Shah Hoossein ascends his father's throne — completes the subju­gation of Sind — takes Mooltan, which is retaken by the inha­bitants. — Hoomayoon Padshah takes refuge in Sind, where he continues for two years and a half. — Conduct of Shah Hoossein — promises his daughter in marriage to Yadgar Nasir Mirza, and proclaims him King. — Hoomayoon quits Sind. — Shah Hoossein expels Yadgar Mirza. — Kamran Mirza comes to Sind — receives in marriage the daughter of Shah Hoossein. — Death of Shah Hoossein Arghoon.

AFTER the death of Shah Beg, he was succeeded by his eldest son Hoossein, who, following in the path of his father, reduced those towns in Sind which had not yet been subdued by his prede­cessor. He also rebuilt the fort of Bhukkur, and strengthened that of Sehwan.

At the period that Babur Padshah directed his

A. H. 931.
A. D. 1524.

generals to reduce Mooltan, in the year 931, Mahmood Lunga deputed some officers to wait on him, entreating him to forego the conquest of his country; to which Babur consented, on his acknowledging fealty, and paying tribute. But Mahmood dying suddenly, was suc­ceeded by his son Hoossein Lunga. Shah Hoos-sein Arghoon of Sind scarcely gave him time to ascend his father's throne, when he invested his capital; and after a close siege of fifteen months took it by storm, putting to death some of the in­habitants. Many, however, were taken prisoners, among whom was Hoossein Lunga himself. Having placed the fort of Mooltan in the hands of Khwaja Shums-ood-Deen, he returned to Tutta. After quit­ting Mooltan, an insurrection of the inhabitants occurred in favour of one Shumsheer Khan, a noble of the Lunga government, who expelled Shums-ood-Deen, and Shah Hoossein did not find it convenient at that time to take revenge for the revolt.

A. H. 947.
A. D. 1540. In the year 947, when Hoomayoon Padshah was driven from India by Sheer Shah, and endeavoured to collect troops from all quarters, he marched from Lahore into Sind, and halted near the city of Bhukkur. Thence he sent an order to Shah Hoossein Arghoon to assist him. Shah Hoossein, doubtful of the sincerity of Hoo-mayoon, delayed his visit for six months, and then returned an answer sufficiently indicative of his determination not to visit him at all. Hoomayoon, incensed at this neglect, invested his uncle, Yadgar Nasir Mirza, with the government of Bhukkur, and proceeded himself to Tutta. Shah Hoossein pro­mised his daughter in marriage to Yadgar Nasir Mirza, and also offered to assist in rendering him king of Sind; in proof of which, he caused the public prayers to be read in the name of Yadgar Mirza. At the same time, Shah Hoossein, having embarked in a boat, landed near the royal army, and succeeded in cutting off Hoomayoon's supplies, owing to the influence he possessed among the inhabitants. Hoomayoon, thus situated, was com­pelled to sue for peace, and deputed as his am­bassador Beiram Khan Bharloo, a Toorkman chief. Affairs being amicably adjusted, Hoomayoon pro­cured from Shah Hoossein camels, boats, and other necessary equipments for his journey. After having remained two years and a half in those countries, he marched towards Kandahar. Shah Hoossein, having gained his point, by separating the interests of Hoomayoon and Yadgar Nasir Mirza, did not hesitate now to drive the latter out of Bhukkur, and compelled him to retreat to Kabul.

A. H. 952.
A. D. 1545. In the year 952, Kamran Mirza, the son of Babur Padshah, having separated from Hoomayoon, joined Shah Hoossein, by whom he was treated with every attention. He even gave him his daughter in marriage; and pre­senting him with a large casket of jewels Kamran proceeded to Kabul, in order to establish his claims

A. H. 966.
A. D. 1554.

in that province. Shah Hoossein, after having reigned for a period of thirty-two years, died A. H. 962.

ON the death of Shah Hoossein, the govern­ment of Sind was divided between two rivals, Mahmood the governor of Bhukkur, and Mirza Eesy Turkhan governor of Tutta; who both as­sumed the title of king, and between whom fre­quent dissensions arose, and battles were fought.

Mahmood of Bhukkur was either mad, or such a monster of iniquity and cruelty as we seldom read of; such, at least, is the character given of him by his­torians. Akbur Padshah, on coming to Lahore, de­puted Mohib Ally Khan to conquer Sind, and that officer reduced the whole province of Bhukkur, exclusive of the fort; till at last Mahmood being reduced to extremities, wrote a petition to Akbur Padshah, saying, that he was ready to give up his only remaining fortress to any other officer, but would not surrender it to Mohib Ally Khan. Akbur Padshah in consequence deputed Geesoo Khan to receive it; but Mahmood died before his arrival,

A. H. 982.
A. D. 1572.

in the year 982, after a reign of twenty years. Bhukkur thus fell without far­ther opposition, by which Akbur Padshah became possessed of Upper Sind, and put an end to the hopes of the race of Mahmood.