Tārīḫ-i Firištah - The History of the Rise of Mohammedan Power in India, Volume 3

THIS humble individual, Mahomed Kasim Fe-rishta, desires it to be understood by those reflecting persons who peruse his work, that as the object of his labours, in the preceding part, has been to give a true account of the sovereigns of Dehly, and of the Bahmuny Kings of the Deccan, so shall his care be, in the remaining portion of it, to write a detail of the histories of all the other Mahomedan princes who have held independent sway in India. He proposes, therefore, to continue the narrative by commemorating, in the first place, the deeds of the illustrious monarchs who have reigned over Beejapoor; for the prosperity of which dynasty he constantly prays to Almighty God.

Situated as the author is, under the protection of this family, it may be supposed that he would be disposed to lavish encomiums on its ancestors, and either suppress or misrepresent facts for the purpose of obtaining pecuniary rewards; but his object is to write truth in simple and unadorned language. He has fortunately been already placed, by the bounty of his sovereign, Ibrahim Adil Shah II., above all pecuniary wishes, so that he is able to spurn gold beneath his feet. On that score, therefore, having nothing to desire, he is left free to indulge his own inclination, in fulfilling the commands of his King, by the honest performance of the task which he has undertaken.

To face page 3. Vol. III.]

>genealogy<

His remarkable origin — arrives in India from Persia — is patronised by the King of the Deccan, and attains high distinction — becomes the leader of the foreign troops, and opposes the minister Kasim Bereed. — Yoosoof maintains his independence in Beejapoor. — The minister instigates Bahadur Geelany, Mullik Ahmud Bheiry of Ahmudnuggur, and the Raja of Beejanuggur, to attack Yoosoof. — He obtains a victory over the Raja of Beejanuggur, and acquires a large booty. — The Mahomedan governor of Sagur is excited to make war against Yoosoof, but is slain in battle. — The independent sovereignties of Beejapoor, Golconda, Bidur, Ah- mudnuggur, and Berar, are formed. — Yoosoof assumes the title of King — attempts to introduce the Sheea doctrines — nearly loses his throne, and is induced to forego his intentions. — The Portuguese take Goa, which is shortly after retaken by Yoosoof Adil Shah. — His death and character.

ABOOL MOOZUFFUR YOOSOOF ADIL SHAH, the founder of the Adil Shahy dynasty, was the son of one of the emperors of Room, ^4a of the Ottoman family. His father, Agha Morad†,^4b A. H. 854.
A. D. 1451.

dying in 854‡, ^4c he was succeeded by his eldest son Mahomed; on which occasion the ministers observed, that as in the beginning of the late reign, a person named Moostufa, calling himself a son of Elderim Bayezeed, occasioned great commotions in the empire, it was desirable that in future only one prince of the family should be suffered to live. Sooltan Mahomed, assenting to the suggestion, gave orders for his brother Yoosoof, then a child, to be put to death; and the executioners came to demand him from his mother, in order that, having strangled him, the body might be publicly exposed. The Queen entreated them to spare the infant; or, if state policy demanded so cruel a sacrifice, to indulge her by deferring the execution for a day, that she might prepare her mind for so melancholy an event. The ministers having consented, the Queen improved the time to save her son's life. She accordingly sent for Khwaja Imad-ood-Deen, a merchant of Sava, with whom she had been in the habit of making purchases of the products of Persia, and enquired if he then had any male slaves for sale. He replied, he had five Georgians, and two Circassians. Among these was a Circassian who, on the whole, bore some resemblance to the Prince; and him she purchased, at the same time committing Yoosoof to the merchant's care, together with a large sum of money, entreating him to convey him to a place of security, out of the Emperor's dominions. The Khwaja, for the sake of the money, accepted the commission, and began his journey, with the infant Prince, the same night. The next morning, the ministers coming to the door of the Queen's apartments, demanded her son; when having admitted one of them, on whom she could rely, candidly informed him of the deception, and bound him to favour it by large gifts. The Circassian slave was accordingly strangled; and the body being brought out, wrapped in a shroud, by the minister, whose integrity was not suspected, it was interred without examination.^5a

Khwaja Imad-ood-Deen carried the young prince to Ardbeel, where he enrolled him among the disciples of the venerable Sheikh Suffy; after which he conveyed him to the city of Sava. When he was seven years of age the Khwaja made known to him the secret of his birth, and placed him at school with his own children. The next year the Queen sent a person to Sava to enquire after her child; and the messenger, after an absence of nine months, departed homewards, but was taken so ill at Alexandria, that he remained there a year and a half; after which he returned to the Queen, and presented her with a letter written by Yoosoof, giving her pleasing accounts of himself. The Princess bestowed alms to the poor in gratitude for the preservation of her son; and shortly after sent his nurse, with her son Ghuzunfur Beg, ^6a and her daughter Dilshad Agha, to Sava, accompanied by her former messenger, as also a large sum of money for the use of the Prince. Yoosoof remained at Sava till he was sixteen years old, when his nurse imprudently divulged the secret of his birth, which having come to the ears of the governor, a Toork of the tribe of Akkooinloo, he made the Prince pay him four hundred tomans†, ^6b to permit him to quit the place in safety. Yoosoof intended to remain at Koom till the governor of Sava should be removed; but after some time, having left Koom, he proceeded to Kashan, Isfahan, and eventually to Shiraz, where a story is told that the prophet Khizr appeared to him in a dream, directing him to quit Persia and go to Hindoostan, where he should attain to sovereign power. Yoosoof accordingly left Shiraz, went to the sea-coast, and embarking at Gombroon for India, reached Dabul in the year 864. On his arrival there he became acquainted with Khwaja Mahmood Goorjistany, a merchant who had come to that port on business. Yoosoof's appearance and manners (being at that time only seventeen years of age) were at once striking and engaging, for he had received a liberal education at Sava. The Khwaja prevailed on him to accompany him to Ahmudabad Bidur, where he was sold, as a Georgian slave, to the minister Khwaja Mahmood Gawan for the royal bodyguard. This account the author received from Mirza Mahomed of Sava, the son of Gheias-ood-Deen, prime minister of Yoosoof Adil Khan at the time he declared his independence at Bee-japoor, under the designation of Yoosoof Adil Shah. The same story is related by Shah Jumal-ood-Deen Hoossein, the son of Shah Hoossein Anjoo, in his history; as also by Khwaja Nuzr, a member of the Bahmuny family. At the period of the marriage of Beeby Musseety ^7a to the Prince Ahmud at Koolburga, that Princess took her seat above all the other ladies; and on remonstrance being made to her afterwards, she replied, as the daughter of Yoosoof Adil Shah, and the niece and grand-daughter of two emperors of Room, she certainly considered herself inferior to no lady in the Deccan. Ameer Bereed of Bidur was afterwards at the trouble of sending persons to Constantinople to endeavour to falsify this statement; but the corroborating facts were so strong that the subject was not again agitated. Yoosoof Adil Khan is said to have derived the appellation of Savaee ^8a from the circumstance of his having been educated at Sava.

After two or three months, Khwaja Mahmood Gawan, with the approbation of the Queen-mother, placed Yoosoof under Azeez Khan, master of the horse; who finding him fit for the task, and being old and infirm himself, committed to him the whole duty of his department; by which Yoosoof had frequent opportunities of going into the presence of Mahomed Shah, whose notice he attracted. On the death of Azeez Khan (at the recommendation of Khwaja Mahmood Gawan) he succeeded to the office of master of the horse; but not agreeing with the bramin who kept the accounts, he resigned the office, and attached himself to Nizam-ool-Moolk Toork, one of the nobles at court, whose friendship he acquired to such a degree that he used to call him brother.

On Nizam-ool-Moolk's being appointed governor of Berar, he procured for his friend the title of Adil Khan, with the rank of a commander of five hundred horse, and took him with him. Nizam-ool-Moolk was afterwards killed at Kehrla†; ^8b when Yoosoof Adil Khan, leaving a strong garrison in the fort, conducted back the army, together with the rich plunder of a very successful campaign, as also thirty elephants, which procured him the royal approbation; from which time the star of his good fortune began to ascend.

When Mahomed Shah left this vain world, and dissensions prevailed throughout the kingdom, most of the foreign officers and soldiers attached themselves to Yoosoof Adil Khan; who, perceiving that the ministers of Mahmood Shah were bent on his destruction, withdrew with his family and followers from Ahmudabad Bidur to Beejapoor; and resolving to become the founder of a kingdom, he began to add to his territories by conquest.

When the hooma ^9a of prosperity had spread the shadow of her wings over his head, Yoosoof Adil

A. H. 895.
A. D. 1489.

Khan, as well as Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, in the year 895, according to the verse in the Holy Koran,

“The sword for him who can wield it, and dominion to him
who conquers,”

caused the Khootba to be read in his name, and assumed the canopy of royalty, at which time the foreigners unanimously acknowledged him King. After this event, he wrested many forts from the governors of Mahmood Shah, and subdued all the country from the river Beema to Beejapoor, the inhabitants of which territory submitted to his authority; and being subsequently joined by many Deccany officers, who had formerly deserted him on his retiring from Ahmudabad Bidur, his power daily increased.

Kasim Bereed Toork, who had himself entertained hopes of founding a kingdom at Beejapoor, wrote to the Ray of Beejanuggur, that Mahomed Shah was willing to cede to him the forts of Mood-kul and Rachore, if he would wrest them from Yoosoof Adil Khan; at the same time letters were addressed to Bahadur Geelany, who possessed Goa and all DUREABAR, ^10a (the tract which, in the language of the Deccan, is called Concan,) inviting him to invade the country of Yoosoof Adil Khan.

Timraj, the general of the Ray of Beejanuggur, having crossed the river Toongbudra, laid waste the country as far as Moodkul and Rachore; and Bahadur Geelany reduced the fortress of Jum-kindy. Yoosoof Adil Khan was too weak to repel these attacks by force. He accordingly made peace with Timraj, and expelled Bahadur Geelany from his dominions; but without attempting to recover Jumkindy, led his army, composed of eight thousand foreigners, towards the capital, against Kasim Bereed.

Kasim Bereed applied for aid to Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, together with Khwaja Jehan Deccany, governor of Purenda, who joined him. The troops with Mahmood Shah Bahmuny II. marched from the capital, and were met by Yoosoof Adil Shah in the vicinity of Nuldroog, where an action was fought. Duria Khan commanded the right wing, Fukhr-ool-Moolk Toork the left, and Yoosoof Adil Khan led the centre of his army, while his foster-brother, Ghuzunfur Beg, commanded a separate corps of a thousand foreign bowmen, to assist wherever there might be occasion. Kasim Bereed fled with the King at the first onset; upon which Yoosoof Adil Khan and Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, discontinuing the fight, entered into a treaty on the field, and each retired to his own dominions. This action is, however, differently related by the Bahmuny historian, who states, that Mullik Ahmud was not in the field, but his general Khwaja Jehan only; that Yoosoof Adil Khan was defeated, and retired to Beejapoor, where he shortly after obtained peace with his enemies; and then, on learning that dissensions prevailed in Beejanuggur, he marched to retake Rachore.

On reaching the banks of the Krishna, Yoosoof Adil Khan amused himself for some time in hunting; but having brought on an ague and fever by exertion, he was confined to his bed for two months; during which time, his foster-brother, Ghuzunfur Beg, directed all public affairs. In this interval Timraj the minister, having composed his disputes with the young Ray of Beejanuggur, advanced at the head of an army to Rachore, which struck terror into that of Yoosoof Adil Khan, for whose recovery fervent prayers were offered up by his subjects. Not long after, Yoosoof recovering, distributed sixty thousand rupees among holy men and syuds of Medina, Kerbulla, and Nujuf. He also intrusted a considerable sum to Khwaja Abdoolla Hirvy, ^11a who had come with him to Hindoostan in the same ship, directing him to build a mosque at Sava, and to give the surplus of the money among the poor of that city.

Meanwhile intelligence was received that Tim-raj, having crossed the Toongbudra, was advancing to Beejapoor. Yoosoof Adil Khan mustered his troops, and found them to consist of eight thousand Doaspa ^12a horse and two hundred elephants of all sizes. Addressing himself to Ghuzunfur Beg, Mirza Jehangeer, and Dawood Khan Lody, his favourite officers, he said, that he trusted he should be able to defeat the enemy with this force, and communicated his determination to advance towards him. Next day he accordingly marched, and encamped at a little distance from Timraj's army, and then dividing the ground among his officers to the best advantage, he threw up entrenchments round his camp to prevent surprise. Several days passed inactively, till on Saturday,

Rujub,
A. H. 898.
April,
A. D. 1493.

in the month of Rujub, 898, both armies drew out; and in the beginning of the action nearly five hundred of Yoosoof Adil Khan's troops being slain, the rest fell back in disorder. Fortunately, at this moment, one of his officers who had been taken prisoner made his escape, and represented, that the enemy were busily engaged in plunder, and might be attacked with advantage. The King, rallying his troops, prepared to renew the action; when Timraj, not having time to collect his whole army, drew up seven thousand horse, a considerable number of foot, and three hundred elephants to oppose him. Yoosoof Adil Khan charged this body with such impetuosity, that Timraj, unable to stand the shock, fled, leaving two hundred elephants, and a thousand horses in the hands of the victors, besides sixty lacks of hoons, ^13a with many jewels and other valuable booty. Timraj and the young Ray fled to Beejanuggur. The latter died on the road of wounds received in the action, and Timraj seized the government of the country; but some of the principal nobility opposing his usurpation, dissensions broke out, which gave Yoosoof Adil Khan a respite from war in that quarter.

Dustoor Khan relates, that the victory was gained by the following stratagem: Yoosoof Adil Khan, after the disorder of his troops, sent a messenger to Timraj entreating peace, and offering to acknowledge allegiance to the Ray for the country he held; upon which the minister and the Ray came, attended by three or four hundred followers and their principal nobility, to a conference in the field, when Yoosoof Adil Khan fell upon them by surprise with his whole army and routed them, killing seventy persons of rank. Their troops, alarmed at the death of their chiefs, fled, and left the camp to be plundered by the victors.

Yoosoof Adil Khan, after his success, conferred on Raab Jung Bahadur Khan fifty elephants, with one lack of hoons, and detached him with a force to reduce the forts of Moodkul and Rachore; which having effected in the space of forty days, the King returned to his capital of Beejapoor. This victory added greatly to his wealth, strengthened his power, and confirmed his authority. It is said, however, that he paid Mahmood Shah the compliment of sending to him two splendid vests, the borders of which were adorned with precious stones, two horses shod with gold, and saddles and bridles set with jewels, with an official report of his success.

Yoosoof Adil Khan was preparing to march against Jumkindy, which Bahadur Geelany had taken from him, when Mahmood Shah, in consequence of complaints from the King of Guzerat, resolved to march in person against the latter chief; on which occasion Yoosoof Adil Khan sent his general, Kumal Khan Deccany, with five thousand horse, to attend the Bahmuny monarch. Jumkindy being taken, was delivered over to Yoosoof Adil Khan, and Bahadur Geelany was slain in action. When Mahmood Shah returned from this expedition, Yoosoof Adil Khan went forth to meet him; and having conducted him into Beejapoor, then newly surrounded with a wall of stone, entertained him for ten days with great splendour. On his departure, he presented him with twenty elephants, fifty horses, four bracelets set with jewels, and other rare and valuable articles to a large amount. Mah-mood Shah having made choice of one elephant, sent back the other articles, with a private message, that as they would be seized by his minister Kasim Bereed, he returned them, to be kept for him in trust, till such time as Yoosoof Adil Khan, like a faithful servant, should deliver him from his trammels.

Yoosoof Adil Khan, though he had it in his power to effect this object at once, did not think it desirable to do so; and answered, that such an undertaking could not succeed, unless Mullik Ahmud Bheiry of Ahmudnuggur should agree in promoting it, as also Imad-ool-Moolk of Gavul-gur; and he promised, that when Mahmood Shah reached his capital he would prevail upon those chiefs to join with him in punishing the obnoxious minister. Mahmood Shah, satisfied with this declaration, departed for his capital; but before he left Beejapoor, Yoosoof Adil Khan conveyed to him privately a large sum of money, and also made considerable presents to Kasim Bereed and Kootb-ool-Moolk, who had attended the King in the campaign.

A. H. 901.
A.D. 1495. In the year 901, Dustoor Deenar, the Abyssinan eunuch, who held the districts of Koolburga, Sagur, Alund, and other forts and districts between the river Beema and Tulingana, aspired to establish his independence. For this purpose he opened a communication with Mullik Ahmud Bheiry; observing, that as Futteh Oolla Imad-ool-Moolk had, in concert with Yoosoof Adil Shah, assumed royal titles in Berar, it would be consistent with his friendship to support him in doing the same. Dustoor Deenar was the adopted son of Nizam-ool-Moolk, the father of Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, and thought, in consequence, he had claims on his support. Accordingly the eunuch, having adopted the regal canopy, seized many districts dependent on the capital of Ahmudabad Bidur, and expelled the officers of Kasim Bereed.

Kasim Bereed, on this occasion, demanded the assistance of Yoosoof Adil Khan, who directed his general, Ghuzunfur Beg, Duria Khan, and other chiefs, to join the King's army; writing to Mah-mood Shah, at the same time, that he should have attended in person, did he not foresee, in that case, that Mullik Ahmud Bheiry would think it necessary to join Dustoor Deenar with his whole force, a proceeding which would only prolong the war. Soon after, however, intelligence being received that Khwaja Jehan Deccany, at the instigation of Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, had moved from Purenda towards Koolburga with a considerable force to aid Dustoor Deenar, and that Mullik Ahmud was also preparing to march, Yoosoof Adil Khan thought it proper to join his own army; so that, after forming a junction with Mahmood Shah and Kasim Bereed, the whole moved against Dustoor Deenar without delay. The eunuch advanced to receive them with eight thousand horse, mostly Abyssinians, and twelve thousand auxiliaries, sent by Mullik Ahmud Bheiry under Khwaja Jehan of Purenda, when, after a severe action, Dustoor Deenar was defeated, and taken prisoner. Mah-mood Shah would have caused him to be put to death, at the instance of Kasim Bereed; but Yoosoof Adil Khan, not wishing to strengthen the hands of the minister, interceded for his pardon, and Koolburga was restored to him; after which Yoosoof Adil Khan, without paying his respects to Mahmood Shah, returned to Beejapoor, while the King and Dustoor Deenar repaired to their respective capitals. Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, who had begun his march to join the eunuch, hearing of the peace, returned to Ahmudnuggur.

A. H. 903.
A. D. 1497. In the year 903, Mahmood Shah solicited the hand of Beeby Musseety, the infant daughter of Yoosoof Adil Khan, for his son Ahmud Shah, and fixing on Koolburga as a fit place to celebrate the nuptials, both princes repaired to that city, an event which greatly offended Dustoor Deenar. Yoosoof Adil Khan at this time intimated privately to Mahmood Shah, that if he wished to displace Kasim Bereed, he must cede to Beejapoor the districts now belonging to Dustoor Deenar, which intervened between his own territory and the estates of the minister: an acquisition which would afford Yoosoof Adil Khan a plausible pretext for advancing troops into them, and give him an opportunity of expelling Kasim Bereed, before Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, or any other person disposed to assist him, could hear of his design. Mahmood Shah accordingly made out the requisite transfers, and dispossessed the officers of Dustoor Deenar, who, unable to resist, was obliged to consent to hold the rest of his districts subordinate to Sooltan Koolly Kootb Khan of Golconda. Kasim Bereed, alarmed and offended at this proceeding, quitted Mahmood Shah, and putting himself at the head of his dependents, retired to Alund.

Yoosoof Adil Khan, upon this, moved with Mahmood Shah, who was accompanied by Sooltan Koolly Kootb Khan, and Mullik Elias, to reduce Kasim Bereed, whom they defeated near the town of Gunjowty, and the fugitives took shelter in various forts. After the victory, a rich carpet of cloth of gold was spread on the field, and Mahmood Shah taking Yoosoof Adil Khan by the hand, commanded him to sit, an honour he declined to accept, till after being repeatedly pressed. Here it was determined, that, on the following year, the allies should march and effectually subvert the power of Kasim Bereed. Mullik Elias fell in the action; and Yoosoof Adil Khan conferred his estates upon his eldest son, Mahomed, with the title of Ein-ool-Moolk, and quitting Mahmood Shah returned to Beejapoor.

On the following year, Yoosoof Adil Khan marched against Dustoor Deenar; but Mullik Ah-mud Bheiry coming to his asistance, Yoosoof retired towards Bidur, where he received assurances of support from Sooltan Koolly Kootb Khan and Imad-ool-Moolk of Berar; on which Dustoor Deenar and Mullik Ahmud retired without hazarding an action to their respective capitals. On his return to Beejapoor, Yoosoof Adil Khan sent embassies to Mullik Ahmud Bheiry and to Imad-ool-Moolk; observing, that the Deccan was too small a country to maintain so many independent chiefs, that therefore they three should, out of regard to their own security, unite and endeavour to occupy the whole country. After much discussion it was resolved, that Imad-ool-Moolk should have Mahoor, Ram-gur, and all the territory then in possession of Khodawund Khan the Abyssinian; that Mullik Ahmud should have Dowlutabad, Antore, Galna, and the country beyond those forts as far as the borders of Guzerat; that Yoosoof Adil Khan, for his share, might seize the territories of Dustoor Deenar and Ein-ool-Moolk; that Kasim Bereed should be allowed to take the country of Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, as an appanage to the capital of Ahmudabad Bidur, and its dependencies. By this treaty it was understood that the contracting powers were not to interfere with the plan now proposed, but, on the contrary, if necessary, unite to enforce it.

Yoosoof Adil Khan, in pursuance of this treaty, in order to ascertain if Ein-ool-Moolk were content to be dependent on his authority, despatched an order commanding him to his presence, whereas he had always before addressed him on terms of equality. Ein-ool-Moolk received the order with joyful submission, declaring that now he was convinced Yoosoof Adil Khan regarded him as loyal, by putting his submission to the test. He made a festival of a week in the fort of Goa on the occasion, and repaired with six thousand horse to Bee-japoor, where Yoosoof Adil Khan received him as one of his subjects, exacting those salutations from him made only to crowned heads, and then conferred on him an honorary dress.

Dustoor Deenar, informed of the partition treaty which included his destruction, applied to Ameer Bereed for aid, who had just then succeeded his father in the office of minister to Mahmood Shah II. Ameer Bereed, accordingly, sent three thousand horse to his assistance; and Dustoor Deenar encamped on the banks of the Bheema, where he was joined by Khwaja Jehan of Purenda, and his brother Zein Khan, who had also been excluded by Mullik Ahmud from the partition treaty. They brought with them five thousand horse. Mullik Ahmud Bheiry was at this time engaged in taking Dowlutabad, and defending himself against invasions from Guzerat.

Yoosoof Adil Khan, unmoved by the superiority of the enemy's numbers, collected his troops, and liberally distributing among them the booty he had taken from the Beejanuggur army, marched from Beejapoor, and encamped within ten miles of the enemy. The day following he prepared his army for battle, sending on an advanced corps of two thousand select cavalry, under Mahomed Koolly Beg, brother of Ghuzunfur Beg, with directions to encamp within two miles of the enemy, and divert their attention by skirmishing parties. At the same time he sent a message to Dustoor Deenar, assuring him, that should he consent to submit and acknowledge his supremacy, both he and his dependents should receive the highest favour under his government; but if impelled by folly to reject his offer, he must abide the fate of war.

Dustoor Deenar, refusing the proffered terms, detached a large body of Abyssinian cavalry to attack the advanced corps of Yoosoof Adil Khan; but they were defeated with great slaughter, and many elephants and horses fell into the hands of the victors. Yoosoof Adil Khan, the next morning, advancing on the enemy, drew up his army near their camp in the following order: Ghuzunfur Beg commanded the right wing, Heidur Beg Tu-breezy the left, and Mirza Jehangeer Koomy had charge of the pickets, while the King with a select guard took post in the centre. Dustoor Deenar, also, confident in his numbers, drew out his troops, mostly covered with iron armour, according to the practice in use in the Indian mode of warfare, disposing his elephants in different parts, and all his battering engines in front. Mirza Jehangeer advanced first, with the velocity of lightning, on the enemy, while Ghuzunfur Beg and Heidur Beg charged, at the same time from the right and left, with such fury that nothing could withstand their impetuosity. By the will of the Eternal One, Dustoor Deenar fell in this attack, and his troops fled, overwhelmed with terror. Ghuzunfur Beg, who had received a severe wound, approaching Yoosoof Adil Khan, knelt down with the rest of the nobles, and performed the ceremonies of congratulation, and waved money and jewels over his head, as is customary after victory. Yoosoof Adil Khan, kissing his eyes and forehead, clasped his brave foster-brother in his embrace, and superintended the dressing of his wounds, but all was vain; for, according to the declaration of holy writ,

“When death comes, we cannot arrest him for one instant,”

the hero, after three days and nights, having sipped of the cup of martyrdom, departed to the world eternal.

Yoosoof Adil Khan was deeply afflicted at this loss; but having performed the funeral rites, roused himself and took Koolburga, Sagur, and all the forts and territories of the late Dustoor Deenar, which he delivered to officers in whom he could confide, and then returned in triumph to Beeja-poor. On his arrival in that city, he raised Mirza Jehangeer and Heidur Beg to the highest rank of nobility, for their gallantry in the late action, and conferred honours and gifts on all the officers and soldiers who had distinguished themselves during the war.

Having now attained the summit of his wishes, Yoosoof Adil Khan resolved to perform a religious vow, which he had determined on in his mind

A. H. 908.
A. D. 1502.

for many years. For this purpose, in the year 908, he held a council of his principal subjects, and calling Mirza Jehan-geer and Heidur Beg, who were of the Sheea sect, as also Syud Ahmud Hirvy and other learned men of that persuasion, to him, addressed them, saying, that when the Prophet, appeared to him in a vision, and had hailed him with the presage of his present dignity, he then made a vow, that if his dream should ever be fulfilled, to promulgate the faith of the Imams, ^22a and grace the pulpit with proclamation of their titles; that also, when Timraj and Bahadur Geelany invaded his territories, and nearly seized the reins of government from his hands, he had renewed this vow; he therefore wished to have their opinions, whether the present was not a fit time for its performance.

The assembly unanimously broke out into prayers for the prosperity of his house. Some of those present approved of his devout intention, while others, more prudent, observed, that his power was yet but in infancy; that Mahmood Shah, though weak, was still the acknowledged lawful monarch of the Deccan; that most even among his own nobles were Toorks, Deccanies, and Abyssinians of the Soony persuasion, as were also the surrounding kings of the Deccan, such as Mullik Ahmud Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry, Ameer Bereed, and others, who were all zealous for their faith; therefore that it was more than probable an opposition too great to be overcome by his single power would attend any innovation of the established religion. Yoosoof Adil Shah, after a short pause, replied, that he had made a vow to God who had raised him by his goodness to royal power, and he did not doubt but on its fulfilment the same gracious arm would uphold him. At this instant news arrived that Shah Ismael Sufvy ^23a of Persia had established the Sheea doctrines throughout his dominions, which confirmed Yoosoof Adil Khan, who was a disciple of that house, in his determination, and he took measures without delay to carry his project into execution.

On an appointed day, he accordingly went in great state to the grand mosque in the citadel of Beejapoor; and Nukeeb Khan, one of the venerable syuds of Medina, by his command ascending the pulpit, cried aloud, in calling to prayer, according to the custom of the Sheeas, “I bear testimony “that Ally is the friend of God,” after which he read the Khootba ^24a in the names of the twelve Imams. Yoosoof Adil Shah was the first prince who dared to perform these ceremonies publicly in Hindoostan. Notwithstanding this bold attempt, he had the prudence not to permit the populace to utter scandalous and abusive epithets against the Sahiba†, ^24b so that fanaticism was prevented from spreading its baneful venom. The learned disciples of Jafur, and those eminently versed in the tenets of Mahomed Huneef, and of the Shafye persuasion, lived together in friendship; and in mosques of different sects each worshipped the true God according to his own belief, without interfering in the ceremonies of the other. The holy teachers and pious recluses were equally astonished at this well-regulated moderation, and attributed it to an almost miraculous ability in the wise king. The author of these sheets recollects an anecdote applicable to the toleration practised by some kings, which he thinks proper to insert for the information of his readers.

Mowlana Gheias-ood-Deen, a celebrated divine of Persia, much respected for his abilities and purity of life, was once asked by Ibrahim Adil Shah, which was the best of all the various sects of Islam? He replied, “Suppose a great monarch “to be seated in a palace, with many gates lead-“ing to it, and through whichever you enter you “see the King, and can obtain admission to his “presence, — your business is with the Prince, and “not with those at his gate.” Ibrahim Adil Shah again asked him, which, in his opinion, was the best of all faiths? He replied, that, in his opinion, the best man of every faith followed the best faith. This observation pleased the King, who conferred upon the Mowlana large gifts.

Yoosoof Adil Shah having read the Khootba according to the ceremonial of the Sheeas, and established their tenets at Beejapoor, many of the principal chiefs, such as Duria Khan, Fukhr-ool-Moolk Toork, and others, embraced the same tenets as their sovereign; but some being rigid Soonies refused, and even expressed a wish to quit his service. Yoosoof Adil Shah, when informed of the state of public feeling, permitted each person the free exercise of the doctrine, “My faith for myself, and your faith for yourself,” which at length gave universal satisfaction. At this time, the King becoming jealous of the increasing influence of Ein-ool-Moolk Geelany, deprived him of the command he held in the army; and resuming the districts he had possessed during his father's life, allotted to him for his private support Hookery and Belgam in their stead, with permission to retire from court and follow his own opinions in religious matters. All the Soony nobles were also allowed to read the Khootba, within their own jageers, in the names of the Sahiba, and no opposition was made to the exercise of their own mode of worship publicly. But in spite of these indulgences, the King found it necessary to observe a strict watch over the chiefs of the Soony persuasion.

Mullik Ahmud Bheiry and Ameer Bereed, who were strict and zealous followers of the Soonut, were alarmed at the innovation on the established faith of the Deccan, and spoke of it in reproachful terms. At length, forming an alliance, they invaded the territory of Yoosoof Adil Shah. Ameer Bereed seized on Gunjowty, and many districts taken from Dustoor Deenar, while Mullik Ahmud Bheiry sent ambassadors to Beejapoor peremptorily demanding the surrender of the fortress of Nul-droog. Yoosoof Adil Shah, incensed at this wanton attack on his dominions, sent back an answer full of indignation, and marching at once on Gunjowty recovered it forthwith. Mahmood Shah Bahmuny and Ameer Bereed now made application for aid to Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, Imad-ool-Moolk, and Khodawund Khan Hubshy. Sooltan Koolly, though secretly of the Sheea persuasion, yet in conformity with the spirit of the times, and by the advice of his officers, moved towards the camp of Mahmood Shah; but Imad-ool-Moolk and Khoda-wund Khan framed excuses, and did not join the league. Ameer Bereed now despatched his own son Jehangeer Khan to Ahmudnuggur, with such urgent remonstrances, that Mullik Ahmud Bheiry was induced to march with ten thousand horse and a train of artillery; which, added to the troops of Ameer Bereed and Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, composed a formidable army, of which Mahmood Shah was nominally the leader. Yoosoof Adil Shah, thinking it unsafe to engage in a pitched battle with the inferior force at his command, sent his son Is-mael, then an infant of five years old, with all his treasures and elephants, from Alund to Beejapoor, committing the care of that city and the sole direction of affairs to Kumal Khan Deccany. Having stationed Duria Khan and Fukhr-ool-Moolk Toork to protect Koolburga, he himself, attended by Ein-ool-Moolk Geelany, and many foreign officers, together with an army consisting of six thousand horse firmly devoted to him, marched towards Beer, burning and destroying the country as he passed. Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, finding his territory thus pillaged, moved with Mahmood Shah Bahmuny and the allies in pursuit of the enemy. Yoosoof Adil Shah had taken this step to prevent the war being carried into his own country; and though he avoided a general action, he hovered around the allied army, harassed their followers, and cut off their supplies. Finding this plan not sufficiently successful, and his troops being exhausted with fatigue, after first plundering the environs of Dowlutabad, he penetrated into Berar, relying on the friendship of Imad-ool-Moolk. This chief was at the time encamped with his army near Gavul, resolved to maintain a strict neutrality, and to attend merely to the protection of his own country. Yoosoof Adil Shah, however, was received with kindness; but Imad-ool-Moolk, apprehensive that the allies would invade Berar, if he openly espoused the cause of Yoosoof Adil Shah, advised him to retire for the present towards Boorhan-poor, till some plan could be devised of dissolving the league formed against him; he recommended him also, strongly, by way of conciliating his enemies, to order the Soony rites to be re-established in Beeja-poor. Yoosoof Adil Shah saw the necessity of compliance, and sent orders to that effect to Ku-mal Khan. Meanwhile, taking leave of Imad-ool-Moolk, Yoosoof Adil Shah proceeded to Boorhan-poor, where he was received with due respect by the ruler of Kandeish.

Imad-ool-Moolk, on his part, deputed one of his nearest relations to Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, and to Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, assuring them that Ameer Bereed had only made religion a pretext to destroy Yoosoof Adil Shah, in order that he might secure Beejapoor for himself; and Imad-ool-Moolk added, that if Ameer Bereed, now master only of a small territory, was enabled to effect so much in the name of the King, the subversion of their own independence in the Deccan would, in the event of any great accession of dominion, necessarily follow. He, moreover, observed, that no man had any right to interfere in the religious concerns of another, since every one would be rendered accountable for his actions on the day of judgment. Setting aside, however, this argument, Yoosoof Adil Shah had now formally retracted his profession of the Sheea doctrines, and had sent orders to restore the Soony rites in Beeja-poor, so that no fair pretence now remained for continuing the war. Imad-ool-Moolk, therefore, strongly recommended the confederates, instead of weakening themselves and becoming the dupes of an artful minister, to retire to their own dominions. Mullik Ahmud Bheiry and Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, who paid great respect to the advice of this aged and experienced statesman, were convinced by his arguments, and retreated suddenly one night, without even taking leave of Mahmood Shah.

Ameer Bereed, not aware of the reasons which led to this desertion of his allies, applied to Imad-ool-Moolk for his assistance to invade Beejapoor, and suffered himself to be detained some days by idle negotiations, till Yoosoof Adil Shah arrived at Gavul from Boorhanpoor. Ameer Bereed now perceived the danger of his situation, and instantly fled with the King, attended only by a few followers, leaving his camp standing, which was plundered by the Berar troops. Yoosoof Adil Shah, having taken leave of Imad-ool-Moolk, returned to Beejapoor after an absence of three months; and being no longer apprehensive of his enemies, he renewed the public exercise of the Sheea religion, and inclined his mind to the improvement of his country, without meditating further conquests. At this time he sent Syud Ahmud Hirvy, with presents and declarations of attachment, to Shah Ismael Sufvy, King of Persia, with an account of his success in establishing the Sheea religion.

A. H. 915.
A. D. 1510. In the year 915 the Christians ^29a surprised the town of Goa, and put to death the governor, with many Mussul-mans. On receiving intelligence of this event, Yoosoof Adil Shah marched with three thousand chosen men, composed of Deccanies and foreigners, with such expedition, that he surprised the Europeans, retook the fort, and put many to death; ^30a though some made their escape to sea in their ships. Having provided for the security of Goa, Yoosoof Adil Shah returned to Beejapoor, and died in that city of a dropsy, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, after having reigned with great prosperity twenty-one years. Shah Tahir relates that he was informed by Syud Ahmud Hirvy, who long lived at his court, that Yoosoof Adil Shah was a wise prince, intimately acquainted with human nature; that he was handsome in person, eloquent in speech, and alike eminent for his learning, his liberality, and his valour. He wrote elegantly, and was a good judge of poetical composition, and even sometimes wrote verses himself. His taste and skill in music were superior to those of most of the masters of his time, whom he encouraged by munificent rewards to attend his court: he himself performed to admiration on two or three instruments, and in his gay moments would sing improvisatore compositions. Although he mingled pleasure with business, yet he never allowed the former to interfere with the latter. He always warned his ministers to act with justice and integrity, and in his own person showed them an example of attention to these virtues. He invited to his court many learned men and valiant officers from Persia, Toorkistan, and Room, also several eminent artists, who lived happy under the shadow of his bounty. In his reign the citadel of Beeja-poor was built of stone.

When Yoosoof Adil Khan first established his independence, he heard that one Mookund Row Marhatta and his brother, who had both been officers under the Bahmuny government, had with a number of peasants fled and taken up a strong position among the hills, with the determination of opposing his authority: he accordingly marched against them at the head of two thousand cavalry, and five thousand infantry: they were defeated, and their families fell into the hands of the King. Among these was the sister of Mookund Row, whom Yoosoof afterwards espoused, and gave her the title of Booboojee Khanum. By this lady he had three daughters and one son, Ismael, who succeeded to the throne. Of the three daughters, Muryum, ^31a the eldest, married Boorhan Nizam Shah Bheiry of Ahmudnuggur: Khoodeija, the second, married Alla-ood-Deen Imad-ool-Moolk, King of Gavul and Berar; and Beeby Musseety, the third, married Ahmud Shah Bahmuny at Koolburga, as has been related.

Kumal Khan Deccany appointed by the late King, on his deathbed, protector to his only son Ismael. — The Soony doctrines avowedly made the established religion of the state. — Goa retaken by the Portuguese. — Treaty with the Portuguese. — The Protector gradually takes possession of several estates lapsing to the crown, till he at length threatens to ascend the throne.— He enters into a scheme with Ameer Bereed of Bidur to cede to him the districts south of Sholapoor and east of the Beema, to be himself acknowledged king of all the territory west of that river from Punderpoor — resolves on dethroning the King. — The plot of the Queen-mother to oppose the Protector. — He is assassinated. — Deliberate conduct of the Protector's mother, and activity of his son. — The Queen-mother is alarmed. — Great intrepidity of Dilshad Agha, the sister of Ghuzunfur Beg, the late King's foster-brother — collects the foreign troops about the palace — opposes every effort of the late minister's son, who attempts to carry the palace by storm, and is killed by a stone pushed over the battlements. — The King's party successful. — The Deccany troops are all dismissed, and great encouragement given to foreign soldiers. — Mirza Jehangeer authorised to attack the eastern districts ceded by the Protector to Ameer Be-reed, which are all recovered. — Ameer Bereed, in the name of Mahmood Shah Bahmuny, requires the aid of the several Deccany states, and marches to Beejapoor — is defeated — and the Bahmuny King and his son are taken prisoners. — A small force is sent with the Bahmuny King and his son to Bidur. — Ameer Bereed retreats from the capital. — Ismael Adil Shah resolves to recover Rachore and Moodkul, taken by the Hindoos — advances with an army to the banks of the Krishna. — The enemy in possession of the ferries. — The King passes on an elephant, and is followed by many of his troops — attacks the Hindoos, but is repulsed, and narrowly escapes with his life — is recommended by his general Assud Khan of Belgam to retire to Beejapoor. — The King meets Boorhan Nizam Shah at Sholapoor, and gives him his sister Muryum in marriage. — Sholapoor and certain districts promised in dower — they are subsequently withheld by Ismael Adil Shah. — War ensues. — Boorhan Nizam Shah is defeated — returns again in the ensuing year, and is again repulsed. — The King's sister Khoodeija is married to Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah of Berar. — The King sends 400,000l. sterling to assist Boorhan Nizam Shah in repelling the attack of Bahadur Shah of Guzerat. — The King attacks Ameer Bereed, and besieges Bidur — kills two of the sons of Ameer Bereed with his own hand. — Ameer Bereed is taken prisoner, but is restored to his territory. — Death of Ismael Adil Shah — his character.

ISMAEL ADIL SHAH, on his accession, being too young to direct the affairs of the kingdom, the sole administration was intrusted to Kumal Khan Deccany. This chief had been one of the nobles of the court of Sooltan Mahmood Shah Bah-muny II.; but on Yoosoof Adil Shah assuming independence, he came over to his interests, and was appointed Meer Nobut. After this period, showing distinguished gallantry in the battle against Timraj, he rose in favour and influence till he became prime minister. Yoosoof Adil Shah, on his death-bed, enjoined him to become regent during the minority of his son, and earnestly entreated Duria Khan, Fukhr-ool-Moolk, Mirza Jehangeer, Heidur Beg, and the rest of his officers, to maintain a strict friendship with him, as also among themselves. On this account they respected Kumal Khan as their superior, and leaving all affairs to direction obeyed him as regent.

Kumal Khan, on assuming his new dignity, evinced great good sense by restoring the exercise of the Soony religion, a measure by which he gained the affections of the people, and secured by his affability the support and attachment of the nobility. He cultivated the friendship of the neighbouring princes, such as Ahmud Nizam Shah, Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah, and Ameer Bereed Shah. He also made peace with the Europeans, who, after the retreat of Yoosoof Adil Shah, had besieged Goa, and regained possession by giving large bribes to the governor. This event occurred on the accession of the infant King, and it was finally agreed that the Europeans should retain Goa, on condition of their not molesting the other towns and districts on the seacoast. Accordingly since that time the Portuguese have kept possession of Goa, and observing the treaty, have not made any farther encroachments on the Adil Shahy territory.

Kumal Khan, after thus settling the affairs of the kingdom, continued regent for some time. Meanwhile, Duria Khan and Fukhr-ool-Moolk dying, he divided their jageers among his own relatives and dependents, besides procuring for them honours and public employment. At the same time he deprived Mirza Jehangeer and Heidur Beg of some pergunas from their estates, to bestow upon his followers. The lands of all officers who died, or of persons convicted of treason, were confiscated, and he gave them to his own creatures. By these means Kumal Khan increased his power so greatly, that at last he became giddy with his elevated station, and his evil genius prompted him to form schemes for seizing the crown.

The ambition of treacherous ministers had already proved fatal to the lawful kings of the Deccan. Timraj was the first usurper: he had poisoned the young Raja of Beejanuggur, son of Shew Ray, had rendered his infant brother the tool of his designs, and, by degrees, overthrowing the ancient nobles, he at length established his authority over the kingdom. Kasim Bereed and others had reduced Mahmood Shah II. to a mere pageant, and at length caused their own names to be read in the Khootba: Kumal Khan, also, tempted by these successful examples, having obtained the requisite means for assuming independence, addressed himself artfully to Ameer Bereed. He observed, that if he wished to extend his possessions, a favourable opportunity now offered itself. Ahmudnuggur was at present held by a weak infant, and Imad-ool-Moolk, the sovereign of Berar, immersed in the pleasures of youth, had no inclination for military glory. Under these circumstances, Kumal Khan promised Ameer Bereed, that if he would support his views on the crown of Beejapoor, he would in return forward Ameer Bereed's views on Ahmud-nuggur. The latter heartily embraced the proposal, as he had been long secretly seeking an opportunity to extend his power; a secret treaty of offensive and defensive alliance was accordingly formed. It was stipulated that all the country formerly taken from Dustoor Deenar, such as Koolburga, Alund, Gun-jowty, and Nuldroog, as far as the banks of the Beema, should be ceded to Ameer Bereed; and that Beejapoor, Concan, Moodkul, and Rachore, with other places, should remain in the hands of Kumal Khan, who might depose, or even put to death, Ismael Adil Shah, and proceed, if he chose, to reduce Sholapoor, and the country belonging to Zein Khan.

Ameer Bereed, having first confined his sovereign Mahmood Shah II. to his palace, moved to Koolburga; and Kumal Khan, imprisoning Ismael Adil Shah, with his mother Booboojee Khanum, in the citadel of Beejapoor, marched with a force to Sholapoor, which he besieged for three months; and no relief coming from Ahmudnuggur, Zein Khan, on receiving security for the safety of his family and wealth, delivered it into his hands, together with five and a half districts, of which he had charge. The cause of this distribution was as follows:— When the nobles of the Bahmuny dynasty threw off their allegiance, they each seized on the districts they then held in trust. Khwaja Jehan Deccany, at that time governor of Purenda, had eleven districts under him. His brother Zein Khan, governor of Sholapoor, laid claim to half of the eleven districts, and he even endeavoured to obtain royal grants from Bidur to that effect; but Khwaja Jehan, supported by Boorhan Nizam Shah of Ahmudnuggur, was enabled to retain the whole, and to oppose successfully the pretensions of Zein Khan at the court of Bidur. At length, on the death of Ahmud Shah Bahmuny, Yoosoof Adil Shah marched against Khwaja Jehan, and compelled him to cede five and a half of the eleven districts to his brother Zein Khan. Ameer Bereed, who was now besieging Koolburga, after receiving from the Adil Shahy officers the places ceded to him by Kumal Khan, sent him a congratulatory letter on his success at Sholapoor; upon which the Regent, more haughty than before, returned to Beejapoor to complete his usurpation, by dethroning his sovereign, and usurping the kingdom.

On his arrival at Beejapoor, he brought the young King once into durbar for form's sake, to receive the compliments of the court. To strengthen his own party, he reduced the number of the Khaskheil, or royal guards, from three thousand foreign troops to three hundred, commanding the rest to quit Beejapoor in a week, under penalty of death, and forfeiture of their property to the state. The unfortunate exiles hastened with all speed to various parts to avoid such tyranny. The Regent having thus removed the chief obstacle to his accession, next adopted the practice of the court of Nizam Shah, and caused the officers of a thousand horse to be styled commanders of three thousand. He also raised a vast number of G'hora Rawoot, ^37a till at length, having an army of twenty thousand horse devoted to his

Suffur 1.
A. H. 917.
April 29.
A. D. 1511.

service, he called together his creatures on the 1st of Suffur, in the year 917, to consult with them regarding a lucky day for deposing Ismael Adil Shah, and for causing his own name to be read in the Khootba at Beejapoor. After much debate, the first of the ensuing month, Rubbee-ool-Awul, was fixed as the time propitious to his designs, he little supposing that the recorders of fate were then penning the concluding pages of the journal of his vainglorious life.

The young King and his mother were much alarmed at the intelligence of the Regent's intentions; and though the number of their friends was small, they contrived a plan to avert the danger. God having decreed the preservation of the Adil Shahy family, and the long continuation of its royal power, the astrologers represented to Kumal Khan, that the appearance of the heavenly bodies indicated certain days of the present month as unfavourable to his designs, he would, therefore, do well to avoid approaching any persons of whom he had the least suspicion. Fully impressed with these observations, the Regent committed the charge of the city to his own dependents; and having chosen an apartment in the citadel, close to the royal palace, shut himself up with his own family and officers, keeping the gates of the fort strongly barred within, and having guards without. After taking these precautions, he remained in one room for some days, pretending to suffer under a severe head-ache, vainly thinking by these precautions to evade that fate to which he was destined. The measures adopted by the Protector proved favourable to a plan which the Queen-mother had formed to destroy him. In order to carry it into effect, she applied to Yoosoof Toork, the foster-father of Ismael Adil Shah, who had been treated with great indignity by the Regent, and who mortally hated him, to be her agent in the business. This old officer entered into the Queen's plan, saying, that he would undertake to slay the Regent at all risks, and regretted that instead of one life he had not a thousand to sacrifice for his prince; for though it was clear one man could effect little against eight thousand Dec-canies and Abyssinians, yet as he knew his life would be taken the instant Kumal Khan ascended the throne, he was willing to render it up as a sacrifice for his sovereign, and desired to be informed how he could be useful.

The Queen now sent for an old female attendant of her own, whom she knew to be employed as a spy upon her actions by Kumal Khan, and pretended to be under great uneasiness at the report of the Regent's indisposition. She desired the old female to take a sum of money, as a wave-offering for his recovery, and to make enquiries regarding his health. When the old woman left her, and had gone some paces, the Queen called her back, as if suddenly recollecting something, and said that her faithful servant Yoosoof Toork was very much depressed in spirits, and wished to go on pilgrimage to Mecca; she, therefore, desired the old female to take him with her, and to prevail on Kumal Khan to grant him leave, and to give him, as usual, a pân ^39a of dismissal with his own hand, telling the Regent she should regard it as a personal favour. The female consented; and going first in to Kumal Khan, delivered the Queen's offering and message in such a manner, that the Protector was highly pleased, and gave orders to admit Yoosoof. The Toork approaching, according to custom, with great respect and humility, made his obeisance, and uttered several flattering speeches, which pleased Kumal Khan, who calling him nearer to him, stretched out his hand to give him a pân. Yoosoof putting his hands under the cloth that covered his shoulders, advanced as if to receive it. The Protector stretched forth his hand to put the pân on the cloth, when Yoosoof, with the quickness of lightning, drawing a dagger concealed beneath the cloth, stabbed Kumal Khan in the breast with all his force, so that he fell down and expired immediately with a loud groan; upon which the attendants rushing in cut the assassin to pieces with their swords, as also the old woman, whom they concluded had acted in concert with him.

The mother of Kumal Khan, a woman of masculine spirit, commanded the attendants to refrain from clamour; and placing the body dressed out, supported by pillows on a musnud, in a balcony of the palace, as if to receive compliments from the court, instructed the Protector's son, Sufdur Khan, to go down and tell the guards it was his father's orders to surround the royal apartments and to seize Ismael Adil Shah. She sent orders also to the troops without the citadel to enter the city, and pay their compliments to the Regent as their sovereign prince.

Sufdur Khan, conceiving the force within sufficient to take the young King prisoner, closed the gates of the citadel, and with his relatives and followers armed with musketry, sabres, spears, bows and arrows, advanced to the apartments where the Prince resided with his mother and family. The Queen apprehending that Yoosoof had failed in his attempt, and that Kumal Khan out of resentment had hastened his operations to dethrone her son, thought it prudent to pretend ignorance of Yoosoof's design, and to endeavour to avert the storm by flattery and submission. But the King's foster-aunt, Dilshad Agha, who had lately come from Persia to Hindoostan in the latter part of the reign of Yoosoof Adil Shah, remarked, that, in such a crisis as the present, valour and fortitude would be of more avail than submission. She instantly ordered the palace-gates to be shut, and sent out her eunuch, Mullik Sundul, to the few of her countrymen on duty in the outer court of the seraglio, informing them, that Kumal Khan, with a view of deposing Ismael Adil Shah their sovereign, who was of the same country as themselves, was advancing to assassinate him and the whole of the royal family. She entreated them, therefore, that if they were men, they would not regard the superiority of the enemy, but valiantly assist their Prince against the traitor, who, by the divine blessing, would be overwhelmed in the enormity of his accursed ingratitude.

The foreign guards declared their resolution to defend their young sovereign, and both Dilshad Agha and Booboojee Khanum (the Queen-mother) now came out, dressed as men, and clad in armour, with bows and arrows in their hands, attended by the young King, Ismael Adil Shah, who had the yellow umbrella of his father held over him by a Toorky female, named Moor-tufa.

Meanwhile Sufdur Khan, the Regent's son, who was endeavouring to force the gates, was opposed by the Toorks with arrows from the palace wall. The young King, as well as the women, assisted, but the enemy's superiority was so great, that the party of brave Toorks had little chance. Many of them were killed by musket-balls, and the rest falling back, a mournful cry of despair ensued. At this instant, Moostufa Khan and Sikundur Khan Koomy, who had formerly the charge of the citadel, (and whom Kumal Khan, thinking weak and insignificant, had not thought worth while to expel,) hearing of the disturbance, hastened with fifty Deccany matchlock-men to the foot of the palace wall, and hailing Dilshad Agha ascended the terrace, and joined the royal party. The minister's party, though now kept in check, could not effectually be repulsed. Many persons continued to fall on both sides; and Dilshad Agha sent a servant privately over the wall into the city, to inform all the foreigners of the danger to which their King was exposed, entreating them to hasten to his assistance, promising to admit them over a bastion behind the palace. The rebels not having secured this spot, many of the King's friends ascended by ropes thrown over to them by this enterprising female for the purpose, till at last the party in the palace amounted to one hundred and fifty foreign archers, fifty matchlock-men, nineteen Toorky slaves, and twenty-five Abyssinians. Dil-shad Agha, with a veil on her head, fought with them, and by animating speeches encouraged their exertions, promising that the King would reward them all with high honours. Sufdur Khan, perceiving that the numbers within increased, secured the approaches to the palace to prevent more from entering, and made a desperate attack with five hundred men, bringing cannon also to batter down the walls. Many of the besieged fell at this time, and almost all the Deccanies and Abyssinians threw themselves over the battlements and fled. The foreigners now concealed themselves, and remained silent behind the parapet wall. Sufdur Khan, concluding they had fled, broke open the outer gate of the palace, and entered the court, but while endeavouring to force the inner door the gallant Dilshad caused a volley of shot and arrows to be discharged from the terrace, which did great execution, killing and wounding some of the principal men of the minister's party. An arrow also pierced the eye of Sufdur Khan, who ran under a wall over which the King himself was standing; and the royal youth, knowing his person, rolled down a heavy stone from the terrace, which crushed him to death as he lay couched to avoid the shot. The troops, seeing their chief killed, ran to the house of Kumal Khan, where they now learned that he also was dead, upon which they opened the gates of the citadel, and fled in different directions. Khoosroow Khan Toork, a faithful slave of the late king, perceiving the numbers of the enemy without to be considerable, shut the gates again; and, at the suggestion of Dilshad, sent out the heads of the minister and his son with a guard by a sally-port, to be displayed through the streets of the city, for the information of the people. Mahomed Ein-ool-Moolk (who had given his daughter to Sufdur Khan in marriage), together with all the principal friends of the Regent, quitting their houses, made their escape out of the city. At length, the capital being cleared of the rebels, the King came out with the body of his foster-father Yoosoof, which he caused to be deposited near the tomb of the venerable Ein-ood-Deen Jooneidy; and after distributing alms, he ordered a dome to be erected over the remains of his faithful servant, and a mosque to be built, for the maintenance of which public lands were allotted. During his whole reign, Ismael Adil Shah went constantly once a month to visit this tomb.

Early the next morning, the King ascended the throne, and gave public audience; on which occasion all the officers of the court and the inhabitants of the city paid their respects, and made offerings according to their rank and ability. Letters were despatched to the surrounding states, with an account of the death of the Regent, and the fortunate emancipation of the King. Ameer Bereed, on receiving this information, raised the siege of Kool-burga; but Timraj, who had taken advantage of the times to invade the King's dominions, still continued before Rachore, which at last surrendered to him, Ismael Adil Shah being too much employed in establishing the authority of his government to afford it timely relief.

The King's first acts were to reward those who had assisted him in the late crisis; he next sent letters to Mirza Jehangeer, Raab-Jung, Heidur Beg, and other noblemen, who had fled from the persecutions of Kumal Khan, inviting them to return to his court, and resume their employments. With the magnanimity becoming a great prince, he drew the pen of forgiveness over the crimes of the Regent's mother, and the rest of his family, who had been taken prisoners; and giving them a considerable sum of money, ordered them to quit his territories. The astrologers, who had so truly foretold the danger of Kumal Khan, he took into his own employment. The veterans of his father now assembling from all quarters, he soon collected a gallant body of Toorks and Moguls. Khoosrow Toork, who had assisted in his late deliverance, was honoured with the title of Assud Khan, and had Belgam conferred on him as a jageer. During his confinement, the King had vowed not to enlist any Deccanies or Abyssinians in his service; and he kept his word for nearly twelve years, maintaining no other troops but foreigners, till at length, at their request, he permitted the children of foreigners born in India, to be received into the army, and afterwards, by degrees, consented to enrol Afghans and Rajpoots, provided they were not natives of the Deccan; a practice which was rigidly adhered to at the Adil Shahy court, till the reign of Ibrahim Adil Shah II.

Mirza Jehangeer, on his return to court, having the districts of Koolburga conferred on him, expelled the forces of Ameer Bereed, with the loss of four hundred men on their side; he also retook the forts of Noosrutabad Sagur and Etgeer, and wholly recovered all the country taken from Beeja-poor during the regency of Kumal Khan. Ameer Bereed, incensed at these losses, issued orders in the name of Mahmood Shah to all the sovereigns of the Deccan, demanding assistance; upon which, Boorhan Nizam Shah, Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah, and Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah, each sent troops to join the Bahmuny standard; and in the

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

year 920, Ameer Bereed obliged the Bahmuny king to march from Ahmud-abad Bidur, at the head of the allies, consisting of twenty-five thousand horse, towards Beejapoor, committing vast depredations on his route.

Ismael Adil Shah deemed it prudent to remain in his capital, permitting the enemy to advance without opposition to Allapoor, a town built by Yoosoof Adil Shah, within a mile and a half of Beejapoor, when quitting the city at the head of twelve thousand horse, all of whom were foreigners, he attacked the allied forces. Notwithstanding the superiority of the enemy in numbers, the Beeja-poor troops defeated them so completely, that they fled, leaving behind them Mahmood Shah and his son, the Prince Ahmud, who both fell from their horses during the action. All the baggage of the fugitives fell into the hands of the victors. Ismael Adil Shah, on hearing of the situation of the princes, went to pay his respects to them: he made offerings of horses, with furniture set in jewels, and proposed to conduct them in magnificent palkies into Beejapoor, and to emancipate them from the oppression of Ameer Bereed. Mahmood Shah, however, not consenting to enter the city, encamped near Allapoor; where he remained some time to recover of the bruises he had sustained in his fall, and afterwards requested that Beeby Mus-seety, sister to Ismael Adil Shah, might now be married to his son Ahmud, to whom she had formerly been betrothed. Ismael Adil Shah giving his consent to the nuptials, the ancient city of Koolburga was fixed on for its celebration; and both kings repaired thither, where the marriage ceremony was conducted with great magnificence; and the bride being delivered to the Prince Ahmud, Ismael Adil Shah sent an escort of five thousand cavalry to attend the royal pair, accompanied by Mahmood Shah, to Ahmudabad, which was deserted by Ameer Bereed on their approach. Mahmood Shah II., for some time, tasted the sweets of liberty, and was released from the control of his minister; but the Beejapoor troops no sooner left Bidur than Ameer Bereed returned, and resumed the charge of affairs as before.

Some years previous to these events, the King of Persia, Shah Ismael Sufvy, had sent ambassadors to the several states of Hindoostan, who had been received with due respect both by the Ray of Beejanuggur and the King of Guzerat. At this time Mahmood Shah, also, received an ambassador from him with proper attention, and wished to dismiss him with royal presents, but was prevented by Ameer Bereed. In this dilemma the ambassador wrote to Ismael Adil Shah, complaining of his being detained at Ahmudabad Bidur. The King of Beejapoor demanded the dismissal of the Persian ambassador, who, having obtained his audience of leave, came to Beejapoor, where he was met by Ismael Adil Shah at Allapoor. He was honoured with rich presents, and a suitable escort attended him as far as the port of Dabul, from whence he embarked on his return to Persia. The King of Persia, in return for this attention to his

A. H. 925.
A. D. 1519.

ambassador, in the year 925 deputed Ibrahim Beg Toorkman, an officer of high rank, with letters and presents to Ismael Adil Shah: among the latter was a sabre set with valuable jewels. The King of Persia having in his letter addressed Ismael Adil Shah as an independent prince, he went twelve miles to meet the ambassador; and being highly gratified at the flattering acknowledgment of his sovereignty, he received Ibrahim Beg with extraordinary honours, and commanded the officers of his army to wear scarlet caps, having twelve points, a dress by which the followers of Sheikh Suffy were distinguished. He also ordered, that on Fridays and holidays a prayer should be recited at the mosques for the royal family of Persia.

A. H. 927.
A. D. 1519. In the year 927, Ismael Adil Shah made preparations for marching to recover Moodkul and Rachore from the Ray of Beejanuggur; who gaining early intelligence of his intention moved with a great force, and stationed his camp on the banks of the Krishna, where he was joined by many of his tributaries; so that his army amounted to at least fifty thousand horse, besides a vast host of foot. The King would now have deferred his expedition, as the enemy held possession of all the ferries of the Krishna, but his tents being once pitched, he considered it would be undignified to delay. He therefore marched with seven thousand cavalry, composed entirely of foreigners, and encamped on the bank of the river opposite to the Hindoos, waiting for the preparation of rafts to cross and attack. Some days after his arrival, as he was reposing in his tent, he heard one of his courtiers without the screens, reciting this verse: “Rise and fill the “golden goblet with the wine of mirth, before “the quaffer shall be laid in dust.” The King, as if inspired by the verse, called his favourites about him, and spreading the carpet of joy, gave way to the pleasures of music and wine. When the banquet had lasted longer than was reasonable, and the effects of the liquor began to exercise their influence, a fancy seized the King to pass the river and attack the enemy. He accordingly called on his military officers to state the cause of the delay in preparing the boats and rafts. He was told that one hundred boats were already finished, and the rest would be ready in a few days. The King, heated with the banquet, resolved to cross immediately; and mounting his elephant, without making his intentions known, proceeded to the river, as if to reconnoitre, but suddenly gave orders for as many of his troops as could go to embark on the rafts, directing others to follow him on elephants. The officers in vain represented the imprudence and danger of this precipitation; but the King, without reply, plunged his own elephant into the stream, and was instantly followed by some of his officers and soldiers, on about two hundred and fifty elephants. By great good fortune all reached the opposite bank in safety, and as many troops as could cross on the rafts and boats at two embarkations had time to arrive before the enemy opposed him. The Hindoos, however, were in such force as precluded every hope of the King's success, with whom were not more than two thousand men to oppose thirty thousand. The heroes of Islam, as if animated with one soul, behaved so gallantly, that above a thousand of the infidels fell, among whom was Sungut Ray, the chief general of Beeja-nuggur. The Mahomedans, however, found themselves so harassed by cannon shot, musketry, and rockets, which destroyed nearly half their numbers, that the survivors threw themselves into the river, in hopes of escaping. Tursoon Bahadur and Ibra-him Beg, who rode on the same elephant with their King, drove the animal across the stream; but so rapid was the current, that with the exception of that elephant and seven others the rest were all drowned. The King's rashness was severely punished by so great a loss. He took a solemn vow never to indulge again in wine till he had wiped away the stain of this defeat; and for this purpose he bent his whole mind to repair his misfortune.

Mirza Jehangeer having fallen in the late action, the King had recourse to the advice of Assud Khan as to the measures necessary to retrieve his disaster. Assud Khan observed, that as his loss was great, and the troops were dispirited, it would be advisabe to return for the present to Beejapoor, and lay aside all thoughts of revenge till he could strengthen himself by an alliance with Boorhan Nizam Shah, and remove his natural enemy Ameer Bereed from his border. These objects being once effected, the punishment of the infidels might be subsequently accomplished. The King approving this advice marched from the Krishna to Beeja-poor; and conferring the dignity of Sipahsalar on Assud Khan, added several districts to his jageer, and made him henceforward his principal counsellor in all important affairs.

Syud Ahmud Hirvy, who had formerly been sent as ambassador from Ismael Adil Shah to the King of Persia, was now despatched in the same capacity to Ahmudnuggur, to cement the bonds of friendship with that state; and being met near the city by Shah Tahir and the principal nobles, he was introduced to Boorhan Nizam Shah, and received with great honour. Letters and civilities having been previously interchanged, it was determined, that an interview should take place between the Kings of Beejapoor and Ahmud-nuggur at the town of Sholapoor. On which occasion, Boorhan Nizam Shah demanding the hand of Muryum, the sister of Ismael Adil Shah, the nuptials were concluded with due ceremony. Valuable presents, including elephants and horses, were interchanged by both kings; and the re-joicings in honour of this alliance continued during

Rujub,
A. H. 930.
May,
A. D. 1524.

the whole month of Rujub, of the year 930; after which, both kings took leave of each other, and returned to their respective capitals.

It is asserted, that in the treaty of alliance formed on this occasion Ismael Adil Shah consented to give up, as a marriage-portion to his sister, the fort of Sholapoor ^52a with its five and a half districts taken by the late regent from Zein Khan; but it is certain this article was not immediately fulfilled. Boorhan Nizam Shah, for some time, neglected noticing the omission; but in the next year, having secured the co-operation of Imad Shah, King of Berar, and of Ameer Bereed, Regent of Bidur, the confederates marched with forty thousand men to besiege Sholapoor, and to occupy the ceded districts.

Ismael Adil Shah, collecting ten thousand foreign cavalry, moved to oppose the invasion; and both armies continued encamped during forty days between the forts of Sholapoor and Nuldroog, at the distance of four miles from each other, without coming to action. Three thousand foreign bowmen of Ismael Adil Shah were sent forth daily to hover round the enemy's camp, and cut off his supplies; in which service they were very successful. Khwaja Jehan Deccany, governor of Purenda, in consequence, vexed with the inactivity of Boorhan Nizam Shah, quitted the camp attended by four thousand select Deccany cavalry, with the resolution of surprising the Beejapoor archers. On the following evening, the foreigners, as usual, took up their post for the night on the banks of a rivulet, and having picketed their horses, were unarming, and waiting for their servants to dress their food. At this time, when the night had just shut in, Khwaja Jehan Deccany, with a reconnoitring party, came upon them, but was discovered at a short distance from the outposts by a sentry, who gave the alarm. The bowmen instantly took to their horses; but before they were all mounted, Khwaja Jehan fell upon them, and killed about three hundred; the rest owed their escape to the speed of their horses. Khwaja Jehan's Deccanies, after returning from the pursuit, came to the spot on which the archers had been encamped, and dismounting, employed themselves in plundering and in eating the victuals which had been left in the pots on the fires. The Beeja-poories, stung by the disgrace of this shameful defeat, determined on turning it to advantage, and concluding the enemy's army might also be surprised, they resolved to make an attack on the camp of Boorhan Nizam Shah. They accordingly moved direct to his lines, and the sentinels, taking them for Khwaja Jehan's detachment returning to camp, permitted them to pass. When in the midst of the camp, the Beejapoor bowmen discharging their arrows made great havoc, and pursued their route direct to the tents of Boorhan Nizam Shah. Confusion soon prevailed in every quarter; friends could not be distinguished from foes; and the bowmen, when sated with slaughter and plunder, retired with very little loss. On the following morning, Ismael Adil Shah advanced to give battle to the enemy while yet suffering from the terror occasioned by the night-attack. Boor-han Nizam Shah and Imad Shah drew up their line, but in so great disorder and with such precipitation, that they were unable to withstand the assault of the Beejapoor troops. Imad Shah being charged by Assud Khan fled from the field without scarcely making any opposition, and did not halt, except at night, till he reached his fort of Gawul in Berar. Boorhan Nizam Shah was also on the point of giving way; but being timely reinforced by Ameer Bereed with six thousand fresh horse, continued to oppose for some time longer. At last, Khoosh-Geldy Agha and Ismael Agha, Toorky officers in the Beejapoor service, gained the enemy's rear with two thousand horse, while Assud Khan made a simultaneous attack on the right wing. These assaults threw the enemy into utter confusion; and Boorhan Nizam Shah, overcome by the weight of his armour, was nearly falling from his horse through faintness. In this state of the action, some Toorky slaves, observing the condition of the King of Ahmudnuggur, led his horse off the field, and the rout of his army instantly succeeded. About three thousand of the Ahmud-nuggur troops were slain in the pursuit, and the royal standard of Nizam Shah fell into the hands of Assud Khan, besides forty elephants, many pieces of cannon, and the tents and baggage of the enemy, which became the reward of the victors. Ismael Adil Shah, after this victory, returned in triumph to Beejapoor, where he made rejoicings for a whole month, and conferred rewards and honours on the officers who had most distinguished themselves. To Assud Khan he gave five large and six small elephants, and on the same occasion he increased the pay of every soldier in his army. To enable him to bear this expense, he appropriated all the lands hitherto allotted for the support of the seraglio to his troops, and gave up half the customs levied at the forts for the same object. Being one day told that some officers were still unprovided for, and on the ministers saying, that the treasury could not maintain so many troops on the present pay, he asked what number of districts were set aside for the support of his wardrobe and kitchen? and having ascertained they amounted to twenty-four, he commanded half to be allotted to the pay of the troops; saying, that it was better for him to suffer some inconvenience than that the soldiers should have reason to complain.

A. H. 935.
A. D. 1528. In the year 935, Boorhan Nizam Shah, accompanied by Ameer Bereed, again invaded the territories of Ismael Adil Shah. They were, however, completely defeated, within twenty coss of Beejapoor, by Assud Khan; on which occasion, Khwaja Jehan of Pu-renda and several officers of distinction were taken prisoners. Assud Khan pursued the fugitives as far as Purenda, and took much baggage and twenty elephants, among which was that which carried the ambarry ^56a of Nizam Shah. Ismael Adil Shah conferred all the elephants on Assud Khan, except one named Alla Buksh (or the Gift of God), and honoured his general with the title of Furzund (or Son) in the firmans addressed to him. The King, by his advice, this year, gave his sister Khoodeija in marriage to Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah, King of Berar; and these two monarchs had a meeting in the town of Oorsingy to celebrate the nuptials; after which, they took leave of each other with mutual presents and professions of regard.

This year, also, Bahadur Shah of Guzerat having invaded the territories of Boorhan Nizam Shah, Ismael Adil Shah sent ten lacks of hoons† ^56b and six thousand horse to assist his ally. These troops, after the retreat of Bahadur Shah, returning to Beejapoor, informed their sovereign that Ameer Bereed had endeavoured to corrupt their fidelity, and to prevail on them to join him in an attack on Beejapoor, promising to reward them with a share of territory. Ismael Adil Shah, justly incensed at this treachery, resolved to punish

A. H. 936.
A. D. 1529.

Ameer Bereed; and in the year 936 sent intelligent ambassadors to Boorhan Nizam Shah, complaining that Ameer Bereed had frequently conspired against his family, and had more than once induced his enemies to invade his dominions; that he (Ismael Adil Shah) had hitherto refrained from attacking him, but that now he had resolved to do so, both from religious and political motives; for, he observed, it was contrary to wisdom to treat the wolf with gentleness, or the snake with kindness. He concluded by stating, that if Boorhan Nizam Shah would remain neutral on the occasion, he intended shortly to take ample vengeance on the ancient enemy of his house. Boorhan Nizam Shah, who lay under obligations to the King for his late succours, acquiesced in his wishes. The ambassadors returned with this answer; and Ismael Adil Shah immediately prepared for his intended expedition.

The King having now formed an army of ten thousand cavalry, consisting of Arabians, Persians, Toorks, Oozbuks, Koords, and other foreigners, whom his liberality had bound to his interest, marched towards Ahmudabad Bidur. On his approach, Ameer Bereed, who was old and infirm, by the advice of Heemajy, a bramin, his minister, committed the charge of the fort of Bidur to his eldest son Ally Bereed, and himself withdrew to the fortress of Oodgeer.

Ismael Adil Shah, on arriving before Ahmudabad Bidur, blockaded the city on all sides; but the garrison made repeated sallies, and being nearly equal in numbers to the besiegers, greatly retarded their operations. At length the sons of Ameer Bereed, with five thousand horse, came out of the city, resolved, as the Beejapoor troops were composed only of bowmen, to charge them under cover of their shields, and cut them to pieces in close combat with their swords. Ismael Adil Shah, who had foreseen such an event, had provided three thousand cavalry, expert swordsmen, whose horses, as well as themselves, were covered with iron armour. This body was commanded by Syud Hoossein, an Arab chief of distinction. A very severe action in consequence ensued, on the plain before the gate of Bahmunypoora, and foreigners and Deccanies both displayed great courage. Is-mael Adil Shah, in spite of the remonstrances of Assud Khan, engaged in the action, and killed with his own hand two of the sons of Ameer Bereed, who attacked him successively on that day. Both armies were loud in the praises of the King's valour, and his own officers, alighting from their horses, kissed his stirrup. The engagement was scarcely ended, when four divisions of troops were seen on the right, which appeared to consist of about four thousand. Assud Khan instantly sent off one of his attendants, named Goodurz, with forty horsemen to learn who they were. They proved to be four thousand cavalry detached by Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah of Golconda to the aid of Ameer Bereed; accordingly Ismael Adil Shah, having ordered Assud Khan to oppose them, prepared to renew his attack on the troops of Ally Bereed himself. At this moment Syud Hoossein Arab earnestly entreated to be entrusted with that duty, and begged the King not to expose his person unnecessarily. Moved by his remonstrances, the King promised to remain merely as a witness of the battle, at the same time presenting to Syud Hoossein his own sword, still reeking with the blood of his enemies. The Beejapoor generals were both successful; and the troops of the allies, after losing about five hundred men each, fled in disorder, leaving the field in possession of Ismael Adil Shah. Assud Khan, in this battle, gained great credit; for after driving off the four thousand Tulingas of Kootb Shah he came to the assistance of Syud Hoossein. When the King dismounted, after the victory, and was seated on an eminence overlooking the field of battle, he thanked all his officers, particularly distinguishing Assud Khan above the rest, by clasping him in his embrace. To Syud Hoossein he gave the horse he himself rode during the battle. On the part of the enemy, two of the sons of Ameer Bereed, and Roostoom Beg, commander of the Kootb Shahy auxiliaries, were slain.

Ismael Adil Shah now laid closer siege to the city than before; and Ameer Bereed, reduced to great distress, wrote to Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah, earnestly requesting him to come and mediate a peace. Imad Shah, therefore, without even going to Oodgeer, to which place Ameer Bereed had retired, came and encamped within a mile of the besieging army at Bidur. Ismael Adil Shah went to visit the King of Berar, attended by his principal officers. On this occasion, after congratulating him on his late successes, Imad Shah declared that he had marched merely for the purpose of sharing in his victories, but that he now hoped to be able to mediate terms between him and Ameer Bereed. The King replied, that Ameer Bereed had done his family more injuries than could be enumerated; that in this war many of his brave officers had fallen, and that he would listen to no terms short of absolute submission. Imad Shah, perceiving the determination of Ismael Adil Shah, did not press him farther; and the two princes, after spending a week together in festivity, parted. Ameer Bereed, hearing of this circumstance, now left Oodgeer, and came to the camp of Imad Shah, again entreating him to effect a peace. But being informed no other offer than the actual surrender of the city would be listened to by Ismael Adil Shah, he retired in disgust to his own camp, near that of Imad Shah, and to drown his cares gave himself up to pleasure. The troops of Ameer Bereed were much harassed, and became careless at night; so that even the outposts lay down to sleep, while many, following the example of their leader, had recourse to wine.

Ismael Adil Shah, having heard of the arrival of Ameer Bereed, ordered Assud Khan, with two thousand chosen horse, to surprise his camp. Assud Khan warned the troops for the duty, as if intended to relieve those at the trenches as usual; but when he had got beyond the lines, he made known to them his designs, and proceeded as silently as possible towards the tents of the enemy. Having arrived close to the outposts, and not hearing the smallest noise, he ordered his own men to remain quiet, and sent spies to learn the situation and state of the enemy. The scouts soon returning, declared that they had advanced uninterruptedly to the tents of Ameer Bereed, where the few men on guard were all asleep; in confirmation of which assertion, they presented some turbans and sabres they had stolen from them. Assud Khan, ordering his troops to remain in profound silence where they were till his return, proceeded with twenty-five horsemen and a few foot through the enemy's camp to the tents of Ameer Bereed. Here he saw the guards lying on all sides, apparently dead-drunk, amid the broken vessels of liquor. Assud Khan, unwilling to murder them in so helpless a condition, ordered some of his infantry to stand over them with drawn sabres, in case any should awake, and attempt giving the alarm. He now dismounted, and entering the King's tent with a few of his soldiers, resolved to carry off Ameer Bereed Shah alive; but in case of any attempt at rescue, to put him to death, and carry his head to his master. Ameer Bereed Shah lay senseless on his couch, around which the dancers and singers, male and female, were indiscriminately jumbled together, amid the filth of broken vessels and spilt liquors. The bed of Ameer Bereed, that old, experienced, and crafty prince, was now lifted up by Assud Khan's soldiers. They were moving out of the tents quietly with their prize, when one of the lamp-men, (called “deoties” in the Deccan, and who watch by the chief at night,) awaking, was in the act of crying out, but Assud Khan clapped his hands on the watchman's mouth, and his people seizing him strangled him on the spot, after which the party reached the troops waiting on the skirts of the camp without molestation. Assud Khan, now addressing his soldiers, said, that the main object of their enterprise being accomplished, it was better to desist from a night-attack on the camp, as in the darkness the Hindoos could not be distinguished from the Mussulmans, and, consequently, many of the faithful must be slain. He accordingly moved towards the royal camp, carrying his prisoner on his bed without attempting to awaken him. Ameer Bereed Shah, however, finding his bed in motion, awoke, and fancying evil spirits or genii carried him through the air, began to cry out in terror, and called on God to protect him from enchantment. Assud Khan now explained to him his situation, and reproached him with imprudence; observing, that for a reverend old man, experienced as he was in the arts of government, to suffer himself to be taken in a state of intoxication in the neighbourhood of his enemy was as degrading to his character as to his sense. Ameer Bereed Shah, covered with shame and vexation, returned no answer; but Assud Khan consoled him by assuring him of his influence with the King to procure kind treatment.

On arriving at the Beejapoor camp, Assud Khan without delay presented his important prize to his master, who was overjoyed at the success of the enterprise. Sending for Ameer Bereed Shah, he asked how a person possessed of such art and cunning as he had displayed throughout a long life could allow himself to be so ensnared? The captive monarch replied, Fate and Providence had thus decreed it. The King then delivered him over to Assud Khan, and ordered him to bring his prisoner to court on the next day.

Ismael Adil Shah, on the following morning, being seated on his throne, Ameer Bereed was placed opposite to him, with his head bare, and his hands tied behind his back, exposed to a hot sun. When he had stood for two hours in this situation, the King gave orders for his being put to death, and an executioner advanced to do his duty with a drawn scimitar. Ameer Bereed Shah, perceiving his helpless condition, condescended to beg his life; saying that undoubtedly he had been guilty of many insults to the King and his late father, of blessed memory, and was conscious of meriting revenge at his hands; but if the King would forget these circumstances, and suffer him to live and repent, he would surrender to him the city of Ahmudabad, with the fortress of Bidur, whose battlements the ladders of an enemy had never yet scaled, — and he promised to deliver into his hands the treasures of the Bahmuny royal family.

The King having consented to spare his life on these terms, Ameer Bereed despatched a message to one of his sons, acquainting them with his situation, and the agreement he had made. His son returned for answer, that as he was very old, and the period of his existence drawing to a close, it were folly to surrender such a fortress for a few remaining days of life. The object of this message, however, was only to gain time, in hopes of assistance from the allies; for the sons sent secret instructions by a confidential person to agree to the terms if their father should be in real danger. Ameer Bereed Shah affected to complain of the cruelty of his sons; but Ismael Adil Shah, who suspected the scheme, gave orders for him to be thrown before a vicious elephant, observing that he would trust to his army for gaining the city by assault. Ameer Bereed again had recourse to entreaty, and begged that he might be carried before a certain tower of the fort, in order that his sons might behold his condition, and be thus moved to save his life. This being done, the sons seeing no other means but submission to save the life of their parent, offered to resign the city and fortress, on condition that they and their own families should be allowed to depart with the clothes on their persons without search. This being agreed on, they loaded themselves and their women with as many of the valuable ornaments and robes of the royal family of Bahmuny as they were able to conceal, and retired, with their followers, unmolested, to the fortress of Oodgeer.

Assud Khan, with some chosen troops, entered the city to prevent plunder, and commenced to take a list of the treasures and effects belonging to the vanquished. Ismael Adil Shah having fixed on a lucky moment proceeded on foot attended by all his officers and nobles from the gate of the city to the palace, and having entered the grand hall of audience, ascended the throne of the Bah-muny kings. On this occasion he offered up thanks to God for his success, and deputed his son, the Prince Mulloo Khan, accompanied by Assud Khan and other chiefs, to invite Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah to his court. Ismael Adil Shah met him at the steps of the palace, and the two kings sat down together on the same throne.

The treasures were now laid before the kings. They consisted of ten lacks of hoons ^65a in money, several valuable jewels, a large quantity of gold and silver plate, magnificent china, and rich dresses. Ismael Adil Shah desired Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah to take whatever he chose; and in order to avoid the imputation of having made war for the sake of the riches of the Bahmuny family, he divided the treasures into presents, which he sent partly to the surrounding states, and partly distributed among his own army, not reserving for himself a single coin. He intrusted fifty thousand hoons to Syud Ally Akheel, a person celebrated for his learning and integrity, to be distributed in charity to the poor inhabitants of Nujuf, Kurbela, and Mushed; and gave fifty thousand to Syud Ahmud Hirvy, to be bestowed on learned men in the Bee-japoor dominions. He then desired the poet Mow-lana Syeed of Koom to go to the treasury and take as much gold as he could lift; but the poet, who was infirm from sickness, observing, that when he first came to his court he was as strong again as at present, the King, laughing, desired him to take as much as he could carry away at two attempts. The poet, however, still desired to wait till he should recover from his indisposition before he made the effort: on which the King repeated the following verse:

“There is danger in delay, and it injures the petitioner.”

The poet contrived to carry off on two occasions as many bags as contained twenty-five thousand hoons; and the King, on being told the amount by his treasurer, replied, “The Mowlana spoke truth “in complaining of his weakness.” He then declared that he would not rise till he had disposed of all the plunder, and accordingly commanded Assud Khan to make a division among the troops; which was effected in such a just manner that every person was content with his share.

Imad Shah now again interceded for Ameer Bereed. Ismael Adil Shah at length consented to enrol him among the number of his officers, on Assud Khan's becoming security for his fidelity. Kulliany, Oodgeer, and some other districts, together with the revenue derived from the city lands, were allotted for his support, on condition of his attending the King's army with three thousand horse. A week after this event, the King marched his army to the south, attended by Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah and Ameer Bereed with their forces. The affairs of the kingdom of Beejanuggur had been lately thrown into confusion, owing to the death of Hemraj, to whom his son Ramraj had succeeded. Against this prince rebellions were excited by several rays, so that the Mahomedans met with no interruption to their progress. Ra-chore and Moodkul both surrendered by capitulation, after a siege of three months, after having been in possession of the infidels for seventeen years.

Ismael Adil Shah, who had vowed to refrain from wine till the reduction of these fortresses, was now induced to make a splendid festival, on which occasion he drank wine and gave full scope to his inclinations. Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah and Ameer Bereed partook of the banquet, and Assud Khan was also admitted to sit with them; he even drank out of the same goblet with his sovereign, who filled it with his own hand, and received another goblet in return from him. At the request of Assud Khan, too, fifteen hundred captives were released, and received presents of scarlet caps and vests. Many of these prisoners chose to remain in the service of Assud Khan, which the King permitted. During this festival, the King promised on his return to Beejapoor to restore to Ameer Bereed the government of Ahmudabad Bidur. These rejoicings continued for a whole month; in commemoration of which, Moolla Ibrahim Isfe-rahy wrote a poem consisting of a thousand verses descriptive of them. At this period intelligence was received that Bahadur Shah of Guzerat was again preparing to invade the Deccan; on which, Ismael Adil Shah having dismissed Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah to his capital returned to Beejapoor, when he agreed to restore the city of Ahmudabad Bidur to Ameer Bereed in six months, provided the latter should, within that period, deliver the forts of Kulliany and Kand'har into the King's hands; for which purpose he was permitted to quit Beejapoor. It is related, that on the late expedition the King being one day entertained by Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah, received from him several trays of valuable jewels, of which he pressed his acceptance. The King, a few days afterwards, having invited Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah to a banquet, drew up twelve thousand of his foreign cavalry before him; observing, that these were the only jewels he had collected during his reign, and told him he might select from among them a number for his own use. Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah applauded his wisdom, and observed, with a sigh, that had he taken the same measures, he should not have lost the fortress of Mahoor.

Ameer Bereed neglecting to send the keys of the fortresses of Kulliany and Kand'har, Ismael

A. H. 938.
A. D. 1531.

Adil Shah resolved, in the year 938, to reduce them by force, and sent his tents with one of his sons out of Bee-japoor to prepare for his march. Ameer Bereed, meanwhile, applied to Boorhan Nizam Shah for aid, who sent ambassadors to Beejapoor, to request Ismael to forego his designs against Ameer Be-reed. Ismael Adil Shah observed, in reply, that he had not interfered in the attack of Boorhan Nizam Shah on Mahoor, and that, moreover, to oblige him, he had even refrained from endeavouring to recover Goa from the Portuguese. He went on to remark, that as the cool season had commenced, and he did not choose to remain at home, he proposed making a tour of his dominions, and intended to visit Sholapoor and Nul-droog; but that he hoped Boorhan Nizam Shah would warn the officers of his frontier not to be alarmed nor misconceive the object of his march. Boorhan Nizam Shah, being now under no apprehensions in the direction of Guzerat and Berar, replied, by acquainting Ismael Adil Shah, that he would do well not to refuse the request he had made, but be content to remain at home as better suited to his own interest.

Ismael Adil Shah having already marched from Beejapoor, received this communication at Bah-munhully while at evening prayers; and was so indignant that he moved with only four hundred horse and forty foot, and reached the river flowing under Nuldroog before evening prayer the next day. He then dismissed the ambassadors of Nizam Shah, telling them, he had done all that was incumbent on him to avoid a war, but that he should now wait for his royal brother to come, as he had repeatedly done before, and amuse himself with a view of the tempestuous ocean of war.

Boorhan Nizam Shah did not refuse the challenge, but, attended by Ameer Bereed, proceeded with twenty-five thousand horse and a considerable train of artillery to the frontiers of Bee-japoor. Ismael Adil Shah left the organisation of the troops to Assud Khan, who thus arranged them: — All the young men, sons of foreigners and Rajpoots, were formed into one body, composing a light division, under command of Sunjur Khan, son of Mirza Jehangeer Koomy, while their fathers, who were mostly old, remained in the line; observing that this was a day for the young soldiers to display their courage. Assud Khan assumed the command of the right wing, leaving the left to Moostufa Agha, Sikundur Agha, and Khoosh Geldy Agha, Toorky chiefs of distinction. The centre was commanded by the King in person, who joined as soon as the line was formed. On observing that the colour of the canopy, the royal standard, and flags of the enemy, which were formerly white, were changed to green, the King asked the cause of this alteration. He was told these were the insignia conferred on Boorhan Nizam Shah by Bahadur Shah of Guzerat. While he was yet speaking, the light division became engaged; and Ismael Adil Shah instantly advanced with his whole line, by which the action became general, and was so well maintained on both sides that victory was long doubtful. At length Khoorsheed Khan, commander of the Nizam Shahy army, being killed, his troops fled in disorder. Boorhan Nizam Shah was shortly after surrounded by the Beejapoor Mogul horse, and in danger of being taken prisoner, when his body guard, by a desperate effort, liberated their sovereign, and escorting him safely from the field, he fled with precipitation to Ahmudnuggur, without waiting to collect his scattered army. Much plunder fell into the hands of the victors; and the superiority of Ismael Adil Shah became established throughout the Deccan. The battle was called the Victory of the Foreign Boys, by whose exertions it was principally won. This corps now rose daily in the King's esteem, and many of them were raised to the rank of nobility, in reward for their services during the lifetime of their fathers. This was the last contest between Ismael Adil Shah and Boorhan Nizam Shah. An alliance was subsequently formed between them, when they had an interview on their frontiers, in which it was agreed that the former should be at liberty to reduce the country of Kootb Shah, and the latter be permitted to add Berar to his possessions without molestation.

A. H. 940.
A. D. 1533. In consequence of this arrangement, Ismael Adil Shah becoming reconciled to Ameer Bereed, induced him to join in the attack on Tulingana; and they accordingly proceeded and laid siege to Kowilconda, one of the principal fortresses on the frontiers of that kingdom. This fort had very nearly been reduced, when Ismael Adil Shah was attacked by a violent fever which obliged him to keep his bed. Finding his disorder increase, he sent for Assud Khan Lary and Ameer Bereed, who were both absent from the camp, laying waste the enemy's country. On their arrival he expressed his wish that they should continue the siege, while he retired to Kool-burga for change of air, till his recovery should enable him to rejoin his army. It was accordingly fixed that the King should begin his journey on the next morning in a pâlky; but before day-

Suffur 16.
A. H. 941.
Sept. 6.
A. D. 1534.

light, a severe relapse of fever coming on he was united with the elect on Wednesday the 16th of Suffur, 941, after a glorious reign of twenty-five years.

Assud Khan having embalmed the royal corpse, placed it in a close litter, and sent it privately to Gogy. He concealed the King's death for two days; at the end of which time he communicated the fatal intelligence to Ameer Bereed and all the nobility, whom he advised to keep the event secret, in order to avoid disputes between the two young princes in an enemy's country. It was proposed, therefore, to raise the siege of Kowil-conda, and to defer making arrangements for the succession till their arrival at Koolburga, where they might seek inspiration to direct their choice at the tomb of the blessed Syud Mahomed Geesoo-Duraz, who lies buried near that city. All the chiefs approving of this counsel, Assud Khan, at the head of the army, accompanied by the princes, began their march from Kowilconda.

Syud Ahmud Hirvy relates that Ismael Adil Shah was just, prudent, patient, and liberal; and from the abundance of his magnanimity he gave rewards without too minutely inspecting the condition of his treasury. He was extremely generous also, frequently pardoning state criminals, and was averse from listening to slander. He never used passionate language. He possessed great wit, to which he added a sound and acute judgment. He was an adept in the arts of painting, varnishing, making arrows, and embroidering saddle-cloths. In music and poetry he excelled most of his age. He was fond of the company of learned men and poets, numbers of whom were munificently supported at his court. He was delighted with repartee in conversation, and had a great fund of humour, which he often displayed in his intercourse with his courtiers: no other king of the Deccan equalled him in this respect. He was fonder of the Turkish and Persian manners, music, and language, than the Deccany: he seldom made use of the latter tongue. This partiality was owing to his being educated under the tuition of his aunt, Dil-shad Agha, ^72a who by desire of his father kept him as much as possible from the company of Dec-canies, so that he had little relish for that people. He was buried at Gogy, near the tomb of his father, Yoosoof Adil Shah.

Assud Khan of Belgam is left protector during the minority of the Princes Mulloo and Ibrahim — suspends the coronation till the army returns to Beejapoor. — The nobles divided in their inclinations towards the princes. — The ladies of the royal family are consulted as to the choice of a successor, and they recommend the coronation of Mulloo, the eldest son of the late King. — Assud Khan becomes minister — is disgusted with the conduct of the young King — resigns his office, and retires to his estate at Belgam. — Ismael Khan Deccany is made minister. — The King's vices disgust his nobles, who quit the court, and retire to their estates. — The King's grandmother employs Yoosoof Khan Toork, an officer of rank, to depose the King, and to raise his brother Ibrahim to the throne. — Mulloo Adil Shah deposed, and both he and his brother Alloo are deprived of sight. — Ibrahim Adil Shah is raised to the throne.

WHEN Ismael Adil Shah was about to take his departure from this temporary mansion of care, he addressed Assud Khan, saying, that although he feared his eldest son, Mulloo Khan, had not abilities to govern, yet paternal affection led him to wish he might succeed according to his birthright. He appointed Assud Khan protector of the kingdom, with full powers to place the Prince Mulloo on the throne; conjuring him to remain steadfast in his loyalty towards him; and concluded by saying, that he had full reliance on the minister's abilities, which he was sure would make up for any deficiency or imprudence to which his son might be prone.

The Prince Ibrahim, the King's youngest son, who had long entertained ambitious views towards the throne, had gained over many of the nobles to his interest; so that when their father's death could no longer be concealed from them, the brothers were on the eve of coming to open war, though in an enemy's country, and actually conducting the siege of Kowilconda. Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah of Golconda, obtaining information of the state of affairs, conceived the opportunity so favourable that he directed his troops to hover round the Adil Shahy camp, and stop its supplies of provisions; and he even caused the ears and noses of the prisoners to be cut off, and then released them in this mutilated condition to return to their camp. ^74a The officers of the army having espoused opposite parties refused to lead detachments against the enemy, lest advantage should be taken by their rivals of their absence; and the camp followers suffering from the attacks of the Tulingas, and unsupported by their own troops, refrained from bringing in forage or grain, so that famine began to rage, and discontent and consternation pervaded the army. Assud Khan, who was respected by all, finding the disorders daily increasing, boldly resolved to put an end to them by the exercise of his authority. In the first place, he seized and put to death those evil-disposed persons who had excited the princes against each other, and calling together all the nobles, he forbade them to visit either of the princes. He directed them, for the present, to attend him, as usual, daily at the audience-tents, in order that they might conduct public affairs till the time should arrive for seating one or other of the princes on the throne. Both parties submitted to these measures; and the whole army approved of the conduct of Assud Khan, and promised to fulfil his wishes. Having assumed the title of Protector, he detached a force to dislodge the Tulingas from the vicinity of the camp, and placed strong guards of his own dependents over the princes; informing them, that the astrologers had declared ten days must elapse before the favourable moment for accession to the throne; and as it was his opinion, that remaining much longer in an enemy's country would be imprudent, he advised the immediate march of the army to Kool-burga, where they might invoke the blessed spirit of Syud Mahomed Geesoo-Duraz to direct them in the succession.

The princes acceding to this proposal raised the siege of Kowilconda, and the army moved to Kool-burga, where Assud Khan consulted with the principal ladies of the haram of his late sovereign and the nobility on the choice of a king. Most of them being of opinion that the King's last will should be implicitly acted on, he acquiesced; and confining the Prince Ibrahim, he placed Mulloo Adil Shah on the throne, who was immediately acknowledged by the nobility and army. Assud Khan, on his return to Beejapoor, disgusted with the conduct of the new king, delivered over the Prince Ibrahim to the care of his grandmother, Booboojee Khanum; and resigning his office at court retired to his jageer of Belgam with all his family, and Ismael Khan Deccany was raised to the office of prime minister in his stead.^76a

Mulloo Adil Shah, free from all restraint, abandoned himself to excess as to women, wine, music, dancing, and low vices; in the indulgence of which he spent the whole of his time, leaving the direction of his affairs to a few profligate favourites. His conduct soon became offensive to all the respectable part of his subjects, whose children, if they pleased him, he seized by force, and dragged to his palace for shameful purposes. At length, he insisted on having one of the children of Yoosoof Khan, a Turkish nobleman of rank, sent to him. Yoosoof Khan refused compliance; and the King became so incensed, that he sent some of his guards, with orders, if Yoosoof Khan persisted in his refusal to bring his head. Yoosoof Khan being prepared for resistance repulsed the soldiers, and on the same day retired, in spite of great opposition, to his own jageer of Kittoor, with all his family and followers. Other persons of distinction soon followed his example, left court, and repaired to their estates; but the King took no notice of these indications of revolt, nor did he alter his conduct.

The Dowager Booboojee Khanum, mother to the late king, equally offended at the King's shameful vices, resolved to depose him, and wrote to Yoosoof Khan, that as Mulloo Adil Shah was unworthy to reign, she wished he would assist her in dethroning him, and in elevating his younger brother Ibrahim to the musnud. Yoosoof Khan, despatching one of his friends to Belgam, informed Assud Khan, that owing to the tyranny of Mulloo Adil Shah he had fled from Beejapoor, and explained the overtures made to him by the Dowager-queen. Assud Khan, in reply, observed, that as the conduct of the King had disgusted all ranks, the safety and honour of the state required that he should follow the council of Booboojee Khanum without delay; on which Yoosoof Khan sent back the Queen's messengers with assurances of implicit compliance with her commands; and shortly after, on a day fixed on between them, he arrived by forced marches at Beejapoor, and suddenly entered the citadel with two hundred armed soldiers. Noor Khan, the commander of the garrison, made little opposition. Mulloo Adil Shah was seized, and blinded, by orders of his grandmother, together with his youngest brother, Alloo Khan, after an inglorious reign of only six months. The Prince Ibrahim was immediately after seated on the throne, amid the acclamations of the nobles and the people.