When, in the year 947 (A. D. 1540), Shere Khan Afghan, commonly called Fureed, the son of Husun Afghan, became rebellious in the eastern countries, on the 10th of Mohurrum of that year, Hoomayoon marched against him. There were two or three battles between them on the river Joosa. In short, the royal army was defeated, when the king turned the bridle of his intentions towards Juwunpoor, whence with expedition he went to Agra. In the previous year (946), Shah Hoosain sent Meer Abeek Urghoon to Badshah Hoomayoon, offering his congratulations on the conquest of Guzerat and Bengal; he also sent Meer Khoosh Mahomed Urghoon with a similar message to Meerza Kamran on his conquest of Kandahar, and the destruction of Answar Khan. Both of these were good sepoys, men of wisdom and council. When Meer Abeek presented himself to the king, seeing his carelessness and pride, he understood that the foreign sepoys in a short time would write in their hearts the words of mutiny. Without asking the permission of the king, he left his army, conveying himself with great diligence to Shah Hoosain, who, on hearing of his arrival, became anxious. When Meer Abeek had an interview with him, he asked what had occurred; he replied: “I found the king in such disorder, that in a short time the rebellious people will find strength against him; underneath him there will be roads of discord; and I have come to give this news, that you may be on the alert.” Shah Hoosain several times summoned his nobles to the assembly, to deliberate with them. At that time the news of the defeat of Hoomayoon arrived, when all gave great credit to the wisdom of Meer Abeek, praising him much. It was decided upon to leave the country, and destroy the cultivation from Ooch to Bukkur on both sides of the river.
When the news of the flight of the king was confirmed, he erected buildings in four gardens at Baburloe, and placing in these all the requisites, with munitions of war, he caused all the country and towns about Bukkur to be entirely deserted. In the minds of Shah Hoosain and his people it became fixed that the king would come to Sind, because Meerza Kamran and Meerza Uskuree had left the paths of friendship towards him. When, on the 1st Rubee-ool- Awul, 947 (A. D. 1540), the king arrived at Lahore, all his brethren and nobles were collected there, but these had not gained knowledge, though they had seen what had occurred; and they did not bind the girdle of truth around the loins of spirit; so much so, that one day Khwaja Kodawund Mahomed, Meer Abdool Buga, and other men of consequence in the kingdom, assembled together, and wrote a bond of friendship between themselves, to which all those Ameers put their signatures as witnesses. When this bond was perfect, they collected to deliberate, but their language was not from their hearts: on this account the assembly broke up, and the matter on which they were deliberating was unfinished.
In the latter days of Jumadee-oos-Sanee 947, Hoomayoon Badshah, Meerza Mahomed Kamran, Mahomed Humdal Meerza, with other princes and nobles, and all the army, crossed the river at Lahore, and Shere Khan drew near that city. The Afghans stretched forth the hand of violence against the Moguls wherever they found them, looting and destroying their families and property; for this reason the whole of the Moguls, having joined Hoomayoon, went towards Kabool. When they reached the Chunab, Mahomed Kamran Meerza, and Mahomed Uskuree Meerza, with Khwaja Kodawund Mahomed and Khwaja Abdool Huk, without the permission of the king, turned their faces towards Kabool. The king, being helpless, went in the direction of Bheruh, when Mahomed Sultan Meerza, and Ulug Meerza, &c. also separating themselves from the king, joined Mahomed Kamran Meerza. Hoomayoon, seeing the enmity of his brethren, on the 1st of Rujub of that year, turned the bridle of his intentions towards Sind. In the last days of Shaban, the royal army arrived at Ooch, near which lived Bukshoo Lungah, to whom the king sent by Beg Mahomed Bukawul, and Kochuk Beg, a handsome Khilat and Firman, granting to him the title of Khan Juhanee, and presenting him with a standard and Nugarah. On this account he sent to the Badshah many boats full of grain, but he did not take the fortune of an interview with the king. Hoomayoon, with his nobles, and some of his forces, proceeded towards Sind, and the places for the tents of his troops were made about Roree. He himself, with much happiness, went to reside in the gardens (Char Bagh) of Baburloe, which have no fellows in verdure and elegance. Previous to this Sultan Mahomed had cleared all the country about, strengthened the fort of Bukkur, underneath which he had collected and secured all the boats. When the royal army came to Roree, the king sent a Firman to Sultan Mahomed to this effect: “You must come and find fortune by kissing the royal threshold, and deliver up the fort to the king’s sepoys.” He replied: “I am the servant of Meerza Shah Hoosain; until he comes to the royal presence, my going there would not be in accordance with the rules of eating salt, and without the order of Meerza Shah Hoosain, it is not proper that I should give up this fort.” The king held him excused. Grain beginning to become scarce in the imperial camp, Mehtur Ushruf, the Meer Bazar, went to Sultan Mahomed, informing him of this circumstance, who then sent 500 kurwas of grain for the army, and something for the consumption of the king, who approved of this attention.
In those days Hoomayoon sent Ameer Tahir Sudur and Lumundur Beg, who were in his confidence, to Meerza Shah Hoosain at Tatta, writing and pointing out the strength of his good will towards him, and bringing to his recollection his sincerity to Babur Badshah. On their arrival, Shah Hoosain received them with much honour and distinction. He determined in his heart, that as the king had come in this direction, it was proper for him to make over, for the expenses of the royal family, the country from Halah Kundee to Batorah,* on the opposite side of the river, and that after arrangements were made, it would be proper for him to present himself to Hoomayoon Badshah. He also proposed to himself, after the settlement of affairs, and his visit to the king, to take a force to conquer Guzerat, and then to return back again. Having arranged matters in this way in his own mind, he sent Shaikh Meeruk Pooranee and Meerza Kasim Tighaee with valuable presents to the king. These received honour by making their Salaams to his royal highness near Bukkur, representing to him the good faith of Shah Hoosain, and delivering his petition. Its contents were these:— “The country of Bukkur affords small produce; the territory of Chachgan is superior to all in cultivation: it is proper for the kingdom (king) to turn the bridle of intention that way, and to take possession of it, as there the sepoys and animals will experience no distress, and I shall be in the vicinity of the king. Wealth and fortune are my friends by your coming to this country: in a short time, removing suspicion from my breast, I will gather fortune by kissing your stirrup.” Badshah Hoomayoon in the first instance gave orders to write to Shah Hoosain, to inform him that he will act as he suggested; but afterwards, in private, the ministers petitioned him in opposition to what Shah Hoosain had written, saying: “What is the meaning of this, that he mentions the names of towns and villages? If he was at heart the well-wisher of the king, why does he not make over forts as a present, that we may leave in them our families, and go to conquer Guzerat? Does he not see that Shere Khan, our enemy, is sitting over our heads at Lahore? That which he proposes is distant from rectitude and concord.” Hoomayoon, after this, turned his face towards surrounding Bukkur, on hearing the news of which, Shah Hoosain remarked: “My heart is at ease with respect to Bukkur, because the king will not quit the gardens at Baburloe, the givers of contentment to the heart, and of happiness to the brain, to sit down before and conquer it himself, and nothing will be done by those nobles whom he may send to besiege it.” Prior to this, Sultan Mahomed, leaving Meerza Janee Turkhan, and other chiefs of confidence, in charge of Bukkur, had proceeded to Sehwistan, causing that part of the country to be deserted, as the others had been collecting all the grain and other things together under cover of the fort there. About that time the remainder of the royal troops having come from Matheluh, arrived at Roree on the 28th of Ramzan, 947 (A. D. 1540), encamping near the hills there. Such of the Dharejas and Soofyanees, who had remained outside about the country, came and received honour, by bowing their heads in the presence of the king. On Friday he went to the college of Meerzaee; the day following he returned to the gardens, by the light of the sun of his countenance upon which, jealousy was caused to Paradise.
The king highly approving of those gardens and their buildings, all his Harem and his nobles resided there, and in the vicinity. Meerza Yadgar Nasir remained in the college at Roree, between which and Baburloe there are about 3 kos. In this space all the royal forces were encamped. We hear from men of weight, that these numbered two lakhs of men. On Friday Hoomayoon went to the Musjid, saying the prayers of the day there. His name was read in the discourse in the Musjid. On that day a poet in that assembly presented to the king this Kytah, by which gift he found much honour:—
From the presence of the royal army, and other circumstances, grain became very dear in the cold season of that year about Bukkur, so much so, that the people gave up their lives in the search for bread; hearing of which, the king gave much money from the treasury to his sepoys. One thin bread (Chupatee) cost 1 Miskal, i. e. 4 Mashas and 3½ Ruttees, or about 6 annas. When grain had become so scarce as not to be procured in the Lushkur, Hoomayoon sent Meerza Hindal towards Pattur, he himself remaining at Char Bagh for five or six months, because he thought the Shah Hoosain would come and make his salaam, and do that service which it was proper for him to do, since he had in the first instance pursued the path of submission. But the Urghoon nobles who were about Shah Hoosain, did not allow him to go near the king, turning him away from the road to friendship; and seeking the ways of deliberation, they found that the arrangement of their affairs laid in enmity to the king, so they pursued that road which leads to war. Hoomayoon, leaving Baburloe, went to Durbelah. After remaining there some time he proceeded to Pattur, when he married Humeeduh Banoo Begum, the daughter of Shaikh Ali Ukbar Jamee, one of the Meerza Hindal’s Sirdars. She was equal to Bilkees (the Queen of Sheba). When all the grain and supplies were consumed, the king again turned the bridle of his intention towards Bukkur. From not obtaining grain, much distress fell upon the troops. After this Meerza Hindal, leaving the king, went towards Kandahar. At the instigation of his Hakeem there, Kurachuh Khan, he wrote to Meerza Yadgar Nasir, inviting him to go with him, saying that he should expect to see him on the road. On Tuesday the 18th of Jumadee-ool-Awul, 948 (A. D. 1541), the king went to the house of Meer Abool Buga, sending him to Meerza Yadgar Nasir, giving him advice to quit the paths of rebellion, and follow those of friendship. Meer Abool went as ordered, and with much trouble brought Meerza Yadgar Nasir within the ring of bending his head in submission. The following day Meer Abool was returning, of which circumstance the men in Bukkur becoming cognizant, they sent some of their people in boats in his front, who showered their arrows upon him. In this attack Meer Abool Buga received many deep wounds. The next day he passed from this world of death to the world of life. From his death great sorrow came upon the king. The following Wednesday, Meerza Yadgar Nasir, crossing the river, came to the presence of Hoomayoon, finding fortune by his interview with him. At that time the king gave his permission for the departure of Meerza Shah Hoosain’s ambassadors, Shaikh Meeruk Pooranee and Meerza Kasim, sending by them a Firman, on which he wrote with his own hands— “After Salaam to Meerza Shah Hoosain: In this matter I will agree to your proposition, when you come to my presence with a clean heart. My Salaam to you. Enough!” Meerza Shah Hoosain was inclined to visit the Badshah, but the wisdom of the Urghoon nobles was averse to such a proceeding. Shah Hoosain considered much on the subject, thus delay occurred; so much so, that the king, leaving Meerza Yadgar Nasir near Bukkur, returned towards Sehwistan, close to which his standard full of victory came. At that time Fuzl Beg, the brother of Momain Khan, and Tursoon Beg, with about twenty followers, going on a boat, preceded the king; seeing which, some of the men in the fort sallied forth against them, who, disembarking, attacked and drove them back to the Killa.
On the 17th Rujub, Hoomayoon Badshah encamped round the place, where there were no buildings, trees, or shade for the sepoys; as, previous to his arrival, those who had charge of it, namely Meer Sultan Koolee Beg, Meer Shah Mahomed Urghoon, and others, had cleared away all the gardens and buildings about it. The king having beleaguered the fort, the inhabitants became much confined— their affairs were overturned. Hearing of this, Shah Hoosain, marching from Tatta, came to Sunn, where he made entrenchments, and collecting many boats, he encamped there, sending Meer Abeek Urghoon to Sehwistan, who in the nighttime, with some men, passing through the royal army by the bazar road, reached the fort. The news of his having arrived reached the king’s forces, after he had gained the fort: he went so secretly, that information of his approach did not precede him. In the morning, Hoomayoon gave orders for mines to be sunk: in short, one bastion was blown up: but the garrison, as it fell, threw up another defence.
The king then knew that the resources of the Urghoons were full of strength. Besides this, the apparatus for opening the fort was not present. In short, having besieged it for seven months, the time of the inundation, and the season for bad winds, were approaching; moreover, Shah Hoosain had closed all the roads by which supplies could come. For these reasons many sepoys had deserted; and even some of the men of consequence, such as Meer Tahir Sudur, Khwaja Ghuyas-ood-deen Jamee, Moulana Abdool Bakee, had left, and gone over to Shah Hoosain, who gave them much honour, and then sent them to Tatta. Meer Kasim, and Hoosain went off to Meerza Yadgar, and the king heard that they would go off with him to Kandahar. After the king left Yadgar Nasir near Bukkur, the men in that fort twice went forth, and attacking his troops when unprepared, slew Mahomed Ali Kaboochee, and Shere Dil Beg, besides killing and wounding many others. These two affairs were conducted by Kokuh Turkhan, Dost Mahomed, and others. The garrison sallied forth a third time against their enemies, falling upon them on the sandy ground, near Roree; but this time Meerza Yadgar, going forth himself, stretched forth his hand in such a manner, that the attacking party turned their faces in flight, some throwing themselves into the waters of the river. Many got on boats, which they loosed, and allowed to go with the stream. When the news of this defeat of his men at Bukkur reached Shah Hoosain, he sent Ameer Koolee Mohurdar to Meerza Yadgar, shaking the rope of friendship, sending this message to him: “I have become old, and with the exception of one daughter, I have no other children. I make the betrothal of her with you; for a short time I may have to live, and after my death all this country will be yours. I will give you much wealth now, and both of us, uniting, we will go and conquer Guzerat.” In short, Meerza Yadgar Nasir from this deceit of Shah Hoosain, becoming misled, turned his heart in enmity towards Hoomayoon, who, seeing the ruinous state of his army, had sent many successive times to call him; but he always sent back the messengers with some excuse or other. When the news of his enmity reached the king, he at once left Sehwistan, proceeding towards Bukkur, and on the way Hunbur Beg Urghoon, leaving him, returned to Sehwistan, and many sepoys, from getting nothing to eat, quitted the royal army. Hoomayoon, arriving at Roree, encamped there. Meerza Yadgar Nasir, being helpless, paid his respects to the king, giving up to him all the grain he had; but this was not sufficient to satisfy the cravings of the royal host. When the extremity of hunger came upon them, the king sent some of his confidential people to Sultan Mahomed, who came in front to meet them, giving Khilats to Mahomed Bukawul, and the other servants of the king, and presenting money and grain to the attendants, he gave them their leave. After the departure of these chiefs, the nobles of Meerza Shah Hoosain, assembling in the reception-room, discoursed on the scarcity of grain in the royal camp, each saying what he thought. Sultan Mahomed afterwards sent 300 Kurwas of grain for the use of the royal household; but the people, from getting nothing, left the king’s camp, dispersing over Sind. Many of these parties followed one route, numbers perishing from hunger. The royal troops often came in contact with the men of Shah Hoosain, who were always beaten; but as there was no appa??tus for opening forts, on this account he could not conquer these. When the will of God’s power, the wish of the Eternal Wisdom, (which shows the countenance of misfortunes in the midst of happiness, and which brings in the midst of these the apparatus of happiness,) agreeably to the desire of the king, had not placed upon the stool the painting of his wishes in the country of Sind, and upon the test of fortune the gold of Hoomayoon had proved counterfeit, he saw the infidelity of his army, and the unkindness of his brethren. Then he wished to place upon himself the dress of separation from others, and placing his foot on the road of those who love to walk after God, to go and seize the knocker of the door of Kunbuh (the Temple of Mecca), and there to remain sitting in a corner. But his confidential nobles represented, that although this wish which had entered his breast was very proper, yet the king was aware how much hardship and distress had befallen his people; that with these evils they were still at his stirrup; that if he placed his foot on that path, they would be entirely deserted and ruined, and that with so much distress they could not accompany him to Hijaz. Their opinion was, that he should remain where he was some days.
The king, on account of the absence of grain, determined to leave that place. At that time a petition reached him from Mal Dewe, the Raja of Jodhpoor, saying:— “Unknown to you, I place the ring of submission to your orders in my ear. I wish that the fortunate foot of the king may come to my house. If the royal army will do honour to this country, by coming to it, I will attend in service to you with 20,000 Rajpoots, and wherever the king goes, I will be present with my life and fortune.” After the arrival of this petition, on the 21st Mohurrum, 949 (A. D. 1542), the king marched upon Ooch, and passing over the intervening space, he arrived there. On the 20th Rubee-ool-Awul of the same year, he proceeded, and, on the, 14th Rubee-oos-Sanee, he reached the fort of Dilawur, and on the 20th of the same he arrived and encamped at Beekanere. Some of the royal troops went into this city, and returning from thence, they informed the king that the language of respect was not heard among the inhabitants. Upon this, the king sent Sumundur Beg to Raja Mal Dewe, before whom he arrived, and returning with great expedition, he represented to Hoomayoon, that “Although Mal Dewe openly speaks strongly of friendship, yet underneath he does not place the light of truth.” Then the royal army, going by the way of Phutodee, went on two or three marches, and encamped on the banks of a tank. From this place the king sent spies to bring intelligence. These returning, showed the perfidy of the Raja, to the effect that, at the instigation of Shere Shah, and seeing the strength of his forces, Mal Dewe was sending an army to loot that of the king. Hoomayoon, on hearing this, became much astonished, and full of anxiety. Spreading before his chiefs the carpet of deliberation, he then decided that it was necessary by all means to turn the bridle of their intentions from Jodhpoor.
In short, the king retreated towards Phutodee, from whence he was going to Sambur, giving orders to his chiefs whom he left behind to bring up his rear, to take care that the Raja’s army did not come upon him. But another force from another direction encountered the king, when he himself mounting, and going against the enemy in person, with only a few men, showed such bravery that he routed and dispersed them. He then with great expedition turned his face in the direction of Jaisulmere, where he arrived on the 1st Jumadee-ool-Awul, 949 (A. D. 1542). Here the Ameers, whom he had left behind to bring up his rear, closed up, and joined him, but many of their people had perished. Sonkurun of Jaisulmere, from badness of disposition, forbad their taking water from the tank, placing his men on the banks for its protection; thinking that, as the king’s army had come dragging hunger with them from the jungle of mirage, it was better for them to die there for want of water. The nobles and sepoys, collecting, attacked and drove off those men, encamping on the banks of the tank, and the thirst of the royal host left them there. After remaining some days, Hoomayoon marched towards Omurkote, reaching it on the 10th Jumadee-ool-Awul, with great difficulty and distress from the want of grain. Rana Bereesul with his men came forth in front with his people to meet the king, finding riches by kissing the royal stirrup. He evacuated the fort for Hoomayoon to reside in it, but he remained some days outside, placing in it Humeeduh Banoo Begum.
One day, the sun of glory arose from the horizon of good fortune; that is to say, on the night of Sunday the 5th of Rujub, in that same year, the shadow of God, the king of kings, Julal-ood-deen Mahomed Ukbar Badshah (Oh God, do you always preserve his country and his rule!) was born. Mahomed Badshah Hoomayoon was highly pleased, and greatly increased in size on the birth of this child.
In the early days of Mohurrum of this same year, Meerza Yadgar Nasir, depending on what Shah Hoosain had said to him, becoming seditious, left the royal camp, and crossing the river, went to Sukkur; but that promise on which he trusted had not the strength of a rotten thread, and nothing came of it. Such guns as he had, he sent to Meerza Shah Hoosain, by Haluh, and Omur Shah, and other nobles who were with him belonging to the Meerza. When Shah Hoosain heard that Badshah Hoomayoon had marched upon Ooch, he came with great speed to Bukkur. The nobles went out in front to meet him, and on the 24th Mohurrum he entered the fort. He became very much displeased with Sultan Mahomed Khan, for having given away his grain; he hung Moolla Durwesh Mahomed Anbardur, superintendent of grain, in front of his (Sultan Mahomed’s) house, and he skinned alive Haluh and Omur Shah, between the two gates of (in the centre of) Sukkur. All who had remained at Roree after the departure of the king fled. Meerza Shah Hoosain, in the beginning of Rubee-oos-Sanee, went to Sehwistan, remaining there a week, repairing the broken parts of the fort. He then proceeded to Sunn, where he stayed some time. On hearing that the king was coming back again, he quickly went to Tatta.
On account of the country about Omurkote being unable to supply the royal host with the necessary supplies, it appeared advisable in the wisdom of the nobles to go to Sind, and in a few days the whole went to Joon, the cultivation of which is on the banks of the river. There are many gardens there, such as the heart rejoices in, with fruit trees, on which account it raises its head above all the other towns of Sind. There are many other things pleasing to the heart there. Hoomayoon remained at this town a long time. Shah Hoosain, with his forces, came and encamped on the opposite side of the river. About that time the king was informed that there was much grain and other supplies in a fort in the Purguna of Buthoruh, and that it would fall into his hands without much trouble. The king sent Shaikh Ali Beg, Taimoor Sultan, and Turdee Beg Khan against this fort. Shah Hoosain, hearing of this, named Meerza Eesa Turkhan to go there, but he had not the mind to agree to this, because he was aware that people had told the Meerza that he was favourably inclined to the king. Shah Hoosain did not insist upon his going, and called Sultan Mahomed Khan, who was sitting in sorrow on one side, by reason of the displeasure of his chief, and giving him much encouragement, he sent him on this expedition to aid Moolla Boohlool and the garrison in this small fort. There was constant fighting between parties of the royal troops and those of Shah Hoosain about Joon. The forces of the latter were assembled on the land, and in boats opposite to that place, ready to attack the enemy.
By chance, one day, Taimoor Sultan Shah, Ali Beg, and Turdee Khan, arrived with their men at this fort where the grain was, but Sultan Mahomed had previously reached it, and he had assembled the Lunduruhs, the Munduruhs, and the Sakurs. The royal troops approached, without having heard of this, coming upon them unknowingly. Fighting commenced, in which Turdee Khan behaved negligently. Shaikh Ali Beg, with his brethren, fixed his foot firmly on the battle-field, falling there. Shaikh Taj-ood-deen was mortally wounded, and many gallant men of the royal army in that battle took the apparatus of their lives to the other world. Of Shah Hoosain’s people, there were also many slain. When the news of the destruction of Shaikh Ali Beg, Taj-ood-deen, and his other brave men, reached the king, he became full of sorrow. Other matters pressed heavily upon him also; thus his heart cooled towards Sind, and he strengthened his determination to go to Kandahar. About that time, on the 7th of Mohurrum, 950 (A. D. 1543), Buhram Khan came alone to the king from Guzerat: he placed salve on the wounded heart of his royal highness, and he brought about negotiations for peace between him and the Meerza, who, deeming this good fortune, became satisfied in his heart. He sent to Hoomayoon Badshah one lakh of Misgalees (about 6 annas each), 300 horses, 300 camels, and other requisites for marching, and he threw a bridge over the river opposite to Joon. At the time of making peace, and when this bridge was completed, Hoomayoon became aware that 950 Urghoons had vexed his royal highness and his imperial troops, as to subsistence in Sind, for the space of two years. By reason of this making of peace, the Urghoons were so pleased, that they extended their hats of happiness to the heavens, looking upon it as an unexpected blessing, making many excuses for their conduct, and sending all things needful for marching to the Badshah. On the 7th of Rubee-oos-Sanee of this same year, the king, leaving the town of Joon, crossed the river by the bridge. This occupied two days, and on the 9th, he commenced his march upon Kandahar.
When Bukshoo Lungah had built a fort in Mooltan opposite to Junpoor, he caused the city of Mooltan to be deserted, gathering people of all descriptions in that fort, such as the men of Lungah, Beloochees, Nahurs, and all kinds of factious men were collected within his ring. Then, making up his mind to attack Bukkur, he was constantly sending spies there; so much so, that at length a succession of these arrived, bringing intelligence to him of the unprotected state of that fortress, and that Shah Hoosain was at Tatta, with all his nobles and troops. On hearing this, Bukshoo Lungah, placing his men on board boats, he started, sending fifty of these in advance, ordering them to arrive at Bukkur in the middle of the night, and by some device to convey themselves upon the walls, and, by breaking down the gates, to open a road for him to enter by. When these arrived at midnight of Friday at the foot of the fortress, they lighted a fire beneath the gate opposite Sukkur, and commenced shouting. The people in the fort, hearing this, were aroused, and mounting the towers and walls, commenced throwing stones and arrows. There were but few sepoys there. At this time the mother of Sultan Mahomed Khan, coming over the gateway, having had a large mat soaked in oil, cast it down upon the heads of the assailants, who by this were separated and broken. Meer Janee Turkhan, Humzuh Beg, and Kazee Eesa the son of Kazee Kazin, exerted themselves greatly, so much so, that some of their enemies were burnt, many drowned, and a few, throwing themselves into the boats, thus escaped. Early on the following morning, Bukshoo Lungah, with Nugarahs beating, approached, with the thought that his men had taken the fort; but when he drew near, and the garrison commenced firing cannon and guns upon him, he then knew that his people had not succeeded in their work, so he turned and landed near Roree, where he remained three days, looting the country of Bukkur, after which he retired. When Meerza Shah Hoosain received this news, he sent Shah Mahomed Urghoon, with Kazee Kazin, to take care of Bukkur. The above attack occurred on the night of the 14th Jumadee-oos-Sanee, 950 (A. D. 1543).
When, in the beginning of the year 951 (A. D. 1544), on account of the unkindness of his brethren, Hoomayoon Badshah proceeded to Irak, then Meerza Kamran sent Shaikh Abdool Wuhab Pooranee, Meer Eelah Dost, and Baba Chochuk, on a mission to Meerza Shah Hoosain, making known his wish to form a connexion with his daughter. Shah Hoosain agreed to this, giving leave to the messengers to return.
When Hoomayoon returned from Irak to Kandahar, Meerza Uskuree retired to the fort, becoming submissive to the king, who then marched towards Kabool. Meerza Kamran stood up in enmity, but his chiefs deserting him, went over to the king. Thus his strength to fight left him, so turning the bridle of his intentions from war, he put his face in the direction of flight, and by the way of Herat he came to Sind. Hearing of this, Shah Hoosain made a place of residence for him at Pattur, sending Durwesh Mahomed in front, to meet and escort him. Arriving there, Kamran shook the cord of marriage. Shah Hoosain sent Meer Furookh to make the arrangements in this matter, and he gave in marriage to Meerza Kamran, Chochuk Begum, the chaste daughter of Meerza Shah Hoosain. Three months after his marriage, Kamran left Sind, proceeding towards Kabool, Shah Hoosain sending with him 1,000 well appointed horsemen, repairing and furnishing whatever was required by him. Meerza Kamran first went to Ghuznee, which he took; he then marched against Kabool, reaching and entering it without the knowledge of the garrison. At that time the king was away at Budukshan.
Six months afterwards, Shah Hoosain’s horsemen returned to Sind. Subsequently to this, the king with many men came back to Kabool, throwing his forces around it; at which Kamran becoming alarmed, he left it, going towards Hindoostan. He had an interview with Islam Shah Afghan, asking his aid; but he meant to seize him, hearing of which he fled, going to the men of Kokur, who protected him for a long time. At length, when the king heard that he was concocting mischief in his head, he had him caught, drawing a Mil (a wire instrument used to blind people) over his eyes.
In the year 957 (A. D. 1550), Meerza Kamran arrived at Bukkur. Shah Hoosain gave to him for a residence the small hill of Shad Beluh, which stands in the midst of the water, to the westward of Bukkur. He afterwards settled upon him for his house expenses the Purguna of Buthoruh, giving him Futeh Bagh for a residence. After remaining there some time, he left for Hujj (a pilgrimage to Mecca), and Chochuk Begum prepared to accompany him, sending to her father for his permission; but he made denial to this, enlarging upon it. Nevertheless, Chochuk Begum, without her father’s consent, went on board a boat, wishing to go alone to Meerza Kamran; but Sultan Mahomed Mohurdar, and others, coming in front, turned her back. At that time Shah Hoosain arriving, went on board her boat, reasoning much with her; but she was not affected by this, saying: “When Meerza Kamran had his eyes right, you gave me to him; now that he is blind, do you intend to separate me from him? The world will say the daughter of Meerza Shah Hoosain at such a time turned her head from associating with her husband, and they will give me reproach!” The Meerza was pleased at this, and giving her valuable things, allowed her to depart.
Meerza Kamran and Chochuk Begum, after performing the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, lived at the former place two or three years. One year, on the day of Hujj, after standing on Urfat (a mountain near Mecca), and before sunset, the sun of his life went into the corner of death. Seven months after his death, Chochuk Begum passed from this world to the world everlasting. This occurred in the year 964 (A. D. 1556).
In the latter days of Meerza Shah Hoosain, he was struck with the palsy. At that time many men of low origin were his confidants. The Urghoons, the Turkhans, and all men of character, being excluded from his presence, remained in their own houses; and those low people day by day ascended in degree, acting without respect and with oppression towards the Moguls. In the year 960 (A. D. 1552-53), Urabee Gahee had charge of the treasury at Tatta, and Ismael Bhuttiryuruh issued all orders to the country and Ryuts. Whatever truth or falsehood these men spoke, it was approved of by Shah Hoosain. On this account all the men of respectability sat sorrowing in corners. Things came to such a pass, that the sons of Urabee Gahee stretched forth the hands of oppression upon the Urghoons and Turkhans. One night, one of these kicking a woman of the Urghooneeyuhs who was in the family way, caused her to have a premature delivery. The Urghoons conveyed this to the ears of Shah Hoosain, who paid no attention to it. When they greatly enlarged upon it, the Meerza wrote a note to Shaikh Meeruh Pooranee, the chief of Islam, at the time in Tatta, saying: “Inquire into this quarrel agreeably to the law, and after it has been proved, punish whoever is worthy of punishment.” Shah Hoosain gave charge of the fort of Musrutabad to Shunbahand Rufeez, who were his purchased slaves, and he himself turned the bridle of his intentions towards Bukkur, and in the early part of Zilhuj of this same year he arrived at Baburloe, remaining there twenty-five days. On the 7th of Mohurrum, 961 (A. D. 1553-54) he entered Bukkur, sitting in the Hall of Audience from morning till evening.
All the Urghoons and Turkhans, seeing the predominance of the men of low birth about Shah Hoosain, became full of vexation; they were thinking that the only medicine for their affairs was the destruction of these. They and all the other nobles assembled in the house of Meer Shah Mahomed Beg Lar, who was the Hakeem of the fortress, placing before him the state of affairs, good and bad, backbiting the slaves and attendants of Shah Hoosain; declaring that it was necessary for them either to leave the country, or else to destroy these people. They asked for counsel in this subject, viz: “That now Shah Hoosain is sick with the palsy, he has not strength to ride, going about in a travelling throne: we will place him in this fort, leaving our families to do his service, and slay all the men of low birth about him.” Meerza Janee Turkhan, a Sirdar of consequence, said: “Meerza Shah Hoosain is like the sun on a hill; it does not seem proper to me to bring myself into bad repute in his last days. As you have borne this burthen for so many years, continue to do so for one or two more, and carry on your affairs with trouble: see what comes forth from the curtain of the invisible world.”
They did not place their ears upon this, and some of them, rising from the assembly, went outside with the purpose to go to the Hall of Audience, and kill and wound all the attendants they might find near the Meerza, and to place him under surveillance; but before they reached the hall, Shah Hoosain, having gone on board a boat, had proceeded to a garden, from whence in two or three days he went to Tatta.
Meerza Shah Mahomed Beg, the Hakeem of Bukkur, after this wrote on the page of his heart the picture of rebellion, collecting the Booldee Beloochees. At that time the mother of Sultan Mahomed, a woman of great goodness and wisdom, hearing of this, sent a man to call Meer Mulik Mahomed, and Meer Lootfee, who were in the districts of Oobawruh and Matheluh, who, on her summons, quickly conveyed themselves to Bukkur, when they called Mihr Ali and the other servants of Shah Hoosain, also the Kotwal, &c. who had joined Meer Shah Mahomed, and greatly frightening them, they went away, and dispersed. They then wrote the circumstances to Shah Hoosain, who quickly sent Humzuh Beg and others to Bukkur, and he despatched Meer Humeed-ood-deen Mahomed Sarban, with a Purwana, to call Meer Shah Mahomed, saying: “I have recollected you: when you see my writing, come here.” Shah Mahomed found no other medicine but to obey; so he went with Meer Mahomed-ood-deen, arriving in the presence of the Meerza opposite Sunn, receiving much kindness from him. At that time Sultan Mahomed Khan was at Seebee. When he heard of Shah Mahomed becoming rebellious, he proposed to go quickly to Bukkur, because his mother and near relations were there: so, leaving Seebee, he arrived at Gunjabah, where his people brought a letter from his mother to him, the contents of which were as follows:— “Meer Shah Mahomed was bringing bad thoughts into his head, but before he could do anything, he was called to the presence of the Meerza. Oh my son, keep your mind at ease, doing that which you have to do!” Upon this, Sultan Mahomed determined to return from thence. His chiefs, becoming aware of this, came before him, asking the reason of his returning: he produced and showed to them his mother’s letter, on reading which they exclaimed: “Moobaruk (congratulation) to you on becoming the Hakeem of Bukkur: it is now necessary for you at once to advance your foot, and talk on the way.” Sultan Mahomed said: “To me it does not appear proper to go there without being called.” They replied: “It seems fit for you to convey yourself speedily into the fortress; for if Shah Mahomed was in it, it would be difficult for you to find an entrance: now he is dismissed, it is necessary for you to go there immediately, and from thence write a petition to the Meerza, saying, that having heard of what had occurred, you had arrived there, requesting his instructions.”
Some days before his arrival at Bukkur, a Firman had arrived from Shah Hoosain, appointing as Hakeems there, Meer Mulik Mahomed and Meer Lootfee; upon hearing which Sultan Mahomed became greatly vexed, and he was attacked with diarrhœa. The governorship being entrusted to these two, they were dividing the Purgunas of the country between them; so Sultan Mahomed, with jealousy, sent a man to them, saying: “In these arrangements do not forget me, for I am in the fort.” Hearing this, Mulik Mahomed said to his sons: “Take the keys of the fort to Sultan Mahomed.” Meer Lootfee remarked that it was better not to act hastily, but to remain under the orders of the Meerza. Meer Mulik was a man of wisdom; he did not attend to Meer Lootfee, and he sent the keys of the fort to Sultan Mahomed.
On the 1st of Mohurrum, 962 (A. D. 1554), all the Urghoons and Turkhans in Tatta, being of one mind, agreed to obey the orders of Meerza Eesa, and they turned their heads away from listening to the commands of Meerza Shah Hoosain. They slew Urabee Gahee, Shunbuh, and Rufeeg, seizing and confining Mah Begum, the Hurum (wife) of the Meerza; and extending their hands to the treasury, they distributed much money to the sepoys. Shah Hoosain had appointed Meer Shah Mahomed to the governorship of Tatta, but before his arrival all the people had agreed to obey Meerza Eesa, bowing their heads before him; and Shah Mahomed, being helpless, likewise became submissive to him. Hearing of this, Shah Hoosain was much afflicted: he sent a messenger to Sultan Mahomed, directing him to seize all the Urghoons and Turkhans in Bukkur country, and to send them as prisoners to him. After being attacked with the palsy, the Meerza constantly drank wine, remaining intoxicated. At this time his attendants were backbiting the Urghoons, saying: “They are very Neemukhuram (faithless), because they have killed all your followers, who had passed their lives in your service, committing no offence: it is advisable, for the preservation of your government, to give us orders to destroy them, and to seize and confine Ahmed Wulee, the head of this dissension, and he is now present here in your force.” They then began crying and lamenting. The Meerza had Ahmed Wulee seized, sending him to Sehwistan in charge of Mustee Sarban. He killed Ali Hoosain, who was the near relation of Ahmed Wulee, and placing his head on the point of a spear, had it paraded on all sides. Hearing of this, the rebellious enmity of the Urghoons increased. Seeing their disposition, Shah Hoosain gave the charge of Bukkur to Sultan Mahomed, directing him to slay all the Urghoons and Turkhans who were there. Sultan Mahomed took this Firman to his mother, telling her of its contents. She said— “I give you Moobaruk on being made Governor of Bukkur; but instead of having these killed quickly, it is better to seize and send them to the Meerza, who will do as he pleases with them.”
Sultan Mahomed confined Meer Janee Turkhan, Ahmed Turkhan, and others, who were in Bukkur, to take to the Meerza: he put to death Yadgar Mahomed Kotwal, who had incited Meer Shah Mahomed to rebellion, and he turned out of the fort the family of Kazee Kazin, and all who were on the side of Shah Hoosain, and making over the charge of Bukkur to his mother, he proceeded to Meerza Shah Hoosain. At his second march, he met Syud Janfur, and other Syuds, who had come from Musheed: these gave to him a pair of Nugarahs, which had been sent for him by the superintendent of the Rowzah (tomb) of Emam Moose Reiza at Musheed. Sultan Mahomed was very happy at this, receiving it as an omen in favour of the Sultanut, and he gave much money to the Syuds.
He then collected twelve pair of Nugarahs, and nine pair of Korkuhs; and making successive marches, on the 22nd Mohurrum of that year, he arrived in the presence of the Meerza, to whom he showed his forces, and being much pleased, and getting confidence, he marched on Tatta with warlike intentions. On his arrival at Suyat, the forces of the two parties met. There were two or three battles between them, in which many men of both sides were slain. In this state of affairs Meerza Eesa sent secretly to Sultan Mahomed, saying: “By necessity we are fighting against each other: why should we fight between ourselves, the people being killed every day? If I and you have an interview, showing to each other the good and bad in our affairs, and consult about our own business, it will be well.” The two met at midnight, and there was much friendly conversation between them, bringing their talk to this point, that Meerza Shah Hoosain is a visitor in this world for but a short time: it is better to take the road of peace; because, after his death, there will be no one but us two, when, in such manner as we may determine upon, we will make arrangements for the country, and we will not disturb that which we may agree to. No one knew of this meeting.
At that time Ameer Sultan and Meer Abool Khair, taking some of the Sodahs, &c. went to the Berar ferry, where there was a Belooch Chokee, under Beg Mahomed. A serious affray took place, many of Meerza Eesa’s men being killed, the heads of whom were brought before Shah Hoosain. By chance, amongst these there were some heads of Moguls, seeing which the water came into the eyes of the Meerza. Upon this, Sultan Mahomed, who was sitting near, went before him, saying: “If any men of our side are killed, you become sorrowful, and if those of the opposite party are slain, you bring water into your eyes: I am vexed, and much distracted in finding a medicine for this.” At that moment Shaikh Abdool Wuhab Pooranee, and Meerza Kasim Beg Lar, came between them, speaking in extenuation of the faults of Meerza Eesa. Then Sultan Mahomed Khan and others, finding the opportunity, said: “Meerza Eesa is much ashamed at the behaviour of the Urghoons and Turkhans towards your servants: if the pen of forgiveness is drawn across his errors, and if the Turkhans in confinement are released, he will without doubt present himself before you as a suppliant.”
Meerza Shah Hoosain assented to this, and Meerza Eesa, releasing Mah Begum and the slaves, conveyed them to his army. This occurred in the last days of Sufur, in that same year.
On the 1st of Rubee-ool-Awul, Shaikh Abdool Wuhab Pooranee, and Meerza Kasim, asked forgiveness for the errors of the Turkhans, sending a letter on this subject to Tatta. On the 2nd, there was a meeting between Meerza Eesa Turkhan and Sultan Mahomed Khan, when each of them, placing a hand on the Koran, agreed as follows— “That they would be of one heart, keeping enmity at a distance; that as long as Meerza Shah Hoosain lived, they would both remain obedient to him; that they would not enter into any dissension during his lifetime; that when the Meerza shall depart from this to that other world, then they would divide the country of Sind into two parts, when that above Lukhee should be in the hands of Sultan Mahomed, and that below Lukhee should remain with Meerza Eesa.”
Both of them, agreeing to this, they wrote an agreement, to which were affixed both their seals, and those of their men of consequence. They then embraced each other twice, and separated. After this, orders were given for the men of the two armies to go into each other’s camp, so that the idea of enmity might be removed from the minds of all. The following day, Meerza Kasim Beg Lar, going to Tatta, brought Mahomed Saleh Turkhan, the son of Meerza Eesa, to Shah Hoosain, before whom he placed many valuable presents. From this side (Shah Hoosain’s) Abdool Wuhab took Ameer Sultan the brother of Sultan Mahomed to Tatta, for an interview with Meerza Eesa. Meerza Shah Hoosain, presenting a Khilat to Mahomed Saleh, gave him leave to depart, and he sent a pair of Nugarahs to Meerza Eesa. The next day he presented to Sultan Mahomed a standard of Meer Zoonoon’s, and his own seal. On that day Ameer Sultan came back from Tatta. After this the sepoys of the two forces went to and fro with confidence.
Shaikh Abdool Wuhab, who was learned in medicine, from observing the countenance of Meerza Shah Hoosain, became aware that his long standing disease was increasing its head: he therefore deemed it proper, now that peace was made, that he should go to Sehwistan, and that the troops should be allowed to depart to their homes. Sultan Mahomed proposing this to the Meerza, he assented, and that morning he marched; but his malady gained strength that day, increasing every hour. On the 11th Rubee-ool-Awul, he encamped at the village of Nalee Potruh; the following day, Monday, in the afternoon, the bird of his life heard the sound of— “Do you come to your God with much pleasure!” (Koran), and fled towards the Garden of Paradise. At that time Shaikh Abdool and Meerza Kasim were sitting at his head, and they sent to call Sultan Mahomed, who, coming on board the boat, and seeing what had occurred, tears of affliction came into his eyes, and a minute afterwards, uncovering the face of Shah Hoosain, he wept much, and kissing his feet, sat down there, saying: “Oh Shaikh Abdool Wuhab! Oh Meerza Kasim! You are my witnesses to God, that during the lifetime of Meerza Shah Hoosain I committed no act of enmity towards him. I have always been faithful to him; so much so, that see, I now sit at his feet— no one else besides myself has found this good fortune.”
Shaik Abdool, taking him by the hand, went with him to Mah Begum, desiring them to sit together, and that he would do what was customary. Having performed these duties in the early part of the night, he placed the corpse on a bed, reading over it the funeral prayer. Sultan Mahomed took a little of the treasure, and much of the property, which was then belonging to Shah Hoosain. He said to Mah Begum: “God forbid! but the Urghoons and Turkhans at Tatta may commit errors with respect to your honour: on this account do you come to Bukkur, taking with you the corpse of Meerza Shah Hoosain.” To this Mah Begum replied: “It is necessary to convey his remains near to those of Shah Beg at Mecca, which is nearer to Tatta— it is far from Bukkur.” In short, Mah Begum did not approve of going to Bukkur; she determined to take the body to Tatta the following morning, accompanied by Shaikh Abdool, Meerza Kasim, and Khwaja Mahomed.
The next morning Sultan Mahomed marched on Bukkur, and on that day the news of the death of the Meerza reached Tatta, when Meerza Eesa, with a large force, started after Sultan Mahomed, near whose camp he assembled his troops. Sultan Mahomed then sent a man to him, asking what his wishes were, saying: “If war is your intention, tell me, and I will come to the field of battle.” Meerza Eesa replied: “I have come, because the Urghoons had heard that you were taking the corpse of Shah Hoosain and Mah Begum to Bukkur: it would not have been proper to do so, because Tatta was his; but now it has become known to me that Mah Begum has conveyed his remains to Tatta, do you go at your pleasure to Bukkur.” Sultan Mahomed then, marching quickly, reached Sehwistan. At that time Meerza Shah Musnood, and others there, came to the determination, that as Tatta had gone into the hands of Meerza Eesa, and Sultan Mahomed had obtained Bukkur, it would be advisable for them to hold the possession of Sehwistan. Sultan Mahomed argued much with them, but they would not deliver over the fort to him, keeping it themselves, agreeably to what they had agreed upon. Sultan Mahomed, by encouragement, called from the fort Meer Abool Khair, and Meer Abdool Humeed, and he then turned the bridle of his intentions towards Bukkur. Meerza Eesa, who was following him march by march, on arriving at Sunn, heard that the men of Sehwistan had shut the gates upon, refusing admittance to Sultan Mahomed; so he sent a large body of men in advance under his son Mahomed Saleh, to surround the place, and he himself arriving shortly after, kept tightly confined the men in this fort. At that time my (the historian’s) grandfather, Syud Meer Kulan, coming between them, peace was made. After this, the men in the fort asking for quarter, evacuated it, Meerza Eesa taking possession. The chief men of the place, being greatly ashamed, asked for, and obtained leave to depart, for the purpose of going to Hujj; but they went to Guzerat viâ Barguh or Barkuh. From thence they went to Hindoostan, where they took service under Moonim Khan. Meer Abdool Humeed, also, having obtained permission from Sultan Mahomed, went to Hindoostan.
When the corpse of Meerza Shah Hoosain reached Tatta, it was conveyed to the house of Meer Ahmed Wulee, on the bank of the river, and a tomb was erected for it on the Mokullee hill. Three months afterwards, Meerza Eesa coming, took it from the house of Meer Ahmed, and buried it there, Meerza Eesa, and all the Urghoons and Turkhans, wearing the apparel of affliction. One day they all went to his tomb to read the Eatihuh (prayer for the dead). Two years afterwards, the remains were taken up from thence by the nobles, and conveyed to Mecca, by whom they were placed on one side of those of his father Shah Beg, erecting over them a very handsome tomb, which is well known.
Meerza Shah Hoosain was the son of Shah Beg, the son of Meer Zoonoon. He had no equal in bravery from his youth, till he was seized with disease. He was victorious in all the battles he fought: in these his arrangements were good. He was born in the year 896 (A. D. 1490); he died in the year 962 (A. D. 1554), having lived sixty-six years. From childhood he was anxious to attain knowledge, and all praised him for the extent of his wisdom. His mind was always intent upon that which was good; his knowledge of all ancient traditions was great; he understood poetry well— sometimes the result of his thoughts came forth in verse. His titular name was Siyahee, and I (the historian) have possession of some of his poetry in his own handwriting. He always showed honour and distinction to the Soduts (the Syuds), the priests, and to all men of learning: whatever allowance was settled by him on these, there never was any mistake in it; he gave to all according to their condition. In his time, the hand of oppression did not reach the humble; he did not wish to injure any one. His arrangements for the country were good. For the space of thirty-four years he sat on the throne. In his youth, he went from Kandahar to Babur Badshah at Kabool, remaining with him two years. Babur always spoke in praise of him, saying: “Shaikh Hoosain Beg has not come to me for service, but he has come to learn the customs of kings.” During his life he married two wives— the one Mah Begum, the daughter of Meerza Mahomed Mokeem Urghoon, who was his uncle, by whom he had one daughter, whom he gave in marriage to Meerza Shah Kamran, who, after coming to Sind, went to Mecca, accompanied by her, where she died. Mah Begum was married in the first instance to Kasim Kokuh, by whom she had one daughter, name Naheed Begum, through whom her descendants have continued. After the decease of Shah Hoosain, Mah Begum was married to Meerza Eesa. From her enmity towards Meerza Mahomed Bagee, she was placed in confinement, in which state she died. The other wife was Goolburg Begum, the daughter of Meer Khuteefuh. She remained married to the Meerza two years, but after that, as they did not agree, they became separated. She went to Hindoostan, previous to Badshah Hoomayoon’s first coming to Sind. She gave the ready money of her life into the hands of the treasurer of death at Delhi, the leaf of her life falling before the hot wind of death. Meerza Shah Hoosain had one son, named Meerza Abool Munsoor, but he died when two years old, so none remain of his family.
Amongst these the first is Meerza Mahomed (known by the name of Shaikh Meeruk), the son of Meer Aboo Suneed Pooranee. His genealogy extends back to Arab Shahee Sodut. The mother of Meer Aboo Suneed was the daughter of Shaikh Julal-ood-deen. Shaikh Meeruk gained praise above all the Soduts by his charity, his devoutness, abstinence, and wisdom. He remained a long time in Sind at the head of the priests of Islam. All who came and went, all travellers, found bread at his house; all men of learning, and studying, gained much wisdom from his exertions; these took the ball from those who studied elsewhere. He wrote a very good hand, particularly the Nustungleek. In the month of Mohurrum 962 (A. D. 1554), he died.
Shaikh Meer Mahomed and Shaikh Abdool Wuhab were the two sons of Meer Bayuzeed the son of Meer Aboo Suneed. They were cousins to Shaikh Meeruk, after whose death they were superior to all. The habits and character of the latter were very good: he was of a happy temper, giving life to large assemblies. He understood poetry well; he restrained himself much, walking in the ways of God; with all his power he showed the proper path to men of consequence, exerting himself much to do away with oppression, and to put a stop to all the introduction of novelties in the exercise of religion. These two brothers died in the year 970 (A. D. 1562). The Jamin Futawa Pooranee, a work on law well known at Tatta and Bukkur, was written by Shaikh Abdool Wuhab.
Shaikh Kootb-ood-deen Mahomed, the son of Shah Mahomed, the son of Shah Tuyub, was the chief of the Soduts of Khorasan. He came to Sind after the quarrels of the Toorkomans, living at Bukkur. Every Friday he spoke in public, giving advice to the people. He was a man of great abstinence and piety. He died in the latter end of the year 977 (A. D. 1569).
He was successor to Mukhdoom Bilal. His heart was always given to piety; those who walked in the path of austerity looked upon him with reverence. He was well acquaintad with traditional sayings. The Shurh-i-Urbueen, the Shurh-i-Kaidanee, books on religion and law, and other works, are the result of his knowledge. His death took place in 949 (A. D. 1542), at Tatta.
He was the son of Kazee Aboo Syud, the son of Kazee Zain-ood-deen Bukree. His ancestors lived in Sehwistan. One of these, a very devout man, came to and remained at Bukkur. Kazee Kazin was very virtuous; he was well skilled in incantations, in interpretations of the Koran, in the traditional sayings of Mahomed; also in all that related to religion and law, and the contemplative sciences, he understood, reading the Koran in a proper tone (Ilm-i-Kirat); no one surpassed him in writing. He exerted himself greatly in penitence to God. He made the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina; he travelled much. He was a disciple of Syud Mahomed Juwun Poree, who was commonly known by the name of Mehran Muhdee,* on which account the Moolvees of the Mahomedan religion taunted him. After the death of Shah Beg, Meerza Shah Hoosain looked upon him with the eye of kindness. He was the Kazee (Judge) of the city of Bukkur, displaying great ability in settling all disputes. He died in 958 (A. D. 1551).
He was one of the chief men of learning, and very virtuous. He attained knowledge from Mukhdoom Abdool Uzeez Abhuree; he had a strong mind, full of piety. In his youth he lived in his country, Durbelah. When Shah Beg took Sind, he lived some time at Baghbanan. In the year 934 (A. D. 1527), he went to Guzerat; from thence to Medina, where he took the apparatus of his life to that other world. He had two devout successors, Shaikh Rehmut-ool-lah, and Shaikh Humeed Ooch. There was no one equal to the first of these two. In his day, he wrote three works relating to the customs of the pilgrimage, and these are now adhered to. His tomb is at Jerusalem (Urz-i-Mokuddus).
Shaikh Humeed Ooch was ornamented with the dress of virtue; he was a proficient in knowledge of all kinds, especially in the interpretation of the Koran, and in the traditions of Mahomed. When Moozuffur Khan, the son of Sultan Mahomed Khan Guzeratee, took Ahmedabad from Shuhab Khan, who was one of Ukbar Shah’s nobles, Nuwab Khan Khanan, with a large force, went there, driving out Moozuffur, and placing the country under Ukbar Shah. At that time I was among the nobles who were with Khan Khanan. I received virtue from the Shaikh, whom I went to see, making an offering to him of a complete book called Mishkat, with some other works, all containing the sayings of Mahomed (Hudees). I then took leave of him. Shaikh Humeed afterwards went on a pilgrimage to Mecca, with Nuwab Moostitab Khan Auzum, and he still reads the sayings of Mahomed there.
This was a man of great understanding, well acquainted with Arabic; he instructed Meerza Shah Hoosain for some time. In 961 (A. D. 1553-54) he went to Hujj. The results of his clear mind are a work explaining the Shumayul-i-Nubuwee, and marginal notes to Tafseer Baizawee (an interpretation of the Koran); also a commentary on Farsee Muntik; besides others.
He was amongst the good Soduts of Bukkur. He was their Sirdar, possessing goodness of all kinds. At present the Sirdaree is held by his descendants, who are numerous.
He was descended from Tuyub Hurwee (of Herat). His writings were very sweet. He came to Sind from Khorasan, in the beginning of the reign of Meerza Shah Hoosain. He was without equal in knowledge of poetry. The results of his genius are the Muzhur-ool-Anware, a reply to Toohful-u-Ahrar, and Dewan Hashimee (a book of poems). In 946 (A. D. 1539), he went to Hujj by Kutchee Mukran, drinking the sherbet of martyrdom at the hands of highway robbers, whilst on his journey.
Meer Shah Hoosain Nukduree, Meer Shah Musnood Sudur, and Moulana Fukr-ood-deen Hurvee, were also great poets. The former was proficient in poetry, and chronograms. The Rorezut-oos-Sulateen was written by him. The latter wrote Sunaiyn Budaiyn (a work on versification).
Moulana Haidur Kakh was the Sirdar of all poets. He wrote a book of poems: this is an extract from it:—
He came from Khorasan to Sind: his tomb is at Puttur.
In his youth he found instruction from Meerza Shah Beg, being in the rank of his nobles. When Meerza Eesa was with Meerza Shah Hoosain in Mooltan, Ameer Amranee came to Tatta, looting the people. The nobles then wrote to Meerza Shah Hoosain, acquainting him of this. Meerza Eesa, placing the foot of bravery in front, asked for leave to go and punish the intruders. He arrived with great speed near Tatta, where he fought well, slaying many of them. The survivors dispersed.
After the return of Meerza Shah Hoosain, Ameer Amranee, with 40,000 men, came, and putting in order a field of battle, an action was fought, in which 10,000 of his men were slain. After the death of Meerza Shah Hoosain, in Jumadee-ool-Awul 962 (A. D. 1554), Meerza Eesa sat on the throne of the government. The Urghoons and Turkhans approved of him as their ruler, placing in his hands the power of tying and loosening, of gathering and distributing.
Meerza Eesa was a good man in every sense of the word, always being indulgent to the Ryuts and sepoys. One year after he had sat on the throne, at the instigation of the Urghoons, he became at enmity with Sultan Mahomed Khan, marching on Bukkur with a large force, intent on war. In the month Rubee-oos-Sanee 963 (A. D. 1555), he encamped opposite to it, but Sultan Mahomed Khan was inside the fort. There were two fights between them.
At that time a body of Furinghees, whom Meerza Eesa had called to his assistance, came to Tatta, which they looted and burned, seizing some of the people, whom they carried away. The day previous to their looting Tatta these Furinghees threw some spirits into the river, when the water of it became ignited.
When this news reached Meerza Eesa, he went there with haste, being followed as far as Sehwistan by Sultan Mahomed, who destroyed all the Rubee (spring crops) of that country. Syud Meer Kutan, coming between, a treaty was made, and Sultan Mahomed returned to Bukkur. Some time after this, in the year 967 (A. D. 1559), Meerza Mahomed Saleh and Meerza Mahomed Bagee, the two sons of Meerza Eesa Turkhan, were fighting between themselves. The father gave his countenance to the former. The latter, being defeated, went to Wungub, where the Sodahs are. Those Urghoons who had accompanied him, agreeing to remain with him, they went to Omurkote. Thence, by the way of Jaisulmere, they came to Bukkur, where they had an interview with Sultan Mahomed, who took them into the armpit of his kindness, placing them at Sukkur. Meerza Eesa sent the children of Mahomed Bagee to Sukkur, to please Mahomed Saleh. Meerza Mahomed Bagee wished much to go to Hindoostan, but Sultan Mahomed Khan would not allow this, because he thought that if he got there, he would return with a large force, which would have to go through his country, by which much damage and annoyance would fall upon his people.
In 970 (A. D. 1562), Sultan Mahomed begged of Meerza Eesa forgiveness for the faults of Mahomed Bagee, agreeing to which, he sent a mission to Sultan Mahomed to make arrangements, saying how happy he was that he (Sultan Mahomed) had received and interceded for his son. Sultan Mahomed then sent Meerza Mahomed Bagee to his father, presenting him with all things befitting the son of a king.
Mahomed Bagee, arriving at Tatta, had an interview with his father, who gave him Sehwistan in Jageer, allowing him to depart. After this, the Urghoons quarrelled with Meerza Eesa’s people. Peace was made between them, but as the Urghoons were crossing the river, they opened fire upon, and slew many of them. On this account, they reached Bukkur in a bad state, showing their circumstances to Sultan Mahomed, who seized and confined the whole of them. After some time, on the intercession of his mother, he liberated them, and giving to each a horse and Khilat, he sent them with his other people against Sehwistan, the fort of which they surrounded, attacking it two or three times, but they could do nothing.
When the river was very full, Meerza Eesa came with many troops. A fight took place at the Rufyan ferry, when many of Sultan Mahomed’s men fell. Meerza Eesa encamped opposite the town of Dunbeluh, where Sultan Mahomed sent his forces. They were preparing for action when Shaikh Abdool Wuhab Pooranee, and Mah Begum, the well-wishers of both parties, made peace between them. Meerza Eesa then returned to Tatta, and the forces of Sultan Mahomed went back to Bukkur. In 974 (A. D. 1566), when Meerza Eesa drew near death, he proposed to seat in his place his youngest son Meerza Jan Baba; but Mah Begum said: “Meerza Mahomed Bagee is the elder, it is proper to place him on the throne.” Meerza Eesa, shaking his head at this, replied: “He has violence in his heart, giving oppression to the Ryuts, and the families of others of God’s creation, and you will come to your death at his hands.”
When Meerza Eesa died a natural death, the event was concealed, to prevent discord, until Meerza Mahomed Bagee had come to Tatta from Sehwistan. On the morning of that day, the body of Meerza Eesa was placed in the tomb.
After this, Meerza Mahomed Bagee ascended the throne, placing all the affairs of state in the hands of the Urghoons. But these were without fear, conducting themselves improperly. The cause of this was this: Meerza Mahomed Bagee had only just ascended the throne; fear of him had not entered their hearts, although he had strongly remonstrated with them. In short, he saw that the only arrangement for the country lay in their destruction. He therefore issued orders for all to slay the Urghoons, to loot their property, and that their wives and children were to be taken by those who pleased to do so. In this manner numbers of them were killed, and those who escaped the sword fled to Bukkur.
During the first year of the reign of Meerza Mahomed Bagee, Naheed Begum came from Hindoostan to visit her mother Mah Begum. In the same year, at the instigation of the Urghoon nobles, Sultan Mahomed went forth to make war against Mahomed Bagee. On reaching Nusurpoor, he laid siege to it. He then heard that Huzrut Badshah (Ukbar Shah) had arrived at Shaikh Fureed-ke-Puttun (the Pak ferry), with the intention of making a pilgrimage to the shrines of the saints at Mooltan. Sultan Mahomed became very thoughtful upon this, and burning all his boats, by successive marches he retreated.
Meerza Jan Baba, the brother of Meerza Mahomed Bagee, and Meerza Shadman (a brave man, the son-in-law of Mahomed Bagee, and a descendant from Sultan Ali, the brother of Meer Zoonoon Urghoon), being displeased with Meerza Mahomed Bagee, left him, and went to Bukkur. Sultan Mahomed received them with much kindness, presenting to each, money, a horse, Khilat, and other valuable things. He also gave them Jageers. On their requesting his assistance, he gave them a large body of good troops. When they arrived at Tatta, they dug a ditch in front of the forces of Mahomed Bagee, but the Urghoon Sirdars did not make friendship with Jan Baba— they were against him. On this account he left them, going to the men of Sumejah. From the rising of the river, the troops of Sultan Mahomed were not successful, and they retreated. After this, in 976 (A. D. 1568), Meerza Mahomed Bagee, giving his daughter in marriage to Ukbar Shah, he sent her with Mah Begum and Naheed Begum, and everything of every kind that the king could approve of, he forwarded by these. He appointed Yadgar Miskeen Turkhan to go in charge of them, with intimate friends of the family, and men of trust, and he himself determined to accompany them some way.
Previous to this, Meerza Mahomed Bagee, having become friends with Naheed Begum, married her daughter Buchuh Begum, who was formerly the wife of, but had separated from, Nigat Khan. Thus Meerza Mahomed Bagee’s heart was at ease with respect to the king, through Naheed Begum. When these arrived at Lukhee Alvee, they met there Meerza Jan Baba, who, coming with a force of Sodahs and Sumejahs, made a night attack upon Mahomed Bagee, who threw himself from the stern of his boat into the water, from whence he got into a small boat and escaped. The Sumejahs, boarding his vessel, slew Buchuh Begum. For this reason, the departure of the bride was deferred. A year afterwards, Mah Begum, Naheed Begum, and party, made a fresh departure, accompanied by Yadgar Miskeen. Meerza Jan Baba met the Begums, and having an interview with them, he said: “What is the meaning of your departing from Sind, leaving Meerza Mahomed Bagee to rule for himself.” On hearing this, Mah Begum became his friend, uniting with him. They destroyed the marriage presents and dowry, distributing them to the sepoys, preparing to resist Mahomed Bagee. They got a field of battle ready, in which, in the first instance, Mah Begum raised on high the standard of war. By the order of God, the breeze of victory struck the banner of Meerza Mahomed Bagee, and being defeated, the forces of Mah Begum fled.
At the commencement of this flight, Jan Baba and Yadgar Miskeen fled to Kukraluh, which is on the salt sea side, belonging to Jam Muhr. Mah Begum was confined; Naheed Begum, with some followers, escaped to Bukkur. After this victory, Mahomed Bagee returned to Tatta, being much incensed against Mah Begum. In those days, Sultan Mahomed Khan arrived at Tatta, with a large force, when Mahomed Bagee sent to him Syud Ali Tuttuvee, the head priest there, and he made arrangements between them.
Mahomed Bagee, by some artful design, induced Meerza Jan Baba and Yadgar Miskeen to come in to him, when he killed both of them. Mah Begum died in her prison.
After this, Sultan Mahomed, with a numerous army, again marched on Tatta, encamping opposite one of the gates. Meerza Mahomed Bagee, having cut his own legs from under him, was unable to fight. He placed guns on the bank of the river Rein, to protect the city. There was constant fighting between the two parties, in which Fakeer Mahomed Turkhan, the son-in-law of Meerza Eesa, was slain, as also Sultan Mahomed Turkhan. When Sultan Mahomed Khan was encamped at Berar, he heard that Tursoon Mahomed Khan had laid siege to Ooch. Having taken possession of the neighbouring country, it did not seem wise to remain where he was after this, so he turned the bridle of his intentions towards Bukkur.
In 978 (A. D. 1570), Meerza Mahomed Bagee sent his daughter, with numerous handsome things as her dowry, to the king, accompanied by Shaikh Abdool Gufoor, the son of Shaikh Abdool Wuhab; but she did not receive the honour of being accepted by the king, and she was brought back to Tatta.
In his latter days, Meerza Mahomed Bagee showed kindnes to the Urghoons, taking them under his shadow: such of these who had gone to various parts of Sind were collected together, salaries being fixed upon them, and he gave them Jageers according to their merits.
In 979 (A. D. 1571), Meerza Mahomed Bagee, becoming out of his senses, with the intent of self-destruction, he wounded himself with his sword and knife, giving his life to the owner of it.
After his death, great ease and happiness came to the people of Tatta, and the country.
The nobles and chiefs chose placing themselves under the authority of Meerza Janee Beg, in preference to any of the sons of Meerza Mahomed Bagee. He, by strength of his fortune, ascended the throne in the early days of his manhood.
He distributed amongst the people like Abr-i-Naisan (vernal rain) the gold and jewels which his ancestors had collected with so much trouble.
All the people found much comfort under the shadow of his rule. Those whose eyes during the reign of Meerza Mahomed Bagee had not seen happy sleep, under his government slept in the swinging cradle of ease.
Meeruk Abdool Bagee and Meeruk Abdool Rahman were the two sons of Shaikh Meeruk Pooranee. They were well versed in all knowledge; their minds were quick and good; their means were much limited, yet still they were so charitable that all the poor about, and all travellers, received bread from them. Good dinner was cooked in their kitchen; but there was one dish, called Mahichuh, which they made a mixture of sweet and sour, of such a flavour that no one else could attain. They also made preserves, in which they excelled. I myself learned how to make them from them. The elder Meeruk was well versed in the theology of the east. The younger understood all kinds of knowledge, particularly that of the human body, and astronomy. They gained much wisdom from Moulana Abdool Kalig Geelanee, when he visited Tatta, and some things which were beyond his comprehension they mastered. The younger Meeruk made additions to the Tahrir Ukledus (Euclid’s Elements), and he was a good poet. The death of Meeruk Abdool took place in 983 (A. D. 1575), and that of Rahman in 991 (A. D. 1583).
He was of the Syuds of Shiraz, from whence his ancestors came to Hindoostan. He was very devout, giving much away in the name of God. Every year, in the beginning of Rubee-ool-Awul, for twelve days, he cooked much food, which he gave to the Fakeers in the name of Mahomed. He was in the habit of visiting and remaining at the tombs of the Mokullee saints, taking musicians and singers with him. The Kazees (Judges), Mooftees (superior Law Officers), and Mohtusids (Censors), were always dissuading him from this practice, but he did not attend to them.
Sultan Mahomed Khan was the son of Meer Fazil, the son of Meer Nadil Khwaja Ispahanee. His ancestors lived at Khwasgan, in the Purguna of Ispahan. When Saheb Kiran Ameer Taimoor Goorgan went to take the country of Irak, the Bulookats of Ispahan ceased bending their heads under his orders, so he issued directions to loot and seize them, and a strong force was sent for this purpose. In this expedition, Ahmed Khwaja, the father of Nadil Khwaja, fell into the hands of Meer Husun Busree, the father of Meer Zoonoon, who placed him in his family, showing him great kindness. The family of Nadil Khwaja goes back three generations to Mulik Mahomed Nandih, well known at Ispahan for his charity: from this he was called Nandih. He counts back nineteen generations to Udee, the son of Hatim Taee. Ahmed Khwaja had two sons, Adil Khwaja and Agil Khwaja. The first of these left a son and a daughter, Meer Fazil, and Sultan Bejuh. Meer Fazil had five sons, Baba Ahmed, Sultan Mahomed Khan, Meer Abdool Futeh, Ameer Sultan, and Ameer Abdoolla. All of these were by different mothers. The mother of Sultan Mahomed Khan was of the daughters of the Kashee Afghans of Shawul and Pishing. In his youth, when fourteen years of age, he appeared to all to be good in everything, and he came under the kindly eye of Shah Beg. When Shah Beg went against Baghbanan, Kahan, Tuluhtee, and Tatta, he was always in the front. On returning to Kandahar, Shah Beg wished to leave some one at Bukkur. All his nobles refused to remain, when Sultan Mahomed, though so young, volunteered to do so. For eleven months, he took care of that fort with 70 men: there was such bravery in his heart, that no fear of his enemies came upon him, and frequently, taking a few men, he sallied forth, attacking the Dharejas and Sodahs, on all of which occasions he was victorious. When, in the year 927 (A. D. 1520-21), Shah Beg died, and Meerza Shah Hoosain sat in his place, Sultan Mahomed displayed great valour in the war against Ameer Amranee, smiting with the sword in the presence of all. He also showed gallantry towards Ooch, at Dilawur, and Mooltan.
In 940 (A. D. 1533), taking a large force against the people of the fort of Sathulmere, and having plundered it, and seized some of the people, he retreated. He remained one night on the road, when his enemies made a night attack upon him, rescuing the prisoners. Sultan Mahomed was awoke from his sleep by the noise, and rushed forth on foot, when, his Pugree falling from his head, one end of it remained in his hand— the other was seized by Jugmul, the Sirdar of the Sodahs. Sultan Mahomed began twisting his Pugree round his head: when he came near the end held by Jugmul, seeing him armed, and having no weapon himself, he caught up a handful of sand, which he threw into Jugmul’s face, who, letting go the Pugree to rub his eyes, Sultan Mahomed escaped. Sultan Mahomed has himself told me, that at that time he fell in with one of his men who carried horns, whom he ordered to sound his instrument, when his sepoys collected about him, and Husun Ali Pooranee, dismounting from his horse, Sultan Mahomed got on him, when he attacked and slew numbers of the Kafirs, recovering the prisoners, and all the stolen property. He showed great bravery in Guzerat and Khangar. In no battle was he ever known to be idle. When Hoomayoon Badshah came to Sind, he displayed valour and skill in the defence of the fort of Bukkur. He also distinguished himself in the action on the hills near Roree, with the king’s troops, under Taimoor Sultan and Shaikh Ali Beg; so much so, that he slew with his own hand the latter chief.
When, in 950 (A. D. 1543), Meerza Shah Hoosain appointed him to the charge of Seebee, he took several forts, which had been held by Beloochees for many years. He severely twisted the ears of those vicious people of Kohistan, bringing them under subjection.
In 961 (A. D. 1553-54), when the Urghoons and Turkhans were opposed to Shah Hoosain, he came from Seebee with a large force, and by his endeavours these were brought back to subjection.
When Shah Hoosain was seized with the palsy, becoming powerless in his limbs and body, Sultan Mahomed made an agreement with Meerza Eesa, by which discord was prevented. In Rubee-ool-Awul 962 (A. D. 1554-55), after the death of Meerza Shah Hoosain, having lamented for him according to custom, he took possession of Bukkur, and its country. This had been much destroyed by the violence and oppression of the Beloochees, but very soon after his coming there, by the arrangements he made, it became fruitful, and by these arrangements the disturbers of the peace remained quiet during his rule.
In the latter days of 963 (A. D. 1555-56) he seized Shah Abdool Munallee, confining him in Bukkur for seven months. When the prisoner came for his release, he gave him his liberty, sending him to the king (Ukbar Shah) by Mooltan. In 964 (A. D. 1556-57), Meerza Eesa, at the instigation of the Urghoons, came against Bukkur with a large army. For fifteen days he remained encamped opposite Miskeen Turkhan’s terrace. There were two or three combats between the parties in this space of time. The friends of Sultan Mahomed advised him not to go forth from his fort to fight, saying that if he did so, many of the Sirdars with him would go over to Meerza Eesa, and Mah Begum had also written to him on this. Therefore he did not leave his fort. Such of Meerza Eesa’s men who fell into his hands were slain, whilst the Meerza saved and liberated those whom he took. After their last engagement, Meerza Eesa sent Meer Muksood as ambassador to Sultan Mahomed, writing a letter to his mother, saying: “Tell Sultan Mahomed to meet me, that enmity against him may leave my breast, and that I may depart.” But Sultan Mahomed, being confident in his strength, wrote a harsh reply. About that time, through the slander of Moola Mohib, Sultan Mahomed Vukeel, Meer Lootfee, Durwesh Mahomed with his son, Ahmed Ghuznuvee with his son, also Moola Moonshee, were killed, and at this same time, some Furinghees, whom Meerza Eesa had called to his aid, arrived at Tatta on a Friday, when all the people had gone to the Jamin Musjid, which these Furinghees entered, throwing gunpowder about in it, and in the streets, which they set on fire, by which all those in the Musjid were destroyed, and many in the town were burnt. They looted the whole place, and then went away. Meerza Eesa was much dejected at hearing of this, and returned. One week after he had left, Sultan Mahomed, having collected men, followed him as far as Sehwistan, destroying the spring crops of that country on both sides of the river. He wished to do the same by the gardens, but he withdrew his hand from this on the representation of Syud Meer Kulan, my (the historian’s) grandfather.
When Sultan Mahomed was returning to Bukkur, Shaikh-ool-Islam Abdool Wuhab Pooranee arrived as ambassador from Meerza Eesa. Finding Sultan Mahomed near Durbeluh, he strengthened the roots of peace and friendship. Agreements were drawn up, to which the seals of each being affixed, they were exchanged, so that from that date there should be no alterations made in this treaty.
In the latter days of that year (A. D. 1556-57), Khwaja Mouzzum was sent by the agent of Hirum Khan to Bukkur. In six months he had leave to proceed to Guzerat. In that year Shah Mahomed Khan Kandaharee made Kandahar over to Sultan Hoosein Meerza, he himself going to Hindoostan. In 965 (A. D. 1557), Wulee Beg, the father of Khan Jehan, came to Bukkur, with whom Sultan Mahomed made great friendship. In this year he married Gonhur Taj Khanum, the daughter of Shah Boordee Beg. At this time he received a standard, Nugarah, a waistcloth, &c. from king Tuhmasp (of Irak). In 965 Moola Mohib went as his ambassador to the king, who, taking Ooch, Jujhuhwahim, and Bhittee Wahun, from the Beloochees, gave them to Sultan Mahomed.
A quarrel arose this year between him and Khan Nahur, about rent and taxes, so in 966 (A. D. 1558), Sultan Mahomed went to Seetpore (near Ooch), besieging the fort for two months. Many of the enemy fell, and all in the place became much distressed; when Khan Nahur was induced to go on the walls with his sword suspended around his neck, and to beg for pardon submissively. He paid down four lakhs of Tuh-i-Larees. Peace being made, Sultan Mahomed returned to Bukkur.
In the latter days of that year, having suspicions of his brother Ameer Sultan, he sent him to Hindoostan, where he was followed without leave by his relative Meer Abool Khair. This year he heard that Hirum Khan intended to go to Mecca by Bukkur, therefore he destroyed the Char Bagh at Baburloe, thinking “that on account of the happiness Hoomayoon Badshah enjoyed there he remained so long, that grain became so scarce that pearls were given for jowaree; numbers had perished from hunger, and with affairs in this state, his heart had still no disposition to leave the place. God forbid that this place should so please Hirum Khan that he should remain in this manner!” Hirum Khan, hearing of what had taken place, went to Mecca viâ Puttun. In 968 (A. D. 1560), Meerza Mahomed Bagee Turkhan, being displeased with his father, came to Bukkur, when Sultan Mahomed received him kindly, giving a good place to him to reside in.
In 969 (A. D. 1561), Huk Boordee Beg came to Bukkur as ambassador from Shah Tuhmasp, bringing a ruby ring, a crown, a waistcloth covered with jewels, a Khilat, a bow, a Zaighuh, and a sword, with many other things. Sultan Mahomed Khan went in front to meet him, showing him all honour. He kept him one year; the next he sent him to Irak, with Abool Mokarim, with great gifts. Shah Tuhmasp again sent them back to him, with other presents, giving him (Sultan Mahomed) the title of Khan Khan.
In 970 (A. D. 1562), Meerza Mahomed Saleh, the son of Meerza Eesa, was killed by a Belooch; therefore Sultan Mahomed sent confidential men to sympathize with Meerza Eesa. Through these he asked for pardon for Meerza Mahomed Bagee, which Meerza Eesa granted, and he sent men of trust to Sultan Mahomed, who allowed Meerza Mahomed Bagee to return with those, giving him rich presents.
In 973 (A. D. 1565), the Urghoons were at enmity with Meerza Eesa. They remained in this state for one month, when it was arranged to settle some Purgunas upon them for their subsistence. As they were crossing the river, Meerza Mahomed Bagee fired upon them, by which many were slain; the rest, being exiles, went to Bukkur, when Sultan Mahomed confined them, but at the intercession of his mother he afterwards released them, giving them horses, and other presents. At their instigation, he sent them with a force against S??hwistan, to which they laid siege, when Meerza Eesa, coming with many troops, raised the siege. There was a battle between the parties at Rufyan, in which Sultan Mahomed’s forces were defeated with great loss. Meerza Eesa, expecting more fighting, entrenched himself at Durbeluh. After this, letters passed between him and Sultan Mahomed, peace was made between them, and Meerza Eesa returned to Tatta.
I have previously given an account of Meerza Eesa’s death, and of the succession to the throne of Meerza Mahomed Bagee. I have also related, that Mah Begum was taken by Mahomed Babur Badshah from Kandahar to Kabool, where she had a daughter called Naheed Begum, whom she left at Kabool when she escaped to Kandahar.
When Julal-ood-deen Ukbar Badshah Gazee had taken the whole country of Hindoostan, Naheed Begum proposed going to Tatta to her mother; so, obtaining the king’s permission, she went there with her daughter. She met her mother there, and she married her daughter to Meerza Mahomed Bagee. She was killed in the night attack made by Meerza Jan Baba, the brother of her husband.
Meerza Mahomed Bagee sent his daughter to the king with Naheed Begum, but at that time the Urghoons were rebellious, and these met her on the road, and, taking her with them, they went to Tatta, where they fought with Mahomed Bagee, and being defeated by him, they went to Bukkur. Meerza Mahomed Bagee then seized and placed in confinement Mah Begum, giving her nothing to eat or drink; so much so, that on this account she died.
Sultan Mahomed Khan said to Naheed Begum: “If you will get a Firman from the king, I will go and take revenge for you against Meerza Mahomed Bagee.” Therefore, on her return, she related to Ukbar Shah all these circumstances. The king wrote a Firman to Sultan Mahomed, with which Naheed Begum went back towards Bukkur. She did not ask the king for any troops, trusting entirely to what Sultan Mahomed Khan had said; but at her request, the king sent her husband Mohib Ali Khan, and Mojahid Khan with her, having given to them in Jageer Futehpoor and Goohrore in Mooltan.
Sultan Mahomed having suspicions against the Urghoons, turned them out of Bukkur, sending them to Hindoostan. These met Naheed Begum, and her friends, who took them into service. Sultan Mahomed, hearing of this, became much incensed. He was in this angry mood when letters came to him from Naheed Begum, and her companions, to this effect: “We are coming, having confidence in you.” Sultan Mahomed replied to this in harsh, angry terms; at which Naheed Begum, Mohib Ali, and Mojahid Khan fell into much astonishment, saying to each other: “It is wonderful! On what he said we have come, without bringing with us any of the royal troops; and here he is opposed against us.” Calling their attendants, and the Urghoons, they consulted with them as to the course to be pursued: these said it was better now to go to Goohrore, and to send a petition to the king, asking his assistance. Kuluch Khan Oozbuk, who had lately came from the north, and joined them, was present at this council. His opinion was asked, when he replied: “I am a traveller; whatever you decide upon doing, I am willing to agree to it.” They asked him a second time, when he said: “I am a sepoy; give me some men, and I will go in advance, and have one fight with Sultan Mahomed Khan: if I am slain, do you retreat; if I am victorious, that which you desire will be in your hands.” Mojahid Khan, being a brave man, approved of what he said, declaring that it was very proper; that he had spoken like a sepoy; that in his heart he himself had held that opinion, and that he was now ready to advance. In short, 30 men had offered to proceed in advance, the remaining 200 were to follow in a body. They then left Oobawruh, marching towards Matheluh. On hearing of this, the 2,000 men who were then under Moobaruk Khan, a slave of Sultan Mahomed, went forth from the fort, prepared for battle. Mojahid Khan and Kuluch Khan, with their 30 men, meeting these, fell upon them with such vigour, that God gave them the victory before their main body had arrived. Moobaruk Khan with his troops, running away, got into the fort.
“In many places, by God’s assistance, small numbers of men overcome great numbers!”
Moobaruk Khan remained in his fort, making a petition to Sultan Mahomed, relating all that had occurred. So he sent Zain-ool-na-bideen Sultan, with two or three thousand horse, to assist the Matheluh people. When he arrived at Lunjaree, 18 kos from Bukkur, the news of his coming reached Mojahid Khan, who sent Meer Abool Khair, who was related to Sultan Mahomed Khan, and who had first lately joined them from Mooltan, with 150 horse, to fight Zain-ool-na-bideen, who heard of his approach as he was preparing to leave Lunjaree; so, quitting his baggage there, he advanced one or two kos to give him battle. They met, but his men did not fight properly, and turned their faces in the direction of flight. Their leader stood alone, with a few men: amongst these there was one named Haidur Beg, a relative of Sultan Mahomed, who fell there, after having greatly distinguished himself. Zain-ool-na-bideen, finding that all the Juwangurs, the Burangurs, and Moguls, had fled, retreated to Lunjaree. Mojahid Khan’s men, having gained the victory, sent him news of their success; and hearing of this, the men of Matheluh lost all heart, and on the 1st Sufur, 980 (A. D. 1572), Moobaruk Khan asked for quarter, and evacuated the fort, which was entered by Mojahid Khan, who took possession of all that district.
On the 20th of that month, Moosnid Wulee Juatmad Khan, who had been sent by Mahomed Ukbar Shah to bring him the daughter of Sultan Mahomed, arrived at Bukkur, bringing a Khilat befitting a king, a waistcloth, and sword set with precious stones, a horse with caparisons, and four elephants, as a present from Ukbar Shah for Sultan Mahomed Khan; who in return prepared many valuable things fit for the king as his daughter’s dowry, such as handsome robes of silk, various kinds of jewels, gold articles; and with much pleasure he spread out the cloth for a festival, to which he invited every one, expending much money in different things for eating and drinking. The cloth was spread twice a day for fifteen days; 500 animals were cooked daily in the kitchen during that period. At the party, on the day of the wedding, many Soduts, men of learning, priests, and nobles, were present, to all of whom Sultan Mahomed made presents according to their degree. To Juatmad Khan he gave 30,000 rupees, and many other things as a present. On the 15th Rujub, he sent his daughter to the king by the way of Jaisulmere, accompanied by Zain-ool-na-bideen, Nouroz Khan, and many other confidential men.
At that time Ukbar Shah was hunting in the country of Nagore, having sent Meer Mahomed Khan Utkuh against Siroee, when the news arrived that a Rajpoot, disguised as an ambassador, had wounded Mahomed Khan with a knife. Hearing of this, the king quickly turned the bridle of his intentions there, and from thence he went to Guzerat.
Sultan Mahomed Khan, after sending away his daughter, placing great confidence in Moobaruk Khan, who held in his hands all the affairs of the country, gave him 1,500 well armed horsemen, with whom he sent him to Alore, thinking that, by his being there, the faces of his enemies might be turned away. But it was the will of God to cause the fall of the mansion of Sultan Mahomed Khan’s authority; therefore that force joined his enemies, and became opposed to him.
Living in this world is like the sun; the evening comes upon it. The sun of the government of the world is like ice, which melts with a little heat. When it is the will of God to destroy the government of any ruler, he is not able to retain it with many sepoys. When it is the intention of God to disperse the force of any king, it is not to be collected again by the councils of learned men. “When the will of God wishes to ruin the property of any one, wisdom and deliberation are of no avail!”
When the fate of God was prepared to destroy the house of wealth, and the existence of Sultan Mahomed Khan, he was unable to put it off with numbers of sepoys, and much counsel.
After Sultan Mahomed had sent his daughter to the king in charge of Zain-ool-na-bideen, and Nouroz Khan, the chief Sirdars in his country, he placed all the affairs of state in the hands of Moobaruk Khan, and his son Beg Oghlee. Moobaruk Khan’s wife, who was a good, clever woman, had gone with the bride. Beg Oghlee was always drinking wine, associating with drunkards. These used to say to him; “Sultan Mahomed is old: after his death you will be the ruler of the country.” Beg Oghlee, becoming faithless, proposed in his heart the death of his chief, and he got many of his servants to come over to his side. After a time this got abroad, when a Tumachee, a Hindoo servant of Sultan Mahomed, told him of what was going on. By chance Beg Oghlee heard of this; so at the time of evening prayers he conveyed his wife and sister out of the fort by the Khwaja Khizur gate, which was under his charge, and travelling in the night, he joined Moobaruk Khan at Alore, telling him that Sultan Mahomed proposed killing them both; discovering which, he had left Bukkur; and adding, that it was now necessary to have a care for themselves. Moobaruk Khan intended going to Nagore, and from thence to join the Badshah; but some men persuaded him to mount and go to Bukkur, and all being on his side, to seize and place in the Harem, Sultan Mahomed, and then to take the government of the country into his own hands. He approved of this, and in the morning, with Nugarahs beating, he arrived at Roree, and formed up his troops opposite Bukkur.
Sultan Mahomed Khan wrote a Purwana to him, saying: “I purchased you for 200 Laree-i-Sigah; I have raised you to your present position; are you now become faithless? It is better that you go to Mecca, and there beg pardon for your fault.” To this Beg Oghlee wrote a harsh reply. After this, some of Sultan Mahomed’s servants, who were with Beg Oghlee, leaving him, went across the water to the fortress, and he, being himself confounded, determined to go to Guzerat. He went to Alore, accompanied by some sepoys. On the 22nd Rujub, 980 (A. D. 1572), he joined Mohib Ali with some men, telling them of the enmity of Sultan Mahomed, and making friends with them. The following morning Mojahid Khan marched to Roree, when Moobaruk Khan came in advance to meet him. His troops after this encamped at Roree. Sultan Mahomed, hearing this, bit the back of his hand with his teeth: he called all his troops into the fort, which became filled with men. At that time Nuwab Suneed Khan, coming with speed, arrived at the distance of a cannon-shot above and from Roree. The Urghoons, holding their hearts full of the blood of enmity against Moobaruk Khan and his son, said to Mohib Ali and his companions: “Suneed Khan has come at the call of Moobaruk Khan, who this very night will leave you, and join him, when your affairs will not come to pass.” Mohib Ali at once seized and confined the two, plundering their property. At this time Khwaja Munaj’s son fled from Roree, going to Mukhsoos Khan, so they confined him (Munaj). Suneed Khan looted Kundruh. Sultan Mahomed wrote to him, asking— “What is the reason of your coming here?” He made some excuse, and went towards Mooltan. Mojahid Khan made great preparations to war against Sultan Mahomed, who sent forth his nephew Mahomed Koolee Beg. By chance, as the battle was raging, a fire-ball thrown by the enemy fell into his magazine, by which he and numbers of his men were blown up, and his troops met with a wonderful defeat. Some time after this, Mojahid Khan, with some troops, crossed the river at Puhnwaree, 5 kos from Bukkur. He arrived at Sukkur. Having made a bridge across the river, all the army came to Sukkur. Some Toorks, with Mahomed Ruheem (an ambassador sent to Sultan Mahomed by Sultan Hoosain Meerza Kandaharee) went forth to fight. Sultan Mahomed was in the bastion, called Boorj; Sultan Ameer on the eastern side. Some of his troops also went to fight. They did so bravely, but there was no Sirdar at their head, fortune was not with Sultan Mahomed, and they were driven back with heavy loss.
Seeing this, Sultan Mahomed closed the gates, and would not permit his men to go outside to fight again: he prepared everything for war in the fort.
After a long time, disease attacked his men; many were prostrated, numbers died: to those who were much afflicted he gave leave to quit the place, wishing their recovery. Provisions in Bukkur became so scarce, that one seer of meat fetched 2 rupees, a seer of ghee the same, and a seer of fish 30 Tunguhs.
Moobaruk Khan, his son, and Khwaja Munraj, the cause of this discord, were killed by Mohib Ali’s men.
When Sultan Mahomed Khan’s people arrived at Ajmere, finding the king there, they delivered to him the presents and Harem. Ukbar Shah was much pleased, approving of the offerings. He wrote a Firman, appointing him the Wabee of Bukkur, sending it by Meer Haig Tumachee; but Mohib Ali and Mojahid Khan did not listen to this Firman.
In the beginning of Rujub 980 (A. D. 1572), Sultan Mahomed became dropsical: he had taken much medicine, but all without avail; so, helpless, he turned his heart in the direction of death, writing a petition to the king, requesting him to send an agent, to whom he might deliver over charge of the fort.
When the greatest distress came upon him and the garrison, Meer Abool Khair, whose sister was married to Sultan Mahomed, with 30 horsemen, went by the way of Seetpore to Gunjabah, where he collected many men, and materials for war. On his getting there, Mojahid Khan became full of anxiety, and deeming it best to go against him, before taking Bukkur, leaving Mohib Ali there, he marched against him. At that time the mother of Mojahid Khan, Said Begum, committed great atrocities, ripping open the stomachs of the sick who came from Bukkur, and filling them with chaff. The garrison, seeing this, strengthened their hearts to remain and die where they were.
Sultan Mahomed’s disease had been of long standing, when his doctors advised him to drink the wine of grapes: he called the Soduts, and the men of learning, to whom he said: “For forty years I have forsworn wine; now it is preferable, in my opinion, to keep it at a distance.” In short, he did not partake of wine. His hands and feet became swelled; this reached his heart, and at midnight of Saturday the 8th Sufur, 982 (A. D. 1574), his life went from this perishable world to the world eternal.
On hearing of this, Mohib Ali, with many boats, surrounded Bukkur; but the garrison drove them away.
The nobles, the Soduts, the men of learning, the priests, and all the men of consequence in Bukkur, took oath that they would not give it up to Mohib Ali, but that they would deliver it over to any one sent to receive charge of it by the king. All having agreed to this, they issued pay to the troops from the treasury, taking great care of the fort; so much so, that on Monday the 12th Jumadee-ool-Awul, 982 (A. D. 1574), Keshoo Khan approached from the Badshah. When he was 10 kos from Bukkur, Mohib Ali sent a boat across to bring him to him, instead of his going to the fort, that, after an interview, matters might be settled; but Keshoo Khan wrote a letter to the Sirdars in Bukkur, who sent a force to escort him, and, as they did so, they had fighting with Mohib Ali’s men.
After Keshoo Khan’s arrival in the fort, day by day happiness increased in the faces of all there.
Mojahid Khan took the fort of Gunjabah, and made peace with Meer Abool Khair, whom he afterwards killed. Hearing of the arrival of Keshoo Khan, he quickly turned the bridle of his intentions from Gunjabah.
A continuation of the circumstances I write in the IV. Chapter.
Sultan Mahomed Khan was a ruler with many excellent qualities. He was very brave, and very charitable. From the days of his youth, until his death, he lived in plenty; but his temper was so passionate, that when he became angry he could not control himself. He shed blood without care. If he ever suspected any one of evil, he would ruin his family. He himself would commit violence, but in his country no one else could do so. The sepoys and Ryuts were happy under him. During his life he read the Koran entire 1,001 times.
He took great trouble in building and laying out in proper form the town of Bukkur. He was born in 898 (A. D. 1492), living eighty-four years. His strength was such, that many times, at the order of Meerza Shah Hoosain, he put irons on his legs, and with these on, threw himself from the bastion of Meerza Shah Hoosain’s receiving-room, into the waters below, where there was a very deep dangerous whirlpool, from whence he would come out near the rocks with the irons broken. Many people have witnessed this— they looked upon it as a sight.
I have before said that Keshoo Khan came to Bukkur in Jumadee-ool-Awul 982 (A. D. 1574). He brought a Firman to this effect:— “Divide Bukkur equally between Mohib Ali Khan and Mojahid Khan; then you are to go to Tatta, and seize Meerza Mahomed Bagee.” At this time Mojahid Khan was at Gunjabah. Hearing of the arrival of Keshoo Khan, he quickly went towards Bukkur, but before his arrival Keshoo Khan had determined to turn his friends out of Sukkur. Mojahid Khan’s men said they would not leave before his return, but Keshoo Khan did not approve of this, and sending some of his men there, they quarrelled with those of Mojahid Khan, near a wall which he had built, when several were killed and wounded on both sides. Three days after this affray, Mojahid Khan came, and taking his men to Roree, Keshoo Khan occupied Sukkur, and the neighbouring country. Mohib Ali and Mojahid Khan held Roree and Tiggur, but their men were heartbroken. About that time, some of the Urghoons, deserting them, came to Bukkur, when they were put to death by Keshoo Khan, through the backbiting of Shah Baba, the son of Meerza Jan Baba Turkhan. Keshoo Khan had a bad disposition: one day a Tumachee, who was inconsiderate in the assembly, he put in irons. Two months after his return, Mojahid Khan went against Tatta, leaving the families at Roree with Mohib Ali.
At the instigation of the men of Bukkur, Keshoo Khan determined to send a force against Roree. On Friday the 3rd Ramzan, 962 (A. D. 1554), he divided his army into two divisions: one of them he sent down towards the gardens below Roree, the other he directed across above by the shrine of Khwaja Khizur. Mohib Ali’s men, mounting, went towards the Eedgah. Keshoo Khan’s men set on fire Mojahid Khan’s boats, seeing which, Mohib Ali Khan’s troops returned in the direction of the ground they had left. At this time, the division which had gone below Roree came in front of these, and commenced throwing fire-balls, by which the town was fired in several directions. Mohib Ali Khan, then mounting his horse, pursued the road of flight. The men of Bukkur, having surrounded Roree, plundered it till near sunset, capturing the standard and Nugarah of Mohib Ali Khan.
When Mojahid Khan heard of this, he quickly returned with much dejection, and for fear of the king he did not attempt to molest Keshoo Khan, who sat in his government, conducting himself improperly.
When Ukbar Shah heard of what Keshoo Khan had done, he gave Bukkur in Jageer to Nuwab Tursoon Mahomed Saif-ool-Moolk, some of whose Sirdars came to Roree in Mohurrum 983 (A. D. 1575). They sent a copy of the royal Firman to Keshoo Khan, who in the first instance put these off, but many people coming between, he sent some of the priests with them to these chiefs, to give them advice. The Sirdars, requesting them to sit down, said: “For the sake of God, write and acquaint the king of our condition.” The priests replied that they could not do so, unless Keshoo Khan was present. The Sirdars said: “Keshoo Khan’s Vukeels are present; write the truth before them: we do not ask you to do more.” Upon this, they began to write. Keshoo Khan, hearing of this, became alarmed, seeing that his affairs would be ruined; therefore he sent word that he was willing to give up the fort, and there was no necessity for writing to the king. The chiefs sent back word to him, that the letter for the Badshah was written, and that the seals of the priests would be affixed, and that it would be despatched, if he did not at once deliver up the fort. Keshoo Khan, being helpless, these Sirdars entered the fortress.
Keshoo Khan had received the royal order to take an account of the property of Sultan Mahomed in company with these Sirdars, and the chief priests, whose seals were to be affixed to the account. This was done. Agreeably to the orders of the king, the family of Sultan Mahomed Khan prepared to leave Bukkur. His senior wife, the sister of Khan Jehan, went to Lahore, as directed. Certain confidential servants of Ukbar Shah came for the rest of his family, and for the treasure. They intended leaving on the 1st Rujub, 983 (A. D. 1575), and to go by the way of Nagore.
When Nuwab Tursoon was preparing to start for Bukkur, having taken his leave, some of the nobles said it was not proper to place the family of Saif-ool-Moolk on the borders of the country. The king, agreeing to this, removed him from Bukkur, making him the Governor of Agra. A royal order was sent to Bunwaleedas, directing him to superintend Bukkur, and to make arrangements for the country. After this, to increase his confidence, Ukbar Shah sent Meer Syud Mahomed Uadul to govern Bukkur. He also made him chief of the priests there, because he was a Syud, and a man of learning.
He arrived on the 11th Ramzan, when he was received with much distinction by the priests, and every one else. He gave 50,000 Beegas of land to the Syuds, the men of learning, and the priests, for their subsistence: these were very happy during his time. He marched a force to Seebee.
The Mungnejuhs of Gagree becoming rebellious, opposed his men, for he oppressed the Ryuts more than usual, appraising with the Kunkoot (the rope measure) the good and the bad land equally, making the Ryut pay five maunds of grain for each Beega alike. The overseers or watchmen conducted themselves harshly, with a tight hand towards the cultivators. Meer Uadul’s men got into a small fort between Gunbut and Vejuran, where the Mungnejuhs, without respect, shot arrows at them, killing several. In this fort there was one well, into which they cast the dead bodies of both Musulmans and Kafirs. They then filled it up with earth.
Meer Uadul, hearing of this, was much enraged; and calling his troops from Seebee, he sent them to take revenge on the men of Gagree, who fled, leaving their country before they had received much punishment. Syud Meer Uadul’s son, Syud Abdool Fazul, who commanded the troops, followed them some way, and then came back to Bukkur. Shortly after this, Meer Uadul was bled in the arm. Much blood flowed from the wound: he was in a bad state of body, and on the 8th Shaban, 984 (A. D. 1576), he died.
After his death, the king appointed his son, Abdool Fazul, to the government of Bukkur, who the following year seized and confined the chief men of Gagree, destroying one or two of them, by having them trampled under elephants. On the 2nd Zilkad, 985 (A. D. 1577), Tutumad Khan, a eunuch, and a confidential servant of the king, came to govern Bukkur. He was of bad disposition; he did not take proper care of the sepoys, Ryuts, and men of consequence. Many of the priests, being displeased with him, were going to the Badshah. He sent people to persuade them not to go, but these were not listened to, and proceeding, the holy men arrived before and made their complaints to the king. Ukbar Shah said, that if Tutumad Khan had behaved as represented he will be killed; and so it was. In this manner Tutumad Khan was always in the habit of jesting and talking lightly, speaking with levity before men of consequence. His conduct towards the sepoys was improper, a few of whom, collecting on the 10th Rubee-ool-Awul, 986 (A. D. 1578), in the reception-room, killed him there.
After the death of Tutumad Khan, the king gave Bukkur in Jageer between Futeh Khan Muhawut and Raja Purmanund. These, arriving in Rujub, each took possession of his share of the country.
Two years afterwards, Purmanund, being appointed to the palace guard, he went to the king. The Dharejas, quarrelling with the brother of Purmanund, Madhodas, assembled in the fort of Alore, prepared for war. There were two or three engagements between these parties, in which many of both sides were slain. Many unruly men then joined the Dharejas; therefore Futeh Khan sent his men to disperse them, which they did. During that year, Futeh Khan visited the Badshah, who received him with great honour, promoting him in his degree, and he assigned the whole of Bukkur to him. Futeh Khan was a man of simple habits, fond of money, giving thanks with the tongue alone. His conduct towards the people was good, giving food to those entitled to receive it. He had a Vukeel named Shuhab Khan, a Zemindar of Sumanah, a man without experience, new to business. At the instigation of one Fureed, he took a force against the fort of Kum, which was in the hands of Ibrahim Khan (Khan Nahur). A severe battle was fought there, in which many of Futeh Khan’s men were killed. Amongst these were Shuhab Khanund, and his brethren.
On this news reaching the king, he deprived Futeh Khan of Bukkur, giving it to Nuwab Mahomed Sadik Khan, who received orders to take Tatta. He arrived at Bukkur on Tuesday the 12th Rubee-ool-Awul, 994 (A. D. 1585-86), when the priests and men of influence went out in front to meet him, whom he received with much honour.
He remained some time, putting the affairs of Bukkur in order, and in Zilhuj he marched against Sehwistan. Previous to this, there had been several encounters between his men and those of Meerza Janee Beg, in which many of the latter were slain, and taken prisoners; the breeze of victory in all these affairs striking the standard of Sadik Khan.
When Sobhan Koolee Urghoon heard of Sadik Khan’s coming, he collected materials for war, in a fort on the bank of the river, underneath which he assembled many boats, large and small. Sadik Khan’s force arriving near this, the enemy, getting into their boats, went to fight him, when they met with defeat, and Sobhan Khan was captured alive. Sadik Khan was much pleased at this victory. He then besieged Sehwistan. Some time passed in this way, when his men, having sunk a large mine, blew up a gateway, and the curtain before it. Sadik had directed that none of his men were to enter the fort without his orders, when the dust and smoke had subsided. The garrison instantly threw up another defence, and began firing cannon and guns. Those men who had been blown up from the roof of the gateway, and the walls, by the force of the gunpowder, fell to the ground entire, without hurt.
At that time Meerza Janee Beg, bringing a large force by land, and the river, arrived at Muhran, 6 kos from Sehwan.
Sadik Khan, raising the siege, went to fight him. On arriving parallel with the Lukhee hills, the boats of Meerza Janee Beg came opposite to, and opened with cannon against him. They fought equally for some days, when the Badshah’s Firman arrived, saying: “Meerza Janee Beg has sent many presents: with his tongue he speaks submissively, and in a friendly tone. It is proper for Mahomed Sadik Khan to return to Bukkur.” Sadik Khan then retreated to Bukkur, and some time afterwards he went to the king. One year after his departure this Jageer was taken from him. During the two Kureefs, when Sadik Khan held Bukkur, the locusts came, devouring the whole of the crops; so much so, that he got nothing. Severe famine fell upon the country; the people leaving their houses, dispersed, and the Sumejahs and the Beloochees looted both sides of the river, leaving nothing.
In Rubee-oos-Sanee, 996 (A. D. 1587-88), Nuwab Ismael Koolee Khan received the Jageer of Bukkur, and his son Ruman Koolee Beg arrived there. He was a man of great wealth; his behaviour was good; he gave food to those who were entitled to receive it, showing much kindness to the country-people; so much so, that through his exertions and management the face of cultivation again appeared.
When Ismael Khan left Mooltan, going to the king, Bukkur was taken from him, and assigned to Sheroyuh Sultan, who came there in Mohurrum 997 (A. D. 1588). He was always drinking wine, giving himself up to ease and pleasures, leaving the country in the hands of his slaves, sitting in the Audience Hall but seldom; the food and subsistence hitherto given to the Fakeers and Soduts was stopped. He once sent his son Mahomed Hoosain to Seebee, where the Afaghinuhs opposed him. He was in advance with the Boordee Beloochees, who ran away at the first encounter, when the Afaghinuhs, without thought, fell upon the Moguls, who, being routed, fled. Numbers of them were killed and taken prisoners; many died from thirst in the mirage, and those who escaped were a long time recovering from the effects of the heat they had experienced.
Sheroyuh Sultan, having attained the height of his oppression, God listened to the complaints of the poor people, and they escaped from his wickedness, becoming happy, for Mahomed Sadik Khan again received that country.
On the 12th Rubee-ool-Awul, 998 (A. D. 1589), his son Meerza Mahomed Zahid arrived. He showed much kindness to the Ryuts, the Soduts, and all, placing ointment on the wounds of those who had been oppressed. He was of a very happy disposition, frequently sitting with men of learning, and giving according to the Sunuds of Mahomed Sadik. He turned the hands of violence from the heads of those whom they oppressed.
Khwaja Mahomed Munsoom was Mahomed Sadik’s Vukeel. His conduct was good; he was capable of managing great and small affairs. The Bukkur people, being happy, began cultivating, but from the displeasure of heaven, the Rubee crop of that year was destroyed; every thing became scarce, and Mahomed Sadik Khan made no collections.
The phœnix of the government of the Badshah threw its fixed shadow over Lahore. Meerza Janee Beg then began to follow the example of Meerza Shah Hoosain, not placing his neck under the rope of obedience, but boasting of independence. Hearing of this, the perspiration of jealousy burst forth on the body of the king. He determined to take Tatta, and to arrange matters with the Beloochees through Nuwab Khan Khanan. At that time I (the historian) went from Guzerat to the presence of the king. By good chance my mother had sent some curiosities, which I laid before him. With much kindness and great condescension, he asked me how long I had been absent from my mother. I replied twenty years; the king then told me to go and visit my mother, and then to return to him. An order was given to the minister of finance to write me a Jageer as pay. At that time Sadik Khan, with great kindness, remarked, that if the Jageer was named in Bukkur, it would be preferable, as I was going there. The king said that all Bukkur had been assigned to Khan Khanan, who being there, said: “If the king pleases to give him a Jageer in Bukkur, I shall be happy to point one out to him, but I shall be in hope of receiving another from the Badshah in exchange.” The order was issued at once to give me a Jageer in Bukkur. The financial minister, by direction, settled upon me in Jageer, Durbeluh, Gagree, and Chandooka. On this being arranged, the king gave me a boat for my conveyance, and one of his own Posteens. He allowed me to depart, repeating this single line of a verse— “To sit down and travel thus is very good.”
I arrived at Bukkur on the 14th Sufur, 999 (A. D. 1590). The Nuwab Khan Khanan also arrived there at that time. The winds were hot, and the river was rising. The Nuwab remained there some time.
When the star Canopus appeared, he sent me with others to Sehwistan; he himself overtook us there. He gave me an audience. The men of Sehwan had strengthened this fort. The Nuwab held council with his nobles as to what was best to be done— whether it was preferable to go at once against Meerza Janee Beg’s head at Tatta, or to take this fort first.
It was the opinion of all, that as Sehwan was on the line of road by which our boats and forces came, it was desirable in the first place to take it.
This having been agreed upon, the water was crossed, and batteries were distributed to the several Sirdars, encircling the place. News then arrived, that Janee Beg had left Tatta, and that he was coming to fight: upon this, the siege was raised, and we went to meet him. Hearing of this, he built a strong fort at the village of Roree, on the bank of the river above Nusurpoor.
On Khan Khanan arriving at 6 kos from this, Janee Beg sent against him 200 large boats, with many small ones, under Khosrow Khan, and other chiefs. He gave directions to his forces to attack Khan Khanan from two directions. Hearing of the approach of the enemy, we advanced a short distance to the bank of the river, where Khan Khanan threw up batteries of earth, on which to place his cannon, covering 5 or 6 Jureebs. This temporary fort was in this way: it commanded a part of the river where, from the formation of a large sandbank, all boats were obliged to come closer to it. At midday the boats arrived, and perceiving the sandbank on one side, and our works on the other, they stopped, and the battle began on both sides.
The following night Khan Khanan sent some troops over to the sandbank opposite. During this night Janee Beg’s forces attacked our position, but it was strong, and they could do nothing.
The next morning, the boats turned against the force on the sandbank. Our cannon opened upon them, but the balls going over, fell amongst our friends, killing some of them. After this, the muzzles were depressed; so much so, that the shots falling into the water on this side, rose, and then passed through eight or nine of these vessels, killing many men. But they had carpenters in every boat, who repaired the damages. In this manner the fight was carried on that day— on one side was the fort, on the other the sandbank. The enemy, being helpless, remained stationary between. Many were killed by our cannon.
Seeing that their boats could not advance, and that numbers were slain, they turned their faces in the direction of flight, and our boats went in pursuit of them. Khosrow Khan, ordering all his boats to proceed, he himself remained in the rear; but some of their vessels having on board sepoys and some Furinghees, fell into the hands of Khan Khanan. The king’s boats came up with Khosrow Khan, when by accident fire fell into the royal magazine, by which many men were destroyed, and on this account he and others escaped, but the hand of victory remained with the king.
The following day we marched against the fort in which Janee Beg had taken refuge, surrounding it; but around this there were isolated hills, on which account it appeared a difficult matter to take it. Much time had thus been spent, and the Killa was not won. The Ameers, seeing this, that nothing was done, made a simultaneous attack upon it; but because of its strength, this attack was of no avail. Khan Khanan then determined to take possession of the country of Tatta: he said that he himself would hold Sehwan, Tatta, Budeen, and Futeh Bagh, and he directed Shah Beg Khan to go to Shahghur, which was built by Shah Kasim Khan Urghoon.
According to this arrangement, Nuwab Khan Khanan marched to Tatta, sending troops to Futeh Bagh, Budeen, and Jhoon; Shah Beg went and surrounded Shahghur.
Syud Buha-ood-deen, myself, and others left for Sehwan, and arriving there, we sat down around it. When the garrison became much distressed, they wrote to Janee Beg, saying: “If you are coming to us, well and good; if not, this fort passes from our hands.” The Meerza, seeing this, marched with expedition. When he had arrived at 20 kos from us, we had information of his movement. Consulting what was best to be done, all agreed that it was preferable in the first instance to go against him; and raising the siege, we marched in his direction.
Khan Khanan, hearing of Janee Beg’s march, sent a force under Mahomed Khan Niyazee, and other chiefs, who joined us near the Lukhee hills, where our entire force amounted to 1,200 horse.
Meerza Janee Beg had with him 10,000 horsemen; numbers of footmen archers were coming by the way of the hills, and on the river he had boats with cannon. With all this force he arrived at 6 kos from us. Our Sirdars saw, that if they remained where they were, they could be attacked on all sides; that Janee Beg would fall upon them in front, the archers from the hill side, the boats from the river, and the garrison of Sehwan from the rear, and that thus their affairs would be desperate: they therefore deemed it preferable to advance at once, and attack the Meerza. Having agreed upon this, they quickly prepared their troops, and went in his direction. At that time spies gave information of our movement to Janee Beg, who would not believe them, saying: “How many men are they, that they should come and attack me?”
He then saw our dust, and quickly arranged his men. At midday the forces met, when some of our men, in advance, turning, fled, reaching our main body, pursued by the enemy, and then the fight became general. There were several severe attacks. In short, defeat came upon the men of Meerza Janee Beg, who, fixing his foot firmly on the battle-field, fought with great bravery; but when this availed nothing, he placed his face in the direction of flight. Many of his men were killed, and taken prisoners in this action. He retreated to Oonurpoor, 20 kos from the field, where he had built a small fort, in which he remained secure. The wishers of prosperity to the sovereignty of the king went there, and surrounded him. Some days afterwards, Nuwab Khan Khanan arrived, who advanced the batteries. There was daily fighting; men of both sides being killed. At length, our men, digging approaches, brought these close to the ditch of the fort. Upon this, Janee Beg became hopeless, and proposed to make peace in this manner:— “I will give you 30 (gun) boats of large size, and the fort of Sehwan; I will now go to Tatta, and I will come and meet you at a future time.”
Khan Khanan consulted with his Ameers upon this proposition, all of whom were of opinion that Janee Beg was anxious for peace, being unable to fight; and that as they had brought matters to their present state, his affairs would be settled in a day or two. They also said that from his proposition it seemed to them that he had some sinister intention, and that probably he would change his tone when he arrived at Tatta. Khan Khanan said: “If I do not make peace, and attack his fort, of course men will fall on both sides, and his family will fall into the hands of men of violence, and from this bad repute will ensue. I will make peace, and I will obtain for him, from the king, the command of 5,000 men, similar to myself.”
Without doubt, Nuwab Khan Khanan’s judgment was of a good nature.
An ambassador then came from Meerza Janee Beg, making over the 30 large boats; he also sent a man to Sehwan to deliver up that fort, and he himself went to Tatta.
Khan Khanan passed the season of the inundations at Sunn. At the commencement of the cold weather, he marched on Tatta. When we reached Futeh Bagh, Meerza Janee Beg came in front to meet us, and he had an interview with Khan Khanan, who, leaving him there, he himself proceeded to Tatta, arriving at which place, he divided all that he had with him at that time, amongst the sepoys and nobles, giving a handsome festival. He then went to the Luheree Bunder,* where he saw the salt ocean. When he marched from thence he left there Dowlut Khan and Khwaja Mokeem. Previous to his leaving this, he received a royal Firman to this effect:— “Bring Meerza Janee Beg with you, and come to me.” Therefore, taking the Meerza with him, Khan Khanan went with expedition to the king, receiving honour by kissing his foot. At his representation, Mahomed Ukbar Shah showed much kindness to the Meerza, confirming to him the country of Tatta. He had confidence in his service, and he nominated him to the command of 5,000 men. He also displayed other good will towards him; so much so, that he decided that Kosroo Shah should become his (the Meerza’s) son-in-law.
When the king went to the Deccan, conquering Ahmednuggur and Asseerghur, at that time, on the 22nd Rujub, Meerza Janee Beg died from inflammation of the brain, and his son Meerza Ghazee Beg received the country of Tatta, at the representation of Nuwab Ullamee.
Translated by G. G. Malet, most ably assisted by Peer Mahomed, Government Moonshee, attached to the Resident at the Court of His Highness Meer Ali Morad Khan Talpoor; to whom, and to two other Native friends,* my acknowledgments are due, for their kindness in lending me original copies of this work.
Residency, Khyrpoor, Upper Sind, 21st September 1846.
The country of Meerpoor, in Lower Sind.
↩This Syud Mahomed laid claim to be the Muhdee who is supposed to be coming by the Musulmans; but the mass of this people did not believe him.— Translator.
↩This place lies a small distance from the right bank of the creek, going from the mouth of the Indus to Ghizree Bunder.
↩Peer Ali Gohur, and Goolam Ali Shah; both respectable Syuds in Upper Sind.
↩