In this year (1121 A.H., 1709 A.D.), in consequence of the rebellion and disturbances which were raised by Tárá Báí, wife of Sambhá, son of Sivá, Mír Ahmad Khán, Governor of Burhánpúr, was killed in the month of Safar, and great tumult arose in that city, equal to what may be expected in the day of resurrection. In the city, besides Saiyid Zainu-d dín Khán Kotwál, who was left for its protection, there was also the father of the compiler of these leaves, who was appointed master of the royal ordnance. Mír Ahmad Khán had sent them with orders to defend the ramparts of the city wall, and fortify the bastions. They used all their efforts to save the city and repel the enemy. The insurgents laid siege to the fort for eighteen days, and made great endeavours to take the city. They succeeded in burning many villages, and most of the mansabdárs who had accompanied Mír Ahmad Khán were taken prisoners by the enemy, who extorted something or other from all of them. From Fidwíyat Khán Bakhshí 25,000 rupees were taken, and in the same manner some gave one thousand, and others less. Sharafu-d dín Khán, accountant of the household expenses, being well versed in the art of music, declared that he was a singer of Mír Ahmad Khán, and thus easily obtained his release. The other nobles said that they were barbers, and, after shaving, obtained their freedom from the place of destruction without paying any money. With Mír Ahmad Khán, nineteen relatives of his were slain. Zafar Khán, who was one of the respectable inhabitants of the city, and had no one equal to him in bravery, though severely wounded, escaped into the city with the greatest difficulty. Sharza Khán Dakhiní, surnamed Saiyid Rustam Khán, one of the chief nobles who resided at Bálápur, in Birár, came with the utmost speed to relieve Burhánpúr, and as he had a large force, the enemy raised the siege and took to flight. His Majesty granted the governorship of Burhánpúr to Saiyid Rustam Khán.
A.H. 14.—Discovery of the composition of gunpowder.
A.H. 64.—'Abdu-llah, son of Zahír, built the temple of Mecca.
A.H. 75.—Money first coined by the Muhammadans. The dínár was a coin of Rúm, and the dirham of Persia.
A.H. 180.—Fall of the tower in Alexandria in an earthquake.
A.H. 237.—A great fiery meteor appeared in 'Askalan, which was for a long time suspended between heaven and earth.
A.H. 242.—A dreadful earthquake occurred and inflicted great damage throughout the world.
A.H. 244.—A terrible noise was heard in Akhlát about the time of midnight, and numerous men were alarmed to death. In 'Irák hailstones fell which were one yard in diameter.
A.H. 252.—A great famine raged in Baghdád, and the inhabitants of the city, to the number of about one-fourth, were starved to death.
A.H. 269.—Túlún built a large tower over the tomb of Mu'ávia, and it is one of the curiosities of the world.
A.H. 278.—Rise of the Karmathians in Kúfa.
A.H. 279.—Books on Natural Philosophy were written, and the practice of selling and buying books was first introduced.
A.H. 284.—In Egypt such darkness prevailed, that lamps were kept lighted for three days, and in Basrá red and yellow storms blew.
A.H. 286.—In Bahrain Abú Sa'íd Habání became chief of the Karmathians.
A.H. 288.—In the West Abú 'Abdu-llah introduced the doctrines of the Shí'as.
A.H. 328.—Stars fell from the sky, which appeared like birds of fire, and which greatly terrified the people.
A.H. 330.—The Euphrates overflowed with such violence, that half of the city of Baghdád was inundated.
A.H. 337.—The Euphrates again overflowed, and three-fourths of the city was covered with water.
A.H. 346.—The reflux of the Persian Gulf took place to such a degree, that new islands appeared. Re and Tálikán were destroyed by the violence of an earthquake.
A.H. 349.—A great quarrel broke out between the Shí'a and Sunní sects, and the latter prevailed on account of the abundance of the descendants of Háshim and the assistance of Mu'izzu-d daula.
A.H. 351.—The Shí'as predominated, and reproachful sentences against the first Khalífs were engraved on doors and mosques in Baghdád.