CHAPTER CXXVII.
INCREASE OF THE SHAHINSHAH'S DOMINION.

Inasmuch as H.M. regards the issue of every event to be dependent on supplication to God, the degree of eternal dominion continually increases, and the strifemongers and the rebellious sit down in the black day of failure, and evil-minded desceud into the pit of shame. Accordingly, at this time, of untimely disturbance, dissension and disgust of the army of the Deccan, and of the success of the foe, the country of Berār was conquered, and the wicked were put to silence. As the story of the peace was credited, they for a time looked to the fulfilment of the engagements, but before talk had become action, they (the imperial armies), on 10 Farwar­dīn (20th March, 1596), on a false report about the army of Bījāpur, 702 and from the destructive action of some of the leaders, retired from the investment of Aḥmadnagar.* Vagabonds followed them, and, stage by stage, laid hold of the baggage. On account of the dissensions there was no remedy for these things. On 14 Ardibihisht they reached the town of Maḥkar* in Berār. By great good for­tune the enemy had left the territory, and a council was held about keeping it. Many thought that to guard it was beyond their power. Ṣādiq, under a happy star, took upon himself the guarding of the marches, and Mīr Murtaza became security for the cultivation of the country. At first he (Murtaẓa) made his residence in that city—which adjoins the territory of Aḥmadnagar. M. 'Alī Beg Akbarshāhī, Sh. Daulat, Sh. Mīr Moaffar, Muḥammad K. Sh. Sikan­dar, and many servants joined him, while others went to Īlchpūr —which is the capital of Berār. Ḥasan K. of Mīana, Abū-l-fatḥ, Qalb 'Alī, 'Abdu-r-raḥman Beg and other servants were appointed to assist.

One of the occurrences was the coming of the victorious troops to Tīrāh. When Qāsim K. was killed, the Tārīkīs rebelled and the Khaibar route became unsafe. Qulīj K. went off to administer Zābulistān (Afghanistan) and to punish them. Mubārak K., Jalāl K., Sher K., Nar K., Mīr 'Abdu-r-razzāq Mu'marī and many others followed him. When he had settled Kābul he proceeded towards Tīrāh. He crossed difficult passes from Bāzārak and approached that country. The Afrīdī leaders renewed their promises of loyalty, and on the allegation that their cultivation would be destroyed by the imperial troops, he (Qulīj), out of his simplicity, went to Begrām. He wished to enter the country (of Tīrāh) by the Īlam* pass, but on account of the difficulty of the ravine he could not do so. From there he proceeded to Kohat, thinking that he would attain his object in that way. The difficulty of the route kept him back, and he thought of going by Bangash. He came to Kharmāba. There was a slight engagement, and after being victorious, he laid the foundation of a fort. The Tārīkīs erected a stockade (shākh-band) and prepared for battle. Owing to the wondrous fortune (of H.M.) the inhabitants pointed out a secret path. The general left Mubārik K., Shāh Muḥammad, M. 'Alī Islāmābādī and others there and went on rapidly by this route. During the whole night and till midday horse and foot traversed difficult passes and arrived in the country. When Jalāla became aware of this, he exerted himself to close the road, but could not come up. He failed and without a struggle retired to difficult defiles. The army destroyed the stock­ade and passed by this route with the baggage. On account of the insecurity of the routes, and the deficiency of provisions, the victori­ous troops were put to trouble. Takhta Beg, Mīr 'Abdu-r-razzāq Mu'- 703 marī and other heroes were sent to Begrām to bring provisions. On 3rd Khurdād, Āhanposh—which is a central and strong place in Tīrāh —was made the site of the camp. As there was delay in the coming of the persons who had been sent, return was made to Kabul. This going from side to side and this returning were not approved of by H.M. On the 20th it was reported to H.M. that Mathurā Dās* Qūrbegī had died. Honesty and valour had brightened his forehead; when the misconduct of the army of the Deccan became known, an order of censure had been issued and instructions given; Mathurā Dās was sent by relays of horses, and many verbal messages were entrusted to him. Near Mulkāpūr robbers attacked his baggage. He engaged with them; when the robbers dispersed, he attacked them on foot, and was killed by a spear. One day before this, at the time of eating, when a shoulder-blade was brought before H.M., he said: “The bone shows that one of our favourites has been killed.” Next morning, a new proof was given of his knowledge of hidden things. At this time Shāhpūr became founded. When Prince Sulān Murād's mind was relieved somewhat of the guarding of Berār he, together with M. Shāhrukh, the Khān-khānān, Rājah 'Alī K., Shāhbāz K., Jagannāth, Rai Durgā and other officers made an expedition to the centre of the territory. He established himself on the 25th* six kos from Bālāpūr. In a short time a choice city was constructed and it became known to the world by that name (Shāhpūr). At this time a wicked man who had given himself out as Burhān was executed. When his fraud was discovered, the landowners put him into prison. When he showed signs of repentance he was released by H.M., and treated with favour. The base fellow took to the same crooked courses and fled. The landowners in the northern hills seized him and he met with his deserts.

One of the occurrences was the sending of an ambassador to Tūrān. In the year when H.M. came to the bank of the Indus and an order was given for levelling the Khaibar road, a great com­motion arose in Tūrān, and 'Abdullah K. wisely sent Mīr Qoresh with a supplicatory letter and presents, and made promises of peace and friendship. The gracious sovereign received these, and by send­ing Ḥakīm Hamām delivered him from his consternation. When Aḥmad 'Alī Atālīq and Mullā Ḥusaini, who came, one after the other, with conciliatory letters, died of sickness, the Tūrānīans again became uneasy. On the 26th Khwāja Ashraf Naqshbandī was sent 704 with choice presents and Sh. Ḥusaini of Lucknow was appointed as custodian (taḥwildārī), and a friendly letter was written. It is here given without addition or diminution.