Tārīḫ-i Firištah - The History of the Rise of Mohammedan Power in India, Volume 4

Succeeds his father, and obtains the aid of the King of Guzerat to expel the Deccan troops from Kandeish — is assassinated in Boorhanpoor.

NUSEER KHAN was succeeded by his son Meeran Adil Khan, who instantly wrote pressing letters to the kings of Malwa and Guzerat for aid. The Guzerat army shortly after arriving at Sooltanpoor compelled Mullik-oot-Toojar to raise the siege of Lulling, and to retreat into the Deccan. After this, Meeran Adil Khan reigned for about three years, and suffered martyrdom ^296a in the city of Boor-

Zeehuj 8.
A. H. 844.
April 28.
A. D. 1441.

hanpoor, on Friday the 8th of Zeehuj, in the year 844. As I have never been able to procure any satisfactory account of the manner of his death, I can give no information on the subject: he lies buried, however, at Talnere by the side of his father.

MEERAN ADIL KHAN was succeeded by his son Meeran Moobarik; and all that we know of his history is, that he reigned without undertaking any foreign conquest, or drawing upon himself the

Rujub 12.
A. H. 861.
May 17.
A. D. 1457.

hostility of his neighbours, for a period of seventeen years. He died on the 12th of Rujub, A. H. 861, and was buried at Talnere.

Ascends his father's throne — compels the neighbouring rajas to pay him tribute — refuses to acknowledge the supremacy of the King of Guzerat, or to pay him tribute. — A Guzerat army marches to Kandeish, and exacts the arrears due. — Death of Adil Khan Farooky.

AFTER the death of Meeran Moobarik Khan he was succeeded by his eldest son Adil Khan; and the province of Kandeish, under his government, attained a degree of prosperity which it had never known under any of its former rulers. Adil Khan obliged the neighbouring rajas to pay him tribute, compelling those of Gondwana and Gurra Mundla to acknowledge fealty to him; and neither Kolies nor Bheels in his days infested the roads, nor disturbed the peaceable inhabitants of towns. This prince added considerably to the fortifications of Aseer, and constructed the strong outwork called Mallygur; he also built the ark, or citadel, of Boorhanpoor, and raised many magnificent palaces in that town. It was in consequence of the great strength which he had acquired that he assumed the title of Shah-i-Jharkund (King of the Forests), and was induced, contrary to the practice of his ancestors, not only to withhold the annual tribute from the King of Guzerat, but openly declared that he owned no allegiance to that monarch. This was no sooner made known to Mahmood Shah Begurra than he directed his army to march into Kandeish, and not to return without having received all the arrears of the annual tribute which Adil Khan had so long withheld. For this purpose, in the year

A. H. 904.
A. D. 1498.

904, the Guzerat army marched, and that of Kandeish also moved to oppose it; but the latter was glad to effect its retreat within the walls of Talnere and Aseer, which places were both invested. Adil Khan was unable to cope with the power of Mahmood Shah, and in order to preserve his personal safety and government was compelled to pay the arrears of tribute before the Guzerat forces retired into their own country. Five years after this event, on

Rubbee-ool-
Awul 14.
A. H. 909.
April 8.
A. D. 1503.

Friday the 14th of Rubbee-ool-Awul, of the year 909, Adil Khan died, after a reign of forty-six years. His body was buried at his particular request near the palace of the Dowlut Meidan ^299a in Boor-hanpoor.

Provokes a war with the King of Ahmudnuggur — solicits aid from the King of Malwa, which is granted. — The King of Ahmudnuggur declines the contest, and retires. — The Malwa general causes his master to be acknowledged King of Kan-deish, and after exacting valuable presents from Dawood Khan he retires to Malwa. — Death of Dawood Khan Farooky.

MEERAN ADIL KHAN leaving no male child to inherit his dominions, they devolved on his younger brother Dawood. ^300a Immediately after his accession, two brothers, Hoossein Ally and Yar Ally, Moguls, began to acquire great influence about the person of the Prince; so much so that he created the elder his prime minister, with the title of Hissam-ood-Deen. At the instigation of this per-

A. H. 909.
A. D. 1503.

son, in the latter end of the year 909, the King declared his intention of attacking some of the frontier towns of the kingdom of Ahmudnuggur. Ahmud Nizam Shah Bheiry, anticipating his movement, marched an army into the province of Kandeish. Dawood Khan retreated within the fortress of Aseer, and sent an envoy to Malwa, soliciting the assistance of Sooltan Nasir-ood-Deen. The King of Malwa, viewing him as a neighbour and relative, sent a force under Yekbal Khan to assist him; when Nizam Shah Bheiry, unwilling to become involved in a war with Malwa, retreated to Ah-mudnuggur. Yekbal Khan, however, continued his march to Boorhanpoor, where he required Dawood Khan to cause the public prayers to be read in the name of Sooltan Nasir-ood-Deen; and having exacted from Dawood Khan two elephants, and sundry articles of value, the Malwa general returned to Mando. Some years after, Dawood Khan died on Wednesday, the 1st of

Jumad-ool-
Awul 1.
A. H. 916.
August 6.
A. D. 1510.

Jumad-ool-Awul, in the year 916, after reigning eight years. Mullik Hissam-ood-Deen and the rest of the officers placed Ghizny Khan, the son of the late King, on the throne; but after two days, for what cause God only knows, Mullik Hissam-ood-Deen caused the young king to be poisoned.

Alum Khan, a relative of the late King, residing at Ahmud-nuggur, is elevated to the throne. — Mullik Larun, governor of Aseer, refuses to acknowledge him. — Adil Khan Farooky of Talnere puts forward his claim — is supported by his grandfather, the King of Guzerat, and his title is every where acknowledged. — Alum Khan, supported by the King of Ah-mudnuggur, makes a second effort to ascend the throne, but is defeated. — Adil Khan Farooky attends his father-in-law, Moozuffur Shah II., in the campaign in Malwa — his death.

ON the death of Ghizny Khan, there being no other male relations living in Kandeish, the nobles sent a deputation to Ahmud Nizam Shah, requesting him to permit the Prince Alum Khan, a descendant of the Farooky family, then residing at Ahmudnuggur, to assume charge of Kandeish. At a council held by Nizam Shah Bheiry and Imad-ool-Moolk, King of Berar, those princes resolved to acknowledge Alum Khan ^303a heir to the vacant throne of Kandeish; but Mullik Larun, an officer of the latter government, who had command of the fort of Aseer, refused to acknowledge the new king. At the same time, Adil, the son of Hussun, and grandson of Nuseer Khan, by the daughter of Mahmood Shah of Guzerat, and who was then residing at Talnere, wrote a petition to that monarch, supported by one from his mother, begging to be placed in the government of his ancestor. Mahmood Shah, perceiving that the country of Kandeish was about to be involved in civil war, resolved to assume a right of interference in favour of his grandson, Adil Khan. For this purpose he marched in person to Kandeish, and Hissam-ood-Deen, becoming alarmed, wrote petitions to the kings of Ahmudnuggur and Berar to support Alum Khan. Both the latter kings sent detachments of troops, consisting of four thousand horse; but the Kandeish officers, perceiving themselves unable to cope with the Guzerat army, dispersed. Hissam-ood-Deen, seeing the course affairs had taken, despatched Alum Khan to the Deccan, and himself joined the King of Guzerat, as did also Larun Khan, who had previously secured the fort of Aseer. Mahmood Shah therefore placed Adil Khan in the government of Boorhanpoor, with the title of Azim Hoomayoon, and gave to him in marriage the daughter of Moozuffur Shah, sister by the same mother of Bahadur Shah of Guzerat, presenting him, at the same time, with a sum of three hundred thousand tunkas of silver.^304a

Mullik Larun received the title of Khan Jehan and the jageer of Ahwas, while Hissam-ood-Deen became ennobled under the title of Shehr-yar Khan, received the town of Danwur as an estate, and was placed in charge of Talnere. Titles and small jageers were also conferred on several other nobles; and Mahmood Shah Begurra returned to Ahmudabad.

When Adil Khan had, by the assistance of his maternal grandfather, been placed in the government of Kandeish, he removed his family and property from Talnere to Boorhanpoor, and Hissam-ood-Deen proceeded from the latter to the former place; the whole of which district he received as ajageer. Some time after this, the Prince, discovering that Hissam-ood-Deen was intriguing at the court of Ahmudnuggur, in order to replace Alum Khan on the throne, ordered him to appear at court. Hissam-ood-Deen, aware of the cause of this summons, determined neither to give umbrage by disobeying the order, nor to go so slightly attended as to render his imprisonment a matter of easy accomplishment. He in consequence went, at the head of four thousand horse, to Boorhan-poor, and was met at some distance by Adil Khan, who had only a small retinue of three hundred men with him. Hissam-ood-Deen received every attention, and the following was the day fixed for him to pay his visit in state; on which occasion the King gave instructions to have him murdered by his servants the moment he left the hall of audience. Hissam-ood-Deen, as was expected, came to the levee attended by all his officers, while the whole of his cavalry remained drawn up on the outside, with a view of overawing the King. After a long and formal visit, the King took Hissam-ood-Deen aside into a private apartment, under the plea of communicating something important, and on his return he was cut down by the royal guards. Mullik Boorhan, a Guzerat chief, who had been left by Mahmood Shah Begurra as the King's minister, immediately attacked Hissam-ood-Deen's officers, who were most of them put to death; while almost at the same moment a select body of Guzerat horse fell upon the Talnere cavalry, and completely dispersed them. This vigorous though sanguinary measure restored to the King the whole of the Talnere district, which formed nearly half of his territory, and also removed an ambitious and powerful rival.

Some time afterwards, the King visited the fort of Aseer, where he found that Sheer Khan and Seif Khan, two Guzerat officers, had been intriguing with Nizam Shah Bheiry of Ahmudnug-gur; and that monarch, accompanied by Alum Khan, actually arrived on the frontier for the purpose of again placing the latter in the government. The King immediately despatched a messenger to Moozuffur Shah II. of Guzerat, detailing the whole circumstances, and begging that he would send a force to his assistance. On receipt of this communication, Moozuffur Shah directed a sum of twelve lacks of tunkas to be sent to Adil Khan, to enable him to raise troops, and also despatched a large force under Dilawur Khan and Sufdur Khan to his aid; writing to him at the same time to say, that if it were necessary he would himself march to protect his rights. “As for Nizam-“ool-Moolk Bheiry,” said he, “who styles himself “king, he is one of the slaves of the household of “the kings of the Deccan: he shall suffer for “daring to march against the lineal descendant “of the house of Farook, and a prince who is my “son-in-law.” The same language was also made use of to the ambassador of Ahmud Nizam Shah, resident at the Guzerat court, who was informed of the King's determination to support Adil Khan even at the risk of his crown. Ahmud Nizam Shah, seeing the turn affairs had taken, thought it prudent to retreat, while Sheer Khan and Seif Khan were permitted to retire to Gavul-gur. After the arrival of the Guzerat army Adil Khan employed it to levy the tribute from the Raja of Galna, a dependent of the Ahmudnuggur government, from whom he raised a large sum of money; after which he returned to Boorhanpoor, and permitted the Guzerat army to proceed homewards.

A H. 923.
A. D. 1517. In the year 923, Adil Khan II. accompanied his father-in-law, Moozuffur Shah, with a force to Mando, and assisted greatly in the Malwa campaign; but as the events of that war are detailed both in the Guzerat and Malwa histories, I have not thought it necessary to repeat them in this place.

A. H. 926.
A. D. 1520. In the year 926, Adil Khan, falling dangerously ill, died at Boorhanpoor, after a reign of nineteen years. He was succeeded by Meeran Mahomed, his eldest son, by the sister ^307a of Bahadur Shah of Guzerat.

Ascends his father's throne — assists the King of Berar to wage war with the King of Ahmudnuggur — is defeated, with the loss of all his military train, including elephants — obtains the aid of his uncle, Bahadur Shah of Guzerat — attends Bahadur Shah throughout the campaign against Ahmudnuggur. — Termination of the war. — Meeran Mahomed Khan assists Bahadur Shah in the campaign in Malwa — is present at his final overthrow at Mundsoor — retires to Kandeish — assists the governor of Malwa to recover that country from the Moguls. — Bahadur Shah of Guzerat dies. — Meeran Ma-homed Khan is raised to the throne of Guzerat, under the title of Meeran Mahomed Shah — his death.

AFTER the death of Adil Khan II. he was succeeded by his son Meeran Mahomed Khan. Shortly after his accession to the government, Imad Shah, King of Berar, and Boorhan Nizam Shah of Ahmudnuggur, were engaged in war with each other; and the former having lost his country, came to Boorhanpoor; when both Imad Shah and Meeran Mahomed Khan of Kandeish wrote to Bahadur Shah of Guzerat, requesting his interference in adjusting the differences with the King of Ahmudnuggur. Bahadur Shah, in consequence, deputed Ein-ool-Moolk, the governor of Puttun, to proceed to Boorhanpoor, and endeavour to mediate a peace. Boorhan Nizam Shah consented to an amicable adjustment of affairs for the present, in order to meet the wishes of the court of Guzerat; but shortly after the return of Bahadur Shah's ambassador, he attacked and took the fort of Mahoor, and reduced several other districts in Berar. In consequence of

A. H. 934.
A. D. 1527.

this, in the year 934, Imad-ool-Moolk entered into a league with Meeran Ma-homed Khan of Kandeish, who marched with all his army and elephants to the assistance of Imad-ool-Moolk, and joined him near the Godavery river. In a few days after an action took place with Boorhan Nizam Shah, in which the latter was defeated; but Imad-ool-Moolk, elated with his success, permitted his troops to disperse in search of plunder. This afforded the enemy an opportunity to rally; and Boorhan Nizam Shah, charging with a body of three thousand cavalry among the confederates, not only recovered the public property he had formerly lost, but captured several of the Kandeish elephants. Many of the Kandeish troops, too, were killed; and the late victorious army of Imad-ool-Moolk being routed, was closely pursued for upwards of eight miles. Meeran Ma-homed Khan took the route of Aseer, while his ally, Imad-ool-Moolk, fled to Gavulgur, from whence they both wrote an account of their disaster to Bahadur Shah of Guzerat. After repeated solicitations, the King of Guzerat marched in person to Boorhanpoor, and from thence, accompanied by Meeran Mahomed Khan and Imad-ool-Moolk, entering the Deccan, penetrated as far as Jalna without resistance. On arriving there Bahadur Shah took measures for occupying Berar for himself, and threatened, by removing Imad-ool-Moolk, to place his own officers in the government. Imad-ool-Moolk, on discovering his intentions, consulted with Meeran Mahomed Khan what was to be done. The latter said, “This is the natural consequence of “calling in foreign aid at all; and the only remedy “to be now pursued is to read the prayers, and to “coin money, in the name of the King of Guzerat, “and to style yourself a tributary and servant of his “government.” However humiliating the proposal, Imad-ool-Moolk did not hesitate to adopt Meeran Adil Khan's advice. He therefore proposed it to Bahadur Shah, and recommended him to march immediately to Ahmudnuggur for the same purpose. This pleased Bahadur Shah so much that he agreed to the whole arrangement, and proceeded, accompanied by the Berar and Kandeish troops, towards Ahmudnuggur, where (as has been formerly related in the Guzerat history) the public prayers were read in the name of the King of Guzerat. After this campaign Bahadur Shah proceeded to Baroach, and Meeran Mahomed Khan and Imad-ool-Moolk retired to their respective capitals.

A. H. 939.
A. D. 1532. In the year 939, Bahadur Shah marched towards Malwa for the purpose of subjugating that kingdom, in which campaign Meeran Mahomed Khan was present at the reduction of the fort of Mando; after which he returned to Boorhanpoor. Boorhan Nizam Shah of Ahmudnuggur, alarmed at the occupation of the kingdom of Malwa, deputed an ambassador to Meeran Mahomed Khan, professing great regard for him, and requesting his interference with the King of Guzerat, to reconcile some differences which existed between them.^311a

Bahadur Shah, in the following year, marched to Boorhanpoor, where he was met by Boorhan Nizam Shah, on whom he conferred the white canopy and scarlet pavilion; after which the latter returned to Ahmudnuggur and the former to Malwa. Meeran Mahomed Khan also accompanied the King of Guzerat in his expedition against Chittoor, and was with him in his retreat before the arms of Hoo-mayoon Padshah to Mando. After the occupation of Guzerat by Hoomayoon, that monarch sent one of his principal officers, called Asuf Khan, to levy contributions in the Deccan, and was himself on his march towards Boorhanpoor, which he no doubt intended to occupy: but the sudden irruption of Sheer Shah from Bengal into the Dehly territory obliged Hoomayoon to return through Malwa towards Agra. At that time Bahadur Shah made an effort to recover Guzerat, and requested Meeran Mahomed Khan to invade Malwa at the same time, and expel the Dehly officers. Meeran Mahomed Khan did so; and in concert with Mulloo Khan, the late Guzerat governor of Malwa, took possession of Mando. While Meeran Mahomed Khan was there, information reached him that Bahadur Shah ^312a had sipped of the cup of martyrdom from the hands of the infidel Portuguese at Diù, and that his mother, in concert with the nobles of Guzerat, had proclaimed Meeran Mahomed Khan of Kandeish king. A deputation shortly after arrived at Mando for the purpose of escorting him to Guzerat. Meanwhile he was formally crowned at Mando, and assumed the title of Meeran Ma-homed Shah; but his reign was of short duration; for on the journey to Ahmudabad he was taken

Zeekad 13.
A. H. 942.
May 4.
A. D. 1535.

dangerously ill, and died suddenly on the 13th of Zeekad, A. H. 942. His body was conveyed to Boorhanpoor, and interred in the vault of his father, Adil Khan II.

Succeeds his elder brother on the throne — refuses to deliver up the Prince Mahmood of Guzerat, then confined in Aseer, to the nobles of that kingdom — is compelled to do so — puts forth pretensions to the throne of Guzerat, and marches an army to Ahmudabad — is defeated — procures the cession of Sooltanpoor and Nundoorbar by the King of Guzerat. — Baz Bahadur, King of Malwa, is expelled from his throne by Peer Mahomed Khan, an officer of Akbur Padshah. — The Moguls pursue Baz Bahadur to Boorhanpoor, and sack the town — they retreat, and are closely pursued by Meeran Moo-barik Khan and Baz Bahadur. — The Moguls routed near the Nurbudda, and Peer Mahomed Khan loses his life. — Death of Meeran Moobarik Khan.

AT the period of the death of Meeran Mahomed Shah, none of his children were of an age to take the reins of government; and his brother Moobarik, hearing of his decease at Boorhanpoor, immediately assumed the title of Shah. Shortly after his accession the nobles of Guzerat deputed Yekhtiar Khan, an officer of that kingdom, to demand the Prince Mahmood, son of Luteef Khan†, ^313b nephew of the late Bahadur Shah, whom that monarch had, during his lifetime, sent to Meeran Mahomed Khan of Kandeish, to be confined in a hill-fort during his life. Meeran Moobarik, who himself aspired to the throne of Guzerat, and to which his brother had been so lately elevated, threw obstacles in the way of the enlargement of the Prince Mahmood; but the Guzerat officers resented his detention so warmly, that Meeran Moobarik Khan was compelled, from motives of policy, to permit

A. H. 943.
A. D. 1536.

Yekhtiar Khan to take charge of him, and he was accordingly crowned at Ahmudabad in the year 943.

At this period, also, Imad-ool-Moolk of Guzerat fled, and sought protection at Boorhanpoor. He was hospitably received by Meeran Moobarik Khan, who encouraged him to collect a body of twelve thousand Guzerat horse. With this force they both marched for the purpose of placing Meeran Moobarik Khan on the throne. On the other hand, Duria Khan, accompanied by Mahmood Shah III., opposed them. The armies met, and a sanguinary contest ensued, in which the Kandeish troops were defeated. Moobarik Khan fled to Aseer, and Imad-ool-Moolk to Mando, where he sought protection with Sooltan Kadur of Malwa. The Gu-zeratties under Duria Khan, following up their success, plundered and laid waste the country of Kan-deish, through which they passed, and compelled Meeran Moobarik Khan to pay a very heavy fine. Mahmood Shah, when in confinement in the fort of Aseer, promised, if ever he succeeded to the government of Guzerat, to give to Meeran Moobarik Khan the district of Nundoorbar; and upon this occasion he formally yielded it up to him.

A. H. 969.
A. D. 1572. In the year 969, Sooltan Baz Bahadur, King of Malwa, was compelled to fly before the Mogul forces, and sought protection with Meeran Moobarik Khan. Peer Ma-homed Khan, the Mogul chief, who had driven him from his seat of government, pursued him into the very centre of Kandeish, penetrating as far as Boor-hanpoor, when he devastated the country, sacked the city, dishonoured the females, and committed enormities unfit to relate. Meeran Moobarik Khan wrote to Toofal Khan, governor of Berar, begging his assistance in this momentous crisis, who with the alacrity proportionate to the emergency marched the whole of his force to Kandeish, and joined Meeran Moobarik Khan and Sooltan Baz Bahadur. The ferocious bands of Peer Mahomed Khan had been so glutted by debauch, and so enriched by spoil, that they had little inclination to risk their booty in action; and their leader, contrary to his own will, was compelled to retreat to Malwa. Many of the soldiery were so desirous to reach their quarters, that they went off even before Peer Mahomed Khan, and left him to follow with a small force and all the heavy baggage and military stores. The allied forces under Toofal Khan pursued the Moguls; and having intimation of their dispersed state, made rapid marches, and overtook Peer Mahomed Khan on the banks of the Nurbudda. The allies immediately charged the enemy, who, overpowered by numbers, sought safety in flight. Many were drowned in the river; and Peer Ma-homed Khan himself, who ordered his elephant to be urged into the stream, was among the number. The confederates, following up their success, marched on to Mando, where Sooltan Baz Bahadur again assumed the reins of government; after which the allies returned to their respective

Jumad-ool-
Akhur 6.
A. H. 974.
Dec. 24.
A. D. 1566.

countries. Meeran Moobarik Khan died, some years afterwards, on the night of Wednesday the 6th of Jumad-ool-Ak-hur, A. H. 974, after a reign of thirty-two years.

Succeeds his father. — Kandeish invaded by Chungiz Khan of Guzerat, who takes Sooltanpoor and Nundoorbar — besieges Talnere — is opposed by Meeran Mahomed Khan and Toofal Khan of Berar. — The siege of Talnere relinquished, and Chungiz Khan flies to Guzerat. — Meeran Mahomed Khan raises an army of thirty thousand men — invades Guzerat, and claims the throne — is defeated in the battle of Ahmud-abad — is closely pursued by the Mogul Mirzas in Guzerat — they plunder Kandeish, and retire to Malwa. — Meeran Ma-homed Khan aids Toofal Khan of Berar against the King of Ahmudnuggur. — Toofal Khan loses his territory, and eventually his life, in the struggle. — Boorhanpoor sacked by the Deccan army. — Meeran Mahomed Khan pays a large sum to obtain peace. — Death of Meeran Mahomed Khan.

MEERAN MOOBARIK KHAN was succeeded by his son Meeran Mahomed. In the same year Chungiz Khan of Guzerat, instigated by Etimad Khan, the prime minister of Moozuffur Shah III., invaded the district of Nundoorbar, and having compelled the Kandeish officers to retreat, boldly pushed on to the fortress of Talnere. Meeran Mahomed Khan, hearing of this inroad, called on Toofal Khan for assistance; and the combined forces of Kandeish and Berar marched to the western frontier. On their arrival at Talnere, they found Chungiz Khan strongly posted with ravines on his flanks, and his artillery and carriages of all descriptions forming a barrier in his front. Meeran Mahomed Khan used every effort in vain, during the day of his arrival, to induce Chungiz Khan to quit his position; but during the night Chungiz Khan fled singly to Baroach, leaving his army and all his artillery in the hands of Meeran Mahomed Khan, who, on the following day, occupied the ground which the enemy had quitted. At this time the Guzerat government was in a state of the utmost confusion, and a civil war prevailed. Most of the nobles were of opinion that Moo-zuffur Shah III., who was merely a pageant in the hands of Etimad-ool-Moolk, was not the son of Mahmood Shah, and they refused to acknowledge his right to the throne. Meeran Mahomed Khan, therefore, conceiving himself to be the only rightful heir, and hearing that he might expect support from the Guzerat nobles, if he boldly asserted his claims, collected a force of thirty thousand horse, and marched to Ahmudabad. Chungiz Khan, who had, in the mean time, been successful in the civil war, was at the capital, whence he had expelled his rival Etimad-ool-Moolk and the King. On gaining information that Meeran Mahomed Khan, with a large force, had arrived near Ahmuda-bad, Chungiz Khan marched to oppose him with only seven thousand men, supported by the Dehly Mirzas (who are mentioned both in the Guzerat and Dehly histories), and gained a complete victory. Meeran Mahomed Khan was glad to effect his retreat in safety to Aseer, leaving in possession of the Guzeratties his elephants, artillery, and all the royal equipage which the rulers of Kandeish assumed. A short time after this event, the Mirzas, having plundered great part of southern Guzerat, invaded Kandeish also; and before Meeran Mahomed Khan could collect an army sufficient to oppose them, they laid waste and levied contributions on several districts, and quitted the province.

A. H. 982.
A. D. 1574. In the year 982, Moortuza Nizam Shah Bheiry of Ahmudnuggur invaded and subdued the country of Berar, and seized and confined Toofal Khan. One of the officers of his government came to Kandeish, and styling himself Imad-ool-Moolk, the representative of Toofal Khan, begged the assistance of Meeran Mahomed Khan. The latter was so deceived by this impostor that he actually sent a force of five thousand men to accompany him, in order to recover Berar. The impostor marched and laid waste the country; but Moortuza Nizam Shah, at the instance of Chungiz Khan ^319a Isfahany, his prime minister, returned, and having dispersed the Kandeish troops like sheep, turned his attention towards Meeran Mahomed Khan, who had been the means of this invasion. In consequence of which the King of Ahmudnuggur sacked Boorhanpoor, and moved on to Aseer, where after a close siege of considerable length Meeran Mahomed Khan was compelled to sue for peace, and paid to Moortuza Nizam Shah the sum of six hundred thousand moozuffuries, ^320a a sum nearly equal to three hundred thousand siccas of silver, besides two hundred thousand moozuffuries to the minister Chungiz Khan.

A. H. 984.
A. D. 1576. In the year 984, Meeran Mahomed Khan was seized by a fever, and after lingering some months, died. His only heir was his son Hoossein Khan, then a minor.

Succeeds his brother — writes to Akbur, acknowledging his supremacy. — Character of Raja Ally Khan. — A body of revolted chiefs from Ahmudnuggur arrive at Boorhanpoor — they plunder the town, and are pursued by Raja Ally Khan — they return, with a force of Moguls, into Berar — are again defeated by Raja Ally Khan. — The Prince Moorad Mirza, the son of Akbur, invades the Deccan — he is joined by Raja Ally Khan, who eventually loses his life at the battle of Peitun, on the Godavery.

ON the first intimation of the illness of which Meeran Mahomed Khan subsequently died, his brother Raja Ally, then at Agra, proceeded direct to Boorhanpoor, and arrived at the latter city three days after his death. The nobles went out to meet him; and in consequence of the minority of Hoossein Khan they deposed that prince, and placed Raja Ally on the musnud. At this period, the princes of Hin-doostan, from Bengal to Sind, including Malwa and Guzerat, had been subdued by the victorious arms of Akbur Padshah; and Raja Ally Khan, in order to avoid so unequal a contest, dropped the title of king, which his brother had assumed, and wrote a letter to Akbur, begging that he might be considered as his vassal and tributary; and in order to convince him of his sincerity, sent him many rich and valuable presents. He also maintained a friendly intercourse for a period of years with the kings of the Deccan. Raja Ally Khan was a person of superior talents: just as a governor, wise and prudent as a statesman, brave and intrepid as a warrior, and possessing a high spirit and a laudable ambition. He was the idol of his people, and neither engaged in wars of conquest nor patiently permitted his country to be invaded. He employed his time in reading with doctors of the Hunefy sect, and in the cultivation of the arts, until the

A. H. 1002.
A. D. 1593.

year 1002, when (during the secession of Moortuza Nizam Shah of Ahmud-nuggur from public affairs) a dispute arising between Sulabut Khan, the Ahmudnuggur regent, and Syud Moortuza, the governor of Be-rar, a battle took place at the distance of twelve miles from Ahmudnuggur; wherein Syud Moor-tuza was defeated, and retreated with twelve thousand men, accompanied by some of his officers, to Elichpoor. On being closely pursued, these chiefs directed their march towards Boor-hanpoor, and requested the assistance of Raja Ally Khan, who neither gave them encouragement nor a direct refusal. Meanwhile, impatient of delay, Syud Moortuza's soldiers sacked the city, and directed their march towards Agra. Raja Ally Khan pursued and defeated this mutinous body on the banks of the Nurbudda, taking all its baggage and carriage-cattle; among the latter of which were one hundred elephants. Syud Moor-tuza, however, was enabled to cross the river, and proceeded to join Akbur Padshah, to whom he complained of the ill usage he had experienced from Raja Ally Khan, but more particularly from Sulabut Khan. Akbur, who had long been desirous of invading the Deccan, thought the present a good opportunity to carry his project into effect. For this purpose he received the Dec-can refugees into his service, and gave them high military stations. Raja Ally Khan, on hearing of their elevation, foresaw the future destination of the Dehly arms, and therefore deputed an envoy to Akbur, to whom he presented all the elephants he had taken from the Deccanies, as also a considerable sum of money. The offering was accepted; and on the following year,

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

viz. 1003, Syud Moortuza and the rest of the Deccan chiefs were directed to proceed to Mando, whence Mirza Azeez Koka furnished a considerable force for the purpose of invading Berar, while Mirza Ma-homed Tuky was deputed by the King of Ah-mudnuggur to oppose them. When the Dehly force arrived at the town of Hundia, on the banks of the Nurbudda, the commander sent a person to wait on Raja Ally Khan, in order that he might mediate an accommodation between the Ahmud-nuggur and Berar officers; while, on the other hand, Mahomed Tuky, the Nizam Shahy general, was empowered to make overtures to Raja Ally Khan, to induce him to join the Deccan army. After the most mature deliberation, Raja Ally Khan thought fit to join the Deccanies, with whom he proceeded towards Hundia; and having arrived within two miles of the Moguls, intended to attack them on the following day. During the night, however, the Mogul general, leaving his tents standing and lights burning, decamped, and taking the road to Berar, plundered the country, and sacked the towns of Elichpoor and Balapoor. Raja Ally Khan and Mirza Mahomed Tuky, on hearing of this manœuvre, countermarched, but the Mogul rejoined the force he had left at Hundia ^324a without encountering opposition; and the Deccan allies, having secured themselves from attack, returned to their respective governments of Ahmudnuggur and Kandeish.

A. H. 1004.
A. D. 1595. After the death of Boorhan Nizam Shah II., in the year 1004, the Prince Moorad Mirza, son of Akbur Padshah, and Khan Khanan, the son of Beiram Khan, marched for the purpose of subduing the Deccan. Raja Ally Khan of Kandeish accompanied them, and was killed, with many officers of distinction, by the explosion of a powder tumbril, in the famous battle fought between Khan Khanan and Soheil Khan, general of the Ahmudnuggur forces.†^324b

The reign of Raja Ally Khan lasted for a pe-

A. H. 1005.
A. D. 1596.

riod of twenty-one years; and his body was carried to Boorhanpoor, where he was buried with due honours.

Ascends his father's throne — defies the power of Akbur. — Aseer besieged, and taken by capitulation; and Bahadur Khan, the last of the kings of Kandeish, becomes a state-prisoner in Gualiar.

A. H. 1005.
A. D. 1596.

AFTER the death of Raja Ally Khan, in the year 1005, he was succeeded by his son, Bahadur Khan, who was supported by Khan Khanan, the general of Akbur Padshah. This prince soon abandoned himself to the pleasures of the seraglio, and neglecting altogether state-affairs, diverted himself with minstrels and dancers. At the period of the death of the Prince Moorad Mirza, in the town of Shahpoor, the Prince Daniel Mirza succeeded him. Bahadur Khan neither sent condolence on his brother's death nor congratulations on his accession to the command of the forces in the Deccan, as is customary; and when Akbur Padshah, a few years afterwards, arrived at Mando with the avowed intention of invading the Deccan, Bahadur Khan, instead of adopting the policy of his father in relying on the honour of Akbur, and going with an army to co-operate with him, shut himself up in the fort of Aseer, and commenced preparations to withstand a siege. To this end he invited fifteen thousand persons, including labourers, artisans, and shop-keepers, into the place, and filled it with horses and cattle, in order that they might serve for work, and eventually for food and other purposes. When Akbur Padshah heard of these proceedings, he sent orders to Khan Khanan, and to the Prince Daniel Mirza, to continue the siege of Ahmudnuggur, while he himself marched to the south and occupied Boorhanpoor, leaving one of his generals to besiege Aseer. The blockade of this fortress continued for a length of time till the air from filth became fetid, and an epidemic disease raged, caused by the number of cattle which daily died. At this period a prevalent report was spread, and generally believed in the garrison, that Akbur had the power of reducing forts by the art of necromancy, and that magicians accompanied him for that purpose. Bahadur Khan, believing that his misfortunes arose from the above-mentioned cause, took no means to counteract the evils by which he was surrounded. He neither gave orders for the removal of the dead cattle, for the establishment of hospitals, nor for sending out useless persons, till at length the soldiers, worn out, became quite careless on duty; and the Moguls stormed and carried the lower fort called Mally-gur. Nothing could exceed the infatuation of Bahadur Khan, who, although he had then ten years' grain, and money to an enormous amount, still kept the troops in arrears; and they, seeing that no redress was to be expected, resolved to seize him, and to deliver him over to Akbur Padshah. Before this project was carried into effect Bahadur Khan discovered the plot, and consulted his officers, who all agreed it was too late to think of a remedy. The pestilence raged with great fury, the troops were completely exhausted, and nothing remained but to open negotiations for the surrender of the fort, on condition that the lives of the garrison should be spared, and that they should march out with their property. The terms were acceded to, with the exception of the last proposition regarding the Khan's private property, all of which fell into the King's hands; and Bahadur Khan, the last of the Farooky dynasty, humbled himself before the throne of Akbur Pad-

A. H. 1008.
A. D. 1599.

shah, in the year 1008: while the impregnable fortress of Aseer, with ten years' provisions, and countless treasures, fell into the hands of the conqueror.

The town of Bahadurpoor, near the city of Boor-hanpoor, was built by Bahadur Khan.

To face page 328. Vol. IV.]

>genealogy<

>genealogy<

Mullik Fukhr-ood-Deen slays Kuddur Khan, the governor of Bengal, and proclaims himself King — he is slain by Alla-ood-Deen .

THE first Moslem chief who invaded the kingdom of Bengal was Mullik Mahomed Bukhtyar, in the

A. H. 587.
A. D. 1191.

reign of Kootb-ood-Deen Eibuk, King of Dehly, in the year 587. After whom, the several governors of that country were appointed from the capital, as is mentioned in the Dehly history. When Mullik Fukhr-ood-Deen put to death Kuddur Khan, the governor of Bengal, in the reign of Toghluk, he proclaimed himself king, and declared his independence from the throne of Dehly.^328a

Mullik Fukhr-ood-Deen was originally a soldier in the service of Kuddur Khan, governor of Ben-

gal; but after slaying his master, he proclaimed himself king, and appointed his servant, Mokhlis Khan, to the command of an army, which he sent to enforce obedience among the inhabitants of the surrounding country. This officer was opposed by Mullik Ally Moobarik, who slew him in action; and having defeated his troops, proclaimed himself king, under the title of Alla-ood-

A. H. 739.
A. D. 1338.

Deen, in the year 739. As Mullik Fukhr-ood-Deen was only just seated in his government, and by no means confident of the attachment of his subjects, he thought it imprudent to quit the capital. Alla-ood-Deen marched to Luknowty; and establishing a force in that place, resolved to attack Fukhr-ood-Deen, for which purpose he proceeded towards Bengal. Fukhr-ood-Deen, being now compelled to fight, met his opponent; and in a pitched battle,

A. H. 741.
A. D. 1340.

which took place in the year 741, the former was defeated, taken prisoner, and put to death, having only survived his elevation two years and five months.

AFTER the death of Fukhr-ood-Deen, Alla-ood-Deen succeeded to the government, and returned to Luknowty; where having firmly established his authority, he went to South Bengal. On his return, he found that Mullik Hajy Elias Mullahy ^330a had succeeded in tampering with his army; and Alla-ood-Deen was shortly after assassinated, after a reign of one year and some months.

Hajy Elias assumes the title of Shums-ood-Deen — invades the territory of Jajnuggur in order to procure elephants — is attacked by Feroze Toghluk of Dehly. — The King of Dehly retreats. — Peace concluded. — Death of Shums-ood-Deen.

ON the death of Alla-ood-Deen, Hajy Elias assumed the title of Shums-ood-Deen Poorby Bhun-gera, and caused the public prayers to be read, and money to be coined, in his name, as King of Bengal. After his accession he did all in his power to gain the esteem of his subjects, and to secure the attachment of his troops. Shortly after, he led an expedition to Jajnuggur, in order to obtain elephants, ^331a and returned to Luknowty. For thirteen years Shums-ood-Deen Poorby resisted with success the forces of the King of Dehly, who could never succeed during the whole of that period in making any impression upon him. At

length, on the 10th of Shuval, in the year 754, Feroze Toghluk marched from Dehly towards Luknowty. On the approach of the enemy, Shums-ood-Deen retreated from his capital to the strong fortress of Yekdalla, ^332a whither Feroze Toghluk advanced. On arriving in the suburbs, Shums-ood-Deen sallied from the fort, and gave the royal army battle; on which occasion, after many men were slain on both sides, he was defeated, and obliged to retreat into Yekdalla, leaving all the large elephants, which he had brought from Jajnuggur, in the hands of the enemy. At this period, fortunately for Shums-ood-Deen, the rainy season having commenced with violence, Feroze was compelled to raise the siege of Yekdalla, and

A. H. 755.
A. D. 1354.

to retreat to Dehly. In the year 755, he sent an ambassador to Dehly with magnificent presents, and begged forgiveness for opposing the King's army. The ambassadors were honourably received, and dismissed with courtesy.

A. H. 759.
A. D. 1357. In the year 759, another ambassador, Mullik Taj-ood-Deen, was again sent with magnificent offerings to Dehly. The ambassador was treated with distinguished honours; and in return, the King of Dehly deputed Seif-ood-Deen, kotwal, with a number of Arabian and Tartar horses, an elephant, and many valuable gifts, to Luknowty; but before the ambassador crossed the frontier, Shums-ood-Deen died, after a reign of sixteen years. Seif-ood-Deen, however, delivered over his horses and presents to Mullik Taj-ood-Deen to carry to Bengal, and returned in person to Dehly.

Sikundur, the son of Shums-ood-Deen, raised to the throne — is attacked by Feroze Toghluk of Dehly, but purchases a peace by the presentation of several elephants — his death.

ON the death of Shums-ood-Deen, the nobles of the state elevated his eldest son to the throne three

A. H. 760.
A. D. 1358.

days afterwards. He had not long entered on his rule before his country was again invaded, in the year 760, by Feroze Toghluk of Dehly. When the Dehly army arrived at Pundwa, Sikundur Poorby, following his father's example, took refuge in the fortress of Yekdalla, from whence he sent an agent to offer his submission, and to promise annual tribute; which induced Feroze to retreat, after having received twenty-seven elephants ^334a and many other valuable

A. H. 769.
A. D. 1367.

presents. Sikundur Prooby reigned in peace for a period of nine years, and then died, A. H. 769.

GHEIAS-OOD-DEEN succeeded his father, and reigned for a period of seven years, and died in the year 775.

ON the death of Gheias-ood-Deen, the nobles elevated his son to the throne, under the title of Sooltan-oos-Sullateen (or the King of Kings). This

A. H. 785.
A. D. 1383.

prince was benevolent, merciful, and brave; and after a reign of ten years he died, in the year 785.

ON the vacancy of the throne, by the death of Sooltan-oos-Sullateen, it was filled by his son, Shums-ood-Deen II.; who after an inglorious

A. H. 788.
A. D. 1386.

reign of three years quitted this world of vanity for that of eternity, in the year 788.

SUBSEQUENTLY to the death of Shums-ood-Deen II. a zemindar of the name of Kans made head against the Mahomedan power, and succeeded in placing himself on the throne of Bengal; but the Al-

A. H. 795.
A. D. 1392.

mighty withdrew his favour from him, and after a reign of seven years he died, A. H. 795.

Jeetmul, the son of Raja Kans, voluntarily renounces the Hindoo religion, and embraces the Mahomedan faith — reigns seventeen years, and dies.

AFTER the death of his father, Jeetmul called together all the officers of the state, and said, so strong a desire to become a convert to the Maho-medan faith had seized him, that he was resolved to embrace that religion; observing, at the same time, if the chiefs would not permit him to succeed to the throne, he was prepared to cede it to his brother. His officers declared they were disposed to accept him as their king, without any reference to the religion he might choose to adopt. So that several learned men among the Mahomedans of that country were summoned to witness Raja Jeet-mul renounce the Hindoo religion, and profess that of the Moslems. He was at the same time entitled Julal-ood-Deen; and after ascending the throne, he ruled with such justice, that he became entitled to the appellation of the Nowsherwan

A. H. 812.
A. D. 1400.

of the age. He reigned with great splendour for a period of seventeen years, and died in the latter end of the year 812.

THE Prince Ahmud, as heir-apparent, succeeded his father on the throne; and after reigning eighteen years, died A. H. 830.

ON the death of Ahmud, one of his personal attendants had the audacity to usurp the place of his sovereign, and seizing the King's property, distributed it among his fellow-servants, in order to obtain their support; but the nobles of the state having discovered one of the descendants of Shums-ood-Deen Bhungera I., placed him on the throne, and deposed the usurper; who is stated by some historians to have reigned several days; others, only a few hours.

AFTER Nasir-ood-Deen Gholam was put to death, he was succeeded by Nasir Shah, a lineal descendant from Shums-ood-Deen Bhungera. This prince

A. H. 832.
A. D. 1428.

reigned to the satisfaction of all classes of his subjects for a period of two years, when he died, A. H. 832.

NASIR was succeeded by Barbik, who reigned peaceably for a period of seventeen years, and died A. H. 849.

BARBIK was succeeded by Yoosoof, who reigned between seven and eight years, and died in the year 866.

YOOSOOF was succeded by Sikundur; but he gave such offence to his nobles that they deposed him, and on the same day placed in his stead Futteh.

Enlists a large body of Hindoo infantry called Paiks, whom he employs as his household troops — he is murdered, after a reign of seven years.

THIS prince, after his accession, gave proofs both of his judgment and justice, and his liberality kept pace with his other good qualities. He raised the court of Bengal to a more respectable footing than it had hitherto attained. During his reign, he enlisted a corps composed of Paiks, ^340a whom he retained as his personal guard. It was the custom in Bengal, at that time, for five thousand Paiks to mount guard daily over the palace, and for the King to see them every morning before they were relieved. On one occasion, one of the eunuchs of the palace having gained over the guard, murdered the King.

A. H. 886.
A. D. 1401.

This event happened in the year 886, after the King had reigned seven years and five months.

WHEN the eunuch had succeeded in putting his sovereign to death, he assumed the title of Shahzada (Prince), and collected together all the eunuchs in the place, as also men of low station and desperate fortunes, who are ever ready to join in the cause of usurpers, with the hope of preferment. The chief officers and nobles of the state, however, resolved to depose this insolent upstart. Among these was Mullik Andeel, an Abyssinian chief, who was at that period on the frontier. This chief was contriving the means of punishing the usurper, and of reaching the capital in safety to carry such a plan into execution, when the eunuch ordered him to the presence, for the purpose of seizing and putting him to death. Mullik Andeel, however, considered this order as fortunate, as it afforded him an opportunity to cover his design, and he accordingly proceeded to the capital. On his arrival, he found his own party so strong that the eunuch was deterred from any attempt on Mullik Andeel's life. In the mean time, the eunuch placing the Koran before him in durbar, made Mullik Andeel swear that he would not put him to death. Mullik Andeel solemnly swore, that since he had ascended the throne he would never lay hands on him while he “filled that seat.” He, however, determined to revenge the death of his master, and for this purpose secured the good will of the eunuch's personal servants. One night, after a debauch, Mullik Andeel entered the eunuch's hall of audience, and found him sleeping. He was then lying upon “the throne,” and recollecting his pledge, Mullik Andeel refrained from hurting him; but the eunuch, at the same moment turning on his side, fell from the throne. Mullik Andeel, who now felt himself released from his vow, drew his sword, and made a cut at Shahzada. The sword only wounded him slightly, but roused him; and seeing a naked weapon opposed to him, he rushed (though unarmed) on Mullik Andeel, and as he was the stouter man of the two, threw the latter. In the struggle the lights were extinguished. The eunuch had hold of Mullik Andeel by the throat, and the latter, who was undermost, held the eunuch by the hair. Mullik Andeel called on his accomplices for aid. Yoghrish Khan Toork ran in, and discovering that they were both on the ground, hesitated what to do, till Mullik Andeel contrived to call out, “Cut away: the hog is upper-“most; and you cannot cut through him so as to “hurt me.” Yoghrish Khan made three or four cuts, when the eunuch lay as if lifeless; but after the conspirators had left the room, he ran and hid himself. On discovering that he had fled, search was made, and he was betrayed by his door-keeper, and killed by Mullik Andeel's own hand. On the death of the eunuch Mullik Andeel sent for Khan Jehan, the prime minister to the late king; and having related to him the whole of the affair, he said it was now proper for the nobles to elect a regent, as the son of Futteh Shah was only two years old. The minister and the other officers went to the late king's palace, and asked the Dowager-queen whom she chose to appoint regent. She replied, that she had sworn to support the claims of that person alone to the succession who should put to death the eunuch, the murderer of her husband. Mullik Andeel for a long time withstood her entreaties; but the rest of the nobles having unanimously declared that there was no one so fit for the situation as him, he at length consented, and ascended the throne under the title of Feroze. The eunuch reigned for a period of two months.

THE nobles having elevated Mullik Andeel, with the title of Feroze Poorby, to the throne of Bengal, he repaired to the city of Gour, where he gave

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

universal satisfaction to all classes of his subjects for a period of thirteen years, and died A. H. 899.

UPON the death of Feroze, Mahmood succeeded to the dignity of his father. He, however, yielded up the reins of his government into the hands of his slave, Hubbush Khan, who at length acquired such an ascendency, that the King retained nothing but the name. Siddy Budr Dewana (or the Madman), another slave, jealous of his fellow-servant, slew Hubbush Khan; and having got into his hands all the power of the state, bribed the commandant of the body-guard, who connived at his entering the palace unperceived one night, when he put his sovereign, Mahmood, to death.

Siddy Budr ascended the throne on the next morning, and calling together all the nobles, de-

A. H. 900.
A. D. 1492.

clared to them his intention of proclaiming himself King. Mahmood Poorby reigned only during the space of one year.

Hajy Mahomed Kandahary states, that Mah-mood was the son of Futteh Shah Poorby, and not of Feroze, and that Hubbush Khan was the slave of Barbik Khan, who, at the particular desire of Feroze before his death, placed Mahmood on the throne; but scarcely six months had elapsed before Hubbush Khan determined to usurp the throne. His project being discovered by Siddy Budr, he put Hubbush Khan to death, and subsequently slew his sovereign, and succeeded to the government, under the title of Moozuffur.

Ascends the throne — raises one Syud Shureef of Mecca to the office of minister.— Syud Shureef goes to war with his Prince, who is assassinated by one of the body-guard.

THIS slave proved a cruel and sanguinary monarch, putting to death great numbers of learned men and others, whose principles induced them to adhere closely to the tenets of the orthodox faith. At length, having headed his army against the infidels of Bengal, he slew many of them. He promoted Syud Shureef, an inhabitant of Mecca, to the office of minister, when the King eventually became subject to the will of that subtle statesman. Syud Shureef induced his master to disband the greater part of his standing army, and to reduce his force to so low a state, that many of the chiefs quitted

A. H. 903.
A. D. 1496.

the court. At length, in the year 903, the disbanded officers, headed by the minister, collected a force and seized Moozuffur in the fortress of Gour, in which were five thousand Hubshies, and thirty thousand Bengalies and Afghans. The siege continued, according to some writers, only four days, while others asserted it lasted as many months, during which time several sallies were made from the fort, in which both parties lost many men. All the prisoners taken by the besieged were brought before Moozuffur, and put to death with his own hand. It is asserted that he slew in this way four thousand men. At last, making a desperate attack on the besiegers, among whom was his late minister, Syud Shureef, a general action ensued, and the loss on both sides amounted to twenty thousand men. Victory declared in favour of the Bengal nobles, and Moozuffur with many of his relatives were killed in the battle. Hajy Mahomed Kandahary relates, that during the reign of Moozuffur upwards of one hundred and twenty thousand persons, both Mahomedans and Hindoos, lost their lives. He also states, that the nobles of the government first revolted from Moozuffur, when Syud Shureef, taking advantage of the moment, gained the commandant of the Paik body-guard, and

A. H. 904.
A. D. 1497.

having one night entered the apartment of Moozuffur, attended by sixteen men, he put him to death, after a short but sanguinary reign of three years.

Syud Shureef ascends the throne under the title of Alla-ood-Deen II. — his promptitude in restraining his soldiers from plunder — he disbands the Paik guards — his death.

ON the following morning, after the death of Moozuffur, Syud Shureef ascended the throne, and assumed the title of Alla-ood-Deen. During his administration he imputed to his sovereign every vice, particularly that most unpopular one, of penury combined with avarice; but there is no doubt the minister not only encouraged these feelings, but he may be said to have fed his propensity to amass treasure, through the unpopular measure he recommended of disbanding his army. It was by these insinuations that this crafty politician managed to obtain the ascendency over his king, while at the same time he stimulated the military chiefs to revolt, by exposing him to their hatred, and succeeded in securing their good will towards himself. Moozuffur being removed, Syud Shureef met with no difficulty in assuming the lead in the government, and in subsequently obtaining the crown. On his accession he found himself obliged at first to permit the besiegers to sack the town of Gour, but in a day or two he commanded all plundering to cease; which order not being obeyed, he put to death twelve thousand of the marauders. By this means he not only stopped its further progress, but appropriated to his own use the property these people had secured for themselves. Amongst this booty were many golden vessels, out of which the people of Bengal of large property were accustomed to eat. This luxury was carried in those days to such excess, that whoever could produce most solid gold plate at an entertainment was considered the greatest man. This species of vanity is even at this period prevalent throughout Bengal.^350a

Alla-ood-Deen, who was a sensible man, shortly after his accession disbanded the Paik body-guard, which had been of late years the cause of the death of so many princes. He also dismissed the Abyssinians; and as this latter class had acquired the character of regicides, no town in Bengal, after their dismissal, would permit them to domicile therein, so that they were constrained, though reluctantly, to retire to Guzerat and the Deccan. Alla-ood-Deen, in a short time, established such an excellent system of government as had not been witnessed in Bengal for many years. This prince ruled with justice for a considerably longer period

A. H. 930.
A. D. 1523.

than any of his predecessors, until the year 930, when he died a natural death, after a reign of twenty-seven years.

Succeeds his father on the throne — he affords an asylum to the princes and officers of the house of Lody, expelled from Dehly by the Moguls. — The King becomes cruel and tyrannical — his death — his government usurped by his minister. — Sheer Shah conquers Bengal. — Hoomayoon attacks Sheer Shah, but is repulsed. — Sheer Shah ascends the throne of Dehly, and nominates Mahomed Khan Afghan to the government as his lieutenant. — Mahomed Khan assumes independence, under the appellation of Bahadur Afghan.

ON the death of his father, Nuseeb (the eldest son of Alla-ood-Deen) succeeded to the throne. Instead of confining or putting to death his brothers, as is often the practice, this young prince, with a manly generosity, permitted them to retain their respective governments, and increased the comforts of their situations. When Babur Padshah slew Ibrahim, the son of Sikundur Lody, and ascended the throne of Dehly, many of the adherents of the Lody dynasty sought protection at the court of Bengal, and, among others, the Prince Mahmood (brother of Ibrahim Lody the late king) also took refuge there. These refugees were hospitably received, and estates were allotted to each; and in the end the daughter of Ibrahim Lody became the wife of the King of Bengal. In the year 930, when Babur Padshah marched and conquered the province of Joonpoor, he intended also to have subdued the whole kingdom of Bengal. Anticipating the demand for submission, Nuseeb sent an ambassador with magnificent presents to Babur which satisfied him, and induced him to return to Dehly; but when that monarch abdicated his throne in favour of his son Hoomayoon, the latter marched to conquer the kingdom of Bengal.

A. H. 939.
A. D. 1532. At this time, A. H. 939, Nuseeb sent an embassy with presents to Bahadur Shah of Guzerat, who gave audience to the envoy in the fort of Mando. Some years afterwards, this prince's disposition appears to have undergone a complete change; for departing from that mildness of manner and suavity of temper, which procured for him, in the first instance, the esteem of his subjects, he pursued a system the most sanguinary and cruel; but the Almighty did not long suffer him to tyrannise over his subjects,

A. H. 945.
A. D. 1538.

for he died in the year 945, after a reign of eighteen years. I was never able to ascertain whether he was murdered or died a natural death: be that as it may, after his death, Mahmood, one of his ministers, succeeded in usurping his throne.

About this period, Sheer Khan, who afterwards ascended the throne of Dehly, attacked and defeated Mahmood in action, and eventually expelled him from Bengal; whence he fled to the court of Dehly, where representing his grievances, Hoo-mayoon Padshah marched with an army and took the kingdom of Bengal from Sheer Khan, whom he defeated in a general action. On this occasion, Hoomayoon caused the public prayers to be read in his name in the city of Gour, the name of which he changed to Jumalabad. Sheer Khan, rallying

A. H. 949.
A. D. 1542.

his defeated troops, in the year 949 succeeded in reconquering Gour. On his death, and after the accession of his brother Sulim Shah to the throne of Dehly, the province of Bengal was made over to Mahomed Khan Afghan, one of the officers of his court, on the death of whom his son declared his independence, and proclaimed himself king, under the title of Bahadur.

THIS Prince reigned for five years; but being deposed in the year 956, he was succeeded by another of the nobles of Sulim Shah.

Sooliman Kirany Afghan appointed governor by the King of Dehly — he assumes the title of King — reigns for twenty-five years, and dies.

A. H. 961.
A. D. 1553.

AFTER the death of Sulim Shah, in the year 961, Sooliman threw off his allegiance from the throne of Dehly, without assuming the title of king. During his rule, he subdued the province of Orissa; and, notwithstanding he was virtually independent, he used frequently to send valuable presents to Ak-

A. H. 981.
A. D. 1573.

bur Padshah. Sooliman having reigned in Bengal for a period of twenty-five years, died in the year 981.

SOOLIMAN was succeeded by his eldest son Baye-zeed, who after a reign of one month was murdered by his first cousin Hansoo, who also fell a victim to his own treachery, having been killed by the servants of the king out of revenge.

Dawood succeeds his brother Bayezeed — is attacked by Moon-yim Khan, the general of Akbur Padshah of Dehly. — Battle of Moonere, in which Dawood Khan is defeated, and flies to Orissa, where, after several actions, he is permitted to reside. — Moonyim Khan, governor of Bengal, dies. — Da-wood Khan recovers Bengal; but is eventually defeated, and slain in battle.

ON the murder of Bayezeed he was succeeded by his younger brother Dawood Khan. This prince was much addicted to sensual excesses; and the propensity was rendered more degrading by his inclination to associate with persons of low origin and mean connections, by whom he was induced to attack the frontiers of the kingdom of Dehly. Moonyim Khan, entitled Khan Khanan, governor of Joonpoor, was ordered to punish this audacity; but, in the first instance, he only sent a detachment of his army against Dawood, which was opposed by the advanced guard of the latter under Lody Khan Afghan. Several skirmishes ensued; but at length a truce was concluded, and both parties resolved to return to their respective headquarters. Akbur Padshah, hearing of the result of the campaign, was much dissatisfied, and again directed Moonyim Khan to invade Behar. At this period, a dispute arose between Lody Khan and his master, Dawood Khan; on which the former wrote letters to Moonyim Khan, the Mogul chief, promising to assist him in the capture of Behar. Dawood Khan, obtaining secret intimation of this correspondence, succeeded, by flattering promises of reconciliation, in inducing Lody Khan to come to the capital, where he was put to death. After which, Dawood Khan marched to oppose the Mogul army. A severe engagement took place in crossing the Soane near the village of Moonere, where that river and the Suroo fall into the Ganges. Dawood Khan was defeated, and a hundred of his boats fell into the hands of Moonyim Khan, who, having crossed the Soane, marched on to Patna, to which place Dawood Khan fled for protection. Moonyim Khan immediately invested the place, and was subsequently joined by Akbur Padshah; upon whose approach Dawood Khan fled to Bengal, and the forts of Patna and Hajypoor fell to the Mogul army. On this occasion, four hundred elephants, the property of Dawood Khan, came into Akbur's possession. Moonyim Khan followed up the fugitive as far as Gurhy, from whence Dawood Khan fled to Orissa, whither he was also pursued by a small field-detachment of the Mogul army, which was defeated by Jooneid Khan, Dawood Khan's son. This detachment was pursued by Moonyim Khan, who was opposed by Dawood Khan in person, when a severe battle took place, wherein the latter was defeated, and retired to a fort on the borders of Cattack. Here he was also attacked; and finding escape impracticable, he marched out to oppose the Moguls. Moonyim Khan now proposed a truce, which ended in a solemn peace, by which Dawood Khan was invested with the government of Orissa and Cattack; and the other provinces of the Bengal kingdom were occupied by Moonyim Khan in the name of Akbur Padshah. After Moonyim Khan's death, Akbur placed the government of Bengal in the hands of Khan Jehan Toorkman; on which occasion Dawood Khan retook the province of Bengal from the nobles of

A. H. 993.
A. D. 1584.

the Dehly government. In the year 993, Khan Jehan was appointed governor, and Dawood Khan attacked him on a spot between the villages of Gohey and Nunda; when after a severe engagement the latter was taken prisoner, and suffered death as a rebel, while his son, who was severely wounded in the action, died a few days afterwards. From that period, the kingdom of Bengal, including the districts of Orissa and Cattack, was subdued, and fell under the subjection of Akbur Padshah. Thus ended the rule of the Poorby or independent eastern kings of Bengal. On the death of Akbur, an Afghan chief, by name Oothman Khan, made head against the Dehly government, and collecting a force of twenty thousand of his countrymen, proclaimed himself king; after which he attacked the country belonging to Jehangeer Padshah of Dehly, who ordered Islam Khan, the son of Sheikh Budr-ood-Deen of Futtehpoor, to march and sub-

A. H. 1018.
A. D. 1609.

due the usurper; and in the present year, being 1018, the war still continues.

To face page 359. Vol. IV.]

>genealogy<

Is appointed governor of the provinces east of Dehly — proclaims his independence — compels the rulers of Bengal to pay him tribute — his death.

THE different rulers who have governed in the provinces of Joonpoor and Anturbede ^359a are styled by historians the Shurky kings.

It appears from the Towareekh Moobarik Shahy, that Mahomed, the son of Feroze Toghluk, created one of his eunuchs (Mullik Survur) his prime minister, and honoured him with the title of Khwaja Jehan; that upon the death of Mahomed,

Jumad-ool-
Awul,
A. H. 796.
March,
A. D. 1394.

and on the accession of his son Mahmood Toghluk, that monarch, in the month of Jumad-ool-Awul, A. H. 796, conferred on his minister the additional title of Mullik-oos-Shurk†, ^359b and appointed him governor of the eastern provinces of the empire, and Joonpoor became his capital. The governor soon succeeded in bringing all the neighbouring zemindars to acknowledge his authority, and recovered various forts and strong holds which the infidels had of late years wrested from the Ma-homedans, and placed his own garrisons therein. The reign of Mahmood Toghluk was interrupted by serious internal commotions; and Khwaja Jehan took advantage of these circumstances to assume the title of Sooltan-oos-Shurk; ^360a and having reduced Gorukpoor and Bheiraich, proceeded to subdue the provinces of Anturbede and Behar. The Poorby kings, who reigned at Luknowty in Bengal, instead of sending the accustomed presents to the King of Dehly, propitiated the Shurky monarch by sending them to him. His power was

A. H. 802.
A. D. 1399.

therefore daily increasing, when an untimely death snatched him from his worldly dignities. He died, A. H. 802, after a short reign of six years.

Assumes the regalia, and causes coin to be struck in his name as King. — Mulloo Yekbal Khan invades his country. — Peace concluded. — The death of Moobarik Shah Shurky.

ON the death of Khwaja Jehan he was succeeded by his adopted son, Mullik Kurrunful, who realised the wish that his predecessor carried with him to the grave; and, accordingly, on his accession, perceiving that the kingdom of Dehly was thrown into disorder and anarchy, he, with the consent of the officers of his government, assumed the regal canopy, and caused coin to be struck, and prayers to be read, in his name, under the title of Moobarik Shah Shurky.

No sooner did this information reach Dehly than Mulloo Yekbal Khan (who had lately usurped the throne, and expelled Mahmood Toghluk from

A. H. 803.
A. D. 1400.

his government,) marched, in the year 803, with an army to attack Joonpoor. On reaching Kunowj, he found Moo-barik Shah, with a force consisting of Moguls, Afghans, and Rajpoots, encamped on the eastern bank of the Ganges to oppose him. Mulloo Yekbal Khan halted on the western shore, and there the respective chiefs, as if apprehensive of each other, remained stationary for upwards of two months. At length, being distressed for forage and provisions, they came to an accommodation, by which they agreed to return quietly to their respective capitals. News arrived some time after, that Mahmood Toghluk, emerging from his concealment in Malwa, whither he had fled, had now resumed the government of Dehly; and that Mulloo Yekbal Khan, accompanied by him, was

A. H. 804.
A. D. 1401.

again preparing to attack Joonpoor. In the mean time Moobarik Shah died, in the year 804, after a short reign of eighteen months.

His country invaded by Mulloo Yekbal Khan, attended by Mah-mood Toghluk. — Peace concluded. — Ibrahim takes Kunowj from the King of Dehly; also takes Sumbhul, which is retaken — encourages literature in his country — proceeds to besiege Byana; but concludes a peace with the King of Dehly. — Death of Ibrahim.

ON the death of Moobarik, his younger brother, Ibrahim, was elevated to the throne. He was famous during his reign for the encouragement he afforded to literature; and we find that in those times of anarchy and confusion which prevailed in Hindoostan, Joonpoor became the seat of learning; as appears from several works now extant, dedicated to Ibrahim Shah.

In the early part of his reign, his kingdom was threatened by the invasion of Mulloo Yekbal Khan; who, having obtained possession of the person of Mahmood Toghluk, marched a second time to attack the eastern provinces. Ibrahim Shah assumed the same position his brother had taken up before, on the banks of the Ganges, and Yekbal Khan encamped also on the opposite side, near the city of Kunowj. Mahmood Toghluk, though nominally king, was not only virtually deprived of all authority, but the semblance even of respect was denied him; and being disgusted more than ever with Mulloo Yekbal Khan, he one day took advantage of the circumstance of being on a hunting party to make his escape. He withdrew to Ibrahim Shah Shurky, in hopes that the latter would assist him either in regaining his power, or, at any rate, in subduing Mulloo Yekbal Khan; but Ibrahim Shah, dreading the effect of his presence among his troops, refused him support; and Mah-mood, covered with disgrace, returned to Kunowj, in which city he succeeded in establishing his authority; so that both Mulloo Yekbal Khan and Ibrahim Shah Shurky, leaving him in quiet possession, returned to their respective capitals without fighting a battle.

In some histories it is related that Mahmood Toghluk went over to the Shurky court during the reign of Moobarik Shah, and that the latter prince died while Mahmood was with him; but that on the accession of Ibrahim, who was then at Joonpoor, Mahmood Toghluk occupied Kunowj, which he was permitted to retain. God only knows which account is correct.

A. H. 808.
A. D. 1405. According to the Dehly historians, Mulloo Yekbal Khan was killed in the year 808, and Mahmood Toghluk recovered his authority. On that occasion he evacuated

A. H. 809.
A. D. 1406.

Kunowj, and on the following year, 809, Ibrahim Shah Shurky marched to retake it. Mahmood Toghluk, however, appearing at the head of his troops, opposed him. The two armies encamped as before, on either side the Ganges, within their own boundaries, where having remained some time, they each returned to their respective capitals. Mahmood Toghluk now returned to Dehly, and disbanded his army, when Ibrahim Shah availed himself of the circumstance to invest Kunowj, and he took it after a siege of four months. Having halted at that city during the rains, he afterwards marched to the northward, for the purpose of making encroachments on the territory of Dehly. On being joined by many of the nobles of that kingdom, who deserted Mahmood Toghluk, he proceeded to the province of Sumbhul, which was evacuated without resistance, and Tartar Khan was nominated governor. On the arrival of Ibrahim Shah Shurky on the Jumna, he heard that Moozuffur Shah of Guzerat, having invaded Malwa, had defeated and taken prisoner Sooltan Hooshung, ^365a and that he was at that time on his march to assist Mahmood Toghluk. Reports even went so far as to say that he intended to attack Joonpoor itself. Ibrahim Shah, in consequence, retreated hastily to his capital, while Mahmood Toghluk, instead of pursuing him with the Dehly army, contented himself with re-occupying the province of Sumbhul, and Tartar Khan returned to his master at Joonpoor.

A. H. 816.
A. D. 1413. In the year 816, Ibrahim Shah again marched towards Dehly, but after a few days returned to his capital, where he led a peaceful life in the prosecution of literary pursuits, and in the promotion of the arts of civilisa-

tion, till, in the year 831, Mahmood Khan of Mewat induced him to march his army to attack the fort of Byana, where he was opposed by the forces of Syud Moo-barik, King of Dehly. The two armies lay entrenched at the distance of eight miles from each other for twenty-two days, during which period some trifling skirmishes ensued; when Ibrahim Shah Shurky, marching out from his entrenchments towards the Dehly army, brought on an action, which, though it lasted from noon till night, proved indecisive, the forces having mutually retreated in good order. On the following day, the two sovereigns concluded a hollow peace, and retreated to their respective capitals.

A. H. 839.
A. D. 1435.

In the year 839, Ibrahim Shah Shurky proceeded to reduce Kalpy, where he was opposed by Sooltan Hooshung of Malwa; but on receiving intimation that Syud Moobarik of Dehly was in full march to attack Joonpoor, he countermarched without risking an engagement, and Kalpy fell into the hands of the King of Malwa.

A. H. 844.
A. D. 1440. In the year 844, Ibrahim Shah Shurky, being taken dangerously ill, died, after a long reign of upwards of forty years. He was equally beloved in life, as he was regretted by all his subjects.

Attacks Kalpy, which is evacuated by its governor. — The King of Malwa resents the injury.— Peace concluded. — Mahmood Shah attacks Dehly — is compelled to retreat, and loses a great portion of his baggage and elephants during the operation. — War continued with Bheilole Lody, King of Dehly. — Death of Mahmood Shah Shurky.

AFTER the death of Ibrahim Shah, he was suc-

A. H. 847.
A. D. 1443.

ceeded by his eldest son Mahmood. In the year 847, he sent an envoy to the court of Malwa to inform Sooltan Mah-mood Khiljy that Nuseer Khan, the son of Kadur Khan of Kalpy, had, within the last two or three years, disgraced the Mahomedan name by encouraging the Hindoo faith, and had carried his views of toleration so far as to permit Mahomedan females to dwell with infidels. He deemed it (he said) necessary to inform him of these proceedings, considering Nuseer Khan a dependent of Malwa since the reign of Sooltan Hooshung. In conclusion, he observed, that the scandal to Mahomedism was such, that if the King of Malwa did not deem it politic or convenient to send troops in order to restore the religious observances of the faithful at Kalpy, he would himself march to effect that object. Sooltan Mahmood replied, that he had heard of the proceedings of Nuseer Khan; but that his armies being at present employed against the infidels of Mewar and Kota, he was unable to spare them to operate against Nuseer Khan, and sanctioned the advance of Mahmood Shah Shurky to bring Nuseer to a due sense of his obligations as a true believer. Mahmood Shah, pleased with the reception of his envoy, immediately put his army in motion, having, in the mean time, sent twenty-nine elephants as a present to the King of Malwa. On his approach towards Kalpy, Nuseer Khan wrote petitions to Sooltan Mahmood Khiljy, soliciting his protection; and on ascertaining the plea for the attack of the Shurky troops, he promised to cause a reform in his administration, and to afford no reason for further complaint; reminding Sooltan Mahmood that his predecessor, Sooltan Hooshung, had made over the estate of Kalpy in perpetuity to his father, Kadur Khan, from whom it had descended to him. Sooltan Mahmood, moved by the penitence evinced by Nuseer Khan, wrote to Mahmood Shah Shurky, saying, that as Nuseer Khan had promised in future to conduct himself in a more cautious manner, he trusted that the King of Joonpoor would abstain from adopting any measures against him. Which communication was sent by an express courier. In the mean time, Mahmood Shah Shurky having reached Kalpy, sacked the town, and obliged Nuseer Khan to fly to Chundery, to which

A. H. 848.
A. D. 1444.

place Sooltan Mahmood of Malwa proceeded, in the year 848, with his army. ^368a On his approach, Mahmood Shah Shurky marched to Eerich, where a partial engagement took place; when, through the mediation of Sheikh Jumal-ood-Deen Sudda, a peace was concluded, by which it was agreed that Nuseer Khan for the present should occupy the towns of Eerich and Rahut, and that four months after the return of the respective forces the district of Kalpy and its dependencies should be restored to him. Mahmood Shah Shurky, having recruited his army, took the field again for the purpose of reducing some refractory zemindars in the district of Chunar, which place he sacked, and from thence he proceeded into the province of Orissa, which he also reduced; and having destroyed the temples and collected large sums of money, returned to Joonpoor.

A. H. 856.
A. D. 1452. In the year 856, Mahmood Shah besieged the city of Dehly; but Bheilole Lody returning from Depalpoor, whither he had proceeded for the purpose of conquest, Mahmood Shah was compelled to retire, as he discovered that Duria Khan Lody, who had formerly deserted the King of Dehly and joined him, was now prepared to abandon him also. The retreat, however, was delayed till the last moment, which enabled Bheilole Lody to pursue the King of Joon-poor so closely, as to intercept and destroy his baggage; on which occasion Futteh Khan Hirvy, who commanded the Shurky rear-guard, was killed, and seven war-elephants were taken.

A. H. 861.
A. D. 1456. In the year 861, Bheilole marched to reduce Etawa, where he was opposed by Mahmood Shah Shurky; a particular account of which transaction has been given in the Dehly history. The two armies having encamped near the town of Shumsabad, Kootb Khan Lody, first cousin to the King of Dehly, made a night-attack on the Shurky lines, which failed, and he

A. H. 862.
A. D. 1457.

was made prisoner. Affairs remained in this state, when, in the year 862, Mah-mood Shurky was seized with severe illness, and died in camp, after a reign of twenty years.

War continued with the King of Dehly. — Mahomed Shah becomes very cruel — puts his brother Hussun Khan to death. — His mother and his other brothers conspire against him. — A civil war prevails. — Mahomed Shah loses his life. — A truce concluded with the King of Dehly for four years, and an exchange of prisoners takes place.

MAHMOOD was succeeded by his eldest son Bhee-kun Khan, who caused himself to be proclaimed King, under the title of Mahomed Shah Shurky. On his accession he formed a treaty with Bheilole Lody, which stipulated that each should retain what they then possessed. On his return to Joon-poor Mahomed Shah disgusted all ranks by his cruelty and irritable temper; which no one felt more severely than his mother, the Dowager-queen. He had not long been crowned, when Bheilole Lody marched towards Joonpoor, in order to effect the release of his cousin Kootb Khan, who was made prisoner during a night-attack on the Shurky lines at Shumsabad, and who had not been released. On this occasion one Purtab Sing, a zemindar, who owned allegiance to the Dehly government, dreading the power of Mahomed Shah Shurky, joined him.

Mahomed Shah now proceeded towards Soor-sutty, and was opposed at Rabery by the light troops of Bheilole Lody. During this campaign, Mahomed Shah Shurky wrote to the kotwal of Joonpoor to put to death his brothers, Hussun Khan and Kootb Khan. That officer replied, that the Dowager-queen, Beeby Rajy, was so careful lest any one should approach the princes, that he found it quite impossible to carry the project into effect. Mahomed Shah, therefore, requested that his mother might join him in camp, on the plea of consulting her as to the expediency of settling an estate for life on Hussun Khan, his younger brother. The Dowager no sooner left Joonpoor than the kotwal carried his instructions into effect, by murdering the Prince; and the Queen, Beeby Rajy, halted at Kunowj to perform the matum, or mourning ceremony, for her son, where she remained in spite of Mahomed Shah Shurky's solicitations for her to proceed to camp.

During this time, the princes Hoossein Khan and Julal Khan resolved to become independent of their brother the King; and they spread a report in the camp, that the Dehly army, then in their vicinity, proposed to make a night-attack on the Shurky lines. Mahomed Shah directed the Prince Hoossein Khan, accompanied by Sooltan Shah and Julal Khan Ajoodhuny, two of the Shurky generals, to proceed with a force composed of thirty thousand cavalry and one thousand elephants, to intercept the enemy. Hoossein Khan marched only to a short distance, and encamped; when Bhei-lole Lody, taking advantage of his separation from the army, sent a force to attack him. Hoossein Khan, conceiving himself unable to resist the Dehly troops, retreated towards Kunowj, and wrote to his brother, Julal Khan, to join him there. In attempting to effect this, Julal Khan was taken prisoner by the Dehly troops, and Bheilole Lody resolved to detain him till the release of his cousin, the Prince Kootb Khan. Mahomed Shah, perceiving his army thus divided into factions, was induced to retire on Kunowj also, whither he was pursued by Bheilole Lody; after which the latter returned to Dehly. The Prince Hoossein Khan was received at Kunowj by his mother with open arms; and assumed the title of King before the arrival of Mahomed Shah, whom he opposed at the Rajgeer passage of the Ganges. Mahomed Shah, deserted by his officers, was compelled to seek safety in flight; he was, however, overtaken, and would no doubt, from his well-known prowess, have slain many of his pursuers, but that his mother, having gained over his armour-bearer to her interest, persuaded him to take off the points from all the arrows in his quiver. It was in this defenceless condition that he was killed by an arrow entering his throat. A peace was soon after concluded between Hoossein Khan, who assumed the title of Shah, and Bheilole Lody; when it was agreed that a suspension of hostilities should take place for four years; after which, if it were found necessary, another treaty might be formed. Purtab Sing, who formerly joined Mahomed Shah Shurky on his march from Joonpoor, was induced by Kootb Khan to join the army of Bheilole Lody; and on the arrival of Hoossein Shah Shurky at the Howz-i-Burma, he sent for Kootb Khan from Joonpoor, and equipping him in handsome style, permitted him to return to Dehly. On his arrival there, the Shurky prince, Julal Khan, was also released, and joined his brother at Joonpoor. The reign of Ma-homed Shah lasted only for the short period of five months.

Ascends his brother's throne — leads a vast army into Orissa — compels the Raja of Gualiar to pay him tribute — lays claim to the throne of Dehly, and engages in war with Bheilole Lody — is defeated, and quits his kingdom, which henceforth is incorporated with that of Dehly.

THIS prince ascended the throne of the Shurky kings immediately after the death of his brother Mahomed Shah. One of the first acts of his government was to put to death several officers, who after his succession had headed a party against him. Shortly afterwards he led an army, consisting of thirty thousand horse and a hundred thousand infantry, besides four hundred elephants, for the purpose of conquering Orissa. On reaching that province he caused his troops to disperse in detachments, in order to lay waste the country. The Ray of Orissa, unable to oppose this sudden inroad, perceived no remedy but submission; and in order to conciliate the invader, the Ray sent thirty elephants, a hundred horses, and various articles, including silken and other cloths; with which Hoossein Shah being satisfied, he returned to Joonpoor.

A. H. 878.
A. D. 1473.

For this purpose he marched, in the year 878, with an army composed of one hundred and forty thousand horse and foot, and one thousand four hundred elephants. On information of the movement of the Shurky army, Bheilole Lody deputed an embassy to Sooltan Mahmood of Malwa, promising to him the cession of the district of Byana for the services of his army, in order to oppose Hoossein Shah; but the envoy had scarcely reached the Malwa capital before the Shurky troops were already in possession of the suburbs of Dehly. Bheilole Lody, conceiving himself unable to withstand the army of Hoossein Shah, made overtures for peace, and agreed to cede the whole of the territory of Dehly, retaining for himself the city and a tract of country lying within a circuit of eighteen coss of the capital. Hoossein Shah, elated with pride, rejected these terms; and Bheilole, who repented of his offer the instant it was made, became glad of the opportunity of retracting. He therefore left the city with eighteen thousand cavalry, and encamped on the banks of the Jumna, opposite the Shurky troops. As the river was between the two camps, some time passed before any action occurred, till one day Bheilole Lody, taking advantage of the Shurky cavalry being absent on a foraging party, led his cavalry into the Jumna, and attacked the enemy at noon. The Shurky line, wholly unprepared for this assault, had no time to form, but fled, and the whole of the family of Hoossein Shah Shurky was taken; the ladies of which were treated with every mark of respect, and shortly after sent to Hoossein Shah. In

A. H. 879.
A. D. 1474.

the following year Hoossein Shah was again induced by his wife, Mullika Jehan, to march against Dehly, and having reached the vicinity of that capital, he was met by an envoy who offered terms; but the prosperity of the Shurky dynasty having arrived at its zenith, its decline commenced from this moment. Hoossein Shah mistaking for pusillanimity the overtures of Bheilole for reconciliation rejected them, and boldly asserted that he would be content only with the possession of Dehly. Bheilole, in consequence, marched forth, and opposed the Shurky army in three successive actions. In the first battle, Hoos-sein Shah was defeated, as also in the second; when being followed by the Dehly troops he sustained a third defeat, and was individually so closely pursued that he left his horse and escaped on foot. The details of these circumstances have already been related in the Dehly history. The Dehly army advanced without any other check to Joonpoor, which fell to the arms of Bheilole Lody; while Hoossein Shah, abandoning his capital, was obliged to content himself with a small tract of country, yielding only a revenue of five lacks of rupees.^377a

Bheilole Lody having delivered over Joonpoor and its kingdom to his son Barbik, enjoined him not to deprive Hoossein Shah of the small tract to which he was confined, terming it his family estate. On the death of Bheilole Lody, and on the accession of his eldest son, Sikundur Lody, Hoossein Shah Shurky incited the Prince Barbik of Joonpoor to march against his brother, and wrest the government out of his hands; but Barbik was defeated in the first action, and retired to Joonpoor, to which place he was pursued by Sikundur Lody. Joonpoor fell shortly after, and it was added to the kingdom of Dehly. Hoossein Shah was now induced to seek refuge with Alla-ood-Deen Poorby of Bengal, by whom he was treated with the respect due to his station till his death. The subversion of the Shurky dynasty may be dated therefore from the subjugation of that principality by Sikundur Lody, an

A. H. 881.
A. D. 1476.

event which occurred in the year 881. The reign of Hoossein Shah Shurky lasted for a period of nineteen years.

To face page 379. Vol. IV.]

>genealogy<

Some account of the first conquest of Mooltan — reverts to the Hindoos — is again subjected to Mahomedan rule by Maho-med Ghoory. — In the fallen condition of the Dehly empire, the Mooltanies elect Sheikh Yoosoof to be their governor — he is treacherously seized by Ray Sehra Lunga, an Afghan chief, who usurps the throne.

THE introduction of the Mahomedan faith into Mooltan first took place in the latter end of the first century of the Hijra, by the conquest of that country by Mahomed Kasim; after whom, until the reign of Mahmood of Ghizny, no account is to be traced of its history. It is mentioned in the Ghizny annals that Mahmood conquered Mooltan from the infidels; but that on the decline of the Ghizny power, the inhabitants, taking to arms, succeeded in expelling the Ma-homedans, and in establishing a separate government. From the period of its subjugation by

A. H. 847.
A. D. 1443.

Moyiz-ood-Deen Mahomed Ghoory, it remained tributary to Dehly until the year 847, when the governor of that province, like most others of the kingdom at the same period, declared his independence; after which time several princes reigned in succession.

When the sceptre was transferred from the hands of Alla-ood-Deen, the son of Mahomed, the son of Feroze Toghluk, into those of Syud Khizr Khan, the Dehly empire fell into anarchy and disorder, and the province of Mooltan, wholly unprotected, became open to invasion from the contiguous kingdoms of Ghoor, Ghizny, and Ka-bul. Without a regular governor, and having suffered severely from these predatory inroads, the inhabitants of Mooltan, seeing the necessity of having a leader to direct their exertions, and to protect the country from their troublesome neigh-

A. H. 847.
A. D. 1443.

bours, assembled in the year 847, and selected one Sheikh Yoosoof, a man of learning, wisdom, and high character, of the tribe of Kooreish, to be ruler over the people of Mooltan and Oocha, when the public prayers were read, and money coined, in his name. This prince fully repaid their confidence by re-organising the government, and gaining the esteem and friendship of the surrounding zemindars. Among other persons, was one Ray Sehra, ^380a the chief of the town of Seevy and its neighbourhood, who sent a message of congratulation to Sheikh Yoosoof Kooreishy, stating that his ancestors and those of the Sheikh had known each other for many generations, and he therefore courted his friendship. He represented, also, that as Bheilole Lody had taken advantage of the distracted condition of the Dehly kingdom, and proclaimed himself king, it was but just of Sheikh Yoosoof to take into favour the tribe of Lunga, which was in his neighbourhood, and by enrolling himself and followers among his most faithful servants, afford them an opportunity of showing their attachment. As a proof of his regard, Ray Sehra offered to give his daughter to Sheikh Yoosoof, who having consented to the match, the marriage was celebrated according to the custom of kings. After this the Afghan chief frequently came from Seevy to Mooltan to visit his daughter, and generally brought some presents with him. On these occasions he used to occupy some spot outside of the town, where he pitched his tents, and came in to see his daughter and son-in-law without attendants. At last he came to Mooltan with a number of his tribe, having made up his mind to endeavour to seize Sheikh Yoosoof, and to usurp the government. On coming into the neighbourhood, he sent word to his son-in-law that he had brought the whole of his tribe to Mooltan, in order to give the Sheikh an opportunity of seeing, and of allowing them to pay their respects to him. The simple Sheikh, unacquainted with the artifices and subtlety of the world, agreed. The Afghan arrived in the evening; and having remained in his tents some time after prayers, three separate messages were sent by his daughter for him to go into the town. He at length complied; and desired his servant, when he called for something to drink at dinner, to give him, instead of water, a cup full of fresh duck's blood, which the Afghan drank off. During the evening he complained of severe pains in his bowels; and on an emetic being administered he threw up the blood which he had just drank. This circumstance so alarmed the Sheikh that he sent for the Afghan's doctor from his camp, as also for several of his kinsmen and clansmen, who were admitted with their arms without suspicion. After a certain number had entered Ray Sehra threw off the mask, and seized the Sheikh. Sheikh Yoosoof only reigned for a period of two years.

Ray Sehra, entitled Kootb-ood-Deen Lunga, ascends the throne — he expels his predecessor and son-in-law from Mooltan — his death.

RAY SEHRA, having secured the person of Sheikh Yoosoof, caused the public prayers to be read in his name, under the title of Kootb-ood-Deen Mah-mood Lunga; and the inhabitants of Mooltan submitted to his government without murmur or discontent. After ascending the throne, he sent his predecessor, Sheikh Yoosoof, out of the city under a guard to Dehly by the south gate; and in commemoration of that event, he caused that entrance to be built up with brick and mortar; and I understand it is to be seen in the same state at this day, being the year 1018 (A. D. 1609).

Sheikh Yoosoof on arriving at Dehly was met by Bheilole Lody, and was received with respect; afterwhich such an intimacy arose between those two great personages, that the King of Hindoostan gave his daughter in marriage to Sheikh Abdoolla, the son of the deposed ruler of the province of Mooltan.

Succeeds his father — gives encouragement to learned men, and establishes colleges in Mooltan under their superintendence — raises troops, and invades the Punjab — takes Kot-girvur and Dhunkote. — Mooltan besieged in his absence by the Prince Barbik and Tartar Khan. — The besieged are repulsed. — Enlists in his army a large body of Bulochies from Mikran — sends an envoy to Dehly, and makes peace — deputes an ambassador to Guzerat — abdicates his throne in favour of his son Feroze, who is assassinated. — Death of Hoossein Lunga.

AFTER the death of Kootb-ood-Deen Lunga, the principal nobles in Mooltan elected his son Hoos-sein to succeed him, and the public prayers were read in his name. This prince was not only a great promoter of literature, but himself a very learned man. He erected colleges, in which were some of the most eminent scholars of the time. In the beginning of his reign he marched to reduce the fort of Sheevur, at that time held by Ghazy Khan, who on hearing of the approach of the Mooltanies advanced to oppose them, to the distance of twenty miles from his capital; and although he behaved with great bravery in the war which ensued, he was compelled to fly, and before he could reach the fort of Sheevur was reduced to seek protection in Bheemra. The members of his family who were in the fort of Sheevur, however, made a gallant resistance, and held out under the expectation of receiving aid from the town of Khooshab, then under Ameer Syeed Khan. Disappointed in these hopes, they eventually surrendered the fort of Sheevur, but obtained permission to proceed to Bheemra. Hoossein Lunga having remained some time to recruit his army, marched towards the fortress of Hoot. Mullik Kazy Gukkur, who was nearly related to Ameer Syeed Khan, was governor of the place; and, for form's sake, having defended it for a few days, gave it up to Hoossein Lunga, who after remaining there a short period returned to Mooltan; and from thence he marched against Kotgirvur and Dhunkote, both of which places he reduced to subjection. Meanwhile Sheikh Yoosoof persuaded Bheilole Lody to assist him in recovering his country. At this time, when Hoossein Lunga had advanced so far to the eastward as Dhunkote, Bheilole Lody deputed his son, the Prince Barbik (who is mentioned both in the Dehly and Joonpoor histories), with an army to reduce Mooltan. Barbik having been joined by the forces of Tartar Khan Lody in the Pun-jab, proceeded towards Mooltan. The brother of Hoossein, who had been left in the fort of Kot-girvur after its fall, had proclaimed himself king, under the name of Shahab-ood-Deen. On receipt of this information, Hoossein Lunga marched to reduce the place; and having confined his rebellious brother in fetters, was on his return, when he heard that the Prince Barbik and Tartar Khan had arrived near the city of Mooltan, which they were on the point of attacking. Hoossein Lunga moved his camp without delay; and making rapid marches, crossed the Indus, and threw himself into the fort, before the arrival of the Dehly army; and drawing up his soldiers, he thus addressed them: — “My brethren and fellow-soldiers, I do “not suppose that every man in my army is neces-“sarily a hero, nor do I expect too much from “any of you. Some there are, however, who, “seeking preferment, and ambitious for fame in “the field of battle, lay aside all other consider-“ations; while there are others whose attachment “to their families will induce them to hold back, “and merely keep their situations in the service, “by not positively flying before the enemy. Both “these classes have their value: the former are “useful for foreign conquest, and the latter for “protecting our homes. All those of the latter “class will be required on the present occasion “for the defence of the garrison, while those of “the former, I trust, will be ready to join me at “daylight to-morrow morning under the walls.” On the following day at sunrise twelve thousand men prepared to follow Hoossein, whom he led out against the invaders. After having brought his front opposite the Dehly forces, he directed his cavalry to dismount, himself showing the example, and then ordered the whole to discharge three rounds of arrows in rapid succession into the enemy's lines. This discharge shook the Dehly army, who were prepared only for skirmishing; and the Mooltany horse having mounted again, broke the enemy's ranks, and completed the defeat. Barbik Khan and Tartar Khan fled, passing by the fort of Sheevur, which they did not venture to attack; but proceeding direct to Hoot, they succeeded in obtaining possession of that fort by promising advantageous terms to the garrison, in the first place, after which they inhumanly put them to the sword.

At this period, one Mullik Sohrab Duvally with his two sons, Ismael and Futteh Khan, arriving from Mikran, engaged in the service of Hoos-sein Lunga, who gave over to them the country lying between Kotgirvur and Dhunkote, for the support of himself and tribe. Many other Bulo-chies, also, hearing of the reception of Mullik Sohrab, flocked in great numbers to Mooltan, and were also received into his service, and a portion of the country of Sind, lying contiguous to Bulo-chistan, was also given up to them; till at length all the country lying between Setpoor and Dhun-kote was occupied by Bulochies. It was at this time, also, that Jam Bayezeed and Jam Ibrahim, of the tribe of Sahna, being offended with the treatment they experienced from Jam Nunda, King of Sind, came to the court of Hoossein Lunga of Mooltan.

The tribe of Sahna appears to be of obscure origin. The Sahnas seem originally to have occupied the tract lying between Bhukkur and Tutta, in Sind, and pretend to trace their pedigree from Jam Jumsheed, ^388a King of Persia. Being a warlike race, Jam Nunda used to boast he was also descended from Jumsheed, though he was at variance with the tribe of Sahna. A dissension arising among the Sahna tribe, Jam Nunda took advantage of it to instigate them against Jam Bayezeed and Jam Ibrahim, two brothers, who being eventually compelled to seek safety in flight, found protection in Mooltan. Hoossein Lunga afforded them an asylum, and conferred the district of Sheevur on Jam Bayezeed, and that of Oocha on Jam Ibrahim.

Bheilole Lody of Dehly dying, and being succeeded by his son Sikundur, Hoossein Lunga deemed the opportunity favourable to gain the alliance of that court; and consequently deputed an ambassador with rich presents to Dehly, conveying letters of condolence and congratulation: the former, on account of the death of Bheilole, and the latter, on Sikundur Lody's accession to the throne.

On the arrival of the Mooltan ambassador, Sikundur Lody received the presents, and entered into a treaty of alliance, by which it was agreed that the respective armies of Mooltan and Dehly should keep within their present limits, but that, if required, they should assist each other in case of external invasion. It is related that Hoossein Lunga also sent ambassadors to Moozuffur Shah of Guzerat, the particular object of which was to procure architects, and to bring a plan and model of the several buildings at Ahmudabad. The envoy, Kazy Mahomed, having returned, the King questioned him as to the King's palace at Ahmudabad, and asked if such a one could be built at Mooltan. The envoy replied, “It be-“hoves servants, when required to answer, to “speak the truth; and I am, therefore, constrained “to acquaint your Majesty, that I really cannot “even describe the magnificence of the palace of “Ahmudabad; and I doubt if the whole revenue “of Mooltan were set aside for a year, whether it “would defray the expense of such a building.” Hoossein Lunga was offended at this blunt speech; and although he made no observation, he was evidently stung at the contemplation of his own relative insignificance. The prime minister, Imad-ool-Moolk, perceiving the King's dejection, remarked, that his Majesty had no cause to lament, since, though India might be the country of riches, yet Mooltan could boast of being a country of men, some of whom were famed in the field of battle, while others were as renowned for their literary acquirements. Among the latter he enumerated Sheikh Yoosoof Kooreishy, Sheikh Baha-ood-Deen Zacharia, and others brought up in the philosophic school of Hajy Abdool Wahab; besides Futteh Oolla and his disciple Azeez Oolla, both inhabitants of Mooltan, and who had each thousands of disciples. The King was pleased at the ingenious turn which his minister had given to the conversation; but it is evident it had an effect on his mind; for very shortly afterwards he abdicated his throne in favour of his son Feroze, asserting as a reason that he was old, and found his faculties failing him. After this he retired from public life; and living in a humble style, contented himself by having about him holy personages, who expounded the laws of the prophet, and explained the tenets of the faith.

On the accession of the Prince Feroze to the throne, Imad-ool-Moolk still held the office of prime minister; but the young king becoming jealous of the great popularity of Beilal, the prime minister's eldest son, he resolved on that youth's destruction, and employed one of his own servants to assassinate him, by shooting an arrow through his heart in the public streets. The minister, unable to obtain redress, and bent on revenge, caused poison to be administered to the young king, of which he died. On the death of Feroze, the old king Hoossein was again prevailed on to ascend the throne, and proclaimed his grandson, Mahmood, the son of the late Feroze, heir-apparent, and successor to the government. Imad-ool-Moolk continued to hold the office of prime minister, nor did Hoossein Lunga openly profess to consider him the murderer of his son; but in due time he intimated to Jam Bayezeed, the Sahna emigrant, that he would confer on him the office of vizier, if he could get rid of Imad-ool-Moolk, who was accordingly seized the next day, and put in irons.

Suffur 26.
A. H. 908.
Aug. 29.
A. D. 1502. A few days after which, on Sunday, the 26th of Suffur, A. H. 908 (but according to some 904), Hoossein Lunga, King of Mooltan, quitted this perishable state of existence for that of eternity, after a reign of thirty or of thirty-four years. I regret that the Towareekh Bahadur Shahy, ^392a which contains the history of this prince, is so full of errors; to detail which would be useless, and only tend to lengthen the work to no purpose.

Is elevated to the throne by the minister Jam Bayezeed. — The King abandons himself to low company. — The minister quits the town, and employs his son to receive the King's orders. — The young king attempts to murder the minister's son in court, but himself receives a wound. — The minister and his son fly from the capital — they occupy Sheevur, and claim the protection of the King of Dehly. — Civil war between the King and his minister — they agree to divide the empire. — The King is attacked by Shah Hoossein Arghoon, who marches to Mooltan. — Death of Mahmood Lunga.

ON the day after the death of Hoossein Lunga, Jam Bayezeed, the prime minister, in concert with the other nobles, placed Mahmood Khan, the heir-apparent, on the throne; but this youth being very young, and silly withal, chose the society of low fellows, who administered to his foibles and vicious propensities, and prevented the approach of respectable people to his person, so that they withdrew from court, leaving him to his own favourites. These profligates resolved to displace Jam Bayezeed, the minister, from office; and he, having obtained intimation of their plan, feigning indisposition, confined himself to his house, built on the banks of the Chunab, where he transacted the public business. Jam Bayezeed having one day sent for some of the revenue collectors of the neighbouring towns, they behaved disrespectfully, and even insolently, to the minister, who ordering their heads to be shorn, caused each of them to be mounted on an ass, with his face to the tail, and to be exposed in this state through the city of Mooltan. The minister's enemies, exaggerating the circumstance, represented that he had disgraced some of the King's personal servants, and had, without any cause, for some time transacted public business at his own house, without consulting the King, excepting through the means of his son Alum Khan. They said that such conduct was degrading to his Majesty, and that the minister was in reality assuming the entire control of the state. Some days after this, when Alum Khan, the minister's son, was at the durbar, a few of the King's associates attacked him in the most abusive language, regarding the conduct of his father. Alum Khan, the most elegant young man of the times, unaccustomed to such usage, stood in amazement, without uttering a word. From abuse they proceeded to threats, and at length commenced kicking and beating him in the presence. The King rose, and though he did not actually assist yet did not check them. Alum Khan, recovering himself a little from his surprise, drew his dagger, and in brandishing it to clear his way it came in contact with the King's head, and entered the skin just over a vein, which bled profusely. The sight of the King's blood, fortunately for Alum Khan, withdrew the attention of the assailants from him to the monarch, who in a minute or two fainted, and Alum Khan effected his escape to his father's house. Jam Bayezeed directed him immediately to fly to Sheevur, and collect the army at that place; while he, assembling all his Mooltan adherents, also left the city to join him. Mahmood Lunga now deputed a force after the minister, who being overtaken, halted to give battle, in which he defeated the royal army. He then proceeded to Sheevur, and caused the public prayers to be read in the name of Sikundur Lody of Dehly. At the same time he addressed a petition to that throne, giving in detail an account of the whole of the late proceedings. Sikundur Lody sent an honorary dress, and appointed him his governor of Sheevur. He also directed Dowlut Khan Lody, governor of the Punjab, to aid him in case he required his assistance.

Mahmood Lunga having collected his army marched towards Sheevur, to reduce his revolted minister; but the latter, and his son Alum Khan, quitting Sheevur, proceeded to the Ravy, ^395a and applied to Dowlut Khan. Before he arrived, however, the contending armies were absolutely engaged. Dowlut Khan, on reaching the ground, sent some respectable officers to Mahmood Lunga; and it was eventually agreed that the river Ravy should form the boundaries between the country of Jam Bayezeed and Mahmood Lunga. After which, Dowlut Khan having accompanied Mah-mood Lunga to Mooltan, also visited Jam Baye-ezeed at Sheevur, from whence he returned to Lahore. Notwithstanding this treaty, to which such a person as Dowlut Khan became guarantee, it was not long before some of the principal articles were broken, the origin of which was as follows: — One Meer Jakur ^396a Zund, with his two sons, Meer Sheheed and Meer Shahida, came from Solypoor to Mooltan. Nizam-ood-Deen Bukhshy states, that Meer Shahida was the first person who disseminated the principles of the Sheea faith in India; but he leaves us quite in the dark as to who this Meer Jakur Zund was, from whence he came, or what was his origin, his family, or connections. Mullik Sohrab Duvally having great influence with Mah-mood Lunga, prevented the reception of Ameer Jakur in Mooltan, who out of revenge went over to Jam Bayezeed, by whom he was graciously received, and who gave him a jageer in the district of Oocha, to the great vexation of Mahmood Lunga. Jam Bayezeed was a man of strong mind, exceedingly learned himself, and a liberal patron of literature. Some ignorant writers have stated that he used to send provisions ready cooked, as daily food, from Sheevur to Mooltan, down the river Chunab, for the holy persons residing in the latter city; but such idle stories are too absurd to merit belief.

A. H. 930.
A. D. 1523. In the year 930, Babur Padshah having conquered the country of Pun-jab proceeded to Dehly; from whence he wrote an order to Hoossein Arghoon, governor of Tutta, informing him that he intrusted him henceforward with the direction of affairs in Mooltan. That chieftain, in consequence, crossed the Indus, near the city of Bhukkur, with a large army. Mahmood Lunga of Mooltan no sooner heard of this circumstance than he deputed Sheikh Baha-ood-Deen Kooreishy to wait on Hoossein Arghoon, accompanied by Mowlana Bheilole, one of the most learned men of the age. The ambassadors, on reaching Hoossein Arghoon's camp, were received with all possible politeness. He replied to their remonstrances against his approach, by assuring them that he was only going to Mooltan to carry into effect some new regulations ordered by Babur Padshah, and also to pay his devotions at the shrine of Sheikh Baha-ood-Deen Zacharia. Mow-lana Bheilole replied, that there appeared no necessity for his going in person to enforce his regulations; for he had only to express them, and his master would carry them into effect; and that with regard to his visit to the shrine of Sheikh Baha-ood-Deen , ^397a he himself had come to anticipate his steps. Hoossein, however, was not to be thus averted from his purpose, but continued his march, and the ambassadors returned. Shortly afterwards,

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

Mahmood Lunga, being seized with the cholic, died, A. H. 931, after a reign of twenty-seven years.

Hoossein, the son of the late King, is placed on the throne. — Mooltan is besieged and taken by Shah Hoossein Arghoon, and becomes a dependency of Dehly.

ON the death of Mahmood, one Lushkur Khan, at the head of the tribe of Lunga, deserted to Hoos-sein Arghoon, having previously laid waste the small villages surrounding the city of Mooltan. The rest of the army, left without leaders, sought protection in the fortress; and the ameers raised the son of the late King, although a minor, to the throne, under the name of Hoossein Lunga II. Notwithstanding the title which the boy received, he was only a pageant in the hands of his sister's husband, Shooja-ool-Moolk, who assumed the office of protector, under the appellation of vizier; and although he had not a month's provisions in the fort, he was so fool-hardy as to prepare to stand a siege; and Shah Hoossein Arghoon, conceiving the capture of the city as already accomplished, marched to invest it. The place had been attacked but a very short time, when provisions becoming scarce, the cavalry officers went to the protector, proposing that they might be led out against the enemy while their horses had yet strength, and adopt the only method of raising the siege. Shooja-ool-Moolk gave no answer to this proposition at the moment; but afterwards, having sent for the officers, rejected their offer, by stating that the King was not yet firmly seated on his throne; that the army had no personal attachment to him, and that it was probable many of the soldiers would go over to the enemy, while the few who did fight would fall victims, without conferring any good on their country. From a document in my possession in the hand-writing of Mowlana Sad-oolla of Lahore, who was himself in the city during the siege of Mooltan, I have made the following extract: — “After the garrison had “been besieged for some months, and the place so “closely invested that it was impossible for any “one either to enter or quit it, the distress for pro-“visions was so great, that if one of the garrison “could catch a dog or cat he killed it, and hoarded “up the flesh as a treasure. Besides this, Shooja-“ool-Moolk promoted a vagabond by the name “of Jooma to the command of the fort, and “placed him at the head of three thousand militia “infantry. Wherever this monster heard of any “grain, he used to march down with a party “and seize it; so that the inhabitants were driven “to the alternative either of submitting to die by “famine, by the sword of the enemy, or, by throw-“ing themselves over the walls, attempt, if possible, “to escape. At length, at midnight, in the year

A. H. 932.
A. D. 1525.

“932, Mooltan was carried by escalade, “and many poor creatures were killed. “On the following morning all the in-“habitants between the ages of seven and seventy “years were imprisoned, among whom were “my father and myself. When our situation be-“came known we were released from fetters, “but the treatment we experienced brought my “poor father's grey hairs to the grave. The city “of Mooltan thus fell into the hands of Hoossein “Arghoon. The young prince was kept a state “prisoner; and the place so completely sacked, “and the habitations so destroyed, that no one “could then suppose it would ever regain its “former splendour; but Hoossein Arghoon left “one of his ameers, called Shums-ood-Deen, in “charge, with orders to rebuild it; and having “nominated Lushkur Khan Lunga his deputy, he “returned to Tutta. Lushkur Khan was the “means of rebuilding Mooltan; after which, having “procured a party to assist him, he expelled “Shums-ood-Deen, and assumed the title of go-“vernor.”

When Babur Padshah abdicated the throne in favour of his son Hoomayoon, the latter prince gave the country of Punjab in jageer to Mirza Kamran. On his arrival at Lahore, he sent for Lushkur Khan, and appointed a place for him to reside in, which is now included in one of the mohullas or wards of Lahore, and is called after him. At the same time he made over the district of Kabul to him, in lieu of that of Mooltan; since which time the kingdom of Mooltan has continued a province of the empire of Dehly.

To face page 401. Vol. IV.]

>genealogy<

>genealogy<

>genealogy<

>genealogy<

Invasion of Sind by Mahomed Kasim. — Deebul, called Tutta, taken. — The Arabians proceed up the river Indus. — Sehwan taken. — Mooltan taken. — Mahomed Kasim recalled — account of his singular death. — Subversion of the Mahomedan power in Sind and Mooltan.

IT is related in several histories, such as the Kholasut-ool-Hikayat, the Huj-Nama, and the history of Hajy Mahomed Kandahary, that the first establishment of the Mahomedan faith in the country of Sind occurred under the following circumstances: —

Hijaj (the son of Yoosoof Shukfy), governor of Bussora at the time when Wuleed, the son of Abdool Mullik, was ruler of the provinces of both

A. H. 87.
A. D. 705.

Iraks, resolved on invading India. Accordingly, in the year 87, he deputed Mahomed Haroon with a select force into Mikran, who subdued that country, and made converts of many of the inhabitants called Bulo-chies; and having there established a regular government, the Mahomedan faith may be said to have prevailed in that country from the period alluded to.

We are told that in those days, also, the inhabitants of the island of Selandeep (Ceylon) were accustomed to send vessels to the coast of Africa, to the Red Sea, and to the Persian Gulf, a practice prevailing from the earliest ages; and that Hindoo pilgrims resorted to Mecca and Egypt for the purpose of paying adoration to the idols, to which they looked with the utmost veneration. It is related, also, that the people trading from Selan-deep became converts to the true faith at as early a period as the reign of the first caliphs, and that having thus had intercourse with Mahomedan nations, the King of Selandeep despatched a vessel laden with various rare articles, the produce of his country, to the caliph Wuleed at Bagdad.^402a

On this vessel arriving at the entrance of the Persian Gulf it was attacked and captured by orders of the ruler of Deebul, ^403a together with seven other boats, in which were some Mahomedan families going on pilgrimage to Kurbula. Some of the captives making their escape carried their complaint to Hijaj, who addressed a letter to Raja Dahir, the son of Sasa, ruler of Sind, and sent it to be forwarded from Mikran by Mahomed Haroon. Raja Dahir replied, that the act of hostility was committed by a powerful state, over which he had no control.

On the receipt of this letter Hijaj obtained the consent of Wuleed, the son of Abdool Mullik, to invade India, for the purpose of propagating the faith; and at the same time deputed a chief of the name of Budmeen, with three hundred cavalry, to join Haroon in Mikran, who was directed to reinforce the party with one thousand good soldiers more to attack Deebul. Budmeen failed in his expedition, and lost his life in the first action. Hijaj, not deterred by this defeat, resolved to

A. H. 93.
A. D. 711.

follow up the enterprise by another. In consequence, in the year 93, he deputed his cousin and son-in-law, Imad-ood-Deen Mahomed Kasim, the son of Akil Shukhfy, then only seventeen years of age, with six thousand soldiers, chiefly Assyrians, with the necessary implements for taking forts, to attack Deebul. This army proceeded by the route of Shiraz and Mikran. On reaching the towns of Deboon and Dursila, on the confines of the Sind territory, Mahomed Kasim halted; and having taken the necessary steps for advancing he marched on to Deebul, situated on the banks of the Indus, which town is now called Tutta.

On reaching this place, he made preparations to besiege it, but the approach was covered by a fortified temple, surrounded by a strong wall, built of hewn stone and mortar, one hundred and twenty feet in height. ^404a After some time a bramin, belonging to the temple, being taken, and brought before Kasim, stated, that four thousand Rajpoots defended the place, in which were from two to three thousand bramins, with shorn heads, and that all his efforts would be vain; for the standard of the temple was sacred; and while it remained entire no profane foot dared to step beyond the threshold of the holy edifice. Mahomed Kasim having caused the catapultas to be directed against the magic flag-staff, succeeded, on the third discharge, in striking the standard, and broke it down. In a few days after which the place fell. Mahomed Kasim levelled the temple and its walls with the ground, and circumcised the bramins. The infidels highly resented this treatment, by invectives against him and the true faith. On which Mahomed Kasim caused every bramin, from the age of seventeen and upwards, to be put to death: the young women and children of both sexes were retained in bondage; and the old women being released, were permitted to go whithersoever they chose.

The booty of the temple amounted to a large sum, one fifth of which was sent to Hijaj, together with seventy-five female slaves. The rest of the plunder was distributed among the soldiery. Ma-homed Kasim, having come for the purpose of propagating the faith, proceeded to invest the town of Deebul, from whence Foujy, the son of Dahir, with a party of soldiers, forced his way to the fort of Bra-minabad ; ^405a to which place he was pursued by Mahomed Kasim, who having closely invested it for some time, the lives of the besieged were spared, and they were allowed to retain their private property, on condition of surrendering.

Mahomed Kasim marched thence into See-vustan, to a place called Sehwan, the inhabitants of which country, being bramins, represented to their chief, Kucha Ray, the cousin of Dahir, governor of Sind, that as the spilling of blood was contrary to the tenets of their religion, it appeared to him advisable to submit quietly to the payment of the tribute required by Kasim. Kucha Ray, despising the idea of this compromise, refused compliance, and the Mahomedans proceeded to invest Seh-wan. After a week's siege, a party from the garrison, making their escape by night, fled to the Ray of Sulim, ^406a in order to gain reinforcements; but the bramins gave up the place on the following morning, and Mahomed Kasim distributed the property among the troops, reserving one fifth for Hijaj. From hence he marched to the fortress of Sulim, which he also reduced, and divided the spoils according to the practice of those times.

At this period, Hully Sa†, ^406b the eldest son of Raja Dahir, having collected a large force, marched to oppose Mahomed Kasim; and the latter took up a strong position, and entrenched himself. In this situation his resources being contracted, and many of his carriage-cattle dying, the soldiers became discontented, and at length broke into open mutiny; Mahomed Kasim, however, encouraging his troops with the hope of aid, wrote to Hijaj Bin Yoosoof, who having heard of his situation before his letters arrived, had already despatched a reinforcement of one thousand horse, with other requisites, to Sind. On receiving this seasonable assistance, Mahomed Kasim again took the field, and attacking the young Ray, several battles ensued, though neither party appears to have obtained any advantage of consequence. Raja Dahir having consulted his astrologers and bramins on the present crisis of his affairs, they declared that it was written in the ancient books, ^407a that “at a “certain period a prophet would arise from among “the people of Arabia, who would succeed in con-“verting many nations to a new persuasion; after “which, in the lunar year 86, the Arabian forces “would invade the borders of Sind, and in the “year 93 they would subdue all those countries.” Raja Dahir having in many instances found the predictions of his astrologers verified placed great reliance on them, but resolved to defend himself with a courage becoming his rank and family. The cup of his life being now filled to the brim, he joined his son's army, of which he assumed the

Rumzan 10.
A. H. 93.
A. D. 711.

command in person; and on Wednesday the 10th of Rumzan, in the year 93, with a force consisting of fifty thousand men, composed of Rajpoots, Sindies, and Mool-tanies, he marched to attack the Mahomedans.

Mahomed Kasim, with barely six thousand troops, mostly Arabian cavalry, waited the onset. Raja Dahir at first took up a position near the Mahomedan lines, and endeavoured by skirmishes and manœuvres to entice the enemy from the strong position which he occupied; but failing in every attempt he resolved to storm it. Part of the Arab cavalry quitting the entrenched camp galloped forth and engaged the Indians singly; a mode of warfare in which the Arabians had the advantage, from the superior management of their horses, and their skill in the use of the sword. At length the action became more general, and Dahir with his relations led on the Indians into the centre of the enemy. On this occasion, one of the Arab firemen threw a naphtha ball ^408a on the white elephant of Dahir, which became so alarmed at the terrible effect of the liquid flame, that he ran off to the river, in spite of the efforts of his driver, and plunged into the stream. The temporary absence of the Raja communicated a panic to his army, which instantly followed. Mahomed Kasim pursued the fugitives; but the elephant having come out of the water Raja Dahir again drew up his troops, and made a resolute stand on the banks of the Indus, when receiving an arrow wound he fell. He, however, insisted on being placed upon a horse; and although the wound was very severe, he charged in the most gallant manner into the midst of the Arabian horse, where he died like a hero. On his death, the Hindoo troops fled in confusion towards the fort of Ajdur. The Mahomedans gained a vast quantity of plunder by this victory. Mahomed Kasim now proceeded to Ajdur.† ^408b Hully Sa, the son of Dahir, after leaving a sufficient garrison in that fort, proposed to meet the Mahomedan forces in the field; but his counsellors dissuading him, he retired to the fort of Braminabad.

The widow of Raja Dahir resolved to adopt the measure abandoned by her son; and with a truly masculine spirit, placing herself at the head of fifteen thousand Rajpoots, prepared to meet the Mahomedans. Mahomed Kasim, however, giving orders to his troops not to attack, they merely stood on the defensive; and the Rajpoots quietly withdrew with their female chief into the fort of Ajdur, which was now closely invested. The siege being protracted to a great length of time, the garrison were nearly starved out, when they came to the final alternative of performing the Jowhur, a ceremony which requires the Hindoos to sacrifice their women and children on a burning pile; and the men, after bathing, rush on the point of the enemy's lances sword in hand. This dreadful step being taken, the gates of the fortress were thrown open, and a body of Rajpoots, headed by the widow of Dahir, attacked the Mahomedans in their camp, and all lost their lives.

The heroes of Assyria having repulsed this attack forced their way into the fort, where they slew six thousand Rajpoots, and took prisoners three thousand more. Among the latter were the two daughters of Raja Dahir. These princesses were sent by Mahomed Kasim to Hijaj, to be received into the seraglio of Wuleed; and after having placed all the towns of Sind under Arab governors, Mahomed Kasim proceeded to reduce Mooltan, which was also subject to the authority of Dahir. On reaching Mooltan, Mahomed Kasim also subdued that province; and himself occupying the city, he erected mosques on the site of the Hindoo temples.

When the two daughters of the King of Sind arrived at the court of Hijaj at Bussora, he forwarded them to the seraglio of the Caliph Wuleed at Damascus, where they remained until the year

A. H. 96.
A. D. 714.

96, when having sent for them into his presence, he enquired their names. The elder replied that she was called Surpa Devy, and the younger Burreel Devy. The Caliph becoming enamoured of the elder, wished her to submit to his embraces, when she burst into tears, and told him that she was unworthy of him, since she had been disgraced on three successive nights by Mahomed Kasim. The enraged Caliph, whose will was the law, wrote with his own hand an order to Mahomed Kasim, requiring him to clothe himself in a raw hide, and embrace that death which he so richly merited. The faithful Kasim submitted to this unjust decree; and caused himself to be sown up in a raw skin, which produced his death. After which his body was sent to the Caliph. Upon the arrival of the corpse, the Caliph, sending for Surpa Devy, said, “Behold “Mahomed Kasim in his shroud: it is thus I “punish the sins of those servants who insult the “deputy of the prophet of God.” Surpa Devy replied, with a smile full of triumph and of sarcasm, “Know, oh Caliph, that Mahomed Kasim re-“spected my person as that of his own sister, and “would no more have polluted my bed than that “of his mother. He, however, put to death my “father, my mother, my brother, and my country-“men, and in his death, indifferent to my own “fate, I have gratified that revenge which has “so long been consuming me.” ^411a The Caliph became much disconcerted; and having dismissed the damsel, he lamented over the body of his faithful and innocent servant.

On the death of Mahomed Kasim, a tribe who trace their origin from the Ansaries established a government in Sind; after which the zemindars, denominated in their country Soomura, usurped the power, and held independent rule over the kingdom of Sind for the space of five hundred years; but neither the names nor the history of these princes are, I believe, at present extant, since I have failed in my endeavour to procure them. In the course of years (although we have no account of the precise period), the dynasty of Soomura subverted the country of another dynasty called Soomuna, whose chief assumed the title of Jam. During the reigns of these dynasties in Sind the Mahomedan kings of India Proper, such as those of Ghizny, Ghoor, and Dehly, invaded Sind, and seizing many of the towns, appointed Mahomedan governors over them. Among these rulers, Nasir-ood-Deen Kubbacha asserted his independence, and caused the public prayers to be read in his name as King of Sind. I shall therefore introduce my reader to him as the first Mahomedan king of Sind of which we have any authentic account. With respect to the first invasions of the Ghizny, Ghoory, and Dehly troops into Sind, accounts of them have been already given in their proper place. I shall record, therefore, this history of Sind from such scanty materials as I have been enabled to collect of the Soomura and Soomuna dynasties, though they be imperfect and unsatisfactory.

Obscure origin of Nasir-ood-Deen — his character — is made governor of Mooltan — becomes independent — extends his conquests over the Punjab, and nearly to Dehly — his power is gradually circumscribed by the Gukkurs, aided by Julal-ood-Deen Khwaruzm Shah — is attacked by Shums-ood-Deen Altmish. — Oocha taken. — Bhukkur besieged. — He attempts to fly with his family down the Indus — perishes in a storm.

NOTWITHSTANDING that former historians have ranked Nasir-ood-Deen among the servants of the kings of Dehly, and denied him a place in the list of Indian monarchs, probably on account of his low origin, the compiler of this work, deviating in this instance from the practice of his predecessors, has elevated him to that station in history to which, as the ruler of a considerable empire, he appears justly entitled. His pedigree is obscure, and all that seems known of him is, that he was one of the Toorky slaves of Shahab-ood-Deen Mahomed Ghoory; from which situation, having risen to the dignity of a throne, he proved himself wise, brave, generous, and polite. The greater part of his life was spent in the service of Shahab-ood-Deen; and when that monarch engaged the Suljooks, Nasir-ood-Deen Kub-bacha was left in charge of the government of Oocha. Previously to this period, however, he espoused the daughter of Kootb-ood-Deen Eibuk, viceroy of India, and after the death of his first wife he married her sister. Subsequently to taking possession of his new government, he frequently came to Dehly, in order to pay his respects to his sovereign and father-in-law, Kootb-ood-Deen; after whose death, having seized many of the towns subject to the Sind government, he reduced the territory of the Soomuras, whose subjects were a mixture of Mahomedans and Hindoos, to the small tract of country around Tutta, bounded by the desert. At first the inhabitants fled to the hills, but his proclamations of protection soon brought them back to their respective homes; after which he declared himself King of Sind, and caused public prayers to be read, and money to be coined, in his name, thus relinquishing his allegiance to the throne of Dehly. Besides Sind, his kingdom embraced the provinces of Mooltan, Kohram, and Soorsutty. He was twice attacked by Taj-ood-Deen Yeldooz of Ghizny, but he successfully repelled both these invasions.

A. H. 611.
A. D. 1214. In the year 611 the armies of Khwaruzm and Khulij, having reached Ghizny, made some impression on the Seevustan frontier; on which occasion Nasir-ood-Deen Kubbacha opposing them slew many of the Tartars; but he was at length compelled to fly before the army of Ghizny, commanded by the minister Mooveiud-ool-Moolk Sunjurry.

A. H. 614.
A. D. 1217. In the year 614, Nasir-ood-Deen having marched for the purpose of subduing Lahore, conquered in that campaign the province of Surhind; but being pursued by Shums-ood-Deen Altmish of Dehly, the successor of Kootb-ood-Deen Eibuk, Nasir-ood-Deen fled through the Punjab to the banks of the Neelab; which river not being fordable, the Dehly monarch dashing his charger into that rapid stream, was followed by part of the army. Many were drowned; but the King, with a few of his troops, gained the opposite bank, and gallantly attacking the Sindies, completely defeated them, compelling Nasir-ood-Deen to retreat, and make the best of his way to Mooltan; on which occasion his standard and kettledrums fell into the hands of the conquerors.

On the invasion of Chungiz Khan into Tooran, the nobles of Khorassan, Ghizny, and Ghoor having fled to the court of Nasir-ood-Deen Kubbacha at Mooltan, found honourable employment in his service; till at length Julal-ood-Deen, the son of the King of Khwaruzm, having been expelled from his own country by the resistless forces of Chungiz Khan, marched to the south, and attacked the country of Nasir-ood-Deen.

The following seems a correct account of this event: — Julal-ood-Deen having been driven from Khwaruzm retreated towards India, and arrived on the banks of the Attock, where he was overtaken by the forces of Chungiz Khan. In this situation there appeared no alternative but to perish in the waters or repel the enemy. He chose the latter resource, and gallantly opposed the infidel Tartars, many of whom he slew with his own hand; but at length his army being broken, he retired with seven hundred horse. He was again pursued, and again defended himself for several hours in the most gallant manner; but was at last compelled to seek safety in flight, his horse being scarcely able to support him. In his retreat he joined his sons, and mounting a fresh charger, once more checked the pursuing enemy; at last, on being quite overpowered by numbers, he retired fighting desperately till he reached the bank of the river Indus, where, having taken off his armour and secured his royal canopy, he swam the stream with only seven followers; and on the opposite bank he caused his canopy to be erected in sight of the Tartar army. It is said Chungiz Khan came to the bank of the river to witness the spectacle, and expressed his admiration of his character, saying, “Julal-ood-Deen is indeed the lion of battle, “and the crocodile of the waves.” Some of his troops having volunteered to cross and seize him, Chungiz Khan rebuked them, and said, “No! “such a hero should only fall in the heat of “action.” He remained concealed in the neighbourhood of the river for two or three days; and having collected between fifty and sixty of his followers, who had escaped without their arms, he attacked a post consisting of about two hundred men, who, unconscious of any enemy near, were regaling themselves with a feast. The attack made on them is thus represented: — Julal-ood-Deen having ordered each of his people to cut a good large stick from the jungle, he dispersed the party of soldiers who were feasting, and plundered them of their arms and property. He then mounted his own men on their horses, and was enabled next day to muster a troop of one hundred and twenty men. In a few days after, hearing of a guard composed of three thousand men being near him, he suddenly assaulted them, and obtained so large a quantity of money as enabled him, in a short time, to appear in considerable force, and make several successful attacks on the troops in the Punjab, driving them before him like sheep, till at length his army amounted to four thousand cavalry. When Chungiz Khan heard of these successes he detached some of his best officers across the river to attack Julal-ood-Deen; but the moment the Tartars advanced, he fled before them towards Dehly, plundering the country as he proceeded. On his arrival near Dehly, he deputed one of his principal officers to wait on Shums-ood-Deen Altmish, relating his misfortunes, and requesting a small tract of country to reside on; unless, indeed, he thought fit to furnish him with a sufficient force to oppose Chungiz Khan, and enable him to regain his crown.

Shums-ood-Deen determined not to permit so dangerous a person to remain in his dominions; and it is even said he caused his ambassador to be privately murdered. He however sent some valuable presents to Julal-ood-Deen; but declared that the air of India was so unwholesome to strangers, that he could not recommend any spot on which he might take up his residence. Julal-ood-Deen, comprehending the purport of this message, retired towards the Gukkurs, among the hills of Bilala and Nikala, from whence he sent Taj-ood-Deen Khiljy, one of his officers, to plunder in the Jood hills. Julal-ood-Deen, having collected about twelve thousand men, deputed an ambassador to proceed to the court of the Gukkur chief, who had some time before been converted to Mahomedism, soliciting the hand of his daughter in marriage. To this the Gukkur readily assented; and deputed his son to escort the Princess to Julal-ood-Deen, at the same time stipulating for his assistance in repelling the frequent attacks of Nasir-ood-Deen Kubbacha, King of Sind. Julal-ood-Deen at this time conferred on his wife's brother the title of Khullij Khan, and shortly after deputed his Barbik (Usher), one of the most distinguished of his officers, with a body of seven thousand men, to accompany the Gukkur prince. This force proceeded to the banks of the Indus, and encamped near the city of Oocha, where it was opposed by Nasir-ood-Deen with twenty thousand men. A sanguinary conflict ensued, wherein the latter was defeated, and compelled to seek safety in a small boat, in which he crossed the Indus, and retired to the fort of Nuggur. ^418a On this news being transmitted to Julal-ood-Deen, who had just learned that an army from Dehly was on its march to attack him, he left the hills of Bilala, and marching to Oocha occupied Nasir-ood-Deen's palace. From thence he wrote, desiring him to deliver into his hands one Anwur Khan and his family, who had deserted him on the day of the battle of Attock with Chungiz Khan. Nasir-ood-Deen complied with his request, and also sent to Julal-ood-Deen some valuable presents, himself retiring to Mooltan; in consequence of which, the latter returned to the country of Bilala, whence he had come. On the march he attacked a small fort, where he received an arrow wound in his arm; and his troops became so irritated at the event, that upon the capture of the place they indiscriminately slaughtered men, women, and children. At this period Julal-ood-Deen heard that Choghtay, the son of Chungiz Khan, was on his march to seize and convey him to the presence of the Tartar conqueror; but as he was unwilling to cope with his former enemies, and conceiving that Nasir-ood-Deen bore no ill will towards him, he marched to Mooltan, and there demanded some mules for the transport of his baggage. Nasir-ood-Deen, who expected the Tartar forces would invade his country on Julal-ood-Deen's account, refused his assistance, and he returned from Mooltan to Oocha; where not meeting with the support he expected, he laid that city in ashes, and marched to the south towards Tutta; and whenever he arrived at one of Nasir-ood-Deen's villages on the route, he either laid it under heavy contributions or destroyed it. On reaching Tutta, the Ray, whose name was Jeisee, of the dynasty of Soomura, fled; and putting all his baggage and family in boats on the Indus, departed for some of the contiguous islands. Julal-ood-Deen now occupied Tutta, destroyed all the temples, and built mosques in their stead; and on one occasion detached a force to Nehrwala (Puttun), on the bor-

der of Guzerat. In the year 620, having heard that his brother Gheias-ood-Deen had established himself as King of Irak, Julal-ood-Deen abandoned his views in India, and proceeded through Mikran to Persia; and as the acts of the subsequent part of his life are related in the Persian histories, I shall leave them to furnish the reader with any further account of this prince, and return to Nasir-ood-Deen Kubbacha. The Prince Choghtay Khan having reached Mooltan, laid siege to that place; but Nasir-ood-Deen conducted himself with such bravery, that he compelled the Tartars to withdraw. The Tartar prince marched to the south, and invading both Mikran and Kech laid waste those countries, and wintered at Kalinjur, a place situated on the borders of Sind; but finding provisions scarce in his camp, he put to death ten thousand Indians of all classes, whom he had taken prisoners, rather than liberate them. Notwithstanding this barbarous act, famine and plague both raged shortly afterwards, which compelled him to move; and having heard no more of Julal-ood-Deen, he returned to Tooran.

A. H. 622.
A. D. 1224-5. In the year 622, Shums-ood-Deen Altmish, King of Dehly, made several attempts to remove Nasir-ood-Deen from his government, and even marched for that purpose as far as Oocha; but Nasir-ood-Deen having made preparations for a siege, took post with a respectable force in the town of Bhuk-kur. The King of Dehly sent his general, Nizam-ool-Moolk Mahomed, (the son of Aby Syeed Jooneidy, to whom the Jama-ool-Hikayat is dedicated,) to attack the latter place, while he engaged in the attack of Oocha, which fell to the Dehly arms after a siege of two months and twenty days. On receipt of this intelligence, Nasir-ood-Deen deputed his son, Alla-ood-Deen Beiram, to Oocha, to treat for peace; but before it was concluded the garrison of Bhukkur became so straitened for supplies, that Nasir-ood-Deen, accompanied by his family, embarking in boats, proceeded down the Indus for the purpose of taking possession of one of the islands. During the voyage he was, however, unfortunately drowned. Another, and probably the most authentic, account of this invasion states, that when Shums-ood-Deen Altmish arrived at Oocha, he left the army with his minister, Nizam-ool-Moolk Jooneidy, to besiege that place, which after two months he succeeded in reducing; that from thence the King proceeded to the attack of Bhukkur, to which place Nasir-ood-Deen had retreated; but having no hopes of eventually repelling the arms of the Dehly monarch, he placed his family and personal attendants, with his treasure, in boats, and endeavoured to occupy a contiguous island; but a storm coming on, the boat in which he had himself embarked foundered, and every person perished. This monarch reigned in Sind and Mooltan for a period of twenty-two years.