An account of the conquest of Bednore, otherwise called Hydur Nugger, and other forts and towns of that country, in the year 1173, Hijri. A. D. 1759.

As the knowledge of the good or bad state of different countries, and the hearing of intelligence describing the policy and ability of both friend and foe, form the rule of conduct of the sovereigns of the field of empire, and guide the actions or measures of the conquerors of the world; it was the constant custom of the Nawaub Hydur to receive daily news from all districts of his own kingdom, far and near, and from the dependencies of friend and stranger; and every night, after making himself well acquainted with the details of the state of all coun­tries, as the government of the Zemindárs, and Rajas; that of the Nizám* of the Dukhun, the Nazim* of Poona, the Soubadar of the Carnatic Payeen Ghaut, &c.; he retired to his private apartments, to take his rest. For the performance of this arduous but indispensable duty, which required so much care and caution, intelligencers of talent, and Kasids, or messengers, who from head to foot were eyes and ears; able spies; secret writers, unequalled in the age, and correspondents quick of hand, and of great understanding; were stationed in every quarter of the country, and by these men correct accounts of all occurrences were written and forwarded daily. It happened at this time, that they all wrote respect­ing the country of Nuggur, describing that, from its beauty and verdure, it bestowed splendour on the Balaghaut country, nay, that it might be said to be equal to the Gardens of Paradise.— Verse.* “If any one burned with grief enters Nuggur,* were he even as a bird roasting on the spit, he would regain his wings and feathers.”*— In fact, that the fertility of the country was the envy of Kashmeer, for on it depended many cities, pleasant and rich, and its beau­tiful fields and meadows gave delight to the heart of the beholder; that moderate rains fell there for six months in every year, which gave life and verdure to the hearts of the withered vegetation and the ani­mal creation; that the trees of the forest and gardens were mostly cocoa nut, and date, like the stature of the lovely, with their heads erect; that the fruit trees, were of all kinds, laden with their pleasure-giving store, and the sandal trees, filled the hearts and palates of men of all countries with fragrance; that the perfume of the flowers and sweet smelling herbs, and the early fruits of the country soothed the sickly and gave rest to the unquiet soul;— that, the rosy cheeked and moon faced damsels there with forms straight as the poplar, like a rose garden, ever flourishing, adorned with the colour and per­fume of loveliness, practised stealing the heart, while speciously delighting the eye; and clothing their slender forms in elegant apparel, with their subduing smiles and glances conquer and enslave amorous young men; that, the rivers and streams of that flowery and ever blooming country are like the sea, ever flowing, and the lakes and reservoirs ever full to the brim, like the fountains of a generous heart; that, the inhabitants of all classes in that country lived freely, and were wealthy; but that they had, always kept their eyes on the path of the brave man of the field of battle, that is, they had looked anxiously for the conquest of their country by some just and distinguished chief,* for this reason that that delightful country had fallen into the hands of a wild race, and a low minded fearless woman wearing the dress of a man, exercised unlimited authority there; that, in former times, this district or province was under the authority of the Soubas or governors of Sura, but that, at present, having rebelled, the ruler had neglected to forward the Paishkush or tribute, and, notwithstanding the suc­cessors of her former governors still existed, the Rani was ambitious of being independent, and had lately formed an illicit connexion with a slave, and the country, with all its fertility and riches, like the eyes of the blind, had become totally deprived of light, while the hearts of the people, by the tyranny and oppression of the dissolute Rani, were sorely afflicted; that, the sounds of complaint and grief were heard in every street and market; that on all sides, thieves and robbers laid hold on the property of the poor; that the men were ashamed of obeying their ruler, and had shut them­selves up in their houses, and the women, licentious, fearless, and drunk with the wine of immodesty, ornamenting their hair, and (painting) their faces, gave themselves up to sensuality, and the men had no power to correct or reprove, even the women of their own families; and that, they gave themselves up to dalliance in the open streets, and markets, and walked about in eager expectation of their lovers.*

Truly, if rulers noted for want of sense be appointed to govern and protect a country, what hopes of comfort or safety can be entertained by their subjects. It appeared, therefore, improper that the government of such a fine province should be held by such a person, and that a bad woman should govern so beautiful and fertile a country was unreasonable; besides this, she had rebelled against the government.* There was a man, (it was said,) a descendent of the chiefs of that coun­try; but he was void of sense and intelligence,— for, notwithstanding he had laboured and schemed much, in the hope to obtain the chief authority, he could effect nothing; and it was, therefore, evident how proper and likely a man he was to be qualified for government, who was more ignorant and incompetent than the Rani herself. Did he not know the noble master, (Hydur), to whom this fine extensive country and high office should fall?