammad Khán, with offers of assistance. The length of the reign of Sultán Tughlik Sháh was six months and eighteen days.

Sultán Muhammad Sháh, younger son of the late Sultán Fíroz Sháh.

When the intelligence of the death of Malik Sultán Sháh reached Muhammad Khán at Nagarkot, he marched thence to the town of Jálandhar, and so into the district of Sámána. There, on the 6th of the month of Rabí'u-l ákhir, of the year above named, he, for the second time, mounted the throne of the empire. The new amírs of Sámána, and the mukaddams of that district and of the hills, all joined him, and renewed their vows of allegiance. Several amírs and maliks also of Dehlí deserted Abú Bakr Sháh, and came to join him. So there assembled round him in Sámána about twenty thousand horse, and an innumerable host of foot. From Sámána he marched to Dehlí; and by the time he reached its neighbourhood, the horse had increased to about fifty thousand. Abú Bakr Sháh was informed of his approach, and the slaves of Sultán Fíroz, having before opposed the new Sultán, now allied themselves with Abú Bakr.

On the 25th Rabí'u-l ákhir, 791 (23rd April, 1389), Sultán Muhammad took up his position at the palace of Jahán-numá, and Abú Bakr also, with his adherents and forces, was at Fíroz-ábád. On the 2nd Jumáda-l awwal, the adherents of Abú Bakr, having taken the streets and walls of Fírozábád, gave battle to the forces of the new Sultán. On that very day Bahádur Náhir²¹ came into the city with a party of his followers; and Abú Bakr Sháh, being emboldened by his arrival, marched on the following day into^21a Fírozábád with his horse and foot. The battle began, and by the decree of God, Sultán Muhammad was defeated. He fled towards his own territories. With a party of about two thousand horse, he crossed the Jumna, and penetrated into the Doáb. From thence he sent his second^21b son, Prince Humáyún Khán, to Sámána, to assemble his forces; and he sent with him Malik Zíáu-d dín Abúrja, Ráí Kamálu-d dín Main,²² and Ráí Khul Chain^22a Bhattí, whose fiefs were in that quarter. The Sultán himself took up his position at the village of Jalesar,^22b on the banks of the Ganges. The amírs of Hindustán, such as Malik Sarwar, governor of the city (shahna-i shahr), Maliku-sh Shark Nasíru-l Mulk the holder of Multán, Khawássu-l Mulk the holder of Bihár [and others]; and Ráí Sarvar^22c and other ráís and ránas, making in all about fifty thousand horse, with an innumerable force of foot, joined the Sultán. Malik Sarwar received the title of Khwája-i Jahán, and was made wazír. Malik Nasíru-l Mulk became Khizr Khán,^22d Khawássu-l Mulk was made Khawáss Khán, and Saifu-d dín became Saif Khán.

In Sha'bán of the same year Sultán Muhammad again marched against Dehlí. Abú Bakr Sháh came forth to meet him, and encountered him at the village of Kundalí. Both sides arrayed their forces, and a battle ensued. By the will of God, the army of Sultán Muhammad was defeated, and Abú Bakr was victorious. His camp equipage and baggage fell into the hands of the victors, who kept up the pursuit for three kos. Sultán Muhammad then returned, and took up his abode at Jalesar. Abú Bakr Sháh went back to Dehlí.

On the 19th Ramazán the slaves of the late Sultán Fíroz who were living in the various districts and cities, as at Multán, Láhor,^22e Sámána, and Hisár, and the fort of Hánsí, were unjustly put to death in one day by the chiefs and people of the different places, under the orders of Sultán Muhammad. In consequence of the contention among the Musulmáns for the throne, the Hindu infidels gathered strength, and gave up paying the poll-tax and tribute. They moreover threatened the Muhammadan towns.

In the month of Muharram, 792 H. (January, 1390 A.D), Prince Humáyún Khán, having collected the various maliks and amírs who had been appointed to act under him, such as Ghálib Khán, amír of Sámána [etc., etc.], pitched his camp at Pánipat, and plundered the environs of Dehlí. When Abú Bakr Sháh was informed of this, he sent Malik Sháhín 'Imádu-l Mulk, with four thousand horse and guards and many foot soldiers, towards Páni-pat; and the two forces drew up in battle array at the village of Basína, near Pánipat. The Almighty gave the victory to Abú Bakr Sháh, and the army of the prince being defeated fled back towards Sámána. His camp and baggage and equipments, all became the spoil of the victors. The forces of Dehlí, under the grace of God, being thus everywhere victorious, Sultán Muhammad and his army could no longer resist the enemy, and he became very much depressed in spirit. Still the maliks and the soldiers and the people of the capital were entirely on the side of the Sultán, and Abú Bakr dared not leave the city to pursue his defeated enemy.

In the month Jumáda-l awwal of the same year Abú Bakr Sháh collected his army and marched towards Jalesar. He encamped about twenty kos from Dehlí, and Sultán Muhammad, being informed of this, left his army and baggage at Jalesar, and started off with four thousand light horse for Dehlí. Some guards who had been left in charge of the city shut themselves up at the Badáún gate, and made some show of resistance; but the assailants set fire to the gate, and the defenders fled. Sultán Muhammad entered the city through this gate, and took up his quarters at the Humáyún palace. All the people of the city, high and low, and the bázár people, joined him. When intelligence of this reached Abú Bakr, he set off early on the same day with a party of his followers, and entered the city by the same gate, and Malik Baháu-d dín, who had been left in charge of the gate by Sultán Muhammad, was killed on the spot. The Sultán was in the palace, unaware of what had happened; but when Abú Bakr drew near, and he was apprised of the fact, he escaped with a small party of followers through a back door of the palace, and making his way out of the city by the gate of the Hauz-i kháss, he returned to Jalesar, to his army and baggage. The amírs and maliks and soldiers who were unable to escape out of the city with the Sultán were, some of them taken prisoners, and some killed; Khalíl Khán náíb-bárbak and Malik Isma'íl, son of the daughter of Sultán Fíroz Sháh, were taken alive, and were put to death.

In the month of Ramazán of the same year Mubashir Hájib²⁴ Sultání, who had the title Islám Khán, with several old slaves (bandagán) of Sultán Fíroz, without any reason, turned against Abú Bakr Sháh, and opened communications with Sultán Muhammad. When this fact became known, Abú Bakr Sháh was unable to overcome them, so he left Dehlí, accompanied by some of his most devoted followers, such as Malik Sháhín 'Imádu-l Mulk, Malik Bahrí, and Safdar Khán Sultání, and proceeded to the kútila^24a of Bahádur Náhir. On the 17th of the month Rama-zán, Mubashir Hájib and the old Fíroz Sháhí men sent letters to Sultán Muhammad, informing him of the facts, and of the flight of Abú Bakr Sháh. They placed Khán-i Khánán, the youngest son of the Sultán, on an elephant, and, raising a canopy over his head, they conducted him to Jalesar. On the third day, the 19th Ramazán, the Sultán started from Jalesar, and entering the city he took his seat on the throne in the palace of Fírozábád. Mubashir Hájib received the office of wazír, and the title of Islám Khán was confirmed to him. The old guards of Fíroz Sháh and the people of the capital joined the Sultán. After a few days, he left Fíroz-ábád, and went into the fort (hisár) of Jahán-panáh to the Humáyún palace. He took the elephants from the charge of the Fíroz Sháhí slaves, and placed them under the old elephant-keepers. ²⁵ This excited great discontent among them; but as the Sultán was strong, and the elephants had all been taken into the charge of his servants, they could not withstand him; so they fled in the night, with their wives and children, and joined Abú Bakr Sháh at the kútila of Bahádur Náhir. Such of these old slaves as remained in the city next morning received notice that they must quit it within three days, so the city was cleared of them. The amírs and maliks of the various parts of the kingdom (balád-i mamálik) now came to Court, and the Sultán's power and dignity increased. Prince Humáyún Khán, with Islám Khán [and others], was sent with a powerful army to suppress Abú Bakr Sháh and the old Fíroz Sháhí slaves. They had reached the town of Mahindwárí; and in the month of Muharram, 793 (Dec. 1390 A.D.), Abú Bakr Sháh, Bahádur Náhir, and the old Fíroz Sháhí slaves, having assembled, made a sudden attack upon the royal forces early in the morning, and killed several men. But Islám Khán made ready his division, and fell upon the assailants; the prince also mounted his horse, with his followers, and defeated the enemy at the first charge. The royal army pursued, and the bulk of the defeated forces took refuge in the fort of Kútila, but some were killed, and some were taken prisoners. When the news of the victory reached the Sultán, he started off for the scene of the conflict; and arriving at Kútila, he encamped on the banks of the Dahand. Abú Bakr Sháh and Bahádur Náhir begged for mercy, and came to meet the Sultán. Bahádur Náhir received a robe, and was sent back. Abú Bakr Sháh was carried away by the Sultán as far as Khandí, from whence he was sent to be kept a prisoner at Mírat, and there he died. The Sultán proceeded to Etáwa, and there he was waited upon by Nar Singh,^25a who received a robe, and was sent back. Proceeding along the bank of the Jumna, the Sultán arrived at Dehlí.

In 794 H. (1392 A.D.), Nar Singh above mentioned, and Sar-vádharan ²⁶ and Bír Bahán, broke out in rebellion. The Sultán sent Islám Khán against Nar Singh, and he himself marched to Etáwa against Sarvádharan and the other infidels. The accursed Nar Singh encountered the forces of Islám Khán, and, by God's grace, was defeated and put to flight. The victors pursued, sending many infidels to hell, and laying waste their country. Nar Singh at length sued for mercy, and came to wait on Islám Khán, who carried him to Dehlí. Sarvádharan attacked the town of Balárám,^26a but when the Sultán reached the banks of the Biyáh^26b (sic), the infidels fled and shut themselves up in Etáwa. The Sultán continued his march thither, and on the first day of his arrival some little fighting took place. In the night the rebels abandoned the fort of Etáwa and fled, and next day the Sultán destroyed it. From thence he marched towards Kanauj, and crossing the Ganges, he punished the infidels of Kanauj and Dalamau, and returning went to Jalesar, where he built a fortress which he called Muhammadábád.

In the month of Rajab, a letter arrived from Khwája-i Jahán, who was the Sultán's locum tenens in Dehlí, bringing the information that Islám Khán was about to depart for Multán and Láhor, with the object of stirring up a rebellion. The Sultán immediately left Jalesar, and proceeded to Dehlí, where he held a Court, and questioned Islám Khán about the intentions imputed to him. He denied them. But an infidel named Jájú,^26c his brother's son, a bad fellow who had a spite against him, gave false evidence, and Islám Khán was unjustly condemned to death. Khwája-i Jahán was made wazír, and Malik Mukarrabu-l Mulk was sent to Muhammadábád in Jalesar, with an army.

In the year 795 H. (1393 A.D.), Sarvádharan and Jít Singh Rahtor, and Bír Bahán mukaddam, of Bhanu-gánw, and Abhai Chand mukaddam, of Chandú, broke out in rebellion.²⁷ “The

“ Sultán sent Mukarrabu-l Mulk to put down this out-“ break. When the two parties came in sight of each other, “ Mukarrabu-l Mulk adopted a conciliatory course, and by “ promises and engagements, induced the ráís to submit. “ He carried them with him to Kanauj, and there treacher-“ ously had them put to death; but Ráí Sar[vádharan] “ escaped, and entered Etáwa. Malik Mukarrab then “ returned to Muhammadábád. In the month of Shawwál, “ the Sultán attacked and ravaged Mewát. Having gone “ from Muhammadábád to Jalesar, he there fell sick. Just “ at that time intelligence reached him that Bahádur Náhir “ had attacked and plundered several villages in the vicinity “ of Dehlí. Notwithstanding his weakness, the Sultán “ proceeded to Mewát, and on reaching Kútila, Bahádur “ Náhir came out to fight; but he was defeated, and took “ refuge in Kútila. Unable to remain there, he fled and “ hid in Jhar. After this, the Sultán proceeded to Muham-“ madábád, in order to inspect the buildings which he had “ there begun. His sickness grew worse. In the month “ Rabí'u-l awwal, 796 H., he appointed Prince Humáyún to “ march against Shaikha Khokar, who had rebelled, and had “ got possession of Láhor. Just as the prince was about “ to march, he received intelligence of the death of the “ Sultán on the 17th Rabí'u-l awwal (15th Jan. 1394 A.D.); “ so he remained at the capital. Sultán Muhammad Sháh “ reigned six years and seven months.

“ Sultán 'Aláu-d dín Sikandar Sháh.

“ The late Sultán's second son, Humáyún Khán, remained “ for three days engaged in the duties of mourning; but “ on the 19th Rabí'u-l awwal, he ascended the throne, “ with the approbation of the amírs and maliks, the saiyids “ and kázís, and all the great men of Dehlí. Khwája-i “ Jahán was made wazír, and the various other officers were “ confirmed in their appointments. On the 5th Jumáda-l “ awwal, he fell sick and died, after a reign of one month “ and sixteen days.

“ Sultán Mahmúd Sháh, youngest son of Muhammad Sháh.

“ On the death of Sultán 'Aláu-d dín, otherwise known “ as Humáyún Khán, several of the nobles, such as Ghálib “ Khán of Sámána, Ráí Kamál Main, Mubárak Khán, “ Malájún (?) Khawáss Khán governor of Indrí and “ Karnál, were about to leave the city and proceed to their “ respective territories, without taking leave of [Prince] “ Mahmúd Sháh. But Khán-i Jahán heard of their inten-“ tion, and encouraged them to return to the city. On the “ 20th Jumáda-l awwal, by the efforts of the amírs and “ maliks, and great men, Prince Mahmúd was placed upon “ the throne in the Humáyún palace,” and the title Sultán

Násiru-d dín Mahmúd Sháh was given to him. The office of wazír was confirmed to Khwája-i Jahán, Mukarrabu-l Mulk became Mukarrab Khán, and was named heir-apparent of the Sultán.²⁸ 'Abdu-r Rashíd Sultání was entitled Sa'dat Khán, and received the office of Bárbak. Malik Sárang was created Sárang Khán, and received the fief of Díbálpúr. Malik Daulat Yár, the dabír (secretary), was created Daulat Khán, and received the office of 'imádu-l mulk and 'áriz of the State. Through the turbulence of the base infidels, the affairs of the fiefs of Hindus-tán had fallen into confusion, so Khwája-i Jahán received the title of Maliku-sh Shark (King of the East); and the administration of all Hindustán, from Kanauj to Bihár, was placed in his charge. In the month of Rajab, 796 H., he proceeded to Hindus-tán with twenty elephants; and after chastising the rebels of Etáwa, Kol, Kahúra-kanil, and the environs of Kanauj, he went to Jaunpúr. By degrees he got the fiefs of Kanauj, Karra, Oudh, Shadídah,²⁹ Dalamau, Bahráích, Bihár, and Tirhut, into his own possession. He put down many of the infidels, and restored the forts which they had destroyed. God Almighty blessed the arms of Islám with power and victory. The Ráí of Jájnagar and the King of Lakhnautí now began to send to Khwája-i Jahán the elephants which they used to send [as tribute] to Dehlí.^29a

About the same time, Sárang Khán was sent to Díbálpúr, to get possession of the fiefs, and to suppress the rebellion of Shaikha Khokhar. In the month of Sha'bán, he proceeded to Díbálpúr, where he recruited and disciplined the soldiers and officers, and got possession of the fief (iktá'). In Zí-l ka'da, 796 H., having taken with him Ráí Khul Chain Bhattí and Ráí Dáúd Kamál Main, and the army of Multán, he crossed the Satladar (Sutlej) near the town of Tirhárah, and the Biyáh, near Duhálí, and came into the country of Láhor. When Shaikha Khokhar heard of Sárang Khán's advance, he also collected his forces, and attacked the neighbourhood of Díbálpúr, and laid siege to Ajodhan; but on being informed that Sárang Khán had passed Hindupat, and had sat down [against Láhor], he left Ajodhan in the night, and proceeded to Láhor. On the next day the hostile forces prepared for battle, and placed themselves in array at Sámuthalla, twelve kos from Láhor. Sárang Khán obtained the victory, and Shaikha Khokhar went into Láhor. In the night, however, he collected his wives and children, and fled to the Júd mountains. On the following day, Sárang Khán obtained possession of the fort of Láhor, and giving his brother Malik Kandhú the title of 'Ádil Khán, he left him there, and himself returned to Díbálpúr.

In the month of Sha'bán, the Sultán, taking with him Sa'dat Khán, went on an excursion to Bayána, leaving Mukarrab Khán at the capital, in charge of the elephants and royal family. When the Sultán approached Gwáliyar (Gwálior), Malik 'Aláu-d dín Dhárwál, Mubárak Khán son of Malik Rájú, and Mallú Khán brother of Sárang Khán, formed a conspiracy against the latter; but he got information of it, and seizing Malik 'Aláu-d dín and Mubárak Khán, he put them to death. Mallú Khán fled, and took refuge with Mukarrab Khán in Dehlí. The Sultán returning from his journey, encamped near the city, and Mukarrab Khán came forth to meet him. He received the honour of an interview, but fear and apprehension filled his heart, so he went back into the city and made ready for war. Next day the Sul-tán, having placed Sa'dat Khán over all the amírs, maliks, and elephants, approached the maidán gate in battle array. Mu-karrab Khán shut himself up, and the fight began. For three months the war continued, till at length some of the Sultán's friends took him into the city, in the month of Muharram, 797 H. (November, 1394 A.D.). But then the elephants and royal horses, and all the paraphernalia of government, were left in the hands of Sa'dat Khán. The position of Mukarrab Khán was strengthened by the presence of the Sultán, and next day he assembled the soldiers and bázár people, and led them out in a sortie against the investing forces. Sa'dat Khán got timely notice of the sortie, and drew up his men in the maidán. Sharp fighting followed, but Mukarrab Khán was worsted, and obliged to retreat into the city, with his men, greatly disheartened. Still Sa'dat Khán could not take the fort, and fell back. He encamped near the hauz-i kháss; and finding the fortifications of Dehlí impregnable, and the rainy season coming on, he raised the siege, and marched to Fírozábád. He conspired with the amírs, who supported him, to raise some one of the sons of the late Sultán Fíroz Sháh to the sovereignty, and place him on the throne in Fírozábád. Nusrat Khán, son of Fath Khán, son of Sultán Fíroz Sháh, was in Mewát. They brought him forward, and in the month Rabí'u-l awwal raised him to the throne, in the palace of Fírozábád, under the title of Násiru-d dín Nusrat Sháh. But he was a mere puppet, and all the direction of affairs was in the hands of Sa'dat Khán. Only a few days had passed, when some of the old Fíroz Sháhí slaves, and some of the elephant-keepers, attached themselves to Násiru-d dín, and while Sa'dat Khán was unsuspicious of danger, they placed Násiru-d dín upon an elephant, and suddenly attacked him, before he could gather his friends around him. Unable to resist, he escaped from the palace by the door of the harem. Some of his soldiers joined him, and with them he fled to Dehlí, and presented himself to Mukarrab Khán, by whom, a few days afterwards, he was treacherously seized and killed.

The amírs and maliks who remained in Fírozábád, such as Muhammad Muzaffar, wazír; Shaháb Náhir, Malik Fazlu-llah Balkhí, and the old Fíroz Sháhí slaves, all joined Sultán Ná-siru-d dín [Nusrat Khán], and pledged their faith to him. Muhammad Muzaffar was made wazír, and received the title of Tátár Khán, Shaháb Náhir became Shaháb Khán, and Fazlu-llah became Katlagh Khán, and Malik Almás Súltání received the command of the royal slaves. He became sovereign in Dehlí and Fírozábád.³¹

Mukarrab Khán had secured Bahádur Náhir and his adherents, and had placed him in charge of the fortress of Old Dehlí. Mallú was entitled Ikbál Khán, and received charge of the fortress of Sírí. At length fights came to be daily occurrences between Dehlí and Fírozábád, Musulmáns shed the blood of each other, and neither party could obtain the mastery. The districts (shikk) in the Doab, and the fiefs (iktá's) of Sambhal, Pánipat, Jhajhar, and Ruhtak, were in the possession of Sultán Násiru-d dín [Nusrat Khán], while Sultán Mahmúd held no place except the forts above named. The amírs and maliks of the outlying territories (balád-i mamálik) set themselves up as rulers, at their own pleasure, and kept all the wealth and revenue in their own hands. Things went on thus for three years. Deadly contests were of daily occurrence between Dehlí and Fírozábád, and of varying results. Sometimes the men of Dehlí had to throw themselves into their fortress, sometimes they drove their adversaries into the fort of Fírozábád.

In the year 798 H. (1396 A.D.), Sárang Khán quarrelled with Khizr Khán, amír of Multán, and much fighting went on between them. At length some of the people (ghulám) of Malik Mardán Bhattí joined Sárang Khán, and with their assistance he got possession of the district (shikk) of Multán. Having assembled a considerable force, he in the month of Ramazán, 799 (May, 1397 A.D.), marched against Sámána, and besieged the amír Ghálib Khán. When he was no longer able to hold out, Ghálib Khán fled, with a small party of horse and foot, to Pánipat, to join Tátár Khán. As soon as Sultán Násir Sháh (Nusrat Khán) heard of this, he sent Malik Almás, commander of the slaves, with ten elephants and a small army, to Tátár Khán, with orders to march against Sámána, expel Sárang Khán, and to reinstate Ghálib Khán. On the 15th Muharram, 800 H. (9th October, 1397 A.D.), a battle was fought at the village of Kútila,³² and Tátár Khán gained the victory. Sárang Khán fled towards Multán, and Tátár Khán pursued him as far as Tal-wandí, when he sent Ráí Kamálu-d dín Main in pursuit, and returned.

In the month of Rabí'u-l awwal, 800 (November-December 1397), Pír Muhammad, grandson of Amír Tímúr, King of Khurásán, crossed the river Sind with a numerous army, and laid siege to Uch. 'Alí Malik, who held Uch for Sárang Khán, sustained the siege for about a month, when Sárang Khán sent his náíb Malik Táju-d dín, and some other amírs with 4,000 horse, to his assistance. Pír Muhammad, on hearing of their approach, left Uch, and fell upon this force at the village of Tamtama, on the banks of the Biyáh. The attack was unexpected, and resistance was unavailing; many perished by the sword, and many threw themselves into the river and were drowned. Táju-d dín fled, with a small party of horse, to Multán. Pír Muhammad pursued him, and Sárang Khán, being unable to oppose him in the field, was obliged to shut himself up in the fortress. The siege went on for six months, and then want of forage and provisions compelled Sárang Khán to surrender in the month of Ramazán, 800. Pír Muhammad made Sárang Khán and his family and dependents, and all the people of the city, prisoners. He also took possession of the fortress, and encamped his army there.

In the month of Shawwál, Ikbál Khán joined himself to Sultán Násiru-d dín [Nusrat Khán], and a compact was made between them at the tomb of the Shaikhu-l mashaikh Nizámu-l hakk wau-s shará [Kutbu-d dín Bakhtiyár Kákí]. He placed the Sultán [Nusrat Khán] upon an elephant, and conducted him into the Jahán-panáh. Sultán Mahmúd, Mukarrab Khán, and Bahádur Náhir, were shut up in Old Dehlí. On the third day, Ikbál Khán treacherously attacked Sultán Násiru-d dín [Nusrat Khán], who, being unable to resist, fled, with a small party of men and elephants, to Fírozábád. Ikbál Khán pursued with his forces, and all the elephants fell into his hands. The prince escaping to Fírozábád, fled from thence with his family and dependents, crossed the Jumna, and went to Tátár Khán. Fírozábád then came into the possession of Ikbál Khán. After this, fighting went on daily for two months between Mukarrab Khán and Ikbál Khán; but at length some amírs interfered, and made peace between them. Mukarrab Khán then entered Jahán-panáh with Sultán Mahmúd, and Ikbál Khán stayed in Sírí. Suddenly Ikbál Khán proceeded with a party of his followers to the house of Mukarrab Khán, took him, and slew him without mercy. He then kept Sultán Mahmúd in his power as a puppet, and himself directed all matters of government.

In the month of Zí-l ka'da, Ikbál Khán marched against Tátár Khán at Pánipat. When information of this reached the latter, he left his baggage and materials of war in Pánipat, and marched with a strong force against Dehlí. Ikbál Khán invested Pánipat, and captured the place in three days. Tátár Khán also attacked Dehlí, but notwithstanding his efforts, he could not take it. When he heard of the fall of Pánipat, he gave up the siege, and fled with his army to his father in Gujarát. Ikbál Khán took the elephants, horses, etc., from Pánipat, and returned to Dehlí. Malik Nasíru-l Mulk, relation (karíb) of Tátár Khán, joined the victor, and received from him the title of 'Ádil Khán, and a fief in the Doáb.³⁴ Ikbál Khán then devoted himself to affairs of State.

In the month of Safar, 801 H. (October, 1398 A.D.), intelligence came that Amír Tímúr, King of Khurásán, had attacked Talína,^34a and was staying at Multán, and that he had put to the sword all the soldiers of Sárang Khán, who had been taken prisoners by Pír Muhammad. This intelligence filled Ikbál Khán with dread and anxiety. Amír Tímúr continuing his march, besieged Bhatnír, took the ráí Khul Chain prisoner, and put the garrison to the sword. From thence he marched to Sámána, and many inhabitants of Díbálpúr, Ajodhan, and Sarsutí, fled in terror to Dehlí. Many prisoners were taken, and most of these received the glory of martyrdom. Then he crossed over the Jumna into the Doáb, and ravaged the greater part of the country. He made a halt at the town of Loní, and there he put to the sword all the prisoners whom he had taken between the rivers Sind and Ganges, in all 50,000 men, more or less: God knows the truth. Such was the terror inspired by him, that Musulmáns and Hindus fled before him, some to the mountains, some to the deserts, some to the waves of the rivers, and some to Dehlí. In Jumáda-l awwal, having crossed the Jumna, he halted at Fírozábád, and next day he took up his position at the top of the Hauz-i kháss. Ikbál Khán came out with his elephants, and gave battle to Amír Tímúr in the maidán. At the first charge, he was defeated by the warriors of Tímúr, and escaped through a thousand difficulties with his elephants into the city. But as they retreated into the city, many men were crushed under foot and died, and heaps of dead were left. When night came on, Ikbál Khán and Sultán Mahmúd, leaving their wives and children behind, came out of the city. The Sultán fled to Gujarát, and Ikbál Khán crossed the river Jumna and went to Baran. Next day Amír Tímúr granted quarter to the city, and took the ransom money from the inhabitants. On the fourth day he gave orders that all the people in the city should be made prisoners, and this was done.³⁵

Some days afterwards, Khizr Khán, who had fled in fear of Tímúr to the mountains of Mewát, Bahádur Náhir, Mubárak Khán, and Zírak Khán, by the favour of Amír Tímúr, were admitted to an interview, but, with the exception of Khizr Khán,^35a they were all put into prison. From Dehlí, Tímúr returned by the skirts of the hills, and made prisoners of those people who had remained in the hills. When he arrived at Láhor, he plundered the city, and he made Shaikhá Khokhar prisoner, with his wives and children, and all those who had taken refuge with him. This Shaikhá Khokhar, through enmity to Sárang Khán, had early joined Tímúr, and had acted as his guide, in return for which he had received mercy and favour. Tímúr granted the fiefs of Multán and Díbálpúr to Khizr Khán, and sent him thither. Then he marched through Kábul to his own territories, and arrived at his capital, Samarkand.

After the departure of Tímúr, the neighbourhood of Dehlí, and all those territories over which his armies had passed, were visited with pestilence (wabá) and famine. Many died of the sickness, and many perished with hunger, and for two months Dehlí was desolate. In the month of Rajab, 801 (March, 1399 A.D.), Sultán Násiru-d dín Nusrat Sháh, who had fled from the malevolence of Ikbál Khán into the Doáb, advanced with a small force to Mírat, where he was joined by 'Ádil Khán, who brought four elephants. By craft he (Nusrat Khán) got him into his power, and took possession of the elephants.³⁶ The people of the Doáb, who had obtained deliverance from the hands of the Mughals, began to rally, and he entered Fírozábád with about 2,000 horse. Dehlí, although ruined, came into his power. Shaháb Khán came from Mewát, with ten elephants and his adherents; Malik Almás also joined him from the Doáb. When a large force had collected round him, he sent Shaháb Khán to Baran to overpower Ikbál Khán. On his way, a party of Hindu footmen fell upon him in the night and killed him. His followers dispersed, and the elephants were abandoned. Directly Ikbál Khán heard of this, he hastened to the spot, and got possession of the elephants. His power and dignity increased daily, and forces gathered round him, while Sultán Násiru-d dín [Nusrat Khán] grew weaker and weaker.

In the month of Rabí'ul-l awwal, Ikbál Khán left Baran, and proceeded with his army to Dehlí; the Sultán [Nusrat Khán] then left Fírozábád, and went into Mewát. Dehlí fell into the power of Ikbál Khán, and he took up his abode in the fort of Sírí. Some of the people of the city who had escaped the Mughals, came back and resumed their habitations. In a short time the fortress of Sírí became populated. The districts (shikk) in the Doáb, and the fiefs in the neighbourhood of the capital, came into the possession of Ikbál Khán; but the territories in general remained in the power of the amírs and maliks who held them. Thus Gujarát, and all its districts and dependencies, was held by Zafar Khán Wajíbu-l Mulk; the shikk of Multán, Díbálpúr and parts of Sind, by Khizr Khán; the shikk of Mahoba and Kálpí, by Mahmúd Khán, son of Malik-záda Fíroz; the fiefs (iktá's) on the side of Hindustán, such as Kanauj, Oudh, Karra, Dalamau, Sandíla, Bahráích, Bíhar, and Jaunpúr, were held by Khwája-i Jahán; the shikk of Dhár, by Diláwar Khán; the shikk of Sámána, by Ghálib Khán; and the shikk of Bayána, by Shams Khán—into so many portions were the territories of Dehlí divided.

In the month of Rabí'u-l awwal, Ikbál Khán marched towards Bayána against Shams Khán, who was at the town of Núh o Batal.³⁷ A battle followed, and fortune (ikbál) favoured Ikbál Khán. Shams Khán fled into Bayána, leaving two elephants in the hands of the victor. Then Ikbál Khán marched against Katehr, and after exacting money and tribute from Ráí Singh, he returned to Dehlí. In the same year, Khwája-i Jahán died at Jaunpúr, and his adopted son, Malik Mubárak, became king in his stead, assuming the title of Mubárak Sháh, and taking possession of all the fiefs (iktá's).

In Jumáda-l awwal, 803 (December, 1400), Ikbál Khán again marched towards Hindustán, and was waited upon by Shams Khán, of Bayána, and Mubárak Khán, [son of] Bahádur Náhir. He carried them with him, and in the same month he reached Pattíálí, on the banks of the black river.^37a Here he encountered Ráí Sír^37b and other infidels, with a numerous army. On the following day a battle took place, and God, who defends the Muhammadan religion, gave the victory to Ikbál Khán. The infidels fled, and he pursued them to the confines of Etáwa, killing many, and making many prisoners. From thence he proceeded to the district (khitta) of Kanauj, and Sultánu-sh Shark Mubárak Sháh came up from Hindustán. The river Ganges flowed between the two armies, and neither was able to cross. This state of affairs continued for two months, when each party retired to his own home. On his journey, Ikbál Khán became suspicious of [Mubárak Khán and] Shams Khán, and having got them into his power [he put them to death].³⁸

In this year Taghí Khán Turkchi Sultání, son-in-law of Ghálib Khán, amír of Sámána, assembling a considerable force, marched towards Díbálpúr, against Khizr Khán. When intelligence of this was brought to Khizr Khán, he prepared for the attack, and marched with a large force into the khitta of Ajodhan. A battle was fought there on the 9th Rajab, on the banks of the Dahanda. Khizr Khán was victorious, and Taghí Khán fled to the town of Asahúhar.^38a Ghálib Khán, and other amírs who were with him, then treacherously killed him.

In the year 804 H. (1401), Sultán Mahmúd left the khitta of Dhár, and proceeded to Dehlí. Ikbál Khán came forth to give him a formal reception, and the Sultán went to the Humáyún palace in Jahán-panáh. But the reins of government were in the hands of Ikbál Khán, and so hatred sprang up between him and the Sultán. Ikbál Khán again went to Kanauj, and took the Sultán with him. In this year Sultán Mubárak Sháh (of Jaunpúr) died, and his brother, Ibráhím Sháh, succeeded him as king, under the title of Sultán Ibráhím. On hearing of the approach of Sultán Mahmúd and Ikbál Khán, he marched out to meet them with a large force. When the two armies were near to each other, and the battle was imminent, Sultán Mahmúd left the army of Ikbál Khán, on the pretence of hunting, and went to join Sultán Ibráhim, but Ibráhím paid him not the slightest attention, so he departed, and went into the khitta of Kanauj. There he expelled Malik-záda Harbúí, who had held the place for Mubárak Sháh, and installed himself in his place. Ikbál Khán returned to Dehlí, and Ibráhím Sháh went to Jaunpúr. At Kanauj all ranks of people joined the Sultán, and the scattered guards and dependents rallied round him. The Sultán himself was content with this iktá' of Kanauj.

In Jumáda-l awwal, 805 H. (Dec. 1402), Ikbál Khán marched against Gwáliyar (Gwálior), the fort of which place had been treacherously wrested from the hands of the Musulmáns during the Mughal invasion by the accursed Nar Singh. When Nar Singh died, his son, Bíram³⁹ Deo, succeeded him in the possession of the fort. It was very strong, and it was impossible to take it by assault; so Ikbál Khán returned, after plundering the country, to Dehlí. Next year he again marched against it. The son of Bíram Deo advanced to meet Ikbál Khán, and fought with him at the fort of Dholpúr, but he was defeated, and driven into the fort. Many of the infidels were slain, and during the night he evacuated the fort, and went off to Gwálior. Ikbál Khán pursued him to Gwálior, and after plundering the open country, he returned to Dehlí. In the year 806 H. (1403-4) Tátár Khán, son of Zafar Khán, amír of Gujarát, basely seized his own father, and sent him prisoner to Asáwal (Ahmadábád). He then made himself king with the title of Sultán Násiru-d dín Muhammad Sháh. He collected a large army, with the object of attacking Dehlí. On his march thither he was poisoned by Shams Khán and died. His father Zafar Khán was brought from Asáwal by night, and the whole army submitted to him.

In 807 H. (1404 A.D.), Ikbál Khán marched against Etáwa. Ráí Sarwar,^39a the Ráí of Gwálior, the Ráí of Jálhár, and other ráís, had come there and were shut up in Etáwa. The siege was carried on against them for four months, but at last they gave tribute and four elephants, on account of Gwálior, and so made peace. In the month of Shawwál, Ikbál Khán proceeded from Etáwa to Kanauj, and fought against Sultán [Mahmúd], but the place was strong, and he could not take it, so he returned to Dehlí disappointed.

In the month of Muharram, 808 H. (July, 1405 A.D.), Ikbál Khán marched against Sámána. Bahrám Khán Turk-bacha,⁴⁰ who had fought against his nephew the son of Sárang Khán,^40a fled through fear to the mountains of Badhnor.^40b Ikbál Khán proceeded to the town of Arúbar^40c in these mountains, and there halted. Finally, Makhdúm-záda Shaikh 'Alamu-d dín, grandson of Hazrat Saiyid Jalál Bukhárí, interposed, and relying upon him, Bahrám Khán came to Ikbál Khán, and had an interview. From thence Ikbál Khán marched towards Multán. When he reached Talwandí, Ráí Kamálu-d dín arrived. Here he seized Bahrám Khán, Ráí Dáúd Kamál Main, and Ráí Hímú [son of] Khul Chain Bhattí.^40d On the third he flayed Bahrám Khán, and securing the others, he carried them with him. When he reached the banks of the Dahanda, near the khitta of Ajodhan, he was met by Khizr Khán and a large army. On the 19th Jumáda-l awwal, 808 H. (12th November, 1405), a battle was fought between them. At the first charge, Ikbál Khán was defeated, and fled. He was pursued, and his horse fell upon him and wounded him, so that he could not escape. He was killed, and his head was cut off and sent to Fathpúr.

Daulat Khán, Ikhtiyár Khán, and other amírs, sent a deputation to Sultán Mahmúd, urging him to take the government. In the month Jumáda-l ákhir, the Sultán left Kanauj with a small force, and proceeded to the capital, where he assumed the sovereignty. The family and dependents of Ikbál Khán were removed from Dehlí, and sent into the khitta of Kol. Daulat Khán was made faujdár of the Doáb; and Ikhtiyár Khán received the gift of the palace of Fírozábád. Iklím Khán Bahádur Náhir brought two elephants as an offering, and joined the Sultán. In the month of Jumáda-l awwal, 809 H. (October, 1406), the Sultán went to Kanauj, and Daulat Khán was sent with an army to Sámána. As the Sultán approached Kanauj, Sultán Ibráhím threatened the city, and crossing the Ganges, sat down against it. But after a time he retired to Jaunpúr, and the Sultán returned to Dehlí. As he proceeded homewards, his army dispersed; the men going off to their respective fiefs (iktá's). Ibráhím Sháh (heard of the Sultán's retreat) as he was journeying homewards, and immediately returned to Kanauj, and there besieged Mahmúd Tarmatí, who had been left in command by Sultán Mahmúd. He held out for four months, but when no one came to the rescue, he of necessity surrendered. The fief of Kanauj was then given to Ikhtiyár Khán, grandson of Malik Yár Khán Kampila.

Having passed the rainy season in Kanauj, he (Ibráhím Sháh) marched against Dehlí in the month of Jumáda-l awwal, 810 H. (October, 1407). Nusrat Khán Gurg-andáz, Tátár Khán son of Sárang Khán, and Malik Marhabá ghulám of Ikbál Khán, deserted Sultán Mahmúd, and joined Ibráhím Sháh. Asad Khán Lodí was besieged (by Ibráhím Sháh) in the fort of Sambhal. On the second day he surrendered, and the fort was given by Ibráhím to Tátár Sháh. From thence Ibráhím Sháh marched towards Dehlí, intending to cross the Jumna at the ford of Kícha. But intelligence was brought to him that Zafar Khán had conquered the territory of Dhár, and having made Alp Khán, son of Diláwar Khán, prisoner, he intended to proceed to Jaunpúr. Starting from the ford of Kíchar, he (Ibráhím Sháh) returned by regular marches to Jaunpúr, leaving Marhabá Khán with a small force in the fort of Baran. In the month of Zí-l ka'da, Sultán Mahmúd marched from Dehlí against Baran. Marhabá Khán came forth to meet him, and a battle followed, in which the Khán was worsted and driven into the fort. The Sultán's men pursued, and entering the fort they killed Marhabá Khán. The Sultán then proceeded to Sambhal, but before he came to the banks of the Ganges, Tátár Khán evacuated the fort and went off to Kanauj. The Sultán left the place in charge of Asad Khán, and returned to Dehlí.

Daulat Khán Lodí had been sent against Sámána, which, after the murder of Bahrám Khán Turk-bacha, had been taken possession of by Bairam Khán. On the 11th Rajab, 809⁴² a battle was fought between them about two kos from Sámána, and Daulat Khán was victorious. Bairam Khán fled to Sirhind, but after a time, Daulat Khán forgave him and patronized him. Bairam Khán had previously made an engagement with Khizr Khán, and had promised to serve him, so when Khizr Khán heard of the capture of Sámána, he proceeded with a strong force against Daulat Khán. On his reaching Fathábád, Daulat Khán fled across the Jumna, and all the amírs and maliks who had been connected with him joined Khizr Khán. He confided the shikk of Hisár Fírozah to Kiwám Khán, and the fiefs of Sámána and Sannám were taken from Bairam Khán and granted to Zírak Khán, the fief of Sirhind and some other parganas were given to Bairam Khán, and Khizr Khán then returned to Fathpúr. Bayána, the Doáb, and the fief of Ruhtak, were all that now remained in the possession of Sultán Mahmúd.

In the month of Rajab, 811 H. (December, 1408), Sultán Mahmúd went to Hisár Fírozah, and besieged Kiwám Khán in the fort. After some days Kiwám Khán made proposals of peace, and sent his son to the Sultán with tribute. The Sultán then returned through Dhátrath to Dehlí. Khizr Khán, when he heard of this, marched quickly to Fathábád and chastised the people who had joined the Sultán. On the 11th Ramazán, he (Khizr Khán) sent Maliku-sh Shark Malik Tuhfa with a strong force to attack Dhátrath, and Fath Khán fled with his household into the Doáb. Many of the people who remained there were plundered and made prisoners. Khizr Khán proceeded through Ruhtak to Dehlí, and besieged it; Sultán Mahmúd being in the fort of Sírí, and Ikhtiyár Khán in the palace of Fírozábád. A scarcity of forage ensued, and Khizr Khán withdrew across the Jumna into the Doáb, but meeting with resistance there, he re-crossed the river and marched to Fathpúr.

In the year 812 H. (1409 A.D.), Bairam Khán Turk-bacha turned against Khizr Khán, and joined himself to Daulat Khán. On hearing of this defection, Khizr Khán proceeded to Sirhind. Bairam Khán sent his family into the mountains, and proceeded himself with his forces to join Daulat Khán at the ford of the Jumna. Khizr Khán pursued him, and halted on the bank of the river. Bairam Khán having no hope of escape, felt himself vanquished and helpless, so he went [and submitted] to Khizr Khán, who restored to him his parganas. Khizr Khán then returned to Fathpúr. During this year the Sultán remained in the capital, and made no excursion.

In the year 813 H. (1410 A.D.), Khizr Khán marched to Ruhtak, and besieged Idrís Khán in the fort. The war went on for six months, but at length being reduced to extremity, Idrís Khán sent out a large sum of money as tribute, and his son as a hostage, and so making peace, he bound himself by engagements to Khizr Khán. After this Khizr Khán returned through Sámána to Fathpúr. Sultán Mahmúd went to Katehr, and after hunting there, returned to the capital. The whole business of the State was fallen into the greatest disorder. The Sultán gave no heed to the duties of his station, and had no care for the permanency of the throne; his whole time was devoted to pleasure and debauchery.

In 814 H. (1411 A.D.), Khizr Khán proceeded to Ruhtak. Malik Idrís and Malik Mubáriz Khán his brother, received the khitta of Hánsí, and were honoured by being allowed to kiss the feet.⁴⁴ They received many other favours. After this Khizr Khán plundered the town of Nárnaul, which was in the possession of Iklim Khán and Bahádur Náhir. Then he went to Mewát, and plundered the towns of Tajárah, Sarath, and Kharol, and having pillaged other places in Mewát, he returned, and proceeding to Dehlí, he invested the fort of Sírí. Sultán Mahmúd was in the fort, and Ikhtiyár Khán held the palace of Fírozábád for him. The contest went on till Ikhtiyár Khán joined Khizr Khán, who then removed from before Sírí, and took possession of the fort of Fírozábád. Thus he became master of the fiefs of the Doáb, and of the neighbourhood of the capital.

As grain and forage were scarce, in Muharram, 815 H. (April, 1412 A.D.), he proceeded by Pánipat to Fírozpúr. In Jumáda-l awwal, Sultán Mahmúd went to Katehr, and after spending some days there hunting, he returned to Dehlí. On his way home he was seized with illness in the month of Rajab,^44a and died. He reigned, through all these many vicissitudes and misfortunes, twenty years and two months.

After the death of the Sultán, the amírs and maliks, and royal servants, pledged their faith to Daulat Khán. Mubáriz Khán and Malik Idrís abandoned Khizr Khán, and went over to Daulat Khán. During this year, Khizr Khán remained in Fathpúr, and did not go to Dehlí.

In Muharram, 816 H. (April, 1413), Daulat Khán went to Katehr, where Ráí Har Singh and other ráís came to wait upon him. When he reached Pattíálí, Muhábat Khán, amír of Badáún, joined him. Intelligence was now brought that Sultán Ibráhím was besieging Kádir Khán, son of Sultán Mahmúd Khán [in Kálpí],⁴⁵ but Daulat Khán had not sufficient forces to attempt to relieve him. In Jumáda-l awwal, Khizr Khán led his forces out of Dehlí, and when he went to Hisár Fírozah, all the amírs and maliks of that country gathered round him. Siege was laid to the fort of Ruhtak, in which Idrís Khán was living, and Khizr Khán passing near, went into Mewát. Jalál Khán, nephew of Iklím Khán Bahádur Náhir, came to wait upon him. Turning back from thence, he went into Sambhal, and laid the country waste. In the month Zí-l hijja he proceeded to Dehlí, and posted himself in front of the gate of Sírí. At length Malik Loná and some partisans of Khizr Khán in the city conspired together, and [gave him such assistance that] he obtained possession of the gate of the naubat-khánah. When Daulat Khán saw that his position was desperate, he begged for quarter. Khizr Khán gave him an interview, and then consigning him to the charge of Kiwám Khán, he sent him to the fort of Hisár Fírozah. Khizr Khán thus obtained possession of Dehlí on the 8th Rabí'u-l awwal, 817 H. (23rd May, 1414 A.D.)

Khizr Khán.^45a

Khizr Khán was the son of Maliku-sh Shark Malik Sulaimán, who was adopted in childhood, and brought up by Malik Nasíru-l Mulk Mardán Daulat.⁴⁶ Historians record that he was by descent a saiyid. The chief of the saiyids, Jalálu-d dín Bokhárí, once honoured the house of Malik Mardán with a visit, and when food was spread before his guest, Malik Mardán ordered Sulaimán to wash the great saiyid's hands. The saiyid said, “This is a saiyid, and is unfit for such work as this.” As the great chief of the saiyids thus testified to Sulaimán being a saiyid, there can be no doubt that he was one. Another proof of his being a saiyid is, that he was generous, brave, merciful, considerate, true to his word, and kind: these are all virtues which were conspicuous in the Prophet, and were manifest in him.

When Malik Mardán died, Malik Shaikh his son obtained the fief of Multán, but he died soon after, and Malik Sulaimán succeeded him. He likewise soon afterwards died, and Khizr Khán then obtained Multán, with all its dependencies, from Sultán Fíroz Sháh. God Almighty had chosen him for great work and a high station, and his dignity increased daily. The events of his campaigns and victories, before he accomplished the conquest of Dehlí, have already been related. On the 15th Rabí'u-l awwal, 817 (30th May, 1414 A.D.), he entered the fort of Sírí, and posted his army in the palace of Sultán Mahmúd. The people of the city, by force of late events, had become impoverished and needy, so he settled allowances and made provision for them. By this kindness, they were all made easy and happy. He gave to Maliku-sh Shark Malik Tuhfa the title of Táju-l Mulk, and made him wazír. To Saiyid Sálim, chief of the saiyids, he gave the iktá' and shikk of Saharanpúr, and all affairs were set in order. He gave to Malik 'Abdu-r Rahím, adopted son of the late Malik Sulaimán, the title of 'Aláu-l Mulk, and he confided to him the iktá' and shikk of Multán and Fathpúr. He made Malik Sarwar governor (shahna) of the capital, and his locum tenens when he was himself absent. Malik Khairu-d dín was made 'áriz-i mamálik (muster-master), Malik Kálú keeper of the elephants, Malik Dáúd became secretary (dabír). Ikhtiyár Khán was appointed to the shikk of the Doáb. The State officials were confirmed in the parganas, villages, and iktá's, which they had held in the reign of Sultán Mahmúd, and were sent to look after them. Thus the affairs of State were all properly arranged.

In the year 817 H. (1414 A.D.), Maliku-sh Shark Táju-l Mulk was sent out with the army of Hindustán, while Khizr Khán himself remained in the capital. Táju-l Mulk crossed the Jumna, and went to the town of Ahár. Then he crossed the Ganges into the country of Katehr, and chastised and plundered the infidels of that country. Ráí Har Singh fled into the mountains of Anwála.⁴⁷ When the army of Islám closed in upon him, he was helpless, and paid taxes, money, and tribute (mahsúl o mál o khidmatí). Muhábat Khán, amír of Badáún, came to wait upon Táju-l Mulk. After this interview, Táju-l Mulk pursuing the course of the Rahab, he arrived at the ford of Sarg-dwári, and there crossed the Ganges. He chastised the infidels of Khúr^47a and Kambil (Kampila), and passing through the town of Sakína, he proceeded to Bádham. Hasan Khán, amír of Ráprí, and Malik Hamza his brother, came to wait upon him. The infidels of Gwálior, Seorí, and Chandawár,^47b brought their money and taxes (mál o mahsúl), and bowed their necks to the yoke of obedience. He wrested Jalesar from the possession of the infidels of Chandawár, and gave it to the Musulmáns, who had formerly held it. He left his own officers there. Then passing along the Black river, he chastised the infidels of Etáwa, and returned to the capital.

In the year 818 H. (1415 A.D.), Khizr Khán gave to his son, the exalted prince Maliku-sh Shark Malik Mubárak, who was worthy to be a king, the khittas of Fírozpúr and Sirhind, and all the iktá's of the late Bairam Khán. He gave him command over all the west country, and sent Malik Sadhú Nádira to act as his deputy. When all the affairs of that country were satisfactorily arranged, the prince returned with Malik Sadhú Nádira, Zírak Khán, amír of Sámána, and other amírs and maliks, to the capital.

In 819 H. (1416 A.D.), Khizr Khán sent Malik Táju-l Mulk with a great army to Bayána and Gwálior. When the Malik entered the country of Bayána, Malik Karímu-l Mulk, brother of Shams Khán, gave him a grand reception. From thence he proceeded to Gwálior and plundered the country, and having seized the money and tribute of [the Ráí of] Gwálior and other ráís,⁴⁸ he passed the Jumna opposite Chandawár, and went towards Kampila and Pattíálí. Ráí Har Singh, the occupier of Katehr, was submissive, so after taking the revenue and tribute from him, the Malik returned to the capital. Malik Sadhú Nádira had been sent to Sirhind as the representative of Prince Mubárak. In the month of Jumáda-l awwal, some Turk-bachas^48a of the family of Bairam Khán treacherously got Sadhú into their power and murdered him. They then seized upon the fort of Sirhind. Khizr Khán sent Malik Dáúd, the dabír (secretary), and Zírak Khán, to put down these rebels. The Turk-bachas fled across the Satladar (Sutlej), and escaped to the mountains. Dáúd pursued them thither, and for two months carried on operations in the hills. But their mountainous retreats were strong, and he was unable to subdue them, so he returned. While this was passing, intelligence arrived in the month of Rajab that Sultán Ahmad of Gujarát had laid siege to the fort of Nágor. Khizr Khán marched thither, passing between Tonak and Todah, and when Sultán Ahmad heard of his approach, he retreated towards Dhár. Khizr Khán went to New city Jháín (shahr-i nau Jháín),⁴⁹ and Ilyás Khán, amír of Jháín, had the honour of an interview. Having repressed the disturbances in that quarter, Khizr Khán returned to Gwálior, and besieged the ráí in the fort. As the fort was very strong, he could not take it, but he took money and revenue on account of Gwálior, and then proceeded to the khitta of Bayána, where Shams Khán Auhadí (amír of Bayána) also paid money and tribute. After this he returned to Dehlí.

In 820 H. (1417 A.D.), Túghán Raís and sundry other Turk-bachas , who had slain Malik Sadhú, broke out in rebellion, and Khizr Khán sent Zírak Khán, amír of Sámána, with a strong force, to put them down. When he reached Sámána, Túghán, and the other Turk-bachas, who had besieged Malik Kamál Badhan, representative of Khán-záda Mu'azzam, in the fort of Sirhind, went off to the mountains. Zírak Khán pursued them to the town of Báíl.^49a Here Túghán Raís consented to pay a fine. He expelled the Turk-bacha murderers of Malik Sadhú from his band, and gave his son as a hostage. Zírak Khán sent the youth and the money to Dehlí, and himself returned to Sámána.

In 821 H. (1418 A.D.), Khizr Khán sent Malik Táju-l Mulk with a numerous army to repress the rebellion of Har Singh, of Katehr.^49b When this force crossed the Ganges, Har Singh laid waste the whole country of Katehr, and went into the jungle of Anwála, which borders that country for a distance of twenty-four kos. The army of Islám encamped near the jungle, and Har Singh being inclosed therein, had to fight. The royal forces were victorious, and all the furniture and baggage and arms and horses of the infidels fell into their hands. Har Singh fled towards the mountains of Kumáyún. On the following day about twenty thousand horse were sent in pursuit, whilst Táju-l Mulk remained stationary with his army and baggage. The forces of Islám crossed the Rahab, and pursued the enemy into the mountains of Kumáyún. Har Singh pressed forward into the mountains, and on the fifth day the royal forces retired, after having secured great spoil. Táju-l Mulk then fell back, and passing near Badáún, he crossed the Ganges at the ford of Bajlána. Muhábat Khán, amír of Badáún, there took leave of him, and he proceeded to Etáwa. He ravaged that district, and besieged Ráí Sarwar,⁵⁰ who held it; but the Ráí offered money and tribute, and so secured peace. From thence Táju-l Mulk returned in the month of Rabí'u-l ákhir triumphant to Dehlí. He there presented the money and tribute which he had brought to Khizr Khán, and was most graciously received.

In 822 H. (1419 A.D.), Khizr Khán marched against Katehr. First he chastised the rebels in the country of Kol, after that he scoured the jungles of the Rahab and of Sambhal, and overthrew the rebels. From thence he proceeded, in the month of Zí-l ka'da, towards Badáún, and passed the Ganges near the town of Pattíálí. When Muhábat Khán heard of this, his heart was struck with dismay, and he made preparations for standing a siege. In the month of Zí-l hijja, Khizr Khán invested the fort, and carried on the siege for six months. He was just upon the point of capturing it, when he received information that a conspiracy had been formed against him by some amírs and maliks of the late Mahmúd Sháh, who had been overpowered by Daulat Khán Among them were Kiwám Khán and Ikhtiyár Khán. As soon as this came to his knowledge, Khizr Khán raised the siege of Badáún, and marched towards Dehlí. On his march, by the banks of the Ganges, on the 20th Jumáda-l awwal, 822 H., having captured Kiwám Khán, Ikhtiyár Khán, and other officers of the late Sultán Mahmúd, he put them to death in punishment of their treason, and then repaired to Dehlí.

Information was now given of an impostor who had assumed the name of Sárang Khán. It appeared that a man assuming the name of Sárang Khán⁵¹ had appeared in the mountains of Bájwára,^51a dependent on Jálandhar, and had given himself out to be Sárang Khán. Many foolish ignorant people [believed him, and he had assembled a party around him. Khizr Khán]^51b gave the iktá' of Sirhind to [Malik Sultán Sháh] Lodí, and deputed him to repress the pretender. Malik Sultán Sháh, in the month of Rajab, proceeded with his own forces to Sirhind. The pretender Sárang, with his rustic adherents, then sallied forth from Bájwára, and when he approached the river Satladar (Sutlej), the people of Arúbar (Rúpar) also joined him. In the month of Sha'bán, he came near to Sirhind, and a battle was fought. Malik Sultán Sháh Lodí obtained the victory, and the pretender was put to flight. He fled to the town of Tarsarí,^51c one of the dependencies of Sirhind. Khwája 'Alí Indarábí, amír of the town of Jhath, with his dependents, joined the pretender. Zírak Khán, amír of Sámána, and Túghán, raís (chief) of the Turk-bachas of Jálandhar, came forward to strengthen Sultán Sháh. Sultán Sháh entered Sirhind, and the pretender Sárang then fled to Arúbar (Rúpar). Khwája 'Alí now deserted him, and joined Zírak Khán. Next day the royal army advanced to Arúbar (Rúpar), and there halted, the pretender having fled to the mountains. While this was passing Malik Khairu-d dín Khání was also sent with a strong force against the pretender. In the month of Ramazán, he arrived at Arúbar (Rúpar), and there the forces united, and marched into the mountains in pursuit of the impostor. Sárang Khán's followers were vanquished and helpless, but the mountains were not easy of conquest, so the (royal) forces retreated. Malik Khairu-d dín proceeded to the capital, and Zírak Khán went to Sámána, leaving Sultán Sháh Lodí with a force in possession of Arúbar. So the royal army was dispersed.

In 823 H. (1420 A.D.), the pretended Sárang Khán had a meeting with Túghán, chief of the Turk-bachas, when Túghán treacherously got the impostor into his power, and made him prisoner. He afterwards killed him. Khizr Khán remained in the capital, but he sent Malik Táju-l Mulk with an army against Etáwa. This army marched through the town of Baran, and came into the country of Kol. After suppressing the rebels in that quarter, it advanced into Etáwa, and there destroyed the village of Dehlí, the strongest place in the possession of the infidels. From thence, it marched against Etáwa, and besieged Ráí Sarwar,⁵² who at length made peace, and paid his annual revenue and tribute. The army then proceeded to the country of Chandawár, which it plundered, and laid waste. It then marched into Katehr, where Ráí Singh, the possessor of that country, paid further revenue and tribute. After that, Táju-l Mulk returned to the capital. In the month of Rajab, intelligence arrived that Túghán Raís had a second time broken out into rebellion, and was besieging the fort of Sirhind, and that he had overrun the country as far as Mansúrpúr and Báíl.^52a Khizr Khán again sent Malik Khairu-d dín with an army to overpower him. He marched to Sámána, and there united his forces to those of Majlis-i 'álí Zírak Khán. They then went in search of the rebel, but he being informed of their approach, crossed the river Satladar (Sutlej), at the town of Ludhiyána, and confronted the royal army from the other side of the river. But the waters were low, and the royal forces crossed. Túghán then fled into the country of Jasrath Khokhar. His fief (iktá') was given to Zírak Khán, and Malik Khairu-d dín returned to Dehlí.

In 824 H. (1421 A.D.), Khizr Khán marched to Mewát. Some of the Mewáttís joined him, and the others were besieged in the fortress of Kútila [belonging to] Bahádur Náhir. Khizr Khán sat down against the fort, and the Mewáttís sallied forth to fight; but they were quickly defeated, the fort was taken, and they fled to the mountains. After destroying the fort of Kútila, Khizr Khán marched towards Gwálior. On the 7th Muharram, 824 H. (13th January, 1421 A.D.), Malik Táju-l Mulk died, and the office of wazír was given to his eldest son, Maliku-sh Shark Malik Sikandar. When Khizr Khán arrived in Gwálior, his forces invested the fort, and overran the country. After realizing money and tribute, he proceeded to Etáwa. Ráí Sarwar of Etáwa was dead, and his son being unable to make resistance, paid his revenue and tribute money. Khizr Khán was now taken ill, and returned to Dehlí. On the 17th Jumáda-l awwal, 824 H. (15th May, 1421 A.D.), after reaching the city, he died, and God in his mercy took him.

Khizr Khán, three days before his death, nominated his excellent and worthy son as his heir-apparent. On the 19th Jumáda-l awwal, 824, with the approval of the amírs and maliks,^53a Mubárak Sháh took his seat upon the throne. Khizr Khán being dead, the people in general renewed their vows of allegiance to his throne. The amírs and maliks, the imáms, saiyids, and kázís, and every one else who held appointments and emoluments in the late reign, were confirmed in their iktá's, parganas, villages (dih), parcels of ground (katí'), and allotments (mahdúd), by the new sovereign. He even increased them of his own accord. The fiefs of the shikk of Hisár Fírozah and of Hánsí were taken from Malik Rajab Nádir and given to Maliku-sh Shark Malik Badah, the Sultán's nephew. Malik Rajab received the fief of the shikk of Díbálpúr. News now arrived of the rebellion of Jasrath Shaikhá Khokhar and Túghán Raís.

The cause of this outbreak was, that in 823 H. (1420 A.D.), Sultán 'Alí, King of Kashmír, led his army into the country of Thatta, but as he returned, he was encountered by Jasrath Khokhar. The Sháh's army was scattered, part being still in Thatta, and part having come out. Incapable of sustaining the attack, it broke and fled. Sháh 'Alí himself fell a prisoner into the hands of Jasrath, and all his baggage and stores were plundered. Jasrath Khokhar was an imprudent rustic. Intoxicated with victory, and elated with the strength of his forces, he began to have visions about Dehlí. When he heard of the death of Khizr Khán, he passed the rivers Biyáh and Satladar (Sutlej), with a body of horse and foot, and attacked Ráí Kamálu-d dín Main, at Talwandí. Ráí Fíroz fled before him towards the desert. Jasrath next plundered the country, from the town of Ludhiyána to the neighbourhood of Arúbar (Rúpar), on the Sutlej. Some days after, he re-crossed the river, and proceeded to Jálandhar. Zírak Khán withdrew into the fort, and Jasrath Khokhar pitched his camp three kos from the town, on the bank of the Bení. Negociations went on between them, and terms of capitulation were agreed upon by both parties. The fort was to be evacuated and given into the charge of Túghán. Majlis-i 'álí Zírak Khán was to take a son of Túghán to wait upon the Sultán, and Jasrath was to send tribute, and return home. On the 2nd Jumáda-l ákhir, Zírak Khán came out of the fort of Jálandhar, and was conducted to Jasrath Khokhar, who was drawn up ready to receive him with his whole force. When Jasrath saw Zírak Khán in his power, he forgot his promise, and carefully guarding him, carried him off a prisoner over the Sutlej, to the town of Ludhiyána. From thence he marched on the 20th Jumáda-l ákhir, to Sirhind, where he arrived in the middle of the rainy season. Malik Sultán Sháh Lodí took refuge in the fort, and although Jasrath made great exertions, God guarded the fortress, and Jasrath failed to take it. When Malik Sultán Sháh's appeals for assistance reached the ears of the Sultán, he, notwithstanding the rains, marched out of the city in the month of Rajab, and proceeded towards Sirhind. He reached the town of Kohila, in the neighbourhood of Sámána, and Jasrath hearing of his approach, raised the siege of Sirhind, on the 27th Rajab, and retreated to Ludhiyána. He released Majlis-i 'álí Zírak Khán,⁵⁵ who then returned to Sámána, and joined his sovereign. The royal army then advanced to Ludhiyána, and Jasrath Khokhar crossed to the other side of the river, where he encamped in full view of the Sultan's forces. He had got possession of all the boats, so the royal army was unable to pass. For nearly forty days they thus remained posted in sight of each other, until Canopus rose and the waters fell. The Sultán then retired to Kabúlpúr, and Jasrath Khokhar, keeping to the bank of the river, made a similar movement. On the 11th Shawwál, the king sent Sikan-dar Tuhfa, Majlis-i 'álí Zírak Khán, Maliku-sh Shark Mahmúd Hasan, Malik Kálú, and several other amírs, with a strong force and six elephants, to cross the river higher up at Rúpar. Early in the morning they crossed the river by a ford. On the same day, the king himself marched to the place where they had crossed. Jasrath Khokhar also, still holding to the bank of the river, advanced by a parallel march; but when he heard that some forces had crossed the river, he was alarmed, and took up a position four kos distant from the ford. The Sultán then passed with his whole army, and hastened to meet him. As soon as the royal forces came in sight, the rebels fled without fighting, leaving all their baggage behind. The royal forces pursued, and many horse and foot men were killed. Jasrath fled hastily with some light-horse, to the town of Jálandhar, and on the second day he crossed the Biyáh. When the royal army reached the Biyáh, he made off to the Ráví. The Sultán crossed the Biyáh at the foot of the hills, and reached the Ráví, near the town of Bhowa. He continued his pursuit across the river, and Jasrath then went over the Jánháva,⁵⁶ and proceeded to Tekhar,^56a in the hills. Ráí Bhím, the chief of Jammú, was honoured in an interview with the Sultán, and he then undertook to act as guide. He crossed the Jánháva, and conducted the royal army to Tekhar, which was his [Jasrath Khokhar's]^56b strongest place. They destroyed the place, and made many of those who had there sought refuge prisoners. The royal army then retired victorious towards Láhor.

In Muharram, 825 H. (December, 1421), the Sultán entered the ruined city of Láhor,^56c in which no living thing except the owl of ill omen had its abode. After a while the Sultán turned his attention to the restoration of the city, and under his royal favour building was recommenced. He stayed there encamped by the side of the Ráví for nearly a month, engaged in repairing the fort and the gates. When this work was completed, he gave the fief of Láhor to Maliku-sh Shark Malik Mahmúd Hasan. He gave him also two thousand horse, and having made preparation for the maintenance of this force and of the fort, he left them in his charge, and then returned to Dehlí. In Jumáda-l ákhir of this same year, Jasrath Shaikhá crossed the rivers Jánháva and Ráví with a large force of horse and foot, and proceeded to Láhor.⁵⁷ He pitched his camp near the place (tomb) of the Shaikhu-l Mashaikh Shaikh Hasan Zanjání. On the 11th Jumáda-l ákhir, an engagement was fought in the mud fort (hisár-i khám), and by God's grace Jasrath was repulsed. The royal forces came out of the fort in pursuit, but did not advance very far, so that the opposing forces maintained their respective positions. On the next day Jasrath held his ground, but on the following day he went down the Ráví. There having assembled the wise men ('ulamá), he, on the 17th of the month, fell back one kos from Láhor. On the 21st he returned and again attacked the fort, but the arms of Islám were once more victorious. The assailants were driven back and pursued, and Jasrath returned to his army. In this way for a month and five days fighting went on outside the fort, but at length Jasrath was compelled to retreat towards Kálánor. Ráí Bhím had come into the fort of Kálánor, with the object of rendering assistance to the royal forces. He had (already) excited the enmity of Jasrath, and when the latter approached, constant fighting went on, but neither party could prevail. So the strife continued; but subsequently, in the month of Ramazán, they made peace. Jasrath then went towards the Ráví, and there he gathered together all the people of the territory of the Khokhars who were in alliance with him. Sikandar Tuhfa now arrived at the ford of Búhí with a large force to support Malik Mahmúd Hasan, who had been sent by the Sultán against Jasrath. Unable to resist these forces, Jasrath fled across the Ráví and Jánháva with his followers, and proceeded to Tekhar.^57a Maliku-sh Shark crossed the Biyáh at the ford of Búhí, and on the 12th Shawwál, he arrived at Láhor. Malik Mahmúd Hasan came three kos out of the fort to meet him.

Previous to this, Malik Rajab, amír of Díbálpúr, Malik Sultán Shah Lodí, amír of Sirhind, and Ráí Fíroz Main joined Malik Sikandar. The army (of Sikandar Tuhfa) marched along the Ráví, and crossed that river between Kálánor and the town of Bhoh. On reaching the confines of Jammú,⁵⁸ they were joined by Ráí Bhím. After this, some Khokhars who had separated from Jasrath, at the river of Jánháva, were defeated, and the army returned to Láhor. His Majesty now gave orders that Maliku-sh Shark Mahmúd Hasan should go to the fief of Jálandhar, and having got ready (his followers), should return and join him. Malik Sikandar was placed in charge of Láhor, and in obedience to the royal order, he proceeded with his army into the fort. His Majesty having recalled Mahmúd and the other amírs, removed Malik Sikandar from the office of wazír, and appointed as his successor Maliku-sh Shark Sarwar, then governor of the city. The son of the latter succeeded him in the office of governor.

In the year 826 H. (1423 A.D.), His Majesty made ready his army, and determined to march towards Hindustán. In the month of Muharram he entered the territory of Katehr, and collected the revenue and taxes (mál o mahsúl). At this time Muhábat Khán, who had felt himself in danger from the Sultán's father Khizr Khán, was admitted to an interview and forgiven. From thence, the Sultán crossed the Ganges, and attacked the country of the Ráhtors, putting many of the infidels to the sword. He remained for some days encamped on the Ganges, and then he left Malik Mubáraz, Zírak Khán, and Kamál Khán with a detachment in the fort of Kampila, to put down any outbreak of the Ráhtors. The son of Ráí Sarwar, who had joined His Majesty, and had followed in his retinue, now took alarm and went off. Maliku-sh Shark Khairu-d dín Khán was sent in pursuit of him with a strong force, but could not come up with him. He, however, plundered his country, and descended upon Etáwa. The Sultán also marched and joined Khairu-d dín in Etáwa, when the infidel ruler of that country shut himself up in his fort. But he was unable to hold out, and so this son of Ráí Sarwar made his submission, and paid the revenue and tribute which was owing. His Majesty then returned victorious to Dehlí, where he arrived in Jumáda-l ákhir, 826 H. Malik Mahmúd Hasan came in with a large body of followers from his fief of Jálandhar to wait upon the Sultán, and was received with great distinction. The office of 'áriz-i mamálik was taken from Malik Khairu-d dín Khání and given to Mahmúd Hasan. This worthy and righteous man was a faithful servant of the Sultán; he applied himself diligently to business, and his dignity daily increased. In Jumáda-l awwal of this same year, there was fighting between Jasrath Shaikhá and Ráí Bhím. The ráí was killed, and the greater portion of his horses and arms fell into the hands of Jasrath. On ascertaining the death of Ráí Bhím, Jasrath united a small army of Mughals with his own, and attacked the territories of Díbálpúr and Láhor. Malik Sikandar immediately marched after him, but Jasrath fell back, and crossed over the Jánháva. About this time intelligence arrived of the death of Malik 'Aláu-l Mulk, amír of Multán.

Accounts were also brought in, that Shaikh 'Alí,⁵⁹ lieutenant of the prince the son of Sar-'atmash, was advancing with a large force from Kábul to attack the territories of Bhakkar and Siwistán. To repulse this attack and overthrow the accursed invaders, His Majesty placed the districts of Multán and Siwistán under the charge of Maliku-sh Shark Malik Mahmúd Hasan, and he sent him with a large army, and with all his family and dependents, to Multán. When he arrived there, he restored tranquillity among the population, and distributing in'áms, pensions, and allowances, he made the people joyful and happy. The inhabitants, both of the city and country, felt secure. He repaired the fort which had been damaged in the struggles (hádisah) with the Mughals, and he collected a strong army around him.

News now arrived that Alp Khán,⁶⁰ amír of Dhár, had marched against the Ráí of Gwálior. His Majesty hastened thither with a large army, but when he arrived at the district (khitta) of Bayána, the son of Auhad Khán, amír of Bayána, who had treacherously murdered his uncle, Mubárak Khán, rebelled against the Sultán, and destroying the fort, retired to the top of the hill. His Majesty sat down with his army at the foot of the hill, and after a time, the son of Auhad Khán, being reduced to extremities, paid his revenue and tribute, and placed his neck in the collar of obedience. His Majesty then continued his march towards Gwálior against Alp Khán. This chief held the fords of the Chambal, but another ford was accidentally found, and the royal army passed over. Malik Mahmúd Hasan and some other amírs, and the Mewáttís, and Nusrat Khán, with their horse and foot, plundered the baggage of Alp Khán, and brought many of his men, both horse and foot, back as prisoners. His Majesty considering that both parties were Musulmáns, spared the lives of the prisoners and set them free. Next day, Alp Khán sent messengers to His Majesty to make proposals of peace. The Sultán seeing that he was reduced to a state of impotence, consented to make peace, on condition of Alp Khán sending in tribute and retiring from Gwálior. On the following day, Alp Khán forwarded his tribute, and marched back towards Dhár. His Majesty remained for some time encamped on the banks of the Chambal, levying revenue and taxes from the infidels of the neighbourhood according to old custom, after which he returned to Dehlí, where he arrived in Rajab, 827 H., and devoted himself to the business of the State.

In Muharram, 828 H. (November, 1424), His Majesty resolved on going to Katehr. On reaching the banks of the Ganges, Ráí Har Singh came to pay his respects, and was received with great condescension; but as he had not paid his taxes (mahsúl) for three years, he was detained for a while.⁶¹ The royal army then crossed the Ganges, and having chastised the recusants of the neighbourhood, proceeded to the hills of Kumáyún. There it stayed for a time, but when the weather became hot, it marched homewards by the banks of the Rahab. Crossing the Ganges at Gang, the intention was to march to Kanauj; but there was a terrible famine in the cities of Hindustán, and consequently the army advanced no farther. News was brought that the Mewáttís had broken out into rebellion, so the Sultán marched into Mewát, which he ravaged and laid waste. The Mewáttís having driven off all the population,^61a took refuge in [the mountains of^61b] Jahra, which was their great stronghold. This place was impregnable, and grain and fodder were scarce, so the Sultán returned to Dehlí. He arrived there in the month of Rajab, and took up his abode in the palace. The amírs and maliks were dismissed to their own estates, and the Sultán gave himself up to relaxation and pleasure.

In 829 H. (November, 1425), he again marched against Mewát. Jallú and Kaddú,^61c grandsons of Bahádur Náhir, and several Mewáttís who had joined them, laid waste their own territories, and took up a position in the mountains of Andwar. They were attacked for several days by the royal forces, who drove them out of Andwar, and then they went to the mountains of Alwar. Next day His Majesty destroyed the fortified post of Andwar, and marched against Alwar. When Jallú and Kaddú posted themselves there, the royal forces followed them. At length they were reduced to distress, and were compelled to surrender. His Majesty granted them quarter, and afterwards graciously gave Kaddú a reception.⁶²

^62a “The Sultán having wasted the country of Mewát,
“returned home. Fourteen months afterwards, on the
“11th Muharram, 830 H. (12th November, 1426 A.D.),
“he proceeded to Mewát, and after punishing the dis-
“affected in that quarter, he marched to Bayána. Mu-
“hammad Khán, son of Auhad Khán, ruler of Bayána,
“retired to the top of the hill, and for sixteen days kept
“up his resistance. Some of his men joined the Sultán,
“and when he could no longer hold out, he came forth from
“the fort in the month of Rabí'u-l ákhir, with a rope round
“his neck, and made his submission. The horses and
“arms and goods of all sorts which were in the fort, he
“offered as tribute. By order of the Sultán, his family
“and dependents were brought out of the fortress and sent
“to Dehlí. Bayána was given to Mukbil Khán. Síkrí,
“which is now known as Fathpúr, was entrusted to Malik
“Khairu-d dín Tuhfa. His Majesty then proceeded to-
“wards Gwálior. The Ráí of Gwálior and [the Ráís] of
“Bhangar and Chandawár, made no resistance, but paid
“their revenue according to the old rule.

“The Sultán returned to Dehlí in the month Jumáda-l
“awwal. He then changed the territory of Mahmúd
“Hasan, giving him charge of Hisár Fírozah, and trans-
“ferring Multán to Malik Rajab Nádira. Muhammad
“Khán [son of Auhad Khán] having escaped with his
“family, fled to Mewát, where several of his scattered

“followers rejoined him. There he learnt that Malik Mukbil
“[the governor] had marched with his army towards
“Maháwan, leaving Malik Khairu-d dín Tuhfa in the fort,
“and the town empty [of soldiers]. Muhammad Khán
“seized the opportunity, and being supported by several
“zamíndárs of Bayána, he went there with a small force.
“Most of the people of the town and country joined him.
“Unable to hold the fort, Malik Khairu-d dín capitulated,
“and went to Dehlí.

“Mubárak Sháh then gave Bayána to Malik Mubáriz,
“and sent him against Muhammad Khán. The rebel shut
“himself up in the fort, and Mubáriz took possession of the
“country and began to manage it. Muhammad Khán then
“left a party of his adherents in the fort, while he himself
“escaped, and with all speed went to join Sultán Ibráhím
“Sharkí. Sultán Mubárak Sháh summoned Malik Mubáriz
“to his presence to account for the escape of Muhammad
“Khán, and marched in person against Bayána. On his
“way, a letter reached him from Kádir Khán, the governor
“of Kálpí, informing him that Sultán Ibráhím Sharkí was
“coming up against Kalpí with a strong force. The Sultán
“therefore deferred his march to Bayána, and turned to
“meet Sultán Ibráhím Sharkí. Meanwhile the forces of
“Sharkí had attacked the town of Bhúkanú,⁶³ and were
“marching upon Badáún. Sultán Mubárak Sháh then
“crossed the Jumna, and attacked the village of Harolí,
“one of the well-known places of Mawás. From thence
“he proceeded to Atrolí.”

His Majesty was now informed that Mukhtass Khán, brother of Sharkí, had entered into the territory of Etáwa with a large army and many elephants. He immediately sent off Maliku-sh Shark Mahmúd Hasan, with ten thousand brave and experienced horsemen, against Mukhtass Khán. The malik marched with this force, and came to the place where the Sharkí army was encamped. When Mukhtass Khán heard of his approach, he retreated, and joined [Ibráhím Sháh] Sharkí. Malik Mahmúd Hasan remained there some days, seeking to take his opponents unawares; but they were on the alert, and he could not find an opportunity. He then returned and joined his own army.⁶⁴ [Ibráhím Sháh] Sharkí now advanced along the banks of the Blackwater^64a to Burhánábád, in the district of Etáwa. His Majesty marched against him from Atrolí, and arrived at the town of Páyín-kotah,^64b where the two armies were only a short distance apart. When Sharkí saw the magnificence and the bravery of His Majesty, and the strength of his army, he retreated in the month of Jumáda-l awwal, and went towards the town of Ráprí. There he crossed the Jumna to Gudrang, and marching on, he encamped on the river of Katehr. His Majesty crossed the Jumna at Chandawár in pursuit, and encamped four kos distant from the enemy. The royal skirmishers made constant attacks upon all points, and carried off prisoners, cattle, and horses. About twenty days passed in this manner, the two armies being in close proximity. On the 17th Jumáda-l ákhir, Sharkí drew up all his forces, horse and foot and elephants, in battle array. His Majesty, Maliku-sh Shark Sarwaru-l Mulk, Saiyid Sálim chief of the saiyids, and several other great amírs, remained in the camp in safety, and some others were sent against the enemy, such as Maliku-sh Shark Malik Mahmúd Hasan, and Khán-i 'azam Fath Khán son of Sultán Muzaffar, Majlis-i 'álí Zírak Khán, Maliku-sh Shark Sultán Sháh, who had lately received the title of Islám Khán, Malik Jaman, grandson of the late Khán-i Jahán, Kálú Kháni, master of the elephants, Malik Ahmad Tuhfa, and Malik Mukbil Khán. The battle began and went on from midday till evening, but as night fell, the combatants withdrew to their respective positions. Neither side turned their backs, but remained fighting till the last. There were many wounded in the army of Sharkí, so that when next day he saw the strength of the royal forces, he retreated towards the Jumna. On the 17th Jumáda-l ákhir, he crossed from Gudrang to Ráprí, and from thence marched to his own country. The Sultán pursued him to Gudrang; but as the combatants on both sides were Musulmáns, His Majesty yielded to the intercession of his nobles, and gave up the pursuit. He then marched to Hath-kánt, where he took revenue and taxes and tribute, according to old custom, from the Ráí of Gwálior, and other ráís. Turning homewards, he proceeded along the Chambal, and entered Bayána. Muhammad Khán Auhadí had joined Sharkí, and consequently being afraid, he shut himself up in the fort. The Sultán invested the fort, which was very lofty and strong, and was deemed impregnable. But the garrison was unable to make a successful defence; their hands were powerless against the assailants, and their feet were unable to flee. So they were compelled to capitulate and ask for mercy. His Majesty, full of royal mercy and compassion for Musulmáns, forbore to punish Muhammad Khán, and granted him forgiveness. He directed his forces to remove from the fort, and on the 26th Rajab he marched out with his followers, and went off towards Mewát. His Majesty remained there for some days to set in order the wasted city; then he took effectual care to preserve the district and fortress, by appointing as their governor Malik Mahmúd, who had exhibited great resolution and loyalty in the government and protection of provinces, and had successfully accomplished many great duties. Thus, in the beginning of the reign, he had fought against Jasrath Khokhar; and when he held the command at Láhor, he had successfully contended against the prince-deputy of the Prince of Khurásán,⁶⁵ and had prevented him from coming to Multán. He was now appointed to command the fort of Bayána, and to manage the territory, and that iktá' and all its dependencies were placed under his charge.

His Majesty then departed homewards, and proceeding along the banks of the Jumna, he reached Dehlí on the 15th Sha'bán, 831 H. (30th April, 1428 A.D.), and took up his residence in Sírí. Then dismissing the amírs and maliks to their fiefs, he gave himself up to pleasure and enjoyment. * * * In the month of Shawwál, he seized Kaddú the Mewáttí, for having allied himself to Sultán [Ibráhím Sharkí], and for having kept up a correspondence with him: afterwards he had him put to death privately. His Majesty then sent Malik Sarwaru-l Mulk with an army to Mewát, to repress the turbulence of the people and settle the country. The inhabitants laid waste several of their towns and villages, places flourishing in the desert, and then retreated into the mountains. Jalál Khán brother of Malik Kaddú, and some other chiefs, including Ahmad Khán, Malik Fakhru-d dín, and several other maliks related to them, collected all their horsemen and footmen, and assembled in the fort of Alwar. When Malik Sarwaru-l Mulk sat down against the fort, the besieged saw that it was hopeless to resist, so they made proposals for peace, engaging to give hostages for the payment of their revenue. In accordance with this engagement, having received the revenue (mál), taxes (mahsúl), and hostages, Sarwaru-l Mulk returned with his army to Dehlí.

In the month of Zí-l ka'da, intelligence was brought that Jasrath Khokhar had besieged the town of Kálánor. Maliku-sh Shark Malik Sikandar Tuhfa marched from Láhor to relieve the place; but Jasrath, quitting his position before Kálánor, advanced some kos to meet him. A battle followed, in which Jasrath was victorious; Malik Sikandar retreated with his forces to Láhor. Jasrath passing by Kálánor, crossed the Biyáh, and attacked Jálandhar; but the place was strong, and he was unable to take it, so he retreated to Kálánor, carrying off the people of the neighbourhood as prisoners. When His Majesty was informed of these occurrences, he ordered Zírak Khán, amír of Sámána, and Islám Khán, amír of Sirhind, to unite their forces and advance to reinforce Malik Sikandar. But before they reached Láhor, Malik Sikandar had gone to Kálánor, and there uniting with his own forces all the horse and foot belonging to Ráí Ghálib of that town, he marched after Jasrath, and met him near Kángra, on the banks of the Biyáh. Both armies drew up in battle array, and the fight began. The forces of Islám were victorious. Jasrath being defeated, all the spoils which he had gained at Jálandhar fell into the hands of the victors, and he retreated to Tekhar. Malik Sikandar then returned to Láhor.

In Muharram, 832 H. (October, 1428 A.D.), Maliku-sh Shark Mahmúd Hasan having suppressed the rebellion which Muhammad Khán Auhadí had stirred up among the infidels of Bayána, he quitted that district and went to wait upon His Majesty in Dehlí. He was received with great favour, and the fief of Hisár Fírozah was granted to him.

His Majesty determined to march into the mountains of Mewát, and the royal camp was pitched at the top of the Hauz-i kháss. The amírs and maliks from all parts of the country joined it. Marching from thence, the Sultán proceeded to the palace of Hindwárí, and rested there for a while. Jalál Khán, Mewáttí, and other Mewáttís, being reduced to extremities, brought in the money, contributions, and tribute according to old rule, and some of them were granted the honour of paying homage. In the month of Shawwál, the royal standards returned safe and victorious to the capital. Nothing else of importance was done this year. About this time, intelligence was received of the death of Malik Rajab Nádira, amír of Multán, and the fief of Multán was restored to Maliku-sh Shark Mahmúd Hasan, who received the title of 'Imádu-l Mulk, and was sent to Multán with a large army.

In the year 833 H. (1429-30), the Sultán led his army to Gwálior, and passed through the country of Bayána. Having punished the rebels of Gwálior, he proceeded to Hathkánt. The Ráí of Hathkánt was defeated, and he fled into the mountains of Jálhár. His country was pillaged and laid waste, and many of its infidel inhabitants were made prisoners. From thence the army proceeded to Ráprí, and the fief of Ráprí was taken from the son of Hasan Khán and given to Malik Hamza. The army then returned to the capital in the month of Rajab. During the march, Saiyid Sálim was attacked by illness and died. His body was placed in a coffin, and carried to Dehlí with all speed, and buried. Saiyid Sálim was [for thirty years, one of the great nobles in the service of]⁶⁸ the late Khizr Khán, and he held many fiefs (iktá's) and parganas in the Doáb, besides the fort of Tabarhindh (Sirhind). His Majesty had also granted to him the khitta of Sarsuti and the iktá' of Amroha. The late Saiyid was a very avaricious man, and in the course of time had amassed an immense sum of money, and vast quantities of grain and stuffs in the fort of Tabarhindh (Sirhind). After his death, all the iktá's and parganas were given to his sons. The eldest son received the title of Saiyid Khán, and the other was entitled Shujá'u-l mulk. In the month of Shawwál, Púlád Turk-bacha, slave of Saiyid Sálim, came into the fort of Tabar-hindh, at the instigation of the Saiyid's sons, and there began to prepare for rebellion. His Majesty imprisoned the Saiyid's two sons, and sent Yúsuf Sarúb and Ráí Hansú Bhattí, to conciliate the above-mentioned Púlád, and to get possession of the late Saiyid's wealth. When they came near the fort of Tabarhindh, on the first day, Púlád met them and conferred with them in the most friendly way; he also sent them provisions, and made them feel at ease. Next day he sallied out of the fort with his men, and made a sudden attack^68a upon them. Malik Yúsuf and Ráí Hansú were informed of his treachery, and made their forces ready to meet him. Although the malik's men were all covered with iron, yet they could not stand before the infamous Púlád.^68b At the first onset they were scattered like drops, and he pursued them for a parasang. Then he returned and took possession of their baggage, tents, money, goods, and whatever they had left behind them.

The Sultán, when he heard of this, was much affected, and started for Tabarhindh. He arrived at Sarsuti, where the amírs and maliks of those parts joined the royal standard. Púlád had made many preparations for the siege, and had strengthened himself in the fort. Majlis-i 'álí Zírak Khán, Malik Kálú, keeper of the elephants, Islám Khán and Kamál Khán invested the fort. Maliku-sh Shark 'Imádu-l Mulk, amír of Multán, was summoned to come from Multán and advise upon the suppression of Púlád's rebellion. In the month of Zí-l hijja, 'Imádu-l Mulk left his army in Multán, and proceeded hastily⁶⁹ to Sarsuti with a small party, where he was admitted to an interview. But before this, Púlád had said to himself that he could depend upon the promise and protection of 'Imádu-l Mulk, and that if through him he could gain his object, he (Púlád) would return to his obedience, and would hope for the honour of being received into the royal presence. 'Imádu-l Mulk was sent forward to Tabar-hindh to excite his expectations. Púlád came out of the fort, and had an interview with 'Imádu-l Mulk and Malik Kálú in front of the gate.^69a “Púlád, however, talked and made state_

“ments, but determined to persevere in his revolt.^69b So
“'Imádu-l Mulk returned unsuccessful. In the month of
“Safar, the Sultán ordered 'Imádu-l Mulk back to Multán,
“and he himself returned to Dehlí.

“The Sultán left Islám Khán, Kamál Khán, and Ráí
“Fíroz Maín to carry on the siege of Tabarhindh. 'Imádu-l
“Mulk instructed these officers as to the siege operations,
“and then departed for Multán. Púlád held out for six
“months. He then sent a sum of money by the hands of
“some trusty adherents to Shaikh 'Alí Beg, at Kábul,
“soliciting his assistance.⁷⁰ In the month of Jumáda-l
“awwál, Shaikh 'Alí went to Tabarhindh. When he came
“within ten kos distance, Islám Khán, Kamál Khán, and
“all the other amírs abandoned the siege, and went to their
“own homes. Púlád then came out of the fort, and had
“an interview with Shaikh 'Alí, to whom he paid the two
“lacs of tankas he had promised. Shaikh 'Alí, taking with
“him the family of Púlád, started on his return. Passing
“through Jálandbar, he went to Láhor. There Malik
“Sikandar gave him the money which he paid to him
“annually, and sent him away. From thence, Shaikh 'Alí
“proceeded to Talwára, and endeavoured to destroy it.
“'Imádu-l Mulk now marched to Tulamba, in order to
“oppose him, and Shaikh 'Alí not being strong enough to
“meet him, went off to Khatíbpúr. Orders now arrived
“for 'Imádu-l Mulk to leave Tulamba and go to Multán.
“On the 24th Sha'bán, he accordingly proceeded to Multán,
“and Shaikh 'Alí being emboldened, crossed the Ráví at
“Khatíbpúr, and laying all waste along the banks of the
“Jhilam, which is well known as the Jináb (Chináb),^70a
“advanced towards Multán. When he arrived at a village a
“kos distant from Multán, 'Imádu-l Mulk sent out Sultán
“Sháh Lodí uncle of Bahlol Lodí to oppose him. This
“officer met his enemy unexpectedly, and was killed. His
“army was put to flight, and the men returned in small

“parties to Multán. On the 3rd Ramazán, the Shaikh occu-
“pied Khairábád, near Multán.” On the 25th of Ramazán,⁷¹

Shaikh 'Alí advanced with all his forces against the gates of Multán, to make an assault; but the troops of 'Imádu-l Mulk and the citizens sallied forth to meet him. A fight took place in the gardens, and the assailants were driven back, with the loss of all the provisions they had brought with them. On the 27th Ramazán, they again made an attack in great force. Dismounting his horsemen, in order to push through the gates of the city, 'Imádu-l Mulk fell upon them with his horse and foot, and they, unable to support his attack, retreated. Some were killed, and some succeeded in falling back to the main body. Being thus again defeated, they dared not make any further attack upon the place.

When the report of these events reached the ears of the Sultán, he sent Majlis-i 'álí Khan-i 'azam Fath Khán son of Sultán Muzaffar Gujarátí, Majlis-i 'álí Zírak Khán, Malik Kálú keeper of the elephants, Khán-i 'azam Islám Khan, Malik Yúsuf Sarwaru-l Mulk, Khán-i 'azam Kál Khán, and Ráí Hansú Khúl Chain Bhattí with a large army, to reinforce Maliku-sh Shark 'Imádu-l Mulk. On the 26th Shawwál, this army arrived in the khitta of Multán, and remained encamped for some days. On Friday, the 3rd Zí-l ka'da, it marched, and approaching the prayer-house (namáz-gáh), endeavoured to enter the kútila of 'Alá-l Mulk. Shaikh 'Alí was informed of this, and he drew up all his horse and foot in opposition. The royal forces also were marshalled ready for the fight. Maliku-sh Shark 'Imádu-l Mulk was in the centre; Majlis-i 'álí Fath Khán, Malik Yúsuf, and Ráí Hansú on the right; and Majlis-i 'álí Zírak Khán, Malik Kálú, Khán-i 'azam Islám Khán, and Khán-i 'azam Kamál Khan on the left. At the sight, even from a distance, of the approach of the royal forces, the hearts of the enemy wavered; and when the brave warriors made a general charge on them, they broke and fled. So precipitate was their flight, that they never looked behind them. Several of their generals were killed endeavouring to escape, and the rest of the army took refuge in the fortification which had been raised round the baggage. The victorious army pressed on to the fortifications, and the enemy, unable to withstand the attack, were driven into the Jhilam. Many were drowned,⁷² and those who escaped the waves were killed or made prisoners. Hájí Kár was wounded, and perished among the drowned. Shaikh 'Alí and Amír Muzaffar crossed the river in safety, and proceeded with a few horsemen to the town of Shor.^72a All their arms, baggage, and equipments fell into the hands of the victors. So great a disaster had never befallen an army at any former time, or under any reign. All who took to the water were drowned, and all who resisted on the battle-field were killed; neither flight nor fight availed to save them. * * To return to our narrative: Maliku-sh Shark Malik 'Imádu-l Mulk, that is, Malik Mahmúd Hasan, and the other commanders, on the 4th Zí-l ka'da, pursued Shaikh 'Alí to the town of Shor. Amír Muzaffar^72b prepared himself to stand a siege in the fort of Shor, and to fight it out. Shaikh 'Alí, defeated and discouraged, fled with a small body of followers towards Kábul. At this juncture, orders arrived from the Sultán, in accordance with which all the amírs who had been sent left the fort of Shor, and proceeded to the capital. In consequence of this business, the iktá' of Multán was taken from Maliku-sh Shark, and given to Malik Khairu-d dín Khání. But this transfer was made inconsiderately and imprudently, and hence great troubles and disturbances arose in the khitta of Multán, which will have to be narrated in subsequent pages.

In the year 835 H. (1431-2) it was reported to the Sultán that Malik Sikandar Tuhfa had marched towards Jálandhar. For Jasrath Shaikhá Khokhar had come down with a strong force from the mountains of Telhar, and having crossed the Jhilam, Ráví and Biyáh, had come near to Jálandhar on the river Paní. Malik Sikandar was incautious, and encountered him with a small force. At the first charge he was defeated, and by the decree of fate fell into the hands of Jasrath Khokhar. Some of Malik Sikandar's men were killed in the fight, and some fled to Jálandhar. Jasrath carried off Sikandar and some others who had been made prisoners with him, and marched in triumph to Láhor, to which fortress he laid siege. Saiyid Najmu-d dín, lieutenant of Sikandar, and Malik Khush-khabr, his slave, held the fort, and carried on a constant fight with the besiegers. While this was passing Shaikh 'Alí collected a band of accursed wretches, and attacked the frontiers of Multán. He made prisoners of the people of Khatíbpúr, and several other villages on the banks of the Jhilam, as he descended that river. On the 17th Rabí'u-l awwal he reached Tulamba, and having got the people of the town to surrender, he kept the chiefs of them prisoners. Then he gave his accursed followers permission to take possession of the fort. Next day, all the Musulmáns became the prisoners of the unclean ruthless infidels. Although many good men of the place were imáms, saiyids, and kázís, no respect for the Musulmán religion, no fear of God, could restrain that accursed wretch, devoid alike of feeling and shame. Women, youths, and little children were all dragged to his house. Some of the men were killed and some were set at liberty. The fort of Tulamba, which was very strong, he caused to be destroyed.

About this time Púlád Turk-bacha came out of Tabarhindh with his followers, and attacked the country of Ráí Fíroz. As soon as the ráí heard of this, he marched with his horse and foot to oppose him, and a battle followed. The ráí was slain, and the victorious Púlád cut off his head and carried it to Tabarhindh. He also secured many horses and a large supply of grain. When the Sultán received information of these events, he himself marched towards Láhor and Multán, and he sent Malik Sarwar on in advance with a strong force to repress the rebellion of Púlád. When the army came near to Sámána the infamous Jasrath Khokhar abandoned the siege of the fort, and went into the hills of Telhar, carrying with him Malik Sikandar. Shaikh 'Alí also, fearing the royal army, retreated towards Bártot.⁷⁴ The fief of Láhor was taken from Maliku-sh shark Shamsu-l Mulk, and given into the charge of Khán-i 'azam Nusrat Khán Garg-andáz. Malik Sarwar brought the family of Shamsu-l Mulk out of Láhor, and sent them to the capital. Nusrat Khán thus became possessed of the fort of Láhor and the fief of Jálandhar. In the month of Zí-l hijja Jasrath Khokhar came down with his followers from the hills, and attacked Nusrat Khán at Láhor, but, in the end, he was worsted and returned to the hills. The Sultán pitched his royal camp on the river Jumna, near to the khitta of Pánipat, and there he remained for a time. From thence, in the month of Rajab, he sent Maliku-sh Shark 'Imádu-l Mulk with a strong force to Bayána and Gwálior, with orders to punish the rebels and infidels of those parts. He himself then returned to the capital.

In 836 H., in the month of Muharram (Sept., 1432), the king marched from Dehlí to Sámána, to punish the disaffected in that neighbourhood. He proceeded as far as Pánipat. News was then brought that Makhdúma-i Jahán, his mother, was very ill. He immediately returned to the capital, leaving his army and baggage in charge of the amírs and maliks. A few days after his return his mother died. After performing her obsequies he remained for a day in the capital, and then returned to his army. On his arrival he ordered Malik Sarwar to march with an army, appointed for the purpose, against the fort of Tabarhindh, where Púlád Turk-bacha had made himself stronger than he was before, having thrown into the fort all the arms and implements and grain which he had gathered from the country of Ráí Fíroz. The fort was invested and operations were begun. Malik Sarwaru-l Mulk, when the dispositions were made, left Majlis-i 'álí Zírak Khán, Islám Khán, and Malik Kahún Ráj in command, and proceeded with a small escort to join the Sultán at Pánipat. The Sultán having given up his design of proceeding on his intended expedition, took the fiefs of Láhor and Jálandhar from Nusrat Khán, and gave them to Malik Allah-dád. [When Malik Allah-dád arrived at Jálandhar, Jasrath Shaikhá crossed the Biyáh and attacked him.]⁷⁵ Jasrath was victorious, and the Malik being obliged to flee went into the mountains of Kothí. In the month of Rabí'u-l awwal the Sultán marched towards the mountains of Mewát, and arrived at the town of Táorú.^75a Jalál Khán Mewáttí, on hearing of his advance, shut himself with a large force in the fort of Andarú,^75b which is the strongest place belonging to the Mewáttís. Next day the Sultán prepared to attack the place, but before his forces drew near, Jalál Khán set fire to the fort, and making his way out he went off towards Kútila. The greater part of the provisions and materials and grain, which had been collected in prospect of the siege, fell into the hands of the royal forces. His Majesty then marched away, and encamping at the town of Tajára, he devastated the greater part of the country of Mewát. Jalál Khán, being distressed and helpless, returned to his allegiance; and paying his revenue and taxes according to old rule, gave up his rash proceedings, and was pardoned. Malik 'Imádu-l Mulk joined the Sultán at Tajára with a strong force of horse and foot from Bayána. The Sultán sent Malik Kamálu-l Mulk and all the amírs and maliks from Tajára to coerce the infidels of Gwálior and Etáwa, and he himself returned with an escort to the capital, which he reached in the month of Jumáda-l awwal.

After he had been there a few days, the intelligence arrived that Shaikh 'Alí was marching with a large force against the amírs who were engaged in the siege of Tabarhindh (Sirhind). This troubled His Majesty, for he feared lest these amírs, alarmed at the news, should raise the siege, as it had been raised before. He therefore sent Malik 'Imádu-l Mulk to support them; and when that chief arrived, the officers in command were encouraged and strengthened. Shaikh 'Alí, marching quickly from Shor,⁷⁶ entered the country on the banks of the Biyáh, and after making prisoners of many of the men of Sáhaní-wál and other villages, he went on to Láhor. Malik Yúsuf Sarwar, Malik Ismá'íl nephew of Majlis-i 'álí Zírak Khán, and the son of Bihár Khán, had been left in charge of the fort of Láhor. They now closed the fort, and opposed the assailants. The people of the city were negligent of their watch and ward; consequently Malik Yúsuf and Malik Ismá'íl left the city by night and fled. Shaikh 'Alí sent a force in pursuit. Many of the horsemen fell under the attacks of the accursed pursuers, and many were taken prisoners, including Malik Rájá. Next day the accursed Shaikh 'Alí made all the Musulmáns of the city, both men and women, prisoners. This wretched graceless fellow had no better object or occupation than to lay waste the seats of Islám and to make Musulmáns captive. After making prisoners of the men of Láhor, he remained there for some days, and repaired the walls of the fortress which had been damaged. Then leaving about 2,000 men, horse and foot, behind, with the means of standing a siege, he marched towards Díbálpúr. Malik Yúsuf Sarwaru-l Mulk was about to abandon the fort of Díbálpúr and flee, as he had abandoned that of Láhor; but Maliku-sh Shark 'Imádu-l Mulk at Tabarhindh, being informed of his intention, sent Maliku-l umará Malik Ahmad, his brother, with a body of men, to hold the fort. Shaikh 'Alí had (formerly) escaped alive with a thousand troubles from before Maliku-sh Shark, and dread of that chief still ruled in his heart, so he was unable to go to Díbálpúr.

In Jumáda-l ákhir the Sultán received intelligence of these movements. The brave monarch, prompted only by his courage, and without hesitation, marched with the limited force which was ready at his command to Sámána. There he waited some days for Maliku-sh Shark Kamálu-l Mulk. When that chief, with the force under his command, joined the Sultán, he left Sámána and marched to Talwandi (belonging to) Ráí Fíroz Maín, where he encamped. Here he was joined by Maliku-sh Shark 'Imádu-l Mulk and Islám Khán Lodí, who had been sent to Tabarhindh. Giving orders to his other amírs not to delay the investment of the fort, he hastened on and crossed [the Ráví]⁷⁷ at the ford of Pohí. When the enemy heard of these movements, he was alarmed, and took to flight. The royal forces arrived in the neighbourhood of Díbálpúr, and, crossing the Ráví, encamped on the other side, when the accursed foe had already crossed the Jhilam. Maliku-sh Shark Sikandar Tuhfa now received the title of Shamsu-l Mulk, with the fiefs of Díbálpúr and Jálandhar.^77a The Sultán marched on unopposed towards Shor, which was in the possession of the enemy, and crossed the Ráví near the town of Tulamba, sending on Maliku-sh Shark in pursuit of the foe. But he fled precipitately, never staying to look behind him, and many horses and much baggage and goods which he had got in boats fell into the hands of the victors. Shaikh 'Alí's nephew, Amír Muzaffar, was in command of the fort of Shor, and held out for nearly a month; but he was at length compelled to capitulate in the month of Ramazán. He gave his daughter to the king's son, and paid a large sum of money as tribute. The band of Mughals who were besieged in Láhor capitulated to Maliku-sh Shark Shamsu-l Mulk in the month Shawwál, and he then took possession of the place. * * * Maliku-sh Shark 'Imádu-l Mulk had been successful in several important charges, so the Sultán took the fiefs of Díbálpúr, Láhor, and Jálandhar from Malik Shamsu-l Mulk and gave them to 'Imádu-l Mulk; he also gave the fief of Bayána which 'Imádu-d dín had held to Shamsu-l Mulk. Leaving his elephants and horses, his army and baggage and followers, in charge of Maliku-sh Shark Kamálu-l Mulk, the Sultán hastened with all speed to Dehlí, which he reached on the day of the 'Id [of Kurbán]. * * * On the 1st Zí-l hijja Kamálu-l Mulk also arrived with the army. The duties of díwán and wazír were not effectively discharged by Sarwaru-l Mulk; so as Kamálu-l Mulk had shown himself in all his duties to be trustworthy, capable and loyal, the díwán i ashraf was transferred to him, and the office of wazír only was confirmed to Sarwaru-l Mulk. They were both ordered to carry on the affairs of the State in concert, but they acted falsely to each other. [Kamálu-d dín was the more competent man],⁷⁸ so the government officials consulted him about their affairs. Sarwaru-l Mulk's thoughts were now turned towards blood. His deprivation of the fief of Díbálpúr had rankled like a thorn in his heart, and his mind was now set upon effecting some revolution in the State. Some villainous infidels, such as the sons of Kángu and Kajwí Khatrí, whose families, from the days of their ancestors, had been patronized and protected by the royal house, and who had become masters of many servants and followers and much territory and power; some treacherous Musulmáns also, Mírán Sáhib, deputy of the 'áriz-i mamálik, Kází 'Abdú-s Samad Khán Hájib and others, conspired with Sarwaru-l Mulk, and were intent upon their design [of killing the Sultán].^78a They did not find an opportunity, but no fear of God or shame of man restrained their hands from this wicked and senseless deed.

The Sultán had determined to build a city on the banks of the Jumna, and on the 17th Rabí'u-l awwal, 837 H. (31st October, 1433), he laid the foundation of a city at Kharábábád.^78b The name given to that ill-omened city was Mubárakábád. He knew not that the foundation of his existence was shaken, and that his life had turned its face towards departure. He devoted much time and care to the direction of this building. At this time intelligence was brought of the reduction of the fort of Tabarhindh by the amírs who had been sent against it, and of the death of the evil Púlád, whose head had been cut off and sent to the Sultán by the hands of Mírán Sadr. The Sultán now set out, as if for hunting, to settle and make quiet the country of Tabarhindh. After staying there a few days, he returned in good health and spirits, and went to the city of Mubárakábád. Subsequently he proceeded towards Hindustán, for he had heard of war having broken out between Sultán Ibráhím and Alp Khán, on account of Kálpí. He had previously contemplated leading his armies in that direction; and on hearing this intelligence, his course was decided. Orders were sent in every direction for the amírs of the capital, and the maliks of every country, to gather their forces with the greatest celerity, and to join His Majesty. When a large army was assembled, in the month of Jumáda-l ákhir, the Sultán left the city to begin his march to Hindustán, and he encamped for a few days at the chautara of Shír-gáh. Thence he proceeded with only a small escort, and without ceremony, to Mubárakábád, in order to see the progress of the buildings. The unworthy Sarwaru-l Mulk had been watching his opportunity, and he now set the vile infidels and the traitor Mírán Sadr to work, lest his secret plots should become disclosed. A time of privacy was what his plans required. On Friday, the 9th Rajab, 837 H. (19th January, 1434), the Sultán had reached Mubárakábád with his small party, and was preparing for prayers, when Mírán Sadr craftily removed the amírs who were on guard, and like a cunning fox and bloodthirsty jackal, brought in his wretched infidels armed and mounted on horseback upon pretence of taking leave. Sadhárún Kángú stood with his party outside the door, to prevent any one from going in to the rescue. The confiding sovereign, having full confidence in them, took no notice of these preparations. He had been exceedingly kind and generous to these foes of God and enemies of himself. Sidhú Pál, grandson of Kajú, from his ambush, dealt the king such a blow upon the head with his sword, that his life's blood flowed upon the ground. Ránú the black, and the other conspirators, then rushed out with loud hellish cries, and despatched that righteous sovereign. * * Mubárak Sháh reigned thirteen years, three months, and sixteen days.

Sultán Muhammad Sháh bin Faríd Sháh bin Khizr Sháh.

A clement and generous sovereign, full of excellent qualities. * * When the august Mubárak Sháh had received his martyrdom, the vile infidels and the traitor Mírán Sadr hastened to Sarwaru-l Mulk, and informed him of the completion of their work, which filled him and them with joy and exultation. Then, with the assent of the amírs and maliks, imáms and saiyids, soldiers and civilians, on the same day, Friday, the 9th Rajab 837, the new Sultán ascended the throne. Sarwaru-l Mulk, although he gave his adhesion to the new sovereign, was still intent upon his own designs, to such an extent indeed, that he kept the treasures and stores, the horses and elephants, and the arsenal under his own command. He received the title of Khán-i Jahán, and Mírán Sadr was ennobled as Mu'ínu-l Mulk. The vile infidels (assassins) grew conceited and arrogant, and in all things they sought their own advantage; but in the end they got their deserts. Maliku-sh Shark Kamálu-l Mulk, a man versed in the business of government, was outside of the city with all the amírs and the soldiers, and the elephants, and the royal stud and servants; but he came in, and pledged his fealty to the king. Revenge was his object, for he was resolved to kill Sarwaru-l Mulk and the other conspirators, as they had slain Mubárak Sháh. But he could not get an opportunity, and so resigned his vengeance to the Lord, who in time worked such a retribution as has never been rehearsed in tale or history. * * To return to our narrative: Next day, Sarwaru-l Mulk, under pretence of requiring the vow of allegiance, summoned several of the officials of the late king, all of whom were men of position and importance. He apprehended them all, and put Malik Su, amír of Koh, to death on the maidán. Malik Makhdúm, Malik Mukbil, Malik Kanauj, and Malik Bírá he put in prison, and exerted all his powers to uproot the family of Mubárak Sháh. Some of the iktá's and parganas of the country he kept for himself, and some, such as Bayána, Amroha, Nárnaul, Kuhrám, and some parganas in the Doáb, he gave to Sidhí Pál, Sadháran, and their relations. Ránú, the black, a slave of Sidhí Pál, was sent with a numerous band of turbulent followers, and all his family, to take possession of Bayána. He approached Bayána in the month of Sha'bán, and on the 12th of that month he entered the district. Halting for the night, he wanted to get possession of the fort, and next day he went forth with all his forces in great array. Yúsuf Khán Auhadí had been informed of his approach, and drawing his forces out of the town of Hindwán, he boldly marched with a strong body of horse and foot to oppose him. The opposing forces met near the khatíra of the prince,⁸¹ and being drawn up in array the battle began. The vile infidels were unable to make a stand, but broke at the first charge. Ránú the black, and many others, were put to the sword. His foul head was cut off and suspended over the gate, and all his family, his wives and children, fell into the hands of the army of Islám. God is the protector of the religion of Islám, and He gave the victory to Yúsuf Khán, enabling him to avenge the death of Mubárak Sháh on that vile heretic.

The noise of the perfidy of Sarwaru-l Mulk, and of his leaguing with base infidels, spread through all the country, and many amírs and maliks who had been recipients of the bounty of the late Khizr Khán now withdrew from their obedience. Sarwaru-l Mulk being disaffected like them, strife and disturbances arose. Malik Allah-dád Káká^81a Lodí amír of Sambhal, and A'hár Miyán holder of Badáún and grandson of the late Khán-i Jahán, Amír 'Alí Gujaráti and Amír Kambal Turk-bacha [had formed a party against Sarwaru-l Mulk who,]⁸² on being informed of their proceedings, appointed Maliku-sh Shark Kamálu-d dín and Khán-i 'azam Saiyid Khán, son of Saiyid Sálim, to repress their rebellion. Malik Yúsuf, son of Sarwaru-l Mulk, and Sadháran Kángú, were sent along with them. In the month of Ramazán, his forces being in readiness, he (Kamálu-d dín) marched out and encamped at the top of the hauz, and a few days afterwards he proceeded to the banks of the Jumna. Crossing the river at the ford of Kcha, he arrived and halted at Baran, intent upon his schemes of vengeance. On being apprised of his approach, Malik Allah-dád, desirous of avoiding an action, was about to cross the Ganges and go elsewhere; but when he was enlightened as to Kamálu-d dín's real intention of exacting a full revenge, he was re-assured, and halted at the town of Ahár. Sarwaru-l Mulk got intelligence of these proceedings, and sent his slave, Malik Hushyár, under the pretence of assisting Kamálu-d dín, [but in reality, to ascertain his treachery, and watch over the safety of Yúsuf.]^82a In a short time also, Malik Chaman drew out his forces in Badáún, to assist Malik Allah-dád, and joined him at the town of Ahár. Malik Yúsuf and Hushyár and Sadháran were suspicious of Kamálu-d dín, and now their apprehensions grew stronger. Wavering like a ball tossed from hand to hand, their fears prevailed, and they fled to the capital. On the last day of Ramazán, Malik Allah-dád, Miyán Chaman, and the other amírs with them, joined Kamálu-l Mulk. Having thus drawn a large and imposing force around him, on the 2nd Shawwál, he crossed [the Ganges] at the ford of Kícha. On hearing of his approach, Sarwaru-l Mulk, although in a forlorn condition, made every preparation for standing a siege. * * Kamálu-l Mulk advanced and sat down against the place. The vile infidels and the wretched Hushyár sallied forth and joined fight; but they soon turned their backs, and retreated to the fortifications.⁸³ Many were killed, and many were made prisoners. Next day, Kamálu-d dín pressed on against the fort of Sírí, and many amírs and maliks of the neighbourhood joined him. During the month of Shawwál, the place was so closely invested that it was impossible for any one to make his way out. But although the besiegers made daily attacks upon the fortifications, and effected breaches in several places, it held out for three months. In the month of Zí-l hijja, Zírak Khán, amír of Sámána, died, and his fief was granted to his eldest son Muhammad Khán. Although His Majesty was in appearance friendly to those in the fort, he was in reality desirous of taking revenge for the murder of the late Mubárak Sháh, but he did not find the opportunity. They on their side were in the greatest apprehension lest the Sultán should betray them. Thus, both parties were suspicious of each other.

On the 8th of Muharram, 838 A.H. (14th August, 1434 A.D.), the traitor Sarwaru-l Mulk and the sons of the perfidious Mírán Sadr proceded with treacherous intentions to the residence of the Sultán. But he was ready, and on his guard. * * * Sarwaru-l Mulk was killed with blows of the sword and dagger, and the sons of Mírán Sadr were taken prisoners and put to death before the darbár. The vile infidels, being informed of these events, shut themselves up in their houses and prepared for resistance. The Sultán conveyed information to Kamálu-d dín, directing him to come into the city with a party of his followers. Kamálu-l Mulk entered by the gate of Baghdád, with other amírs and maliks. Sidhí Pál, the accursed, set fire to his house, making his wives and children fuel for hell. He himself came out and died fighting. Sadháran Kángú, and the band of khatris who were taken alive, were taken to the khatíra of the martyred Sultán, and there put to death. Malik Hushyár and Mubárak Kotwál were taken prisoners, and were beheaded before the Red gate.

Next day, Maliku-sh Shark Kamálu-l Mulk, and all the other amírs and maliks who were outside [the city,] renewed their oaths of allegiance to the Sultán, and he again, with general consent, took his seat upon the throne. Kamálu-l Mulk was made wazír, with the title of Kamál Khán. Malik Jíman received the title of Ghází-u-l Mulk, and the fiefs of Amroha and Badáún were confirmed to him. Malik Allah-dád Lodí would not take any title himself, but obtained the title of Daryá Khán for his brother. Malik Khúnráj Mubárak Khání received the title of Ikbál Khán, and the fief of Hisár Fírozah which he held was confirmed in his possession. All the amírs were favoured with great honours and rich gifts; and all men who held offices or fiefs, or villages or grants, or pensions, received confirmation, and even an increase of their possessions. The eldest son of Saiyid Sálim was entitled Majlis-i 'Álí Saiyid Khán, and the younger one Shujá'u-l Mulk. Malik Madh 'Álam, his nephew, was entitled 'Aláu-l Mulk, and Malik Ruknu-d dín was called Nasíru-l Mulk. They also received golden girdles, and splendid head-dresses and fiefs. Maliku-sh Shark Hájí Shudaní was made governor of the capital. Having thus arranged for the administration of the kingdom, the Sultán determined on going to Multán. In the month of Rabí'u-l ákhir, he encamped at the chautara of Mubárakábád, and gave orders to the amírs and maliks to make ready their forces and join him. Maliku-sh Shark ['Imádu-l Mulk]⁸⁴ came and waited upon the Sultán. He received rich presents and great honours, and was confirmed in many dignities. Those amírs and maliks who delayed their coming—FINIS].

^84a “Muhammad Sháh, after visiting the holy men of “Multán, and having left Khán-i Jahán there, returned “to Dehlí.”

“In the year 840 H. (1436 A.D.) the Sultán himself pro-“ceeded to Sámána, and sent an army against Shaikhá “Khokhar. The country of this chief was ravaged, and “the Sultán then returned to Dehlí.

“In 841 H. (1437 A.D.), intelligence arrived that anarchy “prevailed in Multán, in consequence of the insubordina-“tion of the tribe of Langáhs. And intelligence was also “brought that Sultán Ibráhím Sharkí had seized upon “several parganas. The ráí of Gwálior, and other ráís, “ceased to pay their revenue. Still, the Sultán took no “measures to secure his possessions, but gave himself up “to indulgence and neglect. All men's heads were crazy, “and every heart was anxious. Some amírs invited Sultán “Mahmúd Khiljí, King of Málwa, and in the year 844 H. “(1440 A.D.), he proceeded towards Dehlí. Muhammad Sháh “equipped his army, and sent it forth with his son, under “the command of Bahlol Khán Lodí. On the other side, “Sultán Mahmúd Khiljí sent his two sons Ghiyásu-d dín “and Kadar Khán to meet them. The battle raged from “morning till night, when both sides withdrew to their “respective positions. Next day Muhammad Sháh made “proposals of peace. Just at this time Sultán Mahmúd “was informed that Sultán Ahmad Gujarátí was marching “against Mandú, so he immediately accepted terms of “peace and returned home. This peace degraded Muham-“mad Sháh still lower in the estimation of all men. As “Sultán Mahmúd of Málwa was retreating, Bahlol Lodí “pursued him, and carried off part of his baggage and “valuable effects. This success of Bahlol Khán's delighted “Sultán Muhammad; he honoured Bahlol with great dis-“tinction and favour, and called him son.

“In 845 (1441 A.D.), the Sultán went to Sámána. He “conferred upon Bahlol Khán the country of Díbálpúr and “Láhor, and sent him against Jasrath Khokhar. Then “the Sultán returned to Delhí. Jasrath made peace with “Bahlol Khán, and flattered him with hopes of the throne “of Dehlí. Aspirations of sovereignty now inspired Bahlol “Khán and he became intent on forming a party. He called “together the Afgháns from all parts around, and enlisted “them, so that in a short time he assembled a large force. “He also took possession of all the surrounding parganas. “On a slight pretence he declared war against Sultán Mu-“hammad Sháh, and marched against Dehlí in great force, “and besieged it for some time, but was eventually obliged to “fall back unsuccessful. The business of the State day by “day fell into greater confusion, and affairs came to such “a pass that there were amírs at twenty kos from Dehlí who “shook off their allegiance, and made pretensions to inde-“pendence. At length, in the year 849⁸⁶ (1445, A.D.), Sultán “Muhammad Sháh died, after a reign of ten years and “some months.

“Upon the death of Muhammad Sháh, the amírs and “nobles assembled and raised his son to the throne, under “the style of Sultan 'Aláu-d dín. Malik Bahlol and all “the amírs proffered allegiance to him. In a very short “time it became evident that the new Sultán was more “negligent and incompetent than his father in the duties “of government, and the mad ambition of Malik Bahlol “grew stronger. In 850 H. (1446 A.D.), the Sultán went “towards Sámána; but as he was on the road, news ar-“rived that the king of Jaunpúr was on the march against “Dehlí; on hearing which the Sultán returned immediately “to Delhí. Hisám Khán, wazír of the State,^86b and vice-“gerent in the king's absence, then represented to the “Sultán, that it was unworthy of a sovereign to return “upon hearing a false report of the approach of an enemy. “This remark went against the Sultán's feelings, and “wounded him deeply.

“In 851 H. (1447 A.D.), the Sultán went to Badáún, and “after staying there some time, returned to Dehlí; when “he said that he was much pleased with Badáún, and “wished to stay there always. Hisám Khán, in all “sincerity, told him that it was impolitic to leave Dehlí, “and to make Badáún the capital. This answer incensed “the king still more, and he separated the wazír from “himself, and left him in Dehlí. He made one of his “wife's brothers governor of the capital, and to the other “he gave the title of amír.

“In 852 H. (1448 A.D.), he again went to Badáún, and “gave himself up to pleasure, resting satisfied with the “little territory that remained to him. After a time, dis-“sensions broke out between his wife's two brothers in “Dehlí. They made war against each other, and one was “killed. Next day the citizens killed the other brother in “revenge, at the instigation of Hisám Khán. Disaffected “men now incited the Sultán to kill Hamíd Khán, the “wazír of the State.⁸⁷ The Khan took to flight, and “proceeding to Dehlí, he, with the connivance of Hisám “Khan, took possession of the city, and invited Malik “Bahlol to assume the sovereignty. Full particulars of “these transactions are given in the history of the reign “of Bahlol. The result was, that Malik Bahlol Lodí came “to Dehlí with a large force, and took possession of it. “After a short time, he left a party of his adherents in “Delhí, and went to Díbálpúr to organize an army. Then “he wrote to the Sultán, stating that his opposition was “really for the Sultán's benefit, and that he was his devoted “servant. To this 'Aláu-d dín replied, ‘My father called “you his son, and I have no means of resisting you. I “will content myself with the single district of Badáún, “and resign the sovereignty to you.’ Thus successful, Malik “Bahlol clothed himself with the garments of royalty. “Leaving Díbálpúr, he proceeded to Dehlí, and ascended “the throne with the title of Sultán Bahlol. The nobles “who remained with 'Aláu-d dín were confirmed in their “privileges. After a while, 'Aláu-d dín died, and the world “went on according to the wish of Sultán Bahlol. The “length of the reign of Sultán 'Aláu-d dín was eight years “and some months.”