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

To face page 189. Vol. III.]

>genealogy<

His origin and early history — is appointed governor of Joonere — declares his independence on the murder of his father at the court of Bidur — extends his territorial possessions — assumes the title of king — builds the fort and city of Ahmudnuggur — takes Dowlutabad from the officers of the Bahmuny government — reduces Antoor and several hill-forts in the southern hills of Kandeish — compels the rajas of Galna and Buglana to pay him tribute — supports the claims of Alum Khan Farooky to the throne of Kandeish, but is compelled to relinquish his interference by the King of Guzerat. — Death of Ahmud Nizam Shah — his character. — The manners of his court described.

AHMUD NIZAM SHAH was the son of Mullik Naib Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry, originally a bramin of Beejanuggur, whose real name was Timapa, the son of Bheiroo. In his infancy he was taken prisoner by the Mahomedan army of Ahmud Shah Bahmuny, when, being admitted among the number of the faithful, and having received the name of Hussun, he was brought up as one of the royal slaves. The King was so struck with his abilities, that he made him over to his eldest son, the Prince Mahomed, as a kind of companion, with whom he was educated, and attained eminence in Persian and Arabic literature. From his father's name Bheiroo, he was called Mullik Hussun Bheiroo; but the Prince being unable to pronounce the word correctly, he obtained the appellation of Bheiry. When the Prince ascended the throne, he raised his favourite to the rank of a noble of a thousand horse; and it is also said, on account of his surname Bheiry, which signifies a falcon, he was nominated to the office of falconer, which in Toorky is called Koosh-begy: some people have asserted that he obtained the name of Bheiry from his office alone. In course of time he rose to the first offices in the state, and was dignified by the titles of Ashruf Hoomayoon and Nizam-ool-Moolk. Being a great favourite of the minister Khwaja Mahmood Gawan, he was recommended by him to the government of Tulingana, including Rajmundry and Condapilly, which were granted to him in jageer. On the death of that minister he succeeded to his office under the title of Mullik Naib; and on the demise of Mahomed Shah Bah-muny he was appointed prime minister to that monarch's son, Mahmood Shah, who added Beer, and other districts in the vicinity of Dowlutabad, to his estates. The administration of this new jageer was made over to Mullik Naib's son, Mullik Ahmud, who took up his residence at Joonere, while Khwaja Jehan Deccany was appointed governor of Purenda. Although Mullik Naib had procured for his son the necessary orders to occupy those districts, yet several Marratta officers, in whom Khwaja Mahmood Gawan placed great confidence, refused to give them up, until the King was of an age to act for himself. Mullik Ahmud, having determined to enforce the orders, attacked the fort of Soonere, ^191a situated on the top of a hill, and of uncommon strength. After a siege of considerable duration, the garrison came forward with swords suspended from their necks, and habited in shrouds, to sue for quarter. The place being occupied, it was found to contain five years' revenue of Marhatt and Concan, which had been deposited therein; and this sum enabled Mullik Ahmud to assume a new line of conduct. Having rewarded his officers and soldiers liberally for their services, he proceeded to reduce the following places which refused to submit to his authority; viz. Chawund, Lohgur, Toong, Kooary, Tikona, Koondhana†, ^191b Poorundhur, Bhorup, Joodhun, Kuhrdroog‡, ^191c Murunjun‡, ^191d Maholy, and Pally; the whole of which he occupied by force. He soon after conquered the Concan, and was besieging the sea-port of Dunda Rajpoor, when he heard of the assassination of his father Mullik Naib Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry. On this information he raised the siege, for the present, and returned to Joonere, where he assumed the titles of the deceased, under the appellation of Ahmud Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry; and although he did not immediately adopt the title of Shah (or King), yet, as he is uniformly so called by historians, the author (Mahomed Kasim Astrabady Ferishta) has thought proper to designate him, in the future pages of his work, Ahmud Nizam Shah Bheiry.

On his return to Joonere, having spent a decent time in mourning for his father, he devoted himself to promote the good administration of his country; and such was his justice, that, without his sanction, the loadstone dared not attract iron, and the kah-rooba ^192a lost its power over grass. The character of Mullik Ahmud as a general, when he had the government of Tulingana, stood so high, in repelling the rays of Ooreea, that no officer of the Bahmuny government was willing to march against him, although it was the desire of the court to reduce his power. The King, by the advice of Kasim Bereed, his prime minister, sent repeated orders to Yoosoof Adil Khan Savaee of Beejapoor to unite with Khwaja Jehan Deccany, and Zein-ood-Deen Ally Talish, to march against Joonere. Yoosoof Adil Khan, however, not only evaded the duty, but even apprised Ahmud Nizam Shah of his danger, and directed his own troops to evacuate Indapoor, which properly belonged to his jageer.

Ahmud Nizam Shah created Zureef-ool-Moolk Afghan his Ameer-ool-Omra, and to Nusseer-ool-Moolk Guzeratty he assigned the office of Meer-Joomla. ^193a He then made overtures to Zein-ood-Deen Ally Talish† ^193b (who had before marched to attack him) to unite his fortunes with his in the approaching struggle against the Bah-muny forces. Zein-ood-Deen listened to the proposals, and made some advances to meet his wishes; but when Sheikh Mowullid Arab, one of the Bahmuny generals, volunteered his services to reduce Ahmud Nizam Shah, and had reached Purenda on his way towards Joonere, Zein-ood-Deen Ally, dreading the consequence of uniting with Ahmud Nizam Shah, resolved to join the King's troops. Ahmud Nizam Shah left his family in the strong hill-fort of Soonere, and marched to oppose the royal army, but conceiving himself unequal to contend with so numerous a force in a fair battle, he hovered round the King's camp with his cavalry, and cut off its supplies. It was at this time that he first heard of the intended defection of Zein-ood-Deen Ally Talish; and he determined, if possible, to prevent it. He, accordingly, put in practice a manœuvre as daring as it proved successful. Making a sudden countermarch during the night from the vicinity of the royal army, he appeared before Chakun, the headquarters and jageer of Zein-ood-Deen, which he escaladed without waiting a moment. Ahmud was the first man on the walls, and actually succeeded in getting footing for seventeen of his comrades in armour before the garrison was alarmed; the rest of his party soon following, an indiscriminate slaughter succeeded. The garrison fought nobly, but in vain; Chakun was taken; and no less than seven hundred persons, among whom was Zein-ood-Deen Ally, fell in the assault.

Ahmud Nizam Shah had left the main body of his army under his general Nusseer-ool-Moolk to watch the motions of Sheikh Mowullid; but that officer having imprudently ventured to attack the Bahmuny forces, with very unequal numbers, was twice defeated. Upon hearing this, Ahmud Nizam Shah left Chakun, and rejoining his army, made a night-attack on Sheikh Mowullid's camp. The Bahmuny troops were completely routed, their leader, with many officers of distinction, fell in the action, and all the heavy baggage, elephants, and tents, came into the possession of Ah-mud Nizam Shah, who now returned to Joonere, and devoted himself with the utmost attention to the civil administration of his government.

On the defeat of Sheikh Mowullid, Mahmood Shah Bahmuny ordered Azmut-ool-Moolk Du-beer, with another army of eighteen thousand men, against Ahmud Nizam Shah, who, adopting the same policy as before, avoided a battle, and moved with his troops to the hills of Kadurabad. ^195a When Azmut-ool-Moolk reached the Moory pass, Ahmud Nizam Shah, with three thousand horse, made rapid marches to Ahmudabad Bidur. Having previously gained over the city guards, he was admitted by night into the place, and after getting possession of the females of his father's family, despatched them to Joonere. In the morning he seized the women of all those officers who had marched to attack him, and moved with them towards Purenda, taking proper precautions to treat them with becoming respect. Upon his arrival near the King's army the officers sent word to him, that they could not think of opposing him, as an enemy, who had behaved so well to their families; but that it was unbecoming him to fly like a thief from his foes, and wage war with women and children; a conduct unworthy even of Franks and Koords. Ahmud Nizam Shah, having generously sent back the families to their respective relatives, marched on to Purenda. In the mean time an order from the Bahmuny king, full of resentment, was received in camp. He complained of the disgrace to which his troops had been subjected, in allowing Ahmud, the son of Nizam-ool-Moolk the falconer, to soar aloft like the falcon, while they lay trembling in their nests, and were unable to preserve their mates and young from his talons. He observed, that if they seized the person of Ahmud, well and good, but if not, they would be disgraced in the eyes of the King and of the world. The army halted at Beer; and the officers remonstrated against this reproach, declaring they were ready to attack the enemy wherever he was to be found; that their general, Azmut-ool-Moolk, had no intelligence of his motions; but that if any other general was at their head, who would afford them the opportunity of distinguishing themselves, the King's good fortune alone would ensure them success. Mahmood Shah now recalled Azmut-ool-Moolk, and deputed Jehangeer Khan, governor of Tulingana, with three thousand horse, to assume the command of the army of Beer; an officer who had before much distinguished himself, and who now moved from Beer to Pu-renda. Khwaja Jehan, the governor of Purenda, unwilling to oppose Ahmud Nizam Shah, sent his son Azim Khan to join him, and himself retired into his fort.

In this state of affairs Ahmud Nizam Shah applied for aid to Imad-ool-Moolk Gavully, the ruler of Berar, and fell back on Joonere. Jehangeer Khan, meanwhile, occupied Peitun; and this movement induced Ahmud Nizam Shah to approach the Jeeoor Ghat, where he was reinforced by Nus-seer-ool-Moolk Guzeratty, with a body of troops from Kadurabad, ^196a and a convoy of provisions; upon which, having secured the Jeeoor pass, he remained among the hills. Jehangeer Khan crossed the hills by the ghat at Teesgam, ^197a and encamped at Bingar, where both armies remained within six coss of each other for nearly a month; when Jehangeer Khan†, ^197b fancying himself secure during the rains, gave himself up to his comforts and pleasures; an example which soon spread throughout his army.

Ahmud Nizam Shah, in the mean time, having good intelligence of the state of the enemy, made

Rujub 3.
A. H. 895.
May 28.
A. D. 1490.

a night-attack on the 3d of Rujub, A. H. 895, accompanied by Azim Khan.‡ ^197c They entered the enemy's camp just as the day broke, and falling suddenly upon it, completely routed the Bahmuny troops. Jehangeer Khan, Syud Isaac, Syud Lootf Oolla, Nizam Khan, and Futteh Khan, all officers of distinction, were slain; and those who were taken prisoners were mounted on buffaloes, and led about the camp for the diversion of his soldiers; after which, they were sent back to Ahmudabad Bidur. This victory was called the Victory of the Garden, as on that spot Ahmud Nizam Shah built a palace, and laid out an elegant garden, which was beautified by his successors, who having constructed a fortification round it denominated it Bagh Nizam.§ ^197d After this success, Ahmud Nizam Shah returned public thanks to God; and having given away the proprietory right of a village near the spot in charity, as a residence for holy men, he returned to Joonere, without rival or enemy. By the advice of Yoosoof Adil Shah of Beejapoor, he soon discontinued the names of the Bahmuny kings in the public prayers, for which he substituted his own, and assumed the white canopy; but Khwaja Jehan and some of his own officers remonstrating with him, he commanded his name to be discontinued in the public prayers; and to save appearances declared, that he used the canopy to screen him from the sun, and not to affect royalty. The officers, observing this to be the case, considered there would be no objection to their using umbrellas also, to which he assented; and from that day to this no distinction exists in the Deccan in that respect between the King and a subject, excepting in the colour of the canopy used by the King, which has a scarlet cloth on the inside, while the others are white; a custom which prevails in the Deccan, but not in Hindoostan. ^198a The officers of Ahmud Nizam Shah's government, however, shortly afterwards insisted on his re-assuming the regalia, by having his name read in the Khootba or public prayer, to which he assented, declaring it was only at their particular request.

Ahmud Nizam Shah now resolved to take the sea-port of Dunda Rajpoor, near Choul, which after a long siege he reduced; and having thus secured the peaceable possession of the Concan, he turned his thoughts towards Dowlutabad, and commenced an intrigue with the governor, to induce him to deliver it into his hands. Mullik Wujee and Mullik Ashruf, two brothers, were originally servants of Khwaja Mahmood Gawan, after whose death they became enrolled among the corps of silehdars of Mahomed Shah Bahmuny, and were at length raised to the rank of nobles by the patronage of Mullik Hussun Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry, the father of Ahmud Nizam Shah. Mullik Wujee was by him appointed governor of Dowlutabad, and his brother Mullik Ashruf governor of the surrounding districts dependent on it. At this time, also, one of the Marratta chiefs, who, during the late commotions in the Bahmuny court, had seized on the fort of Galna, was obliged to give it up to Mullik Ashruf, and to relinquish his predatory incursions on the neighbouring country. The brothers conducted their administration so admirably that the robbers, so long notorious about Dowlutabad, were brought under subjection, and the roads to the frontier of Sooltanpoor, Nundoorbar, Buglana, and Guzerat, for the first time, became so safe that merchants and travellers passed to and fro without guards; and the inhabitants being happy under their government, the country assumed a flourishing appearance. ^199a Both the brothers, in gratitude for the patronage of Nizam-ool-Moolk, kept on terms of friendship with his son Ahmud Nizam Shah, who, to cement their alliance still stronger, after the victory of Bagh Nizam, gave his sister Beeby Zeenut in marriage to Mullik Wujee. A son being born by this marriage, the younger brother, Mullik Ashruf, who had entertained the ambitious idea of succeeding Mullik Wujee, and founding a kingdom for himself, perceiving his hopes would be cut off by this event, atrociously assassinated both father and son; after which he assumed independence at Dowlutabad, and endeavoured to form alliances with the ruling princes of Boorhanpoor, Berar, and Guzerat. Beeby Zeenut, after the murder of her husband and child, making her escape to Joonere, sought protection with her

A. H. 899.
A. D. 1493.

brother, who marched in the year 899 against Mullik Ashruf in Dowlutabad. His army, however, had only reached Bagh Nizam, when he was met by letters from court, sent by Kasim Bereed, soliciting his aid against Yoosoof Adil Khan, who was now besieging Bidur; after which Kasim Bereed promised to assist him in reducing Dowlutabad. Ahmud Nizam Shah, abandoning his designs against Dowlutabad for the present, proceeded to Bidur, which he relieved in the manner related in the history of Yoo-soof Adil Shah, and then marched to Dowlutabad; to which fort he laid siege for two months without success, and returned towards Joonere.

On his arrival at the town of Bingar, a village situated equidistant between Joonere and Dow-lutabad, he resolved to found the capital of his dominions, from whence he determined to detach an army every year, to lay waste the country about Dowlutabad till he reduced it. With

A. H. 900.
A. D. 1494.

this view, in the year 900, he laid the foundation of a city in the vicinity of the Bagh Nizam, upon the bank of the Sena river, to which he gave the name of Ahmud-nuggur. So great exertions were made in erecting buildings by the King and his dependents, that in the short space of two years the new city rivalled Bagdad and Cairo in splendour; and it henceforward became a custom for the Ahmud-nuggur army to take the field twice a year ^201a at stated periods to devastate and plunder the country contiguous to Dowlutabad, in order, if possible, to reduce it by famine. Mullik Ashruf, in the mean time, solicited the aid of Mahmood Shah Be-

A. H. 905.
A. D. 1499.

gurra† ^201b of Guzerat; and in the year 905 that monarch marched for the double purpose of humbling the power of Adil Khan Farooky, the ruler of Kandeish, and also of relieving Dowlutabad, now besieged by Ahmud Nizam Shah. On the arrival of the Guzerat army at Sooltanpoor, Adil Khan Farooky requested the aid of Imad-ool-Moolk Gavully and Ahmud Nizam Shah to oppose Mahmood Shah of Guzerat; on which Ahmud Nizam Shah raised the siege of Dowlutabad, and repaired with fifteen thousand cavalry to Boorhanpoor. The united forces of Adil Khan Farooky, Imad-ool-Moolk Gavully, and Ahmud Nizam Shah Bheiry, encamped at that city, while Mahmood Shah Begurra still lay before Aseer. In this state of affairs, Nusseer-ool-Moolk Guzeratty, the general of Ahmud Nizam Shah, was deputed to the enemy's camp as ambassador. During his mission, at the instance of his master, he bribed the Guzerat elephant-keepers to be ready to let loose a must ^202a elephant at a certain moment when required. On the night appointed, Nizam Shah, at the head of five thousand infantry, consisting of archers, rocketers, and matchlock-men, besides five thousand Coly† ^202b cavalry, made a night-attack on the Guzerat camp, and at the same moment the must elephant being set free, as had been concerted, the consternation became general throughout the enemy's lines. Mahmood Shah Guzeratty and his officers, who did not apprehend an attack from so inferior a force, were sleeping quietly in their tents, but being alarmed at the uproar, sprung from their beds in dismay. At this instant, the elephant running towards the tents of the Guzerat seraglio, the ladies uttered fearful shrieks. The King of Guzerat, concluding the enemy had penetrated his camp and was committing slaughter among his family, made his way through his pavilion, and fled with a few attendants to the distance of six miles. The Deccanies continued on the limits of the camp, firing rockets, till the Guzerat officers had turned out their troops. They then quietly retreated. The confusion having in some measure subsided, the Guzerat chiefs hastened in a body to the royal tents to congratulate the King; but not finding him, they thought proper to follow the next morning with the whole army, and Ahmud Nizam Shah and the allies took up the ground the enemy had left. A peace being shortly after concluded with Mahmood Shah Guzeratty, Ahmud Nizam Shah returned towards Dowlutabad, and ascending the ghats from Berar, encamped at Elloora, and relaxed from his cares in a variety of amusements. The Guzerat historians have omitted to mention this defeat, desirous, perhaps, to conceal this blot on the fame of Mahmood Shah Begurra; so that God only knows whether it be true or false.

Ashruf Khan, reduced to great distress, applied once more for assistance to Mahmood Shah of Guzerat; promising, if he would relieve him from the attacks of Ahmud Nizam Shah, to read the public prayers at Dowlutabad in his name, and to pay him annual tribute. Mahmood Shah tempted by these offers, returned with a large army to the bank of the Tapty, upon which Ahmud Nizam Shah raising the siege retired to his capital. Ashruf Khan, agreeably to his promise, read the Khootba in the Kootb-ood-Deen mosque at Dowlutabad in the name of Mahmood Shah of Guzerat; and going to his camp made him valuable presents, which he agreed to renew every year as his vassal; and Mah-mood Shah, after collecting tribute from Adil Khan of Boorhanpoor, returned to his own dominions. His retreat was no sooner communicated to Ahmud Nizam Shah than he again marched to Dowlutabad, where he found the garrison so indignant at the idea of becoming tributary to the King of Guzerat that they sent word to Ahmud Nizam Shah of their devotion to him, of which they would soon afford him a convincing proof. He received this intimation when he reached the Godavery; upon which, having made a forced march with three thousand men, he surrounded Dowlutabad by daylight on the following morning. Mullik Ashruf, on discovering the disaffection of his troops (who were principally Marrattas), appeared deeply affected, and being taken suddenly ill, died in five days; when the garrison delivered up the keys into the hands of the King of Ahmudnuggur. He now entered the fort, gave orders for the necessary repairs, and established therein a garrison of his own troops. On his return to Ahmudnuggur, he built a citadel round the Bagh Nizam, in which he erected a palace of red stone. During this year, also, he reduced the forts of Antoor and other places in Kandeish, and compelled the rajas of Galna and Buglana to pay him tribute.

A. H. 913.
A. D. 1507. In the year 913, Dawood Shah Fa-rooky of Boorhanpoor dying, disputes arose concerning the succession. Mullik Hissam-ood-Deen, one of the principal officers of his government, solicited the aid of Ahmud Nizam Shah in favour of Alum Khan, while Mahmood Shah Guzeratty had resolved to place his nephew, Meeran Adil Khan, the son of Hussun Khan Farooky, on the musnud; for which purpose the King of Guzerat marched towards Kandeish. In the mean time, Mullik Larun, a third competitor for the throne, having possession of the fort of Aseer, refused to acknowledge the supremacy of either of the Farooky princes. Ahmud Nizam Shah and Imad-ool-Moolk Gavully had just reached Boorhanpoor, when they discovered the real state of affairs; and having heard that Mahmood Shah Guzeratty, with a considerable force, had absolutely arrived at Talnere on the Tapty, the allies consented to leave four thousand cavalry each to assist Alum Khan, and themselves fell back on Gavulgur. These troops, however, soon after deserting the cause of Alum Khan, the campaign ended by the Deccan allies retreating to their capitals; and Ahmud Nizam Shah was shortly after joined by Alum Khan, who came thither to crave his protection. On the return of Mahmood Shah to Guzerat, Ahmud Nizam Shah advanced with an army to the frontier, and demanded of Mah-mood Shah of Guzerat that he should give a portion of the Kandeish dominions to Alum Khan; but Mahmood Shah treated the ambassadors with indignity, and asked them what right a slave of the Bahmuny king had to write to him as an equal, or meddle with affairs beyond his own threshold? He told them, also, that if their master did not shortly alter his conduct he should be compelled to punish him. Ahmud Nizam Shah, notwithstanding this insulting behaviour, deemed it imprudent to push the matter farther, and returned quietly with Alum Khan to Ahmudnuggur.

Though the virtues of this prince exceed all description, yet in compliance with the custom of historians, the author will attempt to relate a few. Among his great qualities were continence and modesty. When he rode through the streets of the city he never looked aside to the right or left, lest his eyes should fall on another's wife. When he was a young man, and marched to reduce the fort of Gawulgur, there was taken among the captives a young lady of exquisite beauty, who was presented as an acceptable gift to him by one of his officers. Ahmud Nizam Shah was charmed with her person, but being told by her that she had a husband, who, with all her family, was among the prisoners, he restrained his desire, and restored her uncontaminated to her friends, with a present. It was his custom, when any of his officers were backward on the day of battle, to reward instead of reproaching them. One of his courtiers once taking the liberty of enquiring the cause of this unusual line of conduct, he replied, that he should have an explanation of his motives at some other time. Nor was it long before an officer of this description distinguished himself very much; and having received honorary marks of the King's favour, Ahmud Nizam Shah said to the courtier, “ Princes like masters of the hunt, alone know “how to train for the chase.”

The practice of yekung ^207a (single-stick) was also introduced by this prince, who was himself well skilled in the sword, and delighted much in the exercise; accordingly, as is ever the custom, the people being eager to copy the prince, both high and low devoted themselves to it, and instead of colleges, as is usual in Mahomedan cities, schools for single-sword and wrestling were established in all quarters of the city of Ahmudnuggur. Nothing was talked of but this art in every assembly, till at length things grew to such a pitch in the strife-engendering climate of the Deccan, that people vaunted over their neighbours; and brawls arising between rash young men, they frequently begged to make good their cause before the King, who used to see them combat with swords in his presence; and he who gave the first wound was considered the victor. In consequence of this encouragement, a crowd of young men were in the habit of assembling daily at the palace for the purpose of displaying their skill, till at length a day seldom passed without one or two persons being killed. The King, thinking it time to discountenance this practice, gave orders, that no more exhibitions of this sort should take place in his presence, though the combatants were at liberty to settle their disputes on the outside of the town; and it was commanded, that if either party were killed in fair combat, no retaliation should be required. This vile custom is so congenial to the Mahomedans of the Deccan, that it has spread far and wide from Ahmudnuggur; and it is so fashionable at the present day, that even learned divines and philosophers, as well as nobles and princes, practise duelling; and if their children show any backwardness in this way they do not esteem them as lads of proper spirit. As an instance of which, the writer of these pages (Mahomed Kasim Ferishta) saw the following transaction occur in the streets of Beejapoor. Syud Moortuza and Syud Hussun, two brothers whose beards were grey, and who were in high estimation at court, had a trifling dispute with three Deccanies, who were also brothers, who frequented the court, and were also respectable grey-headed men. First, the son of Syud Moortuza, a youth of twenty, engaged one of the Deccanies, but was immediately killed. The father and uncle engaged the other two Deccanies, and they were also killed; and before their bodies could be removed and buried, the three opponents died of the wounds they had received, so that, in a few minutes, six respectable persons, who had no real animosity towards each other, were lost to their relatives and to society. The Mahomedans of the Deccan are certainly very expert in the use of the sword, and particularly in single combat; but as they generally practise on foot, and do not accustom themselves to throwing the lance on horseback, they are inferior as cavalry; and their skill is of no avail when acting in masses of infantry, though in private quarrels, and street contentions, they fight like lions.

Since the extinction of the dynasty of Bahmuny this practice has rather been encouraged than discouraged by other princes of the Deccan, excepting by Ibrahim Adil Shah II. of Beejapoor, who seems to set his face against the custom; and it is to be hoped, that this abominable habit, which is unknown in any other civilised country in the world, will, by the happy exertions of wise princes like him, be altogether abolished.

The King ascends the throne in his seventh year. — Mookumil Khan Deccany minister and regent. — His son, entitled Azeez-ool-Moolk, commander of the household troops. — The nobles are offended with Azeez-ool-Moolk, and resolve to remove his party — they endeavour to obtain possession of the King's younger brother Raja-Joo, but their plan is defeated — they quit Ahmudnuggur with eight thousand men, and join the King of Berar, who is induced to lead an army to attack the Nizam Shahy dominions. — The enemy is defeated in the battle of Ranoory by the troops of the young King of Ah-mudnuggur — is pursued, and compelled to quit Berar. — Applies to the King of Kandeish to mediate a peace. — Moo-kumil Khan demands the cession of the town of Patry in exchange for some other place. — The King of Berar not only declines compliance, but fortifies the town. — Mookumil Khan some time afterwards makes a night-attack on Patry, and occupies it. — The King espouses Ameena, a dancing girl, and takes to drinking wine. — Mookumil Khan resigns his office of minister, which is conferred on Sheikh Jafur Deccany. — The King marries the Princess Muryum, sister of Ismael Adil Shah. — The fort of Sholapoor promised to be obtained for the King of Ahmudnuggur by Assud Khan of Belgam, the ambassador — but the cession is not acceded to by the King of Beejapoor. — The King's first wife assumes superiority over the Princess Muryum. — The latter complains to her brother, who remonstrates, and threatens the King of Ahmud-nuggur. — Formidable confederacy against the King of Bee-japoor. — The allies march to take Sholapoor — are defeated. — The King of Berar is encouraged by the King of Beejapoor to attack Patry — it is taken and retaken, and subsequently rased to the ground. — Boorhan Nizam Shah is attacked by the kings of Berar and Kandeish — they are both defeated, with the loss of three hundred elephants — they apply for aid to Bahadur Shah of Guzerat. — Boorhan Nizam Shah obtains the aid of Ameer Bereed, King of Bidur, and a body of troops from Beejapoor. — Ameer Bereed attacks and discomfits two divisions of the Guzerat army near Beer — but Boorhan Nizam Shah is eventually compelled to retreat, first to Pu-renda, and then to Joonere. — Bahadur Shah of Guzerat, after being proclaimed King at Ahmudnuggur, retires to Dowlu-tabad. — Boorhan Nizam Shah removes Sheikh Jafur from the office of Peshwa, and confers it on a Hindoo named Kawur Sein. — Obtains peace. — The confederates retire to their own capitals, Boorhan Nizam Shah is constrained to read the Khootba in the name of Bahadur Shah of Guzerat. — Bahadur Shah, after subduing Malwa, arrives at Boorhanpoor in Kandeish. — Boorhan Nizam Shah is invited to meet him. — Difficulties occur, which are removed through the address of the ambassador Shah Tahir. — Description of the meeting. — Disputes concerning territorial limits occur between the kings of Ahmudnuggur and Beejapoor — mediated by ambassadors. — Boorhan Nizam Shah supports the Sheea persuasion — avails himself of the jealousy of the King of Beejapoor against his minister Assud Khan of Belgam to wage war with him — is eventually compelled to retreat — renews the war in concert with the King of Golconda and Ramraj. — The King of Ah-mudnuggur makes three campaigns, but with little success. — His death — his body sent to Kurbula.

BOORHAN NIZAM SHAH ascended the throne of his father at Ahmudnuggur, in the seventh year of his age. Mookumil Khan Deccany, an able statesman and general, who held both the offices of Peshwa ^211a and Ameer Joomla† ^211b in the lifetime of the late king, was appointed Vakeel or Protector; while his son, Meean Jumal-ood-Deen, received the title of Azeez-ool-Moolk, and had the office of Sur-Nobut ^212a assigned to him. The father and son having thus placed the royal household under their control obtained the fullest power over all the affairs of government. Nearly three years elapsed, during which the pride and insolence of Azeez-ool-Moolk had grown so intolerable to the other nobles, such as Roomy Khan, Kur-reem Khan, and Meer Khan, that becoming envious of his authority, they strove to subvert his influence; and having gained over to their interests Beeby Eisha, (nurse to the young King's mother, who enjoyed much of her confidence,) it was agreed that she should deliver over to them Raja-Joo† ^212b the infant brother of the King, whom they determined to raise to the throne; so that by deposing Boorhan Nizam Shah they might free themselves from the despotic sway of the minister and his son. Beeby Eisha, accordingly, having one day dressed the young prince in girl's clothes, and put him in her own palky, took him with her towards the city. She was scarcely gone when the Queen-mother sending for the child found he was missing. Great consternation spread among the attendants both within and without the palace. Some, conjecturing that he might have fallen into a fountain or well, went to search for him, while others, having followed Beeby Eisha, and overtaking her before she reached the city, brought both her and the child back. This old lady having been always regarded as a grandmother to the princes, was frequently in the habit of taking them with her to town, where they sometimes remained for two or three days, so that on this occasion she pretended that she was carrying the young prince only on a visit: in a few days, however, the secret being disclosed, that she had done so in concert with the nobles, the minister took measures to watch the princes more narrowly. So much attention was paid to the education of Boorhan Nizam Shah, that in his tenth year he read poetry with facility and proper emphasis, and wrote exceedingly well. The author has seen a treatise on the duties of kings, in the royal library at Ahmudnuggur copied by that monarch at that tender age. The enemies of the Peshwa (Mookumil Khan) were soon after induced to quit Ahmudnuggur with their followers, to the number of eight thousand men. They entered the service of Alla-ood-Deen Imad-ool-Moolk, ruler of Berar, whom they excited to attack the dominions of Boorhan Nizam Shah. Imad-ool-Moolk, deeming the conquest an object of easy attainment, marched with a large army from Elich-poor towards the Nizam Shahy frontier; while Mookumil Khan, aided by the forces of Khwaja Jehan Deccany ^214a of Purenda, and attended by the young King, opposed the enemy near the town of

A. H. 916.
A. D. 1510.

Ranoory, in the year 916, when Imad-ool-Moolk sustained a total defeat; flying from the field without halting till he reached Elichpoor, and leaving in the hands of the Nizam Shahies all his baggage, horses, and elephants.

In this battle Boorhan Nizam Shah, on account of his tender years, rode on horseback with his tutor Ajdur Khan, and was seated before him on the same saddle. Imad-ool-Moolk, finding himself pursued, left Elichpoor and fled to Boorhan-poor, where he solicited the aid of the ruler of Kandeish to mediate a peace. Some learned men were accordingly sent to Mookumil Khan, who represented that it was contrary to the law of the prophet for the faithful to wage war against each other, a peace was concluded, and both parties returned to their respective dominions.

It is said that the ancestors of the Nizam Shahy kings were natives of the town of Patry; but for some cause, one of them, a Coolcurny†, ^214b quitting his birth-place, removed to Beejanuggur and settled. When the family attained regal power, its relations came to Ahmudnuggur, and expressed a desire to recover their ancient rights in the village of Patry, situated within the territory of Berar, but close on the Nizam Shahy frontier. On which Mookumil Khan wrote to Imad-ool-Moolk, as from Boorhan Nizam Shah, requesting that he would, out of private regard, give up the Patry district, in which the Nizam Shahy family had so much interest, and receive in lieu of it another, yielding even a greater revenue. Imad-ool-Moolk refused to consent to the exchange; and fearing that a war might ensue in consequence of his refusal, began to build a fort at Patry. Moo-kumil Khan requested him to desist, but in vain; till at length the work being completed, Mookumil Khan, being some time after at Dowlutabad, went on a party of pleasure to see the caves of Elloora in its vicinity, from whence he made a sudden march against Patry, and carried it by assault. After which he left it in charge of Meean Maho-med Ghoory, who had distinguished himself on the occasion, and conferred on him the title of Kamil Khan.

The young king, in the mean time, having attained the age of manhood, became enamoured of a dancing girl called Ameena, whom he married, and placed at the head of the ladies of his seraglio. From her he learned to drink wine, which Moo-kumil Khan having understood, he approached the throne, and laid the seals of his office at the feet of the King, saying, “While your Majesty was a “child, I (the humblest servant of your throne) “carried on the affairs committed to my charge to “the best of my ability; but now that you are “able personally to conduct the affairs of the state, “you must excuse me from interfering in public “business.” Boorhan Nizam Shah complied with the minister's request, but raised his sons to high rank, and conferred the office of Peshwa on Sheikh Jafur Deccany. Mookumil Khan ever after lived retired, going to court occasionally only at the earnest request of his friends; but resisted every attempt to induce him again to engage in public business, till at length he died a natural death.

A. H. 930.
A. D. 1523. In the year 930, Boorhan Nizam Shah and Ismael Adil Shah, through the intervention of Shah Tahir Jooneidy, had a meeting in the fort of Sholapoor; and Beeby Muryum, the sister of Ismael Adil Shah, was given in marriage to Boorhan Nizam Shah, when the nuptials were celebrated with great splendour. It appears, also, on this occasion, that Assud Khan of Belgam, the envoy on the part of Ismael Adil Shah, had promised in his master's name to give Sholapoor as a dowry with his sister; but as that Prince afterwards denied having authorised such a condition, Boorhan Nizam Shah, at the intercession of Shah Tahir, was induced to drop the demand, and to return to Ahmudnuggur. Ameena, the favourite queen of Boorhan Nizam Shah, assuming her usual right of superiority over the Beejapoor princess, the latter complained to her brother Ismael Adil Shah of the affront offered to her rank by putting a public actress above her in the royal apartments. The Beejapoor monarch remonstrated with the resident ambassador from Ahmudnuggur then at his court in very strong language, and out of this an enmity grew; and Boorhan Nizam Shah despatched missions to the courts of Bereed Shah of Bidur and Imad Shah of Gavulgur, to induce those princes to unite against Is-

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

mael Adil Shah. Accordingly, in the year 931, the confederates marched against Sholapoor. Ismael Adil Shah moved to defend the place with nine thousand bowmen; and an engagement took place on the borders, so sanguinary that nature revolts at the remembrance. Imad Shah was opposed, and his ranks broken, by Assud Khan of Belgam, and fled precipitately to Gavulgur; while Boorhan Nizam Shah, overcome with the extreme heat of the day, was borne off the field in a palankeen, and conveyed by his foreign troops to Ahmudnuggur.

A. H. 933.
A. D. 1527. In the year 933, Imad Shah, at the instance of Ismael Adil Shah and Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah, led an army against the fort of Patry, which he recovered; but which was shortly afterwards retaken by Boorhan Nizam Shah, after a close siege of two months. On this occasion he rased the works to the ground, and gave over the district dependent on it in charity to his relations the bramins, in whose hands it continued for several generations till the reign of the Emperor Akbur. After destroying Patry, Boorhan Nizam Shah marched and reduced the fort of Ma-hoor, and afterwards moved on to Elichpoor. Imad Shah, unable singly to contend with the Nizam Shahytroops, fled to Boorhanpoor, where he induced Mahomed Khan Farooky, the ruler of Kandeish, to assist him. Thus united, the allies marched against Boorhan Nizam Shah; but experienced such a total defeat, that they lost three hundred elephants and all their baggage, besides many places in Berar which fell into Boorhan Nizam Shah's hands. Imad Shah and Mahomed Khan Farooky, seeing things in this state, sent ambassadors to Bahadur Shah of Guzerat to request his aid. Bahadur Shah readily complied with their wishes, and

A. H. 935.
A. D. 1529.

marched an army, in the year 935, into the Deccan by the route of Sooltanpoor and Nundoorbar. Boorhan Nizam Shah, alarmed at the accession of Guzerat to the confederacy, sent letters of congratulation to Babur on his elevation to the throne of Dehly; and also addressed Ismael Adil Shah, Ameer Bereed Shah, and Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah. Of these Ameer Bereed Shah only rendered any assistance, by marching to join him with six thousand foreign horse.

Bahadur Shah Guzeratty having entered Berar, with a view to recover Mahoor and Patry, liked the country so much, that he remained some time in it; when Imad Shah, fearful lest his dominions might be laid waste, represented, that if he would move into Boorhan Nizam Shah's country, and procure some parts of it for him, he would remove his family from Gavul, and resigning that fortress to Bahadur Shah, attend constantly at the royal stirrup. Bahadur Shah, accordingly, marched towards Boorhan Nizam Shah's army, and encamped in the hilly district near Beer; where Ameer Bereed Shah, with a force of Adil Shahy horse, and three thousand of his own, made an attack on a division of the Guzerat army, which was completely cut off between the towns of Beer and Peitun. On this occasion three thousand men were killed on the field, and upwards of seventy camels, laden with treasure, fell into the hands of the assailants. On intimation of this defeat, Bahadur Shah instantly detached his vizier, Khood-awund Khan, with twenty thousand horse, to revenge the disgrace. This division, being drawn into an ambuscade, was also defeated by Ameer Bereed; but a third detachment of twenty thousand horse, under the command of Imad Shah, arriving to reinforce Khoodawund Khan, Boorhan Nizam Shah was compelled to fall back first on Purenda, and eventually to retire into Joonere.

Bahadur Shah reached Ahmudnuggur without further opposition, and took up his quarters in the palace of Boorhan Nizam Shah, where he remained for forty days. At last, leaving the siege of the fort to be conducted by Imad Shah, he marched to Dowlutabad; while, in the mean time, Boorhan Nizam Shah, hovering about the Guzeratties, endeavoured to cut off their supplies.

In this state of affairs, Boorhan Nizam Shah wrote to Ismael Adil Shah, that if he did not march in person to his relief, as became a brother, he must sink under the pressure of his enemies. Ismael Adil Shah replied, that the infidels of Bee-januggur were encamped near Rachore, and that if he left his country they would instantly invade it; but that he sent him five hundred chosen horse under the command of his general Heidur-ool-Moolk Kuzveeny, and hoped that he would shortly repel the enemy. Boorhan Nizam Shah, disappointed in his hopes, deprived Sheikh Jafur, who had now become very unpopular among all classes of people, of the office of Peshwa, which he bestowed on one Kawur Sein a bramin; a person at once endowed with wisdom, penetration, and integrity. By his advice he marched with all the troops he could collect from Joonere to Ahmud-nuggur; and shortly after, decamping with great caution, took up a position in the hills near Dow-lutabad, and within eight miles of the Guzerat army. While in this post he harassed the enemy by frequent skirmishes and night-attacks for nearly three months, when a general action took place, in which Boorhan Nizam Shah being defeated, was at last induced to sue for peace through Mahomed Khan Farooky and Imad Shah, to whom he promised to return the forts and the elephants he had taken from them during the war. These two princes accordingly represented to Khoodawund Khan, that they had called in the aid of Bahadur Shah Guzeratty only to recover Ma-hoor and Patry; for which service they had engaged to cause the Khootba to be read in his name, both in Berar and Ahmudnuggur, and also to make him annual presents, but that the King seemed now to have extended his views to the absolute possession of their country. Khoodawund Khan remarked, that this was their own fault, for if the kings of the Deccan would agree together, all would be well. They understood his meaning, and resolved to break up the league. Imad Shah, accordingly, permitted supplies of provisions to pass through his camp to Dowlutabad, and retired at the commencement of the rains to Elichpoor.

Bahadur Shah and Meeran Mahomed Khan Farooky now consulted whether to stay or retreat. The ministers of both parties observed, that when the rivers swelled in the rainy season it would be impossible to obtain supplies either from Guzerat or Kandeish; and it being possible that the kings of the Deccan might still unite, it appeared to them prudent that Bahadur Shah should leave the possession of their countries both to Imad Shah and Nizam Shah, and be content with the acknowledgment of their homage. Bahadur Shah consented to this arrangement, and a communication was made to that effect to Boorhan Nizam Shah, who sent the ambassadors back with presents, and caused the public prayers to be read in the name of Bahadur Shah, who returned to Guzerat. Boorhan Nizam Shah, on his arrival at Ahmudnuggur, received a requisition from Meeran Mahomed Khan for the elephants which had been taken from him, and they were restored; but Imad Shah having made a similar demand for the forts of Mahoor and Patry, an evasive answer was given, and the request was not acceded to.

Boorhan Nizam Shah, the following year, sent Shah Tahir with rich presents of cloth, elephants, and horses, to Bahadur Shah, who delayed giving him an audience, and wrote to Meeran Mahomed Khan that he understood Boorhan Nizam Shah had only read the Khootba in his name once, and then discontinued it. Meeran Mahomed Khan, however, assured him that Boorhan Nizam Shah was his loyal vassal, and that if he had only read it once, it was merely to save appearances with the other kings of the Deccan; he trusted, therefore, he would forgive him, and receive his embassy. Bahadur Shah, accordingly, received Shah Tahir, but did not for some time treat him with any consideration; till at length his great talents and learning obtained for him the esteem of the King of Guzerat, who altered his conduct; and at the end of three months dismissed him with honour.

A. H. 937.
A. D. 1530. In the year 937, when Bahadur Shah had subdued Malwa, Boorhan Nizam Shah sent Shah Tahir with Nursoo Pundit to congratulate him upon his conquests. These two personages were introduced to the King at Boorhanpoor by Meeran Mahomed Khan of Kan-deish, who observed, that as the empire of the chief provinces of Hindoostan had devolved on the family of Teimoor, the star of whose prosperity was daily ascending, it was politic for him to make a friend of Boorhan Nizam Shah. Bahadur Shah, who was a prince of great ambition, and pretended to an equality with the sovereigns of Dehly, listened to the advice of Meeran Mahomed Khan, and conferred many favours on Shah Tahir, who was dismissed with expedition from Boorhanpoor to Ah-mudnuggur, to induce his master to have an interview with Bahadur Shah at the former city.

Boorhan Nizam Shah at first declined, but was at length induced to give his consent, at the instigation both of Shah Tahir and Kawur Sein; and having left his son, the Prince Hoossein Nizam Shah, in charge of the government during his absence, under the care of Kawur Sein, he marched with a body of about seven thousand horse, as an escort, to Boorhanpoor, sending on Sumbajee Chitnevees and Khwaja Ibraheem as ambassadors before him, to ensure him a suitable reception. Upon his arrival at Changdevy, on the bank of the Tapty, near Boorhanpoor, he was met by Meeran Mahomed Khan, who informed him that Bahadur Shah would receive him on his throne, on each side of which holy men were permitted to sit, but that all persons else, of whatever rank, stood with their arms crossed before them.

Boorhan Nizam Shah, understanding his reasons for this remark, said nothing in reply; but when Meeran Mahomed Khan took leave, he called his confidential officers to him privately, and declared that he never would submit to the indignity of standing before the throne of Bahadur Shah, after having declared his independence from the house of Bah-muny; that he would rather decline the meeting, and commit his safety to the hands of the Almighty. Shah Tahir observed, God is merciful, and would, he hoped, grant every thing agreeably to his desire; but that he must not be hasty, nor repeat such declarations, since policy might demand that he should one day submit to a humiliation, in order that he might pass the rest of his life in power. Boorhan Nizam Shah, who was a person of judgment, partially acceded to the arguments used by Shah Tahir, who now said that he had thought of a mode of averting this indignity. ^223a He stated that he had in his possession a Koran in the handwriting of Ally, which Bahadur Shah was very desirous of seeing; that he would carry this with him, so that the King of Guzerat would be compelled to descend from his throne, out of reverence, to meet it. On the following day, accordingly, when the interview was to take place, and the King of Ahmudnuggur with his attendants arrived at the royal tents, Shah Tahir placed the Koran on his head; and Bahadur Shah, seeing him at a distance, asked his vizier, Khoodawund Khan, what he was carrying. Upon being told it was a Koran in the hand-writing of Ally, he instantly descended from the throne, kissed it three times, and put it to his eyes and his forehead. He then received the compliments of Boorhan Nizam Shah, and asked him in the Guzerat language if he was well; to which Boorhan Nizam Shah replied in Persian. Bahadur Shah now re-ascended his throne, and Boorhan Nizam Shah and Shah Tahir stood before it. Observing that Shah Tahir, a holy man of the first rank, was standing, Bahadur Shah desired him to be seated, but he excused himself as his master was standing. He then requesed Boorhan Nizam Shah to sit also. After which Bahadur Shah, addressing him in Persian, enquired how he had passed the days of his late vicissitudes. Boorhan Nizam Shah replied, that afflictions which lead to prosperity, and absence terminating in happy meetings, cause the remembrance of the past to be forgotten; and in conclusion he observed, that the present moment was a sufficient recompense for all the trials he had experienced in a series of years. When Bahadur Shah heard this answer, he turned to Meeran Mahomed Khan, and said, “Did you hear “the answer of Boorhan Nizam-ool-Moolk?” (for he had not yet called him Shah:) he replied that he did not: upon which Bahadur Shah put the same question, and received the same reply. He then praised him in a very loud voice to be heard by all present. On which Shah Tahir, arising, said, “May “such proofs of the royal favour daily increase!” Bahadur Shah now taking a sword, and a dagger set with jewels, from his own waist, girded them on Boorhan Nizam Shah, and said, “May the title of “Shah prove auspicious to you!” at the same time he presented him with the chutr or royal canopy, taken from the King of Malwa, and commanded his vizier, Khoodawund Khan, and Mee-ran Mahomed Khan Farooky, to conduct him to the tent pitched for his reception, which had also belonged to the same Prince, Sooltan Mahomed Khiljy of Malwa. On the following day Bahadur Shah gave an entertainment, and seated Boorhan Nizam Shah and Meeran Mahomed Khan on chairs of gold in front of the throne. At the breaking up of the party he presented Boorhan Nizam Shah with five horses, two elephants, and twelve fighting deer. The two kings then played together at chowgan. Boorhan Nizam Shah in his turn made offerings to Bahadur Shah; the whole of which he highly approved, but would only accept of a Koran, and a sword, (on which was engraved the name of one of the Abassy caliphs,) with four elephants, and two Arab horses. He then said, “I give you “back all the rest of your offerings, and all the “country of the Deccan,” at the same time dismissing him, with permission to return to Ahmudnug-gur. Boorhan Nizam Shah accordingly took his departure, and going by the route of Dowlutabad, paid his devotions at the shrines of the holy men buried at that place; after which he encamped at the Houz-i-Kootloo, where he was met by his son, Hoossein Nizam Shah, and his minister Kawur Sein, as well as by ambassadors from the courts of Beejapoor and Golconda, who came to congratulate him.

The disagreements between Bahadur Shah and Boorhan Nizam Shah being now at an end, the latter was at leisure to attend to the administration of his dominions, and accordingly, by the wise policy of Kawur Sein, he reduced, in a very short space of time, thirty forts belonging to Marratta rajas who had not paid allegiance since the death of Ahmud Nizam Shah; after which he enlisted them in his service, giving them back their lands in jageer, on condition that they should supply troops when required for the state. The two ambassadors, Khwaja Ibrahim and Sumbajy Chitnevees, ^226a who had preceded the King to Boorhanpoor, were honoured with the titles of Luteef Khan and Purtab Ray, on their return to Ahmudnuggur, and were henceforward admitted as confidential officers of the government.

A. H. 938.
A. D. 1531. In the year 938, Ismael Adil Shah having contemplated the conquests of the forts of Kulliany and Kand'har from Ameer Bereed Shah, that prince solicited aid from Boorhan Nizam Shah, who wrote an imperious letter to Ismael Adil Shah, requiring him immediately to desist. This again brought on the disputes about the boundaries; and Ismael Adil Shah observes in his answer; “Have you so soon for-“gotten your late condition at Ahmudnuggur? “If you pride yourself on the tattered rags of the “King of Malwa, the boast is ridiculous. Nor need “you be too vain of the title of Shah, conferred on “you by the King of Guzerat, since I derive my “royal lineage from a race of sovereigns, ^227a and am “so styled by the kings of Persia, descendants of “the prophet. I advise you to repent of your “folly and arrogance, or I shall compel you to “quit your enjoyments in the Bagh-i-Nizam, and “try how you like the clashing of steel in the field “of battle.”

Boorhan Nizam Shah, though really ashamed of his conduct, yet marched directly to Oomruzpoor, where he remained some days to collect his forces, and then crossed the border of Ismael Adil Shah's territory. The latter gave Boorhan Nizam Shah a total defeat, and obliged him to retreat to Ahmud-nuggur, with the loss of all his baggage, and nearly four thousand men, a disaster which fully humbled his pride.

A.H. 939.
A. D. 1532. In the year 939, through the mediation of ambassadors, a meeting was effected between Boorhan Nizam Shah and Ismael Adil Shah, when it was agreed that the former should undertake the conquest of Berar, and the latter of Tulingana, and that they should divide the Deccan in a brotherly manner between them; but this project was frustrated by the sudden death of Ismael Adil Shah, and the disputes which took place between his successor and Boor-han Nizam Shah.

A. H. 944.
A. D. 1537. In the year 944, at the instigation of Shah Tahir, Boorhan Nizam Shah rejected the names of the Sahiba ^228a from the Khootba, and substituted those of the Imams; and as the colour of their standards was green (it is believed that at the day of judgment those of the Prophet will also be of that colour), he changed the colour of his canopy and standards to the same. He also (God forgive him!) settled pensions on persons to curse and revile the three first caliphs and their followers, in the mosques and streets; thus fulfilling the wish which Yoosoof Adil Shah of Beejapoor was unable to accomplish, owing to the opposition of his nobles, and which he carried with him to the grave. Boorhan Nizam Shah, however, ran some risk from his religious zeal. He was besieged in his palace by a number of malecontents, headed by one Moolla Peer Ma-homed, a furious Soony, whom he took prisoner and confined; on which the tumult subsided. The kings of Guzerat, Beejapoor, and Kandeish, enraged at the insult offered to the Soonies, entered into alliance with each other, and agreed to divide the dominions of Boorhan Nizam Shah between them; upon which the latter sent an embassy to the Emperor Hoomayoon, offering his services to assist in an invasion of Guzerat; but the rebellion of Sheer Shah taking place at this period, prevented that measure. Boorhan Nizam Shah found means to satisfy the kings of Guzerat and Kandeish; and entertaining in his service all the Sheea foreigners who had been lately disbanded by Ibrahim Adil Shah, marched to invade Beejapoor. In this campaign he was so successful as to capture one hundred elephants and some pieces of cannon, which were brought triumphantly to Ahmudnuggur.

A. H. 949.
A.D. 1542. In the year 949, dissensions arose at the court of Beejapoor between As-sud Khan of Belgam and his master, Ibrahim Adil Shah. Boorhan Nizam Shah, taking advantage of this circumstance, invited Ameer Bereed Shah of Bidur to a coalition; at the same time he promulgated a report, that Assud Khan had, in conformity with his religious feelings, invited those two monarchs into the kingdom, and promised to give up Belgam to Boorhan Nizam Shah. Although there was not the slightest truth in this story, it was sedulously spread by the enemies of Beejapoor, and so successfully as to poison the King's mind more than ever against his minister. Boorhan Nizam Shah having marched to Sholapoor, he seized on and made over to Khwaja Jehan Dec-cany the five and a half districts, ^229a and then proceeding to Belgam, took possession of it, and plundered the towns that did not submit to his authority. Assud Khan used all his exertions to induce the King to march against the enemy, but he was apprehensive of treachery; and to such a height were their mutual jealousies carried, that Assud Khan saw no security but that of going over to Boorhan Nizam Shah. He joined him accordingly with six thousand troops attached to his person, and Boorhan Nizam Shah marched direct to Beejapoor. Ibrahim Adil Shah, deprived of his minister, and without confidence in those around him, deserted his capital, and took shelter at Koolburga, till the arrival of a reinforcement under Imad Shah. The proximity of the Berar army to that of Boorhan Nizam Shah, a short time afterwards, enabled Assud Khan to quit the side he had espoused, and to unite himself with the ally of his country. Assud Khan no sooner joined the Berar army than Boorhan Nizam Shah retreated towards Ahmudnuggur, whither he was pursued by the allied forces of Berar and Beejapoor; and being compelled, in his turn, to quit his capital, and to leave it a prey to the invaders, he took post in the strong fortress of Dow-lutabad. At this place Ameer Bereed Shah of Bidur dying, Boorhan Nizam Shah concluded a peace, and restored to Ibrahim Adil Shah the five and a half districts of Sholapoor.

On the following year, Boorhan Nizam Shah deputed Shah Tahir as ambassador to the court of Jumsheed Kootb Shah of Golconda, congratulating him on his accession to the throne, and making private overtures to induce him to form a league with Ramraj, the Hindoo prince of Beejanuggur, against the state of Beejapoor.

Boorhan Nizam Shah now sent his trusty minister, Shah Tahir, to beg the assistance of Ally Bereed Shah of Bidur, who, however, declined. This induced him, on the following year, to march an army against Bidur, commencing his operations by the siege of Owsa. Ally Bereed Shah, in the mean time, promised to cede the fort of Kulliany to Ibrahim Adil Shah, in case he would march to his assistance; and the Beejapoor troops formed a junction with the Bidur forces at Kulliany. The allies now raised the siege of Owsa; and an action took place with the Nizam Shahy army within four miles of that fort, in which the allies were defeated with considerable loss, and the fall of Owsa shortly afterwards took place. From thence Boorhan Nizam Shah marched against Oodgeer, which he also reduced, and then proceeded against Kand'har. At this place the allies made another effort to raise the siege; but being a second time defeated, with the loss of their heavy baggage, Kand'har shortly after fell, and Boorhan

A. H. 955.
A. D. 1548.

Nizam Shah returned towards his capital, in the year 955. On the road he was met by deputies from a political party in Beejapoor, who stated that the people were so oppressed by the cruelties and mal-administration of Ibrahim Adil Shah that the nobles were desirous of substituting in his stead the Prince Abdoolla, the King's younger brother. This prince had at that time sought an asylum with the Portuguese at Goa; but they had said nothing could be effected without the assistance of Boorhan Nizam Shah. Jumsheed Kootb Shah of Golconda was also invited to coalesce with the King of Ahmudnuggur for this purpose, and the allied sovereigns accordingly moved towards Beejapoor. Boorhan Nizam Shah first invaded the country, and failing in an attempt to seize Belgam, he was compelled to retreat; and the death of his favourite minister, Shah Tahir, which occurred about this period, induced him to fall back on his capital, and to make over the seals to Kasim Beg Hukeem and Gopal Row a bramin.

Nearly at the same time, also, Assud Khan of Bel-gam dying, Boorhan Nizam Shah resolved to make another attack on the Beejapoor dominions. He accordingly deputed ambassadors to Ramraj, inviting him to a confederacy, when presents and professions were interchanged between them. Upon hearing which, Ibrahim Adil Shah treated the resident ambassadors of the latter at Beejapoor with evident marks of disrespect; and they quitted his capital in great indignation, without taking leave. On arriving at Beejanuggur, they told Ramraj what had been the behaviour of Ibrahim Adil Shah, on account of the league the Beeja-nuggur court was about to form with Boorhan Nizam Shah; and concluded by saying, that had they not made their escape they should probably have been put to death. Ramraj, enraged at this affront, wrote to Boorhan Nizam Shah, that as Ally Bereed Shah of Bidur had preferred to his alliance that of Ibrahim Adil Shah, it would be desirable to take from him the fort of Kulliany.

Boorhan Nizam Shah, without delay, moved from Ahmudnuggur, and surrounding Kulliany effectually blocked up all communication from without. Ibrahim Adil Shah marched to relieve it; and advancing within sight of the enemy, pitched his camp and intrenched himself. Boorhan Nizam Shah, unwilling to raise the siege, also fortified his lines. The Beejapoor Marratta horse were employed to infest the roads leading to the enemy's camp, and to cut off his supplies; and were so successful as to cause the greatest distress for provisions to the Nizam Shahies. Boorhan Nizam Shah, in this situation, called a council of his nobles, some of whom proposed to raise the siege, and, retreating on Ahmudnuggur, to make peace; while Shah Jafur and Kasim Beg recommended a sudden and vigorous attack on the enemy. The latter advice being adopted, Seif-ood-Deen Ein-ool-Moolk, with several other Toorky officers, on the morning of the fast of Rumzan, surprised the Beejapoor army at dawn of day. Ibrahim Adil Shah, who was then in a warm bath, had scarcely time to make his escape, and fly towards Beer and Purenda, while his troops were so completely surprised, that they deserted their tents, baggage, and artillery, all of which fell into the hands of the victors. At the same moment, also, an attack was made on the fort of Kulliany, which surrendered without much opposition. After this defeat, Ibrahim Adil Shah, in order to save his own territories from devastation, fled through the enemy's country, and coming suddenly before Purenda, rushed in before the gates could be shut, and taking possession, gave charge of it to one of his Deccany officers. He then laid waste the surrounding country, and levied heavy contributions on the people; but hearing of the approach of Boorhan Nizam Shah, he retreated towards Beejapoor. The Nizam Shahy troops continued to advance towards Purenda; and the dastardly governor, whom Ibrahim Adil Shah had left there, fled during the night, before the enemy had arrived within forty miles of the place. Shah Jumal-ood-Deen Anjoo, a contemporary, told me, ^235a that the governor of Purenda persisted in declaring he heard the trumpets of Boorhan Nizam Shah when he was forty miles distant, and this proved to be nothing but the buzzing of a gnat in his room. The third day after his flight, the empty fortress was occupied by the Nizam Shahy troops; and Boorhan Nizam Shah having restored it to Khwaja Jehan Deccany, retreated to Ahmudnuggur.†^235b A. H. 957.
A. D. 1549. On the following year, Boorhan Nizam Shah marched his army through great part of the Beejapoor territory without opposition, and had a conference with Ramraj in the vicinity of the fort of Rachore, when it was resolved that they should both aggrandise themselves by attacking the Beejapoor territories; that Ramraj should take the forts of Rachore and Moodkul, with their dependencies on the south of the Krishna, and that Boorhan Nizam Shah should attack Sholapoor and Koolburga.

Sholapoor was accordingly besieged, and after a blockade of three months was carried by assault. Boorhan Nizam Shah was about proceeding to Koolburga, when hearing that Ramraj had already reduced Rachore and Moodkul, and had returned to Beejanuggur, he also thought it advisable to retreat to Ahmudnuggur.

A. H. 961.
A. D. 1553. In the year 961, Boorhan Nizam Shah again formed an alliance with Ramraj, and marched towards Beejapoor, while Ibrahim Adil Shah, unable to cope with him, retired to Pu-nala. ^236a Beejapoor was besieged by the allies, when Boorhan Nizam Shah was suddenly seized with a violent disorder in his bowels, which obliged him to return to his capital, and he soon after expired. His body was embalmed, and sent to Kurbela, where he was entombed near the burial-place of Hussun, the son of Ally, and the grandson of the Prophet.

Boorhan Nizam Shah died at the age of fifty-four, after a reign of forty-seven years. He left two sons, Hoossein and Abdool Kadur, by his favourite wife Ameena, and two others, Shah Ally and Meeran Mahomed Bakur, by Beeby Muryum, the daughter of Yoosoof Adil Shah. He had also another son, Shah Heidur, married to a daughter of Khwaja Jehan Deccany.

Ascends the throne at the age of thirteen, and is supported by the foreign troops — his brother Abdool Kadur disputes his title, and is supported by the Deccanies. — The King's half-brothers fly to their uncle the King of Beejapoor. — The King declares war against Beejapoor — besieges Sholapoor. — Death of the King of Beejapoor. — The war prosecuted. — Hoossein Nizam Shah retreats to Peitun — is besieged in Ahmudnuggur. — Peace concluded. — The fort of Ahmudnuggur strengthened. — War renewed. — The King of Golconda joins in an alliance with the King of Ahmudnuggur against the King of Beejapoor and the Raja of Beejanuggur. — The King of Ahmudnuggur loses six hundred pieces of cannon in one action. — Ahmud-nuggur besieged a second time. — The enemy lose twenty-five thousand men by the swelling of the Sena river during the night. — Peace concluded. — Confederacy of the Moslem kings of the Deccan against Ramraj Raja of Beejanuggur, who is defeated and slain. — Death of Hoossein Nizam Shah I.

HOOSSEIN NIZAM SHAH succeeded his father in the thirteenth year of his age. His full-brother, the Prince Abdool Kadur, with the other princes, fled from the capital on the same day, and from that moment two parties were formed in the government: the foreigners and Abyssinians embracing the cause of Hoossein Nizam Shah, and the Deccanies (both Mahomedans and Hindoos) that of Abdool Kadur, who was, however, at length deserted by his party, and flying to Berar, sought an asylum with Imad-ool-Moolk.

Shah Ally and Meeran Mahomed Bakur fled to their uncle, Ibrahim Adil Shah, at Beejapoor, and Shah Heidur having gone to his father-in-law, Khwaja Jehan Deccany, at Purenda, laid claim to the throne. Hoossein Nizam Shah hesitated not to march against the pretender, Shah Heidur, who with Khwaja Jehan was obliged to seek refuge at the court of Beejapoor, and Purenda fell to the Nizam Shahy forces. On the occurrence of this event, Ibrahim Adil Shah openly espoused the cause of Shah Heidur and Khwaja Jehan, and declaring war against Hoossein Nizam Shah, marched to the fort of Sholapoor, which had been taken during the last reign. In the mean time, Hoossein Nizam Shah having formed an alliance with Imad Shah of Berar, and receiving from that prince a reinforcement of seven thousand cavalry, moved to raise the siege of Sholapoor, an account of which expedition has been given in the history of Ibrahim Adil Shah.

Seif Ein-ool-Moolk, who had left the Nizam Shahy service and gone over to Beejapoor, being driven from that kingdom, asked leave to return to Ahmudnuggur, which was granted him by Hoossein Nizam Shah, by whom he was subsequently treacherously put to death. His family, however, was saved by the gallantry of his chief dependent, Kubool Khan, who conducted it in safety to Golconda, where the latter was received into the service of Ibrahim Kootb Shah. Seif Ein-ool-Moolk was celebrated throughout the Deccan for his courage, and for the efficiency of his party of horsemen, with whom he lived on the terms of a brother. At this time, Ibrahim Adil Shah dying at Beejapoor, Hoossein Nizam Shah, in concert with Ibrahim Kootb Shah of Golconda, marched to invade that country; but the latter not entering with zeal into the cause, and returning to his capital, Hoossein Nizam Shah was also compelled to fall back on Ahmudnuggur. Ally Adil Shah, the successor of Ibrahim, now formed an alliance with Ramraj and Ibrahim Kootb Shah; while Hoossein Nizam Shah made fresh overtures to Imad-ool-Moolk of Berar, who having met him

A. H. 967.
A. D. 1559.

in the year 967, at the town of Sonput, on the banks of the Godavery, received his daughter in marriage on that occasion.

In the same year, also, Hoossein Nizam Shah detached Mahomed Wostad Nyshapoory and Chu-leby Roomy Khan ^239a against the fort of Reevadunda, built by the Portuguese on the sea-coast, who having made peace, promised not to molest the subjects of the Ahmudnuggur state. He also carried his arms into Kandeish, and subdued the fortress of Galna.

In the mean time, the allied sovereigns of Bee-japoor, Golconda, and Beejanuggur, invaded the Nizam Shahy territories, and the forts of Kul-liany and Sholapoor were demanded as the terms of peace; which being refused, the confederates reached Ahmudnuggur with an army amounting to one hundred thousand horse and nine hundred thousand infantry.

Hoossein Nizam Shah, unable to cope with these forces, fled from Ahmudnuggur to Peitun, whence he deputed embassies to Imad-ool-Moolk in Berar, to Meeran Moobarik Shah Farooky of Kandeish, and to Ally Bereed Shah at Bidur, soliciting each of them to march to his assistance. Khan Jehan, the brother of Ally Bereed Shah, having left Bidur some time before, had entered the service of Duria Imad-ool-Moolk, whom he now not only dissuaded from rendering any assistance to the King of Ahmudnuggur, but even prevailed on him to allow him to take the command of six thousand horse, and march to the frontier to attack him. This measure was, however, anticipated, and Khan Jehan was so completely defeated by a small detachment of Nizam Shahy horse, that he was ashamed to return to Imad-ool-Moolk, and came over to the Adil Shahy army. The allies now laid siege to Ahmudnuggur; but Ibrahim Kootb Shah, unwilling that Ally Adil Shah should add this fort to his dominions, connived at supplies passing through his camp to the garrison. At the same time, also, Moolla Inayut Oolla Névayut, then in the Kootb Shahy service, kept up a communication both with Hoossein Nizam Shah at Peitun and with the besieged. As these proceedings could not long remain secret, Ally Adil Shah and Ramraj demanded an explanation of Ibrahim Kootb Shah, who, without affording it, decamped during the night and marched to Golconda, while Moolla Inayut Oolla finding his way first into the fort, afterwards joined Hoossein Nizam Shah at Peitun. Duria Imad-ool-Moolk, after the defeat of Khan Jehan, by way of reparation to Hoossein Nizam Shah, sent a large force under Jehangeer Khan to join him. This division was employed to cut off the supplies of the besiegers, which soon produced a famine; and all circumstances combined to compel the allies to raise the siege and to encamp at Ashty, where it was determined to send one division of the army to Purenda, and another to Ousa, and that after having secured supplies, to return to the siege of Ahmudnuggur.

Hoossein Nizam Shah, however, having deputed Kasim Beg and Moolla Inayut Oolla to Ramraj to sue for peace, it was granted on the following conditions:—

First, That he should cede the fortress of Kul-liany to Ally Adil Shah.

Secondly, That he should put to death Jehan-geer Khan, who commanded the auxiliary troops of Duria Imad-ool-Moolk, who had been extremely active against the enemy.

Thirdly, That Hoossein Nizam Shah should submit to pay Ramraj a visit, and to receive a pân ^241a from his hands.

Hoossein Nizam Shah, to save his kingdom, accepted the terms, and fulfilled the second article, by employing a band of assassins to put to death the gallant Jehangeer Khan in his tent. After having thus, at the instigation of an infidel, murdered one of the faithful, and verified the proverb, that “there is no faith in princes,” he proceeded to the camp of Ramraj, who rose on his entering his tent, and took him by the hand. Hoossein Nizam Shah, who possessed great pride, called for a basin and ewer, and washed his hands, as if they had been polluted by the touch of Ramraj, who said, in his own language, “If he were not my guest I would cut off “his hands and hang them round his neck;” then calling for water, he also washed; and such were the bad feelings which prevailed, that a tumult nearly occurred on the spot. Hoossein Nizam Shah, on giving the keys of Kulliany to Ramraj, said, “I give them to you as a present.” Ramraj immediately sent them to Ally Adil Shah, and gave Hoossein Nizam Shah pân, when he returned to Ahmudnuggur without visiting Ally Adil Shah. On his arrival, he caused the fort, which was originally built of mud only, to be rebuilt with stone, and a deep ditch to be excavated around it. The treaty of peace was concluded by Kasim Beg and Moolla Inayut Oolla on the part of Hoossein Nizam Shah, and by Venkatadry and Yeltumraj on the part of Ramraj.

A. H. 970.
A. D. 1562. In the year 970, Hoossein Nizam Shah and Ibrahim Kootb Shah met in the neighbourhood of Kulliany, where they celebrated the marriage of Beeby Jumally, the eldest daughter of the former, with the latter sovereign, and immediately after laid siege to that fortress. In this situation they were attacked by Ramraj and Ally Adil Shah, who were also joined by Ally Bereed Shah from Bidur, and Boorhan Imad Shah from Berar, who had lately succeeded his father, Duria Imad Shah, in the government. The latter prince was particularly incensed against Hoossein Nizam Shah for his shameful assassination of Jehangeer Khan. On the approach of these forces Hoossein Nizam Shah sent his family into the fort of Ousa, and accompanied by Ibrahim Kootb Shah marched with seven hundred pieces of ordnance of different calibres, and five hundred elephants, to within twelve miles of the enemy. It happened that he had scarcely encamped, when a violent storm came on, which blew down all the tents, and the rain pouring in torrents, his cattle, and his guns in particular, were rendered almost useless, the latter being immovable in the heavy black clay in which he was encamped. On the following morning the enemy's Bergy horse cut in upon Ibrahim Kootb Shah's lines, whose army fled without making resistance; and Hoossein Nizam Shah, finding himself deserted, commenced his retreat also, taking with him only forty out of seven hundred pieces of ordnance, which he had brought into the field.^243a

On the third day he was compelled to quit the few guns he had, and to fly to Ahmudnuggur. In his retreat, however, he carried the umbrella of royalty over his head; and though attended only by a thousand horse, he made his way good through six thousand of the enemy. Being remarkably strict in his observance of prayers at stated hours, one afternoon, when closely pursued, his friends represented the danger of dismounting to pray, but he disregarded them; and the enemy were so struck with his dauntless courage, that they stopped at some distance to admire it. After prayers, on observing that he had on a girdle of gold, he recollected that it was unlawful to pray in it, and casting it off, he repeated his devotions. The enemy deeming it unnecessary to follow him farther resolved on giving over the pursuit. The King having thrown supplies into Ahmudnuggur retired to the fortress of Joonere. The allies again laid siege to Ahmudnuggur; and the Hindoos of Ramraj committed every species of indignity and atrocity on the persons and property of the faithful, polluting the mosques, and dishonouring the women. Ally Adil Shah, scandalised at these indignities, but unable to prevent them, advised Ramraj to raise the siege, and to pursue Hoossein Nizam Shah to Joonere, who upon this retired among the high mountains in the vicinity, and employed Hoossein Roostoom Khan Deccany, Adhum Khan Hubshy, and Sabajee Coly, with their troops, to hover round the confederates, and to cut off their supplies; and so effectually did they lay waste the country as to prevent their advance. Hoossein Roostoom Khan met the enemy at the village of Canoor, and during the absence of Ally Adil Shah, who was hunting at the time, fell suddenly on the Beejapoor army. The uncle of Ally Adil Shah was killed on this occasion; but the Beejapoories were so successful in the end, as to leave Hoossein Roostoom Khan and two thousand of his men dead on the field of battle. At the approach of the rainy season, the allies returned to the siege of Ahmudnuggur. The army of Ram-raj encamped south of the fort, on the bank of the Sena river, when the rain having fallen very heavily in the hills, and the river swelling suddenly during the night, three hundred horses and a vast number of carriage cattle were drowned; besides which, no fewer than twenty officers of rank, and upwards of twenty-five thousand men of all descriptions, were swept away in the torrent. Ramraj, in consequence of this disaster, raised the siege, and moved towards the Carnatic; and Ally Adil Shah, following his example, marched to Nuldroog, to put that fort in a state of defence. When the allies reached the town of Ootgy, Ramraj, under the pretence of foraging, halted, and took that opportunity of plundering some of the Beejapoor and Golconda districts, and eventually obtained from both these princes a cession of territory before he retired to his capital.

Having placed Moortuza Khan Anjoo in the command of Nuldroog, Ally Adil Shah retreated to Beejapoor. His officers made frequent incursions into the Sholapoor district belonging to Hoossein Nizam Shah, who dreading an attack on the town sent thither one thousand bullock loads of grain, under a strong escort, to enable it to sustain a siege. Moortuza Khan of Nuldroog, obtaining intimation of this convoy, left his station with a large body of Bergy cavalry, and fell in with the Nizam Shahy detachment between Shola-poor and Purenda: an action ensued, in which the latter was defeated, with the loss of one hundred and fifty elephants. The Bergies, elated with success, began to plunder and spread over the country. Moortuza Khan sent the elephants to Beejapoor, and retired towards Nuldoorg. In the mean time the Nizam Shahies, having learnt from one of their own soldiers who had been taken and released by Moortuza Khan of the dispersed condition of his army, collected about two thousand horse, and pursuing the Adil Shahy troops, came suddenly upon Moortuza Khan, took him prisoner, and sent him to Ahmudnuggur. Hoossein Nizam Shah, still bent on supplying Sholapoor with the means of resistance, marched from Ahmudnuggur in person at the head of his army, and succeeded in throwing into the place twelve thousand loads of grain.

A. H. 972.
A. D. 1564. It was in the year 972 that the league was entered into by the four Maho-medan kings of Ahmudnuggur, Beeja-poor, Bidur, and Golconda, to crush the rising power of Ramraj, the Hindoo prince of Beeja-nuggur. The armies united and marched to the southward: they crossed the Krishna and encamped on the Hookery river, situated twelve miles from the former. Ramraj marched to oppose them at the head of seventy thousand cavalry and ninety thousand infantry, chiefly matchlock men, besides archers and artillery-men. The kings of the Deccan made overtures to him, promising the restitution of the districts they had taken from him on the march, in order to obtain peace, conceiving themselves unequal to cope with his formidable army. Ramraj, however, refused to listen to any accommodation; and having detached his brother Venkatadry, at the head of two hundred thousand infantry, twenty-five thousand cavalry, and five hundred elephants, to oppose Ally Adil Shah on the left, and his other brother Yeltumraj, with twenty thousand horse, two hundred thousand infantry, and five hundred elephants, to oppose Ibrahim Kootb Shah and Ally Bereed on the right, himself remained in the centre with fifteen thousand chosen auxiliaries (supplied by the neighbouring rajas), one thousand elephants, and five hundred thousand infantry, to oppose the army of Hoossein Nizam Shah. He directed his soldiers to endeavour to take Ibrahim Kootb Shah and Ally Adil Shah prisoners, in order that he might keep them in iron cages during the rest of their lives; and he directed his own column, if possible, to bring him the head of Hoossein Nizam Shah.

The Mahomedan kings, despairing of coming to any terms with the enemy, resolved to fight desperately; and they thus disposed their troops: Ally Adil Shah was on the right, Hoossein Nizam Shah in the centre, and Ibrahim Kootb Shah and Ally Bereed on the left. Each of which divisions erected twelve standards in honour of the twelve Imams before proceeding to the attack. Hoossein Nizam Shah's front was covered by six hundred pieces of ordnance of different calibres. They were placed in three lines of two hundred each: in the first line were the heavy guns, in the second were the smaller, and the third line was composed of zumbooruks, or swivels; the whole commanded by Chuleby Roomy Khan, an officer of distinction from Asia Minor, who had served in Europe. In order to mask this disposition, two thousand foreign archers were thrown out in front, who kept up a heavy discharge on the enemy as he approached: these fell back as the Hindoos advanced, till they were close to the heavy battery, which opened upon them with such effect, that they retreated in confusion with dreadful loss. Recovering, however, from the panic, they rallied, and were induced to charge the guns a second time, after having received some money, and promises of more from Ramraj. The assault had now become general along the Maho-medan line, and the two flanks had already fallen back, when the guns in the centre were thus attacked. Chuleby Roomy Khan had provided bags of copper money to load with, should the enemy close; and these proved so destructive, that upwards of five thousand Hindoos were left dead close to the muzzles of the guns, before they retreated. The repulse of this charge seems to have decided the fate of the day: the confusion of the enemy was taken advantage of by Kishwur Khan Lary, an officer of the Beejapoor army attached to the centre, who, charging through the intervals of the guns with five thousand cavalry, pursued the enemy into the centre of Ramraj's line; where, in attempting to make his escape on foot, the Hindoo prince was overtaken by one of the Nizam Shahy elephants, which seized him in his trunk; and on being brought to Hoossein Nizam Shah, Ramraj was beheaded by that monarch's order, and his army fled to Beejanuggur. The details of the remaining events have been already related in the Adil Shahy history; suffice it to say, the country of Beejanuggur fell to the Mahomedan armies, and Hoossein Nizam Shah returned to Ahmudnuggur, where he died, shortly after, of a disorder brought on by excess. He left behind him four sons and four daughters. His death has been commemorated in the following words:—

◌

“The sun of the Deccan has become obscured.”

The Dowager-queen Khoonza Sooltana assumes the office of regent during the King's minority — she proceeds to attack Beejapoor. — Peace concluded. — The governments of Beeja-poor and Ahmudnuggur unite to conquer Berar, but which is only plundered. — The young King compels his mother to retire from public life, and assumes charge of his government — he makes war with Beejapoor — attacks Dharoor, which is taken. — The King endeavours to expel the Portuguese from Reevadunda on the sea-coast, but fails. — Partition treaty of Berar and Beejanuggur formed between the courts of Ahmud-nuggur and Beejapoor. — Berar conquered by the King of Ahmudnuggur. — The Emperor Akbur of Dehly requires him to relinquish it. — Character of Chungiz Khan the Ahmud-nuggur general and minister — his death. — Sulabut Khan minister. — The King attempts his son's life. — His son murders him.

AS this Prince ascended the throne during his minority, his mother, Khoonza Sooltana, became for six years regent and manager of the affairs of the kingdom. She raised her three brothers, Ein-ool-Moolk, Taj Khan, and Etibar Khan, to the first rank of nobility. She appointed Moolla Inayut Oolla to the office of peshwa; and sat daily in durbar, transacting public business, behind a curtain; while her son, Moortuza Nizam Shah, was engaged in those amusements suited to his age.

Such was the state of affairs at the Nizam Shahy court when Ally Adil Shah led his army against the Hindoos, who now remained in the provinces of Beejanuggur, at Anagoondy, and whose chief, Venkatadry, the brother of the late Ramraj, resided at Penkonda. Venkatadry, in this extremity, applied for relief to Khoonza Sooltana, who having marched at the head of an army, accompanied by her young son, against the dominions of Beejapoor, compelled Ally Adil Shah to retire from before Anagoondy to defend his own country; but peace was soon after concluded between these Mahomedan princes; and a league was subsequently entered into against Toofal Khan, the prime minister of Boorhan Imad Shah, who had usurped the authority of Berar. Both the Adil Shahy and Nizam Shahy troops having entered that country plundered it, and marched back again before the rains. On their return Ally Adil Shah treacherously endeavoured to seize the person of the young King of Ahmudnuggur; but his mother, the Regent, gaining intimation of his intention, suddenly decamped during the night, and a river which intervened having swelled rapidly, the two armies were effectually separated, and the Nizam Shahies were enabled to gain the fort of Ahmud-nuggur.

A. H. 975.
A. D. 1567. In the year 975 Ally Adil Shah invaded the Nizam Shahy dominions, and taking several places, defeated the Ah-mudnuggur forces. In the mean while the conduct of the Regent, Khoonza Sooltana, in providing for her relations at the expense of the most deserving nobles in the state, gave umbrage to the whole of that class; till at length Shah Jumal-ood-Deen Hoossein Anjoo, Kasim Beg Hukeem, and others, the companions of the King, complained to him of his mother's conduct. The King replied, “The whole of my ministers are attached “to the Queen, how then am I to subvert her “usurped authority?” They answered, that, with his permission, they would gain over some of the principal nobles, and effect the object. Moortuza Nizam Shah having given his consent, the chiefs above mentioned, with their friends, repaired some time after to the palace, where the King happened to be sitting with the Queen-mother: his childish fears made him conclude the secret was betrayed, so that, in order to save himself, he revealed to her that certain chiefs had resolved to seize her; upon which she instantly caused the principal conspirators to be secured.

A. H. 977.
A.D. 1569. In the year 977 the Dowager-queen marched, with her son, to oppose the encroachments of Kishwur Khan, the Beejapoor general. Upon their arrival at D'ha-mungam, Moortuza Nizam Shah, now able to judge for himself, and resolving to become free from his mother's trammels, gained over the principal nobles, and sent Hubbush Khan to inform the Queen that it was his pleasure she should no longer engage in public affairs, but live retired, like the other princesses. Enraged at this message, she summoned her creatures, and throwing a veil over her face, came from the palace on horseback, armed with a bow, a sword, and dagger. She was, however, seized, after a short resistance, and her attendants fled. The King now assumed charge of the affairs of his government; and having levied forces, marched towards Dha-roor, with the intention of attacking Kishwur Khan, the Beejapoor general.

On arriving within a short distance of the enemy's camp, a messenger from Kishwur Khan brought him a sealed paper, which, upon being opened, was found to contain such insolent expressions as enraged him to the highest pitch. Mounting his horse he swore that he would not alight till he entered the fort of Dharoor, towards which he rode at full gallop. His attendants represented that fortresses were not to be taken by cavalry, and with a handful of men, and that he ought not to expose his person so imprudently. The King replied, that by the Almighty God he would force the gate with his sword, and hew his passage into the place; that if victory was decreed him, no injury could happen to him; and that if his death was fixed, it was vain to avoid the danger. The officers, seeing his determination, begged, at least, that he would put on armour, which was allowed by the Prophet; to this he consented, and then proceeded to the attack. Having reached the gate, he was assailed by showers of shot, arrows, and rockets poured forth from the fort walls, which killed many men, and some elephants and horses. Moortuza Nizam Shah still persevered, and escaped unhurt. At length the fire from the fort suddenly ceasing, the King was astonished; and on sending persons to enquire the cause, the troops entered unopposed, and found the fort evacuated. An arrow, it seems, had by chance pierced the heart of Kishwur Khan, who lay dead on the ground. The victors cut off his head, and hung it over the battlements; on which the King offered up thanksgiving for his victory. The Nizam Shahy army now invaded Beejapoor, in conjunction with Ibrahim Kootb Shah of Golconda, against whom Moortuza Nizam Shah afterwards conceived enmity, produced through the artifice of Shah Abool Hoossein, to such a degree, that Ibrahim Kootb Shah found it necessary to make his escape, leaving his camp to be plundered by the Nizam Shahies. Shortly after this, a treaty was concluded between Ally Adil Shah and Moortuza Nizam Shah, when the latter returned to Ahmud-nuggur, where he appointed Jumal-ood-Deen Hoos-sein his prime minister, and then marched against the fort of Reevadunda, belonging to the Portuguese, but was obliged to raise the siege, after a blockade of some months, as the enemy obtained provisions by sea, owing to the treachery of the Nizam Shahy officers, who were bribed by presents, particularly of wine. The King, upon his return from this expedition, displaced several of his ministers, and conferred the office of vakeel on Chun-giz Khan, a nobleman of great abilities, who, by his attention, restored the public affairs. This minister defeated, by his address, a proposed alliance between Ally Adil Shah and Ibrahim Kootb Shah, and effected an union between his master and the former, who had an interview on the borders, when it was agreed, that Ally Adil Shah should conquer as much of the Carnatic as would produce a revenue equal to Berar and Bidur; which latter kingdoms Moortuza Nizam Shah should be at liberty to wrest from the hands of Toofal Khan and Ally Bereed Shah.

A. H. 980.
A. D. 1572. In the year 980 Moortuza Nizam Shah marched to Berar; and by the gallantry and good conduct of his general Chungiz Khan drove Toofal Khan from Elichpoor, compelling him and his son, Shumsheer-ool-Moolk, to fly to the hills, taking from them two hundred elephants, besides all their heavy baggage. Toofal Khan was driven from jungle to jungle for six months, at the end of which time, being forced into a narrow defile blocked up by the King's troops, he would certainly have been taken, had not the King been delayed by religious superstition for some time on his march by a mad devotee, Meer Moosa Mazinderany, who, meeting him on the road, conjured him by the love he bore to the twelve Imams not to move further till he had given him the sum of 12,000 hoons. ^255a The King waited on the spot till he could comply with his request, though the minister entreated him to defer giving the money till the camp was pitched. The delay which ensued enabled Toofal Khan to make his escape, and fly to Boorhanpoor, where he sought protection with the ruler of Kandeish, who was, however, afraid to grant it, for fear of the vengeance of Moortuza Nizam Shah. Thence Too-fal Khan returned to Berar, and took refuge in the hill-fort of Nurnala, from which place he applied for assistance to Akbur Padshah, Emperor of Dehly. Akbur sent an envoy to Moortuza Nizam Shah, requiring him immediately to desist from his invasion of Berar; but no attention was paid to the communication, so that Nurnala, and all the other principal forts in Berar, fell into the hands of Moor-tuza Nizam Shah; and Toofal Khan, with his sovereign, Boorhan Imad-ool-Moolk, and all his family, being captured, were confined in one of them; where they shortly after died suddenly, and, it is conjectured, by poison.

Moortuza Nizam Shah would now have returned to Ahmudnuggur; but Chungiz Khan representing that as Ally Adil Shah was aggrandising himself by the reduction of the country of Beejanuggur, it was desirable for him, also, to prosecute his project against Ahmudabad Bidur, to which place he accordingly marched. In the mean time, Meeran Mahomed Shah, the ruler of Kandeish, taking advantage of the absence of Moortuza Nizam Shah from Berar, sent a force of three thousand horse, and seven or eight thousand infantry, to support a person who pretended to be a son of the late Duria Imad-ool-Moolk, ruler of Berar. This force succeeded in expelling several of the Nizam Shahy posts, and in retaining a great portion of the country. On hearing this, Moortuza Nizam Shah returned with the greatest expedition, accompanied by a light force only, directing Chungiz Khan to follow with the main army. Syud Moortuza, a Nizam Shahy general, who preceded the King, having come up with the Berar pretender, at the head of eight thousand horse, obliged him to fly, and his adherents to disperse. Meanwhile, Moortuza Nizam Shah entering Kan-deish by the Rohunkehra Ghat, ravaged the country to the very gates of Boorhanpoor.

Chungiz Khan, desirous of seeing the fortress of Aseer, to which Meeran Mahomed Shah Farooky had retired, went with eight thousand horse in order to reconnoitre it. Meeran Mahomed Shah employed a detachment to endeavour to cut off his retreat; but it was repulsed with loss, and some officers even were taken prisoners. Moortuza Nizam Shah now marched in person to Aseer, from whence he sent out parties who left not a vestige of population in the surrounding country, so that Meeran Mahomed Shah was in the end compelled to purchase the retreat of the Nizam Shahies by the payment of a large sum of money.

Shortly after this Mirza Khan Isfahany reached the Nizam Shahy camp, as ambassador on the part of Ibrahim Kootb Shah, in order to prevent the meditated attack on Bidur. To effect this object he offered a large sum of money to Chungiz Khan, who refused it with indignation, telling him that the treasures of the Nizam Shahy kingdom were at his disposal. He said, however, that after the reduction of Bidur, it would be prudent for Moortuza Nizam Shah, Ibrahim Kootb Shah, and Ally Adil Shah, to unite against the encroachments likely to be made on their power by the Emperor Akbur. The ambassador failing in bribing the minister, endeavoured to effect his purpose by bringing over to his design Sahib Khan, a favourite minion of the King, who had been ill treated by Chungiz Khan; insinuating that that minister intended to assume the royal titles in Berar. Sahib Khan willingly received the accusation, and informed the King, who at first did not believe it, ascribing it to the effect of malice on the part of Sahib Khan towards the minister. Sahib Khan, however, persisting in his assertion, pretended to weep; entreating the King, if he did not believe him, to send for Mirza Khan Isfahany, who was a townsman of the minister, to hear what he knew. The intelligence being confirmed by Mirza Khan, made some impression on the King's mind, though he resolved to wait for further proof. At length, one day having sent for Chungiz Khan, he signified his wish to return to Ahmudnuggur, as he was tired of the field. The minister observed, that in a newly-conquered province it was advisable for his Majesty to remain five or six months, in order to gain the good will of the inhabitants; but in case that did not suit him, at all events to leave him with an army for that purpose. This suggestion convinced Moortuza Nizam Shah of the truth of the accusations against the minister, and the King immediately altered his behaviour towards him. Chungiz Khan perceiving this became alarmed for his safety, and staid away some days from court on the plea of indisposition. This conduct only tended the more to confirm the King's suspicions; who having resolved to put him to death, directed his physician to administer a poisoned draught to the minister as medicine. Chungiz Khan discovered the device, and at first refused to take it; but knowing it would be of no avail, he at last resolved on the sacrifice, and drank the potion. During his last moments he wrote the following address to the King: —

“The faithful servant Meeruk, the sun of whose “age has passed through sixty mansions, and was “hastening to the seventieth, having bowed the “head of submission on the threshold of devotion, “represents, that he has quaffed the draught mixed “with the water of life. In obedience to the “duty and loyalty he owes to the King (by whose “bounty he was cherished), he has shut his eyes “from all other considerations. Had he his wish, “it would be that the life and reign of the King “should be as permanent as the grave will be to “his servant; and he solicits that the King will “esteem him after life as he did during its ex-“istence, and classing him among the most loyal “and devoted of his subjects, will act according “to the wishes now expressed, written in his own “hand. Firstly, That he will send his body for “interment to Kurbela. Secondly, That he will “show favour to the under-mentioned officers, ^259a as “worthy of his distinction, and that he will enter-“tain his foreign servants among his own guards.”

This last testament, with some instructions, he committed to the care of Syud Moortuza, and then reclined upon his bed till the next day, when his soul departed from his body — that temporary and perishable tenement which is only borrowed for a while.

Moortuza Nizam Shah became, too late, convinced of the uprightness and the sincere attachment of his minister, whose death he regretted with unfeigned sorrow; and upon the King's return to Ahmudnuggur he resolved on retiring from the world. He called before him the principal inhabitants of Ahmudnuggur, and said to them, “Be it known that I am unfit to rule; for I find I “want the capacity to distinguish right from wrong, “so that I frequently am guilty of oppression, “under the cloak of justice, and when the truth “becomes apparent I am grieved at my want of “discretion. I now, therefore, call you to witness, “and require you to testify on the last day, that “I have appointed Meer Kazy Beg my Vakeel “Mootluk, ^260a who is one of the descendants of “the Prophet, that he may act unto every one “agreeably to the law, and by not giving a prefer-“ence to the strong over the weak, he will disre-“gard all private considerations. Should any person “take even the needle of a weak old woman, and “I be questioned concerning it at the day of “judgment, I will answer, that I had no business “in such affairs, which depended on Kazy Beg, the “descendant of the Prophet.” Then, addressing himself to that minister, he said, “The government “is now in your hands: if thou canst not direct “it alone, let Ameer-ool-Moolk, Mirza Mahomed “Tuky, and Kasim Beg Hukeem, be your part-“ners in the administration; while I, who am “fearful and apprehensive of the anger and punish-“ment of the Almighty, sincerely repenting of “my conduct towards Chungiz Khan, seek retire-“ment, and employ my days in penitence and “prayer.” The King, after this, retired to an apartment in the palace of Ahmudnuggur, called Bagdad, where no one, male or female, was admitted to his presence but Sahib Khan.

At this time Boorhan Nizam Shah, the King's brother, escaped from the fort of Joonere, and created an insurrection, which obliged Moortuza Nizam Shah to return suddenly to Ahmudnuggur, and to recall Sulabut Khan. Sahib Khan in consequence left the King a second time, and Boorhan Nizam Shah, being defeated, fled to Beejapoor. The King endeavoured again to conciliate and soothe Sahib Khan; but he was put to death by the nobles who were sent to effect the reconciliation, and who persuaded the King he fell in the act of making resistance. Upon the death of Sahib Khan, Sula-but Khan became minister, without a rival, and continued in power for some years, to the satisfaction of the people. The Marratta country was never so well governed as by Sulabut Khan since the reign of Mahmood Shah Bahmuny.

A. H. 992.
A. D. 1584. In the year 992, the King sent a splendid embassy to Beejapoor to solicit in marriage Khoodeija, the sister of Ibrahim Adil Shah, for his son Meeran Hoossein, and his request being acceded to, the Princess was brought to Ahmudnuggur in great pomp. Several nobles at this time formed a combination to displace the minister Sulabut Khan, who persuaded the King to take up his residence in the fort, and himself marched against the confederates, whom he dispersed. Shortly after this, a discontented faction having brought Boorhan, the King's brother, in the disguise of a holy man, to Ahmudnuggur, conspired to set him on the throne; but on the very day intended for the attempt, Sulabut Khan discovered the plot, and Boor-han, making his escape, fled to the Concan; but not thinking himself secure there, he sought an asylum with the Emperor Akbur at Dehly, from whom he some time afterwards procured a force under Mirza Azeez Koka to attack Moor-tuza Nizam Shah. The instant this intelligence reached Ahmudnuggur, Moortuza Nizam Shah detached an army of twenty thousand men, under Mirza Mahomed Tuky, to the frontier, who, in conjunction with Raja Ally Khan of Kan-deish, marched to Hundia on the banks of the Nerbudda. Mirza Azeez Koka had already crossed the river, and finding he could not oppose the Deccanies in the field with success, suddenly moved ground, marched into Berar, and took Elichpoor and Balapoor; but finding himself pursued, and his retreat cut off by the route he came, he proceeded westward, and coming suddenly upon Sooltanpoor and Nundoorbar, plundered them, and returned to Malwa, ^264a when the Nizam Shahy and Kandeish troops retired to their respective capitals.

At this time one Futteh Shah, a dancer, who had succeeded Sahib Khan in the King's favour, began to abuse his power, by obtaining large grants of land, and gifts of the royal jewels, which were lavishly bestowed upon him by his master. At length, he asked for two necklaces, which had been brought into the treasury from the plunder of Ramraj, composed of valuable rubies, emeralds, and pearls. The King commanded them to be given to him; but Sulabut Khan, unwilling that such inestimable curiosities should be lost to the royal family, substituted two strings of mock jewels in their place. After some time, Futteh Shah discovering the imposition, complained to the King, who being enraged, commanded the Regent to lay out in an apartment all his jewels for inspection. Sulabut Khan having concealed the most precious, placed the rest as he was ordered; but the King missing them, was so angry, that he threw all before him into a large fire, and withdrew in a passion to his chamber. On his departure, the Regent hastened to save them from the flames, and only the pearls had received any damage. From this period the King was considered mad.

The King now took it into his head that his son Meeran Hoossein designed to dethrone him, and attempted to put him to death; but Sulabut Khan watched over the safety of the young prince. At this time, Ibrahim Adil Shah demanded that the nuptials of his sister should be celebrated with the King's son, or that the Princess should be sent back to Beejapoor; but Sulabut Khan having refused compliance with either demand, unless he delivered up the fortress of Sholapoor, Ibrahim Adil Shah declared war, and laid siege to the fort of Owsa. Moortuza Nizam Shah, offended at the conduct of his minister, upbraided him with treachery, and declared himself weary of his control; on which the Regent, to show his loyalty, begged the King to appoint any place for his confinement, and he would voluntarily put chains on his own feet, and repair to it. Moortuza Nizam Shah named the fort of Dunda-Rajpoor; and Sulabut Khan, in spite of the remonstrances of his friends and numerous dependents, immediately submitted himself to the King's guards, and was carried to his prison.

On the imprisonment of Sulabut Khan, the King conferred the regency on Kasim Beg Hukeem, and the vizarut on Mirza Mahomed Tuky, commanding them to conclude peace with Ibrahim Adil Shah; after which the nuptials of the Princess Khoodeija with the Prince Meeran Hoossein were celebrated with great splendour. Not long after this event the King becoming suspicious of his son resolved to destroy him; for this purpose he told his ministers that he longed for his son's society, and they, delighted at his returning kindness, sent the young prince into the fort to him. The King, as if in the abundance of affection, gave him a chamber near his own; but the next morning, while the youth was sleeping, the King set fire to his bedclothes, and fastened the door upon him. The Prince was awakened by the smoke, and freeing himself from the clothes, hastened to the door. Finding it locked, he cried out for help, and was almost suffocated, when he was released by his father's favourite, Futteh Shah, and carried to the minister, who conveyed him secretly to Dowlu-tabad. The King, after some time, going to the apartment to examine the ashes for the bones of his intended victim, and not finding them, was enraged. Futteh Shah told him the Prince had been burned to ashes; but he did not believe it, and demanded the Prince from the favourite, whom he suspected of having saved him from the fire. At length, Futteh Shah revealed the truth, and the King sending for the ministers, ordered them all to be confined, and appointed others. The new ministers also refusing to kill the Prince, the King, after nine days, displaced them, and gave the regency to Mirza Khan.

Mirza Khan, seeing the disordered state of the King's intellect, pretended acquiescence with his commands, and courted the favour of Futteh Shah and his dependents, by frequent gifts, but wrote privately to Beejapoor, that as the King was mad, and wanted to murder his son, if a detachment were sent to the borders, he would make it a pretext for raising troops, and would then openly espouse the cause of the young Prince. Dilawur Khan, Regent of Beejapoor, complied with his request, and Mirza Khan asked the King what steps he should take against the enemy. Moortuza Nizam Shah directed him to pursue what measures he thought proper; and Mirza Khan, collecting the troops, marched from Ahmudnuggur, and encamped near the town of Ranoory, where they halted by his orders. The King, surprised at their not moving onwards, sent the writer of this history to enquire the cause. As the Regent knew my attachment to the King, he concluded, that if I discovered his designs I should make them known. Mirza Khan therefore bribed Futteh Shah to obtain the King's order for my recall, and for the immediate advance of the army. I was in the camp when Futteh Khan arrived, and had discovered the real designs of the minister, who had given orders to prevent my return; but having timely notice, I made my escape in the night. On my arrival in the city, I related what I had seen and heard to Futteh Shah, who pretended not to believe me. I observed, that I had no interest or hatred to gratify, to induce me to accuse the minister falsely, and that the truth of my account would quickly appear. While we were talking, intelligence was brought that Mirza Khan had marched to Dowlutabad, in order to bring the Prince Meeran Hoossein, and seat him on the throne. The King now asked my advice how to avert the threatened storm. I replied, that there were two measures which promised success: first, that the King should leave his retirement, and march from the city at the head of his guards, when, probably, most of the nobles would desert the Regent and join him; on which he replied, he was too ill to mount a horse. I then recommended that he should send for Sulabut Khan from confinement, and put him at the head of affairs, as he was beloved and respected by all ranks, who would flock to his standard, and that his Majesty should also proceed in a litter to meet him as far as the fort of Joonere. The King, approving of this advice, instantly sent off express orders to release Sulabut Khan, and prepared to move himself; when Futteh Shah fell at his feet, and, weeping, said, that should his Majesty quit the palace, the guards would immediately seize and send him prisoner to the Prince, in order to pay their court to a new sovereign. The King, on this remark, altered his intention, and resolved to wait in the palace for the arrival of Sulabut Khan. The troops, perceiving the King's imbecility, deserted in crowds to Dowlutabad, from whence Mirza Khan hastened to the capital, accompanied by the Prince, so as to arrive before Sulabut Khan. At the time he came I had the guard of the palace, and wished to defend it; but being deserted by my people, and no one being left with the King but Futteh Shah and a very few domestic attendants, opposition was vain. The Prince and Mirza Khan rushed into the fort with forty thousand armed men, without opposition, and put to death whomsoever they found. The Prince fortunately knew me, and reflecting that we had been school-fellows, and brought up together, ordered my life to be spared. Having reached his father's presence, the Prince behaved to him, both in word and action, with every possible degree of insult. Moortuza Nizam Shah was silent, and only looked at him with contempt, till the Prince, drawing his naked sabre across his breast, said, “I will put you to death.” Moortuza Nizam Shah then breathing a deep sigh, exclaimed, “O thou accursed of God! it would be better for “thee to let thy father be thy guest for his few re-“maining days, and treat him with respect.” The Prince, relenting for a moment at this speech, withdrew from the apartment. Not having patience, however, to wait for his death, though he was then ill of a mortal disease, he caused the King to be put into a warm bathing room, and closing fast the doors and windows, so as to exclude the air, he lighted a great fire underneath, and the King was

A. H. 996.
A. D. 1568.

speedily suffocated. This parricide was perpetrated in the year 996. The deceased King was buried with due ceremony in the Roza garden; but his bones were afterwards taken up and conveyed to Kurbela, where they were deposited near those of his father and grandfather. Moortuza Nizam Shah reigned twenty-four years and some months.

Alas! there is no stability in fortune; for endless is the circle of her revolution. Expect not thou to be free from the encroachments of time. For there is quarter to no one from his cruel sword.

The King gives way to scandalous excesses, and exercises the most wanton cruelty. — Mirza Khan, the minister, is suspected of a design to raise the King's uncle to the throne. — The minister is confined — is again released, and recommends all the surviving male members of the royal family to be put to death. — Fifteen princes assassinated in one day. — The minister is again accused of treason. — Plot to seize him converted by the minister against the King himself. — The King's person is secured. — The Prince Ismael, being only twelve years of age, is placed on the throne by the minister and the foreign troops. — Jumal Khan, a Deccany leader, heads a tumult to oppose the measures of the minister Mirza Khan. — Jumal Khan demands the restoration of Meeran Hoossein — the latter is assassinated, and his head exposed upon a pole to the populace. — Jumal Khan insists on the Deccanies having the lead in the government, and excites the people to attack the fort of Ahmudnuggur. — They burn the gates and enter it. — The foreigners, both in the town and city, sought for, and put to death by the Deccanies and Abyssinians. — The minister Mirza Khan is disgraced, and suffers a cruel death.

MEERAN HOOSSEIN NIZAM SHAH, on his accession to the throne of Ahmudnuggnr, being of an impetuous and cruel disposition, began his reign by tyranny and oppression. He appointed Mirza Khan prime minister, but paid little regard to his advice; so that he was disappointed in the hopes he had entertained of making a pageant of the Prince, and keeping the real power in his own hands. The King having promoted several young persons of his own age to high rank, made them the companions of his pleasures and excesses. It was frequently his custom, in fits of intoxication, to ride through the city with his drunken associates and put persons to death, though guilty of no crime. Having learned that Mirza Khan had privately brought Shah Kasim, brother to Moortuza Nizam Shah, from the fort of Soonere, and concealed him in his house with a view to create a revolution in his favour, the King became alarmed, and confined the minister. The next day, however, finding the accusation false, he restored him to his employments, and gave him his full confidence; and Mirza Khan, in order to prevent future suspicion, advised the King to put to death the surviving males of the royal family. At his instance fifteen princes were accordingly murdered in one day. Not long after this event, the power of Mirza Khan becoming irksome to the King's companions, they again accused him of treachery, and the King believing it, would in his drunken hours exclaim at one time that he would behead him with his own hand, and at another, that he would have him trod to death by elephants. These circumstances being reported to Mirza Khan, he resolved to ensure his own safety by deposing the King, who, in his turn, tried every means to get the minister into his power. On the 10th

Jumad-ool-
Awul 10.
A. H. 997.
March 15.
A. D. 1588.

of Jumad-ool-Awul, 997, the King repaired to the house of his favourite Bungush Khan, and sent for Mirza Khan to partake of a banquet, intending to have him assassinated; but the minister, being on his guard, excused himself, under pretence of sudden illness, sending his friend Agha Meer to make his excuse. Agha Meer reached the house of Bungush Khan just as the King had dined, but the master of the house had waited, out of complaisance, to dine with Mirza Khan. When Agha Meer had eaten some dinner, he pretended to be seized with violent pains, declaring that he was poisoned, and left the house. Mirza Khan, soon after, sent a message to the King, that the Agha was dying, and entreated to see him. The King unsuspiciously repaired with a few attendants to the fort, where he was seized by the minister and confined. Mirza Khan then sent off Meer Tahir Nyshapoory to bring the two sons of the King's paternal uncle, Boorhan Nizam Shah, from the fort of Lohgur, that he might choose one of them to place on the throne, concealing the circumstance of the King's imprisonment till their arrival.

On the third day, Meer Tahir returned with the Princes, the one named Ibrahim, and the other Ismael; and the minister summoning several of the principal nobility into the fort, declared to them the deposal of Meeran Hoossein, and the accession of Ismael Nizam Shah (the younger brother), then only in his twelfth year. While the assembly was engaged in saluting the new king, a great tumult was heard at the gates of the fort, where Jumal Khan, a military leader, with several other officers and soldiers, chiefly Abyssinians and Deccanies, had assembled, demanding to see Meeran Hoossein their lawful sovereign. Mirza Khan sent them word, that Meeran Hoossein, being unworthy to govern, had been deposed, and that he had been succeeded by his cousin Ismael, who should appear and receive their homage. Jumal Khan became more clamorous, and sent persons to proclaim through the city, that the minister, aided by his foreign mercenaries, had deposed their sovereign, and seated another prince on the throne, and that if he were allowed to make kings and to act uncontrolled in this manner, the native nobles and inhabitants of the country would soon become slaves to foreign adventurers. The Deccany troops and the inhabitants, inflamed by this proclamation, flew to arms, and in a short time about five thousand horse and foot, with a numerous mob, joined Jumal Khan, who was also supported by all the Abyssinians.

Mirza Khan, thinking to appease the tumult by the death of Meeran Hoossein, commanded his head to be struck off, and placing it on a pole, planted it on one of the bastions of the citadel. At the same time, a person cried out to the multitude below, that as they must now be convinced of the death of the King, if they would retire quietly to their houses they should be rewarded by the favour of Ismael Nizam Shah, now their sovereign. Several of the leaders proposed to retire; but Jumal Khan cried out, that if Meeran Hoossein were murdered, they ought to revenge his death on the foreigners, take into their own hands the administration of the government of Ismael Nizam Shah, and not suffer the country to be governed by strangers. On this, a resolution was formed to attack the fort; and having heaped piles of wood and straw against the gates, the mob set them on fire. About sunset, the gates were burned; but the quantity of hot ashes yet glowing prevented any one passing in or out till midnight, when Mirza Khan and his friends rushed from the citadel, and tried to make their escape. Numbers of others were slain in the attempt by the populace; but Mirza Khan having effected his retreat, fled towards the fort of Joonere. The Deccany troops, the Abyssinians, and the mob, having entered the fort, put to death every foreigner they found within, amounting to nearly three hundred, among whom were several persons of high rank and eminent character. Their bodies were dragged out on the open plain, and orders given that they should lie unburied. Not content with the past slaughter, Jumal Khan commanded his adherents to murder the foreigners of every rank and occupation in the city, and to plunder and burn their dwellings. The soldiers and their followers, being once let loose, put to death indiscriminately the noble, the master, the servant, the merchant, the pilgrim, and the travelling stranger. Their houses were set on fire, and the heads of those lately exalted to the skies were brought low, and trampled in the dust; while the very females, who from modesty concealed their faces from the sun and moon, were dragged by the hair into the assemblages of the drunken. On the fourth day, Mirza Khan, who had been seized near Joonere, was brought to Jumal Khan, and being first carried through the city on an ass, his body was hewn in pieces, which were affixed on different buildings. Several of his friends taken with him were also put to death, and their bodies being rammed into cannon, were blown into the air. In the space of seven days, nearly a thousand foreigners were murdered; some few only escaping under the protection of Deccany or Abyssinian officers. The reign of Mee-ran Hoossein Nizam Shah lasted only ten months and three days. Among those princes recorded in history as murderers of their fathers, we find none whose reigns extended beyond one year; and a poet observes, “Royalty befitteth not the destroyer “of a parent, nor will the reign of such a wretch “be long.”

The power of Jumal Khan is firmly established — he becomes leader of a sect called Mehdvies. — All the surviving foreigners in the dominions required to quit them. — The author quits Ahmudnuggur, and proceeds to Beejapoor. — Sulabut Khan, the exiled minister, leads an army from Berar to oppose Jumal Khan — is defeated. — The regent of Beejapoor also leads an army against him. — Peace concluded. — Jumal Khan pays eighty-five thousand pounds sterling to defray the expense of the war. — Chand Beeby, the Dowager of Ally Adil Shah, is required to be sent to Beejapoor. — The Emperor Akbur supports the claim of Boorhan, the father of the young King, and who for many years had quitted the court and lived in exile, from apprehension of his brother Moortuza Nizam Shah the Mad. — Boorhan is also supported by the court of Beejapoor. — Jumal Khan defeats the Beejapoor army, and marches to oppose that of Boorhan. — A battle ensues. — Jumal Khan is killed. — The young King escapes from the field, but is afterwards taken and confined by his father, who ascends the throne under the title of Boorhan Nizam Shah II.

IT has been already mentioned in the history of Moortuza Nizam Shah, that his brother, Boorhan Nizam Shah, ^276a having been foiled in an attempt to dethrone him, fled for protection to the court of the Emperor Akbur. On his departure, he left behind him his two sons, Ibrahim and Ismael, who were confined in the fortress of Lohgur. The younger being raised to the throne, on the death of Meeran Hoossein Nizam Shah, assumed the title of Ismael Nizam Shah, and was acknowledged by the successful partisan, Jumal Khan.

Jumal Khan being of the sect of Mehdvy persuaded the King to embrace the same tenets, and to commit the power of government into the hands of his followers. In the beginning of his administration, he obliged the few foreigners who had escaped the massacre in the last reign to quit Ah-mudnuggur, after seizing their effects. Most of these obtained service with the King of Beejapoor. Among them was the writer of this history, who subsequently obtained rank at that court. The Mehdvies are a schismatic sect of Mahomedans. They assert that in the year 960 (A. D. 1550) ^277a a person of the Hunefy sect, styling himself Syud Mahomed, was in reality the promised Imam Mehdvy; and as there were some circumstances which the impostor turned to his advantage, representing them to be the signs of the coming of the Imam Mehdvy, many people of India believed him to be the real Imam. Among these believers was Jumal Khan, commonly called Mehdvy, and who was considered as the leader of that sect in the service of Ismael Nizam Shah. He had at different times distinguished himself by his personal courage, and particularly on the occasion of the accession of the King, who was now a mere pageant in the hands of this wily chieftain. He commenced his power by persecuting all those not of his own persuasion, and by promoting to high offices, and retaining about his person, such as were Mehdvies. Among the discontented nobles were the chiefs of Berar, who, being at some distance from the capital, released Sulabut Khan, who had long been confined in the fort of Kehrla, on the Berar frontier. They joined his standard to oppose the Mehdvies, whom the Berar chiefs determined to expel from Ahmudnuggur; for which purpose they marched towards the capital. At the same period, also, Dilawur Khan, the Regent of Beeja-poor, during the minority of Ibrahim Adil Shah, marched from the southward for the same purpose.

Jumal Khan, undismayed at this double invasion, and encouraged by his adherents, marched, in the first place, against Sulabut Khan, and gave him a total defeat at the town of Peitun, on the Go-davery, obliging him to retreat to Boorhanpoor. Thence he countermarched to oppose the Beeja-poories, whom he encountered at the village of Ashty, where the two armies halted in the vicinity of each other for fifteen days, without making any hostile movement. At length a peace was concluded, in which it was agreed that Chand Beeby, the widow of the late Ally Adil Shah, and aunt to the present King of Ahmudnuggur, should be sent to the Beejapoor camp, and that the Nizam Shahy government should pay two hundred and seventy thousand hoons (Nalbaha), ^278a for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the war.

A. H. 998.
A. D. 1589. In the year 998 Sulabut Khan, now in his seventieth year, sent a petition from Boorhanpoor, begging permission to be allowed to return to his country, in order that he might lay his bones there. The request was granted; and he retired to the town of Tulegam, ^279a founded by himself: he, however, died during that year, and was buried in a mausoleum†, ^279b erected during his ministry, on a hill lying south of Ah-mudnuggur. Intelligence of the commotions in the Nizam Shahy capital having reached the Emperor Akbur, he recalled Boorhan Nizam Shah from his jageer of Bungush, lying between India and Kabul, and offered him a force to recover the kingdom of his ancestors, now his right, but usurped by his own son, aided by a despotic minister. Boorhan Nizam Shah represented, that should he accept the assistance of the Moguls, the Deccanies would be alarmed, and object to his authority; but that if his Majesty would allow him to repair to the borders of the country with his own dependents, he would try to gain over his subjects by conciliation. Akbur, approving his proposal, permitted him to depart for the Deccan, and allotted the frontier district of Hundia for his support till he should regain his authority. At the same time he wrote to Raja Ally Khan, ruler of Kandeish, to afford him support. Boorhan Nizam Shah, having received overtures from many of the nobility, marched against his son, but was defeated. In a short time after this, however, he renewed his attempt, on being joined by a vast number of Nizam Shahy troops, as well as by an army from Beejapoor, which also made several marches to his assistance.

At this period Jumal Khan collected his troops, among whom were ten thousand Mehdvies; and having ordered Syud Umjud-ool-Moolk of Berar, with the whole of his force, to oppose Raja Ally Khan and Boorhan Nizam Shah, on the northern frontier, marched himself against the Beejapoo-ries. The two armies met at the village of Da-rasun: an action took place, in which the Beeja-poories were defeated with the loss of three hundred elephants; but four days afterwards, information being received that the Berar troops had gone over to Boorhan Nizam Shah, Jumal Khan coun-termarched his victorious army towards Berar, to oppose the pretender, while Ibrahim Adil Shah despatched the whole of his Bergy cavalry to follow Jumal Khan, and to cut off his supplies. Jumal Khan relying on the Mehdvies, whose very existence was identified with his welfare, proceeded to the Rohunkehra Ghat, notwithstanding he was daily deserted by his other troops. On his arrival there he found the pass occupied; and not being disposed to risk the loss that would attend forcing his way, he took another road, which was almost impassable, and which offered very little water. He had just pitched upon a spot to encamp, when he was informed that six miles farther on there was plenty of water, to which place he marched; but he found that position already occupied by the allied forces. His army, now in the greatest distress, was constrained to encamp where it was, as from the heat and difficulties it had encountered it was equally unable to proceed or to retreat. The troops, in the first instance, having obtained water, Jumal Khan ordered them under arms, and determined to decide his fate by an action, which was very near terminating in his favour, when he was killed by a chance shot. His death was the signal of defeat; for his army, having no other leader, fled in all directions, accompanied by Ismael Nizam Shah, who being taken in a village, was afterwards confined by his father, and deprived of his throne, after a reign of two years.

His early life — his former attempts on the throne recapitulated. — The Mehdvies are expelled the kingdom. — The Sheea persuasion is re-established. — Dilawur Khan, the late regent of Beejapoor, arrives at Ahmudnuggur, and is courteously received. — His delivery into the hands of Ibrahim Adil Shah is required. — The demand is rejected. — War ensues. — Boor-han Nizam Shah attempts to recover Reevadunda from the Portuguese. — Constructs the fort of Korla. — Siege of Reevadunda continued. — The Portuguese attack the besieging army, which retreats into Korla. — The fugitives are followed by the Portuguese, and twelve thousand Deccanies are killed. — The King elevates foreigners to high offices in the state — he affords his aid to the brother of the King of Beejapoor, in order to depose Ibrahim Adil Shah, but the intended revolution is crushed, and the pretender suffers death. — Boorhan Nizam Shah forms a league with Venkatadry, the brother of Ramraj, against the King of Beejapoor, and himself attacks Sholapoor — his troops defeated, and his general slain. — The King falls sick — proclaims his son Ibrahim his heir. — A faction, headed by Yekhlas Khan, is raised in favour of the Prince Ismael Nizam Shah, who had been dethroned. — Ismael takes the field, but is defeated, and flies to Purenda. — Death of Boorhan Nizam Shah.

BOORHAN NIZAM SHAH II., during the reign of his brother, Moortuza Nizam Shah, was confined in the fort of Lohgur, but had a large estate allowed him for his support, so that he passed his days not without many comforts. At the time when Sahib Khan, disgusted with Moortuza Nizam Shah, left the capital, and the King followed him to Bidur to induce him to return, a party at the court besought Boorhan Nizam Shah to put forth his claim to the throne, on the plea that his brother was mad, and unfit to reign. Allured by promises of support, Boorhan Nizam Shah gained over the governor of Lohgur, and appeared in arms at the head of six thousand horse, with which force he moved towards Ahmudnuggur. Moortuza Nizam Shah, upon intelligence of this insurrection, hastened back from Bidur to Ahmud-nuggur. On passing through the streets to the palace, he stopped his elephant at the shop of a druggist, and asked him if he had any medicine that would cure madness, saying, that he did not know who required it most, himself, who wished to live the life of a recluse, and yet to rule a kingdom, or his brother, who, with the enjoyment of ease, was plunging himself into the cares of public life. The man replied, that his brother was the madman, who could ungratefully rebel against so kind a protector, and would not prosper in his treason. The next day, Boorhan Nizam Shah was defeated, and fled to Beejapoor. Two years afterwards, he made another attempt, but with no better success, and sought protection with the Emperor Akbur, with whom he continued till the accession of his son to the throne, of which he dispossessed him as above related.

Boorhan Nizam Shah was advanced in years when he ascended the throne, notwithstanding which, he gave himself up to pleasures unbecoming both his age and his dignity. The first act of his reign was to annul the orders respecting the Mehdvy doctrines, which Jumal Khan had so strenuously enforced, and he even gave orders to put to death all who persisted in them, which had the effect of expelling the sect out of his dominions. The Sheea religion was again restored to its pristine glory. On which many of the foreigners, who had been expelled in consequence of the rebellion of Mirza Khan, returned. At the same period, also, Dilawur Khan the Abyssinian, the late regent of Beejapoor, but who had been compelled to fly from Ibrahim Adil Shah, and take protection at Bidur, came to the Nizam Shahy court, where he was honourably received. Ibrahim Adil Shah immediately wrote letters to Boorhan Nizam Shah, remonstrating against the protection afforded to Dilawur Khan; to which Boorhan Nizam Shah sent an insulting answer, which brought on the war that has been detailed in the history of Ibrahim Adil Shah II.

A. H. 1001.
A. D. 1592. In the year 1001, Boorhan Nizam Shah marched his army against the Portuguese of Reevadunda; and despatching a large force to the sea-port of Choul, ordered that a fort should be built to prevent the entrance of the Portuguese into the harbour of Reevadunda, and this fort he called Korla. The Portuguese sailing during the night effected their escape, but they returned with reinforcements ^284a from many other ports which had also fallen into their hands; after which, they made two night-attacks on the Mahomedans, and on each occasion killed between three and four thousand Deccanies. Boorhan Nizam Shah now sent a body of about four thousand men, under Furhad Khan, to reinforce Korla; and as other troops were expected from Duman and Bassein, he appointed one Bahadur Khan Geelany, at the head of all the foreign troops, governor of the fortress of Korla, to blockade Reevadunda. The Mahomedans were now so watchful, that they could not again be surprised; and in an attack which the Portuguese made on Reevadunda they lost one hundred Europeans and two hundred native Portuguese. After this, Reevadunda was so closely besieged, and the harbour so commanded by the fort of Korla, that no assistance could reach it by sea; and the enemy was on the point of capitulating, when the tyranny of the King at Ahmudnuggur induced many of the officers to quit the camp and proceed to court. At this time, a fleet of sixty vessels belonging to the Portuguese, full of men and military stores, passing close to Korla, under cover of the night, anchored safely in the harbour of Reevadunda, where they landed four thousand men, and on the following morning, at daylight, proceeded to attack Korla. Many of the Mahomedans, on the approach of the Europeans, fled in confusion to the fort, whither they were so closely followed by the Portuguese that they rushed in at the gates with them, and commenced an indiscriminate slaughter of the King's troops, who, though two to one, made little resistance, and upwards of twelve thousand Mahomedans were put to the sword. The Portuguese subsequently reduced the fort to ashes. This destruction of the Deccanies was considered by Boorhan Nizam Shah as a fortunate event. He elevated foreigners to the principal stations in the empire, and ordered them to proceed to Choul; but his intentions were for the present deferred, while he assisted Ismael, the brother of Ibrahim Adil Shah, in deposing that monarch. Accord-

A. H. 1003.
A. D. 1594.

ingly, in the year 1003, Boorhan Nizam Shah marched from Ahmudnuggur towards Belgam; but having heard, on his arrival at Purenda, that the Prince Ismael had been taken and put to death, he returned, covered with mortification, to his capital, where he was shortly afterwards taken dangerously ill. Ibrahim Adil Shah, in his turn, resolved to punish him for supportiug his brother, and ordered his army to lay waste the Ahmudnuggur frontier. Boorhan Nizam Shah now sent ambassadors to court the alliance of Venkatadry of Penkonda, when it was agreed he should invade Beejapoor on the south, and take the fortress of Bunkapoor, while on the north, Boorhan Nizam Shah should reduce Sholapoor. These operations consequently commenced on both sides, and Oozbuk Bahadur, the Ahmudnuggur general, was killed, and his force defeated under the walls of Sholapoor. This news increasing the irritation of Boorhan Nizam Shah's disorder, he became confined to his bed, when he sent for his son Ibrahim, whom he nominated his successor, passing over Ismael, who was known to be an enemy to the Sheeas, and a strict Mehdvy. Before the King's death, a report prevailed that Ismael was to succeed, and all the foreigners, deserting their posts, fled to Beejapoor. Yekhlas Khan Movullid, ^287a who wished for the succession of Ismael, went to such lengths as to raise a force in his favour, and to march to Ahmudnuggur. Upon which, Boorhan Nizam Shah, notwithstanding his disease, got into a palankeen, and at the head of the royal forces marched to Hoomayoonpoor, where the Prince was defeated, and fled to Purenda; but the King being much weakened by the march, died on the following day, on his return to his ca-

Shaban 18.
A. H. 1003.
May 15.
A. D. 1594.

pital, on the 18th of Shaban, 1003, after a reign of four months and sixteen days. Mowlana Zuhoory dedicated his Saky Nama to that prince, containing nearly four thousand verses.

Meean Munjoo Deccany is appointed minister. — Yekhlas Khan is pardoned, and permitted to return to court — he puts himself at the head of a party to oppose Meean Munjoo. — The Bee-japoor ambassador is insulted, and quits the court. — A war ensues. — The leaders of the opposite parties unite and march with the King to the Beejapoor frontier. — Meean Munjoo proposes to his colleague, Yekhlas Khan, that they should obtain peace, and unite with Ibrahim Adil Shah for the purpose of repelling the encroachments of Akbur Padshah of Dehly. — His proposal is overruled. — A battle is brought on through the intemperance of the King, who is killed, and his army defeated. — Meean Munjoo sends the King's only son Bahadur, an infant in arms, to the fort of Chawund — he brings a boy named Ahmud from the fort of Dowlutabad, and raises him to the throne.

AFTER the death of his father, Ibrahim Nizam Shah succeeded to the throne, and in conformity with his dying request, he appointed his father's tutor, Meean Munjoo Deccany, to be his prime minister. Upon his accession, Yekhlas Khan (though he had during the late reign opposed his sovereign in the field) now made overtures to obtain pardon; and the King and his new minister, taking into consideration the daring and ambitious character of Yekhlas Khan, thought it politic to grant it. He no sooner arrived at Ahmudnuggur than he began to collect a number of Abyssinians and Movullids about his person; which being observed by the minister, he began also to collect adherents, so that in fact, in a few days, it was evident that two parties existed, each of whom insisted on preeminence. The consequence was, that the affairs of state were thrown into confusion, and civil war appeared inevitable. In every meeting it was discussed, whether it were not advisable to march against the King of Beejapoor; and both parties behaved insolently towards Meer Sufvy, the ambassador of Ibrahim Adil Shah II., who had arrived to condole and congratulate as is usual in lineal successions to the throne; a conduct the more unjustifiable, when we know he was a syud of indisputable descent. Ibrahim Adil Shah no sooner heard of these proceedings than he declared war, and marched to Shahdoorg for the purpose of supporting Ibrahim Nizam Shah, who had now entirely lost his authority. Yekhlas Khan made preparations to oppose the Beejapoories; while the minister, Mean Munjoo, making overtures to him, proposed that a peace should be concluded with Ibrahim Adil Shah, in order that the whole of the forces of the Deccan might co-operate against the intended invasion of Akbur Padshah. Yekhlas Khan, however, was not to be diverted from his purpose, and determined to risk every thing by fighting an action with Ibrahim Adil Shah. Meean Munjoo said nothing, while Ibrahim Nizam Shah assented to the measure. When the Nizam Shahy troops reached the frontier they found that Ibrahim Adil Shah had yet made no attack on the Nizam Shahy territory, and Meean Munjoo again ventured to recommend that overtures for peace should first be made; but Ibrahim Nizam Shah, having engaged in a fit of debauchery, thought of nothing less than retreating; and accordingly, having passed the frontier, he levied contributions on the Beejapoor villages. Humeed Khan, the Adil Shahy general in advance, marched to oppose him; and Meean Munjoo, who saw matters approaching to a crisis, sent some confidential persons to Humeed Khan, apologising for the King's conduct; saying, that he was but a boy; that he had given himself up to drinking, and was in the hands of designing and wicked people; that the present also was the month of Zeehuj; that it was unlawful to fight in these days; and he therefore requested that he would defer attacking Ibrahim Nizam Shah for a short time, before the expiration of which, he hoped to bring the King's mind to consent to peace. Meean Munjoo having pledged himself to refrain from attack, Humeed Khan avoided the Nizam Shahies, and encamped at the distance of two miles from them; but Ibrahim Nizam Shah concluding that this manœuvre proceeded from the weakness of Humeed Khan's force, resolved to attack him on the following day; and although Meean Munjoo and several officers sat up the whole night to endeavour to restrain his folly, he persisted in drinking, and on the next day attacked Humeed Khan. The two armies consisted of nearly fifty thousand cavalry besides infantry: a severe action ensued, but a most extraordinary occurrence took place. The right wing of the Nizam Shahies broke the left of the Adil Shahies, while those on the right wing compelled the enemy's left to give way, pursuing them to the distance of six miles from the field of action. Ibrahim Nizam Shah, who was with the right wing, concluded he had gained a victory, while Soheil Khan, who commanded the Adil Shahy right wing, still kept his ground during the night, which closed the action. On the morning, the opponents were mutually astonished each to find his enemy still on the ground; and Ibrahim Nizam Shah adding some strong doses of liquor to the former night's debauch, ordered his troops under arms, many of whom were absent in pursuit of the fugitives of the Adil Shahy left wing, while others were employed in plunder. Soheil Khan, the second in command in camp, now took the command of the Adil Shahies, and sustained the onset of the Nizam Shahies, headed in person by their King, who, receiving a shot in the head, was killed, and his troops fled to Ahmudnuggur with his body. Meean Munjoo also accompanied them; and upon his arrival at the capital, sent for Ahmud, a boy of twelve years of age, from Dow-lutabad, where he had been confined, under the pretence that he was one of the royal family; at the same time the late King's son Bahadur, then a child in arms, was sent away to be kept in the fort of Chawund. Thus fell Ibrahim Nizam Shah, after a short reign of four months.