Tārīḫ-i Firištah - The History of the Rise of Mohammedan Power in India, Volume 2

The minister strengthens the Deccany party in the government. — Yoosoof Adil Khan takes the lead of the foreigners. — A fray takes place between both parties. — A compromise ensues, and the foreigners quit the capital. — The minister and Kasim Bereed usurp the power of the state. — The King authorises their being assassinated — the attempt is made in the palace, but fails. — The minister becomes unpopular, and a second attempt to kill him succeeds. — The King abandons himself to wine and dissipation — converts the azure throne into drinking goblets and vases. — Kasim Bereed assumes the reins of government. — An attempt is made to murder the King, which is defeated by a few foreigners alone. — The King proceeds to the westward with Kasim Bereed to reduce Bahadur Geelany, who revolts in the Concan. — Bahadur Geelany killed. — The King returns to Bidur. — Plot to assassinate the minister fails. — The minister dies — is succeeded by his son Ameer Bereed, to whom the King becomes reconciled. — Death of Mahmood Shah.

MAHMOOD SHAH ascended the throne of the Deccan in the twelfth year of his age; and the officers then at court, such as Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry, Kowam-ool-Moolk, Kasim Bereed Toork, and others, took the usual oaths of allegiance, and the coronation was conducted with much ceremony. The Tukht Feroza was placed in the grand hall of audience, and on each side of it a chair of silver. Shah Mohib Oolla and Abdool Huneef, the two most celebrated holy men of the age, having offered prayers for the King's prosperity, placed the crown on his head; then each supporting one arm, they assisted him to ascend the throne, which at this time exceeded in splendour and intrinsic value every other in the world. After which the holy men seated themselves on either side on the silver chairs prepared for them. Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry and Kasim Bereed then advancing, made propitiatory offerings, an example which was followed by all the nobles and officers present. Previously to the coronation, one of the chiefs observed, that Yoo-soof Adil Khan Toork, Fukhr-ool-Moolk, Duria Khan, and Mulloo Khan, some of the principal foreign officers, not being present, the coronation would be incomplete. In answer to which, Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry replied, that ill consequences might ensue by keeping the throne vacant; but that if it were thought necessary, when the chiefs alluded to returned from the campaign in the Concan, in which they were at present engaged, the ceremony might be repeated, and the titles and honours of those chiefs be confirmed, or additional ones bestowed. Moolla Abdool Kureem Sindy, who was present, states, that the people regarded these contentions as portentous of those evils which ensued; for although the reign of Mahmood Shah endured for a long period, yet it was occupied in troubles and civil wars, which ended in the subversion of the Bahmuny dynasty.

When the late Mahomed Shah ascended the throne, being but a child, many of the nobility aspired to become independent, but owing to the able conduct of the Queen-mother and Khwaja Mahmood Gawan, their designs were frustrated. When the King came to years of discretion, he soon rendered himself capable of conducting his own affairs, and by degrees the power of the nobility was restrained within proper bounds. The King's policy was to enrol foreigners, such as Georgians, Circassians, Calmucs, and other Tartars, among his personal guards. He had, besides, a band of two thousand Abyssinians and Indians, From these bands were selected the officers of government, who by degrees rose to great power. Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry, a converted Hindoo, was considered by the Deccanies and Abyssinians as their leader; while the foreigners attached themselves to Yoosoof Adil Khan, originally a Toorky slave. ^521a The minister, Khwaja Mahmood Gawan, himself a foreigner, favouring them, Yoosoof Adil Khan was permitted to stand at court above Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry, which offended the pride of that chieftain; and, in the end, led to the destruction of that great minister as has been before related. Yoosoof Adil Khan, by the line of conduct he adopted, escaped the snares laid for him; and being appointed turufdar of Beejapoor, became daily more powerful.

On the death of Mahomed Shah, and on the accession of Mahmood Shah II., Yoosoof Adil Khan, and the foreign officers with him, having entered into engagements to support each other, came from the Concan, in great force, to the capital, in order to congratulate the young King on his accession, and encamped without the city walls. Yoosoof Adil Khan, Duria Khan, Fukhr-ool-Moolk, Mulloo Khan, Ajdar Khan, and Ghuzunfur Khan, entered the city, with a thousand foreign horse, to pay their respects to the King. When arrived at the palace, though contrary to the etiquette of the court to enter with attendants, yet, apprehensive of treachery from Nizam-ool-Moolk, they were followed by two hundred armed men. Nizam-ool-Moolk met them with five hundred select attendants, and paying them the most ceremonious attention, introduced these officers to the King. Yoosoof Adil Khan paid his respects in form, and assumed his place, as usual, above Nizam-ool-Moolk and all the nobility. Duria Khan sat below Nizam-ool-Moolk, but above his son Mullik Ahmud, so that in case of treachery the foreign chiefs might fall on these two ministers. ^522a Mullik Ahmud Bheiry attempted to move next his father, who forbade him to do so; and in order to prevent a disturbance, which he saw from the precautions taken by his rivals would be hazardous to his person, hastened the ceremony of bestowing the dresses of honour by the King, and the dismissal of the visitors. Yoosoof Adil Khan, on coming out, took Nizam-ool-Moolk's hand, under pretence of conversation, and led him to the outer gate of the citadel, where, having joined the whole of his guards, the chieftains parted with mutual assurances of esteem and friendship. ^523a After which Yoosoof Adil Khan took up his residence at his own house in the city, with a guard of a thousand chosen men for his protection, giving orders to Duria Khan and his other friends to return to camp, and to be on the alert.

Nizam-ool-Moolk the next day visited Yoosoof Adil Khan, and after many professions of regard, proposed that he and all the foreign officers should reside in the city, in order that they might attend with him at court, and assist in the management of public affairs. Yoosoof Adil Khan replied, that his kind intentions were fully appreciated, and were consistent with his own feelings towards him, but that as for his daily attendance at court, there could be no occasion for it, as he and his friends were mere soldiers, and did not profess to understand the machinery of government, which they were willing, he said, to see Nizam-ool-Moolk conduct uncontrolled, agreeably to the will of their late sovereign, leaving in their hands the execution of the King's military orders. Yoosoof Adil Khan observed, that his friends had better remain encamped without the city, as they were boisterous, and quarrels might ensue in the town between them and the Abyssinians and Deccanies. It was at length agreed that Nizam-ool-Moolk should have the post of Vakeel-oos-Sultunut, ^524a and relinquish all the other great offices which he had held under the late King. By this arrangement the office of vizier was conferred on Kowam-ool-Moolk, senior; the government of Wurungole on Kowam-ool-Moolk, junior. The government of Rajmundry was made over to Dilawur Khan, Abyssinian, the chief offices being shared out equally by both parties.† ^524b They then repaired together to court, where the King's assent being obtained, and dresses of confirmation presented, Yoosoof Adil Khan returned to his own house, and never after concerned himself in the internal affairs of the government.

For a short time, the foreigners lived amicably with the Deccanies and Abyssinians; but Nizam-ool-Moolk and Kowam-ool-Moolk, senior, encroaching on the former engagement, proposed to remove Yoosoof Adil Khan from Beejapoor, and confer that province on one Adil Khan Deccany, then deputy-governor of Wurungole. With this view they sent for Adil Khan Deccany to court, together with Futteh Oolla Imad-ool-Moolk, on pretence of congratulating the King on his accession. They came accordingly, with their troops, and encamping without the walls, entered the city, with a few attendants, to pay their respects and make their offerings to the King, who received them graciously, and conferred on them dresses as usual.

About three weeks after this event, Nizam-ool-Moolk having discovered that Kowam-ool-Moolk Toork had quarrelled with his party, now courted him, and proposed, with the assistance of the Dec-cany nobility, to destroy Yoosoof Adil Khan, and send off his partisans to their different stations. He observed that the Deccany officers felt they could not move out of their houses even, for fear of the foreigners: on which account he recommended, that when their plan was ripe for execution Kowam-ool-Moolk should restrain the foreign troops under his orders from quitting their quarters. Kowam-ool-Moolk entered into the design; and on the following day, Nizam-ool-Moolk having seated the King upon one of the towers of the citadel, sent orders to Adil Khan Deccany ^525a and Futteh Oolla Imad-ool-Moolk to pass in review with their troops before the King, previously to receiving their audience of dismissal to their governments. Furhad-ool-Moolk, the kotwal, by some means discovered the plot, and informed Kowam-ool-Moolk that Nizam-ool-Moolk's projects extended to all the foreigners without exception, and that the plan to assassinate Yoosoof Adil Khan would only be a prelude to the total destruction of the whole; so that it would be the height of insanity for the foreigners to remain passive in their houses on such an occasion. Kowam-ool-Moolk, who wished for the death of Yoosoof Adil Khan, and relying on the sincerity of Nizam-ool-Moolk's friendship to himself, paid no regard to this intimation.

Adil Khan Deccany and Imad-ool-Moolk came into the city with their troops, being the divisions of Tulingana and Berar, and drew up before the palace. Mahmood Shah, a mere tool in the hands of the minister, at the instigation of Nizam-ool-Moolk, addressing the two chiefs, told them, that as the foreign troops were become mutinous, and committed great excesses in the city, he thought it necessary to employ their forces against the foreigners. Imad-ool-Moolk, who had a sincere regard for Yoo-soof Adil Khan, having placed him in security, permitted his troops to proceed under Adil Khan Deccany against the other foreigners. Kowam-ool-Moolk himself was one of the first who fell, and the gates of the city being kept shut, the Deccanies committed great slaughter on the foreign troops, who were unprepared for such an attack. Yoorish Khan, Khoosh Kuddum Khan, and other officers, the adherents of Yoosoof Adil Khan, fought their way to the gates, which having forced, they admitted Duria Khan and a body of foreign troops from the camp outside the city. It is said the skirmishing in the streets of the capital continued for twenty days, during which time no fewer than four thousand men on either side lost their lives. At length, the holy men interfering as mediators, and many foreign officers of rank having fallen, Yoosoof Adil Khan consented to quit the capital, with his dependents, peaceably, and retire to Bee-japoor.

Nizam-ool-Moolk, having now the sole power in his hands, conferred Beer, Dharoor, and many other districts on his son, Mullik Ahmud, and on Fukhr-ool-Moolk Deccany. The latter was the son of a slave of the late minister Khwaja Mahmood Gawan, a good soldier and a learned man: he was raised to the rank of commander of a thousand horse, and his son received the title of Khwaja Jehan. Imad-ool-Moolk was honoured with the office of vizier, and his son, Sheikh Alla-ood-Deen, was appointed his father's deputy in Berar. Kasim Bereed, who had shown great activity against the foreigners, was made kotwal ^527a of the city and Meer Nobut.† ^527b Kowam-ool-Moolk, junior, was deputed to Tulingana, and Nizam-ool-Moolk and Imad-ool-Moolk, acting, during four years, in conjunction with the mother of Mahmood Shah, conducted all the affairs of government.

At length Dilawur Khan, the Abyssinian, envying their power, represented to the King, that his ministers paid no regard to his authority; and that, in concert with the Queen-mother, they usurped all the power of the state, treating him still as a child. This observation provoked Mahmood Shah, who authorised Dilawur Khan to assassinate the ministers. Accordingly, one night, when they were both gone to the Queen-mother's apartments, Di-lawur Khan placed himself in the passage with another person, and as the ministers came out, rushed upon them with their sabres. Nizam-ool-Moolk received a wound; but as both he and Imad-ool-Moolk were expert swordsmen, they defended themselves, keeping up a running fight till they escaped out of the palace. Having now sent word to Kasim Bereed, that the King intended to assassinate him also, they fled, with their followers, out of the city. Kasim Bereed, securing the gates of the palace, prevented all access to the King, who was reduced to such distress, that he wrote to the ministers, apologising for his conduct, and inviting them back. They insisted, however, that, prior to their return, Dilawur Khan should be put to death; which coming to his ears, he effected his escape, with his family, to Boor-hanpoor. ^528a Nizam-ool-Moolk, with his son, Mullik Ahmud, returned to the capital; but Imad-ool-Moolk withdrew to his government of Berar.

Nizam-ool-Moolk, in order to strengthen his party, raised Mullik Wujjee and Mullik Ashruff, two brothers, formerly dependents of Khwaja Mahmood Gawan, to high rank, appointing the elder governor of Dowlutabad, and the younger his deputy; at the same time exacting from them promises of attachment and fidelity to his son, Mullik Ahmud. He also intrusted the command of the fortresses of Purenda and Sholapoor to Mukdoom Khan, ^529a entitled Khwaja Jehan Deccany, binding him by a similar oath; and at the expiration of three months, having obtained the King's permission, his son Mullik Ahmud was sent to Joonere as his father's deputy.

A. H. 891.
A. D. 1486. In the year 891, Adil Khan Deccany, governor of Wurungole, died, when Ko-wam-ool-Moolk, junior, came by forced marches from Rajmundry to that city, and established himself in Tulingana. Nizam-ool-Moolk, accompanied by the King, marched towards Wu-rungole; on which Kowam-ool-Moolk, falling back on Rajmundry, wrote secretly to the King, warning him against the minister. That imbecile prince, as if resigned to his fate, returned no answer, but immediately gave the letter to Nizam-ool-Moolk. The King, on reaching Wurungole, received advices from Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, that the port of Goa, which in the late reign had been granted to Kishwur Khan, and by him transferred to the charge of Nujm-ood-Deen Geelany, had, on the death of the latter, been seized by one of his officers named Bahadur Geelany, who also occupied Dabul, Kolapoor, Kolhar, Punala, Sirala, and Belgam; and that, at the instigation of Yoosoof Adil Khan, he daily grew more turbulent, and committed insults on the port of Choul and other places on the sea-coast. The advices stated also, that Zein-ood-Deen, the jageerdar of Chakun, was in open revolt.

Nizam-ool-Moolk commanded his son first to reduce Zein-ood-Deen, and sent orders to Khwaja Jehan Deccany, governor of Purenda, and Mullik Wujjee, governor of Dowlutabad, to march to the support of his son. In this state of affairs, Zein-ood-Deen applied for assistance to Yoosoof Adil Khan of Beejapoor, who sent six thousand horse to join him, commanding them to encamp near the fort of Indapoor, ^530a and there to watch the movements of Mullik Ahmud, and in case of his moving towards the Concan to hasten thither and oppose him.

When this news reached Wurungole, the influence of Nizam-ool-Moolk visibly declined. He was treated with slight by the King; and the attachment of Kasim Bereed, Dustoor Deenar, and the Abyssinian officers, to him, fell off. The King, who earnestly wished for his destruction, encouraged the defection of the chiefs by complaints of the minister's conduct, and authorised them to assassinate him on the first opportunity. Nizam-ool-Moolk, being informed of this circumstance, fled from the camp at midnight; but instead of joining his son at Joonere, proceeded to Ahmudabad Bidur, hoping to secure the King's treasure. Pus-sund Khan Deccany, who had been raised from the abyss of poverty to the rank of a noble, and was now governor of the capital, received him into the city with assurances of attachment. The minister, deeming himself secure, wrote to his son Mullik Ahmud to join him from Joonere without delay; and opening the royal treasures, distributed them with a lavish hand, in order to raise troops.

Mahmood Shah, on receiving intelligence of these proceedings, appointed Kootb-ool-Moolk governor of Tulingana, and hastened with his army towards Bidur. Nizam-ool-Moolk, finding his influence in the city declining, resolved to secure as much of the royal treasure as possible, and join his son; but Pussund Khan, contriving to delay his departure by artful practices, wrote privately to the King, advising him to advance without delay, when he would deliver the rebel into his hands. Mahmood Shah sent for answer, that if he was sincere, he would send the traitor's head to him as a proof of his loyalty. Pussund Khan, accordingly, attended by five hundred followers, went to Nizam-ool-Moolk in the palace, and pretended that he wished to converse with him in private, on affairs of importance. The unsuspicious minister, complying with his request, retired with him into a private apartment, when Pussund Khan being young and strong, seized the defenceless old man by the throat and strangled him. Having cut off his head, he brought it out, and exposing it, caused a proclamation to be made, that such was the fate due to all traitors. After which, the head was sent by express messengers to the royal camp.

Mahmood Shah having returned to the city, intrusted the direction of public affairs to his other ministers; but, impelled by the indiscretion of youth, and being addicted to pleasure, he devoted his time to excesses of all sorts, without attending, in the least, to the cares of his kingdom. Among other instances of his folly, we may mention that of his taking the jewels from the Tukht Feroza, to set in salvers, vases, and drinking goblets.

A. H. 896.
A. D. 1490. In the year 896, the Deccanies and Abyssinians again conspired to subvert the influence which the foreigners still possessed with the King. Pussund Khan, at length, combining with the Deccanies, agreed to assassinate Mahmood Shah, and to place another prince of the royal family on the throne. The conspirators repaired to the palace armed, lest the foreign troops on guard should come to the King's assistance; and at a late hour of the night, while he was engaged in festivity, they rushed towards the royal apartments. This occasioned some noise; but before Mahmood Shah could ascertain the cause, a number of Deccanies, admitted by the porters, who were privy to the plot, entered the King's apartment. Azeez Khan Toork, with four other soldiers of the body-guard, besides Hussun Ally Subzwary and Syud Mirza Mushudy, though unarmed, threw themselves between the assassins and the King, nobly sacrificing their lives for his safety, which gave the latter time to gain the terrace of the royal tower, which, with the exception of the haram, was the only spot not in possession of the conspirators. They were, however, gallantly opposed by a few foreigners (the companions of the King's revelry) with stones, darts, and clods of earth. The King, fortunately, was able to communicate his situation to the foreign troops. Kasim Bereed, a Toork, with some others, at the head of about five hundred men, instantly repaired to the palace, but found the doors shut. Eight persons with great difficulty scaled the walls, and sounded their trumpets. Many of the Deccanies and Abyssinians, thinking all the Moguls had entered, opened the gates to make their escape, when eight-and-twenty Moguls of Subzwar received them with a shower of arrows, which drove them back, and they attempted to close the gates again: the foreigners rushing on prevented them; and Kishwur Khan, who had gone round to the foot of the King's tower, hearing the door was open, entered without delay. The conspirators now took shelter in the Agate palace, where they defended themselves. By this time the city was thrown into the utmost consternation, no one knowing the cause; but the common people began to break open and plunder the houses of all foreigners. At length the moon rising, friends and enemies could be distinguished. The servants of the palace, who had in the first place admitted the conspirators, now turned against them, and setting fire to the straw roofs under which numbers were concealed, put them to the sword as they ran out, while about three hundred were collected in one apartment, waiting for an opportunity to force their way at dawn of day. Sooltan Jehangeer Khan Toork now took charge of the palace gates, and despatched Khan Jehan to guard the city and market, while the horses from the royal stables were taken out and distributed among the King's friends. At sunrise, Mahmood Shah ascended the throne, and commanded the foreigners to enter the houses of the treacherous Deccanies and Abyssinians, and put them to death without distinction; he authorised them to seize their property. For three days, successively, these orders were executed, and devastation raged throughout the city, no one daring to intercede with the King for pardon; till at length one of the sons of Shah Mohib Oolla requested that the massacre might cease, and he was successful in his application.

Mahmood Shah, in order to celebrate his escape from this danger, held a magnificent festival during forty days, and went in solemn procession through the city, the streets of which were handsomely ornamented for the occasion. Regarding the royal tower as auspicious, he caused a splendid building to be erected on it, wherein he afterwards spent most of his time in a continued round of licentiousness. He totally neglected the affairs of his government, leaving them entirely to the direction of his favourites. Musicians and dancers flocked to his court from Lahore, Dehly, Persia, and Khorassan; as also story-tellers, reciters of the Shah Nama, and other agents of pleasure. The people, following the example of the Prince, attended to nothing but dissipation: reverend sages pawned their very garments at the wine-cellars, and holy teachers, quitting their colleges, retired to taverns, and presided over the wine-flask. The governors of provinces, seeing the court thus abandoned, acted independently, so that the royal officers only who entered into their views were permitted to retain their posts, and those who refused to connive at their encroachments were expelled. The consequence of this state of affairs became in a short time apparent; for excepting the province of Tulingana, and the districts adjacent to Ahmudabad Bidur, no parts of the kingdom in reality remained in the King's possession. The turnfdars, however, with the exception of Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, professed obedience to the royal authority; but their submission was only nominal. If the King, at the desire of his minister, Kasim Bereed, took the field, and the provincial governors perceived any advantage to themselves in the expedition, they accompanied the royal standard, but with a retinue before which the King's sunk of the forts of Moodkul and Rachore. The Ray, being a child, deputed his minister Timraj, with a powerful army against Yoosoof Adil Khan, and having committed great devastation obtained possession of the two forts. Yoosoof Adil Khan, however, having effected a peace with Timraj, marched to take revenge on Kasim Bereed, who applied for assistance to Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, the son of the late Nizam-ool-Moolk; offering, when his enemy should be expelled, to assist him with the royal influence in obtaining possession of Goa in the Concan, and of Punala and Mohkeir out of the hands of Bahadur Geelany, to be placed entirely at his disposal. Mullik Ahmud, assenting, induced Fukhr-ool-Moolk, entitled Khwaja Jehan, and his brother Zein Khan, from Purenda, to accompany him, and marched towards Ahmudabad Bidur, where he was shortly after joined by Kasim Bereed Toork, who had brought the King with him (though he never consulted him), and the whole proceeded against the enemy. Kasim Bereed placed the King in the centre of the army, and himself assumed an advanced position. Khwaja Jehan occupied the left, and Ahmud Nizam-ool-Moolk the right wing. Yoosoof Adil Khan drew up his troops as will be hereafter explained. The engagement which ensued was obstinately contested, till at length the centre, and the left under Khwaja Jehan, gave way, and the King's troops were defeated; while Ahmud Nizam-ool-Moolk and Yoosoof Adil Khan, after mutual explanations, each withdrew to his own country.

Mahmood Shah, roused by this message, resolved to reduce Bahadur Geelany, and applied for support from his vassals; who apprehensive of incurring the resentment of the King of Guzerat, and hoping to share in the plunder of the rebel, complied with his orders. Yoosoof Adil Khan sent his general, Kumal Khan, with five thousand horse, to join the royal standard; Mullik Ahmud Bheiry supplied the same number under Moetibar Khan; and Imad-ool-Moolk also furnished a body of troops under the command of one of his chief officers.

Meanwhile Mahmood Shah despatched a mandate to Bahadur Geelany, informing him of the complaints of his ally, the King of Guzerat, and demanding restitution of the places, ships, effects, and captives he had seized from that state. Bahadur Khan, hearing that a confidential servant had been despatched with this communication gave orders for his being detained on the road, in the town of Mirch, and treated with contempt the royal authority, upon which Mahmood Shah began his march, and pushed on without delay. Upon his arrival before the fortress of Jumkindy, he ordered Kootb-ool-Moolk, turufdar of Tulingana, to besiege it; but that general being killed by an arrow from the walls, as he was reconnoitring, the King conferred his office and titles on Sooltan Koolly, ^540a with Bongeer, Doorgy†, ^540b and other districts of Tulin-gana, in jageer, to support his dignity. Jumkindy being taken, and delivered over to the troops of Yoosoof Adil Khan, they moved to Sunkeswur, where Bahadur Khan had taken up his residence; but before the royal army arrived, he abandoned the place, which was taken from his garrison in three days, the works not being completely finished. Mahmood Shah, by the advice of Kasim Bereed, next moved against Mirch; and the troops of Bahadur Khan having met him in the field were defeated with great slaughter, the survivors retiring into the fortress. After a long siege, the governor, seeing no hopes of relief, begged for quarter, which (with the approbation of Kasim Bereed) was granted, and the latter received twenty-five horses belonging to Bahadur Khan. At the same time assurances were given to his followers that such as chose to enter into his service should be enrolled, and the rest be allowed to depart, but without retaining either their horses or their arms. The troops replied, that after surrendering the fort, as also their horses and arms, they could not approach their chief, and would rather suffer death. The King, admiring their fortitude and fidelity, acquiesced in their request, and gave them permission to rejoin Bahadur Khan.

On the fall of Mirch, the King marched towards Walwa; and in the mean time Bahadur Geelany, listening to the advice of his friends, sent Khwaja Neamut Oolla Geelany to make offers of submission. The King, with the consent of Kasim Bereed, agreed to pardon Bahadur Geelany, to restore some of the conquered places, and to confirm him in his remaining possessions, if he would make atonement in person, pay a sum of money, and present two elephants. Neamut Oolla wrote to his master the result of his embassy, and advised him to repair to the royal camp without delay. Bahadur Khan, however, conceiving that the King's generosity proceeded from weakness, rejected the terms. He shortly after made an attack on the King's baggage, and declared his intention to have the Khootba read in his own name at the capital of Ahmudabad Bidur during that year, and in the next in Guzerat. Mahmood Shah, enraged at this insolence, marched from Walwa to Kolhar, which he reduced; and following up his successes, Bahadur Khan's affairs declined daily, till at length he fled to the fortress of Punala, the strongest place in his possession. The King not wishing to sit down before it halted at Kolapore, intending to proceed from thence to Dabul, and amuse himself on the sea; upon which Bahadur Khan quitted Punala, with a design to lie in wait for the King on his route. In the end, however, not daring to execute his plan, he fled, and numbers of his people leaving him, some joined the King, and others went to Yoosoof Adil Khan. Mahmood Shah, with the advice of Kasim Bereed, now detached Khwaja Jehan, governor of the fort of Purenda, to prevent Bahadur Khan's re-entering Punala; and on his arrival at Kolapore, as the rainy season had set in, resolved to halt there for some time.

Bahadur Khan now became humble, and again sent Khwaja Neamut Oolla and Mujd-ood-Deen to court with petitions, declaring, that if a promise of pardon should be sent under the royal hand, with the seals of Kasim Bereed and the principal chiefs affixed, he would come to the presence, and during the remainder of his life never depart from his duty and loyalty. The King complied with his request, and in order to allay his fears, despatched some respectable persons to conduct him to court. On their arrival at Bahadur Khan's camp, his evil stars would not allow him to submit, and he started new difficulties; upon which the King recalled Khwaja Jehan from the siege of Punala, and sent him with some other officers against the enemy. Bahadur Khan advanced to meet the royalists, with two thousand horse, and fifteen thousand foot. A severe action ensued, and Bahadur Khan being killed by an arrow, his troops fled. Khwaja Jehan cut off the rebel's head, and brought it to the royal camp, where the King honoured him with a suit of his own robes, and presented him with the elephants and horses taken in the action.

Two or three days after this victory, the King went to view the fortress of Punala, and despatched Mullik Ein-ool-Moolk Geelany to Goa, to condole with his brother Mullik Syeed, and bring him to the presence. At the suggestion of Kasim Bereed, Bahadur Khan's estate was conferred on Mullik Ein-ool-Moolk Geelany; and the King, with a few of his principal nobles, went to Dabul, and sailed for his amusement along the coast, after which he returned towards his capital. On the route he spent some time at the Kalabagh, a garden near Beejapoor, planted by the late Khwaja Mah-mood Gawan. On his arrival at Ahmudabad Bidur, the King despatched ambassadors with rich presents to Mahmood Shah of Guzerat. Among other articles, according to the historians of the time, he sent five muns (Dehly weight) of pearls, five elephants, and a handsome dagger, studded with jewels; he also released Kumal Khan, Sufdur Khan, and other prisoners of distinction, taken by Bahadur Khan Geelany, together with twenty ships and cargoes which he had seized.

A. H. 901.
A. D. 1495. In the year 901, Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk Hamdany was appointed turufdar of Tulingana, and Golconda and Wurungole with their dependencies were added to his jageer; and Dustoor Deenar was constituted governor of Sagur and Ahsunabad Kool-burga. The King being persuaded that the munsubdars ^544a stationed with the great officers connived at measures which increased their power, withdrew all those who were with Dustoor Deenar, and ordered them to return to their duty at court. Dustoor Deenar, offended at this proceeding, in conjunction with Azeez-ool-Moolk Deccany, went into rebellion, and having collected between seven and eight thousand Abyssinians and Deccanies, he seized some of the King's districts near Koolburga. Mahmood Shah demanded the assistance of Yoo-soof Adil Khan, who joined him with an army. An engagement took place near the town of Myn-durgy†, ^544b in which the rebels were defeated, and Dustoor Deenar taken prisoner. The King would have put him to death, but was prevailed upon, at the intercession of Yoosoof Adil Khan, not only to pardon but to reinstate him in his government. As some of the rebels had taken shelter in the fort of Sagur, the King laid siege to it, and on its reduction gave it to Yoosoof Adil Khan, after which he returned to his capital.^545a A. H. 902.
A. D. 1496. In the year 902, Yoosoof Deccany, Yoorish Khan, Mirza Shums-ood-Deen, and others, who had the King's confidence, entered into a plot with some of the Turkish officers to destroy Kasim Bereed; but he, gaining intelligence of their designs, put them to death with all their abettors. The King, enraged at this presumption, would not admit him into his presence for a whole month. At length, through the mediation of Shah Mohib Oolla, he was, with much difficulty, prevailed on to forgive and receive him into favour; after which the King relapsed into his usual indolence and debaucheries.

A. H. 903.
A. D. 1497. In the year 903, Mahomed Shah asked the infant daughter of Yoosoof Adil Khan in marriage for his son Ahmud, then fourteen years of age. After much negotiation, it was settled that the nuptial ceremonies should take place at Koolburga; accordingly the King repaired to that city, where Yoosoof Adil Khan entertained him with great splendour. The knot of marriage was tied by Abd-oos-Summud, kazy of the royal camp; and it was agreed that the bride should be delivered to the Prince as soon as she should attain the age of ten years. The festival was still celebrating, when Dustoor Deenar and Yoosoof Adil Khan contended for the government of Koolburga; insisting on having not only Kool-burga but also Alund, Gunjowty, and Kulliany; so that his government might be connected with that of Bidur, while Dustoor Deenar maintained that the Beema river ought to be the limits of the Beejapoor province, and required that Koolburga, Sagur, and Etgeer should belong to him. The King refusing to interfere in the dispute, Dustoor Deenar retired to Purenda; and contention grew high between Adil Khan and Kasim Bereed, who opposed his pretensions. Kootb-ool-Moolk taking part with Yoosoof Adil Khan, Kasim Bereed became alarmed, and moved with his eldest son and his followers to Alund, upon which Yoosoof Adil Khan, leaving the festival unconcluded, took the King with him, and together with Kootb-ool-Moolk, Mullik Elias, and Ein-ool-Moolk, marched against Kasim Bereed, who was defeated, and fled to Purenda. This event so strengthened the power of Adil Khan, that the King even declined ascending the throne in his presence. All the chiefs having through the influence of Yoosoof Adil Khan obtained their demands retired to their districts. On the dispersion of the army, Kasim Bereed ventured to return to court, and obtained the office of Vakeel as before, but conducted himself so cruelly towards his unfortunate sovereign, that he would not allow him even to satisfy his thirst without permission.

A. H. 904.
A. D. 1498. In the year 904, Yoosoof Adil Khan led an army against Dustoor Deenar, who fled from Koolburga. He was persuaded, however, by Kasim Bereed to seek protection with Mullik Ahmud Nizam-ool-Moolk at Ah-mudnuggur. That chief having espoused his cause warmly, Yoosoof Adil Khan was unable to oppose him, and went to Ahmudabad Bidur, where the King wrote to Mullik Ahmud to desist from interference.

A. H. 910.
A. D. 1504. In the year 910, Kasim Bereed died, and his son Ameer Bereed succeeded him in office, and assuming greater authority even than his father, deprived Mahmood Shah of the little power left him. Immediately after this event, Yoosoof Adil Khan, availing himself of the circumstance of Kasim Bereed's death, made an attack on Dustoor Deenar, who opposed him in battle, but was slain, and all his districts fell into the possession of Yoosoof Adil Khan. Shortly after, assuming the title of Shah, Yoosoof caused the Khootba to be read in Beejapoor conformably to the tenets of the Sheea persuasion, which never having been done before in any part of Hindoostan, the minds of all the Deccanies revolted against him. Mahmood Shah was now induced by Ameer Bereed to address letters to Kootb-ool-Moolk, to Imad-ool-Moolk, and to Kho-dawund Khan, stating that Yoosoof Adil Khan having thrown off his allegiance, had not only exalted the ensigns of rebellion, but had introduced the tenets of heretics in the countries of Islam; he required, therefore, the orthodox faithful to rally around the royal standard, in order to reduce Yoosoof Adil Khan. On the margin of each letter the King wrote the following verse: — “He is “grown so proud in the plenitude of his riches, “that the sun in his eyes appears but an atom.”

Kootb-ool-Moolk, with the officers of Tulingana, repaired to court without delay; but Imad-ool-Moolk and Khodawund Khan made excuses; upon which Ameer Bereed applied for succours to Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, who with Khwaja Jehan Deccany marched to Ahmudabad Bidur, and joined the King. Yoosoof Adil Khan, finding it imprudent to oppose so powerful a league in the field, committed Koolburga and Alund to the charge of Duria Khan and Fukhr-ool-Moolk Toork, and leaving his son Ismael Khan, then an infant at the breast, with his mother and treasure, at Beejapoor, under the care of Kumal Khan Dec-cany, went to Berar, attended by five thousand chosen horse. Mahmood Shah pursued him with great expedition; and Yoosoof Adil Khan, finding on his arrival in the camp of Imad-ool-Moolk that chief not disposed to protect him, at the risk of drawing on him the whole of the King's army, retired to Boorhanpoor.

Imad-ool-Moolk, however, communicated privately with Mullik Ahmud, in order to persuade him that Ameer Bereed only desired to ruin Yoo-soof Adil Khan, in order to obtain possession of Beejapoor; in which if he succeeded, and still kept the King in his hands, he would then effect the destruction of others; that, therefore, it were better for the confederates to retire to their own country, and leave him to deal with the minister. Mullik Ahmud and Kootb-ool-Moolk, both entering into this view of the case, suddenly withdrew homewards, without taking leave of the King; and the next morning Imad-ool-Moolk sent petitions to court in favour of Yoosoof Adil Khan, begging the King to pardon him, and to return to the capital.

The King, at the instigation of Ameer Bereed, refused to comply; and Yoosoof Adil Khan hearing of the retreat of the two most powerful chiefs was encouraged to rejoin Imad-ool-Moolk, who in conjunction with him moved to attack the royal army. Ameer Bereed deeming himself unequal to defend his camp left it standing, and fled with the King to Ahmudabad Bidur. Adil Khan and Imad-ool-Moolk having divided the booty abandoned by the royalists, returned to their several capitals.

A. H. 916.
A. D. 1510. In the year 916, Yoosoof Adil Khan dying, Ameer Bereed marched to reduce Beejapoor; but all his attempts proved vain, and the family on that throne increased daily

A. H. 918.
A. D. 1512.

in power. In the year 918, Kootb-ool-Mook assuming independence, ejected the King's name from the Khootba, notwithstanding which he continued to send to Mah-mood Shah privately, every year, a present in

A. H. 920.
A. D. 1514.

money. In 920, Ameer Bereed having levied a great army with the royal treasures, marched with the King, and took Koolburga from the garrison of Ismael Adil Shah, conferring it on Jehangeer Khan, the son of the late Dustoor Deenar, for whom he procured the title of Dustoor-ool-Moolk. This chief having collected troops recovered all the forts on the east of the Beema river, from Sagur to Nuldroog, which had been held by his father; and Ameer Bereed receiving reinforcements from Mullik Ahmud Bheiry and Kootb-ool-Moolk crossed the river with twenty thousand men, and proceeded by regular marches to Beejapoor. Ismael Adil Khan gave him battle near the city, and totally defeated him, so that he fled in the greatest confusion; while Mahmood Shah (who had fallen from his horse and received a severe bruise), together with his son Ahmud Khan, were left defenceless on the field, and taken prisoners. Ismael Adil Shah, observing the respect due to crowned heads, treated the King with attention, and provided him with every convenience becoming his high rank.

Mahmood Shah, shortly after, went with Ismael Adil Khan to Koolburga, where the ceremony of the nuptials between the Prince Ahmud and Beeby Musseety, sister to Ismael Adil Shah, were celebrated with great magnificence. The King having obtained five thousand foreign horse as an escort, marched to Ahmudabad Bidur, which Ameer Be-reed evacuated on his approach, and retired to the fort of Ousa. Mahmood Shah now took possession of his capital; but soon after, the officers of Ismael Adil Shah, on hearing that Ameer Be-reed had received aid from Boorhan Nizam-ool-Moolk, the son of the late Mullik Ahmud, deserted the King, and the minister returning, put him under greater restraint than before. Weary of his situation, the unfortunate Mahmood Shah found means to effect his escape to Gavul, in Berar, where he procured assistance from Imad-ool-Moolk, who marched with him towards the capital. Ameer Bereed, shutting himself up in the citadel, applied for relief to Boorhan Nizam-ool-Moolk, who despatched Khwaja Jehan to join him with a considerable force.

Ameer Bereed and his ally now sallied forth against the troops of Imad-ool-Moolk, who prepared to receive them, and drew up his army for action. It happened that the King was bathing at the time; and the messenger sent by Imad-ool-Moolk to inform him of the enemy's approach insolently remarked, within his hearing, that it was no wonder a prince who could be so employed at such a critical moment should be the derision of his nobles. The King, stung with the reproof, and enraged at what he thought proceeded from the insolence of Imad-ool-Moolk, joined the line as soon as possible; but suddenly spurring his horse, galloped over to Ameer Bereed's army. Imad-ool-Moolk immediately retreated with precipitation towards his own country, and the minister returned triumphantly into the city with the King.

Ameer Bereed now put the King into such close confinement, that he could not possibly escape again. Mahmood Shah, wearied with disappointments, grown old, and become weak in intellect, gave up his authority without a struggle, and contented himself with the pleasures of wine, women, and the external

pageantry of royalty. In the year 923, Ameer Bereed found it necessary to march with him to Mahoor against Basheer Khan, who with his son was slain in battle, and Mahoor was conferred on Ghalib Khan; after

Zilhuj 4.
A. H. 928.
October 21.
A. D. 1518.

which Mahmood Shah II. returned to his capital, where he died on the 4th of Zilhuj, after a reign of thirty-seven years and twenty days of constant vicissitude and trouble.

Mahmood the Second is succeeded by his son Ahmud Shah the Second. — Ameer Bereed has the entire control of the government in his hands, and the King is reduced to be a mere pensioner — sells the crown jewels for his maintenance. — The minister Ameer Bereed puts many people to death for being concerned in the transaction. — The purchasers make their escape to Beejanuggur. — The King dies.

AMEER BEREED had but a small territory in his possession, and dreading, should he assume open independence, that the surrounding powers would attack him, placed the Prince Ahmud, son of Mahmood Shah, upon the throne, leaving him the palace, with the use of the royal jewels and a daily allowance of money for his support; which not being equal to his expenses, the King broke up the crown, valued at four hundred thousand hoons, ^553a and privately sold the jewels. The minister having obtained information of this circumstance put many musicians and others to death for being concerned in the sale; but he never could recover the jewels, the purchasers having fled with them to Beejanug-gur. Ahmud Shah sent agents privately to Ismael Adil Shah, complaining of the ill usage he experienced; and the latter despatched ambassadors with presents to court; but before their arrival,

A. H. 927.
A. D. 1520.

Ahmud Shah II. died, two years after his accession to the throne, in the year 927.

Ameer Bereed determines on elevating Alla-ood-Deen Bahmuny to the throne. — The King abstains from the licentious habits of his predecessors, and attends to business — contrives a plot to seize the minister. — The project discovered — the abettors put to death. — The King deposed, and murdered in prison.

AMEER BEREED kept the throne vacant nearly fourteen days after the death of Ahmud Shah, and then, instead of ascending it himself, he deemed it prudent to place the crown on the head of one of the Bahmuny family; accordingly Alla-ood-Deen the Second was selected for that purpose.

This Prince, who was by nature a person of excellent understanding, having witnessed the fatal consequences of the debaucheries of his predecessors, refrained from excesses, and turned his thoughts to reduce Ameer Bereed, whom he conciliated so much as to throw him off his guard. He then privately placed near his apartments a band of armed men, resolving to take the minister prisoner, when he visited him at the following new moon. Ameer Bereed, agreeably to custom, came with his sons to congratulate the King; but just as he had reached the apartment, one of the concealed persons happening to sneeze,^555a

he was alarmed, and turning back, sent in guards to examine the avenues. The plot was discovered, and all who were concerned in it put to death. The King was deposed, after a short reign of two years and three months, and placed in confinement, in which situation he was shortly after murdered.

Wully Oolla Shah, the son of Mahmood Shah the Second, raised to the throne. — The minister conceives a passion for the Queen — poisons the King, and marries his widow.

AFTER deposing Alla-ood-Deen Shah, Ameer Be-reed raised Wully Oolla, another son of Mahmood Shah Bahmuny II., to the throne. This Prince, satisfied with the pension that was allotted to him, refrained from interfering in public business. At length, becoming impatient of restraint, he endeavoured to procure more liberty, on which he was confined altogether to his palace. Three years after his accession, Ameer Bereed conceiving a passion for the King's wife, he caused him to be poisoned, and espoused the Queen.

Is raised to the nominal dignity of King, but is kept a state prisoner in the capital. — Deputes one of his companions, in disguise, to Babur, who had then invaded India. — Ameer Bereed hears of this mission — renders the King's confinement more rigid. — The King escapes, and seeks protection with Ismael Adil Shah, his mother's brother. — Dissatisfied with his reception, he retires to the court of Ahmudnuggur, where he remains till his death. — Dissolution of the Bahmuny dynasty.

AFTER the death of Wully Oolla, Kulleem Oolla Shah, the son of Ahmud Shah by the daughter of Yoosoof Adil Shah, was styled King. Kulleem Oolla enjoyed nothing but the name of sovereign, and was never permitted to quit the palace. In

A. H. 933.
A. D. 1526.

the year 933, the Emperor Babur conquered Dehly; upon which, Ismael Adil Shah, Boorhan Nizam Shah, and Kootb Shah, sent ambassadors to his court. Kulleem Oolla Shah, also, deputed one of his companions, in disguise, with a petition to the Emperor; setting forth, that his kingdom had been usurped, and his person confined by rebellious servants: offering, if the Emperor of Dehly would relieve him from his distressed situation, to cede to him Dow-lutabad and the province of Berar. Babur, not being yet confirmed in his conquests, the kings of Malwa and Guzerat being still unsubdued, paid no attention to this request; but the circumstance coming to the knowledge of Ameer Bereed, he treated the King with greater rigour, who making his escape to his uncle Ismael Adil Shah of Beeja-poor, was received by him honourably, in hopes of using his name to his own advantage; but the King, dissatisfied with his reception, retired to Boorhan Nizam Shah of Ahmudnuggur. That Prince, at first, conducted himself so respectfully as to submit to stand in his presence; but being told, that such homage was acknowledging some defect in his own title to royalty, he discontinued the practice. Kulleem Oolla Shah, however, resided at Ahmudnuggur till his death, and with him ended the dynasty of Bahmuny. The Deccan had, in truth, before this event, been divided into five kingdoms, viz. Adil Shahy, or kings of Beejapoor; Kootb Shahy, or kings of Golconda; Imad Shahy, or kings of Berar; Nizam Shahy, or kings of Ahmudnuggur; and Bereed Shahy, or kings of Ahmudabad Bidur; — the histories of which will form the subject of the next volume.