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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNl
AT LOS ANGELES

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1 r. L .

O'Z/

F E R I S H rj's

HISTORY OF DEKKAN, •

FROM

THE FIRST MAHUMMEDAN CONQUESTS

A COKTINUATtON FROM OTHER NATIVE WRITERS, OF THE EVENTS IN

THAT PART OF INDIA, TO THE REDUCTION OF ITS LAST

MONAR.CHS BY THE EMPEROR AULUMCEER AURUNGZEBE:

ALSO,

THE REIGNS OF HIS SUCCESSORS IN THE EMPIRE OF HINDOSTAN
TO THE PRESENT DAY :

THE HISTORY OF BENGAL,

FROM THE ACCESSION OF ALIVERDEE KHAN TO THE YEAR 178*
COMPRISED IN SIX PARTS.

BY JONATHAN SCOTT,

CAPTAIN IN THE EAST INDIA COMPANY'S SERVICE, PERSIAN SECRETARY

TO THE LATE GOVERNOR GENERAL, WARREN HASTINGS, ES<i; AND

MEMBER OF THE ASIATIC SOCIETY IN CALCUTTA.

TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.

SHREWSBURY:

Printed by ]. and W. Eddowes>

For John Stockdale, Piccadilly, London,

'794-

a

4^^
V. 1-

TO THE HONOURABLE
>0 THE CHAIRMAN AND COURT OF DIRECTORS

\ OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY,

H THIS ATTEMPT

TO ADD TO THE PUBLICK STOCK OF HINDOOSTAN HISTORY,

,;v. IS, BY THEIR PERMISSION, MOST HUMBLY DEDICATED ;

■~^ IN GRATITUDE FOR THAT LIBERAL PATRONAGE,

WHICH THE TRANSLATOR HAS RECEIVED
o
S FROM THAT HONOURABLE BODY,

EVER FORWARD TO REWARD

" ANY EFFORTS OF THEIR SERVANTS TO MERIT

THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF
THE HONOURABLE COMPANY,

BY
THEIR FAITHFUL AND

MOST OBEDIENT HUMBLE SERVANT,

SHREWSBURY, JONATHAN SCOTT.

ift JAM. 1794.

tiij/338

PREFACE.

It is hoped that this attempt to make known the native hif-
tory of a country, which was the firft fcene of our confequencc
in India, of the gallant exploits of General Lawrence, Lord
Clive, Sir Eyre Coote, and, very lately, the field of mofl
important and fuccefsful operation to Britain under Marquis
Corn WALL IS, will not be wholly unacceptable. The earlier
tranfadlions of our countrymen in Dekkan have already been
amply detailed, by the elegant pens of a Cambridge and an
Orme. Dr. Thomson, in his Memoirs of the War in Afia,
has done juftice to the ikill and gallantry of Sir Eyre Coote
and his deferving followers, who, fupported by the aftive zeal
of the virtuous but yet fuiFering Hastings, (pofterity will
mofl certainly venerate his charadler, for prejudice will in time
give place to judgment) faved our part of Dekkan to the
Britiih empire.

Our late fuccefles have been fliortly narrated by Major
Dirom, who had a fhare in the toils of the two campaigns;
Vol. I. a and.

VI

PREFACE.

and, I have heard, that his and other "able pens are employed
in preparing a fuller detail of Britifli tranfacftions in Dekkan-
Of that country I only profefs to give the native accounts from
its own writers; which will, I hope, at leaft gratify the cui-i-
ofity of thofe who wifh to learn the former ilate of this part
of India, and fill up a chafm in hiflory.

Ferishta, author of the hiflory now offered to the pub-
lic in an Englifli drefs, is one of the mofl efleemed writers
of Hindooftan, and was of noble rank, and high in office at
the court of Ibrahim Adil Shaw, of Beejapore, one of the
fultans of Dekkan.

Befides the ''Hiflory of the Dhely emperors, and this of
Dekkan, Ferishta compiled one of every province in India,
and many complete copies of his works have been brought
home by Englifh gentlemen.

My firfl intention was to have publifhed a literal tranfla-
tion; but, on revifion, I thought it would be more pleafing to
an Englifh ear, deprived of fome of the numerous hyperbolical
epithets and too frequent conjunftions, which drew out the
periods to a diflradling length, hurtful to the fenfe in our lan-
guage. This alone has been done j yet perhaps, fome readers
may flill think the flile too oriental; but to have deviated
farther from the original, would have been impofmg a com-
pilation for a tranllation.

To

» Tianflated and publifhed many years fince by colonel Dow.

PREFACE.

To thofe who have been in India, and are converfant with
the hiftory and manners of the natives, fome of the notes may
appear trivial : but every explanation is necefTary to render fatis-
fadlory, to moft readers, the perufal of foreign idiom, cuftoms,
and uncommon names. The lafl I have endeavoured to write
as pronounced in the country.

It is neceflary to mention, that from page 400 to the end
of the Nizam Shawee dynafty, is not taken from Ferishta,
his work concluding with the fall of Ahmednuggur. What
follows, was from a work written by Shaw-nowauz Khan, a
nobleman of Dekkan, entitled, Maffer al Amra, or Biography
of Nobles.

In his account of the Golconda Princes, Ferishta was
fo very brief, that, as he mentioned no more than what was
contained in the Lub al Towareekh, an abbreviated hiftory of
Hindooftan, I had recourfe only to the latter work j but it
was thought inconvenient for fo few pages to alter the run-
ning title of the volume. Had the moil: earnefl fearch after
fuller materials for the hiilory of Golconda been fuccefsful, my
readers fliould haVe had a fuller account of the princes of that
fovereignty.

vu

INTRODUCTION.

JDeKKAN, or the fouthern divifion of ' Hindooftan, called by
European geographers. The Peninfula, has varied in boundary, at
different periods, with the polTenions of its rulers in adjacent pro-
vinces. Khandeflie, and part of Malwa, now comprized in it by
the natives, feem not to have been fo, till the late conquefls of the
Mharattas; fince which, Dekkan has been confidered by them to,
comprehend all the countries from the fouthern banks of the river
Nerbudda to Guzarat, which province is alfo chiefly dependant
upon it.

Vol. I. b When

» I have called Dekkan the fouthern divifion of Hindooftan, becaufe I believe
the natives underftand it in that fenfe ; and when it is confidered, that the
Hindoo religion is that of the Aborigines, and has been fo, as far as tradition
can carry us, and that the natives with little (if any to common vifitors) va-
riation, are the fame in modes and character throughout the vaft tradl: to which
the term Hindooftan has been applied ; alfo, that the moft early accounts of the
Hindoos mention all the provinces which Euiopean geographers include in the
maps of Hindooftan, as being under the fovereignty of one Hindoo IV^aharaja ; the
term, I think, cannot be improper. Hindooftan, or Country of Hindoos, is a
Perfian appellation, but adopted for ages back by the natives themfelves. For-
merly, according to Mr. V\ ilkins, the firft proficient in the Sanfcrit, or moft
ancient language of India, it was called Bharata, which term is now difufed,
except in the facred books of the bramins.

X

INTRODUCTION.

When the Bhamenee fultans, whofe '.hiltory is the fubjedl of
the following pages, ruled Dekkan, it was underftood to confifl of
that tradl -bounded from North Weft to North Eaft by Guzarat,
Khandeflie, that part of Berar called Nagpore, and the province
of Oriffa ; on the South and Eaft by the Bay of Bengal ; and on the
Weft by the Indian ocean ; a region, according to the computation
of Major Ren NELL, in his lately publilhed and very valuable Map
and Memoir of Hindooftan, ecjual to the Britifti iilands, Spain, and
Turky in Europe.

Prior to the Mahummedan conquefts of Dekkan, we have little
information refpefting its hiftory. Ferishta traditionally (and
we have unfortunately no better authority) writes, that Dekkan
took its prefent name from ^Dekkan, the fon of Hind, fon of Ham,
the fon of Noah. " Mheerut, ' Kuzz, and " Telinga, his fons,
gave their names to three divilions of Dekkan. With any Hindooeh
accounts of Dekkan I am unacquainted.

According to Ferishta's tradition, Kifhen, fon ofPoorub, fon of
Hind, ruled the whole of the countries now called by Europeans The
Eaft Indies, China excepted. In the reign of Maharauje, his fucceffor,
the zemindars of Carnatic and Ceylon rebelled, and difplaced his

governor

a The Hindoos claim a much higher antiquity than Ferifhta allows them.
Their origin, like that of all nation?, is involved ii\ obfcurity ; to clear uj*
■which is vain, and can only reward fearch by materials for conjeiEture, which,
however ingenious, can never fatisfy the enquirer. From what authority FerKhta
gives his tradition of the peopling of Dekkan, I know not,

'' Modern Mheerut is a diftriiSt of the province of Dowlutabad, to which it
probably gave the name fome ages back, if not to a larger divifion of Dekkan
and the original country of the Mharattas.

' Called now Carnatic.

'' Now the province of Golconda, but formerly an extenfive kingdom, firft
\inder Hindoo princes, and afterwards a principal divifion of the Ehamenee
fovereignty, upon the fall of which it became again a monarchy, under the
dynafty of Koottub Shawee, whofe hiflory will be given in the proper place.

INTRODUCTION.

governor of Dekkan, but were reduced by his general Baul Chund.
On the death of Maharauje they again revolted from his fucceflbr
Keelorauje, who compelled them to fubmilTion, with the afliflance
of an army fent to his fupport by Manochere, emperor of Perfia,
under Saum Nereeman, grandfather to the celebrated Rooftum, the
hero of Ferdofi's Shaw Nammeh, or Hiftory of ancient Perfia.

Dekkan was afterwards divided into feveral flates : Kool Chund
founded the city and government of ' Koolburga ; Raja Mere Chund
that of "Meruch J and Beejah Chund the kingdom of Beejanuggur,
the moil celebrated in ' Dekkan. Raja Bieder, the founder of a
* city of that name, reigned over part of Dekkan when Alexander

invaded

* Called by Europeans Calburga, now of little note.

•> Now the capital of a Mharatta jaghiredar, fituated, according to RennelJ,
about one hundred and thirty miles South Weft from Poonah, the metropolis
of the Mharatta ftates.

' Called in moft maps Bifnagar and Nerfinga. This kingdom, before the
conquefts of the muffulmauns, comprehended the whole of Carnatic, which then
extended over the greateft part of the peninfula from coaft to coaft (Coromandel and
Malabar) as will be feen in the progrefs of the Bhamenee fovereigns. Accord-
ing to Feriihta, the city of Beejanuggur, the capital of this ancient monarchy,
in the early days of muffulmaun invafion, was founded by Raja Beilaui Deo,
A. D. 1344., and named after his fon Beejah Roy. He does not mention the
more ancient metropolis of Carnatic. Major Rennell in his Memoir fays, Bee-
januggur is fituated near the weftern bank of the Tummedra or Tungcbadra
river, about thirty miles fouth-eaft or fouth-fouth eaft from Bancapore, and one
hundred and thirty German miles from Goa. It was a large city when vifited
by Caefar Frederick, A. D. 1567. The fall of this kingdom will be feen in
its proper place.

•^ Called by moft Europeans Eeder. According to Rennell, it is about eighty
miles to th» north-weft of Hyderabad, the capital of the Nizam, who polTefTes
it at prefent. Near the ruins of Bieder, Ahmed Shaw Bhamenee founded the
city of Ahmedabad, which he made his capital in place of Koolburga, and this
is the modern Bieder or Beder. There is another Ahmedabad, called moft com-
monly Ahmednuggur, and founded by Ahmed Shaw, the firft of the Nizam
Shawee fovereigns, of whom a hiftory will be given. There is alfo a third
Ahmedabad, the capital of the province of Guzarat,

XI

xii INTRODUCTION.

invaded India, and fent him prefents to obtain his favour. Saul-
bahun, a raja of Dekkan, flew in adtion the prince of Malwa,
Bickermajeet, recorded by the Hindoo tradition as an example for
fovereigns, and whofe reign forms the jera of the modern Hindoo
computation.

r

Nothing more refpedting Dekkan is mentioned by Ferishta,
till, in his account of the reign of the Patan emperor of Dhely,
Jellaul ad Dien Firofe Shaw, he fays, that monarch fent his fon
in law Alia ad Dien to reduce it to his authority.

In the year 1295 of our sra. Alia ad Dien marched through Berar
to Deoghur, now called Dowlutabad, from the raja of which he
gained an immenfe plunder. Ramdeo, it appears, was only fovereign
of a part of Dekkan, as the rajas of Koolburga and Raujemundree,
(the latter diflridl at prefent forming only one of our nothern fir-
kaurs, dependant on Madrafs) are ftiled by Ferishta, Independ-
ant Princes.

Alia ad Dien on his acceflion to the throne of Dhely, which he
acquired by the affaflination of Firofe Shaw, in the year 1 306 fent
an army to demand tribute from the raja of Deoghur. His general
Mallek Naib, after reducing that fortrefs and the territory of Meer-
hut, carried the raja Ramdeo prifoner to Dhely; from whence he
obtained leave to return to Dekkan and had a jaghire conferred on
him by the emperor.

In 1 309, Alia ad Dien fent an army by way of Bengal to reduce
Warunkul, the capital of Telingana, but without fuccefs ; upon
which he difpatched a reinforcement under Mallek Naib, who
obliged the raja Ludderdeo to become tributary to the fultan, and
exadled from him a contribution of money and jewels to a vafl
amount, befides three hundred elephants and feven hundred horfes.

The

INTRODUCTION. _ xlii

The year following, Mallek Naib invaded Carnatic, took the
» raja Bellaul Deo prilbner, and pufhed his depredations as far as
"Sect Bunder RameiTar, where he eredled a mofque. The booty
acquired in this expedition was immenfe, and next to incredible.
He invaded Dekkan again in 1312, put to death the fon of the
raja of Deoghur, and obliged Telingana and Carnatic to become
tributary to the throne of Dhely.

In 1316, Herpaul Deo, fon to the raja of Deoghur, rebelled,
and forced the muflulmauns to relinquifh feveral diftridts in Meerhut j
but was afterwards reduced, taken priloner, and flayed alive by the
Dhely emperor, Mubaric Shaw, who made conliderable conquells
in Dekkan.

In the fucceeding reign, Ludder Deo, raja of Warunkul, and
the raja of Deoghur, rebelled, but were fubdued by Aligh Khan,
who took the fortrefles of Bieder and Warunkul, with the families
of the rebels. In 1324, Aligh Khan fucceeded his father Gheaufe
ad Dien as emperor of Dhely, and aflumed the title of Mahummud
Tughluk Shaw. He fixed on Deoghur, which he renamed Dow-
lutabad, as his capital, and obliged the inhabitants of Dhely to
remove to it; but afterwards relinquiflied it. His reign proved
unfortunate, feveral provinces being wrefted from him by rebellious
nobles, who afTumed royalty ; and Dekkan v/as then formed into the
fovereignty, the hiftory of which is the fubje<ft of the following
pages.

• Probably the fame who aftei"wards founded Beejanuggur.
'' A port on the Coromandel coaft, oppofite to the ifland of Ceylon, and a
celebrated place of Hindoo pilgrimage.

TRANSLATION

OF

FERISHTA's

HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

\'\>^

SULTAN -ALLA AD DIEN
HOUSSUN KANGOH BHAMENEE,

FOUNDER. OF

THE BHAMENEE DYNASTY

DEKKAN SOVEREIGN S.

1_/ET it not remain concealed from the explorers of antiquity, that
hiftorians, in their accounts of the origin and progrefs of fultan Alia
ad Dien, are varying and contradidrory. The moft probable and
generally believed, I have, avoiding prolixity, drawn as briefly as
poflible into the circle of narration.

Houffun was an inhabitant of Dhely, and dependant on Kangoh,
a bramin and aftrologer, high in the favour of the " prince Mahum-
mud Tughluk Shaw. It is faid, that he laboured under the greateft
poverty. Upon his requefting fome employment from the bramin,
he gave him a pair of oxen, with two labourers, to cultivate apiece

B 2 of

» Theexalter of the faith of Mahummud.

^ Son of the emperor Glieaufe ad Dien, whom he fucceedetl on the throne of Dhely,
A. D. 1321.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

of wafte ground near the city, the produce of which he added to his
former allowance.

As the labourers were one day at work, the plough ftuck in fome
hard body, and HoufTun, upon examination, found it was entangled
in a chain round the neck of an earthen veflel, which proved to be
full of antique gold coins. He immediately carried them to the
bramin, who commended his honelly, and informed the prince of
the difcovered treafure. The circumftance being communicated to
the emperor Gheaufe ad Dien, he ordered HouiTun to the prefence,
and conferred upon him the command of one hundred horfe.

It is alfo related, that the bramin allured Houflun, he faw from his
flars that he would rife to exalted fortune, and be eminently favoured
by providence. He therefore requefted, when the Almighty ihould
have beftowed royalty upon him, that he would add the name of
Kangoh to his own, and appoint him his minifter of finance, in order
that he might fhare with him in immortal fame. Houflun readily
complied with the requefts of his kind patron. It is faid alfo, that
his future dignity was prophefied by the venerable * Shekh Nizam ad
Dien Oulea. From thefe aflurances, the ambition of reigning in
Dekkan, the promifed land of empire, pofTefled the mind of Houflun,
and he ardently fought for fome eflabliftiment in that country, that
he might gradually attain the jewel of his defires.

When fultan Mahummud Tughluk had acceded to the throne
of Dhely, he, in one of his expeditions to Dekkan, appointed his tutor
KuttuUugh Khan governor of Dowlutabad, and gave permiilion to
fuch officers as were under his patronage to ferve with him.
Houfliin, thinking this an opportunity favourable to his views, em-
braced

* A celebrated Mahummedan faint, whofe tomb near Dhely is ftill much venerated,
and reforted to in pilgrimage by the muflulmauns of Hindooftan. The tranflator has
not given the circumftanccs of the faint's prophecy at large, thinking they would be
tedious to the reader.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

braced the fervlce of KuftuUugh Khan, and obtained from hinr in
jaghire the town of Konechee, with lands dependant on the diftrift
of " Roy-Baugh.

Some years after this, fultan Mahummud Tughluk drew his
armies againft the refradlory nobles of Guzarat, who were de-
feated, and many of them took refuge in Dekkan ; where Kuttul-
lugh Khan, contrary to his duty and the royal commands, entertained
them in his fervice : upon which, the fultan determined to remove
him, and all the nobility, to other provinces. With this view, he
difpatched a firmaun by Ahmed Lacheen and other officers to Allum
al Moolk, commanding him to fend the Dekkan officers to Guzarat.

Allum al Moolk, in obedience to the royal orders, fent meflengers
to fummon the perfons mentioned in the firmaun from the feveral
ftations j but fome months elapfed before they were all colledled at
Dowlutabad. At length they arrived, and having received their
dlfmiffion, departed with Ahmed Lacheen for Guzarat. Ahmed
had entertained hopes of obtaining from them valuable prefents, for
his intereft in their favour with the fultan ; but being difappointed,
treated them haughtily ; and remarked to his attendants, that the
Dekkan officers deferved death, for harbouring the rebellious nobi-
lity of Guzarat, and negledling fo long the royal fummons to the
prefence. The amras, hearing of his opinions, were alarmed for
their fafety ; and, upon their arrival on the frontiers of Dekkan,
held a council among themfelves how to ad:. It was- remarked,
that the fultan frequently punifhed with death the flighted: offences,
and often without examining an accufation ; fo that it would be fafer
for them to remain by force in Dekkan, than give themfelves up
tamely like fheep to the flaughterer.

Their refolve being taken, they began their retreat from the
frontiers ; and Ahmed Lacheen, attempting to oppofe them, was

defeated,
* Now belonging to the Nizam.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

defeated, and flain with many of his followers. They were now
joined daily by numbers of the difaffecled, and repaired toCVards
Dowlutabad in great force. The native princes of Dekkan, injured
and difgufted by the tyranny of tlie fultan, rejoiced at this revolt ; in
which fome of them perfonally joined, and others, more circumfpedl,
privately aflifted with money and fupplies. An infurredlion arofe,
which the hand of conciliation could not quell. Jullly does a cele-
brated poet obferve, " The fubjedt, when opprefTed by injuftice,
*• turns from his prince in the crifis of danger ; for, when a ruler is
" tyrannical, his government cannot continue to flourifh." Ummaud
al Moolk, fon in law to the fultan, governor of Berar and Khandeftie,
who refided at ' Elichpore, finding himfelf daily deferted by num-
bers of his troops, and fearing his officers would finally deliver him
to the rebels, left the city with his family, under pretence of hunt-
ing, and retired into * Nudderbar ; upon which the nobles of Berar,
having plundered the royal treafury, proceeded to join the male-
contents near Dowlutabad. The garrifon of this fortrefs, obferving
the gathering force of the rebels, thought proper to feek their friend-
fhip : they feized their governor, and delivered up the place. Thus,
in a few months, departed from the yoke of the Dhely emperors
their dominion in Dekkan, which had been conquered in a long
feries of war, and at a vafl expenfe of blood and treafure.

Upon the acquifition of Dowlutabad, the allied amras agreed to
cle(St from among themfelves a fovcreign, that their operations
might receive dignity and order, when the lot of empire fell on
Ifmaeel, an Afghaun ameer of * one thoufand, whofe brother,

Mallek

» The ancient capital of Berar, now fubje£i to the Nizam, who pays a tribute from
the revenues to the Mharatta ftate.

'' A fmall diftrift between Khandeflae and Guzarat, now in pofleffion of the
Mharattas.

' In Hindooftan the rank of nobility is eflimated according to military command,
and the number of cavalry mentioned in the patent of creation; as, "We have

" exalted

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Mallek Moogh, commanded the imperial army in the province of
Malwa. In the hopes that he would afiifl his brother, the amras of
Dekkan elefted Ilmaeel their fukan, by the title of * Nafir ad Dien.
Honours were bcftowed, and each ameer gratified with a portion of
the lands of the new fovereignty ; when Houffun received the title of
k Zuffir Khan, and fome dillrids in jaghire for the fupport of his
dignity and troops.

Sultan Mahummud Tughluk Shaw, on this alarming crlfis of
his affairs, haftened with an army from Guzarat to Dekkan, and was
joined by ' Ummaudal Moolk Tibreezee, and Mallek Moogh gover-
nor of Malwa. On his arrival near Dowlutabad, the newly eleded
fultan quitted the fortrefs, and encamped with thirty thoufand horfe,
on the fame plain where Alia ad Dien had defeated the fon of
Ramdeo, raja of Deoghur. The rebels charged vigoroufly, and
routed the two wings of the imperialifts j fo that fultan Mahummud
was even preparing to fly, when fuddenly the curfe of difloyalty fell
upon them. Khan Jehaun, one of the principal rebel chiefs, being
wounded by an arrow, fell from his horfe, upon v^^hich his followers,
about fix thoufand, turned their faces to flight j and at the fame
inftant, the ftandard bearer of Nafir ad Dien, being fl:ruck with a
panic, let the colours fall from his hands; The rebels, fuppofing
their chief had forfaken them, defifted from the fight ; and night
falling, retired to their camp. Sultan Mahummud did the fame,
and both armies obferved the ftridefl: vigilance. Nafir ad Dien, and
Zuffir Khan, with the principal rebel chiefs, held a council, in
which it was agreed, as it was not fafe for the prefent to hazard
another conteft in the field, that the new fultan fliould retire to

Dowlutabad

« exalted fuch a perfon to fuch titles, and the command of fo many thoufand horfe,
« with the privilege of ufing fuch and fuch infignia and ornaments to bis palanquin."
» Promoter of the faith.

* Vidlorious.

* Pillar of the ftate.

8 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Dowlutabad with a proper garrifon ; whije the amras fhould protedt
their own diftrids, harafs the enemy's convoys, and cut off fuppUes.
This being concluded on, the rebels filently decamped to their feveral
ftations, fo that at daylight fultan Mahummud faw not a veftige of
his late oppofers. Upon this, he difpatched a force under Ummaud
al Moolk Tibreezee, to purfue Zuffir Khan, and prepared to befiege
Dowlutabad. The garrifon was nearly reduced to defpair, when
intelligence arrived of the infurredlion of the Dhellians, under a flavc
named Tughee; who, with a body of difafFe(fied rabble, was com-
mitting great enormities in the capital, and threatened the provinces,
efpecially Guzarat. Sultan Mahummud upon this quitted the camp
to the care of his generals, and haftened to quell the infurgents. The
Dekkan amras, encouraged by his abfence, colle£led from all parts ;
and the beliegers being alarmed, retreated foon after their fovereign.
They were clofely prefled by the Dekkanees as far as the banks of
the Nirbudda, and lofl much baggage, with feveral of the imperial
elephants laden with gold.

Zuffir Khan, emboldened by this fuccefs, marched with twenty
thoufand horfe to ' Bieder, where Ummaud al Moolk Tibreezee
was ftationed ; but did not for fome time venture to engage him,
as the latter was much fuperior in the number of his troops, and
ftrongly pofted. At length Zuffir Khan, being joined by fifteen
thoufand men, fent by the raja of Telingana, and five thoufand
horfe, detached to his affiftance by Nafir ad Dien from Dowlutabad,
attacked the imperial general. The adtion lafted from daylight till
the fun began to decline, with the greateft obftinacy on both fides.
At length, the Almighty difpofer of kingdoms having decreed that
Zuffir Khan fhould be exalted to the dominion of Dekkan, and the
ring of empire grace his hand, Ummaud al Moolk was flain, and his

army

» Formerly the capital of a raja of this name, and afterwards of the Bhamenee
fovereignsi now in poffeflion of the Nizam and Mharattas^ jointly.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. g

army routed. Many of the fugitives took Shelter in Bleder, others
in ' Candahar, and fome few retired with difficulty to Malwa.

Zuffir Khan, immediately on his vi(51:ory, detached Mallek " Sycf
ad Dien Ghoree to reduce Bieder and Candahar, while he marched
liimfelf with the trophies and plunder gained from the enemy to
Dowlutabad ; at fome diftance from which he was met by Nafir ad
Dien, who, obferving that greater attention was paid by the nobility
and army to the general than himfelf, and that they wi£hed him for
their fovereign, judged it prudent to retire to a more private Na-
tion. Calling an affembly of the amras, he declared himfelf from
his great age incapable of governing, and requefted they would
ele<fl a new fultan ; obferving, that Zuffir Khan, on whofe afped;
flione the rays of dignity and valour, feemed to him moft worthy of
the throne. The affembly with one voice applauded his remark,
and the aftrologers were diredled to explore a fortunate inftant for
the inauguration of Zuffir Khan. Accordingly, in a chofen hour on
Friday, the 24th of Rubbee al Akhir, they placed the crown of A. H. 74S,
empire on his head, and fpread over his throne a black umbrella, A.D. 134.7.
the colour of the Abaffide caliphs, as auspicious. The "^ Khootbah,
was read in his name, and coins flruck, impreffed with his titles of
Sultan Alia ad Dien Houffun Kangoh Bhamenee. ■* Koolburga, his
refidence, was newly named ' Ahffunabad, and chofen for the capital
of the muffulmauns in Dekkan,

C Sultan

* A fortrefs not far diftant from Bieder. There is another fo called on the northern
frontier of Hindooftan.

* The Sword of the Faith.

c A form of prayer, or benedi£lion, ufed by the Mahummedans on Fridays and
feftivals, for the fouls of all deceafed prophets and kings, and for the welfare of their
reigning fovereign.

"* Now belonging to the Nizam, under a tribute to the Mharattas, called by Eu-
ropean geographers Calberga.

* Moft excellent abode. It is the fuperlative of the fultan's appellation of Houfllin.

10 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Sultan Alia ad Dicn, having engaged in the charge of govern-
ment, neglefted none of the duties of royalty, fo that the trail of
his dominions was daily extended. The countries from the ' river
Beemrah to the vicinity of the fortrefs of " Roodnee, and from
the port of " Choule to the city of Bieder, were brought within
the circle of his poflefTion. It is related, that his firll royal adt
was the diftribution of four hundred pounds weight of gold, and
one thoufand of lilver, in charitable donations, in memory of Nizam
ad Dien Oulea, who had predidted his rifmg fortunes. Mallek Syef
ad Dien Ghoree, diflinguifhed for his integrity, judgment, and
policy, was appointed prime minifter, and the refigned fovereign,
who had reafllimed his original name of Ifmaeel, honoured with
the title of '' ameer al amra. Mindful of his promife to his former
patron, the fultan entrufted the care of his treafury to the bramin
Kangoh, who had quitted the fervice of the emperor Mahummud
Tughluk Shaw, and repaired to Dekkan. His name was alfo affix-
ed to all royal edicts, and joined to that of the fultan.

It is unlverfally allowed, that Kangoh was the firfl bramin who
accepted an office in the fervice of a muffulmaun prince. Before
him, the bramins never condefcended to engage in publick affairs,
but paffed their lives in the duties of religion, and fludy of the
fciences ; indifferent to fortune, and efleeming the fervice of princes
as hurtful to virtue, and hazardous to their eternal welfare. If, as
phyficians, afhronomers, moralifls, or hifforians, they fometimes af-
fociated with the rich or powerful, they yet would never wear the
chain of fervitude on their necks, though courted by gifts and high
favours. However, fince Kangoh's acceptance of employment, the

diredlion

' A principal branch of the Kiftnah river. According to Fcriftita, it is alfo called
Bewrah. Rennell writes it Beernah.

i" I do not find tins place in any map under this name.
« On the Malabar coaft, not very far fouth of Bombay,
■• Chief of the nobles.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. I ^j

diredion of finance has been committed generally to bramlns, by all
the princes of Dekkan.

Sultan Alia ad Dien, as well by wife policy as force of arms,
towards the end of the reign of Mahummud Tughluk Shaw, fubdued
every part of Dekkan which had been fubjedl to the throne of Dhely,
and gained over by conciliating meafures the Afghaun, Mogul, and
Raajepoote chiefs, Rationed by the emperor at Bieder and Candahar,
which were delivered up. He took ^ Kolaufs with its dependancies
from the roy of " Warunkul, and formed with him a treaty of
aUiance. The death of the emperor Mahummud Tughluk Shaw in
752, removing all apprehenfions of attack from Dhely, the fultan A. 0.1351.
eno-aged earneflly in the internal regulation and fecurity of his do-
minions, and celebrated the marriage of his eldefl fon Mahummud
with the daughter of Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree. On this occa-
fion he dillributed ten thoufand robes of cloth of gold, velvet and
fattin among the nobility and others. One thoufand Arab and Per-
■ iian horfes, and two hundred fabres fet with jewels, were alfo divid-
ed. The populace were entertained with various amufements, and
engines were eredled in the ftreets of Koolburga, which caft forth
fhowers of confedionary among the crowd. The rejoicings Jailed a
whole year ; on the laft day of which, the nobility and officers pre-
fented offerings of jewels, money, and the rareft produdions of all
countries, to the fultan.

As Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree was honoured by the royal
alliance, his place in publick afTemblies was allotted above thofe of
all the nobility, which gave oiFence to the ameer al amra, who com-
plained of the precedence to the fultan, and was anfwered, that in
every government the pen took rank of the fword. He became

C 2 feemingly

" A to^)yn in Telingana;

* The ancient capital of Telingana; The province is now called Golconda.

12

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

feemin^ly fatistied with the royal orders* but fecretly confpired with
fome dilaffedted nobles to afiaflinate the fultan, and refume the
throne he had given up. As his deligns were not favoured by pro-
vidence, the fultan had timely information of them, from perfons
who had joined in the plot, but had repented. Having con-
vened all the nobles and eminent officers of the court, he, in their
prefence, accufed the ameer al amra of treachery, which he denied
by a folemn oath. The fultan then called forth the informers, and
offered pardon to all the confpirators who would reveal the crimes
of the ameer al amra ; upon which moft of his affociates teftified
againft him, fo that no doubt remained of his guilt, and he was im-
mediately put to death. His relations and adherents were pardoned,
nor was the fmalleft confifcation made of their property ; but
" Baliadur Khan, fon to the deceafed, was appointed ameer al amra,
and the royal favour extended, as before, on the family.

From this, and other inftances of juftice tempered with mercy,
loyalty to the fultan became fixed in every breaft, and his power
daily encreafed. The roy of Telingana, who had become difobedient,
but was treated with generous forbearance on account of former
affiftance to the fultan, was overcome by the fenfe of his virtues,
fubmitted to his authority, atid agreed to pay the tribute he had
heretofore remitted to the fovereign of Dhely.

Sultan Alia ad Dien, by advice of Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree,
difpatched a confiderable force againft the country of Carnatic, from,
whence his general returned fuccefsful, with valuable contributions
from feveral roies in money and jewels, befides two hundred ele-
phants, and one thoufand female fingers. Having received an invi-
tation from roy Perrun, the reprefentative of the ancient rajas of
Guzarat, to invade that country, (which owing to the weaknefs of
the Dhely emperors, was become a prey to rebellious jaghiredars,)

fultan
• Valiant.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

13

fultan Alia ad Dien, in "'the month of Shauban, 758, took the field A.D. 1356,

in perfon. The prince Mahummud was advanced in front with

twenty thoufand horfe, while the fultan followed, by eafier marches,

with the main army. The prince arriving at " Nofaree, found the

country abounding in game, of which he fent an account to his

father, who was eagerly fond of the chafe and falconry. The fultan

advanced with expedition, and fpent nearly a month in the pleafures

of the field ; at the end of which he was attacked by an intermitting

fever; and, not ufing proper caution in refraining from violent exercife

and high living, his diforder encreafed to an alarming illnefs, which

obliged him to return haftily to Koolburga. Upon his arrival at the

capital, he convened the divines and holy men, in whofe prefence he

vowed to abftain in future from all things forbidden by the law of the

Koraun. Arranging his dominions in four principal governments,

he conferred that of the capital and its dependancies, to '' Dabul,

Beejore, and Mudkul, on Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree ; Choule,

Khiber, Dowlutabad, and Mheeroputtun, with the territory of

Mheerut, he committed to Mahummud, fon of his brother Ali

Shaw ; Mahoor, Ramgeer, and his divifion of Berar, were entrufled

to Kufder Khan Syeftaunee ; and Bieder, Indour, with Kolaufs, and

the pofleffions in Telingana, to Azim Humaioon, fon of Mallek

Syef ad Dien Ghoree.

The fultan remained fix months in a declining flate ; during which
he gave publick audience twice a day, and tranfadted bufinefs ;
afTiduoully engaging in adminiitering juftice to the poor and friend-
lels. He gave orders to releafe all prifoners throughout his dominions,

except

' A town and diftria on the the banks of the Teena. Rennell calls It Bhoufenee.
It belongs now to the Nizam.

*• All the places mentioned in this difpofition are now in polTeffion of the Nizam^
fubjea to a contribution of a fourth part of the revenues to the Mharatca ftate ;
Dabul excepted, a fmall port near Bombay and Choule, which are held wholly by the
latter. From the divifion of his kingdom it appears, that Alia ad Dien poffeffed what
IS now called the Nizam's country, and a confiderable part of Kokun,

14

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAM.

except thofe accufed of capital offences, \<'hom he commanded to

Koolburga; and having himfelf examined them, fet at Hberty all but

feven, whom he delivered to his fon Mahummud, that, after his

death he might adt towards them as he fliould j udge proper. At

length, finding no benefit from medicine, and feeling nature exhauft-

ed, he difcharged his phyficians, and waited patiently the final cure

of human ills. In this flate, enquiring of his youngeft fon, Mhamood,

who had been reading with his tutor, what book he had that day

perufed, the prince replied, the " Bofetaun of '' Saadee, and the fol-"
lowing paflage :

" I have heard, that ' Jumfliede of angelic memory had thefe
" words engraved upon a fountain ; Many, like me, have viewed
*' this fountain, but they are gone, and their eyes clofed for ever.
" I conquered the world by policy and valour; but could not over%
" come the grave."

The fultan fighed at the recital, and calling his fons Daood and
Mahummud before him, faid, " This is my laft breath, and with it
" I conjure you, as ye value the permanence of the kingdom, to
" agree with each other. Mahummud is my fuccefTor; elleem
" fubmiffion and loyalty to him as your duty in this world, and your
" furety for happinefs in the next." Having faid this, he fent for
his treafurer, and committed to each of his fons a fum of money to
diftribute to the poor. When they had obeyed him, and returned, he
exclaimed, " Praife be to God !" and inllantly refigned his life to the
Creator. " Conftantly appears fome one who boafts, I am Lord,
" fhows himfelf to his fellows, and vaunts, I am Lord. When the
" affairs of mortals have become dependant upon him, fuddenly ad-
« vanceth death, and exclaimeth, I am Lord." The death of fultan
Alia ad Dien happened eleven years, two months, and feven days

after

» A Garden.

* A celebrated Perfian poet.

• An ancient emperor of Perfia,

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ,^

after his acceflion to roj^^lty, and on the firft of Rubbee al Awul,

^^g, in the iixty feventh year of his age. ^ D^ ,-.

It is related, that fultan Alia ad Dien being afked how, without
great treafures or armies, he had acquired royalty in fo fliort a fpace ?
replied. By afFabihty to friends and enemies, and fliovving liberality to
all, to the utmoft of his power. Some authors write, that he was
defcended from Bhamen, one of the ancient kings of Perfia ; and
I have feen a pedigree of him, fo derived, in the royal library of
Ahmednuggur : but am inclined to believe, fuch lineage was only
framed upon his accefTion to royalty, by flatterers and poets, and that
his origin was too obfcure to be authentically traced. The appella-
tion of * Bhamenee, he certainly took in compliment to Kangoh
Bramin, which is often pronounced Bhamen, and by tribe he was an
Afghaun.

» Bhamenee is a very common corruption of Bramlnee in the vulgar pronuncIatioB
of Hindooilan.

,^ FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
MAHUMMUD SHAW BHAMENEE.

W HEN Jfultan Mahummud fpread over himfelf, like Solomon,
the royal umbrella, he greatly encreafed the magnificence and fplen-
dour of the court. He fixed a golden ball, fet with jewels, on
which was a bird of paradife compofed of precious ftones, at the top
of the umbrella. On the bird's head was a ruby, ineftimable in
value, which had been prefented to the late fultan by the roy of
Beejanuggur. He added greatly to the train of his attendants, and
divided the nobility and officers into four bands ; appointing each a
ftated fervice and time of waiting. He formed a corps of bardars,
whofe employment was to mufi:er the guards, and condudl perfons
to audience ; alfo one of " two hundred youths, chofen among the
Ions of the nobility, to carry the royal armour and weapons ; and in-
ftituted a ^ body guard of four thoufand men, under the command of
a nobleman of high rank, who was ftiled meer nobut, or lord of the
watch. Fifty fiUehdars, and a thoufand of the body guard, attended
at the palace daily. Every day, except on Fridays, he gave publick
audience early in the morning, and continued tranfadling bufinefs
till the crier proclaimed noontide prayer, when the court broke up.
Before he afcended the throne, he always proftrated himfelf before
it, out of refpcft to the memory of his father. The throne was of
filver, placed under a magnificent canopy, on a rich carpet ; and the
court before the hall of audience was fhaded by an awning of velvet,
brocade, or other fuperb manufadlure. The governors of his pro-
vinces,

» They were called fillehdars. or arms-bearers, from their employment,

^ This corps was named khaufeh khiel, or feledt band.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAM.

•

vinces, he named terrufFdars, or holders of a divifion. In the begin-
ning of his reign, Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree enjoyed the diftinction
of fitting in the prefence ; but requeuing to refign this privilege, he
afterwards ftood, like the other nobles. The nobut, or band of mu-
lic, played five times daily, at ftated hours ; and all perfons, when
introduced to the fultan, knelt and proflrated their foreheads to the
ground. After the diflblution of the houfe of Bhamenee, the fuc-
ceeding princes ufed the umbrella and khootbah j but none ftruck
coins of gold in their own name, or founded the nobut five times,
except the fultans of Golconda, ftiled Koottub Shawee.

The gold and filver coins of the Bhamenee fultans were of fquare
form and different value, having on one fide the * creed of teftimony
and the names of " the four holy friends. On the other was the
fovereign's title and year of his reign. The Hindoo bankers, at the
inftigation of the roies of Beejanuggur and TeUngana, melting all
which fell into their hands, that the coins of the infidels might alone
be current in Dekkan, the fultan was enraged ; and when they per-
fifted in the offence in fpite of his remonflrances, he put all the guilty
to death, and reftrained the bufinefs of exchange to fome Kutteries,
defcendants of Dhellians, who had migrated to Dekkan. After this,,
the Bhamenee coins alone were current in the Mahummedan do-
minions ; but fince the cefi!ation of that dynafi:y, the coins of the
Hindoo princes have been allowed alfo to pafs univerfally.

In the beginning of the reign of fultan Mahummud Shaw, the
roies of Beejanuggur and Telingana demanded from him the territo-
ries which had been wrefted from them by his father, threatening.
In cafe of refufal, to invade his country, and draw upon him the
armies of Dhely. As he was not fure of the attachment of part of
his nobility, and his treafury was low, owing to the great fums

D which.

» There is no god but God, and Mahummud is his prophet,
" Mahummud, Ali, Aboubekker, Omar.

17

J 5 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

which he had given to his mother, Mallelceh Jehaun, who had gone
on pilgrimage to Mecca, Medina, and Kerballa, he, during a year
and half, kept the ambaffadors of the roies at his court, and fent
his own to Beejanuggur, to amufe his enemies. In this period he
difplaced fuch officers as he fufpe6ted, and, his mother being re-
turned, refolved on war, and demanded from the roies all their beft
elephants laden with jewels, gold, and the mofl precious manufadlures
ofDekkan.

The roy of Telingana, upon this, fent his fon Nagdeo with an
army towards Kolaufs, and the roy of Beejanuggur difpatched a con-
fiderable force to join his ally, who was quickly defeated by the
troops of Mahummud Shaw, under Bahadur Khan ; and that
general, having plundered all the country to the vicinity of Warun-
kul, obliged the roy to pay a contribution of a large fum of money,
twenty five elephants, and many valuable efFefts, which he pre-
iented to the fultan at Koolburga.

A.D. 1371; Towards the end of the year 773, fome merchants arriving from
diftant parts, offered horfes to the fultan for fale, and he not approv-
ing them, obferved, that they were unworthy of being prefented to a
prince ; upon which the merchants faid, they had lately poffefTed
much finer, which they had intended to bring him, but they had
been forced from them, at undervalue, by Nagdeo at '■ Velumputtun,
though they had fignified to him that they were defigned for the
fultan.

Mahummud Shaw, already offended with Nagdeo, was refolved
to revenge this frefli inftance of difrefpedl, and, committing his affairs
to the care of Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree, repaired immediately to
his camp at Sultanpore. Here he continued ten days, to review the
army, and receive the prayers of the venerable Mahummud Serauje

ad

=■ I don't know where. Perhaps Goa, or Rajapoore.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKICA-N, 19

ad Dien Juneedee for fucc'efs in his expedition. On the eleventh he
began his march. On his arrival at Kallean, afking an attendant, to
whom he allowed great freedom of fpeech, in what time he might
feach Velumputtun, the wit replied, that if he continued his prefent
fpeed, he might perhaps fee it in twelve months. The fultan,
nettled at the repartee, immediately feledled four thoufand horfe
from his army, and proceeded with fuch rapidity, that in the fpace
of a week he advanced near Velumputtun. He then ordered a band
of veteran Afghauns to difguife themfelves in torn habits, and repair
to the town, as horfedealers who had been plundered by robbers, in
order to amufe the guards at the gates. The Afghauns, on their
arrival at the town, were queltioned by the guards, and replied, that
they were merchants who had been plundered by a numerous ban-
ditti not far from the place, and were come to implore protedlion
and juflice from the governor. During this flory, Mahummud
Shaw ruflied on with a thoufand horfe, and the guards attempted to
fliut the gates, but were prevented by the Afghauns, and flain. The
fultan now entered the town, and commenced a flaughter of the
inhabitants without mercy. Nagdeo, who expedled nothing lefs
than fuch an enemy, was engaged at an entertainment, and, on
receiving the alarm, fled with precipitation to the citadel, which the
fultan affaulted without delay ; when the young roy, after a faint
oppolition, tried to make his efcape by a poilern, but was taken
prifoner in the city. In the morning he was queftioned by the
fultan, why he had dared to feize horfes from merchants on their
way to Koolburga ? and making an infolent reply, Mahummud
Shaw, who had before this refolved to fpare his life, commanded a
pile of wood to be lighted before the citadel, and putting Nao-deo In
an engine, had him (hot from the walls into the flames, in which he
was confumed. The fultan remained fifteen days in the town, and,
as his troops came up, encamped them without the gates, while he
repofed from his fatigues, and indulged himfelf in pleafure with his
favourites.

D 2 The

20

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The fultan, having feized the treafureS of Nagdeo, and levied a
heavy contribution from the inhabitants, left Velumputtun, and
returned towards his capital ; but the Telingas, who had now col-
lecfled in great force, furrounded him on all quarters, and fo haraffed
his march, that he commanded his tents and baggage to be burnt,
with all his plunder, except jewels and gold. Thus lightened, he
moved in clofe order from dawn till nightfall every day, procuring
from the villages he paffed, fuch provifions as offered, and paffing
the night in ftridl vigilance, lleeping on his arms. With all thefe
precautions, the enemy deflroyed fuch numbers of his troops, in
pafTes and woods, that of four thoufand, only fifteen hundred men
regained Koolburga. The fultan himfelf received a wound in his
arm, and at Kolaufs was obliged to halt from indifpofition. Here
he was fortunately joined by Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree, with the
main body of his army, when the Telingas were driven back to the
heart of their own country with great flaughter, and feveral places
taken from them ; after which the fultan returned to Koolburga.

The roy of Tellngana, enraged at the death of his fon, fent
petitions to the emperor Feerofe Shaw of Dhely, acknowledging
himfelf his vaflal, and promifing, if he would fend a force, to a.&.
in conjuncllion with it, for the recovery of the imperial pofTeffions in
Dekkan, and pay alfo a confiderable tribute. In this offer he was
joined by his ally, the roy of Beejanuggur ; but Feerofe Shaw, being
too much employed with domeftic commotions to affifl them, did
not attend to their reprefentations.

Mahummud Shaw, hearing of the proceedings of the roies, and
the weaknefs of the court of Dhely, from his fpies, refolved on the
conquefl of Telingana. Having again committed the charge of
internal government to Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree, He marched to
Kolaufs, from whence he detached Azim Humaioon, with the troops
of Bieder, towards Golconda, and Suffder Khan, with thofe of Berar,

againft

FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 21

againrt: Warunkul, toward^ which he followed in perfon by regular
niarches. The roy of Telingana, difappointed of afliftance from
Dhely, declined engaging the royal army; and, retiring to the
woods, fent fome of his chiefs with valuable prefents to Bahadur
Khan, entreating his interceffion for peace, which the fultan at firft
refufed. The roy then difpatched one of his fons to the royal camp,
with declarations of fubmiffion ; when Mahummud Shaw, at the
earneft perfualions of his nobility, confented to agree tofuch terms as
Bahadur Khan fhould judge confiftent with the dignity of his ftate.
It was fixed by him, that the roy fliould prefent to the fultan three
hundred elephants, two hundred valuable horfes, and • thirty three
lacs of rupees, and that he fliould cede to him the city of Golconda
with its dependancies.

As the fultan had been near two years living with his army in
the country of Telingana, the roy was much dillreffed, and faw no
relief, but in fulfilling the conditions. It was agreed that Mahum-
mud Shaw (hould retreat from the country of Golconda, and that
Bahadur Khan fhould remain at Kolaufs, to receive the offerings of
the roy. Mahummud Shaw, having committed the city of Golcon-
da to Azim Humaioon, returned towards his capital. From Bieder,
where he halted three months, he difmiffed his nobility and their
troops, to refrefh themfelves from their fatigues, into their feveral
diftrids.

"When the agents of the roy came to Kolaufs, Bahadur Khan
conduced them to the fultan ; who, when they had prefented the
©fferings agreeably to treaty, conferred upon them rich khelauts,
valuable jewels, and fine horfes. Some days after this, the ambafla-
dors reprefented to Bahadur Khan, that if his majefly, fixing the
boundaries of the ftate of their prince, would fign a treaty, binding
his fucceflbrs to protedt the r oies of Telingana as their vaflals, they

would

* 33,ooool.

22

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

would prefent him with a curiofity, wofthy only to be laid at the
feet of a great king.

Bahadur Khan having communicated their offers to the fultan,
he was impatient to receive the promifed gift ; and the ambaffadors,
being introduced, repeated their promife. Mahummud Shaw, find-
ino- them fincere, drew up a paper in his own hand, fixing Golconda
as the boundary between its kingdom and the roy's pofTeinons, con-
juring his fucceffors, as long as the roies of Telingana fliould refrain
from breaking their faith, not to moleft them. The treaty, being
ratified with his own feal and thofe of the j udges and principal nobi-
lity, was given to the ambafladors. In performance of their pro-
mife, they prefented to the fultan a throne fet with valuable jewels,
which had been prepared by the roy of Telingana fome years before,
and intended as a prefent to fultan Mahummud Tughluk Shaw of
Dhely.

Mahummud Shaw was highly fatisfied, and difmifled the am-
bafladors with great marks of honour and approbation. On his
return to Koolburga, he made a great feflival, and mounted this
throne with much pomp and magnificence, calling it, Firozeh, or
Cerulean. He conferred prefents and honours on thofe who had
merited his notice during the war. The filver throne of his father
was ordered to be laid up in the treafury, as a valuable memorial.

I have heard fome old perfons, who faw the throne Firozeh in
the reign of fultan Mhamood Bhamenee, defcribe it. They faid,
that it was in length nine feet, and three in breadth ; made of ebony,
covered with plates of pure gold, and fet with precious ilones of
immenfe value. The jewels were fo contrived, as to be taken off
and put on with eafe in a fliort time. Every prince of the houfe of
Bhamenee, who pofTefled this throne, made a point of adding to it
fome richftones; fo that when, in the reign of fultan Mhamood, it

was

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

was taken to pieces, to remove fome of the jewels to be fet in vafes
and cups, the jewellers valued it at one ^ corore of oons. I learned
alfo, that it was called Firozeh, from being partly enamelled of a
(ky colour, which was in time totally concealed by the number of
jewels.

This feftival lailed forty days ; during which the flridnefs of
religious law was laid afide. The nobility and people followed the
example of the fovereign in feftivity and pleafure. At this time, a
number of capital muficians, who had learnt the compolitions of
ameer Khooffroo, and Khajah HoufTun Dhelie, and fome of them
heard thofe great mafters, came, attended by three hundred
fingers, from Dhely to Koolburga. Mahummud Shaw, regarding
their arrival at fuch a juncture as aufpicious, received them with
much attention. One evening, in a feledl affembly, he permitted
Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree, and the ^ fuddur al fliereef, to fit at
the foot of his throne ; as alfo Bahadur Khan, on whom he confer-
red the title of ameer al amra, and aiked his daughter in marriage
for his fon, the prince Mujahid Shaw.

Moollah Daood Biederee, author of the Tofet al Sallateen,
relates, that he was then twelve years of age, and feal-bearer to the
king. He fays, that one evening, when the fpring of the garden of
mirth had infufed the cheek of Mahummud Shaw with the rofy tinge
of delight, a band of muficians fung two verfes of ameer Khooffroo
in praife of kings, feltivity, and mulic. The fultan was delighted
beyond mealure, and commanded Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree
to give the three hundred performers a draft for a gratuity on the
treafury of the roy of Beejanuggur. The miniiler, though he Judged
the order the effedt of wine, in compliance with the humour of the
fultan, wrote it, but did not difpatch it. However, Mahummud

Shaw

» Nearly four millions fterling.
* Chief magiftrate.

23

24

FERISHTA'* HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Shaw penetrated his thoughts. The ne^c day, he enquired if the
draft had been fent to the roy, and being anfwered, not, exclaimed,
" Think you a word without meaning could efcape my lips ? I did
" not give the order in intoxication, but ferious defign." Mallek
Svef ad Dien upon this affixed the royal feal to the draft, and dif-
patched it by exprefs meflengers to the roy of Beejanuggur. The
roy, hauo-hty and proud of his independance, placed the prefenter of
the draft on an afrf's back, and, parading him through all the quarters
of Beejanuo-gur, fent him back with every mark of contempt and de-
rilion. He alfo gave immediate orders for aflembling his troops, and
prepared to attack the dominions of the houfe of Bhamenee. With
this intent he marched with thirty thoufand horfe, three thoufand
elephants, and one hundred thoufand foot, to the vicinity of the
fortrefs of ^ Oodnee ; from whence he fent detachments to deftroy
and lay wafte the country of the faithful.

Mahummud Shaw, as his troops in Bieder and Berar had not yet

refted from the fatigues of a two years campaign, contented himfelf

with calling, for the prefent. Khan Mahummud with the army from

Dowlutabad. He fent his fon, the prince Mujahid Shaw, with a

fifth part of the plunder of Velumputtun, to Shekh Mahummud

Serauje ad Dien, to be diftributed to fyeds and holy men, afking their

prayers for fuccefs againft the unbelievers. He called together all

the religious of Koolburga, and, upon a Friday went, accompanied-

by them, to the grand mofque, where he pronounced, with much

carneftnefs of heart, a form of invocation for the fuccefs of the army

of Illaam. He then fixed upon the lucky inftant of march, and

ordered his camp to be pitched without the city.

The roy of Beejanuggur, by this time was, notwithftanding the
rainy feafon and inundation of the Kiftna, Arrived before the fortrefs
of Mudkul, to which he laid fiege with much vigour. The gar-

rifon,

' Now called Adoni, alfo Imtiauz Ghur, now poflefled by Tippoo Saheb.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 2^

rilbn, confining of fix hundred men, of approved valour, left nothing
undone for the defence of the place ; but the governor, a relation of
Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree, having impofed fome feverities on the
troops, difaffedion arofe among them, and the officers grew negledful
of their duty. In confequence, the fort fell into the hands of the
enemy, who, with a rancorous cruelty, put men, women, and child-
ren to the fword, without fparing any. One man only efcaped;
who brought intelligence of the capture to the fultan.

Mahummud Shaw, on hearing it, was feized with a tranfport of
grief and rage, in which he commanded the unfortunate meffenger
to be inftantly put to death ; exclaiming, that he never could bear in
his prefence, a wretch, who could furvive the fight of the llaughter
of fo many brave companions. The fame day, without waiting for
the junction of his whole army, (in the month of Jemmad al Awul,
767) he began his march, and took a folemn oath, that till he fhould A.D. 1365,
have put to death one hundred thoufand infidels, as an expiation for
the maflacre of the faithful, he would never flieath the fword of
holy war, nor refrain from llaughter. Wheri he reached the banks
of the Kiftna, he fwore by the power who had created and exalted
him to dominion, that eating or fleep fhould be unlawful for him,
till he had croffed that river in face of the enemy, by the blefling of
heaven routed their army, and gladdened the fouls of the martyrs of
Mudkul with the blood of their murderers. He then appointed his
fon Mujahid Shaw to fucceed him, and Mallek Syef ad Dien regent
of his kingdom. He refigned all his elephants, except twenty, to the
prince, gave him his advice, and fent him back to Koolburga. He
then croiied the river, with nine thoufand chofen horfe, without
delay.

The rfoy of Beejanuggur, notwithftanding his vafl army, was fo
alarmed, that he fent oiF all his treafure, valuable baggage, and
elephants towards his capital, intending to engag;e the next morning,

E or

25 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN

or retreat, as he fhould find it advifeable. The night being ftormy
and heavy rain falling, the elephants and other beafts of burthen
ftuck frequently in the mud, and were not able to advance above
four miles from the camp. Mahummud Shaw heard of the enemy's
movement during the night, and immediately marched towards them,
leaving his encampment flanding. Towards the dawn he arrived at
the roy's camp, and the alarm being given, fo great was the confu-
fion, that the infidels fled with the utmofl precipitation towards the
fortrefs of Oodnee, leaving every thing behind them. Mahummud
Shaw entered the camp of their market and baggage, putting all
to death, without any diftindlion ; and it is faid, that the flauo-hter
amounted to feventy thoufand men, women, and children. Accord-
ing to the Tofet al Sallateen, two thoufand elephants, three hundred
pieces of cannon, feven hundred Arabian horfes, and a " finghaufen
fet with jewels, were included in the royal fha re of plunder. The
reft of the effeds were left to the officers and foldiers.

Sultan Mahummud, regarding this vidory as the omen of others,
after paffing the rains near Mudkul, and being reinforced by Khan
Mahummud from Dowlutabad, marched againfl the infidels towards
Oodnee ; in the plains of which, on the banks of the Tummedra,
the roy of Beejanuggurhad taken up his ftation in his own territories ;
having given the command of Oodnee to his fifler's fon. Here he
had colledted a great army, and brought elephants, and all the
fplendid infignia of empire, from Beejanuggur.

Mahummud Shaw, by the advice of Khan Mahummud, did not
fit down before Oodnee. He colledled a train of artillery, which,
till now, had never been employed by the faithful in Dekkan, of
which he gave the command to Mukkrib Khan, fon of Suffder Khan
Syeftaanee, and attached to him a number of Turks and E<uropeans,
well acquainted with fireworking. As it was common for ba-.a* of

thieves

* A Utter in form of a griffin or tiger.

■ FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

thieves to fleal into the cimp at night, and murder and maim men
and horfes, he commanded all the elephants taken from the roy to be
fent to Koolburga, defiring the officers to return all their baggage to
that place, except what was abfolutely necefl'ary. The artillery was
placed round the camp, held together by ftrong ropes and chains
every night, and regular patroles and rounds obferved.

In a ihort time the fultan croffed the Tummedra, and entered the
domains of Beejanuggur j which were now, for the firfl time, in-
vaded by a Mahummedan fovereign in perfon. Roy Kifhen Roy, on
receiving the intelligence, called together all the firfl nobles of his
court, and confulted on the beft mode of oppofing the mufTuImauns.
It was agreed, that Hoje Mul, a maternal relation to the roy, and
commander of his armies, fliould have the condudl of the war. Hojc
Mul, vain to excefs on receiving his command, afked the roy if he
fliould bring the prince of the muiTulmauns alive a prifoner into his
prefence, or prefent him only his head upon a fpear. Kiflien Roy
replied, that a living enemy, in any fituation, was not agreeable,
therefore, he had better put him to death as foon as he fliould take
him. Hoje Mul, h»\'ing received his difmiflion, marched to oppofe
Mahummud Shaw, with forty thoufand horfe and five hundred thou-
fand foot. He commanded the bramins to deliver every day to the
troops, difcourfes on the meritorioulhels of flaughtering the niah-im-
medans, in order to excite zeal for expelling them. He ordered
them to defcribe the butchery of " cows, the infults to facred imao-es
and deftroying of temples, pradifed by the true believers.

Mahummud Shaw, when the enemy arrived within fifteen cofs of
his camp, commanded his general. Khan Mahummud, to muiler
the troops ; who were found to be fifteen thoufand horle and fifty
thoufand foot. Ten thoufand horfe and thirty thoufand foot, with
all the artillery, he advanced under Khaa Mahummud Khan. On

E 2 the

• They are regarded as facred by the Hindoos.

27

^g FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

the fourteenth of Zeekaud the armies of light and darknefs met.
From the dawn till four in the afternoon, like the waves of the
ocean, they continued in warm conflidl with each other, and great
numbers were flain on both fides. Moofeh Khan, and Eeefeh Khan,
who commanded the right and left wings of Khan Mahummud's
line, drank the fherbet of martyrdom, and their troops broke ; which
misfortune had nearly given a fatal blow to the army of Iflaam. At
this inftant Mahummud Shaw appeared, with three thoufand frefh
horfe. This reflored the fpirits of Khan Mahummud, as alfo of the
difordered troops, who rallied, and joined him. Mukkrib Khan,
advancing with the artillery, was not wanting in execution, greatly
difordering the enemy's horfe and foot. He aiked leave to charge,
and complete the rout. Khan Mahummud, upon this, detached a
number of the nobility to fupport him, and permitted him to ad-
vance ; which he did with fuch rapidity, that the infidels had no
time to ufe fireworks, but came to fhort weapons, as fwords and
daggers. At this time, an elephant, named " Sheer Shikar, belong-
ing to Khan Mahummud, refufed the guidance of his driver, and
rufhed into the center of the enemy's line, where he was flopped by
the elephants of Hoje Mul Roy, and his driver was killed. Khan
Mahummud, with five hundred horfe, followed, and the elephant
becoming unruly, turned upon the enemy, throwing their ranks
into confbfion. Hoje Mul Roy, after receiving a mortal wound,
fled, and his followers no longer made refinance. The infidels,
feeing their center broke, fled on all fides. The fcymetars of the
faithful were not yet fheathed from flaughter, when the royal um-
brella appeared. The fultan gave orders to renew the maflacre of
the unbelievers. They were executed with fuch ftridtnefs, that
pregnant women, and even children at the breafi:, did not efcape

the fword.*"

Mahummud

» The tiger hunter.

•• It may not be unneceflary here to mention, that the wives of foldlers and other
females accompany an Indian army.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Mahummud Shaw halted a week on the field, and difpatched
accounts of his vidlory to his own dominions. In performance of
his vow of maflacre, he next marched towards the camp of Kiflien
Roy, who thinking himfelf unable to oppofe, notwithftanding his
numerous force, fled to the woods and mountains for flielter. The
fultan followed him from place to place for three months, putting to
death all who came in his way, without diftinftion. At length
Kiflien Roy took the road of Beejanuggur, his capital. The fultan
purfuing, foon arrived w^ith his army near the city. The infidels in
the night hovered round the camp giving abufive language, but not
daring to attack. At the end of a month, the fultan, finding it im-
poffible to take the city, or draw the enemy out of their works to
engage, pretended violent illnefs, and gave orders to retreat ; which,
were put into execution. The army having moved, Kiflien Roy
with his troops followed from the city, conftantly hovering on all
fides, fliouting, and crying, " Your king is dead; the prayers of
*' our bramins have been accepted, and we will not fuffer a fingle
" man of you to efcape to his own country." In this manner the
army croiTed the Tummedra, followed on every fide by the enemy.
At length, the fultan entered a fpacious plain, where he commanded
a halt ; and Kiflien Roy alfo encamped at no great difl:ance. Ma-
hummud Shaw, now finding opportunity convenient to his wiflies,
thought proper to give a general audience, that the fufpicions of his
indifpofition might be removed from the troops, who were fome-
what difpirited, being all, except a few confidential officers, unac-
quainted with the ftratagem. He retired early, under pretence of
weaknefs, and calling the principal nobility into privacy, command-
ed them to arm their troops, and wait his orders at a certain place,
to which, about midnight, he repaired armed ; and after forming the
troops into various parties, proceeded to furprife the enemy.

Kiflien Roy and his officers had pafTed the night in drinking, and
the amufement of dancing girls and fingers. They were fatigued

with

29

20 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

with pleafure, and drowned in fleep'; from which they were
awakened in the dawn of morning, by the groans of the dying, and
the fliouts of the faithful warriors piercing the heavens. Kiflien
Roy, finding it vain to keep any order among his affrighted troops,
fled with his people in dishonour ; and did not draw back his reins,
till he reached his capital of Beejanuggur.

Mahummud Shaw acquired immenfe treafures from the plunder
of the camp. About ten thoufand of the enemy were flain in the
purfuit ; but this did not fatisfy the rage of the fultan, who com-
manded the inhabitants of every place round Beejanuggur to be
malTacred without mercy. The bramins and principal Hindoo
officers, feeing fuch devaftation, rofe againft Kifhen Roy, com-
plaining that his reign was inaulpicious over them, that their honour
was lofl, ten thoufand bramins had been flain, and not a remnant of
population would be left. Kifhen Roy replied, that he had done
nothing without their advice, but that he had no power to controul
fate, and was ready to accede to whatever they advifed. Upon
which they defired him to make peace, as his father had done, with
the muffulmauns, and endeavour to appeafe them. Kifhen Roy ac-
cordingly difpatched ambaffadors to the fultan, confefling his errors,
and entreating pardon and peace ; but was refufed by Mahummud
Shaw.

At this time, a favourite remarked to the fultan, that he had
only fworn to flaughter one hundred thoufand Hindoos, and not
totally to deflroy their race. The fultan replied, that thougli twice
the number of his vow might have been flain, yet till the roy fliould
fubmit and fatisfy the muficians, he would not pardon him, or
fpare the lives of his fubjefts. To this, the ambafladors, who had
full powers, imrr.ediately agreed, and the money was paid at the in-
Itant. Mahummud Shaw then faid, '/ Praife be to God, that what

*' I ordered

FERISHTA'j HISTORY OK DEKKAN, .31

« I ordered has been performed. I would not let a light word be
** recorded of me in the pages of time."

The ambaffadors, feeing the fultan pleafed, bowed their fore-
heads to the ground, and befought him to hear from them a few
words. Being permitted to fpeak, they obferved, that no religion
commandecf ttri>M'irui% the innocent for the crimes of the guilty, but
particularly helplefs wbniJ^/i-. and children ; if Kifhen Roy had been
faulty, the po"Ovand wretched J'had not been partakers in his crimes,
Mahummud Shai» replie-Jii', that the decrees of providence had fo
ordered, and that'te' fiad^no power to alter them. The ambaffadors
then faid, that as the Beftower of kingdoms had conferred upon him
the regions of Dekkan, it was probable that his fucceflors and the
princes of Carnatic might long remain neighbours to each other,
which made it advifeable, to avoid cruelties in future quarrels,
that a treaty lliould be made not to (laughter the helplefs and wretch-
ed inhabitants. Mahummud Shaw was ftruck by their remarks, and
took an oath, that he would not in future put to death a fingle enemy
after vidtory, and would bind his fucceflors to obferve the fame
lenity. From that time to ^ this, it had been the general cuftom in
Dekkan to fpare the lives of prifoners in war, and not to flied the
blood of an enemy's unarmed fubjedls. Mahummud Shaw, after he
had received fatisfaction in all his demands, returned with his vic-
torious army to Koolburga. He on his way, vifited fhekh Seraujc
ad Dien, to whofe prayers, and the charities fent to Mecca with his
mother, he attributed all his fuccefTes over the Hindoos.

Mahummud Shaw had not remained above five days at his
capital, when he was obliged to advance the royal flandard towards

Dowlutabad,

' It might have been fo when Feridita wrote, but modern warriors have too often
Aained their victories with unnecefiary flaughter, efpecially Tippoo Saheb ; for wliich
he has been puniflied by our arms, in fpite of the pity of fome Britons, in oppofition,
who fcem to have had more falfe compaffion for him, than true for their own unfor-
tunate countrymen, made captives in defending the glory of England.

32

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Dowlutabad, a rebellion having broken out in that quarter. When
the fultan, pretending illnefs, had retreated from Beejanuggur, and
was hemmed in on all fides by the enemy, a report of his death cir-
culated through every part of his dominions, and feveral adven-
turers took the opportunity of exciting difturbances. Among the
number was Bahram Khan Mazinderanee, whom the late fultan had
honoured with the appellation of fon, Findinj:~5*-^i^'^-£^>i^iAty of Dow-
lutabad empty of troops, he, by the a'-ia-^^x-bf Geodeo ' Mharatta,
chief of the Naiks, fet up the fti^idard of rebellyji, and fome
of the chiefs of Berar fecretly fent trci^ps to 3/ffi£ him, as alfo
the raja of " Buggellana. Elevated by his" i&2£^fful beginning, he
appropriated to his own ufe fome years revenues of Mheerut and
Berar, which fultan Mahummud Shaw had depofited in the fortrefs
of Dowlutabad, with which he levied troops. Moft of the towns
and diftrifts of Mheerut fell into his hands. Thefe he divided among
his adherents, who, in a little time, amounted to nearly ten thoufand
horfe and foot.

Mahummud Shaw received intelligence of the rebellion foon after
his return to Beejanuggur, and wrote to him, that as he fuppofed
the report of his death, with the temptations of ill-difpofed perfons
had alone led him to be guilty of fuch daring offences, if he would
now repent and return to obedience, he would efteem him and his
adherents as formerly, and forget their crimes. This letter he fent
by Syed Jellall ad Dien and Shaw Mallek, two principal fervants of
his court.

Bahram

' From this it appears, that the term Mharatta is of very ancient ufe, and not
introduced, as fuppofed by fome, on the family of Sewajee Bhofelah obtaining power
in Dekkan. Ferifhta often mentions the Mharattas, as inhabitants of the province of
Mheerut, or Mharat, dependant on the government of Dowlutabad, from the earlieft
part of his hiftory. The Bhofelah family are defcendants of the ranas of Odipone, and
did not enter Dekkan till centuries after the rebellion here mentioned fell out.

'' A trad in Dekkan, extending from the river Taptee, on the frontier of Guzarat,
to Pooneah.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Bahram Khan, upon 'receipt of the fultan's orders, conf.'lted
with Geodeo. That chief obferved, that MahummuJ Shaw was
haughty, and jealous of authority, fo that, after having offended him
by fuch adls of difobedience, it was by no means prudent to rely on
his mercy j therefore, as they poflefled fuch a fortrefs as Dowlutabad,
and the raja of Buggellana and chiefs of Berar were in their intereft,
it was fafer not to ilop, but take every meafure to bring their defigns
to a fuccef^ful conclufion, by rendering themfelves independant.
Bahram Khan, by the fpecious inftigations of Geodeo, attended not
to the fultan's admonitions, but encreafed his preparations for relift-
ance. Syed Jellall ad Dien and Shaw Mallek returned to the fultan,
and laid before him the obflinate and infolent behaviour of the
rebel.

Mahummud Shaw became filled with rage at this reiterated dif-
refpedl, and, upon his return from Beejanuggur to Koolburga, dif-
patched Mufnud Ali Khan Mahummud with the bulk of his army,
intending to follow himfelf Iliortly after, and enjoy the amufement of
hunting on his march. Bahram Khan, with Geodeo and many of
the chiefs of Berar and Buggellana, moved to Puttun ; where,
opening the hand of liberality, they colledled a great croud of needy
adventurers, eager of opportunity. Mufnud Ali, who was a veteran
of much experience and tried abilities, not thinking it advifeable to
engage hallily, halted at Seugaum. Bahram Khan made an attempt
to furprize his camp ; but, finding the royalifts on theii: guard, re-
treated without effedting his defign. Mufnud Ali, from this, pene-
trated the inability of the enemy, and marched againft them. At
the fame time he difpatched accounts of his defign to Mahummud
Shaw, then engaged in the pleafures of the chafe in the hills on his
frontiers, informing him, that under the royal aufpices, he fhould on
fuch a day attack the camp of the rebels.

F Mahumn:iuJ

33

^^ FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAK.

Mahummud Shaw, upon receipt of the general's letter, refolved
to advance with his attendants, in all about three hundred. His
minifters were alarmed for his fafety, and reprefented, that as from
Mufnud Ali's difpatches the enemy appeared to be in great force, it
would be prudent to advance ilowly, fo that the nobility and army
might be at hand to attack the rebels with the whole of the royal
power. The fultan allowed the propriety of their reafoning, but faid,
that it interfered with his refolution : that as he had, with only a
thoufand horfe, penetrated the very center of Telingana, andpunifhed
.his enemies, alfo, with only nine thoufand horfe, drove the hofts of
Beejanuggur to the receffes of the hills and woods, and returned fuc-
cefsful to the extent of his defires, three hundred were fufficient to
repel rebels. He, immediately after, mounted his favourite fteed
Shubdeez, and moved with fuch expedition, that he reached Puttun
at the inflant when Bahram Khan had drawn up to engage the rebels.
The news of the fultan's arrival was foon fpread abroad, and the raja
of Buggellana, clapping the fpur of flight to his horfe, deferted the
enemy, and was followed by all his dependants. Bahram Khan and
Geodeo were confounded at the chances of fortune. Without
attempting to oppofe, or drawing a fingle bow on the royalifts, they
iled from the field, and pofted with confufed expedition to feek
ftelter in the fortrefs of Dowlutabad. Mahummud Shaw, while the
troops were plundering the rebel's camp, arrived with feventy fol-
lowers and fome elephants, and, at the requeft of Khan Mahummud,
encamped on the field till the next day. He conferred his approba-
tion, with marks of honour, on the troops. In the morning he
moved with fuch rapidity, that before evening he arrived before
Dowlutabad, and took meafures for commencing the fiege.

Bahram Khan and Geodeo now awoke from their dream of
pride, and were at a lofs how to acfl. During the night they
quitted the fort, and coming to the houfe of fhekh Ein ad Dien,
b -fought his advice, whether to maintain the fort againfl the fultan,

or

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

or fly. The fliekh replied; that as they had fought an afylum from
him, he would give them fincerely luch counlel as tended to their
welfare. He faid, that retiring to the fortrefs, and fhutting them-
felves up, vvaf far from prudent ; tint they had better take their
wives and children by the hand, and, difregarding their effedts,
make their efcape, while they had it in their power, to Guzarat.
They complied with his advice, and fent meflages to their fami-
lies, defiring them to repair to the fliekh's without delay. The
■women, who had previoufly received hints of the defign, brought
with them horfes, and neceiraries for flight. The fhekh, fpreading
his hands over the heads of Bahram Khan and Geodeo, defired them
to depart, faying, that by the bleffing of God they would be lafe ;
after which they haftened towards Guzarat.

Mahummud Shaw, in the morning hearing of their efcape,
purfued them with four hundred horfe ; but, not overtaking the
fugitives, returned in high wrath to Dowlutabad againft Ihekh Ein
ad Dien, with whom he was before diflatisfied on the following
account. Sultan Mahummud had demanded a declaration. of alle-
giance from all the religious of his kingdom, who had univerfally
made it, except the fhekh, who refufed, becaufe the king drank
wine, and was guilty of fome errors repugnant to the divine law.
The fultan now fent a meflenger to order him to his prefence, and
perform his allegiance, or give an afTurance under his own hand of
his aflent. The jQiekh wrote in reply, that once, a fcholar, a " fyed,
and a proftitute were taken prifoners together by infidels, v/ho
promifed to give them quarter, if they would fall proftrate before
their idols ; or if not, put them to inilant death. The fcholar agree-
ably to the cafuiftry of mental refervation, performed the ceremony,
and the fyed followed his example. When it came to the turn of
the proftitute, flie faid, I have been all my life committing crimes,
and am neither a fcholar nor a fyed to atone for this fin by my other

F 2 virtues.

' Defcendant of Mahummud,

^5

o

^ FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

virtues. She refufed to profl:rate» and was'^put to death. The fhekh
obferved, that his cafe was Hke her's, that he was re%ned to the
fultan's refentment, but would neither come into his prefence, nor
take oaths of allegiance. Mahummud Shaw was enraged, and com-
manded him to quit the city. The Ihekh obeyed immediately ; and
repaired to the tomb of ^ fhekh Boorahan ad Dien, upon which he
feated himfelf, and exclaimed. Where is the man who vyill drive
me from hence ? The fultan, admiring the refolution of the fhekh,
repented of his paflion, and fent the following verfe to him by the
fuddur al fhereef, " I am fubmifTive to thee, be thou fubmifTive to
" me."

The fhekh replied, that if fultan Mahummud " Ghazee would,
like his father, promote the obfervance of religious laws, difcourage
vice from his dominions, abflain from drinking wine in publick, and
permit the judges to execute the laws of the faith againil criminals,
no one would be dearer to him. He alfo fent the following verfes,
written in his own hand: •• While I live I would do nought but
** good. I can have no views but loyalty and attachment. Even to
*' thofe who have done evil againft me, if in my power, I would
*' only do good." Mahummud Shaw was much pleafed with the
name of Ghazee, given him by the fhekh, and commanded it to be
added to his titles. \

Having^ committed the government of Mheerut to Khan Mahum-
mud, he returned to Koolburga j where, upon his arrival, he com-
manded all the diftilleries in his dominions to be deftroyed, and
engaged earneflly in promoting flrid obfervance of religious laws.
The banditti of Dekkan, famous through all countries for their

daring

• A faint much venerated in Deklcan.

>> Engaging in war from religious motives againft infidels. It is a title aflUmed by
all Mahummedan fovereigns.

' May we not call tliia fhekh the Thomas a Becket of Dekkan ?

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

daring robberies on caravans, he determined to root out entirely.
For this purpofe, the royal mandate was ifliied to the governors of
all the provinces to ufe the utmofl vigilance in clearing their coun-
tries of thieves and highwaymen, by putting all to death without
dillindllon, and to fend their heads to the capital, as proofs of their
obedience. Such expedition was made ufe of, that in fix or feven
months there remained not a fign of thefe offenders in his kingdom.
Near eight thoufand heads were brought to Koolburga from different
parts, and were piled up in heaps near the city, as examples of the
royal jufllce.

Sultan Mahummud Shaw, who had attended to his internal
government at the admonitions of fliekh Ein ad Dien, conflantly
kept up a friendly correfpondence with that venerable perfonage,
and obferved towards him great attention and refped:. The fhekh,
in his turn, frequently fent exhortations and admonitions, in which
he did not refrain from delivering his fentiments with honefl freedom.

As the roies of Beejanuggur and Telingana, with all the zemin-
dars of Dekkan, were now confined in the path of obedience and
fubmiffion, and did not negleft to remit their flipulated tributes, the
extent of the kingdom was free from trouble or diforders. Sultan
Mahummud Shaw laid afide ideas ©f further conquefls, and employed
himfelf in promoting the happinefs of his people, and to make his
territories flourifh. Every year he made a tour of one quarter or
other of his dominions, attended by the governor of it, who efcorted
him back to the capital. The excurfion was employed in invefli-
gating the flate of the provinces, redrefling complaints, formlno-
plans of publick utility, and the pleafures of the chafe. During the
reign of Mahummud Shaw all ranks of people repofed on the
couches of fecurity, and enjoyed the fulnefs of eafe and pleafure.
Senfible of the value of a jufl king, they were grateful and obe-
dient to his authority, and prayed earneftly for his long reigning over

them.

37

*^

38 FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

them. But as the wolf of death, greedy of prey, conftantly feizes a
frefli ' Jofeph, and a Jacob becomes plunged in grief, the claws of
the favage darted on the vicflim of his life, and on the nineteenth of
A.D. 1374. Zeekaud, 776, fnatched him from the abode of this vain world, and
overwhelmed mortals, like Jacob for his fon, in lamentations and
tears for his lofs. He was buried by the fide of his father, and
" All is vanity," was written on his tomb. Happy the reign that
pafled like his, and the king, of whom fuch memorials have remain-
ed ! He was refpedled in his Ufe, and at his death remembered
by his virtues.

According to the Seraaje al Towarekh, fuch great treafures and
numbers of elephants, as were coUedledin the hbulehold of Mahum-
mud Shaw, were never enjoyed by any other prince of the houfe of
Ehamenee. In his time, there were belonging to him, of great and
fmall, male and female elephants, three thoufand ; and in the reign
' of any other fultan, we read of never more than two. The fums

accumulated by him, according to the fame book, exceeded thofe
acquired by other princes a full half. No prince before him ever fo
far reduced the roies and zemindars of Carnatic, from whom he
wrefted much of the accumulated riches of feven hundred years. It
15 computed that near five hundred thoufand unbelievers fell by the
fwords of the warriors, in defence of the faith of Illaam ; by which
the diftridls of Carnatic were fo laid wafte, that they did not recover
their natural population for feveral *■ kerruns, Mahummud Shaw
reigned feventeen years.

= The brothers of Jofeph, agreeably to thfe Mahummedan tradition, told Jacob,
that he was deftroyed iy a wolf.
'' Kerrun is a period often years.

SULTAIJ

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
MUJ/VHID SHAW BHAMENEE.

39

OULTAN Mujahid Shaw, fon of Mahummud Shaw by the daugh-
ter of Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree, on the death of his father fat
on the throne of Dekkan. He was of great bodily ftrength, tall of
ftature, and in dignity and majefty of afpeifl exceeded all the princes
of his family. He was unrivalled in valour, fortitude, and flrength
of conftitution. He fpoke the Turkifh language elegantly, and his
favourite companions were Turks and Perfians. He was fond of
archery from his infancy ; and would converfe of nothing but difcipline
and arms. While a youth, he broke open the door of his father's
treafury, and taking from it fome bags of gold, divided the whole
among his play-fellows. The treafurer difcovering the theft, in-
form_ed Muhummud Shaw ; who, enraged at fuch vicious condudl,
fent Mubarik, his * betel carrier, to call the prince before him.
Upon his arrival in the prefence, he faw his father angry, and
guefled the caufe j but, unable to excufe himfelf, remained filent,
though he received from the angry fultan fome fevere ftrokes with a
whip, that drew blood. When he was difmifled, he went and com-
plained of Mubarik to his mother ; obferving, that if he had inform-
ed him of the affair, he couid have made her his intercellor, or have
contrived an excufe to evade going to his father's prefence, till his
pafTion was abated. The princefs obferved, that the fervant was not
in fault, as obedience to the fultan was his duty. The prince made
no reply, and took care to flifle every fign of refentment againil
Mubarik, to whom he behaved with more attention and kindnefs

thaa

' An aromatic leaf, chewed by the people of Indiat

40

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

than he had ever fliown before. At the end of a week, he took aa
opportunity of telling him, with much art, that he had heard he
was blefled with remarkable bodily ftrength, and had overcome the
moll celebrated wrelllers by the force of his grafp, on which account
he had a delire to try a fall. Mubarik, to pleafe the prince, con-
fented ; and a ftruggle enfued, in which Mujahid Shaw threw him
to the ground with fuch force, that in the fall he broke his neck,
and died immediately. The prince was then in his fourteenth year.

Mujahid Shaw acceded to the throne in his nineteenth year.
Immediately upon his acceflion, he made a pilgrimage to Dowluta-
bad, in order to pay his refpedts at the tomb of Ihekh Boorahan ad
Dien ; and having chofen fliekh Zien ad Dien for his fpiritual direc-
tor, returned to his capital. As he was jealous of the power of Khan
Mahummud, he appointed Azim Humaioon governor of Dowlutabad
in his room, and recalled him to the prefence. He wrote to Kifhen
Roy, raja of Beejanuggur, that as fome forts and diftridls, between
the Kiftnah and Tummedra rivers, were held by them in participa-
tion, which occalioned conftant difagreements, he muft for the future
limit his confines to the Tummedra, and give up all on the eaftern
iide to him, with the fort of Beekapore, and fome other places.
Kifhen Roy anfwered to this demand, that the forts of Roijore,
Mudkul, and others on the banks of the Kiflnah, had for ages
belonged to his family, therefore the fultan would do wifely to fur-
render them, confine himfelf to the boundary of the Kiftnah, and
reflore the elephants which fultan Mahummud Shaw had obtained
from the ill behaviour of his fervants ; by which conceflions their
difgufts might be changed into friendfhip.

Mujahid Shaw, on receipt of this infolent anfwer, opened the
treafures of his father, and made great additions to his army. He
entrufted the management of civil affairs to Mallek Syef ad Dien
Ghoree, and refolved to march to Beejanuggur. When the troops

of

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

of Dowlutabad, Bieder and Berar were collefted, he moved, car-
rying with him a great treafure, and five hundred elephants. Hav-
ing crofied the Killnah and Tummedra, he arrived before the fortrefs
of Oodnee, in flrength unequalled in Dekkan, which he ordered
Suffder Khan Syellaanee to befiege with the army of Berar, and Tent
the ameer al amra Bahadur Khan and Azim Humaioon, with their
troops, onwards. Upon hearing that Kilhen Roy was encamped on
the bank of the Tummedra, he advanced in perfon towards that
river, by flow marches, and with great caution. The Hindoo
prince, on the approach of the advanced army, and the motions of
the fultan, made preparations for an engagement.

Mijahid Shaw, upon his march, was informed by fome zemindars,
of an enormous tiger that daily committed great ravages, infomuch
that, as a road lay near his den, many travellers had been killed by
him, and paflengers had, through dread, now left off going the
path. Being fond of hunting, he commanded them to condudlhim
to the forefl: near his den, which they did. 1 he fultan forbad any
perfon entering without permiffion, and with kven attendants only on
foot, advanced into the forelf. The tiger foon perceived them, and
roaring horribh , ftalked towards them. Mujahid Shaw commanded
his attendants to referve their weapons, and going on fome paces, let
fly an arrow, which entered the iide of the favage animal, who
inllantly fell down dead. The fultan declared, that had he mifled
his aim, it was his relolution to have attacked the tiger with fword
and dagger. As it was extraordinary that one arrow only fhould kill
him, he commanded his attendants to open the body, that he might
view what entrail had been pierced. This being done, the arrow
was found ftuck into the heart.

The idolaters of Beejanuggur, upon hearing of this exploit, were
ftruck with dread. Though they had advanced, refolved to give
battle, they altered their intentions, and determined now on keeping

G clofe

41

42

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

clofe in the woods, from the cover of which they might annoy the
faithful, and be themfelves fecure. With this view Kiflien Roy
quitted Beejanuggur to his miniflers, and, with his army, entered
the forefls to the fouth of the city.

Mujahid Shaw, having heard great praifes of the beauty of the
city, advanced to Beejanuggur : but thinking it too ftrong to befiege
at prefent, he moved in purl'uit of the enemy in the field. Killien
Roy fled through the woods and hills towards ^ Seet Bunder Ramef-
far, followed by the fultan, who cut paflages for his cavalry through
forells before inacceifible. In this manner the roy fled from place to
place, for fix months, but never dared to appear without the woods.
It was in vain that the favourites of the fultan reprelented the purfuit
as fruitlefs, and deftrudlive to the troops. He would not defiit. At
lafl, his good fortune prevailed. The health of Killien Roy and his
family became afiecfbed by the noxious air of the woods, and they
were warned to quit them by the phyficians. Kiihen Roy had enter-
tained hopes that the fultan would have been taken ill from the un-
wholefome climate, and, infiead of himlelf, been obliged to retreat.
Driven by necefiity, he retired by fecret paths to his capital of Bee-
januggur. The fultan difpatched an army after him ; while he
himfelf, with the ameer al amra Bahadur Khan, and five thoufand
men, went to amufe himfelf with the fight of Seet Bunder Ramefiar,

The fultan at this place repaired a mofque, which had been built
by the officers of fultan Alia ad Dien Khiljee. He broke down many
temples of the idolaters, and laid wafte the country; after which he
haflened with all expedition to Beejanuggur. To that city there
were two roads, one fit for the paflage of armies, the other narrow
and difiicult. As the former was lined with ambufhes, he chofe the
latter ; througli which he marched with a feledl body of troops, and

appeared

* A port on tlie Coromandel coaft, oppofite the ifland of Ceylon, and cfteemcd
facred by the Hindoos, as the fcenc of great exploits of their god Ram.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

appeared fuddenly in the fuburbs of the city. Kiflien Roy was
aftonifhed at his boldnefs, and fent myriads of his people to defend
the flreets. The fultan drove them before him, and gained the bank
of a piece of water, which only now divided him from the citadel,
in which Kiflien Roy refided. Near this was an eminence, upon
which Hood a temple, covered with plates of gold and lilver, fet
with jewels, much venerated by the Hindoos, and called in the
language of the country, Puttuk. The fultan, efteeming the deftruc-
tion of it as a religious obligation, afcended the hill, and, having
razed the temple, poffelled himfelf of the precious metals and
jewels.

The idolaters, upon feeing their objedl of veneration deftroyed, raifed
their flirieks and lamentations to the Iky. They obliged Kiflien Roy to
head them, and advanced refolutely in aftonifliing numbers. Upon
which the fultan formed his difpofition. He laid afide his umbrella,
and with one of his arms-bearers, an Afghaun named Mhamood, crofled
a fmall rivulet to obferve the numbers and motions of the infidels. A
Hindoo, who knew the fultan from the horfe he rode, refolved, by
revenging the deftrucftion of his gods and country, to gain immortal
reputation for himfelf. He moved unperceived through the hollows
and broken ground, along the bank of the rivulet, had gained the
plain, and was charging towards the fultan on full fpeed, when
Mujahid Shaw, at a lucky infl:ant perceiving him, made a fign to
Mhamood Afghaun, who without delay charged the Hindoo. Mha-
mood's horfe rearing, he fell to the ground. His antagonifl:, having
every advantage, was on the point of putting him to death, when
fultan Mujahid Shaw advanced with the quicknefs of lightning. The
Hindoo, changing his objedl, aimed a heavy flroke at the fultan,
giving at the fame inftant a fliout of triumph, which made the fpec-
tators believe his blow was effedual. Luckily, a helmet of iron
faved the head of the fultan, who now inflided fuch a wound on his
enemy, that he was divided from the flioulder to the navel, and fell

G 2 dead

43

44

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

dead from his hoife ; upon which the fultan remounted Mhamood,
and joined his army on the other fide of the rivulet, amid the accla-
mations of his friends and admiration of the enemy, who could not
withhold their applaufe for fuch gallantry and valour.

Kiilien Roy advancing with his army, the fultan committed his
right and left wings to the ameer al amra Bahadur Khan and Azim
Humaioon. Suifder Khan advancing with the fireworks, began the
attack, and, after much ftruggle and llaughter, the enemy were put
to flight. The conquerors had fcarce repofed from their fatigue,
when the brother of Kifhen Roy, arrived at the city from his govern-
ment, with a reinforcement of twenty thoufand horfe, and a vaft
army of foot. Kifhen Roy, having coUedled his broken troops,
marched once more againfl the fultan. Great inftances of valour
were Ihewn on both fides, and numberlefs foldiers fell in each army.
Mukkrib Khan, with many principal officers, drank the flierbet of
martyrdom. Sultan Mujahid Shaw engaged in perfon in all parts of
the line. Wherever he charged, the enemy fled before him, like
flocks of fheep before the fharp-fanged wolf He tempered the clay
with the blood of his enemies. Wherever he guided the reins of his
fable fteed, the idolaters were prollrated under his fpear.

Daood Khan, who had been left with fix thoufand horfe and a
great body of foot, to keep pofleflion of a poll: called Dhunna Sodra,
learning that the engagement had begun at dawn, and that the
enemy were not yet difperfed ; alfo, that new fuccours were coming
to them every inftant, was alarmed for the fafety of the fultan. He
quitted his fl:ation, and joined the battle, in which he behaved with
aftonifhing gallantry. He was three times obliged to difmount, his
horfes being wounded, and to fight on foot. The fultan, on feeing
the ftandaid of Daood Khan, was enraged -, but Jiifled his difpleafure
till the gale of viftory had waved the ftandards of the faithful. He
then called Daood Khan before him, gave him a harlli reprimand for

quitting

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 45

quitting a flation. To important, that fliould the enemy gain poflefTion,
not a mufluhnaun could make his efcape from the city.

The fultan now fent a body of troops to fecure the port, but the
enemy had taken advantage of Daood Khan's abfence, and obtained
pofleffion ; of which, the officers, feeing them too llrong to be
attacked, fent advice to the fultan. Mujahid Shaw, who though he
had flain forty thoufand of the enemy, yet had loll great numbers of
his own army, did not think proper to remain longer where he was,
and moved towards Dhunna Sodra. The enemy fled on the fight of
his ftandards. He then, with a choice body, remained in perfon at
the entrance of the pafs, until his whole army had crofled in fafety,
as he judged Kiflien Roy would harafs his retreat. All who have
beheld this country acknowledge, that fultan Mujahid Shaw, in this
expedition, performed an ailion fcarcely poflible but from the hand
of providence.

The country of Kui-rah, called alfo Carnatic, is in length from
north to Ibuth, from the Kiftnah to Seet Bunder Rameffar, ' fix-
hundred cofs, and its breadth from weft to eaft one hundred and fifty,
along the fliores of the Indian ocean to the borders of Telingana.
The people fpeak, fome the Kuzzi, and fome the Teling language ;
and are fo brave, that they advance to battle with fongs and dances ;
but their ardour does not laft for any time. The country is full of
faftneffes and woods, almoft impenetrable to troops. The princes of
the houfe of Bhamenee maintained themfelves by fuperior valour

only;

* Twelve hundred miles ; but this muft be, I fancy, an exaggeration. Major Ren-
nell, in his Memoir, fays, the Carnatic anciently comprized all that part of the penin-
fula fouch of the Gondegama and Tungbedra rivers, from the coaft of Coromandel
eaftward, to the Gaut mountains weftward, and was divided into Balia Gaut and
Payen Gaut, or the upper and lower Gauts ; the former being the weftern, and
containing the diftrifls which now compofe the country of Tippoo Saheb ; and the
latter eaftern, or Carnatic, according to its prefent definition, the dominioos of our
aliy, Mahummud Alee Khan, navob of Arcot,

46

FERISHTA's HISTOPvY OF DEKKAN.

only ; for, in power, wealth, and extent of countiy, the roles of
Beejanuggur were greatly their fuperiors, efpecially in the time of
fultan Mujahid Shaw, when as yet the whole of the country of
Telingana had not fallen under the yoke of Bhamenee. The ^ fea-
port of Goa, the fortrefs of " Malgoan, and other places not included
in Carnatic, belonged to the roy of Beejanuggur; and many difl:ri<fts
of " Tulghaut were in his poffeflion. His country was v/ell peopled,
and the fubje<5ls fubmiffive to his authority. The roies of Malabar,
Ceylon, and other iflands and countries, kept ambafTadors at his
court, and fent annually rich prefents. The anceftors of Kiflien Roy
had lineally pofleffed the empire for feven hundred years ; during
which, being undifhurbed by revolutions, and fparing in expenfe,
their treafures fo accumulated, as to equal thofe of all the kings of
the earth. In the time of fultan Alia ad Dien Khiljee, the grand-
father of Kifhen Roy buried his treafures from religious motives, and
a great part fell into the hands of the chiefs of Alia ad Dien, at Sect
Bunder Rameflar, where they were concealed.

Sultan Mujahid Shaw, feeing it impoffible at prefent to reduce
Beejanuggur, moved from the vicinity of it, with his captives.
They amounted to between fixty andfeventy thoufand perfons, moflly
women ; as, in performance of the commands of his father, he had
refrained from flaughter after the fury of battle. As his troops were
lying before Oodnee, the fultan marched to that fortrefs, which he
befieged for nine months. A fcarcity of water had nearly reduced the
garrifon to fubmit, when a heavy fhower of rain falHng, eafed their
diftrefs, and they continued to hold out. At this time a want of grain
prevailed in the royal camp, and fluxes and cholicky pains carried off
great numbers ; fo that the army in general were diflatisfied, and
began to cry loudly for return to their own country.

Mallek
• Thefe are on the Malabar Coaft, and, except Goa, belonging to the Mharattas.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree, hearing at Koolburga of the un-
promifing flate of affairs, petitioned the fultau for leave to join him
with his troops, as he had a great defire to view the fortrefs of Ood-
nee, of which he had heard fo many wonderful accounts. The
fultan having conlented to his requell, he marched with great ex-
pedition, and foon had the honour cf killing the border of the royal
Mufnud. After reconnoitring the fortrefs, he oblerved to the fultan
in private, that the conqueft of fuch a place, which had fifteen forts
communicating with each other, was not to be hoped for in a fliort
time ; that, preparatory to it, tiie forts between the rivers, from Goa
to Malgoan and Beekapore, iliould hril be taken. Mujahid Shaw
upon this confented to retreat, and, through Mallek Syef ad Dieu
Ghoree, a peace being concluded with the roy of Beejanuggur, the
fultan moved towards his own dominions, fending the miniller on
before him to Koolburga.

When the royal army had crofled the Tummedra, and arrived
near the fortrefs of Mudkul, the fultan with fome favourites, the
companions of his pleafures, went to take the amufement of hunting,
attended only by four hundred horfe. Among the number were
Dacod Khan, Suffder Khan Syeftaanee, and Azim Humaioon. He
generally hunted all day, and paffed the night wherever overtaken
by the darknefs.

Daood Khan, who could not brook the reprimand given him at
Beejanuggur for quitting his poft, and alfo had a view to the throne,
had fecretly plotted the alTaffmation of the fultan. He was joined in
this confpiracy by Khan Mahummud and JMufaood Khan; the
former of whom was difgulled at having been removed from the
government of Dowlutabad, and the preference fliown by the fultan
to his rival Azim Humaioon. The latter had a defire to revenge the
death of his father Mubarik Khan, betel-bearer to the late fultan.
The traitors waited impatiently for an opportunity to execute- their

defi^n.

47

48 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKFCAN.

defign, but, fuch was the vigilance of Suffder Khan and Azitn Hu-
maioon, that as yet none had offered. But, as the pen of providence
had figned the decree, fultan Mujahid Shaw one day difmiffed his
two faithful amras, againll their earneft and importunate requefts,
to their governments, and moved with his remaining attendants
towards his capital. Arriving at the bank of a river, he halted to
amufe himfelf with fifliing, but was fuddenly feized with a pain in
his eyes. He retired to Ueep in a tent, which was guarded by the
confoirators.

About midnight, Daood Khan, leaving Khan Mahummud and
his followers to watch without, entered the fultan's tent, with Mufa-
ood Khan, and two other perfons. The fultan was faft afleep, and
an Abydinian flave only was prefent, employed in ^ rubbing his
feet. He raifed a cry of alarm on feeing Daood Khan with a naked
dagger in his hand. The fultan ftarted, but could not open his eyes,
they being glued together from his diforder. Daood Khan rufhing
upon him, plunged the dagger into his belly. The fultan in agony
feized the alTaflin by the hand in which he held the dagger, and
ftruggled with him. The flave, though unarmed, attacked Mufaood
Khan, who ilruck him dead with one blow of his fabre ; and inflicfl-
ed another on the fultan, with fuch efFeft, that he expired imme-
diately. Fortune eredls palaces for the body, and then hurls it from
the throne to the coffin. The world has beheld numerous events like
this ; it was not the firft treachery of time. She places crowns of
gold on the head of one, and religns another to the dark grave.

Daood Khan, rifing from his murdered fovereign, went out of
the tent, and the fame day called together the nobility and their fons
who were prelent, to acknowledge him as fovereign. As he was
heir to the crown, Mujahid Shaw having no children, they agreed
to his demands with relignation, and were gratified with honours and

employments.

* In the caft this is commonly ufed to promote circulation.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

49

employments. In the morning he difpatched his nephew's body to
Koolburga ; and, after halting two or three days, fet out for that
capital himfelf, in great pomp and magnificence, being joined by
the royal army.

The death of fultan Mujahid Shaw happened in the night of the
feventeenth of Zeehidge, 779, after a reign of not quite three years. A. D. 1377.
The hillory of Hajee Mahummud Candaharee relates, that he
received his lafl; wound from the fon of Mubarik the betel-bearer,
God knows the truth.

H SULTAN

so

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN

SULTAN
DAOOD SHAW BHAMENEE.

J- HE hiftorlans of Dekkan relate, that when the news of fultan
Mujahid Shaw's afTaffination was fpread abroad, diffention awoke in
every quarter. Suffder Khan and Azim Humaioon, who had reached
Beejapore, entering into alUance with each other, repaired to Kool-
burga } and, having vifited the murdered prince's body, they retired
towards EHchpore and Dowlutabad, carrying with them all the royal
elephants and horfes that were ftationed at Beejapore. They wrote
to Daood Shaw, that they were only retiring to their diftridls to
refrefli their troops, and fhould wait for his gracious encouragement
with impatience ; but whenever he fliould give them orders to repair
to his prefence, they would haften to court without delay. The
army of the roy of Beejanuggur, upon intelligence of the death of the
fultan, made great rejoicings ; and overrunning the country as far as
the Kiftnah, fat down before the fortrefs of Roijore. The inhabit-
ants of Koolburga became divided into two parties ; one defirous of
the authority of Daood Shaw, and the other of that of Mhamood
Khan, the youngell fon of fultan Alia ad Dien. This prince had
lived confined in the citadel fince the accefhon of Mujahid Shaw.

Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree obferved to the nobility, that fac-
tions could only occafion the ruin of the flate, therefore, it was pru-
dent

• A younger fon of the fultan Alia ad Dien Houffun Khangoh Bhamenee.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. e,

dent fiiice Daood Shaw had already placed the crown on his head, to
obey him, and avoid a civil war. As Mallek Syef ad Dien was the
firft minifter and prime fupporter of the houfe of Bhamenee, the
officers and people of the capital agreed to follow his advice ; as did
alio all the ladies of the haram, except the fifter of the late fultan,
and grand-daughter, by the mother's fide, to the minifter himfelf.
She rebuked him for his condu<St, and entreated him to change it,
but without effedl.

Mallek Syef ad Dien read the khootbah in the name of Daood
Shaw, and went to meet him, attended by all the nobles, divines,
and refpedable perfons of Koolburga. He condudted the fultan in
great pomp to the city, where he afcended the throne Firozeh.
Daood Shaw, at the requeft of the minifter, permitted him to retire
from his office, and took the direftion of affairs into his own hands.
He was obeyed by all the nobility fo that his authority, feemed fully
eftablifhed. The fifter of Mujahid Shaw, ' Rhuperwer Ageh,
however, ftill refufed to acknowledge his authority, though Daood
Shaw ufed every means to gain her affent ; but flie refufed to give,
any anfwer to his meffengers. As fhe had great influence in the
haram, of which flie was regarded as chief fince the death of Ma-
hummud Shaw, the fultan did not chufe to adl towards her otherwife
than with attention and refpedl. At length the princefs prevailed
upon a young man of great valour, who had ftood high in the
efteem and favour of Mujahid Shaw, by facrificing his own life, to
revenge the blood of his patron.

On the twenty firft of Mohirrim, 780, Daood Shaw, attended A. D. 137$.
by Khan Mahummud, going to offer his devotions at the great
mofque of Koolburga, was followed by the affafTin, who placed
himfelf at prayers behind him. While the king was proftrate in

H 2 prayer

» Refrefher of the foul.

J2

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

prayer, he drew his fabre, and before the attendants were aware of
his defign, wounded him in fuch a manner, that he died inilantly.
Khan Mahummud, feeing the fultan dead, let not the murderer
make his efcape from the mofque ; but, with a ftroke, feparated his
head from the body. Daood Shaw reigned only one month and
five days.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
MHAMOOD BHAMENEE.

S2

Upon the death of Daood Shaw, Mufnud Alee Khan Mahummud
refolved to place on the throne his fon Mahummud Sunjer, then in
his ninth year. For this purpofe, having colledled his dependants, he
repaired to the palace. Rhuperwer Ageh, being informed of his
defign, fhut the gates, vowing that the fon of a traitor who had
aflaflinated his fovereign and her brother, fhould not be fultan while
ihe had life. At the fame time fhe declared Mhamood, the youngeft
fon of fultan Alia ad Dien, pofTefTor of the throne.

As Mahummud Sunjer was in the palace, and in the power of
the princefs. Khan Mahummud was diftrefTed how to adl. Going to
the houfe of Syef ad Dien Ghoree, he endeavoured to pervail upon
him to join his party, but received for anfwer, that as Mahummud
Sunjer and fultan Mhamood were both in the hands of Rhuperwer
Ageh, he thought it advifeable to avoid contentions, and leave the
choice of a prince in her hands. Khan Mahummud, as he knew
both the nobles and the people, muffulmauns and Hindoos, would
be guided by the advice of Mallek Syef ad Dien, fubmitted to his
arbitration, and accompanied him to the palace. The princefs, after
much perfualion, having blinded Mahummud Sunjer to prevent all
attempts in his favour, with the concurrence of the miniflers and
nobility, placed Mhamood on the throne Firozeh.

Sultan

• A younger fon of fultan Alia ad Dien,

54

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Sultan Mhamood was a prince of fw^et difpofition, humane, vir-
tuous, and jufl. He had a penetrating judgment in all aifairs of ftate.
In the beginning of his reign he confined Khan Mahummud in the
fort of Saugher, regarding him as a fower of feditions; and he died,
not long after, in his prifon. He commanded Mufaood, who had
affifted in the murder of Mujahid Shaw, to be impaled alive.
Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree was prevailed upon, with much entreaty
and encouragement, to re-accept the honours of prime minifter and
governor of the capital. The fultan engaged in no affairs without
his advice. This caution proved fortunate ; for, during his reign, no
diflurbances happened in the empire, nor was there any relaxation of
the order and oeconomy of government.

Bahadur Khan, SuiFder Khan, and Azim Humaioon, haflened
with the expedition of obedient fubmiffion to the capital ; where
they vowed their allegiance, and made proper offerings of congratu-
lation. The roy of Beejanuggur raifed the liege of Roijore, out of
refpecl to the fultan, and agreed to pay him the tribute flipulated in
the reign of fultan Mahummud Shaw Gh^zee.

Sultan Mhamood had a tafle for poetry, and wrote elegant verfes
himfelf. He fpoke fluently the Perfian and Arabic languages. When
profperous events occurred, he was not intoxicated with joy, nor im-
merfed in grief at the attacks of misfortune. He never cohabited
but with one wife, and paid great regard to the opinions of divines,
of whofe company he was very fond. In his reign, the poets of
Arabia and Perfia reforted to Dekkan, and were benefitted by the
gracious flow of the ftream of liberality. Meer Fyez Oollah Anjoo,
who prefided on the feat of juflice, once prefenting him with an ode,
was rewarded with a thoufand pieces of gold, and permitted to retire,
covered with honours, to his own country. The fame of the fultan's
affability, judgment, and munificence, fpread fo wide, that the
celebrated poet of Sliiraz, Khaujeh Hafiz, determined to vifit Dekkan;

but

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ^j

but was prevented by a train of accidents, which, with the caufe of
his intention, are thus related.

Meer Fyez Oollah Anjoo fent this famous poet a prefent with a
letter, intimating, that if he would confer honour on the fultan's
dominions by his approach, and make Dekkan the envy of paradifc
by his bounty-fliedding prefence, the inhabitants would value pro-
perly fuch an honour, and have him condud:ed back to Shiraz,
enriched to the height of his defires. The poet, from the kind-
nefs and afTurances of Fyez Oollah Anjoo, became ardently defirous
ofvifiting Dekkan. He difpofed of the gifts fent him among his
relations and creditors j and, departing from Shiraz, arrived fafely at
' Lar. Here he aflifted a friend, who had been robbed, with great
part of his ready money. From Lar he was accompanied to Ormus,
by Khaujeh Zien al Ab ad Dien Hammadanee, and Khaujeh Mahum-
mud Gazroonee, who were alfo going to vifit Hindooftan. With
them he took fliippingin one of the royal vefTels, that had arrived at
Ormus from Dekkan ; but he had not weighed anchor, when a ftonn
arofe, and the fea became very rough. Hafiz repented of his jour-
ney ; and, pretending that he had forgotten to take leave of fome of
his friends at Ormus, left the fhip. Having written the following
ode, he entrufted it to be given to Fyez Oollah Anjoo ; after which
he returned to Shiraz.

O D E.

" The breeze of my garden is not to be purchafed by the pofTef-
*' fion of the world.

*' My companions rebuked me, and faid. Quit this fpot. What
** whim hath poflefled thee, that thy cell is not to be valued ?

** Yonder

* A port in the Perfian gulpht

56

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

" Yonder royal crown, on which is fet danger of life, Is ■ an
" heart-enticing ornament, but not worth my lofs of head.

" From delire of pearls, the dangers of the fea appeared eafy to
" me i but I miftook ; for one wave is not to be appeafed by trea-
" fares of gold.

*' Is my heart difpirited in the affembly of friendfliip ? All the
•* gildings of art are not worth a fingle cup of generous wine.

« IfHafiz chufes to retire from the world, contented with a
«« little, hundreds of pieces of gold are not worth one inftant of
** vexation."

When Fyez OoUah received this ode he read it to the fultan,
who was much pleafed with the poetry, and obferved, that as Hafiz
had fet out with intentions to vifit his court, it was incumbent upon
him not to leave him without proofs of his liberality. He then com-
mitted a thoufand pieces of gold to Mahummud Cafim Mefhidee,
one of the learned in his court, that he might purchafe with it what
was moll acceptable of the curious produdlions of Hind, and fend
them to the poet at Shiraz ; which was done accordingly.

Sultan Mhamood Shaw was fond of rich and curious apparel,
while a youth, but, upon his acceffion to the throne, would wear no
other than plain white. He frequently obferved, that kings were
only truftees of the divine riches, and that to expend more upon
themfelves than neceflity required, was a breach of trufl:. A famine
falling out during his reign, he kept ten thoufand bullocks on his own
account conftantly going to and from Malwa and Guzarat for grain j
which was fold out to the people at a cheap rate. At the cities of
Koolburga, Bieder, Candahar, Ehchpore, and Dowlutabad, alfo at
Choule, Dabul, and other great towns, he eftablifhed fchools for

orphans.

FERISHTA's HISTORY CF DrKKAN". 5^

orphans, with ample foundations for their fupport. Ha appointed
ftipends for the expounders cf the fcriptures and the prophet's hiftory ;
and ?ave monthly lalaries to the blind in all his dominions, lie paid
great attention to {hekh Serauje ad Dien, vjfited him in his laft illnefs,
and, going often to his tomb, offered prayers for his happ.nefs j and
gave alms to the poor pilgriins.

As the fultan, on his acceffion, chofe the bleflings of peace in
preference to the tumultuous glories of war, his government pafied in
eafe and fecurity ; fo that the Dekkanees gave him the title of
Ariftotle. During his reign of nineteen years nine months and
twenty four days, only one difturbance occurred, towards the latter
end, v\hich was quelled in a few montlis.

Baha ad Dien Dowlutabadee pleafing the fuhan, was appointed
to the command of the fortrefs of Saugher; and his two fons, the one
named Mahummud, and the other Khaujeh, were honoured with the
royal confidence. By degrees they afcended the mufnud of nobility,
and gained fo much dignity and power, that their profperity excited
the envy of their 'rivals, v\ ho let loofe the tongue of defamation againft
them, and accufed them of breaking the royal truft. Though tne
fultan lent but httle attention to fuch accufations, deeming them
falfe, yet the brothers were alarmed for their own fafety, and fetting
up the fLandard of rebellion and difobedience, fled to Saugher, with a
thoufand faithful adherents. The father, mifguided by his fons,
joined in the rebellion, and levied troops. He twice defeated the
royal army fent againft him, and acquired much plunder and power*

Sultan Mhamood Shaw the third time difpatched againft him
Eufuff Azdir, a Turkifli Have, with a powerful army i who lay before
Saugher for two months j during which the rebels made feveral def-
perate fallies. One day, in particular, the elder brother Mahum-
mud, with four hundred brave companions, charged the rear of the

I royal

^^ F*iERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

royal camp with great fuccefs, till he was wounded In the hand by
Mahummud Kallapaharee ; whom he in turn difabled, but his
• troops fled. He would not then quit his horfe ; and, his father com-

ing to his affiftance, renewed the fight till night, when darknefs put
an end to contention* The two brothers, contrary to their cuftom,
paffed this night on the edge of the ditch Without the fort, unmind-
ful of the treachery of furtune. A number of the garrifon, in league
With the royalillis, took this opportunity of writing to Eufuff Azdir,
the general, that the brothers were without the fort, and offering, if
he would fend a chofen band, to admit them by a wicket, and put to
death the chief rebel Baha ad Dien. Eufuff Azdir having feleded a
number of refolute foldiers, commanded them, if the head of Baha ad
Dien fhould be fent them by the garrifon, to enter and take pofTefTion ;
otherwife, to defifl and return to camp. When they arrived at the
place of appointment, their friends within threw over to them their
chief's head, which fatisfied their doubts ; and, entering the fort, they
founded the march of vidlory. At this fignal, the brothers were
attacked by the royalills without, feeing no road of efcape, they
chofe to die fighting defperatcly, with mofl of their followers. After
performing wonderful adls of valour, they quaffed the flierbet of
annihilation. This was the firll: and laft time, in which the fword
of punifhment was drawn from the fcabbard during the reign of
Mhamood bhaw.

The fultan, not long after this vidlory, on the twenty firfl of
A.D. 1396. Rejib, 790, died of a putrid fever ; and the next day Mallck Syef ad
Dien Giioree, the chief prop of the houfe of Bhamenee, after hav-
ing trod the path of life for one hundred and feven years, placed the
feal of lafting filence upon his lips. He was buried, agreeably to his
will, in the court of the tomb of fultan Alia ad Dien Houfllm
Kangoh Bhamenee, and over his grave was laid a great terrace of
ilone.

It

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,' ^j

It is recorded, that fultan Mhamood was fo ftridl a promoter of
the laws, that nonegled:s were fuffered by him in the fmallefl point.
A woman, convidlcd of the crime of adultery, was once brought to the
court ofjufHce to receive the puniflimentof the law. The judge made
fome enquiiies why flie had been guilty of fo great a crime. She re-
phed, " I knew not, O judge, that the adl was unlawful ; but believed,
*' that as one man might have four women, I might be indulged,
" with equal propriety, with four men ; but, as I am now informed
*• I was guilty of error, I will not oifend by repetition of the crime."
The judge was perplexed at her anfwer, and flie efcaped, by her
wit, the puniihment inflided by the law on adultery. Sultan Mha-
niood reigned nineteen years, nioe months and twenty four days.

I 2 SULTAN

6« FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
'GHEAUSE AD DIEN BHAMENEE.

W HEN the kingdom of Dekkan was deprived of the virtuous and

juft fultan Mhamood, his eldeft fon, fultan Gheaufe ad Dien, in his

feventeenth year, ornamented the throne of empire by his gracious

acceflion. Obferving the rules and cuftoms of his father, he behaved

gracioufly to all ; and remembering the old fervants and fupporters of

his family, comforted them with favour and kindnefs. Intelligence

of the death of Suffder Khan Syeftaanee arriving at court, the fultan

having conferred upon his fon Sullabut Khan the title of Mujilifs Alee,

together with his offices and eftates, difpatched him in great fplendour

and magnificence to Berar. Ahmed Beg Cazweenee, '' pefhwa to

Mahummud Khan, fon of Azim Humaioon, was exalted to the office

of meer nobut, or lord of the watches ; and the fultan fhowed him

uncommon regard and attention. This excited the jealoufy of Lall-

cheen, one of the moft powerful Turkifh flaves of fultan Mhamood,

who afpired to the dignity of prime minifter, and wifhed the poft of

meer nobut for his fon Houffun Khan. Not fucceeding in his views

he became difcontented, and was reproved by the fultan; who often

obferved before him, that it was highly injurious to the publick to

put flaves in office over the heads of.thofe who were, many of them,

defcendants of the prophet; or that he fhould depart from the

cufloms of his royal anceftors.

Lallcheen

' The proteaor of the faith.

^ Acent, or minifter, if employed by fovereigns. The title is ftjll retained by the
fira minifter of the Mharatta ftate.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

63

Lallcheen, angry at the' remarks of the fultan, treafared the in-
fults in his mind. He turned all his thoughts on revenge, hut openly
appeared fatisfied with his condition, andfubmilTive to the king. He
had a daughter, celebrated for her beauty, wit, and fkill in mufick,
whom the luitan was defirous of poffeffing, and privately fent her
profeflions of his love. Lallcheen, foon after his acceffion, invited
the young fultan to an entertainment at his houfe. The fultan, in
hopes that he would prefent his daughter as an offering before him,
condefcended to his requeft with much fatisfac^lion. Lallcheen treat-
ed his royal guell with much fplendour and magnificence. When
he had exhileratcd his fpirits with wine, he requefted him to clear
the prefence of his followers, making figns, which the fultan inter-
preted in favour of his wifhes. Eager to enjoy the flave's beautiful
daughter, and drowned in the fea of deiire, the fultan, without cau-
tion, commanded all his attendants to retire. Lallcheen, leavinc- a
eunuch with inftrudlions to ply the fultan with wine, departed
towards his haram, as if for his daughter ; but in a little time after
re-entered with a drawn dagger. The fultan, though intoxicated,
attempted to make refiltance, but could not walk firnJly ; and, foon
falling to the ground, rolled down a flight of fteps. Lallcheen came
up with him at the laft ilep, and feized him by the hair. By the
help of the eunuch, having tlirown him upon his ba.k, he pierced
out both his eyes with the point of his dagger ; then fending for the
royal attendants one by one, as if by the' fultan's orders, he put them
to death lingly, as they came, to the number of twenty four perfons,
all of the higheft diftindion and office ; fo that no one remained alive
powerful enough to obftrud his deligns. He then placed Shumfe ad
Dien, brother to the dethroned prince, on the throne, and fent the
latter in confinement to the fortrefs of Saugher. This event happen-
ed on the fcAenteenth of Ramazan, 799, affer a reign of only one A. D. 1396.
month and twenty days.

SULTAN

«4

F£RISHTA'$ HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

r

SULTAN
SHUMSE AD DIEN BHAMENEE,

Sultan Shumfe ad Dlen acceded to the thr©n« In his fifteenth
year; and, warned by the fate of his predecefTor, was contented
with the name of fovereign. Lallcheen was honoured with the title
of ^ maliek naib ; and the nobihty who had efcaped the fword feeing
no fafety but in fubmiffion, bowed their heads to his authority. The
mother of the fuhan, who had been a flave, anxious for the fafety of
her child, paid the utmofl deference to Lallcheen, and inftrudted her
fon to do the fame. She reprefented to him, that it was by his good
offices he was'raifed to the throne, that he had no loyal fubjed; but
him i £o that he fhould be careful not to depart from his advice, or
liften to the malicious reports or infinuations of interefled perfons
againfl him. Lallcheen behaved to the fultan's mother with
great refpecfl, frequently fending her coftly prefents of valuable
curiofities, and ufmg every means to enfure her confidence.

Sultan Daood Shaw had left behind him three fons, Mahummud
Sunjer, blinded, as before related, by the princefs Rhuperwer Ageh,
Firoze Khan, and Ahmed Khan. The two laft were born of the
fame mother, and at the time of their father's death were between fix
and feven years of age. Their uncle, Mhamood Shaw, had behaved
with paternal tendernefs, educated them in a manner becoming their

rank

» The fun of the faith.
^ Lord deputy.

FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

rank, and taken care to have' them accompliflied in all military exer-
cifes, under the preceptorfliip of Meer Fyez Oollah Anjoo Sheerazee.
As Sultan Mhamood Shaw had not then a fon, he gave each of the
princes one of his daughters, and would fometimes fay, that Firozc
Khan fhould be his fucceffor. He frequently feated him by his fide
on the throne, and would declare, that none of his houfe was more
deferving or accompliflied, or likely to add luftre to the throne.
When the Almighty blefled him with fons, he appointed the eldeft,
fultan Gheaufe ad Dien, his fucceflbr in the throne ; and conjured
Firoze Khan and Ahmed Khan, upon his death-bed, to be loyal and
obedient to him. They accordingly ferved him with fubmilfion and
fidelity.

When fultan Gheaufe ad Dien was depofed and blinded by Lall-
cheen, his fifters inftigated their hufbands to revenge his caufe; which
they refolved on doing the firft opportunity. Lallcheen learning their
intentions, complained of them to the fultan. He accufed them of
falfehood and treachery ; hoping by this means to alarm his fears, and
obtain an order for their death, or imprifonment, but all in vain j as
fultan Shumfe ad Dien would not believe them faithlefs. Lallcheen
then reprefented to the queen mother, that if (he did not get rid of
the brothers, her fon would be depofed, and fhe, who was accufed of
love to his perfon, be expofed to mifery and infult. This art had a
full effedl on the princefs, who at length gained over her Ion to con-
fent to the murder of his coufins ; but they having obtained intelli-
gence of the defigns forming againll them, efcaped from Koolburga
to the fortrefs of Saugher.

Suddoo, a flave of the royal family, who commanded in Saugher,
was rich and pow erful. He received them into the fort with refpecl,
and left nothing undone to teftify his loyalty. Ahmed Khan and
Firoze Khan from hence wrote to fultan Shumfe ad Dien, and the
principal nobility, that their deiign was only to expel Lallcheen,

whofe

6i

66 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

whofe treachery to fultan Gheause ad Dien, and other crimes, which
had cafl: dilhonour on the royal family, were known to all, and
demanded punifhment ; that if that was effed:ed, they fliould remain
loyal, and fumilTive to the royal authority, and regard fultan Shumfe
ad Dien as their lawful prince j but if their wifli was not complied
with, they would not negledl to ufe all the power in their hands to
obtain their defire.

Sultan Shumfe ad Dien, by advice of his mother and Lallcheen,
fent back an anfwer which ferved only to raife the flames of conten-
tion. The brothers, with the affiftance of Suddoo, having colieited
three thoufand horfe and foot, in hopes that great part of the
troops would join them from the capital, marched towards Kool-
burga. Being difappointed, they halted Ibme time on the banks of
the Beemrah, but no one joined from the city. It was, notwithftand-
ing, agreed that they fhould advance, and the umbrella of royalty
was fpread over the head of Firoze Khan. Ahmed Khan was exalt-
ed to the office of ameer al amra, Suddoo to that of meer nobut, and
Meer Fyez OoUah Anjoo was appointed vaqueel, or prime minifter.
Titles of honour and employments were alfo conferred on their
dependants, according to their rank, quality, and merit.

Upon their arrival within four cofs of the city, Lallcheen having
diftributed great fums of money in largefs to the officers and troops,
marched out, with fultan Shumfe ad Dien, to oppofe them. A fevere
engagement took place in the vicinity of the town of Merkole, and
the brothers being defeated, fled with their remaining friends and
adherents to Saugher. The power and haughtinefs of the king's
mother and Lallcheen at length grew to fuch an height, that many of
the officers about the court privately offered their lervices to the
brothers, whom they advifed to procure pardon from fultan Shumfe
ad Dien, and repair to Koolburga, where they might form plans for
forwarding their views at leifure.

Firoze

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 6/

Firoze Khan, relying on' the afTarances of his friends, fent Mecr
Fyez Oollah Anjoo and Syed Kuinmaul ad Dien, with other refpedta-
bJe perfons, to the queen and Lallcheen, reprefenting, that fear only
had occafioned their rebellion, of which they now fincerely repented i
and if the fultan would fend tiieni letters of pardon, they would re-
pair to court, and live under the fliadow of the royal munificence.
The queen mother and Lallcheen, highly pleafed at fuch a requeft,
fent letters of pardon, filled with the moil flattering affurances of
favour.

Soon after the arrival of the letters, the two brothers were fitting
upon a terrace, and confulting whether they fliould yet go to Kool-
burga, when a ' Caihmirian madman paffed by, and exclaimed, I am
come, O Firoze of lucky aufpices, to condud thee to Koolburga,
and make thee fultan. Regarding this as a happy prefage, they
marched immediately to Koolburga ; where they were honoured by
dreffes and gifts from the fultan ; but Lallcheen and Firoze Khan,
ftill fufpicious, were ever on their guard againft each other.

About a fortnight after their arrival in the capital, on Thurfday,
the twenty third of Suffer, anno 800, Firoze Khan came into the A.D. 1397.
durbar, attended by twelve ^ affiUehdars firmly attached to his intereft,
and about three hundred of his other followers obtained admittance
into the fort, by one or two at a time. He then fent for his brother
Ahmed Khan, and, upon his arrival, told Lallcheen that fome of his
relations were come from his jaghire, in order to pay their refpedls
to the fultan, whofe commands he requefled might be given to the
porters, to admit whomfoever he fhould fend for,

K Firoze

* The Mahummedans regard the rhapfodies of the mad as infpirations ; and it is not
ancommon for a perfon meditating an undertaking, to vifit a lunatic, and liften to hi*
words, from which he draws an ill, or lucky oment

' Arms-bearers.

68 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Firozc Khan taking care to employ Xallcheen in converfation^
his brother went out, on pretence of introducing his relations.
Attempting to pafs with twelve perfons at once, he was flopped by
the porters; when, finding that his fcheme mull be betrayed, he
refolved to run all hazards, and attacked them. The porters were
cut down, and he ruflied into the durbar without delay. Some oppo-
fition was made by Lallcheen's fons, but all the refl of the affembly
fled. Sultan Shumfe ad Dien ran to hide himfelf in a fubterraneous
apartment. The three hundred friends of Firoze Khan, agreeably to
the plan formed, attacked and put to flight the dependants of Lall-
cheen in the courts of the palace ; fo that every thing fucceeded
according to defign.

Firoze Khan having put chains on fultan Shumfe ad Dien and his
minifl;er, confined them in the apartment to which they had fled for
fhelter. Then, accompanied by the nobility, he repaired to the hall
of audience, where he afcended the throne Firozeh. To fulfil the
predidlion of the Caflimirian, and as a fortunate prefage, he filled
himfelf Firoze Shaw Roze Afzoon, and girt himfelf with the fword
of fultan Alia ad Dien, When his authority was eflablifhed, he
blinded fultan Shumfe ad Dien, and fent him to confinement in the
fortrefs of Bieder. Having fent for fultan Gheaufe ad Dien from
Saugher, he gave up Lallcheen to his refentment. That prince,
though quite blind, having ordered him to be placed bound before
him, killed him with one flroke of his fabre. He then afked with
much earneftnefs of fultan Firoze Shaw to be allowed to go on a pil-
grimage to Mecca. This was granted, and he failed from Choule,
and arrived in fafety at the holy city. Sultan Firoze Shaw fent annu-
ally for his fupport five thoufand pieces of gold, and quantities of the
befl: manufaftures of Hind, till his death, which fell out at Mecca,
after many years. Sultan Shumfe ad Dien reigned only five months

and feven days.

SULTAN

PERISH TA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN, 69

>

* ABOU AL MUZZUFFIR AL GHAZEE

SULTAN FIROZE ROZE AFZOON

SHAW BHAMENEE.

Jr ROM various hiflories we learn, that fultan Firoze Shaw far ex-
ceeded his predecefTors in power and magnificence ; and that in him
the houfe of Bhamenee became moft celebrated. He forced the roies
of Beejanuggur to give him a daughter of their houfe in marriage,
though againft their cullom of marrying only in their own tribe.
Neither did he negledl the promulgation of the true faith, but made
four and twenty glorious campaigns, by the fuccefs of which he great-
ly enlarged his dominions. The fort of " Beekapore, and the befl
part of Telingana, were by him reduced to the Iflaam yoke. He
was alfo the firft of the Dekkan fultans who wore a crown fet with
jewels in the form of a turban. On liberality, one of the prime vir-
tues of royalty, he valued himfelf much, and required a great repu-
tation. He was guilty of no offences againft the rules of religion, but
drinking wine and liftening to mufic. He failed often, and regularly
obferved the prefcribed ceremonies of the holy law. He would often
exprefs anxiety for his two offences, but laid, that as mufic lifted his
mind to contemplate the divinity, and wine did not make him

K 2 paflionate,

» The vidlorious fervant of God, champion of the faith, the fortunate fultan of.
happy aufpic(;s.

'' Called alfo Sanore Bancapore,

70

FERISHTA'5 HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

pafllonate, he hoped he fhould not be queftioned hereafter concern-
ing them, but find mercy from a forgiving Creator.

As he was much add idled to women, he confulted the divines
and cafuifts, in what manner he might gratify his paffion, without
breaking the law, which allowed only four wives. Some faid, that
he might divorce one and marry another as often as he pleafed : but
no opinions given were fatisfadtory to the fultan ; who, at lad, re-
ferred the point in debate to Meer Fyez Oollah Anjoo, his minifter.
Fyez Oollah obferved, that in the time of the prophet and the firfl
Kaliph, the " mutteah was allowed ; and though abrogated in the
reign of the fecond, it was ftill legal, according to the tenets of the
*■ Sheeah's. The ' Soonee denied this privilege, and much debate took
place among the learned. All the various traditions were quoted in
favour of their opinions, by each party. At length the fultan em-
braced the judgment of the Sheeahs, and took into his haram in
one day three hundred women.

According to Hajee Mahummud Candaharee, Firoze Shaw,
every fourth day, made a point of copying fixteen pages of the
koraun ; after which he engaged in publick bufinefs. He generally
ipent his evenings, till twelve o'clock, in company of divines, poets,
reciters of hiftory, and chaunters of the ■■ fliaw nammeh, and the
moft learned and witty among his courtiers. In this affembly he laid
afide the royal dignity; obferving, that when he fat on the throne
to tranfadt bufinefs, he was a fovereign, and neceflarily obliged to
affume ftate, that his dignity might imprefs the hearts of the people
and the order of government be fupported : but that, in their com-
pany, he regarded himfelf as a private perfon, and wilhed to be

treated

» The mutteah is a marriage for a time, made by compacSl betwen the parties.

• Followers of Alee.

t The other grand fed of muffulmauns.

'' i erdofi's celebrated hiftory of ancient Perfian monarchs.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

•

treated without form or ceremony. He defired that all might come
or go at will ; that each perfon might call for what he chofe to eat
and drink, and fpeak freely on all fubjedts but two, which he forbad
being introduced into converfation ; the firfl, affairs offtate, and
the fecond, flander of an abfent perfon.

Mullah Eefauk Sirhindee, a man of great learning and wit, ob-
ferved one day to the fultan, that his defiring his attendants to ufe no
ceremony towards him was contrary to the genius of kings ; the
truth of which was proved by an anecdote of the emperor * Mahum-
mud Subudtageen, and the phyfician and aftrologer, Anweree Khan.
The fultan defired he would relate the ftory. Having heard it, he
laughed, and obferved, that fuch behaviour could only proceed from
princes void of juftice, difcernment, or fcience; and that he hoped
fuch weaknefs, as could occafion a Hke condudt, was not in his dif-
pofition. Thofe who frequented the fultan's afTemblies, had full
experience of his excelling moft princes in uniformity of behaviour,
and fteadinefs of condudl.

There are many curious anecdotes of fultan Firoze Shaw by
MooUa Daood Biederee, the relation of which would occafion too
great prolixity, and perhaps caufe my being accufed of departure
from truth ; fo that I ihall not give them to my readers ; but as
Subudtageen and the phyiician Anweree have been mentioned, it
may be proper to give the ftory in the words of Moolla Daood
Biederee.

*' It is related, that the phyfician Anweree Khan was one of the
*' wonders of his age, and performed many furprizing deeds. On
" account of his great learning, and the condefcenfion ufed towards
" him by the emperor, he acquired a freedom in his behaviour, that
" in the end grew difpleafing. One day, while the emperor was

71

" fitting

Emperor of Ghuznec, part of Hindooflan, Perfia, and Tartary,

72 FERIoHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

" fitting on the terrace of a lofty building in the palace of Ghuznee,
" Anweree Khan entered the gate. The fultan commanded him to
" foretell at which gate of the palace he fliould go out. Anweree
" Khan immediately fixing his aftrolabe, took an altitude, and having
" finifhed his obfervation, wrote it on a piece of paper, and placed

it under a pillow. The fultan gave orders for part of the eaflern
'• wall of the fort to be thrown down, and when he had gone out
" that way, examined the paper , on which was written the very adl he

liad done. The fultan was enraged at the phyfician's foreknow-
" ledge, and ordered him, in his paflion, to be cafl headlong from the
" top of the palace. Luckily, a net or fome foft fubftance received
** Anweree, who efcaped without the leaft hurt. The fultan then

afked him if he had forefeen this ? to which the phyfician replied,
" he had ; and calling for his journal, pointed out to the fultan a
*' predidtion that he fhould, upon fuch a day, fall from a high place,
" and efcape unhurt. This difpleafed the fultan ftill more,
" and he ordered him to be confined. Six months after this, while
" the phyfician was ftill in prifon, one of his Haves going to the
" market, was told by a diviner from omens, that he perceived in
" his afpea much good fortune, which he would foretell him for a
" certain fum. The Have gave him his demand ; upon which the
" diviner faid he had a mafter in diftrefs, who in a few days would
" be delivered frcm his troubles, and receive a drefs of honour.
" The flave, by way of congratulation, told his mafter ; who reproved
" him for credulity, and going into fuch bad company. Three
" days after, it happened that Houfllin Meimundee took opportunity,

upon the fultan's converfing with him upon aftrology, to mention
" the unfortunate phyfician, lamenting, that inftead of rewards and
" honours for his two furprizing predidions, he had been doomed to
" wretchednefs and a gloomy prifon. The fultan replied, that cer-
" tainly he was unrivalled in fcience, but a complete phyfician
•* ftiould know better from the human mind that kings are like

" children.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

" children, and * muft be fluttered. After thefe remarks he com-
" manded the phyfician to be releafed. Anweree, upon his way
" from prifon to the court, met the diviner, and loft fomething of his
<* fcientific vanity. The fultan honoured him with a drefs, a thou-
" fand pieces of filver, a horfe, and man and woman flave ; at the
" fame time he expreffed his concern for what had happened ; he
" defired that he would now and then fpeak to pleafe his humour,
" and not always adhere to the letter of his art."

Sultan Firoze Shaw every year difpatched veflels from the ports
of Goa and Choule, to bring him the manufadlures and curious pro-
dudlions of all quarters ; but particularly to invite perfons celebrated
for their talents in any, whom, he would frequently obferve, fhould
be regarded as the choicefl pofTeffions of all countries. He faid, that
kings fliould draw to them the learned and deferving of all nations ;
that from their fociety they might be able to felecfl the perfedlions of
each, and, in a manner, thus travel the globe. On this account, the
celebrated of all parts flocked to his court, and fhared his royal
bounties. The fultan had fo excellent a memory, that he could con-
verfe in the languages of many countries ; and he always did in their
own to ftrangers. Hearing any thing once, was fufficient for his
retaining it ever after. He was alfo a good poet, and often fpoke
verfe extempore. He was well acquainted with feveral fciences, and
particularly fond of natural philofophy. On Saturdays, Mondays,
and Thurfdays, he gave ledtures on botany, geometry, and logic,
generally in the day, but if bufinefs interfered, at night. It was
fuppofed that he exceeded fultan Mahummud Tughluk Shaw in
learning.

He

* This idea, at the prefent day, fufficlently influences the conduct of Indian cour-
tiers; who do not fail to burft out into the moft rapturous exclamations of applaufe,
on any repartee, or even adlivity of the prince in his exercifes, fuch as hitting a mark,
&c. Their children are ferioufly taught the following maxim of the poet Saadee.
" Should the prince at noon fay, Ic is night, declare that you behold the moon and
« ftars."

73

74

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

He was the iirfl king of Dekkan who intermarried with the fyeds
of Anjoo, taking a daughter of that family for his fon Houflun Khan,
and giving one of his own in marriage to Meer Shumfe ad Diea
Mahummud Anjoo, whom he appointed governor of Dowlutabad.

FIroze Shaw built a town on the banks of the Beemrah, which he
called Firozeabad. The flreets were kid out with regularity, and
very broad. Wltiiin it, near the river, he eredied a citadel of flone,
divided Into a number of fplendid courts, detached from each other,
all fupplied plentifully with water, conduced by an ample canal
from the river. Each of thefe courts he committed to one of his
favourite ladles ; and, to avoid confufion and Irregularity among his
women, formed rules and ordinances to be obferved In the haram,
which were flrldly obeyed during his life. In the apartments where
any of his own women refided, he did not allow more than three
female attendants to one perfon, who were to be always of the fame
nation, or fpeak the fame tongue as their mlflrefs. He had perfons
conftantly employed to buy women Haves of all nations ; from whom
he chofe perfons to fupply the vacancies occafioned by death, or other
caufes, among his miftreffes or their fervants. He had Arabians,
Clrcaflians, Georgians, Turks, Ruffians, Europeans, Chlnefe, Af-
* ghauns, Raajepootes, Bengalees, Guzaratees, Tellnganees, Mharat-
tins, and others. In his haram, and could converfe with each In her
own language. He divided his attention fo regularly among them,
that each lady fancied herfelf moft beloved by the fultan. He could
read the * Toreet and Anjeel j and refpedled the tenets of all religions,
but acknowledged with raptures the faith of Mahummud fuperlor to
all others, as it commanded keeping up women from the eyes of
ftrangers, and forbad the ufe of wine, contrary to the other fyftems

of religion.

When

" The bible and new teftament. From this it is probable, FIroze Shaw learned
Hebrew from the Jews, who have been fettled on the Malabar coaft for many ages,
and, as they fay, fince the captivity of Babylon.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAhT. 75

When fultan Firoze Shav^ afcended the throne, he appointed his
brother Ahmed Khan ameer al amra, with the title of Khan Khanan,
and raifed Meer Fyez Oollah Anjoo, his preceptor, to the office of
•" vaqueel al fultunnut and title of ' mallek naib. Honours were
alfo conferred on many of the family of Bhamenee. Hiftorians
'unitedly agree, that he made twenty four campaigns againft the Hin-
doos, but the particulars of a few only are related by Moollah Daood
Biederee in his Tofet al Sallateen.

In the year 801, Devvul Roy, of Beejanuggur, with thirty thou- a.D. 1398.
fand horfe, and a vaft army of foot, invaded the royal territories
between the rivers, with a defign to reduce the forts of Mudkul and
Roijore. Sultan Firoze Shaw having intelligence of his motions,
moved without delay from Koolburga to Saugher, where he took a
mufter of his army. After this he put to death a zemindar, with
feven or eight thoufand Hindoos, who had been always very trouble-
fome and refrad:ory. The armies of Dowlutabad and Berar had
joined him, and he was preparing to move againil Dewul Roy, when
fuddenly advice was brought, that Nerfing, poffeflbr of ■• Kurleh, at
the inftigations of the fultans of ' Mando and ' Afeer, alfo the roy of
Beejanuggur, had invaded the province of Berar, where he committed
every cruelty and depredation on the muffulmauns as far as the walls *
of E Dahoor. Upon this tJie fultan fent back the forces of Dowluta-

L bad

» Lord of lords.

* Deputy of the government,

* Lord deputy.

* A diftri£l: on the frontier of Berar bordering on Malwa, having a capital of the
fame name.

« The capital of Malwa, then governed by Afghaun fultans,

' A ftrong fortrefs, then the capital of Khandefhe, under an independant fovereign,
claiming his defcent from Omar, one of the friends of R-Iahummud, and the fecond
kaliph. This place and fovereignty were reduced to the Mogul empire by Akber.
« A town in Berar.

^6 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

bad to oppofc Nerfing, and marched* with the remainder of his
troops againfl Dewul Roy.

It being the rainy feafon, and the river Kiftnah very full, Devv^ul
Roy had pitched his camp, in felf-fecurity, on the bank ; and ftation-
ed large bodies of foot along the fhore to oppofe the pafTage of the
muffulmauns. Sultan Firoze Shaw, on his arrival near the river,
held a council of war with his chief officers, but received no advice
that to him appeared fatisfaftory. While the fultan was debating
in his own mind how to ad, ' Cauzi Serauje, feeing his concern,
offered, if the fultan would permit him, to crofs the river with a few
of his friends, whom he would, feledl for the purpofe, to aflaffmate
Dewul Roy, or his fon, as he found it moft convenient ; obferving,
when the alarm that would attend fuch an exploit fliould throw the
enemy's camp into confufion, the fultan might fend a party acrofs the
river, fecure a paffage for the whole army, and make the infidels
repent of their infolence and difobedience to the prince of the faithful.

The fultan approving the meafure, fome hundreds of hurdles
covered with leather were prepared expeditioufly for the troops to
•crofs. Cauzi Serauje with feven of his friends, difguifed as holy
• mendicants, proceeded to the roy's camp, and repaired to the quarter
where the dancing girls reiided. Here the cauzi pretended to be en-
raptured with a courtezan, and was guilty of a thoufand extravagan-
cies to fupport his charadler. In the evening, the girl having adorned
herfelf in her richefl ornaments, prepared to go out ; on which, the
cauzi, like a jealous and diflraded lover, falling at her feet, entreat-
ed her to ftay, or let him attend her, and not rend his heart by
abfence. The woman upon this informed him, that fhe was ordered
to attend an entertainment by the roy's fon, and durll not dilbbey,

, nor

* A judge from the laws of the koraun. It was not uncommon among; the ma-
hummedans, for fuch a magiftrate to fcek, out of regard and zeal for religion, the
moft difficult and hazardous exploit in war.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

nor could flie take him witli her, as only muficlans and dancers-
would be admitted. The cauzi upon this replied, that he played on ,
the lame inflrument as herfelf, and had, befide, fome curious accom-
plifhment that would highly pleafe the roy's fon. The dancing girl,
thinking him in jeft, out of contempt gave him her " mundul, and
defired him to play ; which he did in lb maflerly a manner, that (he
was delighted, faying, that his company would give her fuperiority
over her fellows, and do her honour with the roy's fon. Accord-
ingly, he with his companions attended the girl to the tents of the
young roy.

As is the cuftom of Dekkan, many fets of ^ loolies and dancing
girls were ordered to perform at the fame time, and having finiflied
their parts, the roy's fon called for the players and mummers. The
dancing girl now obtained leave for the cauzi and one of his com-
panions to fhow their feats. Having affumed the drefs of women,
they entered ogling and fmiling, and fo well imitated the mummers
in playing on the mundul, dancing and mimickry, that the roy's fon
was charmed with their perfermances. At length they each drew a
dagger, and, like the dancers of Dekkan, continued to flourifh them
for fome time, making a thoufand antic poilures in advancing, retreat-
ing, and turning round. At laft, fuddenly rufhing upon the roy's fon, *
they plunged both the daggers into his breaft', afterwards attacking his
companions. Their remaining friends, who were watching without
the tent, on hearing an alarm, ripped up the curtain, and entered to
aflift them. Many of the company being much intoxicated, were
eafily put to death. The cauzi with his friends extinguifhed all the
lights ; and, making their efcape through the rent, mingled with the
crowd. The outcry foon became general round the tents. Great
confufion enfued, and various reports and alarms took place. Some
faid, that the fultan had crofTed the river and furprized the camp j

L 2 others^

» A ftringed inftrument,

*" Youths trained to fing and dance in public.

77

yS FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Others, that oiie of his chiefs, with twelve thoufand men, had cut off
both the roy and his fon. The night was uncommonly dark, and
the camp extended near ten miles, Co that circumftances were va-
rioufly reported; and the different chiefs, ignorant of the real caufe
of the alarm, contented themfelves with waiting in their feveral
quarters under arms. About four thoufand of the fultan's troops in
this interim, croffed the river in boats and rafts, which had been pre-
pared for the purpofe. The enemy's foot Rationed to oppofe the
paffage, terrified by the alarm in camp and the approach of the
fultan's forces, fled in confufion, without waiting to be attacked.
Before the morning Firoze Shaw had croffed the river with his whole
army, and at dawn affaulted the enemy's camp with great fury.
Dewul Roy, grieved by the death of his fon, and panic ftruck at
the bravery of the affailants, made but a faint refiftance. Before
funrife, having taken up his fon's corpfe, he fled with his army. The
fultan gained immenfe plunder in the camp, and purfued him to the
vicinity of Beejanuggur. Several adlions happened on the way, all
of which were fortunate to the fultan ; and the roads were heaped
up with the bodies of the flaughtered Hindoos.

When Dewul Roy had fliuthimfelf up in the fort of Beejanuggur,
and no enemy remained in the field, Firoze Shaw difpatched Khan
Khanan and Meer Fuzztil Oollah to lay walle the diilridls fouth of
the city, which were uncommonly populous and flourifliing. Cauzi
Serauje, in reward for his heroic exploit, being raifed to a high rank
of nobility, was detached with them. They left nothing undone in
performance of their inllruftions j and having taken captives without
number, returned to camp.

As great numbers of bramins had fallen into the hands of the
muflulmauns, their friends at Beejanuggur offeied to aililt the roy
with large lums of money to purchafe pe-ice andranloin the captives.
Dewul Roy accepted their offers; and, alter much negotiation,

Meer

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 79

Meer Fuzzul OoUah agreed'to accept ' ten lacs of 00ns for the royal
treafury, as a ranfom for the prifoners, and one lac for his own
interceffion. Accordingly, the bramins fent fix lacs, and Devvul
Roy five; all which Fuzzul Oollah laid before the fultan, who
greatly prailed his difinterefted fervices. A treaty was then conclud-
ed between the powers, by which it was agreed, that their bound-
aries fliouIJ remain the fame as before the war, and that one party
fliould not moleft the fubjecls of the other. Sultan Firoze Shaw
releafed his prifoners, and began his march to his own dominions.
When he had paffed the Tummedra, he difpatched Folaud Khan to
regulate the country between '' the rivers, and, leaving the army,
haltened with a few attendants to Koolburga.

In a few months after the conclufion of this campaign, and the
beginning of the year 802, the fultan marched to punifli Nerfing ; a. D noq.
and upon his arrival before Mahoor, the governor of that place
having obtained quarter at the interceffion of fome of the nobility,
made large offerings, and joined the army with his children. The
lultan halted a month and five days at Mahoor, when he moved
towards Kurleh. Nerfing, who had great wealth and power, being
poffefied of all the hills of ' Gondwaneh, and other countries, fent
rich prefents to the governors of Malwa and Khandeflie, entreating
affiftance j but though they had, through dread of his power, furniflied
him forn.erly with aids, yet as they in fadl wilhed his ruin, they now
gave him a pofitive refufal. Notwithftanding <his, Nerfing was
reiolved to engage the fultan j and, marching two cofs from Kurleh,
waited for his approach.

Sultan

" Near 400,000!. flerling.
k The Kifinahand Tummedra.

' The part of Berar next Malwa, now belonging to. Chlmnajee Bhofdah, whofe
country is. alio called Nagpore.

8o FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Sultan Firoze Shaw was anxious to l6ad the battle in perfon ; but
as Khan Khanan and Meer Fuzzul OoUah Anjoo requeued to be
allowed to crufh the enemy with their own troops, he confented, and
gave them their difmiffion. They firft wrote to Neriing a letter of
remonftrance on the folly of his condud:, and advifing him to fubmit
to pay tribute j but he anfwered it only by threats of defiance, and
greater preparations for war. Khan Khanan and Meer Fuzzul
Oollah then attacked his lines, and a fevere conflidl enfued ; in
which Shujahut Khan, DillawerKhan, and Bahadur Khan, principal
nobles, obtained martyrdom ; and, the infidels charging furioully,
the troops of Illaam were broken. At this inftant it was reported to
Fuzzul Oollah, that Khan Khanan was flain. He commanded the
informer to keep the report fecret, and advancing with two hundred
horfe, ordered the march of vidlory to beat, crying out, that the
fultan was coming to their affi fiance. The troops at thefe tidings
rallied in great numbers, and he drove ofi^ the enemy. He was foon
after joined by Khan Khanan, fuppofed to be flain ; and they now
together charged the remaining enemy with fuch vigour, that they
foon put them to flight, and took prifoner Goful Roy, the fon of
Nerfing. The fugitives were purfued to Kurleh ; about ten thoufand
were flain in their flight ; and Nerfing, having with much difficulty
gained the fortrefs, fliut himfelf up, and was clofely befieged by the
vidorious army of Iflaam.

At the end of two months, being reduced to great difl:refs he
begged terms; but received anfwer from the generals, that they
had no power to grant any ; and, unlefs Nerfing would throw him-
felf at the fultan's feet, he m.ufl: expedl none. Nerfing, feeing no
refource but compliance, went with his family to the fultan's camp
at Elichpore ; where, exprefling forrow for his ofl?ence, and acknow-
ledging himfelf the fultan's vafial, he offered to give up Kurleh ;
but if his majefty chofe to admit him among the number of his
tributaries, and to draw the pen of forgivenefs over his crimes, he

would

FERiSHTA'j HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 8i

would pay every year the tribute fixed by fultan Alia ad Dien, and
remain conftant in the paths of obedience.

Sultan Firo2£ Shaw having pardoned Nerfing, gave him a drefs
of honour, richly embroidered with gold ; and having received one
of his daughters among his women, with forty fine elephants, a fum
of money, and other valuables and curiofities, ordered the fiege of
Kurleh to be difcontinued. Upon the jundlion of Khan Khanan and
Meer Fuzzul OoUah with his army, he difmifled Nerfing, and
returned in triumph to the capital of Koolburga. As this victory
was chiefly owing to Meer Fuzzul Oollah, that nobleman was pro-
moted to the command of the Berar army.

In the year 804, repeated accounts coming from the court of A. D. 1431.
Ameer Timur, of that great conqueror having conferred the throne
of Dhely on one of his fons, with orders to fubdue all the kingdoms
of Hindooftan, and that he had refolved to march in perfon to afiifl;
his defigns, if neceflary j Sultan Firoze Shaw fent ambafladors to the
emperor, with rich prefents, and a letter expreflive of refpedlful
attachment. Timur received the ambafladors gracioufly, and ac-
cepted the prefents. At the end of fix months, by means of fome
of the favourites at court, they reprefented to the emperor, that Firoze
Shaw was defirous to be numbered among his flaves, and would,
whenever his majefl;y fliould march himfelf, or fend one of the
princes, to conquer Hindooflian, hafl:en to join from Dekkan with
his troops. Timur, pleafed at his offers of attachment from fo great
a difl:ance, pronounced that he gave him the fovereignty of Dekkan,
Malwa, and Guzarat, with permiflion to ufe the umbrella, and all
other infignia of empire. He alfo delivered to the ambafladors a
firmaun, containing the grant of the above countries, a fword fet
with jewels from his own fide, a royal robe, a Turkiflh flave, and
four horfes, fuperior in beauty to any ever feen in Dekkan.

Tlie

82 FERISHFA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The fultans of Malwa and KhandSflie, whofe power was yet
weak, alarmed at the ambition of fultan Firoze Shaw, fcnt am-
bafladors to court his friendlhip ; obferving, that they ought to Hve
together hke brothers, and unite in alHance againft the power of the
emperor of Dhely. At the fame time they privately wrote to the roy
of Beejanuggur, that whenever he ihould need their affiftance againft
fultan Firoze Shaw, to inform them, that they might lend him all the
fupport in their power.

On thefe overtures, the roy of Beejanuggur changing his beha-
viour to the fultan, neglefted to pay his tribute for four years ; and
Firoze Shaw, knowing the fecret enmity of his neighbours the ful-
tans of Guzarat and Malwa, did not prefs him, but winked at his
negleifl, refolving to punifl:i it at his convenience.

There refided in the town of Mudkul a farmer, who was blefled
with a daughter of fuch exquifite beauty, that the creator feemed to
have united all his powers in making her perfect. Agreeably to the
cuflom of Hindooftan, her parents wifhed in her childhood to betroth
her to one of her own caft ; but fhe requefted that the ceremony
might be delayed, with fuch earneftnefs, that to pleafe her it was put
off. Some time after, an old bramin, who had been on a pilgrimage
to Banaras, flopped on his return at her father's houfe, and was fo
delighted with her beauty, that he adopted her as his daughter, and
refolved to accomplifh her in mufic and dancing, of which he was
perfedily malter. He continued near a year and half with her fami-
ly i at the end of which, finding her completely fkilled in mufic and
all the graces of dancing, he took his leave, with a promife fhortly
to return, with propofals calculated for the honour of his pupil, and
the advantage of her family. The bramin, who had from the firfl
refolved to exalt his adopted daughter to royalty, proceeded to Bee-
januggur, and, being introduced to the roy, fpoke in fuch praife of
the beauty and accomphfhments of the young maid, that he was fired

with

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 83.

with defire of polTefling her, and entreated the bramin to procure her
for him of her parents in marriage. This requeft was what the bra-
min earneftly wiflied, and he immediately agreed to fatisfy him ;
upon which the roy difpatched him with rich gifts and great pro-
mifes of favour to the parents, and the title of ranee, or pnnccfs, for
their beautiful daughter. The bramin loft no time in his journey,
and, upon his arrival at the farmer's houfe, delivered to him and his
wife the roy's orders that they fliould repair to Beejanuggur with
their daughter. The parents were overjoyed at luch unexpedted
good fortune, and calling for the young maid, laid before her the
rich gifts of the roy, congratulated her on being foon to be united to
a great prince, and attempted to throw upon her neck a golden col-
lar fet with jewels, as the token of immediate efpoufals, and which,
if done, could not have been broken off.

The beautiful virgin, to their great aftonifliment, drawing her
neck from compliance, refufed to receive the collar ; and obferved,
that whoever entered the haram of Beejanuggur, was afterwards not
permitted to fee even her neareft relations and friends ; and though
they might be happy to fell her for worldly riches, yet flie was too
fond of her parents to fubmit to eternal abfence from them, even
for all the fplendour of the palace of Beejanuggur. This declaration
was accompanied with affeftionate tears, which melted her parents j
who, rather than ufe force, difmiffed the bramin with all his gifts,
and he returned chagrined and difappointed to Beejanuggur. The
maid then obferved to her parents, that flie had long had an inward
perfuafion that fhe fhould become wife to a great prince of the faith
of IHaam, and delired them to wait patiently the decrees of provi-
dence. Her parents fmiled at her fuppofed folly ; but, as advice and
remonftrance had no effedt, they fubmitted to be lilent, and leave
her in the enjoyment of her own thoughts.

M When

84

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

When the bramin arrived at Beejani:iggur, and related to the roy
the failure of his fcheme, the prince's love became outrageous, and
he refolved to gratify it by force, though the objed refided in the
heart of Firoze Shaw's dominions. For this purpofe he quitted Bee-
ianuo-gur with a great army, on pretence of going the tour of his
countries ; and upon his arrival on the banks of the river Tummedra,
having fele6ted five thoufand of his befl horfe, and giving the reins of
his conduct to love, commanded them, in fpite of the remonftrances
of his friends, to march night and day with all expedition to Mudkul,
and, furrounding the village where Pertal lived, to bring her prifoner
to him, with her whole family, without injury.

As the roy had, in the excefs of love, loft his judgment, he
negleiled to fend the bramin to prevent the parents of his beloved
from being frightened at the approach of troops, and to tempt them
to remain in the place, fhould the alarm be fpread time enough for
the inhabitants to efcape ; fo that the country round Mudkul being
apprized of the enemy's approach, the inhabitants, and among them
Pertal's family, fled for fhelter to diflant parts.

The troops of Dewul Roy, being deprived of their expe(5led
prize, returned with expedition ; but on their route laid wafte feveral
towns and villages, before troops could be colledted to oppofe them.
At length Folaud, governor of the province, marched againft them,
and the plunderers, feeing themfelves greatly fuperior to him in
numbers, flopped to engage, and obliged him to retire. Being how-
ever, quickly reinforced, he purfued them a fecond time; and the
invaders, not dreaming of being followed by a beaten enemy, had
becon;ie carelefs on their march, fo that they were furprized and had
not time to form. Folaud Khan completely defeated them, and
flaughtered above two thoufand, before they recroffed the Tummedra.

Sultan

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. g^

Sultan Flroze Shaw, on liearing of this unprovoked and infolent
invafion, immediately iflued orders for affembling his forces, and his
camp to be formed near Firozeabad, In the beginning of the winter
of the year 809, he moved in great force, and arrived near Beejanug- A.D. 1406,
gur, in which Dewul Roy had fliut himfelf up. An allault was made
upon the city, and the fultan got poffeffion of fome ftrects, which,
however, he was obliged to quit, his army being repulfed by the
Carnatickehs. Dewul Roy, encouraged by his fuccefs, now ventured
' to encamp his army under proteftion of the walls, and to molell the
royal camp. As the muffulmauns could not make proper ufe of their
cavalry in the rocky unevennefs of ground round Beejanuggur, they
were fomewhat difpirited. During this, fultan Firoze Shaw was
wounded by an arrow in the hand, but he would not difmount ; and
drawing out the arrow, bound up the wound with a cloth. The
enemy were at laft driven off by the valour and adlivity of Ahmed
Khan and Khan Khanan, and the fultan moved farther from the city
to a convenient plain, where he halted till his wounded men were
recovered. Laying afide the defign of taking the city, he detached
a body often thoufand horfe under Khan Khanan and Mean Suddoh
his meer nobut, to lay wafte the country to the fouth of Beejanuggur ;
and fent meer Fuzzul Oollah xAnjoo to befiege the fortrefs of Beek-
apore, the moft important in the Carnatic. The fultan, with the
remainder of his army, continued in the environs of the city, to
amufe Dewul Roy, and fortified his camp with a circle of cannon
and fireworks. Dewul Roy more than once attacked him, but was
always driven off with great ilaughter. He then defifted from
attacks, and difpatched ambaffadors to beg aids of the fultans of
Malwa, Khandeihe, and Guzarat.

The fultan continued to employ Dewul Roy for four months,
during which Khan Khanan laid wafte the moft flouriihing towns and
diftrifts of Carnatic, and Meer Fuzzul Oollah fucceeded in the re-
duaion of the fortrefs of Beekapore, with it's valuable dependancies ;

M 2 tbf.

86 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

the government of which he committed, by the fultan's orders, to
Mean Suddoh, and with his artny returned to the royal camp. Khan
Khanan alfo joined the army of the fultan with about fixty thoufand
captives, male and female, and a very rich plunder in treafure and
effects. The fultan received them with the favour due to their fer-
vices, and made a fplendid feftival in honour of his fuccefTes, at
which he confulted on further operations. After fome debate, it
was refolved that Khan Khanan fliould remain oppofed to Dewul
Roy, while the fultan, accompanied by Meer Fuzzul Oollah,
marched to befiege the fortrels of Oodnee, the ftrongefl in polleffion
of the enemy.

Intelligence of the fultan's defigns reaching Dewul Roy, as he
had been refufed affiftance from the fultans of Malwa, KhandeOie,
and Guzarat, he was plunged into a fea of defpair, and fent fome of
his principal nobility to treat for peace at the royal camp. The ful-
tan at firfl refufed to grant it on any terms ; but at length, being
moved by the advice and entreaties of Fuzzul Oollah, agreed, on
condition that the roy fhould give him his daughter in marriage,
" ten lacs of oons, five '' muns of pearl, fifty choice elephants, and
two thoufand men and women (laves, fingers, dancers, and muficians ;
alfo, that the fort of Beekapore, already in his pofleffion, fhould, to
obviate all future difputes, be ceded to him for ever, in part of the
marriage portion.

Though the "^ roies of Carnatic had never yet married their daugh-
ters but to perfons of their own cafl, and giving them to flrangers

was

' Nearly 400,000!.

^ The Bengal mun, or maund, is eighty pounds weight. The five here mentioned
of pearls could fcarcely be of that computation ; but as the pearl fifliery between Dek-
kan and Ceylon was for ages belonging to the roies of Beejanuggur, great quantities
muft have been in their pofleffion.

' From this it appears, that the roies of Beejanuggur were fovereigns of all the
ancient Carnatic.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

was highly difgraceful, yet Dewul Roy, out of neceflity, complied,
and preparations for celebrating the nuptials were made by both
parties. For forty days communication was open between the city
and the fultan's camp. Both fides of the road were lined with fhops
and booths, in which the jugglers, drolls, dancers, and mimics of
Carnatic difplayed their feats and fkill, to amufe paflengers. Khan
Khanan and Meer Fuzzul OoUah, with the cuftomary prefents of a
bridegroom, went to Beejanuggur, from whence at the expiration of
feven days, they brought the bride, with a rich portion and offerings
from the roy, to the fultan's camp. Dewul Roy having exprefled a
ftrong defire to fee the fultan, Firoze Shaw with great gallantry
agreed to vifit him with his bride, as his father in law.

A day being fixed, he with the bride proceeded to Beejanuggur,
leaving the camp in charge of Khan Khanan. On the way he was
met by Dewul Roy in great pomp. From the gate of the city to the
palace, being a diftance of nearly fix miles, the road was fpread with
cloth of gold, velvet, fattin and other rich fluffs. The two prin-
ces rode on horfeback together, between ranks of beautiful boys and
girls, who waved plates of gold and filver » flowers over their heads as
they advanced, and then threw them to be gathered by the populace.
After this, the inhabitants of the city made offerings, both men and
women, according to their rank. After pafling through a fquare
diredlly in the center of the city, the relations of Dewul Roy, who
had lined the flreets in crowds, made their obeifance and offerings,
and joined the cavalcade on foot, marching before the princes.
Upon their arrival at the palace gate, the fultan and roy difmounted
from their horfes, and alcended a fplendid palanquin, fet with valuable
jewels, in which they were carried together to the apartments pre-
pared for the reception of the bride and bridegroom j when Dewul

Roy

' Or rather, fmall coin ftamped with the figure of a flower. They are ftill ufed in
India, to diftribute in charity, and, on occafion, thrown by the purfebearers of the
great among the populace.

87

£8 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Roy took his leave, and retired to his ov(^n palace. The fultan, after
being treated with royal magnificence for three days, took his leave
of the roy ; who preffed upon him richer prefents than before given,
and attended him four miles on his way, when he returned to the city.
Sultan Firoze Shaw was enraged at his not going with him to his
camp, and faid to Meer Fuzzul Oollah, that he would one day have
revenge for the affront offered him by fuch neglect. This declaration
being told to Dewul Roy, he made fome infolent remarks, fo that,
notwithflanding the connexion of family, their hatred was not calm-
ed. Sultan Firoze Shaw proceeded to the capital of his dominions,
and difpatched perfons to bring the beautiful Pertal and her family
to court ; which being done, her beauty was found to furpafs all
that had been reported of it. The fultan obferving that he was too
old to efpoufe her himfelf, gave her to his fon HoulTun Khan in
marriage, and gratified her parents with rich gifts and grants of land
in their native country. Pertal was committed to the care of the ful-
tan's aunt till the nuptial preparations were ready, when the knot
was tied, amid great rejoicings and princely magnificence.

A.D. 1407. In the year 810 Firoze Shaw, as he was a great encourager of

aftronomy, ordered an obfervatory to be built on the fummit of the
pafs called Ballaghaut ; but this work being interrupted by the death
of Hakeem Houflun, the mofl able profefTor, it was left unfiniflied.

A.D. 1412. In 815 the fultan went, on pretence of hunting, into the country of
Gohndwarra, which he laid wafle, and brought away near three
hundred elephants. Soon after this, the fultan hearing that the cele-
brated religious fyed Mahummvid Geefoo-derauz, was arrived near
Koolburga from Dhely, ever anxious to honour merit, came himfelf
from Firozeabad to vifit him, and fent all the nobility of the court to
meet him; but, though he at firfl treated him with much attention,
on finding him unadorned by learning or fcience, he withdrew the
warmth of his favour.

Khan

FERlSHTA's HISTOllY OF DEKKAN. 89

Khan Khanan, brother 'to the fultan, entertained for the holy
fyed the flrongeft veneration, built for him a fuperb convent, fpent
great part of his time in attending his leftures on divinity, and was
never abfent from his Mvujd, or extacies ; at which times he diftri«
buted large fums to the fervants of the convent, and dirveflies.

In the year 818, the fultan having fixed on his fon Houflun, a A;D. 1415.
weak, and diffipated prince, to fucceed him, conferred upon him a
royal cap and veftband, with an umbrella, tents, and elephants,
peculiar to royalty. When he invited the nobles to acknowledge
him, he requefled alfo of the holy fyed to give him his bleffing; but
he anfwered, that to one chofen by the fultan the prayers of a fakeer
were of no moment. Sultan Firoze Shaw, diffatisfied with his de-
clining the blefllng, fent to beg it again, with much importunity ;
upon which the fyed obferved, that as the crown after him was
decreed to his brother Khan Khanan, by the will of providence, it
was vain to try to beflow it on another. The fultan, on hearing this,
was much alarmed, and ordered the fyed to leave the city, pretending
that his convent was too near the palace, and that the crowds of his
difciples and fludents were dangerous to the peace of the capital.
The fyed immediately obeyed, and retired out of the town to the
fpot where his tomb now ftands, and his followers foon eredled for
him a magnificent dwelling.

In the year B20 the fultan difpatched ambafladors to the toy of A.D. 1417.
Telingana, demanding fome years' arrear of tribute ; and he obey-
ing, fent the fums due, with fuch valuable prefents of money and
^ifedls, in addition, as fatisfied the fultan.

* The Mahummedan dirvefhes often fall into real or pretended extacies at their
religious aflemblies, when verfes are recited from their poets ; and, when in thefe fits,
what they utter is regarded by their difciples as the efFe£l of prophetic infpiration.
Duringthe paroxyfms, they dance, tear their clothes, and commit a thoufand extrava-
gancies. "Qie wujd is not unlike the defcribed extacy of the ancient Pythian prieftefs.

90

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

In the middle of this year, fultan Firoze Shaw formed the defign
of reducing the fortrefs of Mankul, now generally called Bilcondah.
Without regarding his relationlhip to the roy, he marched and com-
menced the fiege, which extended to two whole years ; at the end of
■which, its reduction not being the will of heaven, a peftilence broke
out in the royal army, in which men and horfes died every day in
alarming numbers. Difcontent and fear filled the furvivors, and
many cf the firfl nobility deferted the camp, and fled, with their
followers, to their jaghires. At this crifis Dewul Roy collefted his
army; and having obtained aids from all the furrounding princes,
even to the raja ofTelingana, marched againfl: the fultan with a
vafl holl of horfe and foot.

Firoze Shaw, though he judged his army unequal to oppofition,
yet impelled by royal jealoufy of his glory, in fpite of all the re-
monflrances of his friends, gave battle. Meer Fuzzul OoUah, who
commanded the troops of lilaam, charged the infidels with heroic
vigour, and, routing their center, proceeded to attack their right
wing. He was on the point of gathering the flowers of vidory,
when one of his own attendants, bribed for the purpofe by Dewul
Roy, gave him a mortal wound on the head, and he inl'tantly
quaffed the fherbet of martyrdom. This fatal event changed the for-
tune of the day ; the fultan was defeated, and with the utmofl: diffi-
culty, by the mofl: furprizing and gallant efforts, made his efcape from
the field. The Hindoos made a general maffacre of the mufful-
mauns, and eredted a platform with their heads on the field of battle.
They followed the fultan into his own country, which they wafted
with fire and fword, took many places, broke down mofques and
holy places, flaughtered the people without mercy ; by their adions
feeming to dilcharge the treafured malice and refentment of ages.
Sultan Firoze Shaw, in the exigence of diflrefs, requefted aid of the
fultan of Guzarat, who, having but jufl acceded to the throne,
could afford none. At lafl fortune took a turn favourable to his

affairs

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKICAN.

affairs, and the enemy, after repeated battles, were expelled from
his dominions by the fultan's brother. Khan Khanan. But thefe
misfortunes dwelt on the mind of Firoze Shaw, now old, and he
fell into a lingering diforder and lownefs of fpirts.

During his illnefs, the fultan gave the reins of government into
the hands of two of his llaves, one named ' HoHiiar Ein al Moolk,
and the other '" Nizam Bedar al Moolk, firengthening their influence
with the whole weight of his authority. Thele miniiters, jealous of
the popularity and ambition of Khan Khanan, oblerved to the fultan,
that the government of Dekkan could only be fecured to his foa
HoufTun Khan, when the kingdom fliould be cleared of the power
and influence of Khan Khanan. The fultan then recolledled tlie pre-
didlion of fyed Mahummud Geefoo-derauz, and determined to prevent
a poflibility of his afpiring to the throne, by having his brother
blinded. Khan Khanan, being informed of the fultan's defi'gn by his
fpies, prepared for flight. During the night he went with his fon
Alia ad Dien to the "dwelling of the holy fyed, to requefl his advice
and bleffing. The fyed took the turban from his own fon's head,
and dividing it into two parts, tied one round the head of the father
and fon, and extending his hands over them, hailed them both with
future royalty. Khan Khanan, after this ceremony, returned to his
houfej and, having fpent the remainder of the night in preparation,
ifliied from the gates at dawn of day with four hundred faithful com-
panions. At the gate he was fainted, after tlie royal form, by a
celebrated merchant, named Khulf Houllun Buflbreh, one of his
earlieft acquaintance, who had heard of his defign.

Khan Khanan defired him to haflen to his own dwelling, left he
fhould be feen by the officers of the court, and fuffer trouble on his
account. To this Houffun remarked, that to be a companion in the

N days.

" The political eye of the flate.

'' The regulator, watchful of the ftatc.

9*

92

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKICAN.

days of profperity, and to call the duft of Inconllancy in the eyes of a
friend in adverfity, was not becoming a virtuous man ; that while he
had a fpark of Ufe within him, he fliould be ioath to quit his patron-
age; and hoped, if he would receive him among the number of his
fervants, to perform fome fervices of importance. Khan Khanan,
pleafed at his attachment, confented to his accompanying him, and
faid, that if the reins of empire lliould ever be held in his hands, he
(hou'ld be his guide and minifter. He then left the city, and in the
evening arrived at Khankhananpore, which he vowed to dedicate to
the ufe of the fyeds of Mecca and Medina, Nujeef and Kerballa,
fliould he become king.

Hofhiar and Bedar, on learning the flight of Khan Khanan, went
with anxious impatience to the fultan ; and, having obtained per-
miflion to purfue him, marched with all expedition, attended by four
thoufand horfe and fome war elephants. Khan Khanan was for con-
cealing himfelf in the country, till he could prevail on fome of the
nobility to aflert his caufe ; but HoufTun, diffuading him from it,
fent to Koolburga, Bieder, and Kallean, from whence he procured a
number of the dilaffedted and idle to enlift. Some days were pafled
in moving from place to place, to avoid fighting, when, at laft, the
minifters were reinforced, and all hope of efcape cut off; nor could
Khan Khanan hope to engage with fuccefs, the enemy being eight
thoufand ftrong, and his whole force not amounting to more than a
thoufand. In this crifis, a band of grain merchants, called in Hin-
dooftan, Bunjarehs, in their way from Berar, with two thoufand
head of oxen, halted in the neighbourhood of Kallean, as alfo three
hundred horfes, which fome dealers had brought to fell from Lahore.
Khulf Houffun, who was eager for oppofition, purchafed them all,
and making red and green banners, after the cullom of Dekkan,
mounted a man with a flag on each ox. He placed fome cavalry in
front of this mock force, with orders to appear at a difl:ance when
the engagement fliould commence, and to proclaim, that fome prin-
cipal

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 9j

cipal amras had arrived from their jaghires to afllfl: Khan Khanan.
Khan Khanan at firfl regarded the fcheme as ridiculous, but at laft
confented to embrace it, as he could not avoid fighting. In the
morning Khan Khanan moved ilowly with his motley army towards
the enemy, encouraging his troops by declaring that fuch and fuch
noblemen were battening to join him, and then only a few miles
from them. Hofliiar and Bedar alfo dreaded the event of his being
reinforced, and eagerly accepted the prefent offer of battle, hoping
to prevent it. When the fight had begun, Khulf HouiTun, advancing
his horfe in front of the oxen, and waving his banners, appeared
marching from behind a grove at fome diftance, which ftruck the
enemy with a belief that the amras were arrived to Khan Khanan's
afliflance; and a vigorous charge being made at the fame time, the
right of the enemy broice in confufion. Hofliiar and Bedar, who
were in the center, feeing their men on the right fly, and terrified at
the fuppofed new troops, after a flight oppofition were routed, and
driven from the field. Khan Khanan, thus unexpeftedly victorious,
purfued the fugitives ; and having taken many elephants, horfes, and
much plunder, encamped at a fmall difliance from Koolburga, and
was joined by numbers of the royal troops from all quarters.

Sultan Firoze Shaw, notwithfl:andlng his indirpofition and weak-
nefs, fpread the royal umbrella over the head of Houflun Khan, by
the advice of his minifters ; and having entrufted the citadel to fome
faithful fervants, put himfelf in a palanquin (being too infirm to
travel otherwife) at the head of many of the nobility, four thoufand
horfe, a great number of foot, lome artillery, and many elephants,
to oppofe his brother Khan Khanan. An engagement took place a
few miles from the city. The body in which fultan Firoze Shaw
was, being hard pulhed, a report fpread through the army that he-
was killed ; upon which the nobility and troops came over in great
numbers to the ftandard of Khan Khanan. Hofliiar and Bedar, being

N 2 alarmed

94

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

alarmed at the great defertion, fled with the fultan precipitately
towards the citadel, at the gates of which fultan Firoze Shaw re-
covered from a fainting fit, into which he had fallen from alarm and
fatigue.

Khan Khanan, out of refpedl, would not allow the fultan to be
purfued ; but when he heard of his being in the fort, marched to the
capital, and encamped under the walls of the citadel. Hofhiar and
Bedar, together with Houffun Khan, manned the works, and began
to molelf the befiegers with fliot and arrows. A ball entering the
tent of Khan Khanan, wounded fome perfons fitting near him, upon
which he retreated to a greater diftance.

Sultan Firoze Shaw, at length, calling his fon Houflun Khan
before him, obferved, that empire reflied on the attachment of the
nobility and army, and as they had moft:ly declared for his uncle,
he had better wind up the rolls of oppofition, which could only
occafion publick calamities, and fubmit to his power. After this
he ordered the gates of the palace to be thrown open, and admitted
Khan Khanan, with a number of his attendants. Khan Khanan ap-
proaching the bed of the fultan, bowed his head at his feet, when
Firoze Shaw exprefled pleafure at feeing him, faying, that he
praifed God for letting him behold his brother fovereign, of which
high dignity he was truly deferving ; that paternal afi^eition had
made him wifli his fon for his fuccefibr, but as he was difappointed,
he left his kingdom to God, and his fon to his care. He then
begged he would afiTume the throne, and take care of his perfon
for the little time he might remain his guefi:. Khan Khanan, the
fame day, put on the royal turban invented by his brother, and
mounting the throne Firozeh, filled himfelf Sultan Ahmed Shaw,
commanding coins to be ftruck, and the khootbah to be read in his
name. As fultan Firoze Shaw, ten days after this, refigned his

foul

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DFJCKAN. --

foul to the guardians of paradife, his body was depofited with
great funeral pomp and royal ceremony, near the tombs of his
anceftors. He reigned twenty five years, feven months, and fifteen
days. It is faid in fome books, that he was put to death through
policy, by his brother; but no good foundation appears for the
report.

SULTAN

q6 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

c

SULTAN
*AHMED SHAW WULLEE BHAMENEE.

oULTAN Ahmed Shaw underftood well the rules of civil policy
and military affairs. Copying his brother, he paid great refped to
the fyeds, learned men, and divines, omitting voluntarily nothing
for their benefit and encouragement. In the beginning of his reign,
on account of the predidlions made by him of his fuccefs, he fliower-
ed favours on the venerable fyed Mahummud Geefoo-derauz, and, as
the people generally follow the opinions of their king, the natives or
Dekkan chofe him for their guide in religious affairs ; fo that his
refidence became a place of pilgrimage to all fedls. The fultan with-
drew his attachment from the family of flaekh Serauje ad Dien, to the
holy fyed ; to whom he granted in perpetuity feveral towns, villages,
and exteniive lands near Koolburga, and built for him a mofl mag-
nificent college, not far from the city. " Though it has now paffed
from the family of Bhamenee to the fultans of Beejapore, yet moft of
the eflates, given by the former princes, are flill in polfeffion of the
fyed's defcendants. The people of Dekkan have fuch a refped for
the faint, that a Dekkanee, on being once queftioned by a humourifl:,
-fsvho was the greatefl perfonage, Mahummud or he, replied, with
feeming wonder at his query, that the prophet was undoubtedly a
great man, but fyed Mahummud Geefoo-derauz a far fuperior kind
of being.

Sultan

* The excellent fultan, friend of God.

' Feriflita wrote in the beginning of Jehaungeer, about the year 1607.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Sultan Ahmed Shaw, from the inftant he mounted the throne,
turned all his attention to ftrengthen his army, and obtain revenge
for the invafions of the roy of Beejanuggur in the laft reign. He ap-
pointed Khulf HoufTun vaqueel al fultunnut, with the rank of twelve
hundred ; and, as he was a merchant, conferred upon him the title of
' mallek al tijar. This title is flill given in Dekkan, where it is
elleemcd one of the mofl honourable. Houflun, admiring the fidelity
of the minifters of the late fultan, thought them worthy of confidence,
and interceded for them with the fultan, who, at his recommenda-
tion, honoured Hofliiar Ein al Moolk with the title of ameer al amra
and rank of fifteen hundred ; and giving the government of Dowlu-
tabad to Bedar Nizam al Moolk, exalted. him to the rank of two
thoufand. We are told, that the princes of Bhamenee confined the
highefl rank of nobility to two thoufand, in which were admitted
only four perfons, the terrufFdars, or governors of the four capital
divifions of the kingdom. From this, the ranks were continued
down as low as two hundred, but none of lefs rank were efteemed
noble. An ameer of a thoufand had the privilege of carrying in his
fuit the '^' toghe, " uUum, and drums, as inlignia of dignity.

The late fultan's fon, IIoufTun Khan, though legal heir to the
fovereignty of Dekkan, Ahmed Shaw, (contrary to the opinions of
his minifters, who advifed his being ftridtly confined or put to death,)
appointed an ameer of five hundred, and gave him the palace of
Firozeabad for his refidence, with an ample jaghire, and permifTion
to hunt or take his pleafure within eight miles round his palace,
without reftridion to time or form. As this prince was entirely ,
devoted to indolence and pleafure, he was more fatisfied with this
power of indulging his appetites, than with the charge of empire.

While

» Prince of merchants.

>> A ftafF with a head of this ( ^ form.

97

' A ftaff with a head in form of a hand. Each of tliefe are carried feparately on an
elephant ; alfo the drums.

93 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

While his uncle lived, he enjoyed his eafe, and no difference ever
happened between them ; but he was afterwards blinded and kept
confined to the palace of Firozeabad.

When Ahmed Shaw had, by his virtues, impfeffed the minds of
his people with affedlon to his government, he ftatiorred a ftrong
force on the frontiers of his dominions towards Guzarat, to preven-t
invafions from that quarter, and then marciied towards Carnatic with
forty thoufand horfe. Dewul Roy without delay colled:ed his
troops, and calling the roy of Warunkul to his affiftance, marched
with a moft numerous army, in the hope of extirpating the mulTul-
mauns, to the bank of the Tummedra, where he fixed his camp.

Sultan Ahmed Shaw being arrived on the oppofite bank, fur-
rounded his camp with carriages, after the ufage of " Room, to
prevent the enemy's foot from making night attacks, and halted for
forty days ; during which his detachments of horfe laid wafte all
the country of Dewul Roy on one fide the river. He endeavoured to
tempt the Hindoos to crofs and give him battle on the ground which
he regarded as advantageous, but in vain. At length, tired with
delay, the fultan fummoned a council of his nobility, and finding
them unanimous for croffing the river, then fordable, and attacking
the enemy on tlieir own ground, refolved on doing it the next
morning.

The roy of Warunkul deferted his ally, and withdrew to his own
country, with all his troops. Early in the morning} Lodi Khan,
Aulum Khan, and Dillawer Khan, who had marched during the
night and forded the river at a diftance, reached the environs of the
enemy's camp. It happened that the roy was fleeping, attended by
only a few perfons, in a garden, clofe to which was a thick plan-
tation

* Turkey in Europe.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

tation of fugar cane. A bodjr of the mufTulmauns entered the garden
for plunder, and Dewul Roy, being alarmed, fled almoft naked into
the fugar cane plantation. Here he was found by the foldiers, who
thought him only a common perfon, and having loaded him with a
bundle of canes, obliged him to run with it before them. Dewul
Roy, rejoiced at his being undifcovered, held his peace, and took up
the burden readily, hoping that he fliould be difcharged as a poor
perfon, or be able to make his efcape.

They had not gone far, when the alarm of fultan Ahmed Shaw's
having crofTed the river, and the lofs of the roy, filled the camp, and
the Hindoos began to difperfe. The fultan eijtered the camp, and
Dewul Roy's maflers, hoping now for more valuable plunder than
fugar cane, haftened to join their friends, leaving him to fliift for
himfelf. Dewul Roy ran with his own troops, and about noon came
up with fome of his nobles, by whom he was recognized and received
with great joy. His fafety being made known, his army rallied into
fome order; but, as he regarded the late accident as an ill omen, he
laid afide all thoughts of engaging in the field, and fled to Beejan-
uggur.

Ahmed Shaw not flopping to befiege the city, overran the open
country, and wherever he came, put to death men, women, and
children, without mercy, contrary to the compaft made by his
anceftor Mahuinmud Shaw with the roies of Beejanuggur. Laying
afide all humanity, whenever the number of flain amounted to twenty
thoufand, he halted three days, and made a fefliival in celebration of
the bloody work. He broke down the idol temples, and deftroyed
the colleges of the bramins. During thefe operations, a body of five
thoufand Hindoos, enraged to defperation at the deftrudlion of their
country and the infults to their gods, united in taking an oath to fa-
crifice their lives in attempting to kill the fultan, as the grand author

O of

99

lO.o FERIoHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

of all their fufferings. For this purpofe they employed fpies to obferve
his motions, that they might feize the firil opportunity of adion.

It happened, that the fultan going to hunt, in the eagernefs of chafe
feparated from the body of his attendants, and advanced near twelve
miles from his camp. The devoted infidels, informed of the circum-
flance, immediately haftened to intercept him, and arrived in fight
when even his perfonal attendants, about two hundred Moguls, were
at fome diftance from him. The fultan alarmed, galloped on in
hopes of gaining a fmall mud inclofure, which flood on the plain as
a fold for cattle ; but was fo hotly purfued, that fome broken ground
falling in his way, he was not able to crofs it before his purluers
came up. Luckily fome archers at this inftant arrived to his aid, fo
that the enemy were delayed fufficiently to give the fultan time to
reach the inclofure with his friends. The infidels attempted to enter,
and a fliarp conflidt took place ; all the faithful repeating the ^ creed
of teftimony, and fwearing to die, rather than fubmit. Syed Houffun
BuduckHii, Meer Ali Syeftaanee, Meer Ali Cabulee, and AbdooUa
Khoord, in this fight did fuch fervices, as procured them the fultan's
lading praifes and gratitude. Their little troop being moftly killed and
wounded, the affailants advanced clofe to the wall, which they began
to throw down with pickaxes and hatchets, fo that the fultan was
reduced to the extremity of dillrefs. At this critical juncture arrived
Abd al Kadir, firft armourbearer to the fultan, and a body of trbops,
with whom, fearful of fome accident having happened to occafion
his abfence, he had left the camp in fearch of his mafter. The in-
fidels had completed a wide breach, and were preparing to enter,
when they found their rear fuddenly attacked. The fultan with his
remaining friends joined Abd al Kadir in attacking the enemy, who
after a long ftruggle were driven off the field, with the lofs of a thou-
fand men, and about five hundred of the mufihlmauns obtained martyr-
dom. Thus the fultan, by the almofl infpired caution of Abd al Kadir,

acceded,

» There is no god but God, and Mahummud Is his Prophet.

" FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ,0,

acceded, as it were a fecond'tlme, from the depths of danger to the
enjoyment of empire. It deferves place among the records of time,
as a remarkable event, that two fovereigns at the head of armies,
fliould fall into fuch danger for want of numbers, and both efcape
uninjured. Sultan Ahmed Shaw, the fame day, raifed Abd al Kadir
to the rank of two thoufand, the government of Berar, and title of
Khan Jehaun ; to which he added the appellations of Life-befl;owing
Brother, and Faithful Friend. Abd al Lutteef, his brother, was
raifed to the fame rank, with the title of Azim Khan. All who had
any fhare in the fultan's deliverance were amply rewarded with titles,
bounties and commands. As the Mogul archers had been of great
ufe, he gave orders to Mallek al Tijaar to form a body of three thou-
fand, compofed of the natives of ' Eerauk, Khorallan, Maweralnere,.
Turky, and Arabia, and commanded all his officers to pradife them-
felves, children, and dependants, at £hootin^ with tlxe arrow.

After this event, Ahmed Shaw, having laid wafte the whole
country, marched to Beejanuggur, which he kept fo clofely blocked
up, that the inhabitants were reduced to the greateft diilrefs ; when*
Dewul Roy, to fpare his people, fent ambaffadors to the fultan cn-
treatLng peace j to which he confented, on condition that he would
fend the tribute of as many years as he had negledled to pay, laden
on his beft elephants, and conduced by his fon, with his drums,
trumpets, and all other infignia of ftate, to his camp. Dewul Roy,
unable to refufe compliance, agreed to the demands, and fent his fon
with thirty favourite elephants, loaded with treafure and valuable
efFedls. The fultan fent fome noblemen to meet him, and, after
being led in ceremony through the market and great ftreets of the
camp, he was brought to the prefence. The fultan, after embracing,
permitted him to fit at the foot of his throne; and putting on his
llioulders a niagnificent robe, and girding him with a labre fet with
jewels, gave him twenty beautiful horfes of various countries, a male

O 2 elephant,

» Provinces of Syria, Perfia, and Tartary.

102 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN".

elephant, dogs for the chafe, and th'fee hawks, which the Car-
natickehs were till then ftrangers to the ufe of. He then marched
from the environs of Beejanuggur, and on his arrival on the bank of
the Kiflnah, dilhiiffed the roy's fon, and returned to Koolburga.

This year, no rain falling, a grievous famine raged through all
Dekkan, and multitudes of cattle died on the parched plains, for
want of water. The fultan enlarged the pay of his troops, and
opened all the royal flores of grain for the eafe of the poor j but the
next year alfo no rain appearing, the people became feditious, com-
plaining, that the 'fultan's reign was unlucky, and diipleafing to
God. The fultan was much afflicfled, and repaired to pray for the
divine compaffion on his fubjedls. His prayers were heard, and a
plentiful fhower fell almoft immediately. Thofe who had abufed
him, now became loud in his praife, calling him "" Wulleh, and
■ worker of miracles. The fultan returned with joy and thankfgiving
to his palace, amid the acclamations of his people, who now blamed
their own raflinefs of opinion.

A.D. 1421; In the year 828, the fultan, to be revenged of the roy of Warun-

kul for joining the roy of Beejanuggur, marched to fubdue his
• country, and all Telingana. On his arrival at Golconda, he fent an
army before him under Khan Azim, and made a halt with the main
body for twenty leven days. During this time he received accounts
that Khan Azim, notwithftanding his fmall force, had defeated the
enemy, killed feven thoufand men, and obtained poflelTion of War-

unkul

» Among other fuperftitions, the natives of Hindooftan regard the failure of the
ufual rains, as a mark of divine difpleafure to their Sovereigns ; and in times of
drouglit, it is ufual for the emperor, or governors of towns and diftriiSts, to go out,
attended by eminent religious and the people, to pray for rain. They generally chufe
a time when the clouds hang heavy, and promife the accomplilhment of their petitions,
I have heard marvellous ftories from the natives, of the fudden effect of tliefe folemn
prayers.

•> Friend of God.

lO'

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKfCAN".

iinkul, the roy being flain in the adlion. The faltan moved to
Warunkul, and took pofleflion of the buried treafures of ages, which
had till now been preferved from plunder, and accumulated yearly by
the oeconomy of the roies. He conferred on Khan Azim ten large
and ten fmall elephants, a girdle fet with jewels, four firings of fine
pearls, and a large fum of money ; after which he detached him to
reduce the other towns of TeUngana -, which having eifedled in the
fpace of four months, he returned to the fultan at Warunkul.
He was now ordered to reduce fome flrong ports in pofTeiTion of the
deceafed roy's heirs, while Ahmed Shaw returned to Koolburga.

In the year 829, Ahmed Shaw marched to reduce a rebellious A. 0.1425.
zemindar, who had feized the fort of Mahoor from the royal garri-
fon. The rebel was foon reduced, but the fultan, who had afTured
him of pardon on fubmiflion, put him to death as foon as he fell
into his hands, with five or fix thoufand of his followers, as examples
to deter others from rebellion. The fultan pofTefled himfelf of a
diamond mine in Gohndwareh, where he railed many temples of
idols, and eredling mofques on their fites, appropriated to each fome
trad:s of land, to maintain dirveflies and fupply lamps and oil for
divine fervice. He halted near a year at Elichpore, founded
Kaween, repaired the fortrefs of Pernalleh, and then returned to his
capital Koolburga.

As fultan Hofhung Shaw of Malwa dreaded the neighbourhood of
Ahmed Shaw, he made propolals to his tributary, Nerfing Roy of
Kurleh, to enter into alliance againll the hoilfe of Bhamenee ; and
the roy retlifing to accede to his demands, Hofhung Shaw twice in-
vaded his country, bat was expelled both times with difgraceful
lofTes. He however made a third attempt, fo unexpectedly, that
Nerfing could not gain time to coika: his troops, and was obliged
to retire to his fortrefs. In the year 830, Nerfing petitioned Ahmed . ^
Shaw for affillance, obferving, that from the day of his having fub- '"^

mitted

1.04 FERISHTA':: HISTORY OF DEKFCAN.

m'ltted to become tributary to Firoze SKaw, he had never wandered
from the path of obedience ; that he was efteemed by all the fur-
rounding fhates as a tributary to his houfe, whom to delay fupporting,
in the days of misfortune, would be ungenerous.

Ahmed Shaw immediately ordered Khan Jehaun, governor of
Berar, to march to the fuccour of Nerfing ; and moved himfelf,
with feven thoufand horfe, to Elichpore, to be ready, if neceifary,
to fupport him. Hofhung Shaw, judging the fultan's not being
with the army to proceed from fear, advanced to Kurleh, plundered
the country round, and opened the tongue of fidicule on the ina<3:i-
"vity of Ahmed Shaw ; which being informed of, he marched rapidly
to relieve Kurleh.

At this time fome venerable divines reprefented to the fultan,
that none of his anceftors had ever affifled infidels againft mufful-
mauns, that it was againft the laws of the faith, and fliould be
avoided, as indelible difgrace. The fultan, then within forty miles
of the enemy's camp, was ftruck with the remonftrance, and im-
mediately flopped his march; writing to Hofhung Shaw, that,
as Nerfing was one of his dependants, it would promote friendfhipto
defift from attacking him, and return to his own country ; that he
himfelf was, at the remonflrances of the divines, going back im-
mediately to his capital.

Ahmed Shaw begun his retreat before the mefTenger had arrived
in the enemy's camp. 'Hofhung Shaw was filled with rage and con-
tempt at the meffage ; and knowing his own army fuperior to the
fultan's, as he had only fifteen thoufand horfe, by double his num-
bers, refolved to purfue him ; which he did with fuch rapidity, as
always to encamp on the ground his enemy had left in the morning,
committing great depredations on his route.

Ahmed

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAX.

Ahmed Shaw, flung at this affront, aflembled his divines, telling
them, that he thought he had already fufHciently fliewn his regard
for the laws of the faith, by fufiiiring difhonour to his arms. IJe
then ordered his baggage to go on before, and halted his army in
difpofition of battle ; giving the command of his right wing to Khan
Jehaun, the left to Abdoolia Khan, grandfon of ' Ifmael Mukh, and
committing the royal umbrella to his fon, the prince Alia ad Diten,
polled him in the center. He then, with two thoufand chofen horfe
and twelve war elephants, retired to a fpot he had fixed upon as an
ambufh for the enemy.

Hofliung Shaw, who had not yet been oppofed, expecled the
Dekkanees were flill flying before him, and advanced without any
regard to the order of his army. When he came up with them, he
had not time to make a difpoiition -, but feeing no remedy for his
neglecl, but valour, charged in a confufed manner with feventeen
thoufand men. When the lines were engaging, fultan Ahmed Shaw
rufhed from his ambufli, with his elephants and two thoufand men,
on the rear of the army of Malwa ; which, confounded between two
attacks, was panic ftruck, and fled with precipitation. The Dek--
kanees purfued them, and killed above two thoufand men, took all
their baggage and two hundred elephants, with the women and all
the haram of Hofhung Shaw. Nerfing, hearing of the defeat of the
Malwes, quitted his fortrefs, and intercepted them in their pafTage
through his country, killing great numbers. Sultan Ahmed Shaw
lamented this misfortune, and having conferred magnificent prefents
on the women and children of Hofhung Shaw, fent them to Malwa,
efcorted by fome perfons of rank and confidential eunuchs, without
demanding any ranfom. Nerfing came to pay his refpedls to the
fultan, accompanied by his fons ; and having prevailed upon him to

vifxt

* For a Ihort time fultan Nafir ad Dien, as related in the account of the firit
Bhamenee fovereign.

105

I06 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

• vifit Kurleh, entertained him with princely fplendour, making rich
offerings, among which were many valuable diamonds, rubies, and
pearls. He conduced the fultan back as far as Mulhoora, from
whence he received leave to return home, after having been favoured
with honorary drefles, and other marks of the fultan's approbation.

It is written in the hiftory of Malvva, that another battle hap-
pened between the two fultans, on account of Nerfing's caUing
Hofliung Shaw to his afTiltance, when Ahmed Shaw befieged
Kurleh : but as the writers of Dekkan do not record it, God only
knows the truth. The fultan, in his march from this war, on his
arrival at Bieder took the amufement of hunting ; and coming to a
moft beautiful fpot, finely watered, refolved to build upon it a city
to be called after his own name, Ahmedabad. A citadel of great
extent and ftrength was eredled on the very fite of Bieder, the an-
cient capital of the princes of the country, who, according to the
Hindoo books, five thoufand years back pollefTed the whole extent
of Meerhut,. Carnatic, and Telingana. Raja Bheem-Sein was one
of the mofl celebrated of this houfe ; and the hiftory of the loves of
his daughter and Raja Nul, king of Malwa, are famous through all
Hindooftan. Their ftory was tranflated from the Hindoo language
by fliekh Fiezee, under the title of Nul and Dummun, into perfian
verfe, at the command of the emperor Akber.

Sultan Ahmed Shaw, willing to flrengthen his family by alliance,
afked the daughter of Nufleer Khan, prince of Khandeflie, who
prided himfelf on his defcent from ' Omar Farook, in marriage for
his fon fultan Alia ad Dien. NufTeer Khan, who dreaded the king
of Guzarat, regarded the offer of this alliance as fortunate, and,
readily confenting to the marriage, fent his daughter in great pomp
with ambaffadors to Ahmedabad Bieder, and fultan Ahmed Shaw

prepared

« One of the friends of Mahummud, and third caliph.

FERTSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

prepared a palace without thb city for her refiidence, till preparations
were iiniftied for her entry. The nuptials were then ccltbrated with
great rejoicings and magnificent feiHvals, which lafted for two months.

The fultan now thought proper to make a divifion of his terri-
tories among his children. Pamgeer, Mahoor, and Koollum, with
part of Berar, were allotted to Mhamood Khan, whom he difpatched
to take pofleflion. To Daood Khan he gave royal infignia, and fent
him with a number of the nobility to eflablifli himfcif in Telin^ana.
Alia ad Dien he appointed to fucceed him in the throne, and his
youngefl fon, Mahummud, to be his colleague in power. He took
the oaths of his fubjeds to oblerve this arrangement, thinking by
them to fecure what was impodlble could ever ftand. Mallek al
Tijar was raifed to the rank of two thoufand, and appointed gover-
nor of Dowlutabad.

In the latter end of the year 833, the fultan ordered Mallek al
Tijar to march into the country of" Kokun, extending along the
coaft of the Indian ocean, and to clear it of rebels and difturbers.
Mallek al Tijar in a fhort time executed his inftrudtions fo fully,
that he delivered the whole country from confufion, and fent feveral
elephants and camels loaded with gold and lilver, the fruits of his
conquefts, to court. Ahmed Shaw, in reward of his fervices, con-
ferred upon him a fuit of his own robes, a fword fet with jewels, and
other gifts, with which, before this, na fervants of the houfe of
Bhamenee had ever been diftinguiflied.

Mallek al Tijar, from his excefs of zeal for the fultan's glory,
reduced the ifland of'Mahaim, belonging to the kings of Guzarat;

P upon

' At prefent in the hands of Tippoo and the Mharattas principally. I apprehend
the term to be applied here to the whole extent of what we call the coaft of Malabar
below the paffes.

■■ I apprehend Bombay, which the Indians call Mahaioibee. Malie is too far

fouth

ro7

Io8 FERISHTA's HISTOHY OF DEKKAN.

upon which, fultan Ahmed Shaw Guzafatee fent his {on Zuffir Khan,
with an army, to retake it. Upon this, the fukan of Dekkan aHo
difpatched his fon Alia ad Dien to reinforce Mallek al Tijar. Both
armies remained fome time encamped in fight of each other, on op-
pofite banks of an inlet of the fea, without either havingthe boldnels
to attack. At length, prince Alia ad Dien, being affefted greatly in
his health by the unwholefome air and water of the country, removed
fome days' journey, for a change of air. Zuffir Khan, during his ab-
fence, attacked Mallek al Tijar, and after a very defperate conflid:
of the two armies, the brother of the Dekkan general was taken
prifoner, and two chief officers killed. The army of Dekkan re-
ceived a total defeat -, and eifedis innumerable, with tents, elephants,
and horfes, fell into the hands of the. Guzaratees. In the » Tarekh
Mhamood Shawee it is written, that fultan Alia ad Dien was in this
adtion, and difplayed proofs of heroic bravery j but, as vidory de-
pends not folely on human exertions, he, with Mallek al Tijar, was
obliged to fly with precipitation.

Sultan Ahmed Shaw, in a fliort time after the defeat, having
recruited his army, marched towards Guzarat ; and fultan Ahmed
Shaw Guzaratee haftened with his forces to meet him. The Dek-
kanees laid fiege to the fortrefs of Tunbole ; but the fultan, on hear-
ing of the enemy's march towards him, raifed the fiege, and moved
to oppofe him. Both armies lay near each other for fome time
inad:ive ; till at length the divines and learned men on both fides
extinguiftied the flames of mutual enmity between the kings,
by the pure waters of admonition, and it was agreed, that each
fliould rell fatisfied with the diflirids and forts in his pofleifion, nor
in future covet the territories of the other.

The

fouth on the coaft of Malabar, for us to fuppofe it ever in the hands of the Guzarat
fiiltans.

» A hiftory of Guzarat.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ,00

The author of the ' Tarekh Alfee relates, that in the year 835 A.D. 1431. .
the lultan, hearing that Mahummud Khan, fon of the fultan of
Guzarat, was employed on a diftant expedition to Nudderbar,
marched againft him ; upon which Ahmed Shaw Guzaratee haftened
to affifl: his fon ; but the Dekkanees, on his approach, retreating
four ftages, he returned towards his capital, and encamped on the
banks of the Taptee. Here he learned that the Dekkanees had
returned and laid fiege to Tunbole ; upon which he moved againft
them, and an engagement enfued, which lafted from morning till
night, without decifion in the favour of either army j but both the
fultans in the night retreated to their own country, without propofals
of peace or any agreement. Some other hiflorians relate the particu-
lars of the fiege of Tunbole ; but, as copying them would occafion
prolixity, I pals them over.

In this year was . finiflied the citadel of *" Ahmednuggur, built
with flone, for which the fultan ordered publick rejoicings. He
put to death his fifter's fon. Sheer Khan, whofe life he regarded as
prejudicial to the interefls of his own children. In the year 837, A.D. 1433.
Hofhung Shaw, taking opportunity of the difagreements between
Guzarat and Dekkan, invaded the country of Nerfing, whom he
killed in battle, and the fort of Kurleh with its dependancies came
into his poffeffion.

Sultan Ahmed Shaw, upon receiving intelligence of this lofs,
marched towards the Malwa army ; but Nuffeer Khan, prince of
Khandefhe, interfering, by his mediation the two fultans were pre-
vented from coming to adlion ; and, after much negotiation, it was
agreed, that the fort of Kurleh fhould belong to Hofhung Shaw,

P 2 and

* A general hiftory, written at the command of Akber, comprifing the events of one
thoufand years from the Mahummedan aera.

" Called Ahmedabad, to dlftinguifh it from another Ahmednuggur, founded long,
afterwards by the Nizam Shawee fovereign*

no FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

and all the province of Berar to Ahmed Shaw. A treaty was con-
cluded, and obfervance of it fworn to in a folemn manner, by the
two fultans, who afterwards returned to their feveral capitals. Not
long after, the fultan marched into Telingana, to quell a rebellion
of feme powerful zemindars againll his fon Daood Khan, and in a
fliort time reduced them to obedience. After a reign of twelve years
and two months, fultan Ahmed Shaw died on the eighth of Rejib,
A. 0.1434. 838. He was eminent for his juftice and regard to religion.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ,,i

SULTAN
ALLA AD DIEN 2^- BHAMENEE.

OULTAN Alia ad Dien afcended the throne at Ahmedabad Bleder,
agreeably to the will of his father. He did not negled his brother
Mahummud Khan, but allowed him elephants, horfes and confider-
able eflates. Dillawer Khan, one of the firft amras of the court, he
appointed vaqueel al fultunnut, and Khajeh Jehaun Afterabadee
vizier. Ummad al Moolk Ghoree, an ancient nobleman, who, after
performing great fervices to the royal family, had retired from bufi-
nefs, he prevailed upon to accept the office of ameer al amraj and
difpatched him, together with his brother Mahummud Khan and
Khajeh Jehaun, with a very powerful army, againil the infidels of
Beejanuggur, the roy of which had withheld his tribute for five years,
and refufed to pay the arrears. They laid wafte the country in fuch
a manner, that the roy in a fhort time was glad to procure peace, by
giving twenty elephants, a great fum of money, and two hundred
female flaves {killed in mufic and dancing, befides a valuable prefent
to Mahummud Khan.

On the return of the army near Mudkul, fome of the difcontented
Dekkan nobility, reprefented to Mahummud Khan, that as his father
had left him partner in the empire, it was but j aft that fultan Alia ad
Dien fliould either admit him to lit with him on the throne, and have
a joait direction of ftate affairs, or make a divifion of the territories
between them j but, as he fliowed no inclination to perform either,

the

112 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

the prince had a right to do himfelf jtrflice, and by force of arms
poffefs himfelf of half the kingdom. Mahummud Khan, led by their
arts, ufed much perfuafion to draw Khajeh Jehaun over to his defigns,
as alfo Ummad al Moolk Ghoree j but both ftrenuoufly refufing,
and fetting before him the criminality of his intentions with a noble
freedom, he put them to death. After this, being aihfled by a con-
fiderable army from the roy of Beejanuggur, he took Mudkul,
Roijore, Sholapore, Beejapore, and Nuidirruk, from the fultan's
governors.

Sultan Alia ad Dien was much affeded at the death of Ummad
al Moolk Ghoree, faying, that he had performed invaluable fervices
to his anceflors, was dear to him as his father, and that no advan-
tages could accrue to the murderer of fo worthy and diftinguflied a
perfonage. He then opened the doors of his treafury, and, having
colled:ed an army, marched from the capital to engage the rebels.
Upon meeting, fuch a fevere conflid: was fuftained by the brothers,
that even the * warrior of the fky relented at the numbers of the flain;
but the gale of vidory at laft waved the ftandards of fultan Alia ad
Dien, mofl: of the amras who had been the fomenters of the rebel-
lion were taken prifoners in the adion, and Mahummud Khan fled,
with a few attendants, to the hills and woods for flicker. The fultan
returned to the city of Ahmedabad Bieder, and, foon after, paffing
over the crimes of the guilty amras, releafed them from their chains.
He, by his afTurances of pardon and fafety, prevailed upon his bro-
ther to deliver himfelf up, and on his arrival treated him with aff"ec-
tion and encouragement; not long after conferring upon him the
fortrefs and territory of Roijore, vacant by the death of his brother
Daood Shaw, governor of Telingana. Mahummud Khan lived long
in the undifturbed poffeflion of his countries, fpending his time in a
round of pleafures.

* The planet Mars,

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. j , -

On the firft day of the year 840, fultan Alia ad Dien conferred A.D. 1436.
robes of honour on Dillawer Khan, and difpatched him to reduce the
country of * Kokun, inhabited by a ftubborn and hardy race of men.
The rajas of Amede and Sungcer being foon humbled, agreed to pay
regular tributes ; and Dillawer Khan having taken the beautiful
daughter of the latter for the fijltan, returned with her and fome
years' arrear of tribute to the capital. The fultan, at firft, was
pleafed at his fervices, and charmed with the raja's daughter, who
was without her equal in beauty, difpofition, and knowledge of mufic.
He gave her the title of " Pericherah, and the fame of their loves
became noifed abroad. At length, finding that Dillawer Khan had
received bribes from the rajas of Kokun, and not done his utmoll: to
reduce their fortreffes, he became cool to the minifter ; who feeing his
difguft, refigned, of his own accord, the ring of the vaqueelut, and
by fo doing faved himfelf from danger. This important dignity was
then conferred on the eunuch Duftur al Moolk, but all ranks of peo-
ple foon became dlfgufted at his tyrannical behaviour ; which though
daily reprefented to the fultan, made no impreffion on his mind, as
he regarded the complaints againft the minifter as proceeding from
envy and the felf-interefl of fadlion ; on which account he fhewed
him every day more countenance and favour. At length, Humaioon
Shaw, the fultan's fon, defiring the eunuch to grant fome petition he
had recommended, he replied, he could not immediately, but in a
day or two would take it under his confideration. At the expiration
of two or three days the prince fent him a meflage, obferving, that
the bufinefs was ftill unfiniihed, and defiring that he would conclude
it without delay. To this the minifter infolently returned for anfwer,
that the cafe did not come under his department, and that it was
unbecoming in the prince to interfere.

The prince, naturally violent in his temper, loft all patience at
this affront ; and calling to him in privacy one of his arms-bearers,

ordered

* Written by moft Europeans, Concsn.

* Angel-faced.

11^ FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKK AN.

ordered him to alTaffinate the eunuch, alid promifed to protedt him
from all danger of the confequences. The fillehdar, who had fuffered
from the minifter's tyranny, accepted the commiffion ; and accord-
ingly, the fame day, as he was coming from the court, having
approached him as if to prefent a petition, fuddenly drew a dagger,
and llabbed him to the heart. The prince's guards, who had waited
the event, by the inftrudlions of their mailer favoured his efcapc
among them j and a fcuffle arofe between them and the minifter's
attendants, who purfued the ailaffin. The noife reached the fultan's
apartments, and Humaioon Shaw went out as if to enquire the caufe
of the difturbance. Upon his return, he told the fultan that a filleh-
dar of long fervice, and much claim to the royal favour, having
been contemptuoufly treated by Duftoor al Moolk, and now partic-
larly with abufive language, being inflamed with paflion, had ftab-
bed him, and was feized by the troops, who waited orders concerning
his difpofal. The fultan, who in the firfl part of his reign would not
pafs fentence of death on any one, and alfo, from his fon's manner,
guefling the truth, only ordered the murderer to be confined, and
immediately conferred the vacant dignity upon Meamun OoUah
Dekkanee, one of the learned of the time of Firoze Shaw, who pof-
fefled great qualities and virtues.

A. D. 1437, -'^'^ ^^^ y^^'" ^4^^) Mallekeh Jehaun, wife to the fultan, and daugh-.

terof NuiTeer Khan, prince of Khandefhe, jealous of her hufband's
preference of Pericherah, and his coldnefs to herfelf, wrote com-
plaining letters to her father. NufTeer Khan was enraged at fultan
Alia ad Dien, and, by the approbation of Ahmed Shaw of Guzarat,
planned the conqueft of Berar. He wrote privately to the nobility
of that province, offering great rewards if they would join his
flandard, and with fo much fuccefs, that they became unanimous in
their refolve of fupporting his pretenfions -, obferving, that as he was
defcended from the great Omar, if they fell in battle fighting againft
his enemies, they fhould be honoured as martyrs. They accordingly

fent

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

fent him aflurances of loyalty and attachment, with an invitation to
take pofleffion of the province ; upon which Nuffeer Khan entered
Berar, with all the troops of Khandefhe, and a confiderable force
was fent to his aid by the raja of Gohndwareh. The treacherous
nobles confpired to confine Khan Jehaun, their governor, who was
firmly attached to the houfe of Bhamenee, and join the invaders ;
but Khan Jehaun, being luckily informed of their defigns in time
for his efcape, fled to tlae fortrefs of Pernalleh, where he ihut him-
felf up, and wrote accounts of the ftate of affairs to court. The
traitors having joined Nuffeer Khan, read the Khootbah in his name,
as fultan of Berar, and marched with him to befiege Pernalleh,

Sultan Alia ad Dien, on receiving this intelligence, fummoned
the minifters and nobility at the capital to confult on meafures to be
taken in fuch a critical juncture of affairs. The Dekkan lords re-
commended, that the fultan ihould march in perfon againff the
enemy, as it was probable the fultans of Guzarat and Malwa, alfo
the roies of Gohndwareh, would join in affiffing Nuffeer Khan. The
fultan, thinking he perceived difaffed:ion to his perfon in this advice,
appointed Mallek al Tijar, governor of Dowlutabad, to conduct the
war.

Mallek al Tijar having accepted the commiffion, obferved, that
fervants could have no rule but fubmiffion and refignation of life at
command of their maflers ; but remarked, that it was well known
the defeat at Mahaim was occafioned entirely by the enmity of the
Dekkanee and Abyffinian amras, who could not bear to fee a
' foreigner diilinguifli himfelf in the fervice of the fultan; that if his

Q^ majeffy,

» As this word will frequently occur in the following pages, it may be proper to men-
tion, that the author means by the term foreigner, Turks, Perfians, or Arabians,
newly fettled in Dekkan, and their defcendants of one or two generations.

As

115

1 6 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

majefty, from that confideration, would ■ give him the command of
the body guards, and all the foreigners, without any Dekkanee or
Abyflinian officers, he hoped that, by the bleffing of the Almighty,
and the royal aufpices, he fhould be able to bring affairs in Berar to
a profperous iffue.

Sultan Alia ad Dien confenting to his propofals, appointed three
thoufand Mogul archers from the body guards to attend him;
as alfo many Mogul amras, who had been bred up under Firoze
Shaw and Ahmed Shaw. Among them were two princes, Mujnou
Sultan and Shaw Koolli Sultan, lineal defcendants from the great
conqueror ' Chungeez Khan.

Mallek al Tijar proceeded firfl to Dowlutabad, from whence he
difpatched a force to guard the frontiers towards Guzarat and Malwa.
He. then entered Berar with a well fupplied army of feven thoufand
veteran Moguls ; and Khan Jehaun having found opportunity to quit
Pernalleh, came to meet him at Mhaker. Mallek al Tijar dif-
patched Khan Jehaun with his troops to Elichpore, in order to pre-
vent the roy of Gohndwareh from entering that way to the afliftance
of Nufleer Khan, and then moved with the main army towards the

diftridl

As the Abyffinians appear, from this hiftory, to have had great power in Dckkan, it
js neceflary to relate, that formerly great numbers of flaves were brought by Arabian
merchants from the coaft of Abyffinia, and fold throughout India to the fultans and
principal chiefs, who employed them frequently in high offices, when they again pur-
chafed their countrymen offered for flaves ; by which means, colonies (if they may be
fo called) of them were eftablirtied in many parts of Hindooftan, but particularly on the
two coafts of the peninfula and in Bengal, where a few Abyffinians, at one period,
aflumed royalty. Mr. Bruce, in his travels, mentions this trade from Abyflinia, but
feems to think eunuchs only were fold from thence. Many were, but numbers alfo in

a perfedl flate.

* Called by fome European writers, Zingis, and Jengeeze Khan. He was emperor
of Tartary, alfo anceftor of Timur and the Great Moguls. All the continent of Afia,
Turkey in Europe, and part of Ruffia, were conquered by him ; from whom ate alfo
defcended the prefent royal family of China.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

diflridt of Rohker, in whioh the enemy was encamped. At the pafs
of Rohker, he was oppofed by a detachment of the Khandeftiees,
whom he routed with great flaughter j and Nuffeer Khan, thinking
this defeat an ill omen, retreated with precipitation from Rohker to
Boorahanpore, to which he was purfued by Mallek al Tijar, and,
not thinking himfelf fafe at the capital, he fled to the fortrefs of
Telung.

Mallek al Tijar having levied heavy contributions from the
citizens of Boorahanpore in jewels, money, and effects, proceeded to
lay wafle the province of Khandefhe ; which having done to the
extent of his wiihes, he returned to Boorahanpore, burned down the
royal palace, dug up the foundations, and then marched as if
towards Dekkan. During the night he changed his route, and by
a forced march arrived fuddenly before Telung, with four thou-
fand horfe. Nuffeer Khan, who had with him twelve thoufand,
thinking he mull have the advantage of an enemy fo inferior in
number and exhaufted with fatigue, marched out to give battle.
The Khandefhees, however, were totally defeated ; many principal
chiefs of Nuffeer Khan and the rebellious amras of Berar were killed.
Mallek al Tijar, with a great plunder, among which were feventy
elephants and fome artillery, returned in triumph towards Ahmed-
abad Bieder.

Sultan Alia ad Dien, in honour to his merits, fent the prince
Humaioon, attended by all the court, to meet him at a diftance from
the city ; where, upon his arrival, he gave him a fuit of the royal
robes, elephants, and fabres fet with jewels, with permiffion to go
to his government of Dowlutabad ; and all the chiefs who had ac-
companied him were gratified with titles, promotion, and grants ot
lands. To Shaw KooUi Sultan, who had particularly diftinguifhed
himfelf, he gave his daughter in marriage, and ordered that the
Moguls fhould take place of the Dekkanees and Abyflinians. From

0^2 the

117

ji8 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKK AN.

the day of this diflind:ion, till the prefent time, the moft rooted
hatred has been kept up between the Dekkanees and Moguls j which
the former have gratified, on feveral occafions, by cruelties on the
latter, whenever they had opportunity.

About this time, Deo Roy of Beejanuggur called a general coun-
cil of his nobility and principal bramins,' obferving to them, that as
his country of Carnatic, in extent, population, and revenue, far
exceeded the territories of the houfe of Bhamenee ; and in like man-
ner, his army was far more numerous, he wifhed therefore to explore
thecaufe of the muffulmauns' faccefles, and his being reduced to pay
them tribute. Some faid, that the Almighty had decreed a ^ fuperi-
ority of the muffulmauns over the Hindoos for thirty thoufand years
or more yet to come, which was plainly foretold in their fcriptures ;
that, therefore, the Hindoos were generally fubdued by them.
Others faid, that the fuperiority of the muffulmauns arofe from two
circumffances : one, all their horfes being ftrong, and able to bear
more fatigue than the weak, lean animals of Carnatic ; the other, a
great body of excellent archers always kept up by the fultans of
the houfe of Bhamenee, of whom the roy had but few in his army.

Deo Roy, upon this, gave orders for the entertainment of mufful-
mauns in his fervice, allotted them jaghires, eredled a mofque for
their ufe in the city of Beejanuggur, and commanded that no one
fhould moleft them in the exercife of their religion. He alfo ordered
a koraun to be placed before his throne, on a rich defk, that the
muffulmauns might perform the ceremony of obeifance in his pre-
fence, without finning againfl; their laws. He alfo made all the
Hindoo foldiers learn the difcipline of the bow ; in which he and his
officers ufed fuch exertions, that he had at length two thoufand

muffulmauns,

^ At prefent this prophecy feems to be fufpended; the Hindoo Mharattas having the
emperor cf the Mahummedans, and many of his provinces, under their government.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. I,^

muflulmauns, and fixty thoufand Hindoos, well fkilled in archery,
belides eighty thoufand horfc and two hundred thoufand foot, armed
in the ufual manner, with pikes and lances.

With this hoft he refolved on conquering the Bhamence princes ;
and, accordingly, in the year 847, crofled the Tummedra fuddenly, A. D. 1443.
took the fortrefs of Mudkul, fent his fons to befiege Roijore and
Beekapore, encamped himfelf along the bank of the Killnah, and
fent out detachments, who plundered the country as far as Saugher
and Beejapore, laying wafte by fire and the fword.

Sultan Alia ad Dien, upon intelligence of this invafion, prepared
to repel it, and commanded all his forces from Telingana, Dowluta-
bad, and Berar, to repair to the capital of Ahmedabad without delay.
Upon their arrival he reviewed the whole, and found his army com-
pofed of fifty thoufand horfe, fixty thoufand foot, and a confiderable
train of artillery. With this force he began his march againlt the
enemy j and Deo Roy, upon his approach, fliifted his ground, and
encamped under the walls of the fortrefs of Mudkul, detaching a
large body to harafs the fultan.

The fultan halted at the diftance of twelve miles from Mudkul,
and difpatched Mallek al Tijar, with the troops of Dowlutabad,
againfi: the fons of Deo Roy ; alfo. Khan Zummaun, governor of
Beejapore, and Khan Azim, commander of the forces of Berar and
Telingana, againft the main body of the enemy. Mallek al Tijar,
going firfi: to Roijore, gave battle to the eldeft fon of Deo Roy, who
was wounded in the aftion, and fled towards Beekapore, from
whence he was joined by his younger brother, who quitted the fiege
of that fortrefs.

In the fpace of two months, three ad:ions happened near Mudkul
between the two grand armies ; in the firfl of which multitudes were

flain

120 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

llain on both fides, and the Hindoos having the advantage, the
mulTulmauns experienced great difficulties. The fultan was fuccefs-
ful in the others ; and, in the laft, the eldeft fon of Deo Roy was
killed by a fpear thrown at him by Khan Zummaun, which event
Itruck the Hindoos with a panic, and they fled with the greateft
precipitation into the fortrefs of Mudkul. Mujeer al Moolk and his
brother, officers of note, following the fugitives, in the ardour
of purfuit entered the fort with them, and the infidels, admiring their
valour, took them both prifoners without injury, and carried them
before Deo Roy, who ordered them to be kept in confinement.
Sultan Alia ad Dien, upon this, wrote to him, that the two chiefs
were regarded by him as of equal importance to two hundred thoufand
common men; therefore, as it was a rule with the princes of his fa-
mily to kill a hundred thoufand Hindoos in revenge for the death of
a fingle muffulmaun, fliould he take away their lives, till he had
reveno^ed the death of each, by the flaughter of an hundred thoufand
Hindoos, he would not leave the country.

Deo Roy, who knew by experience the refolution of the princes
of this houfe, difpatchedto the fultan confidential perfons, propofing,
that if he would promife not to moleft his territories in future, he
would bind himfelfto pay annually the flipulated tribute, return the
two prifoners, and never again withdraw his feet from the circle of
obedience. The fultan acceded to his requeft, a treaty was executed,
and Deo Roy immediately fent back Mujeer al Moolk and his bro-
ther, alfo an ofl'ering of forty war elephants, and valuable effedts to a
great amount, with the tribute due for fome years pall. The fultan
then honoured the roy with a rich drefs, and horfes in furniture fet
with jewels ; after which he began his return home ; and, during
the reft of his reign, Deo Roy regularly remitted his tribute, while
the fultan alfo flridly obferved his part of the treaty.

In

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. I2l

In the firft part of his> reign, fultan Alia ad Dien eredcd at
Ahmedabad Biedar an irrfirmary, to fupport the expenfes of which
he granted confiderable tradls of land, and eftablifhed in it both
muflblmaun and Hindoo phyficians. To every part of his do-
minions he fent " cenfors and juft judges ; and, though he drank
wine himfelf, he forbad the ufe of it by others, as alfo gaming. He
put chains on the necks of " coUinders, and idle, diffipated vaga-
bonds, and punifhed them by employing them in removing filth
from the ftreets, drawing heavy ftones, and all kinds of laborious
works, that they might reform, and get a hvelihood by fome calling,
or elfe quit the country altogether. If any one, after admonition and
moderate corredlion, was convifted of drinking wine, melted lead
was poured down his throat. The rank of offenders was no fecurity
from punifhment.

One of the grandfons of * Mahummud Geefoo-derauz, being
captivated in the fnares of a courtezan, and tempted by her to drink
wine, became quarrelfome from the effedts of it, and, beating the
woman, cut off her fide locks. The affair was complained of to the
cutwal, who confined both parties j but, confidering the rank of the
fyed, he thought proper to refer the decifion of the caufe to the ful-
tan ; who being much enraged, ordered the offender to be carried to
the mofl publick fquare of the city, there to receive two hundred
blows on the foles of his feet, and to take a folemn oath againfl
drinking wine. The courtezan was led through the flreets drefled in
an afs's fkin, and afterwards banifhed from the city.

•

The

• Called mhatuflubs, whofe office was to examine weights and meafures, to prevent
intoxicating liquors being fold, and to punifh offences againft morality. Since the
death of Aurungzebe, this office has become a finecurc.

" Wandering religious, many of whom are the moft diffipated charafters.

• The holy perfonage mentioned in the two laft reigns.

122 ' FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The fultan fo wifely regulated his civil and military departments,
that the ailions of ^ Feredoon and Nofherowan loil their lultre, when
compared with his juftice. On Fridays, and all holidays, he attend-
ed at the mofque, and heard fermons. He was averfe from fhedding
the blood of man. He deftroyed many idol temples, and eredled
mofques in their room. He held no converfation with ^ Nazarenes
or bramins, nor would he permit them to hold civil offices.

After the war of Beejanuggur the fultan changed his condu<fl,
being captivated in luxurious enjoyments. Giving up the total
management of government to minifters, he all at once entertained
a thoufand beautiful women ; to accommodate whom, he eredied a
magnificent palace, and laid out elegant gardens round it, on the
banks of a piece of water. This he called the abode of blifs, and
in it fpent mofl of his hours in drinking ruby-coloured wines, preiT-
ing the lips of filver-bodied damfels, or liftening to the melody of
fweet-voiced muficians. During this intoxication of pleafure, he
only appeared in the pubHck audience hall once every four or five
months, and the Dekkanee amras exercifed the powers of govern-
ment uncontrouled.

At this time, Meamun Oolla Dekkanee formed a plan for reducing
all the fortrefies along the fea coafts^ to perform which, he fent
Mallek al Tijar, with feven thoufand Dekkanee and three thoufand
Arab horfe, befides his own troops. Mallek al Tijar fixing upon
' Jagneh as his feat of government, raifed a fort near the city
of ■* Jeneah, from whence he fent detachments at diiferent times into

Kokun,

» Two ancient Perfian kings.

<> Chriftians are fo called in India, on the coafls of which they were numerous at an
early period, and fuppofed to have been converted by St. Thomas, whofe fepukhre is
faid to be near Madras, on an eminence, called from thence, St. Thomas's Mount.

' On the coaft of Malabar.
■ " This was afterwards a principal refidence of Sewajee, founder of the modern
Mharatta flate.

FZRiSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

Kokun, and reduced feverat rajas to fubjedlion. At length he moved
to that country in perfon, and laid liege to a fort, the raja of which
was named Sirkeh, whom he fpeedily obliged to deliver himfelf and
family, with his pofTeflions, into his hands.

Mallek al Tijar infifted, that Sirkeh fhould embrace the faith of
Iflaam, or be put to death ; upon which the fubtle raja, with much
humility, reprefented, that there exifted between him and roy
» Songeer, who owned the country round the fortrefs of '' Kalneh, a
family competition and rivalry, and that they were near relations.
Should he therefore enter the order of Iflaam, and his rival remain
fecure on the mufnud of power, he would, on the general's return,
extend the tongue of mockery on his change of faith, and raife up
his whole family and fubjedls to rebel -, £o that he fhould lofe the
countries his anceflors had held for ages in independance. He added,
that if Mallek al Tijar would reduce his rival, and give his country
either to himfelf, or one of his amras, which might be effedted with
little trouble, he would then readily pronounce the creed of the true
faith, enroll himfelf among the flaves of the fultan, and annually
remit a tribute to his treafury, as well as affift in reducing thofe roies
who might hereafter fail in their duty and allegiance.

Mallek al Tijar to this replied, that he had heard the road to
the roy's country was full of woods, and difficult pafles : to which
Sirkeh anfwered, that while there was with the army fo faithful and
capable a guide as himfelf, not a fingle jQiiit fliould. receive injury

R ' from

» I apprehend this to be Soneda, a diftrid near Bidenore, and reduced latterly by
Tippoo Saheb.

* This place is often mentioned in the account of Aurungzebe's war in Dekkan. I
cannot find it in any map j but as Jeneah, the head quarters of Mallek al Tijar, is
fituated on the upper part of Malabar, and an inlet of the fea is mentioned as in the
roy's country during the warj it is moft probably not very far from Jeneah, and near
the coaft.

123

ff^ FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN/

from the thorny woods, and that the rofd of accomplifhment would
be gathered without trouble.

Mallek al Tijar, relying on the promifes of the raja, in the year
A. D. 1453. 858 began his expedition; but was in the outfet deferted by mod of
the Dekkanee and Abyffinian officers and troops, who declined en-
tering the woods. Sirkeh, agreeably to his promife, for the two
lirft days conduced him along a broad, eafy road ; fo that the whole
army praifed -his zealous fervices ; but on the third, he led them
through paths fo horrible, that a male tiger, through dread of the
terrors of it, would have become a female j fuller of windings than
.the curly locks of the fair, and narrower than the path, of love.
Demons would have flarted at the precipices and caverns, and the
^ ghole have been panic-ftruck at one view. The fun never enliven-
ed the vallies, nor had providence fixed bounds to its extent. The
grafs was tough as the teeth of ferpents, and the air fetid as the
breath of dragons. Death dwelt in the waters, and poifon in the
breeze. After winding, fatigued, weary, and alarmed, this dread-
ful path, they entered a dark foreft, a pafTage through which was
difficult even to the gale, bounded on three fides by mountains, that
feemed to have their heads above the clouds, and on the other an
inlet of the ocean, fo that there was no path to advance, and none
to go back, but that by which they had entered.

Mallek al Tijar was at this crifis ill of a bloody dyfentery, fo that
he could not attend to the regular march and order of his troops;
who, being exceffively fatigued, about nightfall flung themfelves
down to reft wherever they could, nor was there a fpot allowing of
two tents to be pitched upon it near each other. At this time, while
the troops were eager of reft, Sirkeh made his efcape by the fea, and
fent a mefiage to the roy of Songeer, that he had lured the game into
his toils. The roy, with a great force, with which alfo wzs the treach-
erous

' An evil fpirit of the woodst

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

erous Sirkeh, about midnight ruflied from dens, pafles, and caverns,
on the mufllilmauns unfufpicious of furprize, and buried in the deep
of wearinefs and fatigue. Nearly {even thoufand of the faithful were
put to death like flaeep, with knives and daggers ; for the wind being
high, the clafliing of the trees, which feparated them from one
another, prevented their hearing the groans of their fellow-fufferers.
Mallek al Tijar fell, with five hundred noble fyeds of Medina, Ker-
balla, and Nujeef ; as alfo fome few Dekkanee and Abyffinian no-
bles, with about two thoufand foldiers of thofe countries. When
the roy thought his bloody revenge had been glutted fufficiently,
he retired with his people from the foreft.

The furvivors of this dreadful maflacre, with much difficulty
travelled back the path they had advanced, and joined the Dekkanee
and Abyffinian amras, who had remained encamped on the plains.
They advifed them to retire to their jaghires, that they might repofe
a little from their fatigues, and fupply themfelves with neceflaries for
future fervice ; but this the Moguls refufed doing, as the town of
Jagneh was nearer, and they might in a fhort time recruit thern-
felves, and be able to rejoin the army. Some of the Moguls alfo
imprudently oblerved, that the defection and treachery of the Dek-
kan amras had principally occafioned the deaths of Mallek al Tijar
and the fyeds, of which, on their arrival at Jagneh, they would
write full accounts to court.

The Dekkanees, alarmed at this remark, refolved to be the firfl
accufers ; and therefore wrote by exprefs to the fultan, that Mallek
al Tijar, at the inftigation of a zemindar named Sirkeh, and the
councils of the fyeds and Moguls, had entered on a wild plan, in
defiance of their moil earnell remonflrances, and that he had fuf-
fered the puniilxment of fuch imprudence, by his own death and of
mofl of his followers j that the furvivors, inftead of agreeing to
remain with them till another general fliould be appointed by his

R 2 " majefty.

L2-S

126 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

majefty, to take revenge on Sirkeh and Toy Songeer, had behaved
with infoience, fpoke difrefpeftfully of the fultan, and were gone in a
body to the fortrefs of Jagneh, intending to ferve the rajas of Kokun,
and tempt them to raife the ftandard of rebelHon.

Thefe complaints they forwarded to Sheer al Moolk Dekkanee,
and Nizam al Moolk, fon of Ummad al Moolk Ghoree, who were
thirfting for the blood of the Moguls, as their rivals in the fultan's
efteem. They prefented them to Alia ad Dien when heated with
wine, and related the defeat of Mallek al Tijar, and the beha-
viour of the furviving Moguls, with a thoufand aggravations and
malicious remarks. The fultan was inflamed with pafTion, and,
without a moment's refledlion on the probability of the guilt of the
Moguls, commanded the two amras to repair to Jagneh, and put
them all to the fword.

Like ^ AbdooUa Zead, or Shumfe al Jofhhun, putting on armour
againft the defcendants of the prophet, they moved towards Jagneh
with a great force. The fyeds and Moguls hearing of their approach,
fliut themfelves up in the mud fort, and fent off petitions, relating
the truth of affairs and their own innocence, to court. Their mef-
fengers were intercepted by Sheer al Moolk, who tore the pacquets.
They alfo difpatched other letters, but as none of their own com-
panions could pafs, they entrufled them to two natives of Hindoo-
flan, who had been for years fed ainply with their bounty. Thefe
wretches, black in heart as complexion, giving way to their natural
treachery, carried the letters to Sheer al Moolk, who tore them, as
■ he had done the former, and rewarded the traitors with gifts. He
then clofely blocked up the roads, fo that no perfon could pafs with-
out fearch; and the unfortunate fyeds, like their great anceftor
Houffein, were reduced to the extremity of defpair, but, with the

Moguls,

» Two chiefs fent againft the fons of Alee by Yezeed.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKICAN, 1 27

Moguls, refolved to fland o"ut as long as poflible. Sheer al Moolk
upon this fummoned the Dckkan amras from Kokun to affill: him,
and arrived before Jagneh with a great army. The ficge continued
for two months without effedl, during which tune he wrote fre-
quently to court, that the fyeds and Moguls, continuing in obili-
nate rebellion, had afked afliftance of the king of Guzarat, offering
to give him up Jagneh, and afllfl: his invalions. The Dekkanee
miniflers backed thefe letters with their own afTurances, and procured
repeated orders from the fultan to punifh the rebels in fuch a manner,
that their fate might remain an example of terror to others. If now
and then a letter from the accufed found its way to the capital, the
miniflers took care to prevent its being feen by the fultan, who, they
pretended, was fo enraged, that he would not even hear or read a
word from them.

When provifions in the fort grew fcarce, the befieged refolved,
that leaving a fufHcient number to defend their families, they would
make a fally, fight their way through the enemy, and, flying to the
capital, lay the truth of affairs before the fultan, and implore juftice.
The Dekkanees learning their defign, dreaded the event, as they
knew they would fight defperately, and that fome mufl make their
way good to court, which would immediately occafion a difcovery of
their treachery. They therefore had recourfe to flratagem to get
the befieged in their own power. They fent a meffage to them, that
being followers of the prophet, and pitying their misfortunes and the
children and women of the fyeds, they had interceded with the fultan
for their pardon, who at lafl complying with their petition, had given
orders that they fhould be permitted to retire unmolefled out of his
dominions, with their families and effedls. A forged order was pro-
duced, as a proof of the fincerity of their declaration, and both chiefs,
like Yezeed, fwore by the Almighty, the koraun, and the prophet
of God, that they would not injure them in perfon or property.

Relying

128 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Relying upon their oaths, the unfortunate, in number about two
thoufand five hundred, of whom twelve hundred were fyeds of un-
mixed defcent, evacuated the fort, with their wives, children, and
property, and encamped at a little diftance, to provide carriage and
conveyance for their march. The Dekkan chiefs for three days
abided by their promifes, and ufed every endeavour to gain their con-*
fidence, and lull fufpicion, by kind offices and offers of alTifling their
wants. On the fourth day, they prevailed on the chief among them
to come to an entertainment in the fort. All the principal men^
about three hundi-ed, excepting Kafim Beg, Suff Skekunn, Kirra
Khan Khoord, and Ahmed Beg Meccae, attended. While they were
eating, a number of armed men, on a fignal given by Sheer al Moolk,
rufhed from ambufli upon them, and put every man to the fword.
At the fame inflant, four thoufand Dekkanees without the fort
attacked their camp, and put every male they found to death, even
to infants at the breafl. After this tragedy, they plundered the tents,
and treated the women with all the infult that lufl or brutality could
infpire. Since the time of HoufTein, the fyeds were never before fo
abufed j but is it not aflonifhing that men, who called themfelves
fervants of the prophet, fhould fo bafely treat his defcendants ?

Kafim Beg, and the Moguls who had encamped about two miles
from the refl of their unfortunate companions, on hearing the alarm,
armed themfelves, and, putting even their women in foldiers' habits,
fled towards the capital. Sheer al Moolk inflantly difpatched two
thoufand horfe to purfue them, under Daood Khan, and wrote to all
the jaghiredars and farmers to intercept them as rebels, or cut them
off, under pain of the fultan's difpleafure. Kafim Beg, with three
hundred followers, pofled on without halting, except when the
Dekkanees coming near, obliged him to difperfe them, which he did
frequently with defperate valour. He pafled the nights on the plain,
and in this manner proceeded for fome days ; till at length, near the
town of Sirkeh he was clofely prefTed by Daood Khan, who had

fummoned

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

funimoned Houflun Khan,' the jaghiredar, to his fuccoUr. This
nobleman had once been relieved from great danger in a battle
by Kafim Beg, whom he now refolved to aflifl in turn. He told
Daood Khan, that it was impolTible the Moguls could be rebels, as
they were haftening of their own accord to the capital. Daood
Khan finding he would not join him, attacked the Moguls with his
own people, and Kafim Beg, with his followers, refifted hke men
fighting for life. Daood Khan was luckily killed by an arrow in the
firft onfet ; but this fpurred on the Dekkanees to revenge, and they
had almofl overcome the Moguls by numbers, when Houfilm Khan
came to their affiftance ; upon which the Dekkanees fled with their
chief's body towards Jagneh. HoufiTun Khan condudled the brave
fufferers to his refidence, where they were fupplied with relief by his
indulgence, and wrote reprefentations of their cafe to the fultan, whoj
in anfwer, commanded Kafim Beg and his companions to repair to
court.

; • Upon their arrival, fultan Alia ad Dien commanded them into his
!prefence, and examined into the whole afi*air ; which being explain-
ed to his fatisfadtion, he was enraged at his treacherous miniflers,
and afhamed of his own fatal confidence. He ordered Mufiapha
Khan, who had kept the letters from his perufal, to be beheaded on
the fpot, and his body to be expofed to view through the flreets.
He appointed Kafim Beg to the government of Dowlutabad and
Joneer, with all the honours of Mallek al Tijar, and raifed all his
followers to rank, ordering frefh levies of Moguls to be made under
them. He feized the houfes of Nizam al Moolk and Sheer al Moolk
to his own ufe, and commanded them, with all the other capital
aggrefibrs, to be brought walking on foot, loaded with heavy chains,
to the capital. Such as had been infi:rumental in forging the firft
accufation, he put to death in various ways, and deprived their
children of their ellates, fo that they wanted even a meal. Accord-
ing, to the Tubbukkat Mahmood Shawee, Sheer al Moolk and
I :. ^ Nizam

1^9,

J .^o FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

Nizam al Moolk were afflided with leprofy the fame year, and their
fohs walked the markets for fhameful purpoles, among the outcafls
of fociety.

,A.'D. 1446. In the year 850, fliekh Azzree, the fultan's preceptor, for whom

when a youth he had great refpeft, wrote him a long letter of advice
from Khoraffan. The fultan was much alFedled with the perufal.
He forfwore the ufe of wine, and anfwered the letter with his own
hand and a valuable prefent. He now reftored all the inftitutes of
Ahmed Shaw, attended regularly to the adminiftration of affairs, and
expelled all Dekkanees from offices of truft.

A. D. 1453. ^^ ^^^ y^^^ ^57» ^ dangerous eruption breaking out in the

fultan's foot, which would not fubmit to medicine, he was prevented
by it from quitting his private apartments, and reports were often
fpread through the provinces of his death. Jellall Khan, fon in law
to the fultan, being affured of his deceafe, poffeffed himfelf of many
diftridls round his government of Bilcondah, which he gave in charge
to Secunder Khan, grandfon by the mother's fide to fultan Ahmed
Shaw. Khan Azim, governor of Telingana, dying at this crifis,
and no officer of fufficient influence being on the fpot to take the
charge of affairs for the fultan, many of the nobility of the province
fubmitted to the authority of Secunder Khan, offering to acknow-
ledge him chief of the country.

Sultan Alia ad Dien, notwithftanding his indifpofition, prepared
to march for the redudion of the rebels ; upon which Jellall Khan
and Secunder Khan agreed, that the former ffiould remain in
Telingana, and the latter proceed to Mahoor, to watch the motions
of the royal army, as it lay conveniently between Telingana and
Berar. The fultan fent frequent offers of pardon, if they would lay
down their arms ; but Secunder Khan, confcious of his deferv-
ing punifhment for having joined in Mahummud Khan's rebellion,

and

I

I

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF t)EKKAN.

»3i

and many other offences belides the prefent, was not to be fatlsfied of
the fultan's faith to his promifes, and therefore refolved to fecure
himfelf by new crimes from refentment. He reprefented to the
fultan of Malwa, Shaw Mhamood Khiljee, that fultan Alia ad Dien
had been long dead, but that the minillers, to fecure their own intereft,
pretending he was Hill alive, had turned all their endeavours to
deftroy the principal nobility, and divide the kingdom among them-
felves and adherents ; that if he would march, the provinces of Berar
and Telingana would fall, without a blow, into his hands.

Sultan Mhamood crediting thefe affurancey fo flattering to his
ambition, by the advice of the fultan of Khandefhe, in the year 860, A. D. 1455,
moved towards Dekkan with a great army, and was joined by
Secunder Khan, who advanced with a thoufand horfe, as a body
guard, fome days' journey to meet him.

Sultan Alia ad Dien, upon receiving intelligence of this invafion,
changed his defign of going in perfon to Telingana. He fent KLhajeh
Mhamood Geelanee, commonly entitled Gawan, firft promoting him
to the rank of a thoufand, with feveral of the nobility, to that
quarter, againfl Jellall Khan. He difpatched Khan Jehaun, gover-
nor of Berar, to obferve the motions of the prince of Boorahanpore,
and ordered Kafim Beg, governor of Dowlutabad, to advance with a
corps of obfervation towards the enemy. He himfelf followed, with
the troops of Beejapore, at the diflance only of ten miles, carried, by
reafon of his illnefs, in a palanquin.

Sultan Mhamood, having received fatisfaftory accounts of the
fovereign of Dekkan's being alive, and marching againft him, re-
treated fuddenly, with the greateft part of his attendants j leaving an
ameer, under pretence of afhlling Secunder Khan, but giving fecret
infhaidions, that if that chief fhould attempt to join the Dekkanees,

S - not

132 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

not to permit him, but bring him prifoner to Mando, with all his
treafures and eiFeds. Secunder Khan, being timely informed of the
intended treachery, made his efcape from the Malwa army, with two
thoufand Afghauns and Raajepoots, to the fortrefs of Bilcondah ; but
as Khajeh Mhamood Gawan was then befieging it, it proved but a
temporary afylum. Shortly after, he, by the interceffion of Khajeh
Gawan, obtained his pardon from the fultan, delivered up the fortrefs,
and, going to court with that chief, was again honoured with Bilcon-
dah in jaghire. The fultan having left Fukhir al Moolk Turk in the
government of the Mahoor dtftrid:s, and Ferreh al Moolk in com-
A. D. 1457. ^^^^"^ of the garrifon, returned to his capital, where, in the year 862,
the diforder in his foot encrealing to a mortification, he left this
world of vanity for another, after a reign of twenty three years, nine
months, and twenty days.

Sultan Alia ad Dien is faid to have been eloquent, of great wit,
and fond of learning. He would fometimes afcend the pulpit in the
grand mofque on Fridays and holidays, and read the khootbah, in
which he mentioned himfelf by the following titles ; The monarch
juft, merciful, patient, and liberal to the fervants of God, chief in
worldly and religious affairs, fon of the diftinguifhed among kings,
Ahmed Shaw Wullee Bhamenee. One day, an Arabian merchant
who had fold fome horfes for the fultan's ufe, the payment for which
was delayed by the officers of the houfehold, being prefent when the
fultan read the above titles, infpired by vexation at ill ufage, and
the llaughter of the innocent fyeds, exclaimed with a loud voice.
Thou art neither the juft, the merciful, the patient, nor the liberal
king, but the cruel and the falfe ; who haft maflacred the prophet's
defcendants, yet dareft to aftlime fuch vaunting titles in the pulpit of
the true believers. The fultan was ftruck with remorfe, and com-
manded the merchant to be paid on the fpot; faying, that thofe
v.'ould not efcape the wrath of God, who had thus injured his hepu-

tation

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. I33

tation among mankind. He then retired to his palace, which he
never left till he was brought out a corpfe to be interred. The
fultan finding himfelf dying, appointed his fon Humaioon his fuc-
ceflbr, againft the wiflies of all his court, who dreaded his cruel and
fanguinary temper ; and feveral of the amras made their efcape to
Guzarat before the fultan's death, to avoid the tyranny of his
fucceflbr.

S 2 SULTAN

134 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
HUMAIOON SHAW BHAMENEE,

COMMONLY CALLED,

ZALIM, or, tHE CRUEL.

VV HILE fultan Alia ad Dien was breathing his lafl, the prince
Humaioon was in his own palace. Syef Khan and MuUoo Khan,
two chief amras, concealing the king's death, privately feated his
youngeft fon Houflun Khan on the throne. They were joined by
Hubbeeb OoUa, and fome other amras, who regarded the meafure
as an unexpeded bleffing. A body was detached to plunder the
palace of fultan Humaioon and fecure his perfon, when great clamour
and confufion took place. Humaioon Shaw oppofed his enemies with
refolution, obliged them to retire, and purfued them towards the
royal apartments. On the way, the elephant drivers, " perdehdaurs,
lillehdars, and body guards, with other perfons of the houfehold, who
were ignorant of the plan for his deftrudion, joined Humaioon, fo
that he entered the grand hall of audience without oppoiition, and
feized his brother, who fat panic-ftruck and trembling upon the
throne. Humaioon afcended in his room, and was acknowledged
fultan without farther oppofition. He ordered Syef Khan, the con-
triver of the plot, to be dragged through the city chained to the foot
of an elephant, and confined Hubbeeb Oolla.

Agreeably
* Guards of the private apartments.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Agreeably to the will of his father, he gave the office of
vaqueel al fultunnut to Khajeh Mhamood Gavvan, with the title
of Mallek al Tijar, and the government of Beejapore. Mallek
Shaw, faid to be defcended from the great Chungeeze Khan, he
appointed governor of Telingana, with the title of Khajeh Jehaun;
and conferred jaghires in that province, with the rank of a thoufand
and title of Nizam al Moolk, on the nephew of Ummad al Moolk
Ghoree, a young nobleman of diftinguifhed abilities. Secunder
Khan, fon of Jellall Khan, a favourite companion of the fultan
before his acceflion, being difgufted at not having the government of
Telingana, of which he was ambitious, fled from court to his father
at Bilcondah, and began to raife troops in rebellion.

Humaioon Shaw immediately fent againft hini Khan Jehaun,
governor of Berar, who had come to court to congratulate his
acceffion ; and that chief being defeated by the rebels, the fultan
thought it neceflary to march againft them in perfon. He hoped,
upon his arrival in the vicinity of Bilcondah, that Jellall Khan and
Secunder Khan would fee their error, and fubmit : but the latter made
a fudden attack upon his camp by night with fome fuccefs, which
determined the fultan next day to lay fiege to the fort. Secunder
Khan having great dependance on the attachment and bravery of his
troops, marched out to offer battle with eight thoufand Dekkanees
and Raajepoots. Humaioon, in regard to their former friendfhip,
lent him a meflage, importing, that though appearing in arms againft
his fovereign was an heinous offence, yet he wiflied not to deftroy fo
brave a fubjedl, would forgive him, and grant him in jaghire any
diftrid: he ftiould chufe in the province of Dowlutabad. Secunder
Khan returned in anfwer, that if Humaioon was the grandfon of
Ahmed Shaw, he was alfo himfelf his grandfon by his daughter,
confequently, his partner in the kingdoms of their grandfather, fo
that he muft refign the fovereignty of Telingana to him, or prepare
for battle.

Humaioon

135

136 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Humaioon Shaw was enraged at this Infolent reply to his offers,
and commanded the march of attack to be founded. Secunder Khan,
exalting the ftandard of raflinefs, advanced to battle, and repeatedly
repulfed the vigorous charges of the royal army. The aftion con-
tinued long indecifive. At lafl, Mallek al Tijar Gawan, with the
Beejapore troops, and Khajeh Jehaun Turk, with the army of Berar,
charged from the right and left wings at the fame inftant, and made
a great flaughter among the rebels, who began to give way to the
fliock. The fultan obferving their confufion, drew from the center
five hundred archers and five hundred fpearmen, at the head of
whom, mounted on an elephant, he rufhed on the enemy, among
whom a dreadful carnage was made. The rebel, undaunted, oppofed
fo firmly with the troops about his perfon, that the fultan was defert-
ed by his followers, who fled in confufion. Secunder Khan then
advanced fingly, and with his fpear charged the fultan, whofe ele-
phant, by the critical diredlion of the driver, feized the rebel in his
trunk, drew him from his horfe, and dafhed him forcibly on the
ground. His followers, who were on full fpeed to fupport his
charge, not able to ftop their career, rode in great bodies over him,
by which accident he was foon cruflied to death. Upon the lofs of
the chief, his army fled -, and the fultan, rallying his troops, purfued
the fugitives, with great flaughter, a confiderable difl:ance from the
field of battle.

The next day the fultan commenced the fiege of Bilcondah, and
at the end of a week Jellall Khan, feeing no refource but fubmifllon,
offered to furrender. By the mediation of Mallek al Tijar and
Khan Jehaun, having obtained pardon, he threw himfelf at the
fultan 's feet, with an offering of the accumulated wealth of forty
years of high and profitable employment ; and, though he was con-
fined, efteemed a few days of life a fufiicient prize for the forfeiture
of all his pofl'eflions.

Humaioon

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Humaioon Shaw, on the fall of Bilcondah, meditated the reduction
of the fortrefs of Dewercondah, belonging to a zemindar of Telingana,
who had lent his fupport to Secunder Khan. For this fervice he
detached Khajeh Jehaun and Nizam al Moolk, while he marched
himfelf to Warunkul. The Telingas uniting, fought feveral battles
in the field, but were in all defeated by Khajeh Jehaun, and at length
retired within the fortrefs ; which was clofely befieged on every fide,
though iituated among high mountains and difficult woods. The
Telingas applied for affiflance to the roies of OrifTa and * Oureah ;
who, being tempted by offers of great fums of money, fent a con-
fiderable body of troops, with many war elephants, to fupport them,
promiling to advance quickly themfelves with their whole force.
The Telingas, infpired by hopes of fpeedy relief, held out obfli-
nately; and the two generals, hearing of the negotiation, became
doubtful how to adl. Nizam al Moolk was for raifing the fiege
for the prefent, and marching out of the hills and pafles to engage
the auxiliaries to advantage on the plain, and prevent their junction.
To this Khajeh Jehaun objefted, faying, that the Telingas would
attribute a retreat to fear only, iffue from the fortrefs, and moleft
their march j fo that it was better to continue the fiege, and oppofe
the jundlion, where they were. Nizam al Moolk was obliged to
fubmit to this opinion of his fuperior officer. The very next day,
the troops of Orifla and Oureah, alfo the Telingas from the fort,
attacked them at the fame inftant, and the cavalry being unable to
exert themfelves firom the badnefs of the ground, a total defeat was
fuftained by the army of Iflaam, in which great numbers were {lain.
The two generals with the greateft difficulty made their efcape from
the field, and did not halt till they arrived at Warunkul, being pur-
fued for eighty miles by the infidels. Humaioon Shaw, enquiring
into the caufe of the difafi:er, Khajeh Jehaun, to fave his own life,
falfely accufed Nizam al Moolk as the advifer of the meafure he had
difapproved, and the fultan in his rage, without examination into the

truth

» On the fea coaft of Orifla.

137

I^S FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

truth of the charge, ordered that gallant nobleman to be put to death
inftantly in his prefence ; which was done. His relations and fol-
lowers fled, entering into the fervice of fultan Mhamood of Malwa.
khajeh Jehaun was difgraced, and fent clofe prifoner to one of the
royal fortreffes, by the fultan.

Humaioon Shaw, determined on revenging the infult to his
arms, was bufily preparing a frefla army to go againft Dewercondah,
when fuddenly, advices were brought him from the capital of his
dominions, Ahmedabad Bieder, that EufufF Turk had fet at liberty the
blind prince HoufTun Khan and Hubbeeb Oolla, and had fled with
them into the country. The fultan, upon this, cafting the reins of
patience from his hands, and leaving Mallek al Tijar to protedt
A.D. 1459. Telingana, in the year 864 returned by forced marches to his capital, •

and lighting up the fire of tyranny, fet no bounds to his rage j but it '

is neceflary, before his cruelties are recorded, to mention their
original caufe.

Shaw Hubbeeb Oolla, an eminent divine, had been imprifoned
for his attachment to the prince Houflun Khan. Upon the fultan's
marching againfl: Secunder Khan, towards Bilcondah, feven of the
lliaw's difciples formed the refolution of procuring his liberty. For
this purpofe they addrefled Eufufl^ Turk, flave to the late fultan Alia
ad Dien, a man generally beloved, and celebrated for his virtue,
integrity, piety, and extenfive charities, alfo a firm difciple and
friend to the fhaw's family. He promifed his aid, and corrupted
fome of the guards and porters of the palace. The number of the ^

confederacy encreafed to twelve horfemen and fifty foot, all bent 1

upon facrificing their lives to the fervice of the fliaw. EufufF, ad-
vancing in the path of fortitude, one evening went with his friends
to the gate of the royal haram, in which the prifoners were confined.
Moft of the guards were abfent on their occafions, but he was
queftioned by the few on duty. He replied, that he had the fultan's

orders

FERISMTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

orders to enter the prilon, ahd blind fuch and fuch criminals, pro-
ducing a forged firmaun to prove his aflertions j at feeing which,
they were filent, and fuffered him to pafs in. Upon his arrival at
the fecond gate, the guards refufed to admit him ; and, though he
fliowed the firmaun, infifted that the cutwal's order was neceflary
before he could be allowed entrance ; upon which he rufhed upon
them with his friends, put them to death, with fome reliftance, and
pafled on. EufulF firfl haftened to the apartments of the capital
prifoners, and took off the chains from Hubbeeb OoUa. Houffun
Khan and Yiah Khan, fons of the late king, and Jellall Khan Bok-
haree, entreated him to break their chains, and take them with
him ; to which petition he confented. After this he went into every
apartment of the prifon, proclaiming aloud, that all who wiflied to
be freed from captivity, fhould repair to the gate of the palace, and
join him. About {even thoufand unfortunate captives, of all condi-
tions, rofe upon their keepers, and, arming themfelves with clubs,
or whatever came to hand, ranged themfelves at the gate as diredled.
By this time the cutwal of the city, having received the alarm, had
advanced to the palace with his people ; but the captives, defperate
for freedom, received him fo warmly with fhowers of Itones, and
clubs, that they were defeated. The prifoners, during the night,
difperfed to diiferent quarters among their friends. Jellall Khan,
near eighty years old, and the prince Yiah Khan, fell into the
cutwal's hands again in a few hours, and were put to death.
Houflun Khan and Hubbeeb Oolla took flielter in the houfe of a
barber, where they fliaved their beards, and put on the drefs of beg-
gars. The latter now advifed making their efcape to fome humble
retirement; but the prince obferved, that the people in general
being wearied and difgufted with his brother's cruelty, and attached
to himfelf, it was likely he could foon raife an army, and regain the
throne he had loft. Hubbeeb Oolla confented to affift his views.
When they had got out of the city to fome diftance, Hou/Tun Khan
made himfelf known, and adventurers and the difaffedted joined him

^ from

139

140

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

from all quarters. Eufuff Turk alfo joined his ftandard ; and In a
few days the prince was able, with an army of three thoufand horfe
and five thoufand foot, to advance to the garden of Kumtaneh, only
fix miles from the capital, in hopes of being able to take it. Finding
this, however, impoflible, he retreated to the town of Peer, which
he poflefled himfelf of, with the country round, and levied frefh,
troops. Such was the ftate of affairs when the fultan arrived at
Ahmedabad with his army.

The firfl bufinefs of the fultan was to punifla the garrifon of the
city; all the foldiers of which, above two thoufand, he put to death
in various ways, the mofl cruel that could be devifed. The cutwal
he confined in an iron cage, every day cutting off fome member
from his body, which he obliged him to eat, fo that he died fhortly
of his maims. He then difpatched eight thoufand horfe and foot
againft the rebels, who at firft were vidlorious ; upon which the rage
of the fultan was extreme. He reinforced his army, but confined
the women and children of the officers ; vowing to put them to
death if they fhould be defeated, or defert to the prince Houffun
Khan.

In the next battle the rebels fuffered a total defeat, and HoulTun
Khan, after a defperate refinance, quitted the field with his ad-
herents, hoping to find an afylum at Beejanuggur. Upon his arrival
near the fort of Beejapore, with about eight hundred horfe, the
governor, Serauje Khan Juneedee, fent out a meflage to invite him in,
declaring, that he would give him up the fort and all its depend-
ancies. HoulTun Khan, by the advice of Hubbeeb Oolla and Eufuff
Turk, entered the fort of Beejapore, then only of mud. Serauje
Khan received them with officious refpedl and attention. At night-
fall he came, with all his attendants, to the prince's apartment, under
pretence of paying his refpefts, and furrounded it. The next day he
attempted to take his gueils prifoners, and Hubbeeb Oolla fuffered

martyrdom

FERISHTA's HISTORY OK DEKKAN.

martyrdom in the refinance. At length, the prince HoufTun Khan,
Eufuff Turk, and his other followers, even to carpet-fpreaders, water-
men, and fweepers, were feized, and fent prilbners, by the treacher-
ous Serauje fChan, under a ilrong efcort to Ahmedabad.

Humaioon Shaw, letting loofe the bridle of punifliment, and mad
with rage, ordered flakes to be fet up on both fides of the king's mark-
et, and vicious elephants and beafts of prey to be flationed in different
parts of the fquare; in others were placed cauldrons offcalding oil and
boiling water. Then, afcending a balcony to view the fpedlacle, he
firll: caft his brother Houflian Khan before a voracious tiger, who foon
tearing the wretched prince in pieces with his teeth and claws, left
fcarce a relic remaining. Eufuft Turk, and his feven friends, were
beheaded before him ; and tlieir innocent and helplefs families, being
dragged from their houfes, were violated and otherwife tortured in
the court of the palace by ruflians, in ways too indecent to mention.
Punifhments invented by the fultan were inflicfted on young and old,
women and children ; who fuffered fuch tortures as the imaginations
of * Zohaak and the tyrant Hijaaje never could have conceived.
About feven thoufand of the unhappy prince's women and fervants,
who had not the moft diftant concern in his rebellion, even to cooks,
waiters, fcuUions, and other menials, were fome ftabbed with dag-
gers, others cut in pieces with hatchets, and the reft killed in cruel
methods by fcalding oil and water. This tragedy happened in
Shauban, the fame year as the rebellion.

The author of the Tarekh Mhamood Shawee fays, he heard from
the royal attendants, that upon learning the efcape of Houffun Khan,
rage and paffion fo overcame the fultan, that he fometimes tore his
robes, at others, bit his pillows, and often his own lips, in fuch a
manner that they dropped with blood. Alarmed at the example of
Houffun Khan, he put to death feveral innocent perfons of the royal

T 2 family,

* A Perfian and Tartar tyrant.

141

142 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

family, who were confined in different fortreffes. Nor did he flop
here. He became fufpicious of all his court, and the innocent and
guilty were undiflinguiflied by his favage tyranny. He extended his
hands to the children of his fubjedls, tearing them from their parents
to fatisfy his lufls. He would frequently ftop nuptial procelTions in
the flreet, and feizing the bride, after deflowering her, fend her
back to the hufband's houfe. He put his women to death on trivial
occafions j and when any of the nobility were obliged to attend him,
fo great was their dread, that they took leave of their families, as if
preparing for death.

At lafl the Almighty took pity on the fufferings of his people,
and liflened to the complaints of the wretched. The tyrant was
taken ill, and judging he fhould die, appointed his eldefl fon, Nizam
Shaw, then only eight years of age, his • fucceflbr ; and calling
Khajeh Jehaun Turk from Berar, and Mallek al Tijar from Teling-
ana, made his will ; conftituting them regents and guardians to his
fon during his minority ; commanding them flridtly to tranfaft no
affair without the advice of the queen mother. He died on the
A. D. 1460. twenty eighth of > Zeekaud, 865, according to fome; but others
relate, that he recovered from this illnefs, and was affaffinated in a
fit of intoxication by his own fervants, wearied out with his inhuman
cruelties. His reign was three years, fix months, and fix days.

* The eleventh month of the Mahummedan year.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

143

SULTAN
NIZAM SFIAW BHAMENEE.

W HEN Humaioon left the world, out of pity to mankind, and his
fon Nizam Shaw acceded to the throne of Dekkan, the queen mother,
a woman of great abilities, did nothing without confulting Khajeh
Jehaun and Mallek al Tijar Mhamood Gawanj admitting no other
aniras to fhare in the adminiftration, Mallek al Tijar was appointed
vizier, with the government of Berar, and Khajeh Jehaun to the
office of vaqueel and ' terruffdaree of Telingana, Thefe two minif-
ters attended every morning at the palace, and through a female
meflenger communicated their opinions to the queen mother ; who,
after (he had given her approbation to the meafures of the day, fent
the young fultan out of her apartments to the hall- of audience,
where he fat on the throne. On his' right hand ftood Khajeh
Jehaun, and upon the left Mallek al Tijar ; who with fidelity and
difpatch tranfafted bufinefs. By the happy co-operation and agxee-
ment of thefe three perfonages, the injuries occafioned by the tyranny
of the late fultan were foon repaired ; but the furrounding potentates,
both muffulmauns and Hindoos, hearing that the throne of Dekkan
was filled by a child, and that the nobility and officers were dif-
affeded from the cruelties of their late fovereign, cafl their eyes
towards his dominions with avidious looks. Firft, the roies of Orifia
and Oureah, in conjundtion with the zemindars of Telingana, in-
vaded the country by the way of Raajmundree, plundering and laying

waile as fir as Kolaufs.

The
* Government.

144

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The queen mother and the minifters.did not fuffer defpondency
to find a place in their minds ; but, colledting an army of forty
thoufand men, marched with the young monarch againft the enemy.
The roy of Oriffa kept advancing, and at length arrived within fix
miles of the royal army, and ten of the capital of Ahmedabad ; it
being his defign to demand the country of Telingana altogether, and
a tribute for the reft of his dominions, from the infant fultan. . The
two miniflers fent him a meffage, importing, that their mafi;er had
defigned to conquer Orifla and Jaajnuggur; but, now he had ad-
vanced fo far with his army, he fhould be able to do it, by defeating
him, without the trouble of marching to thofe countries in perfon ;
and he had refolved, that not a man fhould efcape, unlefs the amount
of the injuries done to his dominions fhould be paid, and the raja
agree to become his tributary. With this meffage Shaw Mohib
Oolla was difpatched. With one hundred and fixty horfe he charged
the roy's advanced corps with fuch pious zeal and courage, that, after
fkinnifhing from morning till midday, the gale of vicflory waved the
flandards of the holy champions, and the Hindoos fell back to their
main army. The roies of Orifia and Oureah, alarmed at this gallantry
in fo fmall a part of the royal army, left their heavy baggage on the
ground, and retreated during the night. Khajeh Jehaun followed
in purfuit ; while the fultan and Mallek al Tijar made eafy marches
after him. The roies feeing that they lofl two or three thoufand
men in every day's march, from the aftivity and bravery of Khajeh
Jehaun, took protection in a fort j from whence they fent to Mallek
al Tijar, entreating pardon ; and, after much debate, on paying a
large fum of money, they were permitted to retire, without further
purfuit, into their own territories. Nizam Shaw returned in triumph
to his capital ; and, having conferred honours and rewards on the
nobility and foldiers, difmifTed them with his thanks to their feveral
ilations.

Soon

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Soon after this, Mhamood Shaw, fultan of Malwa, Invaded the
territories of Bhamenee, with eight and twenty thoufand horfe, by
the route of Khandeflie ; and the roies of Oureah and TeUngana,
upon this irruption, entered again into alhances, and renewed their
depredations on the countries of the muffulmauns. The minifters,
upon this, ordered the army of Tellngana againft the roies, and
attended Nizam Shaw, with the troops of Beejapore, Dowlutabad,
and Berar, againft fultan Mhamood, whofe camp they foon ap-
proached, and both armies prepared for battle.

Nizam Shaw, notwithftanding his extreme youth, appeared at
the head of his army. Mallek al Tijar, with ten thoufand horfe,
formed the right wing, and Nizam al Moolk Turk, with other
amras, the left wing, with a funilar force. The fultan himfelf
took poft in the center, with Khajeh Jehaun, Secunder Klian, his
fofter brother, eleven thoufand horfe, and one hundred war ele-
phants.

Sultan Mhamood committed the charge of his right wing to his
fon prince Gheaufe ad Dien, and the left to Mahabut Khan, gover-
nor of Chunderee, fupported by Zaheer al Moolk ; while he himfelt
took poft with his beft troops in the center.

Mallek al Tijar firft advanced, and began the battle by a furious
charge upon the enemy's left wing, which, after fome reliftance,
fledi Mahabut Khan and Zalieer al Moolk being both killed.
Nizam al Moolk Turk, with the left wing, charged the right of the
Malwa army under fultan Gheaufe ad Dien ; whofe fame for courage
and conduct had been long founded throughout Hindooftan. It
happened in the height of adion, that the two generals came to
clofe combat with each other. The fword of Nizam al Moolk
breaking, he threw the hilt in the face of his antagonift with fuch
violence as to wound him in the eye, which bled exceedingly, and he

fell

H5

J ^6 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

fell from his horfe with agony. The troops of Malwa, feeing him
fallen, turned their faces to flight, and were purfued four miles by
the Dekkanees, who made a great flaughter among them, and took
much plunder, with fifty elephants. Sultan Mhamood, obferving
the defeat of both his wings, was ready to retreat, but another of
his fons and fome of his nobles perfuaded him to wait. At this
time Khajeh Jehaun charged him with ten thoufand horfe, and fultan
Mhamood, ftanding the (hock with great refolution, wounded the
elephant of Secunder Khan Turk with an arrow. The huge animal,
mad with pain, turning back, trod down many of his owji troops, and
had nearly feized Nizam Shaw himfelf Secunder KJian, either out of
fear, or enmity to Khajeh Jehaun, drew off his troops, and the fultan
with him, to a little diflance from the adtion ; upon which the Dek-
kanees, miffing the royal ftandard, fled, and did not flop till they reach-
ed the capital. Khajeh Jehaun, now feeing that the right and left
wings were gone in purfuit of the enemy, and that the fultan with the
Dekkanees had fled, thought it befl to retire ; and, with much con-
duft, quitting the fight, brought off the royal horfes and elephants to
Ahmedabad. Mallek al Tijar and his troops, on viewing this flrange
change of fortune, retired alfo. Secunder Khan Turk, on his arrival at
the capital, was at firft rewarded by the queen mother for bringing her
fon off the field in fafety j but upon her hearing the truth from Kha-
jeh Jehaun, was confined for his cowardice and difgracing the fultan,
by taking him from the field on the point of vi(flory. The friends of
Secunder Khan complained to the queen, affirming that he had faved
the fultan from deflrudlion, as the two wings had difperfed to plun-
der, and no troops remained for his fecurity, and declaring, that
they would no longer fubmit to be ufed with indignity by the
Moguls, who had ufurped the guidance of the royal authority. As
the times would not allow the puniiliment, Khajeh Jehaun releafed
the culprit.

Sultan

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Sultan Mhamood, hearin'g of the diilike of the Dekkanees to the
minifters, marched to befiege the capital of Ahmedabad ; upon
which the queen, jealous of Khajch Jehaun, to whofe remiffnefs (he
attributed the defeat of the army, by the advice of Mallek al Tijar
committed tlie charge of the citadel of Ahmedabad to Mulloo Khan
Dekkanee, and, with the fultan, retired to Firozeabad.

Sultan Mhamood now laid fiege to the city, which he took in
feventeen days ; upon which, great part of the country fubmitted to
his authority, and it was the general opinion, that the power of the
houfe of Bhamenee would pafs into that of KhuUije ; when, fud-
denly, the flandards of fultan Mhamood of Guzarat advanced from
that kingdom. Nizam Shaw had, before his retreat, by the advice
of Mallek al Tijar, fent ambaffadors to requeil his affiflance -, in
hopes of which he had, at Firozeabad, colled:ed together his fcattered
army, to defend himfelf and harafs the enemy. Intelligence ar-
riving that the fultan of Guzarat had reached the frontiers of Dek-
kan, with an army of eighty thoufand horfe, the queen mother
difpatched Mallek al Tijar to his prefence to beg fpeedy relief The
fultan immediately fupplied him with twenty thoufand horfe, under
fome of his principal nobility ; and the allied armies, in a fhort time,
moved towards the capital.

Sultan Mhamood Shaw, who had not been able to take the
citadel, upon this raifed the fiege, and retreated with precipitation
towards Malwa. Mallek al Tijar immediately fent two thoufand
Dekkanee horfe to harafs his retreat by the way of Berar, ^vhile he
took port himfelf, with ten thoufand horfe and his allies, between
Candahar, Beer, and the road to Mando, fo that the enemy were
fhut in on all quarters. He harafled their foraging parties, and cut
ofi all fupplies of provifion. Sultan Mhamood, who, according to
the befl accounts, had near thirty thoufand horfe, frequently tried to
bring on an adion ; but Mallek al Tijar was not t3 be led from his

U defign,.

H7

1^8 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

defign J till at length famine grew to the greateft pitch in the Malvva
camp, and fultan Mhamocd was left, without remedy, to the clamours
of his troops.

In this exigence, having killed numbers of his elephants, and
fet fire to all his heavy baggage, he moved unincumbered towards
Ghondwareh, to the confines of which country he was purfued, and
conftantly haralled on his march, by Mallek al Tijar; fo that he loll
numbers of his i:nen, and great part of his remaining baggage.
Upon his arrival in Ghondwareh, fultan Mhamood commanded a
zemindar of that country to condudt him by a route, which would
free him from the purfuit of the Dekkanees, and afford fome repofe
to his fatigued army. The zemindar reprefented, that there was no
road eafy of pafTage for an army, but one, on which there was but
little water for fome flages. The fultan, thinking this a lefier dif-
ficulty than the purfuit of an enemy, commanded him to fhew the
road he mentioned. The firft day's march, from the burning winds
and exceflive thirft, about fix thoufand men miferably perifhed ; and
the next, the natives of the mountains, taking advantage of the
diilrefled army, plundered the helplefs of their efFedls; for the
troops, difpirited by their fufi^erings, made little refiftance. A fingle
cup of water fold for " two rupees, and frequently was not to be had
for money. When fultan Mhamood, after enduring inexprcffible
hardships, had at length wound out his way from this dreadful
labyrinth, fufpedling that his miferies had proceeded from the
treachery of his guide, he commanded him to be put to death. The
Ghonde chief, difregarding life, abufed the fultan, boafting, that he
had anticipated revenge by deftroying twelve thoufand men with
thirfi:; that his death was of no confequence, as he had three fons,
and fhould himfelf be foon tranfmigrated into one of their off'spring.
From this we learn, that the Ghondees, like the reft of the Hindoos,
believe the tranfmigration of fouls. This gives them a contempt of

death
* Nearly five (hillings.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

death, they believing that gbod condudl in their prelent body will
enfure their reanimation in a better flate.

Sultan Mhamood, before the fall of the city of Alimedabad Bieder,
committed every cruelty of war on the country ; but when he had
refolved on eftablilliing himfelf in Dekkan, changed his condud, and
treated the inhabitants with gentlenefs. He was always particularly
cautious in his drefs and diet, agreeably to the rules of things pure
and impure, laid down in the canons of divine law. On this account
he had his rice, wheat, oil, and other neceffaries for his own table,
from certain farms in his own hereditary dominions, and had veget-
ables planted or fown in wooden frames filled with foil, carried with
him wherever he marched. His halt at Ahmedabad being long,
he fent for Molana Shumfe ad Dien, a religious, who attended the
tomb of Shaw KhuUeel OoUa, to whom he complained of his diftrefs
for vegetables, defiring that he would point out fome gardener to him,
whofe land was his own, agreeably to the divine laws, that he might
purchafe from him at a high price. The Molana replied, " You
•* fpeak, O king, what can only excite ridicule and fcorn. To invade
'* the territories of true believers, lay wafte their dwellings, and rob
" them of their property, and to pretend obfervance of the law in the
*' trifling points of drefs and diet, is folly and hypocrify." Sultan
Mhamood fhed tears, acknowledged the juftice of his remark, but
faid, that empire could not be fupported without fuch contradidlory
a(flions.

After the retreat of the fultan of Malwa, Nizam Shaw difpatch-
ed ambaffadors to Mhamood Shaw of Guzarat, with valuable pre-
fents, and thanks for the friendly part he had taken in his caufe.
Sultan Mhamood returned to Guzarat, and Nizam Shaw to the
capital of Ahmedabad Bieder. The fultan of Malwa the next year
invaded Dekkan again, advancing as far as Dowlutabad ; but was

U 2 foon

149

ISO

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

loon obliged to retreat, by the timely ' affiflance of the fultan of

Guzarat to Nizam Shaw.

It beino; the cuftom of the houfe of Bhamenee for the children to
wed in their early years, the queen mother afked in marriage for her
fon one of her own relations, and prepared the nuptial feaft with
royal magnificence and pomp. On the night of confummation,
when the afTembly of mirth was adorned, and the court full of
pleafure and rejoicing, fuddenly fcreams were heard from the royal
apartments, and the voice of forrow complained, with loud fobs,
that Nizam Shaw had departed this life, and left the world to other
mafters. The unblown rofe of the royal tree fuddenly periilied by a
deftrudlive blaft. The down of beauty had not yet grown on the
flower, when death fhed upon it the killing mildew. This event
happened after a reign of two years and one month, on the night of
A. D. 1462. the thirteenth of Zeekaud, 867.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

>5»

SULTAN
SHUMSE AD DOONNIA WAL DIEN

ABOU NUSSUR, AL GHAZEE
MAHUMMUD SHAW BHAMENEE.

JVlAHUMMUD Shaw afcended the throne of Dekkan in his ninth
year, and the affairs of government were condudled as in the late reign,
by Khajeh Jehaun and Mallek al Tijar, under the diredlion of the
queen mother. Ahmed Shaw, younger brother to the fultan, had
an ample eftabUfhment fettled for his fupport. Khajeh Jehaun took
the charge of educating Mahummud Shaw, who made great progrefs
in all branches of learning under Shoofleree, the moft celebrated
fcholar of his age j fo that, next to Firoze Shaw, he became the
moft accomplifhed prince that ever filled the throne of Bhamenee.
Khajeh Jehaun acquiring great power and influence in every depart-
ment of the ftate, dired:ed affairs as he thought proper, without
regarding any other authority. He deprived many old nobles of thei/
jaghires, and gave them to creatures of his own raifing ; extended
the hands of peculation on the royal treafury, and took care to keep
his colleague, Mallek al Tijar, employed on the frontiers, fo that
he could interfere but httle in adminiftration. The queen mother, a

princefs

* Sun of the world and the faith, fon of vidlory, the champion of religion. He
Wis next brother to the laft fultan.

l^Z FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

princefs of great prudence and difcernment, alarmed at this beha-
viour, put the fultan on his guard againft him, and refolved on his
deftrudlion. For this purpofe fhe inftrudled her fon, on the Khajeh's
coming next to council, to order his attendants to put him to death.
Khajeh Jehaun the next day, according to cuftom, without fufpicion
attended the Durbar ; where feeing Nizam al Moolk Turk with fome
guards, he was alarmed, but could not properly retire, and as ufual took
his pofl near the fultan. Suddenly two female fervants appeared, and
faid to the fultan, in a loud voice. It is proper to perform what the
queen requefted you. Upon which the fultan, turning to Nizam al
Moolk, exclaimed. That wretch is a traitor, put him to death.
Nizam al Moolk, who was an enemy to Khajeh Jehaun, without
hefitation dragged him from his place, and cut him down with his
fabre in the fultan's prefence.

After fome days, Mahummud Shaw conferred upon Mallek al
Tijar the title of Khajeh Jehaun, by the advice of his mother,
adding the office of vaqueel al fultunnut to his other dignities. When
the fultan reached his fourteenth year, his marriage with a princefs
of his own family was celebrated with royal Iplendour ; and the queen
mother then delivering over to him all power, betook herfelf to a
life of devotion : but the fultan ftill continued to confult her opinion
on all matters of importance, and went every day regularly to pay
her his refpeds.

When fultan Mahummud Shaw had reached maturity, he be-
came anxious for revenge upon his enemies, and to clafp the bride
of ^onquefl: in his embrace. On this account, having appointed
A.D.T467. Nizam al Moolk governor of Berar, he fent him in the year 872,
with a powerful army, againfl; the fortrefs of Kurleh, in the pofTeffion
of the fultan of Malwa. Nizam al Moolk laid fiege to the place, and
feveral times defeated armies fent to relieve it. The laft was a very
obflinate engagement, as twelve thoufand Raajepoots and Aighauns

fought

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

fought deipcrately in the Mahva army, and great nunibeib were
flain on both fides, but vidlory, in the end, declared for the Dek-
kanees. A great number of the troops belonging to the fort, who
had joined the enemy, were fo clofely purfued by Nizam al Moolk,
that his foldiers entered the gates with them, and a paffage being
fecured to the army, he made himfelf mailer of the place. As is the
cuftom of the common foldiers of Dekkan, they gave abufive lan-
guage to the conquered garrifon ; which fo enraged two brothers,
Raajepoots, that they refolved to fliew their enemies an example of
defperate bravery. When the confufion was over, and the MaUveans
had evacuated the fort, the Raajepoots addreffed Nizam al Moolk's
attendants, faying, they had pafled their whole lives in the army,
feen many brave men, but none equal to their general in heroifm,
and begged they might be permitted to kifs his feet before they
departed. Nizam al Moolk, feeing them unarmed, ordered them to
approach his perfon ; upon which they came up in a fubmiflive man-
ner J but turning fuddenly, and fnatching the fabres from the hands
of the neareft guards, mortally wounded him i after which they
fought in defpair, till they were both cut to pieces. Nizam al Moolk
had two adopted brothers, Adil Klian Sewai and Direa Khan Turk,
who, after ellablifhing a ftrong garrifon in the fort, took up the
general's body, and marched with a valuable plunder to court.
The fultan, approving their fervices, appointed them both to the
rank of a thoufand, with the fortrefs of Kurleh and its dependancies
in jaghire.

The fultan of Malwa now feeing the fpirit of the Dekkanees, and

fearing their refentment for the infults offered to them in the late

reign, fent an ambaffador, named Sherf al Moolk, with valuable

prefents to Mahummud Shaw, to court his friendfhip and alliance.

He reprefented, that fultan Ahmed Shaw Bhamenee, and fultan

* Hofliung, had entered into folemn treaties, by which it was agreed

that
» Sultan of Malwa.

IS3

154

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

that the province of Berar fliould belong to the former, and the fortrefs
of Kurleh to the latter j and that a lafting peace fliould fubfifl
between them and their heirs for ever ; that the amras of Dekkan
had poITeffed themfelves of Kurleh, but, if Mahummud Shaw chofe,
the treaty might ftill be obferved, and the fubjedts of both flates be
faved from contention, and join in mutual interefl and alliance.

Mahummud Shaw difpatched fliekh Ahmed Sudder with Sherf al
Moolk to Mando, reprefenting, that he was firm and true to the rules
of friendfliip and alliance ; and while Carnatic abounded in every
quarter with ftrong holds pofTeffed by infidels, for the employment
of his arms, he had no occafion for the fortrefs of Kurleh. He
praifed God, that the breach of treaty had not happened on the part
of the houfe of Bhamenee ; it being clear, that in die late reign of
his brother, an infant, the Malwa fultan, taking advantage of tlie
vveaknefs of adminiftration,»had invaded his dominions, and com-
mitted fuch ravages on the pofTefTions of the faithful, as had not
been perpetrated by the deflruftive Chungeeze Khan in his conquefls j
what was paffed, however, had paffed, and could not be recalled ;
therefore, whatever fliekh Ahmed, who was a true promoter of the
repofe of the faithful, fliould agree to, from that he would never
deviate in the fmallefl: point. Shekh Ahmed was met near Mando by
a deputation of the principal nobility of Malwa, and conducted with
much refpedt and ceremony into the city ; where, being introduced
to fultan Mhamood Khiljee, he delivered his commifTion. The
Malweans acknowledged that the breach of treaty proceeded from
themfelves, but they hoped that the Almighty, out of his abundant
mercy and goodnefs, would not call them to account for it. Sultan
Mhamood alfo faid, that he had been tempted to ad: improperly, ^
but hoped it would . be forgotten ; and that fuch treaties might now
be formed, that his fucceflbrs, and thofe of Bhamenee, would in
future never aft towards each other contrary to the laws of religion
and humanity. Shekh Ahmed on the part of Mahummud Shaw, and

fliekh

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. j^^

fliekh al lilaam on that of Mhamood Shaw, drew up a treaty, to which
were affixed the feals of the divines and learned men of both ftates.
Both princes wrote on the margin, in their own hands, that whoever
fhould deviate from the contents of the treaty, would be curfed by God,
and rejected by the prophet. The fum of the aUiance was, that both
parties fliould refrain from molefting each other's dominions ; that the
fortrefs of Kurleh, as in the reign of fultan Ahmed the Jufl, fhould
be delivered up to the Malwa fovereign -, and that whatever countries
might be conquered from the Hindoos, by either ftate, fhould not
be coveted by the other. When the negotiation was concluded, fhekh
Ahmed wrote to the governor of Kurleh, which was immediately given
up to the deputies of the fultan of Malwa. Shekh Ahmed then returned
to Dekkan ; and there never happened afterwards any difagreeraent
between the two royal families.

In the beginning of the year 874, Mallek al Tijar Khajeh A. D. 1469,
Jehaun Gawan marched with a powerful army againll the roies of
Songeer, Khalneh, and other rebels in Kokun. The troops of
Joneer, Jagneh KhurruU, Dabul, Ghoule Mapun, Damaun, and
other parts, were ordered to join him on this fervice. The roies of
Songeer and KJaalneh conftantly had a ^ fleet of three hundred veiTels
at fea, to diftrefs the trade of the faithful. Upon the report of Mallek
al Tijar's approach, the infidels made alliances with each other, and
aflembled in great numbers at the head of the pafTes ; but Mallek al
Tijar by degrees forced them from the enemy's pofleffion. Seeing
that his cavalry was ufelefs in the mountainous countries, he fent
back what horfe he had brought from the capital, and, contenting

W himfelf

» Thefe rajas were in all probability the anceftors of thofe who ftill maintain pirate
fleets on the Malabar coaft, and the defcendants of thofe whom Rennell, in the Memoir
to his Map, fays, Pliny notices as committing, in his time, depredations on the Roman
Eaft India trade. The places mentioned, as furnifhing troops for their reduction, are
on the Malabar coaft. Damaun is at prefent a Portuguefe fettlement j the others are
in the hands of the Mharattas.

156 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

himfelf with the troops under Afaud Geelanee and his own dependants,
made his way by fire and the axe through the woods. He lay five
months before the fort of Khakeh without effecfl, and the rains fetting
in, rehnquiflied the liege j when, committing the guard of the paffes
to ten thoufand men, on whom he could depend, he defcended the
mountains, to pafs the wet feafon in the diftrid: of Kolapore, where
he reduced the fort of Mukneh. After the rains he again afcended
the pafl'es, and by ftratagem, with unbounded gifts of money, obtained
the fortrels of Khakeh, which had never been conquered by the
muflulmauns. At the approach of the rains, he took the fame mea-
fures as he had done the former feafon ; and at the expiration of the
four wet months marched into the rountry of Songeer, which he
reduced with great eafe, taking ample revenge for the flaughter of
the » former Mallek al Tijar. He then moved againft the port and
illand of "" Goa, belonging to the roy of Beejanuggur ; fending an
hundred and twenty vefTels to attack it by fea, while he marched with
his army to adl againft it by land. Before the roy of Beejanuggur
could oppofe his defign, he made himfelf mafter of the place.
Mahummud Shaw, on information of this important conqueft, order-
ed the nobut to beat the march of triumph for feven days, and made
other rejoicings fucceffively.

Khajeh Jehaun, having fixed a ftrong garrifon in the fort, and
laid in plentiful ftores of every kind, returned after an abfence of
three years to the capital of Ahmedabad. Mahummud Shaw con-
delcended to honour him with a vifit of a whole week, conferring
upon him the higheft titles, with a fuit of his own robes ; and the
- queen mother gave him the appellation of brother. One of his de-
pendants, named Khoofli Kuddum, who had behaved with diftin-
guifhed gallantry in the different campaigns, was at his recommend-
ation promoted to high rank, with the title of Kifliwer Khan, and

the

» Vide reign of Ahmed Shaw, fliled Alia ad Dien 2d.
* Now the principal fettlement of the Portuguefe.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. , ,7

the forts of Goa, Bundoch, Khundwal, and Kholapore were granted
him in addition to liis other governments. When Mahummud Shaw
left his houfe, Khajeh Jehaun, retiring to his chamber, difrobed him-
felfofhis fplendid drefs, threw himfelf on the ground, and wept
with much lamentation; after which he came out, put on the habit
of a dirvefli, and calling together all the deferving learned men,
divines, and fyeds of Ahmedabad, diftributed moft of his money,
jewels, and effedts, excepting his elephants, horfes, and library,
among them ; faying, that praife be to God, he had efcaped the
temptations of his evil paflions, and was freed from danger.

Moolla Shumfe ad Dien afked him why he had given away every
thing but his Hbrary, elephants, and horfes ? He replied, that when
the fultan honoured him with a vifit, and' the queen mother called
him brother, his evil palTions began to prevail over his reafon ; and
the flruggle of vice and virtue was fo great in his mind, that he
became diflreifed even in the prefence of his majefty, who kindly
enquired the caufe of his concern ; on which he was obliged to feign
illnefs in excufe for his condud ; when the fultan advifed his taking
repofe, and returned to the palace. He had therefore parted with
wealth, the caufe of his temptations, that his library he had defigned
for the ufe of ftudents, and his elephants and horfes he regarded as
the fultan's, lent only to him for a feafon. After this, he always
wore plain apparel ; and, when at leifure from ftate affairs, retired to
his own r^iofque and college, where he fpent his time in the fociety
of the learned, and perfons eminent for piety and virtue. On Friday
nights he went difguifed through the different wards of the city, and
diftributed alms to the poor, faying, as he gave them. This is fent by
the fultan.

In the year 876, Himber, uncle's fon to the roy of Oureah, com-
plained to Mahummud Shaw that the roy being dead, Mungul Roy, a ' ' " ''^' ^*
flave, his adopted fon, had ufurped the government, in defiance of his

W 2 legal

I5S FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

legal claim of inheritance, and promifed, if the fultan would afTifl:
him with troops to regain his right, he would become his tributary.
Mahummud Shaw, who had a flrong defire to poffefs Oureah, ' Raaj-
mundree, and Cundapul, thought this requeft favourable to his
views J and, by the advice of Khajeh Jehaun, having conferred the
title of Nizam al Moolk on Mallek Houffun Bheheree, difpatched
him with a confiderable army to thofe parts. On the borders of
Oureah he was joined by Himber with his troops, who became the
guide of the army ; and Mungul Roy, having collected a great body
of troops, advanced in oppofition, but was foon defeated with great
ilaughter, and Himber put m poffeffion of his hereditary dominions.
Nizam al Moolk proceeded without delay, accompanied by Himber,
againft Cundapul and Raajmundree; both which he quickly reduced,
and by the orders of Mahummud Shaw, having ellabhfhed proper
flations of troops for their fecurity, he difmiffed Hiinber to his own
country, and returned with the plunder of his campaign to court ;
where, by the recommendation of the queen mother and Khajeh
Jehaun, he was honoured with the government of Telingana. Um-
mad al Moolk was appointed governor of Berar. A few months
afterwards, Eufuff Adil Khan Sewai, one of the flaves of Khajeh
Jehaun, eminent for his great prudence and other qualities, on
which account the minifter had adopted him as his fon, was appoint-
ed to the government of Dowlutabad, the moft important in the
ftate. Mahummud Shaw, confiding in his abilities, fent him to
reduce the fortrefs of Weragur, and to recover that of •> Antore,
which, during the Malwa invafion, had fallen into the pofTeffion of a
Mharatta, who did not pay proper fubmiffion. Adil Khan, upon
his arrival at Dowlutabad, difpatched Cafim Beg SufF-fhekun to
reduce Antore, and Direa Khan againfl Weragur. The chief of the

former

» Parts of what are now called the Northern Sirkars, and in pofiefilon of the Eaft
India company.

'' Moft probably the fame with Attore in Major Rcnnell's Map. Weragur was per-
haps a neighbouring diftridt.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

former delivered up the place without oppofition, on receiving quar-
ter; but the raja of the latter held out againfl the befiegers for fix
months ; at the end of which, feeing no hopes of relief, he fent a
meilage to Adil Khan, promiiing, if his life fliould be fpared, to
make an offering of all his effefts in the fort, and evacuate it with
his family. Adil Khan agreeing to thefe terms, ordered Direa
Khan to permit the inhabitants to retire without hurt to their perfons
or honour ; and, accordingly, the * roy Jey Sing, with his family and
dependants, quitted the ancient abode of his anceflors, leaving be-
hind him his treafures and all his hereditary poffelTions. Adil Khan,
who had come port: to the camp, entered the fort the fame day, and
took pofTeffion of the treafure and valuable effedts ; after which he
encouraged the principal inhabitants and farmers of the country, by
afTurances of protedtion and juflice. He then marched againfl the fort
ofRanjee, the chief of which, whofe father was lately dead, after
little oppofition, on promife of quarter, furrendered it with all the
contents. Adil Khan having feledted elephants, horfes, and what
richer effedls he efleemed fit for the fultan's ufe, received the chief
among the amras, and gave him back his fort and country in jaghire.
He then returned to Amedabad Bieder, and laid before the fultan
fuch fums of money, jewels, valuable effedts, elephants, and horfes,
that the plunder of Raajmundree and Bilcondah appeared trifling
when compared to tliis offering. Mahummud Shaw on this account
conferred upon him great honours, faying. Whoever had •> Khajeh
Jehaun for a father, could not fail of performing important fervices.
He ordered Khajeh Jehaun to entertain Adil Khan for a week at
his own houfe, with all poflible magnificence ; but the minifter ob-

ferving,

» From the circumftance mentioned, of Jey Sing's leaving the ancient abode of his
anceflors, it is probable he was the roy of the country by defcent ; and the being ftiled
a Mharatta, proves, that the people fo called were inhabitants of provinces in parts of
Dekkan, long before the family of Sewajee or Bhofela became their chiefs. Jey Sing's
family, doubtlefs, were reduced by the Bhamenee fovereigns, and he had rebelled
during the Malwa invafion in Nizam Shaw's reign.

^ Alluding to the adoption of Adil Khan by Khajeh Jehaun, as before mentioned.

159

j^O FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

lerving, that without his majefty's prefence the feafl would be in-
complete, the fultan faid, that to partake of an entertainment
prepared for another had no charms, but that he would honour his
lioufe with a vilit of a week, after that of Adil Khan was ended.

. Accordingly, on the eighth day, Mahummud Shaw went to the
minifler's palace, where he paffed a week in continued feafling, and
admitted Adil Khan to the honour of drinkins: wine with him.
Khajeh Jehaun treated the king with uncommon fplendour, and
prefented him with fo many rich curiolities, that beholders were
aftonifhed at the fight. Among thefe were fifty difhes of pure gold,
with covers fet with jewels, each large enough to hold a roafted
lamb ; one hundred flaves of Circaflia, Georgia, and Abyflinia, moll
of them accomplished fingers and muficians ; one hundred horfes of
Arabia, Syria, and Turky ; and one hundred pieces of fuperb china,
not to be feen, but in the palaces of a few great princes. On the laft
day he made rich prefents to the fultan's fons and all the court ; then
giving the fultan a fchedule of all his property, which he faid
belonged folely to his majefty, he defired him to take pofleffion.
Mahummud Shaw admired his behaviour, and accepted of his offer,
but conferred upon him anew all he had feen. After this, the
credit and favour of Khajeh Jehaun and Adil Khan became fo great,
that they were courted and envied by all the nobility ; and the Dek-
kanees, like wounded vipers tormenting themfelves, * bound up the
waiftband of enmity againft them.

A. D. 1472; I^ ^s y^^"^ ^77' Perkna, roy of the fortrefs of Balgoan, at the

inftigation of the prince of Beejanuggur, marched to retake the iiland
of Goa J as did alfo the general of Bankapore, with a great army,
flopping all fupplies of provifions. Mahummud Shaw, immediately
upon intelligence of this irruption, colledled his forces, and moved

againfl

> This expreffion means the fame as that of girding the loins, fo frequently occur-
ring in holy writ. Moft Afiatics wear a cloth of many folds round the waift.

FERISHTA's HISTORY Of DEKK AN. l6r

againft Balgoan, a fortrefs of great ftrength, having round it a deep
wet ditch, and near it a pafs, the only approach, defended by re-
doubts. The fultan fat dovvii before it, and roy Pirkna, out of
regard to his future welfare, fent privately perfons to Khajeh Jehaun
to beg terms of peace, which were prefented to the fultan for his
acquiefcence ; but Mahummud Shaw, in order to lliev/ his power,
and deter others by example, would not confent to them, and refolved
to take tlie fort by ftorm. He commanded the artillery, as they valued
their own fafety, to ettcA a pradlicabic breach in fourteen days ; and
committed to Khajeh Jehaun the charge of filling up the ditch,
" faying, that he expe<3:ed to have it paflable for the troops when the
breach fl:iould be ready. Though Khajeh Jehaun during the day
threw great quantities of wood and earth into the ditch, the enemy
in the night always removed th^m; upon which he changed his
operations to another quarter, and began to eredl batteries, and dig
mines, which till now had not been ufed in Dekkan. Pirkna,
confiding in his wet ditch as a fure protedlion, was felf-fecure, when,
fuddenly, three mines from the pods of Khajeh Jehaun, Adil Khan,
and Fatteh Oolla Ummad al Moolk, were conduded under the fort
wall, and fprung v^ith fuccefs. The troops of Pirknah advanced to
defend the breaches. Nearly two thoufxnd of the fultan's troops
were flain in ftorming, and the befieged had nearly filled up the
breaches with wood and ftones, when Mahummud Shaw himfelf
advanced to the aflault, and with great gallantry drove the enemy
from the breach, and gained the fort. While he was attacking the
citadel, Pirkna having difguifed himfelf, came to the royal attend-
ants, and requefted to be introduced to the fultan as a melTenger from
the roy. Being permitted to advance, as foon as he arrived before
the fultan, throwing his turban upon his neck, he declared his
quality, foylng, that he had come with his family to kifs the foot of
the throne. Mahummud Shaw, admiring his fortitude, pardoned
his crimes, and received him into the order of his nobility. When
O])pofition had ceafed, the fultan entered the citadel, and gave God

thanks

1 62 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

thanks for the fuccefs of his arms. Having added Balgoan and its
dependancies to the jaghire of Khajeh Jehaun, he returned towards
the capital. Soon after this expedition, in which fhe had accom-
panied her fon, died the queen mother, by whofe prudence the ftate
had acquired new fplendour. The fultan fent her corpfe in great
pomp to be interred at Ahmedabad Bieder.

When the royal ftandard reached the city of Beejapore, Mahum-
mud Shaw, at the requeft of Khajeh Jehaun, in whofe jaghire it
was, halted to repofe himfelf from his fatigues, and, to divert his
grief at the death of his mother, engaged in pleafures. Liking the
fituation of the place, he refolved to remain at it for the ramy feafon ;
but it happened that this year a drought prevailed through all Dek-
kan, fo that the wells of Beejapore were dried up, and the fultan,
againfl his inclination, was obliged to move to Ahmedabad. No rain
fell the next year, when the cities, towns, and villages became
almoft deftitute of population. Many of the inhabitants died of
famine, and numbers migrated for food to Malwa, Jaajnuggur, and
Guzarat. In Telingana, Meerhutt, and all the Bhamenee domini-
ons, no grain was fown for two years fucceffively; and the third,
when the Almighty fliowered his mercy upon the earth, fcarce
any farmers were left to cultivate the lands.

Not long after this dreadful vifitation of famincj while the coun-
try was reviving from depopulation, intelligence came that the gar-
rifon of Cundapul had mutinied, and having killed their governor,
who was tyrannically oppreffive, and feized the property and women
of his dependants, had given up the fort to roy Oureah, who was
proteded by Mahummud Shaw. Oureah, on this acquifition, fent
agents to the roy of OrilTa, reprefenting, that if he wiilied to recover
liis hereditary dominions in Telingana, now was the criiis, as Dek-
kan had been ruined by two years of famine, and the armies were
reduced to a fmall body ; that he would join him on confideration of

being

FERISHTA'si HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 1 63

being admitted to fhare in the conquefts of the muflulmauns, and for
the prefent give him up the fort of Cundapul, with the dependant
country. The toy of OrilTa, tempted by thefe offers, having col-
lefted ten thoufand horfe and eight thoufand foot, alfo fummoned
the rajas of Jaajnuggur to his affiftance, entered Telingana without
delay. Nizam al Moolk, governor of Raajmundree, unable to cope
with fo great a force, fhut himfelf up in that fortrefs, and fent
exprefs accounts of the fituation of affairs to court.

Mahummud Shaw, by the advice of Khajeh Jehaun, refolved to
oppofe the infidels in perfon. Having advanced one year's pay to the
troops, he began his march with great expedition. Upon his arrival
near Raajmundree, the enemy not thinking it advifeable to meet
him in the field, rcy Oureah retired to the fortrefs of Cundapul,
and the toy of Orifla croflTed the lake of Raajmundree, and retreated
towards his own dominions. Mahummud Shaw, enraged at this
unprovoked invafion, having left Khajeh Jehaun with the prince
Mhamood Khan at Raajmundree, marched with twenty thoufand
horfe to punifh the deceitful idolater. In the latter part of the year
882 he penetrated to the capital of OrifTa, and ufed no mercy in A. D. 1477.
flaughtering the inhabitants and laying wafte the country of the
enemy. As the roy had retired to the very extremity of his poffef-
fions, the fultan had unmolefled range for operation, and collefted
vafl fums from the people ; after which he determined to fend for his
fon and Khajeh Jehaun, and eftablifli them in the province.

The roy of Orifia, hearing of the fultan's intentions, fent repeated
embaffies, with elephants and other valuable prefents, to open the
door of forgivenefs, declaring folemnly, that he would never in
fiiture, in any manner, afilft the zemindars of Telingana. To this the
fultan replied, that if he would give him up twenty five noted ele-
phants, which had belonged to the late roy his father, he would
grant him peace. The roy valued thefe elephants next to his life,
yet durft not refufe, and therefore fent them in rich trappings, and

X chains

164. FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

chains of gold and filver ; upon which the fultan began his march
from Orifla.

The fultan on the march, when engaged at fome diflance from
his route in hunting, faw a fort upon a high hill, and going to view
it nearer with his attendants, afked fome of the country people to
whom it belonged. They replied, that it was the property of the
roy of OrifTa, and that no power dared be fo rafh as to caft even
a look of conquell: upon it. The fultan, inflamed at this infolent
reply, halted at the foot of the hUl, and the next day began the fiege,
which continued a month and half without efFed:. At the expiration
of that time, the roy fent an apology for the rudenefs of his people,
who were clowns and unacquainted with politenefs, entreating that
his majefty would regard the fort as his own by conquefl, and beflow
it upon him as one of his vafTals. This apology pleafed the fultan,
who raifed the fiege, and continued his march* ,

Mahummud Shaw next fat down before Cundapul; and roy
" Oureah after fix months, being much diftrefTed, fued for pardon j
which being granted at the intercelTion of fome of the nobility, he
furrendered the fort and city to the royal troops. The fultan went
to view the fort, and broke down a temple of idols, killing fome
braminee devotees who officiated at it with his own hands, from a
point of religion. He then gave orders for a mofque to be eredled on
the foundations, and afcending a pulpit, read fome prayers, diilributed
alms, and commanded the khootbah to be proclaimed in his name.
Khajeh Jehaun reprefented, that as his majefly had flain fome in-
fidels with his own hands, he might now properly affume the title
of Ghazee ; which he did. He was the firft of the Bhamenee family
that killed a bramin ; and it is the belief of the Dekkanees, that

this

' The raja feems here to be called by the name of the province j as in Europe fome
times perfonages are by the places giving their titles.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

this id was inaufpicious, and conducive to the troubles which foon
after perplexed the affairs of hiinfelf and liis family, to their diflb-
lution.

Mahummud Shaw, according to die advice of Khajeh Jehaun,
remained near three years in Raajmundree, to fettle the conquered
country and eftabliih proper ports of defence on the borders. Hav-
ing fecured the whole countiy of TeUngana, by expelling all the
refradlory zemindars, he refolved on the conqueft of ' Nerfinga, and
confulted Khajeh Jehaun on eftablifliing a governor for the province of
Telingana. The minifter replied, that no one was more capable of
fuch a charge than Nizam al Moolk Beheree ; and the fultan ap-
proving of that nobleman, committed to his care Raajmundree,
Cundapul, and feveral other places. Warunkul, and other diilrids,
he conferred on Azim Khan ; and, after thefe regulations, began his
march towards Nerfinga. Nizam al Moolk, difgufted at Azim
Khan's appointments, reprefented to the fultan, that he wifhed to
leave his government in charge of one of his fons, and attend the
royal ftirrup. To this the fultan replied, that his only aim was the
protedlion of the country, and that he was indifferent by whom that
ftiould be effeded. It is faid, that Khajeh Jehaun perceiving Nizam
al Moolk to be of great ambition, did not wifh that his fon Mallek
Ahmed, who had married a lady out of the fultan's haram, and was
more afpiring than his father, fhould be ftationed with him in the
fame jaghire; therefore, when Nizam al Moolk was before appoint-
ed governor of Raajmundree, he perfuaded the fultan to flation
Mallek Ahmed with Khodawund Khan Hubfhee, and give him a
jaghire in Mahore, with the rank of three hundred. Mahummud
Shaw now complying with the requeft of Nizam al Moolk, called
Mallek Ahmed to camp, and having promoted him to the rank of a
thoufand, difpatched him, as his father's deputy, to Raajmundree.

X 2 Nerfing

» A country dependant on Beejanuggur, called by Europeans, Bifnagar, but then in
rebellion againft that ftatc.

165

J 56 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Nerfing was a powerful raja, poflHiing the country between
Carnatic and Telingana, extending along the fea coail to Matchili-
puttun, and had added much of the Beejanuggur territory to his own
by conquefl, with feveral ftrong forts. He had frequently excited
the frontier zemindars of Bliamenee to rebel ; and the amras on the
borders, unable to curb his infolence, had frequently reprefented it
to court, which at length determmed the fultan to reduce him.

Mahummud Shaw, in the beginning of this expedition, marching
by a ruined fort, and being told that it had been eredled by the em-
perors of Dhely to awe the borderers, halted, and commanded it to be
repaired without delay. Khajeh Jehaun ufed fuch adlivity» that the
common work of two years was accomplirtied in the fpace of fix
months ; a garrifon appointed, and ample ftores of all kinds laid in
for defence. He then condudted Mahummud Shaw to view the
works completed } and fo fenfible was the fultan of his merit, that he
exclaimed, ** The Almighty hath bountifully conferred upon me
*' two great bleflings, an important empire, and a fervant unequalled."
Having faid this, he took off his upper robe, and putting it on the
fhoulders of Khajeh Jehaun, took his in return, and put it on his own
perfbn. Such an honour being done by a fultan to his fervant, we
read not of in any hiilory.

Mahummud Shaw, having flationed three thoufand horfe near
the fort to proted: his rear, marched on. Wherever he tame he
laid wafle the country, and flaughtered thofe inhabitants who made
reliflance. Upon his arrival at Ghondpore, he was informed by the
country people, that at the diftance of ten days' journey was the
temple of * Kinjee^ the walls and roof of wliich were plated with
gold, ornamented with precious Hones, and that the fultans of Iflaam,
as yet, had never feen it, nor heard of its name.

Mahummud

» Or, Conjeveram.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Mahummud Shaw, having feleded fix thoufand horfe from his
army, made forced marches towards Kinjee, but moved fo rapidly
himfelf, that only forty horfemen could keep up with him, among
whom were Nizam al Mooik Beheree, and Yeghrufli Khan Toork.
When they appeared before the temple, from it advanced fome Hin-
doos, one of whom appeared above the reft of uncommon ftature,
mounted on horfeback, and brandifhing a drawn fabre by way of
defiance. Advancing full fpeed towards the fultan, he aimed a
blow at him without efFedt ; when Mahummud Shaw, with great
agility, ftruck him with his fcymetar with fuch force, as to cleave
him in two. Another infidel then attacked the fultan, whofe little
force was engaged man againil: man, but he had the good fortune to
flay him alfo, upon which the reft of the Hindoos fled into the
temple. Crowds, like bees, now iifued from within, and ranged
themfelves under the walls to defend it. The troops coming up,
the fultan aflaulted the place, which was carried with great flaughter
of the Hindoos. An immenfe plunder fell to the vidors, who took
nothing away but gold, jewels, and filver, fo abundant were thofe
valuable commodities. The fultan then plundered the city of Kin-
jee, and after repofing in it for a week, returned to his grand army.

After this, Mahummud Shaw fent many of the foreign officers,
with the troops of Dovvlutabad and Joneer, againft the capital oF
Nerfinga, going himfelf againft " Matchiliputtun, which he reduced,
with all the dependant country, and then returned to Ghondpore.
Nizam al Moolk, Zireef al Moolk, and others, had bribed feveral of
the moft confidential fervants about the fultan's perfon to throw out
hints, now and then, prejudicial to Khajeh Jehaun, and thefe traitors
loft no opportunity of alarming the royal mind with fufpicions of liis
afpiring views, and peculation of the royal revenue ; till, at length,
they brought that great mlnifter to deftrudlion, by contriving the fol-
lowing infamous forgery : but it is neceftary, before the particulars

are
* Or, Maflulipatam,

167

l68 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

are related, to difplay the caufes of the comity of the nobility, who
contrived his ruin.

The dominions of Bhamenee having in the reign of Mahummud
Shaw become very extenfive, Khajeh Jehaun thought it political to
make feveral alterations in the rules eftablifhed by lultan Alia ad
Dien Kangoh, which vv^ere formed for a fmall ftate ; and having con-
vinced the fultan of their utility, he was permitted to carry them into
execution. The whole kingdom, originally divided into four ter-
rufFs, or provinces, under four chief governors, he diftributed into
eight. Berar was portioned into two governments ; Kaweel under
Fatteh Oolla Ummad al Moolk, and Mahore under Khodawund
Khan Hubfhee. Dovvlutabad was conferred on Adil Khan, and
Joneer, with the diftridis of Alore, Baeen, Ban, the port of Goa, and
Balgoan, on Fukhir al Moolk. Beejapore, with many diftrifts as
far as the Beemrah, alfo Roijore and Mudkul, were conferred upon
himfelf. Ahflunabad, Koolburga, with Saugher, as far as Nulder-
ruck and Sholapore, were entrufted to the Abyffinian eunuch, Duftoor
Deenar. The country of Telingana, which had been left entirely to
Nizam al Moolk Beheree, was alfo divided. Raajmundree, Matchi-
liputtun, Bilcondah, Oureah, and other places, were continued under
his charge ; and the government of Warunkul was conferred on
Azim Khan. Several places in each of the eight divifions were
referved as peculiar revenues for the fultan's private expenfes, and
particular coUedlors appointed to manage them.

From the time of fultan Alia ad Dien to the prefent reign, it had
been the rule of the ftate, to leave all the forts in each province to the
charge of the governor, or terruffdar, who appointed his own depu-
ties and garrifon, without reftridlion. In confequence of this im-
politic indulgence, the governors of provinces had fometimes rebelled
againfl the royal authority, and it had as often been found difficult to
reduce them. By the new regulation, one fortrefs only was left in the

chief

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

chief governor's hands for his own refidence, and all the reft were
garrifoned by officers and troops paid and appointed by the fultan,
without any intervening authority over them.

Another change of the rules of fultan Alia ad Dien, was in the
pay of the troops. By them, the amras of five hundred had one
lack of ' oons per annum ; of a thoufand, two lacks in ready money,
or a jaghire producing an equal revenue. Kliajeh Jehaun, after the
entire conquefl of Telingana, to encourage the army, fettled the pay
of an amra of five hundred, at one lack and twenty five thoufand
oons } of a thoufand, at two lacks and fifty thoufand j and the jaghires
were fo eftabliihed, that if the revenues were one oon lefs than the
allowed pay, it was fupplied from the royal treafury; and if the
amras kept one foldier under their fixed numbers, a fum equal to his
pay was deduced from their allowances. By thefe rules, fuch a
confiftent order and dependance was maintained, that government
acquired full force, and all ranks of people enjoyed their rights in
fecurity and repofe ; but this ftridlnefs was difgufting to thofe of
afpiring minds, who conceived a rooted hatred for the minifter.

Khajeh Jehaun faw their malice } but as all his view was the
fultan's intereft and profperity, he regarded it not -, and as a fincere
attachment fubfifted between him and Adil Khan, whom he had
adopted as his own fon, no one dared, while they were together, to
attempt openly the fmalleft injury againft them. At length, Adil
Khan going upon the expedition againft. Nerfinga, the two friends
were feparated ; and a number of Dekkanees and Abyffinians, who
had been raifed to high offices at the recommendation of Khajeh
Jehaun, entered into confederacy with Nizam al Moolk Beheree
againft their patron ; advifing, that advantage of Adil Khan's abfence
fhould be taken, to eifed his deftrudion.

Zireef

• Called pagodas by Europeans, a lack of which makes fomewhat above forty
thoufand pounds.

169

I'JO

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Zireef al Moolk Dekkanee and Miftah Hubfliee being charged
with the plot againfl their patron, paid their court to one of his
Abyflinian flaves, who had the care of his feals ; and having gained
his friendfhiip by large prefents, haflened to finifli their defign. One
day, after drinking wine together, Zii-eef al Moolk and Miftah Hub-
Jhee produced a folded paper, faying, that it was the account of one
of their friends, and had received the feals of moft of the heads of
offices, only requiring the Khajeh's, which if he would affix, they
iliould regard it as a great obligation. The flave, being intoxi-
cated with liquor, complied with their defire j and, without the
caution of unfolding the paper, ' ftamped the feal on the part they
pointed out to him. The two wretches, overjoyed at their fuccefs,
went the fame night to Nizam al Moolk, who, in conjundion with
them, wrote on the paper a letter, as if from Khajeh Jehaun to the
roy of Oriffa, in thefe words : " I am weary of the drunkennefs and
" cruelty of Mahummud Shaw. Dekkan may be conquered with
" little trouble, as at Raajmundree and that frontier there is no
« general of any note. You may invade that quarter without oppo-
" fition ; and as moft of the nobility and troops are devoted to me,
" I will join you with a powerful army. When we have in con-
" junAion reduced the fultan, we will divide his territories equally
" between us." Zireef al Moolk and Miftah Hubfhee delivered
this letter to the fultan, in the prefence of Nizam al Moolk. Ma-
hummud Shaw, feeing the feal of his minifter, was inflamed with
rage. Nizam al Moolk finding opportunity to fpeak, by falfe accu-
fations fo raifed his paffion, that he loft all command over hisreafon,
and without weighing probability, or afking to fee the meffejiger,
who, it was pretended, had been intercepted carrying the letter to
the roy of OriiTa, fent for Khajeh Jehaun to the prefence. His
friends who had heard the caufe, informed him of it, and remarked,
that it would be prudent to form fome excufe for not obeying that
day, and to wait till the fultan fliould recover his reafon, when the

forgery

» The natives of India commonly put their feal inflead of fignature to papers.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

forgery would be eafily dete(fled, and the criminals punilhed. Kha-
jeh Jehaun in reply, repeated a verfe to this effe^it : " As martyrdom
" to love is glorious here and hereafter, happy fhould I be to be
" carried dead from the field immediately." He then faid, " This
" beard has grown white in the aufpicious fervice of the father, and
" it will be honourable fhould it be dyed with my blood by the
" fortunes of the fon ; there is no evading the decrees of fate, and to
" draw the neck from its fentence is impolfible." Many capital
amras, attached to his caufe, now fent meflengers to him, informing,
that they had heard alarming reports, and had ten thoufand horfe
ready for his fervice j that if he would fly to Guzarat, they would
attend him, and facrifice their lives in his defence. He anfwered,
that he had for many years enjoyed honourable repofe in his mafler's
fervice, in which he had been guilty of no crime ; and that, on
account of the mere accufations of his enemies, the fultan could not
believe him unfaithful; but if, impelled by providence, he fhould
punilh him innocent, it was beft to fubmit to the decree. That
what they had propofed as duty and friendfhip, was ingratitude and
rebellion.

Having faid thus, he Inftantly went to court. Mahummud Shaw
ftemly exclaimed, " When any one is difloyal to his fovereign, and
*♦ his crime is proved, what fliould be his punifliment ?" The
Khajeh replied, " The abandoned wretch who pradlifes treachery
** againfl; his lord, fhould meet nothing but the fword." The fultan
then fhewed him the letter ; upon feeing which he, after repeating
the verfe of the koraun (O God, this is a great forgery) faid, " The
*< feal is mine, but not the letter, of which I have no knowledge. '*
He concluded by repeating the following verfes : " By the God
" whofe commands the juft have obeyed with their blood, falfe as
" the ftory ' of EufufF and the wolf, is that my enemies have forged
♦* of me." As the fultan was intoxicated with wine, and had

Y refigned

» Alluding to Jofeph's brethren telling Jacob that he was torn by a wild beaft.

»7i

1^2 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

refigned his reafon to anger, and the decline of the houfe of Bha-
menee was near, he attended not to the examination of fadts ; but
rifing from the affembly, ordered Johir, an Abyflinian, to put the
minifler to death on the fpot. Khajeh Jehaun addrefled the fultan,
faying, " The death of an old man like me is of little moment
" to myfelf, but will be to you the ruin of an empire, and your own
" glory." The fultan attended not to his words, but abruptly retired
into his haram. The flave then drawing his fabre advanced towards
the Khajeh ; who, kneeling down facing the ' Kibleh, faid, " There
" is no God but God, and Mahummud is the prophet of God."
When the fabre reached his neck, he cried, " Praife be to God for
** the blefling of martyrdom," and refigned his foul to the divine
mercy. Afaad Khan Geelanee, an amra of high rank, and friend
to the Khajeh, happening to be prefent, was put to death by
the flave alfo, without orders. Khajeh Jehaun at the time of his
death was feventy eight years old. A little before, he had written a
poem in praife of Mahummud Shaw.

A.D. 1481. His death happened on the fifth of SufFur, 886, and Moolla Abd

al Kerreem Sindee, author of the Tarekh Mhamood Shawee, one of
the fervants of the Khajeh, compofed the following verfes on his
martyrdom.

" The innocent martyr, truly deferving veneration, by whofe
" bounty the world was made glad; if you wilh to know the
** date of his death, read the '' record of the unjuft flaughter."
Again he fays, " If any are defirous to know the year of his death,
*' fay, without guilt Mhamood Gawan was martyred."

There are in Dekkan many remains of the munificence of this great
man ; particularly a college, built by him at Ahmedabad two years

before

» The point of prayer, Mecca.

* This expreflion in numerical letters compofed the date.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

before his death, containing alfo a mofque and a large fquare of
/hops, which, at the date of this hiftory, were as entire as if juft
finiflied. Khajeh Jehaun had great learning, and much judgment in
compofition of profe and verfe. In arithmetic he was unequalled ;
and his ^ Rozet al Inflia and poems are ftill extant in fome libraries in
Dekkan. He annually remitted valuable prefents to the learned in
Khoraffan and Eeraak, and the princes of thofe parts bellowed ho-
nours upon him. Molana Jami Abd al Rahmaan correlponded with
him, and fome of his letters are to be feen in his works. There is
alfo in the Molana's poems one written in his name. MooUa Abd al
Kerrun Tummdee has given an account of him from his birth to his
death, part of which is inferted as worthy of a place in hiftory.

Khajeh Jehaun's anceftors in former ages, for generations fuccef-
fively, held the poft of vizier to the princes of Geelan in Perfia, and
one of them became fultan of Rilhd ; which territory, according to
Hajee Mahummud Candaharee, continued in his family till the time
of Shaw Tahmafp SufFewi. Khajeh Jehaun, as he was of royal
extradlion, alarmed at the jealoufy of Tahmafp, perfuaded his mo-
ther to quit his birth-place ; and, though invited to the high office of
vizier by the princes of Eeraak and Khoraffan, refufed the honour,
chufing rather to become a merchant. In this capacity he travelled
through many countries, and made acquaintance with celebrated and
learned men in each. In his forty third year, partly to trade, and
partly to vifit the religious of Dekkan, he came by fea to the port of
Dabul, and from thence over land to Ahmedabad, intending to
proceed from that capital to Dhely. Sultan Alia ad Dien the fecond,
feeing his great qualities, with much entreaty prevailed upon him to
become enrolled among his nobility. In the reign of Humaioon Shaw
Zalim, he was honoured with the title of Mallek al Tijar, and
rofe to the firft office m the ftate. Mahummud Shaw added feveral
other honours to his name, and among them the title of Khajeh

y 2 Jehaun.

* Garden of comporition. India is a dire<Story for correfpondence on all fubje£ls.

^73

1/4

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Jehaun. He entertained two thoufand IVIoguls in his own pay, and
ten thoufand horfe from the fultan were under his command. The
following reafon is given for his being called " Gawan. Being one
day in the fultan's company fitting on a terrace of the palace, a cow
happened to bleat underneath, when one of the affembly laughingly
faid, O vizier, what fays the cow ? To which he replied. She fays
I am one of her fpecies, and lliould not fit among affes. When he
received the title of Gawan he prophetically obferved, that he feared
it was unlucky, as all who had held it fuffered unnatural deaths.
He was by fedt a funnee" of the ftrideft order. His loyalty to Ma-
hummud Shaw was fincere, and the fame of his liberality fpread over
Afia ; there being fcarce a town or city, the defer ving of which did
not tafte of his bounty. His behaviour was affable to all ranks, and
his juflice in his dealings unimpeached.

Mahummud Shaw having heard frequent reports of the vafl: wealth
of Khaj eh Jehaun, fent for his treafurer, Nizam ad Dien HoufTun
Geelanee, and demanded where his money, jewels, and plate were
depofited. The treafurer, alarmed, told the fultan, that if he would
promife to fpare his life, he would difcover all ; upon which, think-
ing to receive a great treafure, he took an oath and promifed, if iie
concealed nothing, to reward him with royal bounty. The treafurer
then faid, " O fultan, my lord had two treafuries, one of which he
" called the fultan's, from which were ifilied the expenfes of his
** troops, ftables, and houfehold : in this there are now ten thoufand
" laarees, and three thoufand oons. The other he named the trea-
" fury of the poor, and in this there is a fealed bag, containing three
" hundred laarees." The fultan faid, •* How comes it that the
" Khajeh, whofe revenues equalled that of many kings, fhould only
" have fuch a fmall fum ?" The treafurer replied, " Whenever
" money came from his jaghire, having taken for the king's trea-
" fury the pay of his troops and ilables, he gave the remainder, in

" your
» Cows.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

" yotu' majefty's name, to the poor, not referving a * cowrie for his
" own ufe. A fum of forty thoufand laarees, which he brought with
<* him from Perfia to Dekkan, he employed, by means of agents, in
" trade ; and preferving always that capital, expended two laarees
" each day for his kitchen and apparel out of the profits, the
" remainder of which was carried into the poor's treafury, and ifllied
." from thence in fums, remitted to his mother, relations, and
" worthy perfons, with whom he had made acquaintance in his
" travels, and who would not come to Hindooftan."

The minifler's enemies Avere confounded at this account, but
envioufly remarked, that the Khajeh was a cautious man, and fufpeft-
ing his expenfes might betray his riches, had left them fecreted at
the capital. To which the treafurer replied, that if one laaree, his
property, fliould be found there, or any where, beyond the fums he
had mentioned, he would fubmit to the fevereft punifliment. The
fultan then affembled all the head fervants ; and firft queftioned the
chief ■" feraafh ; who faid, that all the tents and carpets his lord had,
were now in the camp, except feme mattings in the city on the
floors of his mofque and college, and that the Khajeh always flept
himfelf upon a bare "mat. The overfeer of the kitchen was then
called, who declared, that all the utenfils and veffels were with him,
but that the vidtuals for his mailer's own eating, were always dreffed
in earthen pots. The librarian laftly flood forth, and acknowledged
that there were, in the library three thoufand volumes, but all in trufl
for the ftudents of the college. The fultan now became melancholy,
and the treafurer took courage to fay, " O fultan, may thoufands
" fuch as Mhamood Gawan be ranfoms for thy fafety ! but why
" didfl thou not regard the claims upon thee for his fervices .? why
" call not before thee the bearer of the letter to the roy of OrifTa,
" that his treachery might appear to us and all mankind clear and

" undoubted?"

» A fmall fea (hell, current as money.
•> Tent-keeper.

^75

176 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

" undoubted ?" Mahummud Shaw, flruck with this query, awoke
from the trance of ftupefadion, and called to the accufers of the un-
fortunate miniiler to bring the bearer of the letter before him. None
could be found. He then rofe trembling with horror, retired into his
haram, full of remorfe and forrow, at his rafh credulity and unjuft
fentence againfl his faithful friend. The hearfe of tlie deceafed was
fent off, in melancholy pomp, to Ahmedabad for interment; and
three days after, the prince Mhamood Khan and many of the nobility
were ordered to vifit the grave.

The fultan now prepared to march, but the night of the orders
being iffued, Ummad al Moolk and Khodawund Khan, with the
troops of Berar and Mahore, feparated from the camp, and moved
four miles diftant. Mahummud Shaw upon this account deferred
his march, and fent to them to enquire the caufe of their movement.
They anfwered, that as the fervants of his majefty had by their
machinations deflroyed fuch a charafter as Khajeh Gawan, they
could not but be fearful of their own fafety, if they remained at
court. The fultan, upon this, fent a private meflage, deiiring them
to come to his prefence, that by their afliftance he might puniih the
traitors who had abufed his confidence by fuch forgeries -, but to this
they replied, that whenever Adil Khan fhould arrive, they would
come with him, and kifs his majefty 's feet. The fultan, feeing that
nothing but patience and complying behaviour would fucceed, fent a
iirmaun to Adil Khan j who came with all expedition to Ghondpore,
and pitched his camp clofe to that of the two dilgufted chiefs. All
three obtained whatever they chofe to afk, without referve. The
jaghire of Khajeh Jehaun, Beejapore, was conferred on Adil Khan,
who was appointed terruffdar, and Direa Khan, Fukhir al Moolk,
and MuUoo Khan, with moll of the mogul amras attached to him,
obtained jaghires in that divifion. Ummad al Moolk and Khoda-
wund Khan were fixed in their governments, and obtained all their
demands. When they had attended the fultan to Ahmedabad, they

encamped

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEfCKAM.

encamped without the city, and would not enter it ; upon which
the fuhan, feeing his authority vain, did not give way to unavaihng
rage, but held his peace, and difmifled them honourably to their
feveral jaghires, arming himfelf with patience and forbearance. In
hopes that Nizam al Moolk would imitate the condudt of Khajeh
Jehaun in his vigilant policy, he ftrengthened his power daily,
loading him with benefits, which only ferved to difguft the nobility.

Some months afterwards, the fultan, in hopes that Adil Khan,
Ummad al Moolk, and Kliodawund Khan would join him with their
Jirmies, marched ; but though they accompanied him, they always
encamped at a diflance, and paid their refpedls only on the road,
ftanding far from him, furrounded by guards. Mahummud Shaw, a
thoufand times in an hour, regretted the lofs of Khajeh Jehaun -, but as
there was now no remedy, he held his tongue from complaints, while
he fuffered inwardly extreme anxiety. When he arrived at Balgoan,
and had feen the city and fortifications, though the amras repeatedly
urged him to vifit Goa and Kokun, he would not confent, and began
his return to the capital. At this time intelligence arrived, that Sewa-
roy, prince of Beejanuggur, had fent a large army againft Goa ; upon
which the fultan difpatched Adil Khan with the troops of Beejapore,
to oppofe him, and went himfelf by regular marches to Firozeabad ;
but Ummad al Moolk and Khodawund Khan quitted the army on the
route without leave, and retired to their governments in Berar.

Mahummud Shaw, knowing that civil war could be attended with
no benefit, refolved to be paffive, and halted three months at Firoze-
abad ; feemingly fpending his hours in pleafures, but inwardly a
prey to grief and forrow, which wafted his ftrength daily. He ap-
pointed his fon Mhamood Khan his fucceflbr, and conftituted Nizam
al Moolk regent. A declaration to this efFedt was made out in
writing, teitified by the fignatures and feals of the learned and pious
men in the court. While this paper was drawing out, he would

frequently

^77

173

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

frequently fay. If they obey not me, who reigned glorioufly for many
years, and conquered nations with my fword, how will they ftoop to
fubmit to a child? His weaknefs daily encreafedj, but, upon His
return to Ahmedabad, he grew better, and prefuming upon it, in-
dulged in debauches. His fever had not entirely left him, when one
day he drank a large cup of wine, and retired to his haram, which
brought on a fevere fit. The phyficians adminiftered, to him medi-
cines immediately, and, feeing him fomewhat recovered, retired. In
their abfence, the fultan, from the vulgar maxim that nothing is fo
good to remove the laffitude from intoxication as a frefh cordial, drank
wine, and inftantly fell into ftrong fits; during which he frequently
cried out, that Khajeh Jehaun was tearing him to pieces : till at
A.D. 1482. length he trod the path of mortality, on the firft of SufFur, 887, after
a reign of twenty years. The date of his death is comprized in the
following verfes.

" The king of kings, fultan Mahummud ; when fuddenly he
** plunged into the ocean of death, as Dekkan became wafte by his
" departure, » the ruin of Dekkan was the date of his death."

* Thefe words are in numerical letters.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

179

SULTAN
MHAMOOD SHAW BHAMENEE.

Sultan Mhamood Shaw afcended the throne of Dekkan in the
twelfth year of his age ; and the amras then at court, Nizam al
Moolk Beheree, Kowaam al Moolk, Cafim Bereed Turk, and
others, fwore allegiance. His inauguration was conduced with
much ceremony. The throne Firozeh was placed in the grand hall
of audience, and on each lide of it a chair of filver. Shaw Mohib
OoUa and Syed Hunneef, the two moft celebrated divines of Dek-
kan, having offered prayers for his profperity, placed the crown on
the fultan's head ; then, each holding an arm, helped him to
afcend the throne, which at this time, in magnificence and intrinfic
value, exceeded every other in the world. This done, they feated
themfelves on the filver chairs. Nizam al Moolk and Cafim Bereed
then advancing, made oiFerings of congratulation, and their, example
was followed by all the nobility and officers prefent. Some of the
aflembly obferved, that Adil Khan Turk, Fukhir al Moolk, Direa
Khan, and Mulloo Khan, who were among the prime Turkifh
nobility, not being prefent, the ceremony was not binding. To this
Nizam al Moolk replied, that to keep the throne vacant would caufe
diflentions; but when they returned from Kokun, the ceremony
might be repeated, and titles and honours be conferred. Moolla
Abd al Kerrum Tummdee, who was prefent, writes, that the people
regarded this difpute as ominous of evil ; and fo it proved, as the

Z reign

I So FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

reign of Mhamood Shaw, though a long one, pafTed in troubles and
civil wars, and the royal authority fell from the houfe of Bhamenee.

"When the late fultan Mahummud Shaw afcended the throne,
being but a child, the chief nobility had afpired to independance ;
but by the able condudl of the queen mother and Khajeh Jehaun,
their deligns were overthrown, and they dared not openly Ihew their
vviflies. That prince, from his abilities, foon became capable of
managing affairs in perfon, and by degrees the power of the nobility
was reduced to proper bounds. He had encouraged a number of
Georgians, Circaffians, Calmucks, and other Turkilh tribes, befides
two thoufand flaves, AbyfTinians and Hindoos. From thefe were
feleiled the officers of government, and by degrees many of them
rofe to high power, Nizam al Moolk Beheree, one of the Hindoo
flaves, was coniidered by the Dekkanees and Abyffinians as their
head j while the Turks attached themfelves to Adil Khan, originally
a Turkiili flave. As Khajeh Jehaun favoured the Turks, Adil
Khan was permitted to fland at court above Nizam al Moolk, which
hurt his pride, and, in the end, led him to plan the deftrudlion of that
great minifler, as before related ; but Adil Khan, by his prudence,
efcaped his ftratagems, and being appointed terruffdar of Beejapore
became daily more powerful.

Upon the death of Mahummud, and the acceflion of Mhamood
Shaw, Adil Khan, and the nobility with him, having entered into
alliance to fupport each other, came from Kokun in great force to
felicitate the young fovereign, and encamped without the walls of
Ahmedabad. Adil Khan, Direa Khan, Fukhir al Moolk, Yeghrufli
Khan, Azdauh Khan, and Ghuzzunfir Khan entered the city with a
thoufand Mogul and Turkifh horfe, to pay their allegiance to the
fultan. When they arrived at the palace, though it was againft the
etiquette of the court for noblemen to enter with attendants, yet,
fearful of treachery in Nizam al Moolk, they took with them two

hundred

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. iSfl

hundred armed followers. Nizam al Moolk, with five hundred feledt
attendants, met them with much ceremonious attention, and intro-
duced them to the fultan's prefence. Adil Klian, having paid his
refpedls in form, took his place as formerly above Nizam al Moolk
and all the nobility. Direa Khan fat between the Nizam and his
fon Mallek Ahmed, that, in cafe of treachery, they might be firfl
revenged on the perpetrators, and truft to fortune for the reft.
Ahmed Khan attempted to move next his father, who forbad him ;
and to prevent difturbances, which he faw, from the caution of his
rivals, would be hazardous to his perfon, haftened the ceremony of
beftowing khelauts from the fultan, and rifing of the court. EufufF
Adil Khan, at coming out, led Nizam al Moolk by the hand, under
pretence of converfation, to the outer gate of the citadel ; where,
being joined by his force, he parted from him with profufe affur-
ances of regard and friendfliip, and took up his reiidence at his houfe
in the city, with a guard of a thoufand chofen men for his protedlionj
giving orders to Direa Khan and his other friends to return to camp,
and be upon their guard.

Nizam al Moolk the next day vifited Adil Khan ; and, after
many declarations of friendfhip, delired that he would, with all the
Mogul and Turkifh amras, refide in the city, that they might attend
with him at court, and affift in the management of the royal affairs.

Adil Khan replied, that his aflurances of frienddiip accorded
with his own wiflies ; but for his daily attendance at court, there was
no occafion, as he and his friends were only foldiers, and ignorant of
the political arcana of government. Agreeably to the will of their late
fovereign, he defired he would condudl adminiftration, and leave him
the military execution of the fultan's orders ; that his friends had
better remain encamped without the city, as they were rude and
ignorant, and quarrels might arilV, dangerous to the publick repofe
of the town between them, the Abyffinians and Dekkanees. It

Z 2 was

«»

l82 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

was at length agreed, that Nizam al Moolk fliould have the poft of
vaqueel al fultunnut, and leave the various great offices which he had
held under Mahummud Shaw, to others. By this plan the vizarut
was conferred on Kowaam al Moolk, fenior, and Warunkul on
Kowaani al Moolk, junior. Raajmundree, with the ' nizarut, was
given to Dillawer Khan Hubfliee. Every poft was fliared by mutual
confent among their friends. They then repaii"ed together to court,
where the fultan's aflent being pafled, and khelauts of confirmation
given, Adil Khan returned to his own houfe, and never after con-
cerned himfelf in the internal management of the royal affairs.

For a fliort time the Moguls and Turks lived amicably with the
Dekkanees and AbyfTmians ; but Nizam al Moolk and Kowaam al
Moolk, fenior, at length infringed the treaty, as they wiflied to
remove Eufuff Adil Khan Turk, and fill his place with Adil Khan
Dekkanee, then deputy governor of Warunkul. With this defign
they called him to court, with Fatteh OoUa Ummad al Moolk, on
pretence of felicitating the fultan's acceffion. They came accord-
ingly, with a great army, and encamping without the walls, entered
the city with a few attendants to pay their compliments and offerings
to the fultan, who received them very gracioufly, and honoured them
with khelauts.

About three weeks after this, Nizam al Moolk, who had lulled
the weak Ummad al Moolk Turk into a reliance on his friendfhip,
told him, that he wifhed, with the afTiflance of the Dekkanee
nobility, to deflroy Eufuff Adil Khan Turk, that they might both
be fecured from his machinations, and fend off his partizans to their
different ftations ; that the Dekkanee amras could not leave their
houfes for fear of the Turks, fo that, if he approved the plan, it
would be advifeable for ^him on the day of its execution to order the
Turkiih troops under him to keep within their habitations. Kowaam

al

« Superintendance of the royal feraglio.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. X83

al Moolk approved of the defign, and the following day, Nizam al
Moolk having feated the fultan upon one of the tovi^ers of tlie citadel,
fent orders to Adil Khan Dekkanee and Fattch Oolla Ummad al
Moolk to pafs in review with their troops before the fultan, in order
to receive their khelauts and audience of difmillion to their govern-
ments. Ferraud al Moolk, the " cutwal, hearing by fome means of
the defign, informed Kowaam al Moolk that Nizam intended trea-
chery againft all the Turks without exception, and that the plot to
aflaflinate EufufFAdil Khan was only a cloak to his defigns; fo that
for the Turks to remain pafTive in their houfes, on fuch a day, would
be the height of folly. Kowaam al Moolk^ who wiflied the deftruc-
tion of Eufuff Adil Khan, and relied on the fincerity of Nizam al
Moolk's friendship to himfelf, would not believe the information.

Adil Khan Dekkanee and Ummad al Moolk came into the city,
with all the troops of Telingana and Kaweel, and drew up before
the citadel. The fultan Mhamood Shaw, who was merely a tool
in the hands of his miniflers, by the inflrudlion of Nizam, having
called the two chiefs to him in the tower, faid, that as the Turks
were become difobedient to his authority, and committed great dif-
turbances in the city, he thought it neceffary to employ their forces in
punifliing them without delay. Ummad al Moolk, who had a fincere
regard for Eufuff Adil Khan, having placed him in fecurity, fent
his army with Adil Khan Dekkanee to deflroy the Turks. Kowaam
al Moolk was made the firll facrifice ; and the gates of the city being
kept (hut, a great flaughter was made among the Turks, who were
unprepared for fuch an attack ; but Yeghrulh Khan, Kuddim Khan,
and other officers who were friends of Eufuff Adil Khan, maintained
a running fight to the gates, which they forced ; and Direa Khan,
informed of the attack on his companions, entered the city with a
great force, which made the combat equal. It is faid, that Ikir-

miihes

» A magiftrate who has the regulation of the markets, colleds the town duties, and
fuperintends the pohce.

184 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

miflies occurred in the ftreets of the capital for twenty days fucceflive-
ly, and about four thoufand men were llaughtered on each fide. At
length the divines and holy men interfered as mediators; and, as
many Turkifli officers of rank had fallen, EufufF Adil Khan con-
fented to peace, and quitting the capital, with his dependants, retired
to Beejapore.

Nizam al Moolk having now the fole power of adminiftration in
his hands, conferred Beer, Darwef, and many other dillrids, upon
his own fon Mallek Ahmed. Fukhir al Moolk Dekkanee, the fon
of a flave of Khajeh Jehaun, a gallant and learned man, was raifed
to the rank of a thouland, and his fon exalted to the title of Khajeh
Jehaun. Ummad al Moolk was honoured with the vizarut, and his
fon Shekh Alia ad Dien fent to command on the part of his father in
Berar. Cafim Bereed, who had fliewn great adlivity againft the
Turks, was made cutwal of the city and meer nobut. Kowaam al
Moolk, junior, was difmifled to Telingana. Nizam al Moolk and
Ummad al Moolk, during four years, in conjunction with the mother
offultan Mhamood, tranfaded all the affairs of government.

' At length, Dillawer Khan Hubfhee, envying their power, repre-
fented to the fultan, that his minifters paid no regard to his authority,
and, in league with the queen mother, ufurped all the power of the
ftate, regarding him ftill as a weak infant. This obfervation pro-
yoked Mhamood Shaw to adlion, and he ordered Dillawer Khan to
affaffinate the minifter. One night, when both were gone to the
queen mother's apartments, to confult her on fome urgent bulinefs,
Dillawer Khan placed himfelf in the paffage with another perfon
armed, and, as the minifters came out, rufhed upon them with their
fabres. Nizam al Moolk received a wound, but as both were perfedl
in the art of defence, they kept up a running fight, and made their
efcape out of the palace. Having fent word to Cafim Bereed that the
fultan intended his affafli nation alfo, they fled with their followers

out

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ,8f

out of the city. Cafiin Bereed having (hut the gates of the palace,
prevented any perfons from going to the fultan ; who was at length
reduced to fuch diftrefs, that he wrote to the minifters, apologizing
for his condudl, and inviting them back ; but they infilled that, prior
to their return, Dillawer Khan Ihould be put to death ; which relblve
coming to his hearing, he made his efcape with his family to Boora-
hanpore. Nizam al Moolk with his fon Mallek Ahmed returned to
the capital; but Ummad al Moolk retired to his government of
Berar.

Nizam al Moolk now, in order to ftrengthen his party, raifed
Mallek Wujjeh and Mallek Afhruif, formerly dependants on Khajeh
Jehaun, to high rank ; appointing the firfl governor of Dowlutabad,
and the other his deputy ; and having exadled promifes of attach-
ment and fidelity from them to his fon Mallek Ahmed, fent them to
Dowlutabad. He alfo committed the fortrefs of Porundeh and Sho-
lapore to Mukhdoom Khajeh Jehaun Dekkanee, binding him by a
fimilar oath of attachment. At the expiration of three months,
having procured the fultan's permilTion, he difpatched his fon Mallek
Ahmed to Joneer, as his deputy.

In the year 891, Adil Klian Dekkanee, governor of Warunkul, A. D. i486,
dying, Kowaam al Moolk, junior, haftened, by forced marches,
from Raajmundree to that city, and fetting up the ftandard of rebel-
lion, pofielfed himfelf of all Telingana. Nizam al Moolk, taking
the fultan with him, marched towards Warunkul ; upon which,
Kowaam al Moolk retreated to Raajmundree, and wrote privately,
complaining of the ufurpations of the miniiler, to the fultan ; who
having refigned himfelf to wretchednefs, through fear of his guar-
dians, returned no anfwer, but fent immediately the petition to
Nizam al Moolk. When the royal ftandard had reached Warunkul,
advice came from Mallek Ahmed, that the port of Goa, v/hich in
the late reign had been granted to Kifliwer Khan, and was deputed

by

l86 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

by him to the charge of Nujum al Dien Geelanee, on his death, had
been feized by one of his officers, named Bahadur Geelanee, as alfo
Dabul, Kolapore, Kulher, Punnalleh, Serwaleh, and Balgoan, and
that, at the infligation of EufufF Adil Khan, he daily grew more
infolent, and committed infults on the port of Choule and other
places; alfo, that Zien ad Dien, the jaghiredar of Jagneh, had
rebelled.

Nizam al Moolk commanded his fon, firft to reduce Zien ad
Dien, and fent orders to Khajeh Jehaun Dekkanee, governor of
Porundeh, and Mallek Wujjeh of Dowlutabad, to march to his
afliftance. Upon this Zien ad Dien applied for protection to EufufF
Adil Khan of Beejapore J who fent fix thoufand horfe to join him,
commanding them to encamp near the fort of Indapore ; and if
Mallek Ahmed fliould move towards Jagneh, to haften there, and
aflill in oppoiing him.

When this news reached Warunkul, the influence of Nizam al
Moolk vifibly declined. He was treated with flight by the fultan,
and the attachment of Cafim Bereed, Duflioor Deenar, and all the
Abyfllnian amras to him fell off. The fultan, who earnefl:ly wifhed
his deflirudlion, encouraged the change, by complaints of the minif-
ter, and ordered them to aflaflinate him on the firft opportunity that
fhould occur. Nizam al Moolk being informed of the plot againfl
his life, fled from the camp at midnight ; but, infl:ead of taking
Ihelter with his fon at Joneer, hafl:ened to Ahmedabad, hoping to
fecure the royal treafury. Puflund Khan Dekkanee, who had been
raifed from the depth of wretchednefs to nobility and the govern-
ment of the capital by Nizam al Moolk, received him into the city,
with alTurances of flridt obedience to his orders. The minifl:er,
thinking himfelf fecure, wrote to Mallek Ahmed to join him from
Joneer, and opening the royal treafures, difl;ributed them with a
lavilh hand to levy troops and fupport his rebellion.

Mhamood

FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Mhamood Shaw, upon intelligence of this proceeding, appointed
Koottub al Moolk, governor of Telingana, and with the reft of his
nobility haftened towards Ahmedabad. Nizam al Moolk, findino-
his influence in the city decline, refolved to feize as much of the
royal treafure as he could, and join his fon. Puilund Khan con-
trived to delay him by artful flatteries, and wrote privately to the ful-
tan, deliring him to advance without delay, as he would give up the
rebel into his hands, Mhamood Shaw fent for anfwer, that if he
was fincere he {hould fend the traitor's head to him, as a proof of
loyalty, Pufllind Khan, attended by five hundred followers, went to
Nizam al Moolk, who refided in the palace, and pretended that he
wifhed to converfe with him in private, on aifairs of iinportance.
The minifter complying with his requeft, they retired into a room
together, PufTund Khan, who was young and ftrong, fell upon the
old, defencelefs minifter, and feized him by the neck with fuch force
that he was foon ftrangled. Having then cut off his head, he brought
it out J and, expofing it to the people, cried out. Such is the reward
of traitors to their fovereign. After which he fent it by exprefs
mefTengers to the royal camp.

Mhamood Shaw now entered the city with his friends, and en-
trufted them with the diredlion of public affairs j but, impelled by
the indifcretion of youth, and a ftrong attachment to pleafure, he
devoted his time to drinking, mufic, and love, without attending in
the leaft to the care of his kingdom. He took many of the jewels
from the throne Firozeh, to fet in falvers, vafes, and cups for ban-
quets.

185

In. the year 896, envy poflefled the minds of the Dekkanees and a. d. lio*
Abyflinians, who tried every art to prejudice the fultan againft his
favourites, but in vain. PufTund Khan at length united with the
Dekkanees to afTaffinate Mhamood Shaw, and place another prince of
the royal family on the throne. The confpirators repaired to the

A a palace

l86 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

palace armed ; and, left the Mogul troops, fhould come to the fultanV
affiftance, fliut the gates after them. It was late in the night, and
the fultan was engaged in feftivity, when they rufhed towards the
royal apartments. This occalioned fome noife, but before Mhamood
Shaw could know the caufe, a number of Dekkanees, admitted by
the porters, ruflied in upon his privacy. Yezeez Khan Turk, with
four other flaves, Houffun Ali Subzwaaree, and Syed Mirza Mefhi-
dee, though unarmed, threw themfelves between the villains and the
fultan, giving their lives a ranfom for his fafety. The fultan had
time to gain the terrace of the ' royal tower, except which, and the
haram, all the palace was now in the pofleffion of the traitors, who
purfued their fuccefs, but were gallantly oppofed by Mhamood Shaw
with a few Turks and Moguls, the conftant companions of his plea-
fures, with ftones, darts, and clods of earth. The fultan alfo for-
tunately difpatched a meffage to the Turkifli and Mogul troops, of
the dangerous fituation he was in from the confpirators, and his
hopes of preferving himfelf till they fliould come to his relief. Cafim
Bereed, with fome other noblemen, and about five hundred fol-
lowers, haftened inftantly to the palace, but found the gates faft.
Eight perfons with great difficulty fcaled the walls, and founded
trumpets on their entrance. Many of the Dekkanees and Abyffini-
ans, thinking all the Moguls had entered the fort, fled, and opened
the gates to make their efcape. Eight and twenty Moguls of Subz-
waar received them with fhowers of arrows, which drove them back,
and they attempted to re-fl:iut the gates j but the Moguls rulhed on
and prevented them. Skirmifliing now enfued, and Kifhwer Khan,
who had gone round to the foot of the king's tower, hearing of the
., gate being opened, entered without delay. The traitors took fhelter
in the '' agate mahal. A great difturbance now arofe in the city, of

which

" Moft probably over a kind of bow recefs, in which the fultans fat (as common in
India) to receive the congratulations of the publick on feftival days, or to fee reviews,
£ghts of elephants, &c. on the fpace before the palace.
* An apartment fo called, from the walls being lined or inlaid with agate.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

which no one knew the 'caufe, and the common people began to
break open and pkinder the houfes of the Turks and Moguls. At
length tlie moon role, when friends and enemies could be diltinguifti-
ed. Tlae fervants of the palace, who had admitted the confpirators,
now turned againft them, from a fliew of loyalty, and fet fire to the
"ftraw roofs, under which numbers had been concealed, putting
them to the fword as they ran out. It now became known, that
about three hundred were waiting together in an apartment, for an
opportunity to rufli out, and, by relblute charges, force their way
through the gate at dawn of day. Sultan Jehangeer Khan Turk,
upon this, took charge of the gates, and difpatched Khan Jehaun to
guard the city and markets. The horfes from the royal ftables were
taken out, and divided among the fultan's friends. At funrife fultan
Mhamood afcended the throne, and ordered the Moguls to enter the
houfes of the treacherous Dekkanees and AbyfTinians, to flay all with-
out diftindtion, and feize their efFeds for the royal ufe. For three
days fucceflively, the flames of flaughter and devaftation raged in the
city, no one daring to intercede with the fultan for pardon ; till, at
length, one of the fons of " Shaw Mohib OoUa requefted that the
maflacre might be flopped, and was fuccefsful in his application.

Mhamood Shaw, to celebrate his efcape from this danger, held a
magnificent feftival of forty days, and went in folemn procelfion
through the city, the flreets of which were ' adorned on the occafion.
As he regarded the royal tower as aufpicious, he eredled upon it a
fplendid pavilion, in which, when finiflied, he fpent moft of his time
in a continued round of voluptuous amufements. To the affairs of
government he paid no attention ; leaving them entirely to the direc-

A a 2 tion

» Probably of temporary erections in the outer fquares, for the accommodation of
guards and other attendants. The moft fuperb buildings in India are disfigured con-
ftantly by thefe huts.

'' A venerated religious,

« It is common in India, on the publick entrance of a prince, to ornament the fhops
and houfes, by hanging out filks, &c. &c.

187

1^8 FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

tion of his favourites. Muficians and dancers flocked to his court
from Lahore, Dhely, Perfia, and Khoraflan ; as alfo " ftory tellers,
* reciters of the Shaw Nammeh, and all other minifliers of pleafure.
The people, copying the example of the prince, ftudied nothing
but diflipation ; reverend fages pawned their decent robes at the wine
cellars, and holy teachers, quitting their cells, retired to the taverns,
and prefided over the calk. The governors of provinces, feeing the
court thus employed, aded independantly ; fo that the royal officers
only who joined their views were allowed to hold their pofts, and
thofe who refufed to wink at their encroachments, were expelled with
difgrace. In a (hort time, except the province of Telingana and the
dillrifts adjacent to Ahmedabad, no parts of the kingdom properly
remained in poflelTion of the fultan. The terruffdars, however, ex-
except Mallek Ahmed Beheree, openly acknowledged the royal
autliority ; but their fubmiflion was only (hewn in this point ; If the
fultan, at the defire of his miniller Cafim Bereed, took the field, and
they faw advantage to themfelves in the expediton, they accompanied
the royal ftandard, but with a force and fplendour, before which
the fultan's funk to wretchednefs of appearance ; and upon a return,
they quitted him on the route for their feveral countries, without
even the ceremony of afking leave. That they might not undergo
the mortification of ftanding in the royal prefence, or performing the
cuftomary obeifance to the fultan, they evaded vifiting the court.'
^ Mallek Ahmed Beheree never accompanied the royal ftandard at all,
but afTumed independance ; founded the city of ' Ahmednuggur ;

and

» They generally attend when their employer goes to repofe, and repeat fometimes
portions of hiftory, but commonly tales limilar to thofe of the Arabian nights.

b Thefe have by heart the poems of Ferdofi, author of the Shaw Nammeh, or
hiftory of ancient Perfia, and the works of other poets. I apprehend, they may be
compared to our minftrels.

' The above is a pidture ftrongly refembling the ftate of the prefent empire of
Hindooftan.

■^ Governor of a province now called Dowlutabad.

« Now in the hands of the Nizam.

FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAM. l8^

and taking upon himfelf thci honours of majefty. Cent ambaffadors to
'Eufuff Adil Khan and " Fatteh Oolla Ummad al Moolk, to prevail
upon them to copy his example, and read the khootbah in their
own name. It was accordingly refolved by all three, to avow their
claims to royalty."

Cafim Bcreed, who had obtained, or rather chofen for his eftab-
lifliment, the terrufFdaree of Ahmedabad and its vicinity, wifhed
that the forts of his government fliould be garrifoned by his own
dependants, but was denied poffeffion by feveral governors. As he
regarded their refufal as proceeding from the private orders of the
fultan, he alfo threw off his allegiance, and endeavoured to reduce
them by force. He twice defeated the royal anny, and was near
driving the fultan from his capital, when Dillawer Khan Hubfhee,
who had taken fhelter at Boorahanpore from the refentment of
Nizam al Moolk, haftened with an army to his fovereign's relief.
Cafim Bereed was defeated, and fled towards Golconda, and Dil-
lawer Khan purfued him clofely, hoping to take him prifoner, when
providence decreed a change of fortune. In the heat of purfuit, near
Kolaufs, a vicious elephant of Dillawer Khan's refufed the guidance
of his driver, and ran back upon his own army, trampling many
perfons to death, which occafioned much confufion. Dillawer
Khan, taking a fpear in his hand, with fome of his attendants,

attempted

» Governor of the province of Beejapore.
'' Governor of Berar, now fliared by the Nizam and Mharattas,
« From this period, the fovereignty of the houfe of Bhamenee became almoft
nominal; the niinifters of the territory ftill left to it ufurping the real authority. This
has in fa£t been alfo the cafe in the modern empire of Hindooftan, fmce the year 1712,
•when Jehaundar Shaw, grandfon of Aurungzebe, afcended the throne. The ruin of
the empire and defolation of India has been falfely imputed to the Englilh fervants,
either becaufe their idle countrymen at home envied the fuccefs of their active brethren,
or from ignorance of Indian hiftory. When we have loft (and not till then) our
eaftem poflefllons, the calumnies of felf-intereftcd orators will be refuted by the cool
judgment of the unbiafled hiftorian.

1 90 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

attempted to turn him, but in vain. The elephant rufhing on, the
foldiers fled, and Dillavver Khan was feized by the furious animal
with his trunk, and crufhed to death. Cafim Bereed foon hearing
of this event, turned back upon the yet vidlorious army, who fled,
difpirited by the lofs of their chief, and all the baggage and effeds
fell into his hands ; after which he carried his rebellion fl;ill farther
with impunity. As the fultan could not refifl; his power, he ad-
mitted him into the capital ; a feeming reconciliation took place, and
the mlnifl:er, feated fecurely on the mufnud of adminiftration, left
nothing but a nominal royalty to Mhamood Shaw. The hifl:orians
of the Bereed dynafl:y reckon the efl:abliiliment of it from this
period.

Cafim Bereed wrote to the roy of Beejanuggur, that Eufufi^ Adil
Khan, having rebelled againft the fultan, had alTumed royal honours,
and if he would invade his country, he (hould be rewarded by the
reftoration of the forts of Mudkul and Roijore. The roy being a
child, his minifter Ramraaje fent a powerful army againft Adil
Khan, and having committed great devaftation, obtained pofleffion
of the promifed forts. EufuiF Adil Khan, at length, having efFedled
a peace with Ramraaje, marched to take revenge on Cafim Bereed,
who being much alarmed, applied for afliftance to Mallek Ahmed
Nizam al Moolk ', offering, when his enemy fliould be expelled, to
aflift him with the royal influence to obtain poflefilon of Goa,
Kokun, Punnalleh, and Mangalore, from the hands of Bahadur
Geelanee, and to leave them entirely at his difpofal. Mallek Ahmed,
approving the conditions, marched in great force to Ahmedabad, and
Cafim Bereed being thus ftrengthened, moved with the fultan, whofe
inclinations he never confulted, againft the enemy. A fevere engage-
ment enfued, in which the minifter and fultan were defeated. Mal-
lek Ahmed and Adil Khan, who had previoufly fettled their difputes
privately, without attacking each other, retired to their own coun^

tries.

In

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

191

In the year 899, fultan Mhamood Guzaratee fent an ambaflador A. D. 1493.
to the fultan, reprefenting, that Bahadur Geelanee, who commanded
on the fea coafl: of Malabar, had feized many rich fhips belonging to
the Guzarat merchants ; and, not flopping at fuch exceffes, had fent
his flave Yacoot Hubfliee, with twenty fliips of war, to Maheem,
which he had laid wafte, without mercy ; imprifoning the people, and
burning mofques and other buildings, intending next to proceed againft
Surat ; that an army from Guzarat could not march into the country
of the rebel Bahadur, without fome injury to Dekkan ; and to convey
a fufficient force by fea was impoflible ; therefore it was incumbent
on the fultan to punifli the exceffes of the rebel : but (hould he find
himfelf unequal to the tafk, if he would acquaint his friend, fuch
meafures fliould be taken in Guzarat as would prove effectual.

Mhamood Shaw, roufed by this meffage, refolved to march to
reduce Bahadur Khan, and applied for fupport from his vaflals ; who,
as they feared the refentment of the king of Guzarat, and hoped to
fliare in the plunder of the rebel, complied with his orders. Adil
Khan fent his general Kummaul Khan, with five thoufand horfe to
the royal ftandard. Mallek Ahmed Beheree fupplied the fame num-
ber under Muttubba Khan, and Ummad al Moolk alfo furnifhed fome
troops under the command of one of his chief officers.

Mhamood Shaw difpatched firft a firmaun to Bahadur Geelanee,
informing him of the complaints of his ally the king of Guzarat, and
demanding reftitution of the places, fhips, effedls, and captives he
had feized from that ftate. Bahadur, hearing that a confidential fer-
vant had been difpatched with a firmaun, gave orders for his being
detained on the road in the town of Mirch, and fpoke infultingly of
the royal authority and the fultan's perfon ; upon which Mhamood
Shaw immediately began his march, and pufhed on without delay.
Upon his arrival before the fortrefs of Jamcondah, he ordered Koottub
al Moolk, terruffdar of Telingana, to befiege it ; but that general

being

1^2 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

being killed by an arrow from the walls, '&s he was reconnoitring, the
fultan conferred his office and titles on Sultan'^Koollee, with Khongeer,
Terkee, and other diftridls of Telingana, in jaghire, to fupport his
dignity. Jamcondah being taken, and delivered over to the troops
of Eufuff Adil Khan, the fultan moved to Mangalore, where Baha-
dur had fixed his refidence ; but before the royal army could arrive
he deferted the place, which was taken from his garrifon in three
days, the works not being completely finiflied. Sultan Mhamood,
by the advice of Bereed, moved next againft Mirch; and the troops
of Bahadur met him in the field, but were defeated with great flaugh-
ter. The furvivors retired into the fortrefs. After a long fiege, the
governor feeing no hopes of relief, begged quarter, which was grant-
ed by the approbation of Bereed ; who received twenty five horfes
belonging to Bahadur, and afi*urances were given to his followers
that fuch as chofe to enter into his fervice fhould be entertained, and
the reft allowed to depart, but without either their horfes or arms.
All the Moguls replied, that after furrendering the fort, without horfes
or arms they could not approach their chief, and would rather be
put to death. The fultan, admiring their fortitude and fidelity,
gave them up their horfes and arms, with permiffion to join Bahadur
unmolefted.

The fultan, on the fall of Mirch, marched towards Baloeh j and
In the interim Bahadur, liflening to the advice of his friends. Cent
Khajeh Neamut Oolla Geelanee to make offers of fubmiffion for him
to the fultan. The fultan, by the approbationofCafim Bereed, agreed
to pardon Bahadur, alfo to reftore fome of the conquered places, and
confirm him in his remaining poifeflions, if he would come to the
prefence, and give a fum of money, with two elephants for the royal
ufe. Neamut Oolla wrote him of the fuccefs of his embafly, and
advifed his repairing to the royal camp without delay.

Bahadur,

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKFCAN,

Bahadur, on the receipt of his agent's letter, thinking that the
fultan's generofity proceeded from weaknefs, was again filled with
pride ; and fliarpening the tooth of avidity on the royal bao-gage,
vaunted infolently, that he intended that year to have the khootbah
read in his own name at the capital of Ahmedabad, and, in the next,
in Guzarat. Mhamood Shaw, enraged at this infolence, marched
from Baloeh to Kulher, which he took ; and followed his fuccefs with
fuch rapidity, that Bahadur's affairs declined daily ; and at length he
fled to thefortrefs of Punnalleh, the ftrongefb in his polleffion. The
fultan, not wifhing to fit down before it, went to Kolapore, intend-
ing to proceed from thence to Dabul, and amufe himfelf on the fea :
upon which Bahadur quitted Punnalleh, with defign of lying in am-
bufh for the fultan on his route ; but in the end, not having courage
to execute his plan, fled, and numbers of his people leaving him,
fome joined the fultan, and others went to Adil Khan. Mhamood
Shaw, by the advice of Bereed, fent Khajeh Jehaun, governor of the
fort of Porundeh, to prevent Bahadur's re-entering Punnalleh ; and
on his arrival at Kolapore, as the rainy feafon had fet in, refolved to
halt for fome time.

Bahadur now became humble, and again fent Khajeh Neammut
Oolla and Mujd ad Dien with petitions to the fultan, declaring, if a
promife of pardon fliould be fent him under the royal hand-writing
and the feals of Cafim Bereed and the principal chiefs, he would
come to the prefence, and during the remainder of his life never de-
part from the path of loyalty. The fultan complied with his requeft ;
and, to calm the fears of the rebel, difpatched fome refpeftable per-
fons to condudl him to court. On their arrival at Bahadur's camp,
his ill fortune would not allow him to fubmit, and he ftarted new
difliculties ; upon which the fultan called Khajeh Jehaun from the
iiege of Punnalleh, and fent him, with other amras, againft him.
Bahadur advanced to meet the royalifls, with two thoufand horfe
and fifteen thoufand foot. A fevere a<rtion enfued, and Bahadur

B b being

»93

194 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

being killed by an arrow, his troops fled. Khajeh Jehaun cut off
the rebel's head, and marched to the royal camp, where the fultan
honoured him with a fuit of his own robes, elephants, and horfes.

Two or three days after the viftory, the fultan went to view the
fortrefs of Punnalleh, and difpatched Mallek Ein al Moolk Cananee
to Goa, to confole Mallek Saieed, and bring him to the prefencc. By
the approbation of Bereed, Bahadur's jaghire was conferred on the
former ; and the fultan, with a few of his principal nobility, having
gone to Dabul and failed for his amufement along the coaft, returned
towards his capital. On the route he fpent fome time at Kallabaug,
near Beejapore ; and, on his arrival at Ahmedabad, difpatched am-
baffadors with rich prefents to fultan Mhamood of Guzarat, as alio
Kummaul Khan, Suffder Khan, and all the prifoners taken by the
rebel Bahadur, with the twenty fliips and cargoes that he had feized.

A.D.I49J. In the year 901, Sultan KooUi Koottub al Moolk Hammadanee,

was appointed terruffdar of Telingana, and Golconda and Warunkul,
with their dependancies, added to his jaghire. Du/loor Deenar was
conftituted governor of Saugher and Ahffunabad Koolburga. The
fultan being perfuaded that the munfubdars ftationed with the great
amras ftrengthened their power, withdrew all who were with
Duftoor Deenar, and ordered them to remain on duty at court.
Duftoor Deenar, difgufted at the removal of the munfubdars, in con-
jundlion with Yezeez al Moolk Dekkanee, raifed a rebellion j and
having coUedted between {even and eight thoufand Abyflinians and
Dekkanees, feized the country near Koolburga. Mhamood Shaw, by
advice of Cafim Bereed, demanded the aiUftance of Eufuff Adil Khan,
who joined him with an army. An engagement happened near the
town of Mhundree, in which the rebels were defeated, and Duftoor
Deenar taken prifoner. The fultan would have put him to death,
but was prevailed upon, at the interceffion of Adil Khan, not only
to pardon, but reinftate him in his governments. As fome of the

rebels

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ,„.

rebels had taken flielter in the fort of Saugher, the fultan laid fiege
to it, and on its redudion, gave it to Adil Khan ; after which he
returned to his capital.

In the year 902, Eufuff Dekkanee, Yeghrufli Khan, Mirza A. D. 1496.
Shumfe ad Dien, and others who had the fultan's confidence, entered
into a plot with fome of the Turkifh officers to deflroy Cafim Bereed j
but he, gaining intelligence of their defigns, put them to deatli, with
all their abettors. The fultan Was enraged at this prefumption,
would not admit him into his prefence, and became his own minifter.
At length, by the mediation of Shaw Mohib OoUa, he was with
much difficulty prevailed upon to forgive and receive him again into
favour ; after which he relapfed into his ufual indolence and de-
baucheries.

In 903, the fultan afked the infant daughter of Adil Khan in A. D. 1497.
marriage for his fon fultan Ahmed, then fourteen years of age.
After much negotiation, it was fettled that the nuptial ceremonies
fhould be performed at Koolburga. Accordingly, the fultan repaired
to that city, where Adil Khan entertained him with great fplendour.
The knot of marriage was tied by Abd al Summie Cauzee of the
royal camp, and it was agreed that the bride ihould be delivered to
the prince as foon as (he iliould reach the age of ten years. The
feflival was ftill celebrating, when Duftoor Deenar and Adil Khan
quarrelled about the government of Koolburga, but the fultan would
not interfere in tlie difpute. Duftoor Deenar retired to Porundeh,
and contention grew high between Adil Khan and Cafim Bereed,
who oppofed his pretenfions, Koottub al Moolk fiding with the
former, Bereed was alarmed, and retired with his eldefl ion and his
followers to Allind -, upon which Adil Khan, leaving the feftival un-
concluded, took the fultan with him, and together with Koottub al
Moolk, Mallek Elias, and Ein al Moolk, marched againft Bereed,

B b 2 who.

J ^5 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

who, being defeated in an adtion, fled to Porundeh. By this fuccefs,
the power of Adil Khan became fo raifed, that the fultan, in his pre-
fence, did not afcend his throne. All the allies having by his
influence obtained their demands, retired to their dillridts. Cafim
Bereed then venturing to return to court, obtained the vaqualut as
before j but conducted himfelf fo haughtily to his unfortunate fove-
reign, that he could not even fatisfy his thirfl; without permiflion.

A. D. 1498. In 904, Adil Khan led an army againfl: Dufl:oor Deenar, who

fled from Koolburga, and by advice of Cafim Bereed took protedtion
with Mallek Ahmed at Ahmednuggur. That ameer furnifhed him
with auxiliaries j upon which Adil Khan, unable to oppofe, came
to Ahmedabad, and the fultan defired Mallek Ahmed to defift from
war, which he did ; only fending a petition to the fultan, reprefent-
ing that Duftoor Deenar was an old fervant of the throne, whom
Adil Khan was eager to deflrroy, fo that if his majeflry would com-
mand him to quit his unjuft perfecution, it would be worthy of the
royal generofity and care of his fubjedls.

A.D. 1504. Ii"^ the year 910, Cafim Bereed dying, his fon Ameer Bereed fuc-

ceeded him in .pfiice ; and, afiliming ftill greater power, deprived
Mhamood Shaw of what little authority had been left him by his
father. This year, Adil Khan having put Duftoor Deenar to death,
poflTeflTed himfelf of Koolburga and all his country. He read the
khootbah in Beejapore, agreeably to the forms of the fheiah fe<a;;
which, having never been done before in any part of Hindooftan,
turned the minds of all the Dekkanees againft him. Sultan Mha-
mood, at the defire of Ameer Bereed, wrote to Koottub al Moolk,
Ummad al Moolk and Khodawund IChan, that Adil Khan, hav-
ing thrown ofF all allegiance, had not only exalted the enfigns of
rebellion, but introduced the cuftoms of heretics in the countries of
Iflaam ; fo that it was neceflary they fhould repair to the royal

ftandard

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

ftandard with their armies, in order to expel him. In the margin of
each firmaun the fultan wrote the following verfe : " He is grown fo
" vain in tlie pride of his riches, that the fun, to liis eyes, appears
" but an atom."

Koottub al Moolk, with the amras of Telingana, repaired to
court without delay ; but Ummad al Moolk and Khodawund Khan
made excufes : upon which. Ameer Bereed applied for fuccours to
Mallek Ahmed Beheree, who, with Khajeh Jehaun Dekkanee and a
great army, came to Ahmedabad, and joined the fultan. Adil Khan,
thinking it vain to oppofe fo powerful a league in the field, having
committed Koolburga and Allind to the charge of Direa Khan and
Fukhir al Moolk Turk, and fent his fon Ifmaeel, then an infant at the
breaft, with his women and treafures, to Beejapore under the care of
Kummaul Khan Dekkanee ; went, attended by five thoufand chofen
horfe, into Berar. Sultan Mhamood and the allies purfued him with
great expedition. Upon Adil Khan's arrival at the camp of Ummad
al Moolk, that ameer refufed to protect him, as it would be difre-
ipedlful to oppofe the fultan in perfon } upon which he retired to
Boorahanpore.

Ummad al Moolk now hinted privately to Mallek Ahmed, that
Ameer Bereed wifhed the ruin of Adil Khan, merely to poffefs him-
felf of Beejapore; which if he ihould efFedl, and keep the fultan in
his hands, he would then meditate the deftrudlion of others ; that,
therefore, he had better retire to his own country, and leave him to
watch the minifter. Mallek Ahmed and Koottub al Moolk, approv-
ing this advice, fuddenly marched homewards, without taking leave
of the fultan -, and the next morning Ummad al Moolk fent petitions
to court in favour of Adil Khan, begging the fultan to pardon his
crimes, and return to the capital.

The

197

,f)8 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The fultan, at the iniligation of Ameer Bereed, refufed to com-
ply; upon which Adil Khan, hearing of the retreat of the two
powerful amras, returned to Ummad al Moolk, and, in conjundtion
with him, moved to attack the royal camp ; which Ameer Bereed
thinking himfelf unable to defend, left ftanding, and fled with the
fultan to Ahmedabad. Adil Khan and Ummad al Moolk, having
divided the plunder of the camp, returned to their feveral capitals..

A. D. 1510. In the year 916, Adil Khan being dead. Ameer Bereed marched to
reduce Beejapore ; but all his attempts proved vain, and the family on

A. 0.1512. that throne encreafed daily in power. In the year 918, Koottub al
Moolk, aflliming royal independance, call the fultan's name out of the
khootbah. He continued however to fend fultan Mhamood, privately,

A. D. 15 14. every year a prefent in money. In 920, Ameer Bereed levied a great
army with the royal treafures, and marching with the fultan, took
Koolburga from the garrilbn of Ifmaeel Adil Khan, and gave it to
Jehangeer Khan, fon of Mallek Deenar, fur whom he procured the
title of Duftoor al Moolk. This chief having collecled troops, took
all the forts on one fide of the Beemra, from Saugher to Nuldirruk ;
and Ameer Bereed, receiving reinforcements from Nizam al Moolk
and Koottub al Moolk, croffed the river with twenty thoufand men,
and proceeded by regular marches to Beejapore. Ifmaeel Adil Khan
gave him battle near the city, and totally defeated him, fo that he fled
in the greateft confufion ; and Mhamood, who had fallen from his
horfe and received a fevere bruife, with his fon fultan Ahmed, was left
defencelefs on the field. Ifmaeel Adil Khan obferving the refpeft
due to princes, treated the fultan with attention, providing him with
all conveniences becoming his high rank.

Mhamood Shaw fliortly after went with Ifmaeel Adil Khan to
Koolburga, where the ceremony of the nuptials between Sultan
Ahmed and Bibi Suttee, fifter to Ifmaeel Adil Khan, was celebrated

with

FERISElTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ,g^

with great pomp and magnificence. The fultan having obtained five
thoufand Mogul horfc to allift him, marched to Ahmedabad, which
Ameer Bereed evacuated on his approach, and retired to the fort of
Oufeh. Mhamood Shaw now took po/Teflion of his capital ; but
foon after, the officers of Ifmaeel Adil Khan, on hearing that Ameer
Bereed had received aids from Boorahan al Moolk, deferted the fultan,
and the miniftcr returning, put him under greater reftraint than before.
Tired of his fituation, the unfortunate Mhamood Shaw found means
to make his efcape to Kaweel in Berar, and beg affiftance of Ummad
ad Dien, who marched with him towards the capital. Ameer Bereed,
(liutting himfelf up in the citadel, applied for relief to Nizam al
Moolk, who difpatched Khajeh Jehaun to join him with a confider--
able force, and he entered the citadel.

Ameer Bereed and his ally now fallied forth againft the fultan
and Ummad al Moolk, who prepared to receive them, and drew up
their troops for adion. It happened that the fultan was bathing, and
the meflenger fent by Ummad al Moolk to inform him of the
enemy's approach, infolently obferved, that it was no wonder, a
prince who could be fo employed at fuch a critical time, fhould be the
fport of his nobles. The fultan, ftung with the remark, and en-
raged at what he thought the infolence of Ummad al Moolk,
joined the line as foon as poffible ; but fuddenly fpurring his horfe,
galloped over to Ameer Bereed's army. Ummad al Moolk im-
mediately retreated with precipitation towards his own country, and
the miniller returned triumphantly into the city with the fultan.

Ameer Bereed now put the fultan in fuch clofe confinement,
that he could not poffibly efcape again. Mhamood, wearied
with difappointments, old, and weak in mind, gave up the flruggle
for authority, and contented himfelf with the pleafures of wine,
women, and the external pageantry of royalty. In the year 923, a. D. 1517,

Ameer

20O FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Ameer Bereed found it neceflary to march with him to Mahore
againfl Bufheer Khan; who, with his fon, was flain in battle,
and the fukan gave the place to Ghalib Khan, after which he
A. D. 1518. returned to his capital, where he died on the fourth of Zeekidge,
after a reign of thirty feven years and twenty days of conftant
viciflitude and trouble.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 201

SULTAN
AHMED SHAW BHAMENEE.

Ameer Bereed, as he had but a fmall territory in his pofTefllon,
and dreading, ihould he afllime open independance, that the fur-
rounding powers would attack him, placed fultan Ahmed, fon of
Mhamood Shaw, upon the throne, leaving him the palace, with
the ufe of the royal jewels, and a daily allowance of money for his
fupport ; which not being equal to his expenfes, the fultan privately
fold feveral valuable jewels. The minifter having information of
this, put many muficians and others to death, for being concerned in
the fale -, but he never could recover the jewels, as the purchafers
had fled with them to Beejapore. Sultan Ahmed fent agents pri-
vately to Ifmaeel Adil KJian, complaining of the ill ufage of Bereed -,
and Adil Khan difpatched ambaiTadors with prefents to court j but,
before their arrival, fultan Ahmed died, two years after his acceffion
to the throne, in the year 927. a^^ p

C c ^ SULTAN

202 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAT^;^

SULTAN
ALLA AD DIEN 3^^ BHAMENEE.

Ameer Bdreed kept the .throne vacant near fourteen days after
the death of Ahmed Shaw, and then feated upon it fultan Alia ad
Dien. This prince, warned by the fatal confequences of the de-
baucheries of his predeceffors, refrained from pleafure, and turned
his thoughts to humble Bereed, whom he conciliated fo much, as to
throw him in the end off his guard. He then privately placed near
his apartments a band of armed men, refolved to take the minifter
prifoner, when he fhould repair to vifit him at the following new
moon. Bereed, agreeably to cuftom, came with his fons to congra-
tulate the fultan; but juil: as he had reached the apartment, one of
the concealed perfons happening to fneeze, he was alarmed, and
turning back, fent in guards to examine the avenues. The plot was
difcovered, and all who were concerned in it put to death except the
fultan, whom he confined Itridlly, and feated another prince on the
throne, by the title of fultan WuUee Oolla, whom after two years he
depofed, and put to death, having conceived a paffion for his queen,
whom he forced to fubmit to his delires.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY Of DEKKAN.

203

W

SULTAN

KULLEEM OOLLA BHAMENEE.

oULTAN KuUeem enjoyed nothing but the name of fovereign, and
never was allowed to leave the palace. In the year 933 the A. D. 1526.
emperor Baber conquered Dhely ; upon which, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw,
Boorahan Nizam Shaw, and Koottub Shaw, fent ambafladors to
his court. Sultan Kulleem Oolla difpatched one of his companions
in diiguife with a petition to the emperor, letting forth, that his
kingdom had been ufurped and his perfon confined by rebellious
fervants j alfo offering, if the Mogul would relieve him from his
diilrefs, to cede to him Dowlutabad and the province of Berar.
As Baber was yet unconfirmed in his conquells, and the fultans of
Malwa and Guzarat were his enemies, he did not attend to the
requeft ; of which Ameer Bereed coming to the knowledge, treated
him with great rigour. The fultan made his efcape to his uncle
Ifmael Adil Khan, who received him honourably, in hopes of
ufing his name to his own advantage j but not fatisfied, he fled to
Boorahan Nizam al Moolk. That prince at firft behaved to him
refpedfully, even fubmitting to ftand in his prefence; but being
told, that fuch homage was acknowledging a defeft in his own title
to royalty, he difcontinued it. Sultan Kulleem died (hortly after at

C c 2 Ahmed-

204 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Ahmednuggur, and with him ended the dynafty of Bhamenee.
Dekkan was in fa<5t, before this event, divided into five kingdoms ;
Adil Shawee, or Beejapore ; Koottub Shawee, or Golconda ; Um-
maud Shawee, or Berarj Nizam Shawee, or Ahmednuggur; and
Bereed Shawee, or Ahmedabad Bieder ; the hiftory of which forms
the fubjedl of the following pages.

FINIS OF THE BHAMENEE DYNASTY.

#
p

PART II.

H J s r 0 R r

OF

THE BEEJAPORE, AHMEDNUGGUR,

AND

GOLCONDA SOVEREIGNTIES.

. 1>

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 207

!■

SULTAN
EUSUFF ADIL SHAW BEEJAPOREE.

AbOU al Muzzuffir Eufuff Adil Shaw, the founder of the Adil
Shawee dynafty, was a fon of one of the emperors of Turky, of the
Othomaun family. His father, fultan Morad, dying in 854, was A. D. 1450.
fucceeded by his eldefl fon, fultan Mahummud ; upon whofe ac-
ceffion the officers of ftate advifed, that as in the beginning of the
late icigii a perfon had called himfelf Muftapha, fon of "iElderrum
Bayazeed, and occafioned great infurredlions in the empire j in future,
only one prince of the family fhould be fuffered to live. Sultan
Mahummud, alienting to the propofal, gave orders for his brother
fultan Eufuff to be put to death ; and the executioners came to de-
mand him from his mother, that, having ftrangled him, the body
might be expofed for publick information. The fultana entreated
them to fpare the innocent child j or, if the policy of ftate demand-
ed fo fevere a facrifice, to indulge her with deferring it a day, that
fhe might prepare her mind to take a laft leave. The minifters con-
fented to the delay, and Ihe improved it to fave the life of her fon. •
She fent for Khajeh Ummad ad Dien, a merchant, who had con-
ftantly fupplied her houfehold with the produdls of Perfia, and
enquired how many male flaves he had for fale. He replied, five
Georgians and two CircalTians ; one of the latter of whom fhe chofe,

a»

» The celebrated Bajazet,

2o8 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

as he bore the ftrongeft refemblance to the prince. She then com-
mitted fultan EufufF to the merchant's care, with a large fum of
money, entreating him to haften with him to a place of fecurity out
of the Turkifh dominions. The Khajeh, moved by her tears and
gratitude for former favours, accepted the commiflion j and began
his journey, with the infant prince, the fame night. The next
morning, the minifters came to the door of her apartments to de-
mand her fon, when flie admitted one, on whom fhe could depend ;
and informing him of the deception, bound him to favour it by large
gifts. The Circaffian flave was ftrangled, and brought out, wrapped
in a fhroud, by the minifter, whofe integrity not being fufpeded, the
body was buried without examination.

Khajeh Ummad ad Dien arrived with the young prince at » Arde-
beel, and made rich offerings, enrolling Eufuff among the difciples of
the venerable " fhekh Suffi ; after which he carried him to the city of
Saweh ; and, as he was feven years of age, explained to him the ne-
ceflity of keeping his illuftrious birth a fecret, and put him to fchool
with his own children. The next year, the fultana fent a perfon to
Saweh to enquire after the fafety of her child ; and the meflenger,
after a ftay of nine months, departed ; but was taken fo ill at Alexan-
dria, that he remained there a year and half; after which he returned
to the fultana, and prefented a letter, written by Eufuff himfeli^
with flattering accounts of his progrefs in the acquirement of every
accomplishment. The princefs beftowed great charities, in gratitude
for the prefervation of her fon j and fhortly after fent his nurfe with
her fon Ghuzzunfir Beg, and her daughter Dil-fhaad Aga, alfo her
former meffenger, and a large fum of money for the ufe of the
prince, to Saweh. Here he continued till his fixteenth year, when
he took the refolution of going to try his fortune in Hindooftan ; and

accordingly,

» A town in Perfia.

» Founder of the Suffee royal family} and hence the emperors have been called in
Europe, fophis of Perfia.

FERISIITA's HISTORY OF DF.KKAK.

209

accordingly, having taken fliipping at ' Jcrroon, arrived without
accident at ''Dabul, in the year S64. From thence he proceeded, A. D. 1458.
under protedlion of Khajeh Mhamood Kohjuklcanec, to Ahmedabad
Bieder, and was recommended by him to Kliajeh Ummad ad Dien
Mhamood, who introduced him as one of his Turkifli flaves into the
royal lioufchold, as the beft metlaod of acquiring fpeedy promotion.

After two or three months Khajeh Jehaun, by the approbation
of the queen mother, committed Eufuff to the protedtion of Yezeez
Khan, mafter of the horfe ; who finding hun accomphflied for the
tafk, and being old and infirm himfclf, committed to him the whole
condudl of his employment ; which gave Eufuff frequent opportu-
nities of going into the prefence of Mahummud Shaw, and acquiring
his notice. On the death of Yezeez Khan, he, at the recommend-
ation of Khajeh Jehaun, fucceeded to the office ; but, not agreeing
with the bramin who fuperintended tiie accounts, refigned his poft,
and attached himfelf to Nizam al Moolk Turk, one of the chief
nobles; whofe friendfliip he acquired to fuch a degree, tliat he
honoured him with the appellation of brother.

When Nizam al Moolk was appointed governor of Berar, Jie
procured for his friend from the fultan the title of Adil Khan, with
the rank of five hundred, and took him with him. ' Nizam al
Moolk being killed at Kurleh, Eufuff Adil Khan, leaving a ilrong
garrifon in the fort, conduced fafely to court all the rich plunder of
a very fuccefsful campaign, with thirty elephants, which procured
him the fultan's approbation ; and from that time the ftar of liis
fortune began to fhine with encreafing fplendour.

Dd When

* A port in the gulph of Perfia.

* A port in Dekkan.

' /'7^^ reig;n of Mahummud Shaw Bhamenee.

210 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

When fultan Mahummud Shaw left this vain world, and dillen-
tions began to prevail in the kingdom, moll of the foreign officers
and foldiers attached themfelves to EufufFAdil Khan; who, feeing
the minifters of fultan Mhamood bent on his deftrudlion, withdrew
himfelf from Ahmedabad, with his family and followers, to his
government of Beejapore. Refolving now to be the founder of a
kingdom, he began to add to his territories by conqueft.

When the eagle of profperity had fpread the fhade of his wings
over his head, he, with the affent of Mallek Ahmed Beheree, in the
A.D. J489. year 895, under authority that, » " The fword is his who can ufe it,
" and dominion for him who conquers," read the khootbah of Bee-
japore in his own name, and fpread the umbrella of empire. All the
Turks and foreigners acknowledged his title to royalty. He now
conquered many of the forts from the governors of fultan Mhamood ;
and brought within the circle of his authority all the country from the
river Beemrah to Beejapore, the inhabitants of which acknowledged
his royalty ; and he was alfo joined by many Dekkanee amras, who
had formerly deferted him on his retiring from Ahmedabad, fo that
great fplendour began to reign in his court.

The flames of envy rifing in the breall of Cafim Bereed, who
■ had entertained hopes of founding a kingdom for himlelf in Beeja-
pore, he wrote to Heemraaje, the minifter of Beejanuggur, who
had ufurped that fovereignty, leaving the roies only nominal power,
that fultan Mhamood vvould cede to him the forts of Mudkul and
Roijore, if he could wrefl them from Adil Khan ; and at the fame
time to Bahadur Geelanee, who pofTeffed Goa and all Direabar, in
the language of Dekkan called Kokun, tempting him to invade the
country of the ufurper.

Heemraaje,

* A verfe from the koraun.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 211

Heemraaje, with a great army, crofled the river Tumniedra, and
after laying waftc the country, took Mudkul and Roijorc without
advancing farther ; and Bahadur Geelanee reduced the fortrefs of
Jamcondah. Adil Shaw's power was too weak to refill by force
this double attack. He made peace with Heemraaje, and drove
Bahadur Geelanee from his dominions ; but, without attempting to
recover Jamcondah, led his army, compofed of eight thoufand
Turks and foreigners, againil Cafun Bereed, towards the capital of
Ahmedabad Bieder.

Bereed, in this exigence, applied for aid to Mallek Ahmed -..

Beheree, who joined him, with Khajeh Jehaun Dekkanee, gover-
nor of Porundeh. The allies, with fultan Mhamood, marched
from the capital, and were met by Adil Shaw at the diftance only of
ten miles. Direa Khan commanded the right wing, Fukhir al
Moolk Turk the left, and Adil Shaw the center. Ghuzzunfir Beg,
his fofter brother, commanded a referved corps of a thoufand Turkiih
archers, to aflift wherever tliere might be occafion. Cafim Bereed
fled with the fultan at the firft onfet ; upon which Adil Shaw and
Mallek Ahmed difcontinuing the fight, entered into a treaty on the
field, both retiring to their own dominions. This adlion however is
differently related by an hillorian, who fays, Mallek Ahmed was not
in the field, but his general Khajeh Jehaun only ; that Adil Shaw
was defeated, and retired to Beejapore, where he effedled a peace
with all his enemies j and foon after, learning that diffentions pre-
vailed in Beejanuggur, marched againft Roijore.

Upon his arrival on the banks of the Kiftnah, being tempted by
the beauty of the country, he amufed himfelf for fome time in
pleafure, and excefs brought on an ague and fever, which confined
him to his bed for two months ; during vvhich, his brother Ghuz-
zunfir Beg diredled all publick affairs. In this intei-val, Heemraaje,
having fettled his diffentions, advanced with the young roy at the

D d 2 head

212 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKfCAN.

head of a great army to Roijore, which flruck teri-or into the army
of Adil Shaw, for whofe recovery fervent prayers were offered up by
his fubjedls. The arrow of entreaty reaching the mark of acceptance,
weaknefs was changed to ftrength, and Adil Shaw recovering, dif-
tributed fixty thoufand rupees among holy men and fyeds of Medina,
Kerballa, and Nujiff. He alfo committed a confiderable fum to
Khajeh AbdooUa Herdee, who had come with him to Hindooftan in
the fame fhip, dii-edling him to go and build a inofque at Saweh,
and to give the furplus of the money among the poor of that city.

* Intelligence arriving that Heemraaje had croffed the Tummedra,

and was advancing by hafty marches, EufufFAdil Shaw ordered a

general review of his army, which was found to confift of eight

thoufand ^ doafpeh and feafpeh horfe, alfo two hundred elephants,

great and fmall. He, after the review, addi-elfed himfelf to Ghuz-

zunfir Beg, Mirza Jehangeer, and Daood Khan Lodi, his favourite

nobles, faying, that he had confident hopes of being able to beat

the enemy with this force, and thought it advifeable to advance

towards them. His opinion being approved, he moved immediately,

and encamped at a little diftance from their army. Dividing the

ground among his amras to the bcft advantage, he threw up in-

trenchments round his camp, to prevent furprize. Several days

A. D. 1492. palled inadively, till on Saturday in Regib, 898, both armies

drew out, and in the beginning of the adtion near five hundred of

Adil Shaw's troops being flain, the reft were difordered and fell

back, but were rallied again by the fultan. One of the officers, who

had been taken prifoner and made his efcape, obferved, that the

enemy were bufily employed in plunder, and might be attacked

with advantage. The fultan reliflied his advice, and proceeded j

when Heemraaje, not having time to colle<fl his whole army, drew

out with i>^stn thoufand horfe and a confiderable number of foot,

alfo three hundred elephants. Adil Shaw charged his center with

fuch

* Doafpeh is a foldier having two horfes, and feafpeh one having three.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

fuch fury, that Heemraaje was unable to fland the fliock. Vidlory
waved the royal llandard, and the infidels fled, leaving two hundred
elepliants, a thoufand horfes, and 'fixty lacks of oons, with many
jewels and valuable effedts, to the conquerors. Heemraaje and the
young roy fled to Beejanuggur j but the latter died on the road of a
wound he had received by an arrow in the adion. Heemraaje feized
the government of the country ; but fome of the principal nobility
oppofing his ufurpation, dilTentions broke out; which gave Adil
Shaw relief from war for fome time from that quarter.

Dufloor Khan relates, that the vidlory was gained by the follow-
ing ftratagem. Adil Shaw, after the diforder of his troops, fent a
meffenger to Heemraaje, entreating peace, and offering to acknow-
ledge allegiance to the roy for the country he held ; upon which the
miniiler and roy came, attended by three or four hundred followers,
and their principal nobility, to a conference in the field ; when Adil
Shaw fell upon them by furprize with his whole army, and routed
them, killing feventy perfons of rank. Their troops, alarmed at the
death of their chiefs, fled, and left the camp to be plundered by the
vidors.

Adil Shaw, after his fuccefs, conferred on Soobju ng Bahadur
Khan fifty elephants, with one " lack of oons, and detached him with
a force to reduce the forts of Mudkul and Roijore, which he eiFe<Sted
in the fpace of forty days, and the fultan then returned to his capital
of Beejapore. This vidlory, and the great acceffion of wealth,
ftrengthened his power, extending far the acknowledgment of his
royalty. He, out of refpedl to fultan Mhamood Bhamenee, fent
him two fplendid vefts, the boWers of which were adorned with
precious ftones, two horfes fliod with gold, and faddles and bridles
fet with jewels.

Adil

* About one million eight hundred thoufand pounds fterling.
•* Thirty thoufand pounds.

213

214 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

Adil Shaw was preparing to march againft Jamcondah, which
Bahadur Geelanee had taken from him ; but fultan Mhamood, upon
receipt of an embaffy from the king of Guzarat, going in perfon
againft that chief, he laid afide the defign, and fent his general
Kummaul Klian Dekkanee, with five thoufand horfe, to attend the
iultan ; for which fervice Jamcondah was deUvered up to his troops,
as foon as taken from the rebel. When iultan Mhamood returned
from his expedition againft Bahadur, Adil Shaw went to meet him ;
and having conducted him to Beejapore, then newly furrounded with
a wall of ftone, entertained him for ten days with royal magnificence.
At his departure, he laid before him an offering of twenty elephants,
fifty horfes, four arm bracelets fet with jewels, and other rare and
valuable articles to a great amount. Sultan Mhamood having made
choice of one elephant, fent back every thing elfe, with a private
meflage, that as they would not remain with him, but be feized by
Cafim Bereed for his own ufe, he had returned them, to be kept for
him in truft, till fuch time as Adil Shaw, like a faithful fervant,
ftiould deliver him from the ufurpation of his minifter.

Adil Shaw, though he had it in his power to efl^edl the defires of
• fultan Mhamood, did not think it accorded with his own intereft,
and anfwered, that fuch an undertaking could not fucceed, unlefs
Mallek Ahmed fhould agree in promoting it, as alfo Ummad al
Moolkj but that when his majefty fhould reach his capital, he
would prevail upon thofe chiefs to join with him in puniihing the
infolent minifter. Mhamood Shaw was fatisfied with this declara-
tion, and departed for his capital; but, before his march, Adil
Shaw conveyed to 'him privately a large fum of money, and made
confiderable prefents to Cafim Bereed and Koottub al Moolk, who
had attended the fultan.

A. D. Mgs* In the year 90T, Duftoor Deenar, an Abyflinian eunuch, who

held the governments of Koolburga and Saugher, with AUind, and

other

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

other forts and pergunnahs between the river Beemrah and Telingana,
afpired to royal power : for this purpofe he commenced a friendOiip
with Maliek Ahmed Behcree, and obferved to him, that as Fatteh
OoUa Ummad al Moolk had, by the fupport of Adil Shaw, afTumed
royal titles in Berar, it would be agreeable to friendfhip to fupport
him in his claims to equal honours in his own territories. Maliek
Ahmed, as Dufloor Deenar was the adopted fon of his father Nizam
al Moolk, and had alfo high demands on his own gratitude, agreed
to fupport him ; and accordingly the eunuch fpread over his head
the umbrella of majefty; and feizing many diftridls dependant on the
capital of Ahmedabad, drove out the officers of Cafim Bereed in a
difgraceful manner.

Cafim Bereed, through fultan Mhamood, having required the
affiilance of Adil Shaw againft the rebel, he fent his brother Ghuz-
zunfir Beg, with Direa Khan and other chiefs, to join the royal
llandard ; writing to fultan Mhamood at the fame time, that he
fhould have attended in perfon, did he not forefee in that cafe, that
Maliek Ahmed would join Duftoor Deenar with his whole force,
which would prolong the war. Soon after this, intelligence came
that Khajeh Jehaun Dekkanee, at the inftigation of Maliek Ahmed,
had moved from Porundeh to Koolburga with a confiderable force,
and that Maliek Ahmed alfo was preparing to march, fhould he fee
a neceffity for his affiftance. Eufuff Adil Shaw now thought it pru-
dent to join his amras, and accordingly did fo with great expedition.
Sultan Mhamood and Cafim Bereed having joined him, the allied
armies moved againft Duftoor Deenar without delay. The eunuch
advanced to receive them with eight thoufand horfe, moftly Abyf-
fmians, and twelve thoufand auxiliaries, under Maliek Ahmed and
Khajeh Jehaun ; but, after a brave ftruggle, was defeated and taken
prifoner. Sultan Mhamood would have put him to death, by defire
of Cafim Bereed ; but Adil Shaw, from motives of policy, not wifti-
ing to ftrengthen the power of the minifter, interceded for his pardon,

and

215

2l6 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

and obtained for him reftoration of his government of Koolburga.
Adil Shaw then, without paying his refpedls to Mhamood Shaw,
returned to Beejapore, and the fultan and Duiloor Deenar to their
feveral refidencies. Mallek Ahmed, who had begun his march to
join the eunuch, hearing of the peace, returned to Ahmednuggur.

A. D. 1497. In the year 903, Mhamood Shaw demanded the daughter of

Adil Shaw, Bibi Suttee, then an infant in the cradle, in marriage for
his fon fultan Ahmed; and chufing Koolburga for the place of
efpoufals, both princes repaired to that city, which much alarmed
Duftoor Deenar. Adil Shaw privately informed fultan Mhamood,
that if he wiflied to difplace Cafim Bereed, he muil: cede to Beeja-
pore the diftridts then under Duftoor Deenar, as they lay between it
and the jaghire of the miiiifter, which would afford a pretence for
advancing his troops into them, and eafy opportunities would offer
of expelling Cafim Bereed, before Mallek Ahmed or. any other
power could hear of fuch a defign being on foot. Mhamood Shaw
approving the plan, gave the required grants, and difpoflefled the
officers of Dufloor Deenar ; who, unable to refill:, by the mediation
of fultan Koollee Koottub al Moolk, made a treaty with the vid:or
for the refl of his territories. Cafim Bereed, alarmed at this pro-
ceeding, quitted Mhamood Shaw, and retired to Allind with his
dependants.

Adil Shaw upon this moved with Mhamood Shaw, Koottub al
Moolk, and Mallek Elias, to reduce Bereed, whom he defeated
near the town of Kinjoutee, and the fugitives took fhelterin various
forts. A rich carpet of cloth of gold, after the vidtory, was fpread
on the field, and Mhamood Shaw taking Adil Shaw by the hand,
commanded him to fit ; which honour he would not accept till after
repeated orders. It was determined now, that the following year
they would march and extirpate Cafim Bereed. As Mallek Elias had
fallen in the acHiion, Adil Shaw conferred his eflates upon his eldeft

fon

FERISriTA's HISTORY OF DEKKA!^.

Ton Mahummud, ^^■ith the title of EIn al Moolk ; and, having taken
leave of Mhamood Sliaw, returned to Beejapore.

The next year, Adil Shaw marched againft Duftoor Deenar, but
Mallek Ahmed coming to his afUftance, he retired tov/ards Bieder,
where he received affurances of fupport from Koottub al Moolk, and
Ummad al Moolk ; upon which Duftoor Deenar and Ahmed Mallek
retired, without hazarding an adlion, to their capitals. The year
following, Adil Shaw fent embaffies to Mallek Ahmed and Ummad
al Moolk, obferving, that Dekkan was too fmall a country to main-
tain fo many independant powers, that therefore they, out of regard
to the happinefs and fecurity of their pofterity, fhould form a ftrid:
alliance, and endeavour, in conjunftion vi^ith each other, to extend
their dominions. After much negotiation, it was agreed among the
three princes, that Ummad al Moolk fhould have Mahore, Ramgeer,
and all the territory then in pofleffion of Khodawund Khan Hublhee ;
that Mallek Ahmed fhould have Dowlutabad, Antore, Kalneh, and
all the country beyond them to the borders of Guzarat. Adil Shaw
for his fliare was to take the territories of Duftoor Deenar and Ein al
Moolk. Cafim Bereed was to have the country of fultan KooUee
Koottub al Moolk, with the capital of Ahmedabad Bieder, and a
fmall circle of lands round it. By this treaty, no power was to inter-
fere with the plan of the other, but all join to enforce that laid down
in the partition agreement.

Adil Shaw, in purfuance of the plan, to be certain if Ein al
Moolk was attached to his views, difpatched a firmaun, commanding
him to his prefence, which,, before, he had always done by letters of
equality and requeft. Ein al Moolk received the firmaun with joyful
fuhmifTion, declaring, that now he was convinced Adil Shaw regarded

o to

him as loyal, from his putting his attachment to the tell of trial. He
made a feftival of a week in the fort of Goa on the occafion, and
repaired with fix thoufand horfe to Beejapore, where Adil Shaw

E e received

217

2i8 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

received him as his fubjedt, exadling royal falutations from him, and
conferring upon him an honorary drefs, wliich he refpedfuUy re-
ceived, and fwore allegiance.

Duftoor Deenar, apprehending his own deftrudtion, applied to
Ameer Bereed, who had juft then acceded to the miniftry of fultan
Mhamood's affairs, on the death of his father Cafim Bereed, for his
protedlion from the fchemes of his enemies ; and the minifler fent
three thoufand horfe to his afliflance. Duftoor now encamped on the
banks of the Beemrah, and Khajeh Jehaun, who had parted from
Mallek Ahmed on the partition treaty, from which he was excluded
as a principal, thought it political to join the eunuch ; which he did,
with his brother and five thoufand horfe -, Mallek Ahmed being then
engaged in taking Dowlutabad, and defending himfelf againft inva-
fions from Guzarat.

Adil Shaw, unmoved by the prefent fuperiority of the enemy's
numbers, coUedled his troops ; and dividing liberally among them the
treafures he had taken from the Beejanuggur army, marched from
Beejapore, and encamped within ten mUes of the enemy. The day
following, he prepared his army for battle, fending on an advanced
corps of two thoufand chofen horfe under Yas KooUi, brother of
Ghuzzunfir Beg, with diredlions to encamp within two miles of the
enemy's line, and divert their attention by hovering parties. At the
fame time he fent a meffage to Duftoor Deenar, alTuring him, that
Ihould he, diredted by the kinder influence of his ftars, agree to fub-
mit to his authority, both he and his dependants fhould receive the
higheft honours in his government -, but if, impelled by folly and ill
fortune to refufe his gracious protedlion, he fhould turn away his
head from his offers, and be blinded by the veil of pride, he mufl
abide by the chance of war.

Duiloor

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Duftoor, blinded by vanity to his real intcrefl, fent back a dil-
refpedlful anfwer, and detached a large body of Abyfllnian cavalry to
attack the advanced corps of Adil Shaw ; but they were defeated with
great flaughter, and many elephants and horfes fell into the hands
of the vidtors. Adil Shaw the next morning advanced upon the
enemy, and drew up his army near their camp, in the following
order : Ghuzzunfir Beg commanded on the right wing, Hyder Beg
Tubbreezee on the left, and Mirza Jehangeer Koomi had charge of
an advanced body. The fultan, with a chofen band, took his pofl
in the center. Duftoor Deenar alfo, proud of his numbers, drew
out his troops, moflly covered witli iron armour, after the manner of
Hind ; difpofing his elephants in different parts, and all his artillery
and machines for battering in front. The anxious for reputation on
both fides now lighted up the flames of conflidt. Mirza Jehangeer
advanced firft, with the velocity of lightning, on the enemy, and
fcorched up the ftores of their exiftence with the burning blaft of an-
nihilation. Ghuzzunfir Beg and Hyder Beg, charging from the
right and left, attacked together, with fuch refilllefs fury, that
nothing could withftand theu- chafge. By the blefllng of the eternal
aufpices and the royal fortune, Duftoor Deenar fell in the field, and
his troops fled, overwhelmed in defeat and terrors. Ghuzzunfir
Beg, who had received a fevere wound, kneeling down with the reft
of the amras, performed the ceremonies of congratulation, and
waved money and jewels over the fultan's head in offering for the
viftory. Adil Shaw, kifling his eyes and forehead, clafped his noble
brother in embrace, and fuperintended the drefling of his wounds ;
but all was vain ; and the hero, according to the declarations of holy
writ, (When their death comes, they fhall not delay an inftant nor
abide) after three days and nights, having drank the fherbet of mar-
tyrdom, fpeeded to the world eternal.

Adil Shaw was fincerely affedled at this heart-rending lofs ; but,
having performed the funeral rites, brightened his countenance witia

E e 2 the

21 9

220 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

the crimfon of patience and fortitude, from neceflity, and attending
to the important affairs of empire, poflefTed himfelf of Koolburga,
Saugher, and all the forts and territories of the defeated amra, which
he committed to officers in whom he could confide, and then return-
ed in triumph to Beejapore. On his arrival in that city, he raifed
Mirza Jehangeer and Hyder Beg to the higheft rank of nobility, as
they had fhewn great gallantry m the adion ; and conferred honours
and gifts on all the officers and foldiers who had deferved them during
the war.

Being now arrived at the height of his wiflies, as to worldly
power, Adil Shaw refolved to execute a work of religion, which he
A. D. 1502. had determined on in his mind for many years. In the year 908, he
held a grand aflembly of his principal fubjefts, and calling Mirza
Jehangeer and Hyder Beg, who were of the ' flieea fedt, as alfo fyed
Ahmed Herdee and other learned men of that perfuafion, addrelied
them, faying, that when the prophet, appearing to him in a vifion,
had hailed liim with the prefage of his prefent dignity, he had then
vowed, if his dream proved true, to promulgate the faith of the
" Imaums, and grace the pulpit with proclamation of their titles ;
that alfo, when Heemraaje and Bahadur Geelanee had invaded his
territories, and liearly feized the reins of government from his hands,
he had renewed his vow, therefore wiftied to have their opinions if
the prefent was a fit time for performance.

The afi"embly unanimoufly broke out into prayers for the prof-
perity of his houfe ; after which, fome approved of his holy zeal,

others,

» The Mahummedans are divided into two grand fedls, foonis and fheeas. The
former contend, that Omar was the legal fucceflbr of the prophet as head of the
church ; and the latter give it to Alee, Mahummud's fon in law. This divifion,
which alfo gave rife to many other differences, has often caufed much bloodflied
among the muflulmauns,

<> Immediate defcendants of Aleci

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEfCKAN.

others, more cautious, obferved, that his power was yet but in in-
fancy ; that fultan Mhamood, though weak, was fhill the acknow-
ledged lawful monarch of Dekkan ; that moft even among his own
nobles, were Turks, Dekkanees, and Abyflinians, of the fooni fedl,
as were alfo the furrounding powers of Dekkan, Mallek Ahmed,
Ummad al Moolk, and Ameer Bereed, all zealous for their faith ;
therefore, that it was more than probable an oppofition too great to
be overcome by his fingle authority, would attend an invaiion of the
eftablillied religion. Adil Shaw, after a fliort paufe of refledlion,
replied, that he had pledged himfelf to God, who had raifed him by
his bleffings to royal power, and did not doubt but, on performance
of his vow, the fame gracious arm would be his prote(flor. At this
inftant news arrived, that Shaw Ifmaeel Suffewee had eftabliflied the
{heea rites in Perfia, which confirmed Adil Shaw, who was a difciple
of that houfe, in his determination j and he took meafures without
delay to put it into execution.

On an appointed day, he went in great pomp to the grand
mofque in the citadel of Beejapore ; and Nukkeeb Klian, one of the
venerable fyeds of Medina, by his command afcending the pulpit
firft, in the call to prayer cried aloud, agreeably to the fheea faith,
" I bear teftimony that Alee is the friend of God :" after which he
read the khootbah in the names of the twelve Imaums. Adil Shaw
was the firfl perfon who dared to perform thefe ceremonies of the
fheea fed: pubHckly in Hindooftan. Notwithftanding this bold
attempt, out of prudence, he did not permit the populace to utter
fcandalous and abufive expreflions of the " Sahabeh ; fo that fanaticilin
and overbearing zeal were prevented from fpreading their poifonous
venom. The learned difciples of "^ Jaffier, and the eminently verfed
in the tenets of ' Hunnefi and Shafee, lived together in friendlliip ; and

in

* Companions of the prophet, Omar, Aboubekker, and Ofman, whom the (heeas
abufe in their devotions, as ufurpers of the rights of Alee.

'' A doftor of the fheea fe(£t.

* Doflors of the fooni feft.

221

-22 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

in the mofques of different fedls, each worfliipped the true God,
according to his own faith, without interference in the ceremonies
or opinions of each other. The holy teachers and pious reclufe were
aftoniflied at this well-regulated moderation, and attributed it to an
almoft miraculous ability in the wife fultan. The author of thefe
flieets recolledls an anecdote applicable to this circumftance, which
he thinks proper to infert for the information of his readers.

Molana Gheaus ad Dien, a very celebrated divine of Perlia, much
refpefted for his abilities and purity of life, was once afked by fultan
Ibrahim, Which was the befl of all the various fedls of Iflaam ? He
replied, Suppofe a great monarch to be feated in a palace, with
many gates leading to it, and through whichever you enter you fee
the fultan, and can obtain admiffion to his prefence. Your bufinefs
is with the prince, and not with thofe at his gate. Sultan Ibrahim
again afked him. Which, in his opinion, was the bed of all faiths ?
He replied, that the beft man of every faith in his idea followed the
beft faith. This obfervation pleafed Ibrahim, who conferred upon
the Molana large gifts.

It is related, that when Eufuff Adil Shaw read the khootbah after
the ceremonial of the fheeas, and eflabliihed their tenets at Beejapore,
many of the principal chiefs, as Direa Khan, Fukhir al Moolk
Turk, and others, embraced the fame faith as their fovereign j but
fome being rigid foonis, were much difgufled, and exprefled delires
of quitting his fervice j of which Adil Shaw being informed, laid
before them the tolerating maxim of " My faith for myfelf, and
** your faith for yourfelves," in fuch a convincing manner, that they
became fatisfied. But as he was jealous of the great influence and
power of Ein al Moolk, he deprived him of the chief command of
his army, and the diftridls he had held from Bahadur Geelanee;
giving him Sukker, Ahrra, and Balgoan in their room, with leave
to retire from court, and follow his own opinions in religious matters.

All

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

All the fooni nobility had licenfe alfo in their own jaghires to read
the khootbah in the names of the Sahabeli j and no oppofition was
made to their exercifing their publick worfliip. Notwithftanding
this compliance, the fultan kept fpies over every nobleman, that he
might be informed of all his motions.

Mallek Ahmed Beheree and Ameer Bereed, who were flrid: and
2ealous followers of the foonnut, were much enraged at the innova-
tion on the eftabliflied faith of Dekkan, ipoke openly of it in re-
proachful terms; and at length, forming an alliance, invaded the
dominions of Adil Shaw, to punifli him for what they deemed
apoftacy. Ameer Bereed poffeiTed himfelf of Kinjoutee and many of
the diftridls taken from Duftoor Deenar, and Mallek Ahmed fent
ambaffadors to Beejapore peremptorily demanding the delivery of the
fortrefs of Nuldirruk. Adil Shaw, fired by this attack upon his
dominions, fent back a fharp anfwer, and moving immediately to
Kinjoutee, regained poffeflion. Sultan Mhamood and Ameer Bereed
now requefted aids from Koottub al Moolk, Ummad al Moolk, and
Khodawund Khan Hubfhee. Koottub al Moolk, though fecretly of
the fheea fed, yet, in compliance with the times and at the inili-
gation of the amras of Telingana, moved towards the court of
Mhamood Shaw -, but Ummad al Moolk and Khodawund Khan
made excufes, and would not join in the league. Ameer Bereed
upon this difpatched his fon Jehangeer Khan to Ahmednuggur, with
fuch powerful remonftrances, that Mallek Ahmed without delay
marched to join him with ten thoufand horfe and a powerful train of
artillery ; which, added to the troops of Bereed and Khoottub al
Moolk, made a very formidable army. Sultan Mhamood was placed
nominally at the head of the allies. Adil Shaw thinking it unfafe to
engage them in a pitched battle with his inferior force, fent his fon
Ifmaeel, then an infant of five years, with all his treafures and ele-
phants, from AUind to Beejapore; committing the care of that
city and the fole diredion of affairs to Kummaul KJian Dekkanee,

Having

223

224 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Having ftatloned Direa Khan and Fukhir al Moolk Turk to proted:
Koolburga, he himfelf, attended by Ein al Moolk Canaanee and
many foreign officers, with fix thoufand horfe firmly devoted to his
fervice, marched with expedition towards Beer, burning and deftroy-
ing the country as he paffed. Mallek Ahmed, feeing his territories
attacked, moved with fultan Mhamood and the allies in purfuit of
Adil Shaw, who had taken this meafure to prevent the invafion of
his own country. Adil Shaw always avoided an engagement, but
hovered round the allied army, haraffing their followers and cutting
off their fupplies. Being however at length exhaufted with fatigue,
he, after plundering the environs round Dowlutabad, retired into
Berar, depending on the friendship of Ummad al Moolk, who was
encamped with an army near Kaweel, refolved to obferve a ftri(5t
neutrality, and attend only to the protedion of his own territories.
He received Adil Shaw with kindnefs ; but as he knew the allies
would invade Berar if he kept him with him, advifed his retiring to
Boorahanpore, till fome fcheme could be devifed of breaking the
league formed againft him ; which might eafily be done, if he would
for the prefent order the fooni rites to be re-ellabliflied at Beejapore.
Adil Shaw complied with his advice, fent proper orders to Kum-
maul Khan, and taking leave of his friend, departed for Boora-
hanpore, where he was received with kindnefs by the fultan of
Khandefhe.

Ummad al Moolk now fent one of his neareft relations to Mallek
Ahmed and Koottub al Moolk, obferving, that it was clear to him.
Ameer Bereed had ufed religion only as a pretence to ruin Adil Shaw
and poffefs himfelf of the kingdom of Beejapore ; that if, now he
was mafter only of a fmall territory, he performed fuch plans by the
nominal authority of the fultan as none of them were equal to, their
remaining independant in Dekkan would become impoffible, fliould
he acquire fo rich a territory. He obferved, that no man had any
concern in the religious opinions of anotlier, and that every one

v»-oii'

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 2=1:

would be called to account for his adtions at the day of refurredllon ;
but that, laying afide that confideration, Eufuff Adil Shaw had
rctradted his profellion of tlie fheoa opinions, and fent orders to
reftore the fooni rites in Beejapore ; fo that no pretence now remain-
ed for continuing the war. Therefore he adviied them, inftead of
injuring themfelves by being made the dupesyof an artful miniller,
to retire to their own dominions. Mallek Ahmed and Kocttub al
Moolk, who paid great refpeft to the advice of this aged and ex-
perienced flatefman, ^vere convinced of its propvicty ; and on the
fame night in which they received it, vVithout taking leave of
Mhamood Shaw, began their retreat to their own territories.

Ameer Bereed, not warned by this defertion of the allies, had
the folly to apply to Ummad al Moolk for his afiiftance to invade
Beejapore, and fuffered himfelf to be kept fome days in negotiation j
till, at length, Adil Shaw arriving at Kaweel from Boorahanpore, he
faw the dangerous lituation to which he was betrayed by his credu-
lity, and fled with the fultan, attended only by a few followers,
leaving his camp {landing, which was plundered by the two friends.
Adil Shaw, having taken leave of Ummad al Moolk, returned to
Beejapore after an abfence of three months j and, being now fecure
from all enemies, reflored the publick exercife of the flieea faith, and
bent his mind to the improvement of his dominions, without meditat-
ing further conquefts. He fent iyed Ahmed Herraee, with prefents
and declarations of attachment, to Shaw Ifmael SuiFewi, emperor of
Perfia, vyiih accounts of his fuccefs in eftablirtiing the flieea religion.

In the year 915, the chriflians (Portuguefe) furprized the town A. D. 1509.
of Goa, and put to death the governor, with many mufTuImauns.
Upon intelligence of which, Adil Shaw, with three thoufand chofen
men, Dekkanees and foreigners, marched with fuch expedition, that
he came upon the Europeans unawares, retook the fort, and 'put
many to death; but fome made their efcape in their (hips out to fea.

Ff The

2 26 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The government and fecurity of Goa being provided for, AdilShaw
returned to his capital, and died in that city of a droplical diforder,
after he had reigned with great prolperity twenty one years, in the
feventy fifth year of his ag^. Tahir Shaw relates, that he was in-
formed by fyed Ahmed Herraee, who had lived long at the court of
Adil Shaw, that he was a wife prince, well acquainted with man-
kind, very handfome in his perfon, and eloquent of fpeech, eminent
for his learning, liberality, and valour. He wrote elegantly, and
was a good judge of poetical merit, often compofing verfes himfelf.
His tafle and fkiil in mufic were fuperior to thofe of moft of the
rnaflers of his time, whom he encouraged by princely rewards to
attend him ; and he performed exquifitely on the " t^mboor and *■ oqde.
He would frequently iing to them extempore verfes. He mixed
pleafure with bufinefs, but never for the former negleded the latter;
always \varning his minifters to aft with juflice, integrity, and ho-
nour, and by his own example and attention exciting their emulation.
He invited many learned men and valiant officers from Perfia,Tartary,
and Turky, alfo eminent artifts, to his court, and made them eafy
under the fluade of his bounty. He furrounded Beejapore with a
ftrong wall of ftone. He left behind him four children, the prince
Ifmaeel and three daughters, all by one mother, originally a Hin-
doo, fifter to a Mharatta chief, taken in war. Being of exquifite
beauty, great underftanding, and engaging manners, Adil Shaw,
after her embracing the Illaam faith, married her, and gave her the
title of Boobojee Khanim. His eldeft daughter was married to Nizam
Shaw, the fecond to Shekh Alia ad Dien Ummad al Moolk, and the
third to fultan Ahmed Shaw, fon of Mhamood Shav/ Bhamenee.

SULTAN

» A fort of luje.

(kA fmall kind of guitar.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DZKKAN

227

SULTAN . » .
ABOU AL FATTEH ISMAEEL r.OJL SHAW.

ISMAEEL Adil Shaw upon his accefllon being too young to dire(^
the affairs of his kingdom, the guidance of adminiflration was com-
mitted to Kummaul Khan Dekkanee. He had been one of the
principal nobles of Mhamood Shaw Bhamenee, but, on Eufuff Adil
Shaw's afTuming independance, was won over to his intereft, and
appointed his * meer nobut ; after which, fhewing diftinguifhed gal-
lantry and activity in the battle againil Heemraaje, he rofe in credit
and influence above all the other minifters. Eufuff Adil Shaw, upon
his death bed, added the office of regent, during the minority of his
fon, to his former dignities; and earneftly advifed and entreated
Direa Khan, Fukhir al Moolk, Mirza Jehangeer, Hyder Beg, and
the refl of the nobility, to a ftridt friendihip and agreement with
him, as alfo among themfelves. On this account the above amras
held him as their fuperior, and, leaving all affairs to his diredion,
obeyed him as regent.

Kummaul Khan, on the commencement of ills authority, dif-
played good condu<fl. He reflored the fooni exerciie of religion,
Hxidied to gain the affedlions of the publick, and by his condefcen-
ilons procured the attachment of the nobility. He obferved modera-
tion and agreement with the families of Nizam Shaw, Koottub Shaw,
and Bereed Shaw. He made peace with the Europeans, who, after

F f 2 the

» Commander in chief.

228 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

the retreat of EufufF Adil Shaw, had beiieged Goa, and regained it
by giving large bribes to the governor, jufl on the acceflion of the
infant king, on condition that they fhould be fatisfied with the ifland
alone, and not moleft the towns and diflridls. Accordingly, fincc
that time, the Portu^efe have kept pofleffion of Goa, and, obferv-
ing the treaty,, have not made any encroachments on the Adil
Shawee territories.

KummaulKhan, after thus fettling the weffare of the kingdom,
held the regency with eafe and fatisfadlion ; and Direa Khan and
Fukhir al Moolk dying the year following, he divided their jaghires
among his own relations and dependants, procuring for each ho-
nours and offices j taking alfo fome pergunnahs from the eftates of
Mirza Jehangeer and Hyder Beg, to beftow upon his own followers.
The lands of thofe officers who died, or were convicted of crimes, he
confifcated, and gave them to his own creatures ; by thefe means
encreafing and confirming his power till at laft he became giddy with
dreams of vanity, and his evil imagination formed ambitious defires
of royalty.

The ambition of treacherous miniflers had already proved fatal to
the ' lawful kings of Dekkan. Heemraaje was the firfl ufurper. He
had poifoned the young raja of Beejanuggur, fon of Sheoroy, and
made his infant brother a tool to his defigns ; by degrees overthrow-
ing the ancient nobility, and at length eftablifhing his own abfolute
authority over the kingdom. Cafim Bereed and others had reduced
fultan Mhamood to nominal royalty, and at length read their own
names in the khootbah.

Kummaul Khan, tempted by thefe fuccefsful examples, v/hen he
had gained the requifites to power and dignity, addrefled himfelf
artfully to Ameer Bereed, obferving, that if he wiflied to extend his

polTeffions,
* The Bhamence dynafty.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 229

pofleffions, the favourable opportunity now offered, as Ahmednug-
gur was held by the hands of a weak infant ; and Ummad al Moolk,
fovereign of Kaweel, being immerfed in youthful pleafures, had no
inclination for military glory ; therefore, if he would receive him
among the number of his friends, and allow of his claims to royalty,
he would in return aflift his views of conquefl. Ameer Bereed em-
braced the propofal with joy, as he had for years been fecretly wi(h-
ing for opportunity to extend his power ; and a treaty of alliance,
offenfive and defenfive, was immediately concluded. It was ftipu-
lated, that all the country conquered from Duftoor Deenar, as
Koolburga, AUind, Kinjoutee, and Nuldirruk, to the banks of the
Beemrah, Ihould be ceded to Bereed ; and Beejapore, Kokun, Mud-
kul, and Roijore, with other places, be confirmed to Kummaul
Khan, who might depofe, or even put to death, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw,
and proceed to reduce Sholapore and the country belonging to Zien
Khan.

Ameer Bereed, having confined fultan Mhamood In his palace
under charge of his fons, moved to Koolburga ; and Kummaul Khan,
imprifoning Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, with his mother Boobojee Khatoon,
in the citadel of Beejapore, marched with a great force to Sholapore,
which he befieged for three months ; and no relief coming from
Ahmednuggur, Zien Khan, on receiving fecurity for the fafety of his
family and wealth, delivered it up to him, with the five dependant
diftridls. Bereed, who was then befieging Koolburga, after receiv-
ing from the Adil Shawee officers the places ceded to him by Kum-
maul Khan, fent him a congratulatory letter on his fuccefs ; upon
which the regent, more haughty than before, returned to Beejapore
to finifh the ufurpation he had meditated, by dethroning his fove-
reign, and feizing the kingdom.

Kummaul Khan, upon his arrival at Beejapore, brought the young
fultan once for form fake to receive the compliments of the court in

the

230 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

the durbar. To ftrengthen his own party, he fuddenly ilTued orders
to reduce the * khaffeh khiel from three thoufand foreign troops to
three hundred; commanding all the reft to quit Beejapore in a week,
under penalty of forfeiting life and property to the ftate. The un-
fortunate exiles haftened with all fpeed to various parts, to avoid his
tyranny, and the regent, as no obftacle now lay in his way, imitating
the rules of the court of Nizam Shaw, to give more confequence and
dignity to his fervice, ordered the amras of a thoufand to be ftiled
nobles of three thoufand, and to eflablilh the korawat, or hiring of
temporary cavalry. "When Kummaul Klian, by this manoeuvre, had
raifed an army of twenty thoufand horfe, he called together his crea-
A.D. 1511. tures on the firftofSuffir, in the year 917, to confult with them
upon a lucky day for his depofing Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, and proclaim-
ing his own name in the khootbah at Beejapore. After much
debate, the firil: of the enfuing month, Rubbi al Awul, was fixed as
the day propitious to his defigns; the traitor little fuppoiing, that
the recorders of providence were then penning the concluding pages
of the journal of his vain-glorious life.

The young fultan and his mother, though much alarmed at the
intelligence of the regent's daring ambition, notwithftanding the
fmall number of their friends, raifed their minds to deilroy the un-
grateful rebel. As providence had decreed the prefervation of the
Adil Shawee family, and its long fway of royal power, fome aflro-
logers reprefented to Kummaul Khan, that from the appearance of
the heavenly bodies, certain days of the prefent month were very
unfavourable to his defigns ; therefore he would do well to clothe
himfelf with the armour of caution, and ftridlly avoid the company
of any perfons he had the leaft caufe to fufpedl of dilaffedion. The
regent, impreffed with their remarks, on the days pointed out as
unlucky, committed the charge of the city to his own dependants ;
and having chofen an apartment in the citadel clofe to the royal

palace,
* Corps of royal guards.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

palace, fliut himfelf up, with only his own family and principal
officers, keeping all the gates of the fort ftrongly barred within, and
guards without. He himfelf remained in one room conftantly for
fome days, pretending a fevere head-ache, to excufe his retirement ;
thinking hy this prudence, which providence fmiled at, to evade its
decrees.

The queen mother, inwardly rejoicing at the meafures of the
regent, fo favourable to the plan (he had formed to dellroyhim, pre-
pared to carry her defigns into execution, and applied for afliftance to
EufufF Turk, the fofter father of Ifmaeel Shaw, who had been
treated with great indignity, and mortally hated Kummaul Khan.
The old officer, in reply to the queen's requefl, faid, that inflead of
one life devoted to the fervice of his prince, he lamented he had
not a thoufand to facriiice for him j but that againft eight thoufand
Dekkanees and Abyffinians, it was clear to all, one man could effe<fl
nothing. The queen replied, that if he would rifque his fingle life
for his mafter's fafety, the traitor and his fchemes would fall together.
Eufuff Khan anfwered, that as he knew his life would be taken the
inftant Kummaul Khan fhould afcend the throne, he preferred giving
it honourably in ranfom for his fovereign's, which would acquire him
immortal reputation among the illuftrious faithful, and delired to be
informed how he could be ufeful.

The queen then fent for an old female attendant of her own,
whom fhe knew to be employed as a fpy upon her adlions by Kum-
maul Khan, and pretending to be under great uneafxnefs at the
reports of his indifpofition, fent her with '' a fum of money, as an
-offering for his fafety, to make enquiries of his health. When the
old woman had left her and gone fome paces, fhe called out, as if on
fudden recolleftion, that Eufuff Turk was very much depreffed, and

wilhed

0

» It is cuftomary in India, when princes are ill to fend them money, which is
diilributed to the poor.

231

ija

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

wiilied to make a pilgrimage to Mecca ; therefore flie defired flie
would take him with her, and prevail on Kummaul Khan to give
him leave, and a ' betel of difmiflion with his own hand, which (he
fhould regard as a favour done to herfelf. The fpy confented ; and
going firft in to Kummaul Khan, delivered the queen's prefent and
meffage in fuch a manner, that the regent was highly pleafed, and
gave orders to admit EufufF. The Turk on his entrance, with great
humility, made, his obeifance, and uttered feveral flattering fpeeches,
which pleafed Kummaul Khan, who called him nearer to him, at
the fame time reaching out his arm to give him a betel. EufufF ad-
vanced, *■ putting his hands under the cloth that covered his flioulders,
as if to receive it with the cuftomary refpedl. The regent had
flretched his hand to put the betel on the cloth, when Eufuff", with
die quick nefs of lightning, plucking out a dagger concealed under-
neath, ftabbed him in the breall with all his force, fo that he fell
down and expired immediately with a loud groan ; upon which the
attendants rufhed upon Eufuff, and cut him to pieces with their
fwords, together with the old woman, who they fuppofed had adled
in concert with the murderer.

The mother of Kummaul Khan, a woman of daring fpirit, com-
manded the attendants to refrain from clamour ; and placing the body
drefied out, fupported by pillows, on a mufnud, in a balcony of the
palace, as if to receive compliments from the court, inftrufted the
regent's fon, Suffder Khan, to go down and command the guards,
as if from his father, to furround the royal haram and feize Ifmaeel
Adil Shaw j alfo to fend orders to the troops without the citadel to
aflemble under arms, as his father would fhortly affume the royal
dignities, and appear on a baftion of the citadel to receive the com-
pliments of the people and army, as their fovereign prince.

Suffder

« The betel is given by fuperiors, on difmiflion to their fervants, as a token of regard.
^ An inferior prefenting or receiving any thing, puts a cloth on his bands, as if their
touch would contaminate the offering or gift.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DliKKAN.

Suffder Khan thinking the force within fufficient to take the
young fultan prifoner, kept the gates of the citadel Ihut, and with
his relations and followers, armed with niufquetry, fabrcs, fpears,
bows and arrows, advanced to the apartments where the prince
refided with his mother and family. The queen, apprehending tliat
Eufuff Turk had failed in his attempt, and that Kummaul Khan out of
refentment had haltened his operations to dethrone her fon, thought
it bell to pretend ignorance of Eufuff's deligns, and endeavour to
avert the ftorm by flattery and fubmiflion ; but the fultan's fofter
aunt, DiKhaad Aggeh, who had come from Perfia to Hindoollan in
the latter part of the reign of EufufF Add Shaw, remarked, that in
fuch a crilis as the prefent valour and fortitude were required, ih-
.ilead of fubmiflion and entreaties. She then ordered the doors to be
fliut, and fent out her eunuch Mallek Sundul to the few of her.
countrymen on duty in the outer court of the haram, informing them,
that Kummaul Khan, meditating the depofal of Ifmaeel Add Shaw
their fovereign, and of the fame nation as themfelves, was advancing
to aflTaflinate him with the whole royal family, and convert the gar-
den of empire to a rooft of ravens and birds of prey j that if they were
men of honour, they fliould not regard the fuperiority of the enemy,
but valiantly aflifl: their prince againft: the traitor; who, by the divine
blefling, would be overwhelmed in the enormity of accurfed ingra-
titude, and that they would gather the flowers of glorious victory
in the field of fidelity.

The guards bound the belts of refolution on their waills, and
touching the ground of loyalty with their foreheads, declared their
vows of fupport and defence of their young fovereign. Ddlhaad
Aggeh and Boobojee Khatoon now came out, in the drefles of men
in compleat armour, with bows and arrows in their hands attending
on Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, who had the yellow umbrella of his father
held over him by a Turkifli woman, named Murtuffeh Aggeh, and
joined the guards.

G g Suflider

^3?.

2J4

FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SufFder Khan, who was endeavouring to force the gates, was
oppofed by the Turks from the wall with arrows, and the young ful-
tan, with the women, affifted in perfon -, but the enemy's fuperiority
was fo great, that the little band of gallant Turks had no chance,
many of them were killed by mufquet balls, and the reft falling
back, a mournful cry of defpair ifl'ued from the apartments of the
women. Juft then, Muflapha Khan and Secunder Khan Koomi,
who had foi-merly the charge of the citadel, and whom Kummaul
Khan thinking w"eak and humble had not molefted, hearing of the
difturbance, haflened with fifty Dekkanee matchlock men to the wall
of the mahal, and, hailing Dilfliaad Aggeh, afcended the terrace,
and joined her party againft the rebels ; who, though now kept at
bay, could not be driven off, and many perfons fell on both fides.
Dilfliaad privately fent a fervant over the wall into the city to inform
all the foreigners and others of the danger to which the fultan was
expofed from the treachery of his minifter, entreating them to haften
to his affiftance, and Ihe w- ould admit them over a baftion behind the
palace. The rebels not knowing of this accefs, many of her friends
mounted by ropes thrown over by Dilfhaad, till at lafl they amounted
to one hundred and fifty foreign archers, fifty matchlock men, nine-
teen Turkifh (laves, and twenty five Abyffinians, all refolute to de-
fend their prince. Dilfhaad, with a veil on her head, fought with
them, and by animating fpeeches encouraged their ardour, promifing
that the fultan would reward them all by high honours. SufiHer
Khan, feeing that the defenders encreafed in numbers, fent out a
party to prevent more entering, and made a fierce attack with five
hundred men, bringing alfo cannon to batter down the walls of the
haram. Many of the defendants fell, and all the Dekkanees and
Abyffinians threw themfelves in a panic over the battlements. The
foreigners now, by the advice of Dilfliaad, fat dov>^n filent under cover
of the parapet wall ; and Sufflier Khan, judging they had fled alfo,.
broke open the outer doors of the mahal, and entered the court; but
as he was endeavouring to force the other, the gallant DiUhaad fired a

volley

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

volley of {hot and arrows from the terrace above, which did great
execution, killing and v\ou;iding lome principal rebels. An arrow
alfo pierced the eye of Suffaer Kiian, who ran under a wall over
which the fultan himfelf was (landing ; and the royal youth, knowing
his perlon, rolled down a heavy flcne from the terrace, which crufli-
ed him to death as he lay couched to avoid the fliot. The troops,
feeing their chief killed, ran to the houfe of Kummaul Khan, where
they learned that he alfo was dead ; upon which they opened the
gates of the citadel and fled different ways. KhufTeroo Khan Turk,
a faithful flave of the late fultan, dreading the numbers of the enemy
without, fhut the gates again, and by the orders of Dilfliaad fent the
heads of the father and ion with a guard by a fally port, to be car-
ried through the llreets of the city, for the information of the people.
Mahuminud Ein al Moolk, who had given his daughter to SufFder
Khan in marriage, and all the principal friends of the regent, quit-
ting their houfes and effeds, made their efcape as expeuitioufly as
potfible ojt of the city. When the capital was cleared oi the rebels,
the fuitan came out With the funeral proceffion of his fofler father
Eufuff, whofe body he depofited near the tomb of the venerable
»Ein ad Dxen Juneeaee, at which he alfo paid his refpedls; and.
diftributing gr^at alms, ordered a dome to be eretSed over it, and a
mofque near, lor the fupport of which lands were allotted. During
his whole reign, he went conftantly once a month to vilit the tomb .
of the faithful EuiuiF. Towards evening he returned mounted on an
elephant into the citadel.

The next day, early in the morning, the fultan afcended the
throne, and gave general audience, at which all the officers of the
court and inhabitants of the city paid their compliments, and made
offerings accordijig to their rank and ability. Exprefs letters were
difpatched to the furrounding powers, with accounts of the punilh-
ment of the regent, and the happy efcape of the fultan from his

G g 2 treacherous

' A celebrated rauflulmaun divine.

235

z-\b FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

treacherous defigns. Ameer Bereed, upon receiving the information,
immediately railed the liege of Koolburga ; but Heemraaje, who
had taken advantage of the , times to invade the fultan's dominions.
Hill continued before Roijore ; w^hich at laft was given up to him by
the garrifon, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw being too much employed in rellor-
ing the domeftic affairs of government, to afford it timely relief.

• The fultan firft raifed thofe who had adifted him in the late crifis
to high honours, and fent letters of invitation to Mirza Jehangeer,
~ Sobejung, Hyder Beg, and other noblemen, who had fled from the
perfecutions of Kummaul Khan to different parts, to return to his
court and ^efume their employments. With mercy, becoming a
great king, he drew the line of forgivenefs over the crimes of the
regent's mother and his family, who had been taken prifoners, and,
giving them a confiderable fum of money, ordered them to leave his
territories. The altrologers, who had foretold (o truly the danger
of Kummaul Khan, he took into his own employment. The
veterans of his father flocking from all quarters to his court, he had
foon a gallant body of Turks and. Moguls in his fervice. Khufferoo
Turk, who had aflifted in his late deliverance, was honoured with
the title of Afliad Khan, and had Balgoan conferred upon him in jag-
hire. The fultan had vowed that he would not entertain any Dek-
kanees or Abyffinians in his fervice; and he kept this promife for
near twelve years, keeping none but foreigners ; till at length, at
their requeft, he admitted their children to be received into the army,
and afterwards by degrees confented to entertain fuch Afghauns and
Raajepoots as were not born in Dekkan, the rule againll whom was
rigidly obferved till the reign of Ibrahim Adil Shaw.

Mirza Jehangeer, on his return to court, having the diflrids of

Koolburga conferred upon him, drove out the forces of Ameer

V Bereed with the flaughter of four hundred men, retook the forts

of NulTerutabad, Saugher, and Ahngur, wholly regaining all the

country

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

237

country taken from Beejapore during the regency of Kummaul Khan.

Ameer Bereed, fired with his loffes, fent firmauns in the name of

fukan Mhamood to all the fovereigns of Dekkan, demanding affift-

ance; upon which, "Boorahan Nizam Shaw, '' fultan KooUi Koottub

Shaw, and 'Alia ad Dien Ummad Shaw, each fent troops to join the

royal llandard. In the year 920, Ameer Bereed ob.hged the fultan to a. D. 1514,

move from Ahmedabad at the head of the allies, conlifting of twenty

five thoufand liorfe, towards Beejapore, and committed every vvafte

and depredation on the country in his route.

Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, out of policy, remained in his capital; letting
the enemy advance without oppolition to Allapore, a town built by
Eufuft Adil Shaw, within a mile and half of Beejapore; when he
marched out of the city at the head of twelve thoufand horfe, all
foreigners. Notwithftanding the great fuperiority of the enemy, he
defeated them fo completely, that the allies fled, leaving behind
them Mhamood Shaw and his fon fultan Ahmed, who had fallen
from their horfes in the adtion. All the baggage of the fugitives fell
into the hands of the vidlors ; and Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, on hearing of
the fituation of the princes, went to pay his obeifance to them as his
fuperiors, prefented offerings of horfes with furniture fet with jewels,
and would have conducted them in magnificent palanquins to Beeja-
pore, that they might be freed from the opprefiion of Ameer
Bereed. Mhamood Shaw not confenting to enter the city, encamped
near Allapore ; where he remained feme time to recover of a bruife
he had fuftained in his fall, and afterwards demanded Bibi Sutti, fifter
to Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, for his fon fultan Ahmed, to whom fiie was
efpoufed. Ifmaeel Adil Shaw confenting, Koolburga was appointed
for celebrating the nuptials, and both fultans repaired to it in com-
pany with great pomp. The ceremony of marriage was performed

with

* Of Ahmednuggur.
Of Golconda,

* Of Bcrar.

2,8 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

with royal magnificence, and the bride being delivered to fultan
Ahmed, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw fent five thouland horfe to attend them,
with the fultan Mhamood Shaw, to Ahmedabad, which was deferted
by Ameer Bereed on their approach ; fo that the fultan for fome time
had the pleafure of liberty, and releafe from the controul of a minif-
ter : but the Beejapore troops had no fooner left him, tlian Ameer
Bereed returned, and refumed the charge of affiiirs, as before.

Some years before this, the emperor of Perfia, Shaw Ifmaeel
SufFewi, had fent ambaffadors to the powers of Hindooltan, who had
been received with due refpedt by the roy of Beejanuggur and the
king of Guzarat. Sultan Mhamood alfo had received an ambaflador
to him with proper attention, and wiilied to dilmils him with royal
prefents ; but Ameer Bereed not confenting, the anibaflador wrote to
Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, complaining of his being detained at Ahmedabad.
The fultan immediately demanded his difmiffion ; and accordingly,
having obtained his audience of leave, the ambaffador came tu Beeja-
pore, where he was met by Ifmaeel Adil Shaw at AUapore, honoured
with rich prefents, and efcorted as far as the port of Dabul by a proper
guard, on his return to Perfia. The emperor of Perfia, in acknow-
A. D. 1519. ledgment of this fervice to his ambaflador, in the year 925, fent
Ibrahim Beg Turkoman, an oflicer of his court, with letters and
prefents to Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, and among the latter was a fabre fet
with valuable jewels. The emperor in his letter addrefled him as a
fovereign prince. Ifmaeel Adil Shaw went twelve miles to meet tiie
ambaflador -, and being highly gratified at the acknowledgment of his
royalty by fo great a monarch, received Ibrahim Beg with extraor-
dinary honours, ordered the march of vidtory to be founded, and com-
manded the officers of his army to wear fcarlet caps of twelve points,
it being the difl:indlion of the difciples of fhekh Suffi. He alfo
ordered, that on Fridays and holidays a prayer fhould be recited at the
mofques for the royal family of Perfia.

In

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

239

In the year 927, Ilinaeel Adil Shaw made preparations for march- A. D. 1540.
ing to recover Mudkul and Roijore from the roy of Bcejanuggur ; who
gaining early intelHgence of his dcfigns, moved with a great force,
and Rationed his camp on the banks of the Kiltnah, where he was
joined by many of his tributaries; fo that his army amou:ited at lead
to fifty thoufand horfe, befides a vaft hofl of foot. The fultan would
now have delayed his expedition, as the enemy poflelfed all the
ferries of the Kiftnah, but that his tents were pitched, and it would
have been difgraccful to retraft from his declarations. ,He therefore
marched with feven thoufand horfe, all foreign, and encamped on the
bank of the river oppofite to the enemy, waiting to prepare floats to
crofs and attack them. Some days after his arrival, as he was
repofing in his tent, he heard one of his courtiers without the
" fkreens reciting this verfe; " Rife, and fill the golden goblet with
" the wine of mirth, before the cup itfelf fhall be laid in duft."
The fultan, infpired by the verfe, called his favourites before him,
and fpreading the carpet of pleafure, amufed himfelf with mufic and
wine. When the banquet had lafted longer than reafonable, and
the fumes of the wine had exercifed their power, a fancy feized the
fultan to pafs the river and attack the enemy. He called his officers
before him, and enquired the reafon for the delay in preparing the
floats, and was anfwered, that one hundred were already finilhed,
and the refl: would be ready in a few days. The fultan, warm with
wine, refolved to crofs immediately ; and mounting his elephant,
without making his intentions known, proceeded to the river, as if
to reconnoitre, but fuddenly gave orders for as many of his troops as
could to go upon the rafts, and others to follow him on elephants
through the river. The officers reprefented the folly and danger of
precipitation ; but the fultan, without reply, plunged his own ele-
phant into the flream, and was followed involuntarily by the amras
and their follov/ers, on about two hundred and fifty elephants. By
great good fortune, all reached the oppofite ffiore in fafety, and as

many

' The tents of the great in India are enclofed by walls, or fkreens of cloth.

240 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

many troops as could crofs on the floats at two embarkations had
time to arrive, when the enemy advanced to battle in fo great force,
as excluded every probable hope of efcape to the fultan, who had not
more than two thoufand men ready to oppofe thirty thoufand. The
heroes of lilaam, animated with one foul, made fo gallant a reliftance,
that above a thoufand of the infidels fell, among whom was Sungect
Roy, the chief general of Beejanuggur J but at laft, harafled beyond
all power of oppofltion, by cannon Ihot, mufquetry, and rockets,
which deftrqved near half their numbers, the furvivors threw them-
felves into the river, in hopes of efcaping, and Nurfoo Bahadur and
Ibrahim Beg, who rode on the fame elephant with Ilmaeel Adil
Shaw, drove the animal acrofs the flream ; but fo great was the cur-
rent, that except the royal elephant and {even foldiers, all the reft
were drowned. The fultan 's raflinefs was heavily punilhed by fo
great a lofs. He took a folemn vow never to -indulge in wine, till he
had revenged his defeat ; and then, throwing away defpair, bufied his
mind in repairing this unfortunate mifcarriage.

As Mirza Jehangeer had fallen in the adtion, the fultan confulted
with Aflud Khan on what meafures would be bell to take in the
prefent crifis of his affairs. AfTud Khan replied, that as his lofs was
great, and the troops difpirited, it would be proper to retreat for the
prefent to Beejapore, and lay alide thoughts of revenge on the roy
of Beejanuggur, till he could ftrengthen himfelf by alliances with
Nizam Shaw, and remove his natural enemy Ameer Bereed from his
borders ; after which, the punifliment of the infidels might be eafily
effedled. The fultan, approving the advice, marched from the
Kifinah to Beejapore, and conferring the dignity of ^ lippeh fallar on
Afliid Khan, added feveral difliridls to his jaghire, and made him his
principal advifer in all important affairs.

Syed Ahmed Herraee, who had formerly been fent as ambaffador

from the fultan to the emperor of Perfia, was now difpatched in that

capacity
* Commander in chief.

FERISMTA's HISTORY OF DEICKAN.

241

capacity to Ahmednuggur, to ftrengtlien the bonds of agreement
with that ilate ; and being met near the city by SJiaw Tahir and all
the principal nobility, was introduced to fultan Boorahan Nizam
Shaw, and received with great favours. When letters and civilities
had been repeatedly interchanged by the two fultans, an interview
was fixed upon, and accordingly they met at the town of Sholapore.
Boorahan Nizam Sliaw having afked in marriage the fifter of Ifmaeel
Adil Shaw, and the latter agreeing to grant his requert:, nuptial fefti-
vals were prepared, the princefs Mariem was efpoufed to him, and
the ceremonies of marriage concluded with great pomp and mag-
nificence. Prefents of valuable curiofities, elephants, and horfes,
were given by both kings ; and the royal rejoicings for the accom-
plifliment of the alliance continued the whole month of Rejib, of the
year 930 ; after which the royal brothers took leave, and returned A, 0.1523.
each to the capital of his own dominions.

It is related, that it was ftipulated in the treaty of alliance that
Ifmaeel Adil Shaw fliould give up, as the marriage portion of his
fifter, to Boorahan Nizam Shaw, the fort of Sholapore with its five
dift:ri<n:s, taken by the late regent from Zien Klian ; but that this
article he delayed to perform, and Boorahan Shaw for feme time took
no notice of the breach of treaty ; but having the next year fecured
the afliftance of Ummad Shaw, fultan of Berar, and Ameer Bereed,
regent of Bieder, he marched to befiege Sholapore, and feize the
ceded pergunnahs, with forty thoufand horfe.

Ifmaeel Adil Shaw having colledled ten thoufand foreign cavalry,
moved to oppofe the invafionj and both armies lay forty days
between the forts of Sholapore and Nuldirruk, at the diftance of four
miles from each other, without coming to a(flion. Three thoufand
foreign archers of Adil Shaw exerted themfelves daily in hovering
round the enemy's camp, and cutting off fupplies of proviiions ; in
which, and haraffing the foraging parties, they were very fuccefsful.

H h Khajeh

24-2 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEFCKAt^.

Khajeh Jehaun Dekkanee, governor of Porundeh, vexed at this dif-
grace and the inadtivity of Nizam Shaw, without orders feparated
from the camp with four thoufand feleft Dekkanee cavalry, refolved
to furprize the archers. The following evening, the archers, after
a fatiguing excurfion round the enemy's camp, had chofen their
port for the night on the banks of a rivulet ; and having picketted
their horfes, were unarming, and waiting for their fervants to drefs
their victuals, unfufpedling any attack. The night had juft fhut in,
when Khajeh Jehaun arrived near, but was perceived at a little
diflance from the outpofts, by one of the foldiers, who had gone in
front on feme occafion. He immediately ran back and gave the
alarm ; upon which the archers took to their horfes, but before they
could all mount, Khajeh Jehaun charged, and killed about three
hundred. The reft made their efcape, by the fwiftnefs of their
horfes, and the Dekkanees returning from purfuit to the fpot on
which the archers had been encamped, difmounted, and employed
themfelves in plunder and eating the victuals, which had been left in
the pots on the fires. The archers, when they had rode out of dan-
ger of purfuit, rallied; and judging the Dekkanees would be off
their guard, refolved to furprize the camp of Nizam Shaw. They
accordingly, moved, and the centinels, taking them for Khajeh
Jehaun's detachment returning to camp, which was alfo the cafe, let
them pafs. The archers, letting fly a fhower of arrows, wounded
Khajeh Jehaun, who fled with his followers into the camp. The
archers purfued, and made great flaughter in their way to the tents of
Nizam Shaw. A flrange confufion now prevailed, friends could not
be dillinguifhed from foes, and the archers, when fatiated with
flaughter and plunder, retired with very little lofs. Early in the
morning, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw advanced to give battle to the enemy,
not recovered fully from the night's alarm. Nizam Shaw and Um-
mad Shaw drew up their line in great diforder and precipitation ; but
could not long fland againfl the fierce attack of the Beejapore troops.
Ummad Shaw, being charged by Aflud Khan, fled from the field

aJmoft

FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

almofl: without making any oppofition, and did not hak, except at
night, till he had reached his fort of Kaweel in Berar. Nizam Shaw
being joined, as he was on the point of giving way, by Ameer
Bereed, with fix thoufand horfe, all frefL, continued to oppofe for
fome time longer. At laft Kooldi Aga and Ifmaeel Aga, Turkifli
chiefs, with two thoufand horfe, gained the enemy's rear, and AlTud
Khan attacked the right wing at the fame time. This confufed the
enemy much ; and Boorahan Nizam Shaw, overcome by the weight
of his armour, was near falling from his horfe through faintnefs ;
upon which, fome Turkifh (laves, feeing his condition, led him from
the field, and the route of his army immediately became general.
About three thoufand men were flain in the purfuit, and the royal
ihndard of Nizam Shaw fell into the hands of Allud Khan. Forty
elephants, with many pieces of cannon, and all the tents and baggage,
became the prize of the vidors. Many principal officers and nobles
fell on the fide of the vanquiflied. Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, after his
viftory, returned in triumph to Beejapore, where he made rejoicings
for a month together, and conferred rewards and magnificent dreffes
on his nobility. He gave Alfud Khan five large and fix fmall ele-
phants, taken from Nizam Shaw, and doubled the pay of every
foldier in his army. To enable him to bear this expenle, he divided
all the lands appropriated for the fupport of the royal haram among
his officers, and alio half the duties of all his forts. Being one day
told that fome officers were flill unprovided for, and the minifiers, in
anfwer to his injund:ions to fatisfy them, obferving, that the treafury
could not maintain fo many troops on the ellablilhed pay, he afked,
what number of farms were collected under the heads of his wardrobe
and kitchen ? It was anfv/ered, four and twenty. Upon which he
commanded half to be divided to the troops, faying, that it was
better he fliould fuffer fome inconveniences, than they have reafon to
complain.

H h 2 la

243

244

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

A. D. 1528. In the year 935, Nizam Shaw, with Ameer Bereed, again in-

vaded the territories of Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, againll the ftrongelt
remonftrances of his own miniflers. He was completely defeated,
within twenty cofs of Beejapore, by AfTud Khan, when Khajeh
Jehaun, and feveral officers of the firft diftindtion, were taken
prifoners in the aftion. AflTud Khan purfued the fugitives as far as
Porundeh, and took much baggage and twenty elephants, among
which was that which carried the throne of Nizam Shaw. Ifmaeel
Adil Shaw gave him all the elephants, except one named AUeh Bukfh,
or the gift of God, and honoured him with the title of fon in all his
firmauns. The fultan, by his advice, this year gave his filler Khadi-
jah Sultana to Alia ad Dien Ummad Shaw of Berar ; and the two
fultans had a meeting in the town of Oorjaan to celebrate the nup-
tials; after which they took leave of each other with mutual prefents
and profeffions of regard and fupport.

This year alfo, fultan Bahadur of Guzarat invading the territories
of Nizam Shaw, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw fent ' ten lacks of oons and fix
thoufand horfe to affift the latter, in conjundlion with Ameer Bereed.
Thefe troops, after the retreat of fultan Bahadur, returning to Beeja-
pore, informed their fovereign, that Ameer Bereed had endeavoured
to corrupt their fidelity, and prevail on them to join him in an attack
on Beejapore, promifing to reward them with a fhare of territory.
Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, juftly provoked, refolved to punifhhis treachery;
A. D. 1529. ^^^ ^ ^^^ y^^^ 93^ ^^^* intelligent ambafladors to Nizam Shaw,
complaining that Ameer Bereed had frequently confpired againft his
family, and more than once induced his enemies to invade his do-
minions; which treachery he had as yet declined punifhing, but
that now he had refolved to requite his behaviour, led to it by both
religious and political arguments ; for, to ufe the wolf with gentle-
nefs, or the fnake with favour, was contrary to the didlates of wif-
dom- He obferved, that if Nizam Shaw, out of regard to their

connexion.

* Three hundred thoufand pounds and upwards.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

connedlion and friendlhip, would remain neutral, he would in a fhort
time give him a full retribution for his evil deeds. Nizam Shaw,
who lay under obligations to the fultan for his late fuccours, ac-
quiefced in all his defires ; obferving,^ that \vhatever he wilhed to
effeO: would undoubtedly be pleafing to his friends. The ambafla-
dors returned with this anfwer, and Ifmacel Adil Shaw immediately
prepared for his intended expedition.

The fultan having formed an army of ten thoufand cavalry, con-
fifting of Arabians, Perfians, Turks, Ufbeks, Koords, and other
foreigners, whom his liberality had bound to his interefl, marched
towards Ahmedabad. On his approach, Ameer Bereed, who was
very old and -infirm, by the advice of Heemaje, a bramin, his
minifter, committed the citadel of Bieder to the charge of Ali
Bereed, his eldeft fon, and the reft of his family, going himfelf to
refide at the fortrefs of Oudegur.

Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, upon his arrival before Ahmedabad, blocked
up the city on all fides ; but the garriibn made repeated fallies, and,
being nearly equal in numbers to the befiegers, greatly retarded their
operations, and at length the fons of Ameer Bereed, with five thou-
fand horfe, came out of the city, refolved, as the Beejaporeans were
only archers, to charge upon them covered with Ihields, and cut
them to pieces in cloie combat, with the fwords of the Dekkanees ;
but Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, who had forefeen fuch an attack, had pro-
vided three thoufand cavalry, expert in the ufe of the fabre, and both
men and horfes covered with iron armour, under the command of
Syed HoufTein, an Arab chief of great reputation. A very fevere
a(llion enfued on the plain before the gate of the bramin fuburb, and
foreigners and Dekkanees both difplayed the higheft examples of
valour in rivalry of each other. Adil Shaw, in fpite of the remon-
ftrances of Aflud Khan, engaged in the adion, and killed two bro-
thers of Ameer Bereed, who had attacked him in fingle combat.

Both

HS

2^6 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Both armies were loud in the praifes of the fultan's valour, and his own
officers, aUghting from their horfes, killed his ftirrup. At this inftant,
four large bodies of troops were feen upon the right, which appeared
about four thoufand. Afllid Khan fent ofFone of his attendants, named
Goderz, to learn who they were, with forty horfe. It proved that they
were four thoufand horfe detached by fultan Koollee for the afliftance
of Ameer Bereed. Ifmaeel Adil Shaw ordered AfTud Khan to oppofe
them, and prepared to engage the troops of Ali Bereed himfelf ;
when Syed Houffein Arab earneflly requefted to be honoured with
that charge, and ol)ferved, that the fultan fhould not too much ex-
pofe his perfon. The fultan, moved by his remonflrances, confented
to his requeft, and prefented him with his own fword, yet reeking
with the blood of his enemies. Both generals were fuccefsful, and
the ti"oops of the allies, after lofing about five hundred men each,
iled in diforder, leaving the field of vidory to Ifmaeel Adil Shaw.
Afllid Khan in this battle gained great honour, as, after driving off
the four thoufand Telinganees of Koottub Shaw, he came to the
afTiftance of Syed Houffein. On this account, when the fultan after
the vidlory difmounted upon an eminence to thank his officers, he
honoured Aflud Khan above all the reft, by clafping him in his em-
brace. To Syed Houffein he gave the horfe he had rode in the aftion.
Two fons of Ameer Bereed, and Gufthum Beg, commander of the
Koottub Shawee auxiliaries, wei'e flain,

Ifmaeel Adil Shaw now blockaded the city clofer than before ;
and Ameer Bereed, being reduced to great diftrefs, wrote to Um-
mad Shaw, earneftly requefting him to come and mediate a peace
for him ; upon which he, without repairing to Oudegur, came and
encamped within a mile of the fultan. Ifmaeel Adil Shaw went to
vifit him with his principal nobility, and Ummad Shaw, after con-
gratulations on the late fuccefs, declared, that he had marched
merely for the purpofe of fliaring in his vidlories, but that he hoped
to be able to obtain his forgivenefs of the faults of Ameer Bereed.

The

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The fultan replied, tliat Bereed had done his family more injuries
than could be enumerated, and that in this war many gallant men
had fallen, who had great claims to his eflcem ; therefore he wiihed
not to hear of peace, till their lofs was fully revenged on the infidious
enemy. Ummad Shaw, feeing his refolution firm, did not prefs
him farther ; and the two princes, after fpending a week together
in feftivity, parted. Ameer Bereed now left Oudegur, and travelling
with great expedition, came to the camp of Ummad Shaw, entreat-
ing him to procure peace for him ; but being informed no other
offer than the furrender of the city would be liilened to by Ifmaeel
Adil Shaw, he retired in difguil to his own camp, near that of Um-
mad Shaw j and to relax his cares engaged in drinking and mufic.
His troops alfo, fatigued with long marches, were carelefs of duty,
and even the outpofts lay down to fleep, not dreading any danger ;
while many, following the example of their chief, had recourfe to
wine to drown their furrows.

Ifmaeel Adil Shaw having heard of the arrival of Ameer Bereed,
ordered Affud Khan, with feveral chiefs and two thoufand chofen
horfe, to furprize his camp. Aflud Khan prepared the troops, as if
to relieve thofe at the trenches ; but when he had got without the
camp made known his intentions, and proceeded as filently as poffible
towards the tents of the enemy. Being arrived clofe to the outpofts,
and hearing not the fmalleft noife or challenge, he ordered his troops
to ftop and obferve the ftrideft filence, fending fpies to learn the fitu-
ation of the enemy ; who foon returning, declared, that they had
advanced uninterrupted to the tents of Ameer Bereed, where the few
on guard were all afleep. To prove their affertions they prefented
fome turbans and fabres they had ftolen from them. AiTud Khan
then ordering his troops to remain in profound filence on the borders
of the camp for his further orders, advanced himfelf, with twenty
five horfemen and a few foot, through the fleeping enemy to the
tents of Ameer Bereed. Here he faw the guards lying about in

ftrange

247

248 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

ilrange poflures, fnoring amid the broken veflels of liquor. Allud
Khan, thinking it ungenerous to murder them in fuch an helplefs
condition, ordered fome footmen with drawn fabres to fland over
them, in cafe any fliould awake, to prevent them giving the alarm.
He then difmounted, and entered the tents with fome part of his fol-
lowers, hoping to take Ameer Bereed ahve, but if he could not, in-
tending to put him to death, and carry his head to the fultan. Thofe
within he found as faft afleep as their friends without. Ameer
Bereed lay fenfelefs on a bed, round which the dancers and fingers,
male and female, were jumbled together in ftrange poflures, amid
their own filth, broken veflels, and fpilt liquors, fnoring in concert.
Afllad Khan obferved, that to murder fuch perfons was ungenerous,
therefore it would be more glorious to carry their chief alive on his
bed to the fultan, without injuring any of his followers. The bed of
this old, experienced, and wily minifter, was then lifted up by the
attendants of AfTud Khan, who was moving out of the tents with his
prize, when one of the lamp-men, called deotees in Dekkan, and
who have the body watch of the chief at night, awaking, was
going to cry out, but Afllid Khan clapped his hands timely on his
mouth, and his people fi:rangled him j after which he reached his
troops on the border of the camp without accident. He then repre-
fented to them, that as their chief end was obtained, it was better to
defift from farther enterprize, as in the darknefs of the night the
Hindoo could not be diflinguiihed from the muflnlmaun ; and confe-
quently many of the faithful muft be {lain, which he wifhed to avoid.
All the detachment approved of his generofity, and Affud Khan
moved towards the royal camp, carrying his prifoner on his bed in
iocofe triumph. Ameer Bereed awaking on the road, and finding
himfelf in motion, thought he was among evil fpirits, or genii, and
began to cry out in terror to God for relief from enchantments ; but
Affud Khan told him who he was, and after relating his exploit at
large, upbraided him with his imprudence; obferving, that for a
reverend old man, experienced as he was in the arts of government,

to

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

to have fuffered Iiimfclf to be intoxicated Co near an enemy, was
highly derogatory to his cliaradler and wifdom. Ameer Berced, as
he was covered with fliame and forrow, returned no anfwer; but
AfTud Khan, defiring him to be comforted, aflured him of his in-
fluence with the fultan to procure kind treatment and forgivenefs.

The detachment arriving at the royal camp, AfTud Khan without
delay prefented his important prize to the fultan, who was overjoyed
at the pofTeflion of his enemy, whom he afked, How, with fuch art
and cunning as he had difplayed in a long life, he could fall into fuch
a fnare ? Ameer Bereed faid. Fate and providence had thus decreed ;
therefore to queftion him on the fubjedl was ufelefs, as he could give
no fatisfadlory anfwer. The fultan then delivered him over to Affud
Khan, whom he ordered to bring him to the Durbar in the morning.

Ifmaeel Adil Shaw in the morning, being feated on his throne in
full court. Ameer Bereed was placed oppofite to him, with his head
bare, and his hands tied behind his back, expofed to a hot fun.
When he had flood for two hours in this manner, the fultan gave
orders for his being put to death, and an executioner advanced to do
his duty with a drawn fcymetar. Ameer Bereed, feeing his danger-
ous fituation, now opened his lips to entreaty ; faying, that undoubt-
edly he had been guilty of many infults to the fultan and his late
father of bleffed memory, and was confcious of deferving death at his
hands ; but if the fultan could forget his crimes, and fuffer him to
live and repent, he would furrender to him the city of Ahmedabad,
with the fortrefs of Bieder, whofe battlements the ladders of royal
ability had never yet fcaled ; and alfo ail the treafures and efFeds of
the royal family of Bhamenee.

The king having confented to mercy on this condition, Ameer
Bereed difpatched one of his attendants to his fons, acquainting them
with his fituation and the agreement he had made. They returned

I i for

249

2 CO

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKFCAN.

for aniwer, that as he was very old, and the fun of his exigence near
letting, to furrender fuch a fortrefs for a few remaining days of hfe,
would be unbeconfiing his charafler or their own intereft. Their
intention in this meffage was only to gain time, in hopes of afTiflance
from their allies, for they fent out privately an intelligent perfon with
inftrudions to make terms of furrender, fhould their father be in real
danger. Ameer Bereed knew this, and with much art complained of
the cruel negled: of his fons ; but Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, who fufpeded
the fcheme, without delay ordered him to be thrown before a vicious
elephant, refolved to punifli his treachery, and trufh for gaining the
city to an affault of his troops, Bereed had again recourfe to entreaty,
begging that he might be carried before a certain tower of the fort,
that his fons might behold his mifery, and be moved to fave his life
by furrender- This was done accordingly, and the fons, feeing no
other means but fubmiffion to procure the fafety of their parent,
offered to refign the city and fortrefs, on condition that they and
their women fhould be allowed to depart with the clothes on their
perfons without fearch. Their demand being agreed to, they loaded
themfelves and women as heavily as they could bear with the valu-
able ornaments and robes of the royal family of Bhamenee, and with
their followers retired unmoleiled to the fortrefs of Oudegur.

AlTud Khan now entered the city, with fome chofen troops, to
prevent plunder, and colled the treafures and eifeds belonging to the
vanquiflied. Ifmaeel Adil Shaw at a lucky inflant, attended by all
the princes and nobility on foot from the gate of the city to the palace,
entered the grand hall of audience, and afcended the throne of the
Bhamenee fultans. Having given God thanks for his glorious fuccefs,
he difpatched his fon Mulloo Khan, with AfTud Khan, and other
amras, to invite Ummad Shaw to his court ; and he alTenting, came
in royal flate to the fort. Ifmaeel met him at the fteps of the palace,
and the two kings then fat down together on one mufnud.

The

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The treafures of the fort were now laid before them. * Ten lacks
of oons, valuable jewels, gold and filver plate, magnificent china,
and rich effects innumerable were found, and the fultan defired Um-
mad Shaw to take whatever he chofe. To avoid the fcandal of hav-
ing poffefled himfelfof the riches of the Bhamenee family, he divided
every thing into prefents to the furrounding powers and to his own
army, not keeping a fingle coin for himfelf. He entruftcd fifty
thouland oons to Syed Ali Ukheel, a perfon celebrated for learning
and integrity, to be diftributed in charity to the poor inhabitants of
NujifF, Kerballa, and Mefhid, and gave fifty thoufand to Syed
Ahmed Herraee, to be beftowed on the deferving in his own domini-
ons. He then defired the poet Molana Shied Koommi to go to the
treafury and take as much gold as he could lift j but the poet, who
was very ill and infirm, obferving, that when he firll came to his
court he was as ftrong again as at prefent, the fultan defired him to
take as much as he could carry away at two attempts, laughing at his
ready invention : and the poet ftill defiring to wait till he fhould re-
cover, before he made the elfort, the fultan repeated the following
verfe; " There is danger in delay, and it hurts the petitioner." The
poet made fhift to lift at twice as many bags as contained "" twenty five
thoufand oons, and the fultan being told the amount by his treafurer,
replied. The molana fpoke truth in complaining of his weaknefs.
He then, declaring that he would not rife till he had difpofed of all
the plunder, commanded Aflud Khan to make a divifion among the
troops; which was effefted in fuch a juil manner, that every perfon
was contented with his fhare.

Ummad Shaw now again requefted his pardon for Ameer Bereed ;
and the fultan confented to receive him among his amras, upon
AiTud Khan's becoming pledge for his fidelity. He had Kallean,
Oudegur, and other pergunnahs out of the collegian of the city lands,

I i 2 allotted

^ Three hvindred thoufand pounds and upwards,
'' Nearly ten thoufand pounds.

251

252

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

allotted for his jaghire, on condition of attending the fultan with three
thoufand horfe on his expedition to Roijore. The fultan a week
after put his army in motion, attended by Ummad Shaw and Ameer
Bereed with their forces ; and the affairs of Beejanuggur being in
confufion, owing to the death of Heemraaje, who was newly fuc-
ceeded by his fon Ramraaje, againft whom rebellions had arifen by
feveral roies, met with no interruption to his arms. Roijore and
Mudkul were taken, after a fiege of three months, by capitulation,
after they had been in poffefTion of the infidels for feventeen years.

Ifmaeel Adll Shaw, who had vowed to refrain from wine till the
redudion of thefe fortreffes, at the requell: of his nobility now made a
fplendid feflival, at which he drank wine and gave a full loofe to
mirth and pleafure. Ummad Shaw and Ameer Bereed partook of
the banquet, and Affud Khan was alfo admitted to lit and drink out of
the fame cup with his prince, who helped him, and received wine in
return from his hands. At his requefl, fifteen hundred captives
were releafed, and received prefents of fcarlet caps and vefts. Many
of them chofe to remain in his fervice, which the fultan permitted.
^t this feftival alfo, the fultan promifed on his return to Beejapore, to
give Ameer Bereed the government of Ahmedabad Bieder. The
camp continued in conftant rejoicings for a whole month, and
Moolla Ibrahim Isferanee wrote a poem of a thoufand verfes defcrip-
tive of them. As intelligence arrived that fultan Bahadur of Guzarat
was preparing to invade Dekkan, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, having dif-
miffed Ummad Shaw to his capital, returned in triumph to Beeja-
pore, and agreed to return the city of Ahmedabad, fix months after
Ameer Bereed fliould refign to him the forts of Kallean and Canda-
har i giving him leave to go and prepare for the exchange. It is
related, that in this expedition the fultan, being one day entertained
by Ummad Shaw, was prefented with feveral trays of valuable
jewels, v/hich were preffed upon him againft his inclination. The
fultan a few days afterwards invited him to a banquet, and upon

Ummad

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 253

Ummad Shaw's rifing to go, drew up twelve thoufand of hisjforeign
cavalry before him, obferving, that they were the jewels he had
acquired during his reign, and he might take his choice of a number
from among them. Ummad Shaw praifed his obfervation, and faid
with a figh, had he taken care to acquire fuch jewels, he fliould not
have loft his fortrefs of Mahore.

In the year 938, Ameer Bereed having negleded to fend the keys A. D. 1531
of the fortrefles of Kallean and Candahar, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw refolved
to reduce them by force, and fent his tents with one of his fons out
of Beejapore to prepare for march. Ameer Bereed applied for afllft-
ance to Boorahan Nizam Shaw; who fent ambafladors to Beejapore
to reprefent, that as Bereed had lately done him great fervices, he
wiihed he would lay afide his enmity againft him, which would
oblige his friend. Ifmaeel Adil Shaw obferved in anfwer, that on
Boorahan Shaw's attack of Mahore, he had never interfered with
requefts, and to oblige him had refrained going againft Goa ; that as
it was the cool feafon, and he did not chufe to remain at home, he
fhould make a tour of his dominions, and particularly vifit Sholapore
and Nuldirruki therefore he hoped Boorahan Shaw would ilTue
orders to his amras on that frontier not to be alarmed or conceive
imaginary terrors. Boorahan Nizam Shaw, being perfedly ealy from
apprehenfions on the fide of Guzarat and Berar, replied to Ifinaeel
Adil Shaw, that he would do well not to depart from his delire, and
efteem remaining unmolefted at home as the luckieft event for his
intereft.

Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, who had marched from Beejapore, received
this mefiage at Bahmen Ali, while at evening prayers ; after which
he moved with only four hundred horfe and forty foot, and reached
the river flowing under Nuldirruk before evening prayer the next day.
He then difmifTed the ambaffadors of Nizam Shaw, telling them,
he had performed every office incumbent on friendHiip, and fliould

now

254

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

now wait for his royal brother to come, as he had done repeatedly
before, and amufe himfelf with a view of the tempeftuous fea of
battle.

Boorahan Nizam Shaw did not refufe the invitation ; but in con-
jundion v/ith Ameer Bereed, marched fpeedily with twenty five
thoufand horfe and a great train of artillery to the frontiers of Beeja-
pore. Ifmaeel Adil Shaw left the difpofition of his army to Affud
Khan, who formed all the fons of foreigners and Raajepoots into one
body, as a light corps, under command of Sunjir Khan, fon of
Mirza Jehangeer Koomi, obferving, that their fathers were moftly
old, fo that this was a day for the fons to iliew their adlivity. He
took, as ufual, command of the right wing, leaving the left to
Muftapha Aga, Secunder Aga, and Khoofh Kuldee, Turkifh amras
of diftinguiflaed abilities. The center was commanded by the fultan
in perfon, who joined as foon as the line was formed. When the
umbrella, ftandard, and flags of the enemy, which were formerly
white, appeared green, the fultan alked the caufe, and was told, they
were given to Boorahan Nizam Shaw by fultan Bahadur of Guzarat.
Wliile he was fpeaking, the light corps began to engage. Ifmaeel
Adil Shaw, upon this, advanced brifkly with his whole line, and an
engagement enfued, fo well fupported, that victory hung on the
balance between both parties for fome time. At length Khoorflieed
Khan, commander in chief of the Nizam Shawee army, being
killed, his troops fled in the utmoll diforder. Booralian Shaw was
totally furrounded by the Mogul horfe, and in danger of being killed
or taken prifoner, when fome of his body guards, by a defperate
effbrt, freed their fovereign, and carried him from the field with the
utmoft precipitation to his capital of Ahmednuggur, without waiting
to colled: the fcattered army. Much plunder fell into the hands of
the vidors ; and the fuperiority of Ifmaeel Adil Shaw became efl:ab-
lillied over all Dekkan. This viftory he called the victory of the
foreigners' fons, who now rofe in his elleem j and many of them were

raifed

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKICAN. 2$$

railed to the rank of nobility, in reward for their fervices. Tiiis was
the laft conteft between Ifmaccl Adil Shaw and Boorahan Nizam
Shaw. An alliance was formed between the two fultans, who had
an interview on their frontiers, in which it was agreed that the former
fliould liave fall right to reduce the country of Koottub Shaw, and
the latter to add Berar to his poflbflions.

In confequence of this agreement, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, in the
year 940, having brought over Ameer Bereed to join him, marched A. D. 1533.
into Telingana, and laid fiege to Kowilcdndah, one of the capital
fortrefles on the frontiers of that kingdom. When he had nearly
reduced it to furrender, he was taken ill of a violent fever which
obliged him to take to his bed. Finding his diforder encreafe, the
fultan fent for Aflud Khan and Ameer Bereed, who were detached
to lay wafte the country of Telingana, and exprefled his defire that
they fliould continue the fiege, while he retired to Koolburga for
change of air, till his recovery fliould enable him to rejoin his army.
It was accordingly fixed that the fultan (hould begin his journey the
next morning in a palanquin ; but, before day, a fevere fit returned,
and joined him to the eledt on the fixteenth of Suffir, 941, after a a. D. 1534.
glorious reign of twenty five years.

Aflud Khan having embalmed the royal corpfe, placed it in a

clofe litter, and fent it privately to Kookee. He concealed the ful-

tan's death for two days ; at the end of which he communicated the

fatal event to Ameer Bereed and all the principal nobility, whom he

advifed, to avoid difputes between the two young princes, fons of the

deceafed, in an enemy's country, to raife the fiege of Kowilcondah,

and defer fettling the fucceffion till their arrival at Koolburga, where

they might feek infpiration to diredl their choice at the tomb of the '

bleiTed * Syed Mahummud Geefoo-derauz, who lay buried near that

city. All the amras approving the advice, both the princes, with

AfTud
" A celebrated muffulmaun devotee.

2^6 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Ailiid Khan at the head of the army, began their march from

Kowilcondah.

Ameer Syed Herraee relates, that Ifmaeel Adil Shaw was pru-
dent, patient, and liberal. He did not jealoufly infpedl the payments
and receipts of his treafury. He was generous, fond of forgiving
criminals, never liftening to flander. He never ufed pafTionate lan-
guage. He had much wifdom, added to a found and penetrating
judgment. He was a complete artift in painting, varnifhing, mak-
ing arrows and faddle cloths. In mufic and poetry he excelled moil
of his age. He was fond of the company of learned men and poets,
numbers of whom were elegantly fupported at his court. He was
delighted with repartee in converfation, and had a great fund of
humour, which he often employed among his courtiers. No other
fultan of Dekkan ever equalled him. in the ilrength and wit of his
remarks. He was fonder of the Turkifh and Perfian manners,
mufic, and language, than the Dekkanee, which he feldom ufed.
This partiality was owing to his being kept while young under the
tuition of his aunt Dilfhaad Aggeh, who by defire of his father kept
him as much as poffible from the company of Dekkanees, fo that he
had little reliih for the people or their manners. He was buried at
Kookee, near his father EufuiF Adil Shaw.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

2S7

SULTAN
MULLOO ADIL SHAW BEEJAPOREE.

W HEN fultan Ifmaeel Adil Shaw was about to take his departure
from this temporary manfion of care, he addrcffed Affud Khan, ob-
ferving, that although he feared his eldefl fon, MuUoo Khan, had
not abilities to govern, yet paternal afFedlion led him to wifh he
might fucceed him, according to birthright. He appointed Affud
Khan regent of the kingdom, with the fuUeft powers, and inftruc-
tions to eftablifli the prince in the fucceffion; conjuring him to
remain ftedfaft in loyalty to him, as he had full reliance on his
abilities to balance the folly and imprudence of his fon.

Sultan Ibrahim, the youngeft fon, had long entertained ambition
of the throne, and had brought over many of the nobility to his
intereft ; fo that at their father's death, the brothers were near com-
ing to open war, though in an enemy's country, and carrying on the
liege of Kowilcondah. Koottub Shaw, learning the difputes of the
brothers, thought them favourable to his caufe, and commanded his
troops to hover round the camp and flop fupplies of provifions j alfo
to cut off the ears and nofes of their prifoners, and then let them gOj.
to terrify their fellows by fhewing their miferable conditions. All
the amras being engaged in one party or other, none would lead
detachments againfl the enemy, left advantage fhould be taken by
their rivals of their abfence; and the camp followers, after having
fuffered by the attacks of the Telingas, refrained from bringing in

K k forage

2r8 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

forage or grain, fo that famine foon began to rage in the camp, and
difcontent and dread feized the whole army. Afllid Khan, who was
refpeded by all ranks, finding the diforders daily encreafing, refolved
to put an end to them by the exercife of his authority. He firft put
to death fome evil minded perfons who had excited the princes to
enmity, and confined others. Then calling together all the amras,
he ftridlly forbad them to vifit either of the princes, and attend him,
as ufual during the life of the fultan, at the audience tents, that they
might condudl publick afi^airs till a lucky inftant fliould arrive for feat-
ing one or other of the princes on the throne. Both the princes and
the whole army approved of the orders of Aflud Khan, and agreed to
acquiefce in his determination. The regent now detached a force
to dillodge the Telingas from the vicinity of the camp, and placed
ftrong guards of his own dependants over the princes, informing
them, that the aflrologers had unanimoufly declared ten days muft yet
pafs before an inftant favourable for acceflion to the throne would
arrive, and that it was his opinion, remaining fo much longer in an
enemy's country would be imprudent ; therefore he advifed the im-
mediate march of the army to Koolburga, where they might invoke
the blefled fpirit of Syed Mahummud Geefoo-derauz to influence
the inauguration.

The princes confenting to follow his advice from necefiity, the
fiege of Kowilcondah was raifed without delay, and the army moved
to Koolburga, where Afiiid Khan confulted with the principal
ladies of the haram of his late fovereign and the nobility on the choice
of a king. Moft of them being of opinion that his laft will fhould be
followed, he acquiefced; and confining fultan Ibrahim, to prevent
difturbances, placed MuUoo Adil Shaw on the throne, who was
immediately acknowledged by the nobility and army. Aflud
Khan, on his return to Beejapore, being dilgufted at the behaviour of
the new fultan, gave up fultan Ibrahim to the care of his grand-
rcother, Boobojee Khatoon, and refigning his employment at court,

retired

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

retired to his jaghire of Balgoan, with all his family. Mean liinaeel
Dekkanee was raifed to the office of prime minifter in his ftead.

Sultan MuUoo, now left without a check on his inclinations,
gave himfelf up to the pleafures of wine, mufic, dancing, and low-
vices ; in gratifying which he ipent the whole of his time, leaving
the diredlion of affairs to his abandoned favourites. He foon became
difguilful to all the worthy part of his fubjefts, whofe children, if
they pleafed him, he feized by force, and dragged to his palace for
fliameful purpofes. At length he demanded the fon of Eufuff Khan,
a nobleman of high rank among the Turkifli officers, who fpurning
at the tyrannical order, the anger of the fultan was raifed, and he
fent guards with orders, if Eufuff refufed complying with his de-
mands, to bring him his head. The Turk beat off the royal iyco-
phants, and the fame day retired, in fpite of great oppofition, to
his own jaghire of Kuppore, with all his family and troops. Other
perfons of honour following his example, left court, and repaired to
their eftates ; but the fultan, notwithflanding thefe commotions, did
not alter his condud:.

Boobojee Khatoon, mother to the late king, difguffed at the ful-
tan's (hameful vices, refolved to depofe him, for the eafe of the
fubjed: and fecurity of government to her family. She wrote to
Eufuff Khan, that as MuUoo was unworthy of the throne fhe wiflied
he would affift in depoling him, and proclaim fultan Ibrahim.
Eufuff Khan, difpatching one of his friends to Balgoan without
delay, advifed Affud Khan, that, forced by the tyranny of Mulloo
Khan, he had fled from Beejapore, and had received fuch orders from
the dowager queen. Affud Khan in reply obferved, that as the
behaviour of the fultan was difgufting to all ranks of men, the fafety
and honour of the ffate required that he fliould follow the advice of
Boobojee Khatoon without delay. Eufuff Khan now fent back her
meffengers with affurances of implicit compliance with her com-

K. k 2 mandsi

259

26o FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

jnands ; and fliortly after, on a day appointed between them, making
a forced march to Beejapore, fuddenly entered the citadel with two
hundred friends well armed. Noor Khan, the commander of the
garrifon, made but little oppofition. Mulloo Khan was feized, and
blinded, by orders of his grandmother, together with his youngefl
brother, Ulloo Khan, after an inglorious reign of only fix months.
Sultan Ibrahim was immediately after feated on the throne, amid the
acclamations of the nobility and people.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. a6|

SULTAN

ABOU AL NUSSER IBRAHIM

ADIL SHAW BEEJAPOREE.

Ibrahim Adll Shaw, immediately on his aCceflion to the throne,
rejeding the names of the Imaums from the khootbah, reftored the
exercife of the fooni ceremonies; and commanded that no perfon
fhould wear the fcarlet cap of twelve points, which had been worn
by all the troops of his father, in imitation of the Perfians. He
entertained Dekkanees in his fervice, and admitted only four hundred
foreigners to remain in his body guard. All the foreign nobility,
except Aflud Khan Laree, Khoofh Kuldie Aga Roomi, and Shujahut
Khan Koord, were degraded. Dekkanees and Abyflinians were
promoted to their offices. All the foreign troops being diimilTed, but
four hundred, they entered into the fervices of different princes.
Ramraaje of Beejanuggur took three thoufand of them into his pay,
gave them great indulgences, and allowed them to ered: a mofque
in their quarters at Beejanuggur. He had the koraun placed before
him when they came to pay their compliments, that they might
falute him without breach of the rules of their religion.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw, by his new regulations, obtained an army
of thirty thoufand cavalry, but moflly hirelings who rode his horfes.
The cuftoms of Ifmaeel Adil Shaw were totally laid afide, and the
publick accounts, which had been kept in Periic, were changed

to

262 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

to Hindooeh, under the management of bramins, who foon acquired
great influence in the adminiftration of government. Affud Khan
was ordered to keep Dekkanees in his fervice, and follow the fooni
faith. He out of a thoufand foreigners difcharged fix hundred ; but
refufing to change his religion, in camp and on his own jaghire pub-
lickly encouraged the fheea ceremonies, and the fultan thought it
prudent to wink at his difobedience. Ibrahim Adil Shaw the year
after his accefiion led his army to Beejanuggur, on the requifition
of the roy ; but before the particulars of the expedition are recited, it
is neceflary to difplay the caufes which led to it, and give fome
account of the revolutions of Beejanuggur.

The government of Beejanuggur had remained in one family, in
uninterrupted fuccefllon, for feven hundred years ; when Seoroy
dying, was fucceeded by his fon, a minor, who did not live long
after him, and left the throne to a younger brother. He alfo had
not long gathered the flowers of enjoyment from the garden of
royalty, before the cruel fkies, proving their inconftancy, burned up
the earth of his exifl:ence with the blafl:ing wind of annihilation.
Being fucceeded by an infant, only three months old, Heemraaje,
one of the principal minifters of the family, celebrated for great wif-
dom and experience, became fole regent, and was cheerfully obeyed
by all the nobility and vafTals of the kingdom for forty years;
though, on the arrival of the young king at the age of manhood, he
had poifoned him, and put an infant of his family on the throne, in
order to have a pretence for keeping the regency in his own hands.
Heemraaje at his death was fucceeded in office by his fon Ramraaje,
who having married a daughter of the fon of Seoroy, by that alliance
greatly added to his influence and power. By degrees raifing his own
family to the highefl ranks, and deftroying many of the ancient
nobility by various Intrigues, he at length afpired to reign in his own
name, and totally extirpate the family of Seoroy. Many of the
nobility, however, refufing to acknowledge his authority, he, in

com-

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 263

compliance with their prejudices, placed on the throne an infant of
the female line, and committed his perfon to the care of his uncle
Hoje Termul Roy, who was not without a caft of inlanity in his
mind, and from whofe weaknefs he apprehended no danger of com-
petition. Ramraaje, in the fpace of five or fix years, by treachery
cut off all thofe chiefs who had declared againft his claim to the
throne; and, having left the city of Beejanuggur under charge of a
flave whom he had raifed to high rank, marched with a great army
againft fome roies of the country of Malabar, who had withheld their
tributes. Thefe he foon reduced, and deprived them of their for-
trefles j after which fuccefs, he moved againft a powerful zemindar
to the fouth of Beejanuggur, who held out for fix months without
the fmalleft impreflion, though feveral general actions were fought.

Ramraaje, having expended all the treafure of his military cheft,
wrote to his flave to fend him a fupply from Beejanuggur, to enable
him to continue the war. The flave, on opening the vaults of the
treafury, was overcome with the defire of pofl!effing fuch immenfe
wealth as they contained, and refolved on rebellion againft his patron.
He fet at liberty the young roy, and having procured Hoje Termul
Roy to embrace his intereft, afiTumed the office of minifter, and
began to levy troops. Several tributary roies, who were difgufted
with Ramraaje, flew with fpeed to Beejanuggur to obey their lawful
king i and in a fhort time thirty thoufand horfe, and vaft hofts of
foot, were aflembled under his ftandard at the cityj where now, by
the advice of Hoje Termul Roy, they put the flave to death, left he
ftiould repent of his rebellion to Ramraaje.

Ramraaje hearing of this revolt, inftantly patched up a peace with
his enemy, and returned towards Beejanuggur ; but being deferted
by feveral of his firft nobility, who left him on the route to join their
lawful fovereign, he thought it advifeable at prefent to defift from
war, and reft contented with his extenfive jaghires. A treaty was

accordingly

264 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

accordingly concluded between him and the young roy, by which he
was allowed to remain in independant pofleflion of his country ; and
quiet being now reftored, the nobility who had fupported the revo-
lution, left their fovereign under the care of his uncle Hoje Termul
Roy, and returned to their feveral diilri<5ts. Not long after this, the
uncle becoming ambitious of royalty, ftrangled his nephew, and
feized the throne of Beejanuggur. As he was of the royal family,
the nobility, preferring his authority to that of Ramraaje, as the more
honourable, became fubmiflive and obedient ; but in a fhort time, as
he governed with tyranny and oppreflion, they became difaifedted,
and invited Ramraaje to return, and take upon him the adminiftra-
tlon of affairs.

Hoje Termul Roy having intelligence of the defigns forming
againft him, difpatched ambafladors, with a large fum of money and
many valuable prefents, to Ibrahim Adil Shaw, begging he would
march to his affiflance ; in return for which he would acknowledge
himfelf his tributary, and pay down a fubfidy of * three lacks of oons
for every day that his army fhould march. Ibrahim Adil Shaw,
tempted by the greatnefs of the offer, and the glory of having the
A. D. 1535. roy of Beejanuggur for a tributary, in the year 942, by advice of
Afllid Khan, moved from his capital, and arrived at Beejanuggur by
regular marches, without oppolition. He was condu<Sted into the
city by Hoje Termul Roy, who feated him on the mufnud of the
raaje, and made rejoicings for {even days. Ramraaje and the con-
federate nobility now fent letters to the roy, exprelTive of forrow for
their rebellion, and affuring him of their future firm allegiance.
They reprefented in ftrong colours the evil confequences of the
mulTulmauns remaining in the country ; that their holy places and
gods would be defiled and deflroyed, and the children of all ranks of
people, as in the times of the Bhamence fultans, be made cap-
tives. They fwore, finally, never more to depart from obedience, if

he
' Forty thoufand poundjt

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

he would procure the retreat of the fultan to his own dominions.
Hoje Termul Roy, thinking he had now no farther ufe for his allies,
requeued the fultan to return, and paid down * fifty lacks of oons
the amount of the fettled fubfidy, befides making prefents to a vaft
amount ; among them were twelve fine elephants and fome beautiful
horfes.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw had not yet recrofled the Kiflnah, when Ram-
raaje and the confederates, who had bribed many of the troops in the
city, broke their newly made vows, and haflened towards Beejanug-
gur, refolved to put the roy to death, on pretence of revenging tihe
murder of his predeceflbr. Hoje Termul Roy, feeing he was be-
trayed, fhut himfelf up in the palace, and becoming mad from
defpair, blinded all the royal elephants and horfes, alio cutting off
their tails, that they might be of no ufe to his enemy. All the
diamonds, rubies, emeralds, other precious ftones,,and pearls, which
had been coUedled in a courfe of many ages, he cruQied to powder
between heavy millftones, and fcattered them on the ground. He
then fixed a fword blade into a pillar of his apartment, and ran his
breaft upon it with fuch force, that it pierced through and came out
at his back; thus putting an end to his existence, juft as the gates of
the palace were opened to his enemies. Ramraaje now became roy
of Beejanuggur without a rival.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw, hearing of this revolution on his arrival at
Roijore, difpatched AiTud Khan with the greateft part of his army to
reduce the important fortrefs of Oodnee, which was on the point of
furrender, when Negtaderee, the younger brother of Ramraaje,
marched from Beejanuggur with a great army to relieve it. Affud
Khan, upon his approach, raifed the fiege and moved towards him.
A fharp engagement enfued, and Affud Khan, finding that he was
likely to have the woril of the aftion, from the vaft fuperiority in

L 1 numbers

• Seventeen hundred thoufand pounds and upwards.

265

266 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

numbers of the enemy, retreated in good order, but was followed
fourteen miles by the victors, when he encamped ; and Negtaderee,
in order to be ready to harafs the retreat the next day, halted in tuU
fecurity at the diftance of only two miles from him. Affud Khan,
who had ardently wiflied for fuch an event, towards the dawn of day,
with four thoufand chofen horfe, furprized the camp of Negtaderee,
whofe felf-confidence had left him wholly off his gjuard againfl; fuch a
manoeuvre. Affud Khan penetrated to his tents before he received
the alarm, and he had fcarce time to make his efcape, leaving his
treafures, family, and elephants, to the mercy of the vidlors. When
the day had fully cleared up, Negtaderee colleded his fcattered
troops, and drew up as if to engage ; but feeing Affud Khan refolute
to maintain his advantage, and fearing for the perfonal fafety of
his wife and children, he declined hazarding a battle, and, retiring
fome miles off, fixed his camp ; from whence he wrote Ramraaje an
account of his difafiier, and requefled reinforcements to enable him
to repair it. Ramraaje immediately fent fupplies of men and money,
openly declaring his intentions of carrying on the war, but privately
informed his brother, that he had reafon to imagine Ibrahim Adil
Shaw had not been led merely of his own will to befiege Oodnee ;
that he fufpefted the zemindars of that quarter had invited him to
make war, and that many of the nobility with him were fecretly in
his intereft ; therefore, he thought he would adl prudently by mak-
ing peace with the muffulmauns at prefent, and procuring the releafe
of his wife and family from Affud Khan. Negtaderee, in confe-
quence of the defires of his brother, having procured the mediation
and influence of Affud Khan, addreffed the fultan for peace ; which
being granted, and all affairs fettled to the fatisfaftion of both ftates,
Ibrahim Adil Shaw returned to Beejapore, with Affud Khan, and
the reft of his nobility and army.

In this expedition, fome malicious perfons told the fultan that
Affud Khan had received an immenfe fum of money, befides jewels,

and

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

and gold and filver plate to a great amount, from Ramraaje, as a
prefent for the releafe of his prifoners and mediation of the peace.
Ibrahim Adil Shaw, inftead of being difpleafed, or coveting the great
fum faid to have been received, reproved the informers for their dif-
honourable proceeding ; faying, He returned God thanks that he had
a fervant, whom great kings feared fo, as to pay him contributions
and wear the collar of his fubmiffion on their necks. He then, in
prefence of the informers, called for Alfud Khan, and honoured him
with a fuit of his own robes, and other diftinguifhing marks of
favour ; which confounded his enemies, and for fome time prevented
their machinations againft him.

The fultan having on his return to the capital made Afllid Khan
•prime minifter and commander in chief of his armies, added ftill
more to the envy of his enemies, who took all opportunities of hint-
ing to the fultan, that his influence was growing to a dangerous
pitch. Though thefe infinuations had for a long time no effedt, yet
at length fome impreflion was made by them on the royal mind, and
the fultan, in private, expreffed his wifh to humble the minifter.
EufuiF, a companion of the fultan's pleafures, thinking this a fit
inftant to alarm the fears of his mafter, obferved, that AfTud Khan,
from a fimilarity of religion, held friendly correfpondence with
Boorahan Nizam Shaw, to whom he meditated refigning the fort of
Balgoan, and becoming his fervant. This report alarmed Ibrahim,
and he afked his confidant the fureft method of ruining his minifter.
EufufF advifed that he fhould invite Afilid Khan to court from Bal-
goan, on pretence of the feftival of the circumcLfion of the young
prince Ali, when, if he came, it would be ealy to confine his per-
fon, or reduce his authority. The fultan's water-cooler happened to
be prefent at this confultation, and told it in confidence to his own
fcmily, who revealed it to their friends ; fo that in a ftiort time the
fiiltan's difpleafure at the minifter became the topic of converfation
among all ranks ; and Afllid Khan became on his guard. When the

L 1 2 royal

267

263 FERISHTA 's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

royal order was fent commanding him to court, he excufed hinifelf
from attending, on pretence of illnefs. Attempts were then made to
corrupt his fervants to poifon him, but all in vain ; only ferving ftill
more to guard him from the effedls of treachery. At lafl; it was de-
termined, that Eufuff fhould have grants of lands in the vicinity of
Balgoan, and retire to them with his dependants, to be at hand to
feize any favourable opportunity that might offer of furprizing the
minifter.

AfTud Khan, who was experienced and cautious, was not to be
deceived by the arts of his enemies. One day, however, he chanced
with few attendants to viiit a garden-houfe at fome diftance from
Balgoan, leaving orders for four hundred horfe to follow him. A
fpy of Eufuff 's, who was ignorant of this order, haftened to inform
his employer that the minifter had gone out almoft alone, and might
with eafe be taken prifoner, if he would be fpeedy in his motions.
EufufF immediately advanced towards the garden, which, to his
difappointment, he found furrounded by troops. Seeing however his
own force fuperior, he refolved to effed: his defign by force ; but was
fhamefully beaten off by AfTud Khan, who returned triumphant to
Balgoan, with many prifoners.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw pretended that this attack was made without
his confent; and to make it fo believed, ordered Eufuif to court, and
confined him -, at the fame time writing to AfTud Khan that he was
much difpleafed at the imprudent boldnefs of a miflaken fervant, and
would punilTi him in any manner the faithful minifler of his kingdoms
fhould defire. AfTud Khan, who knew fully the fultan's real wifh,
fent back a petition, refpedfully fetting forth, that he himielf was
the guilty perfon, and wiflied to come to court to implore pardon for
his faults ; but that as his majefly from his gracious difpofition had
been pleafed of his own accord to overlook his tranfgreflions, he was
at a lofs for words to exprefs a fenfe of fuch bounty. He with his

letter

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 26^

letter fent back all his prifoners, after having prcfented them with
khelauts, and committed to their charge a valuable offering for the
fultan.

This difagreement of the fultan and the minifter being known
through all Dekkan, Nizam Shaw and Ameer Bereed cafl their eyes
on the dominions of Beejapore, and circulated a report that AfTud
Khan had promifed to deliver up Balgoan, whenever they fliould
approach with an army. In the year 949 they invaded the territories A. D. 1542^
of Ibrahim Adil Shaw, and having wrefted the five diftrid:s depend-
ant on Sholapore from his officers, gave them up to the fervants of
Khajeh Jehaun Dekkanee, afterwards moving towards Balgoan.
Afiud Khan, though he had originally not the leaft fhare in the in-
vafion, out of neceffity, to fave his eftates from devaftation, joined
them on their approach with fix thoufand horfe. The allies, infpired
with frefh courage by this fuccefs, fpread fire and flaughter through
the country to the environs of Beejapore ; and Ibrahim Adil Shaw not
thinking himfelf able to oppofe in the field, retired with his family to
Koolburga.

AlTud Khan, ftill earneft to ferve his prince, though abandoned
by him, privately difpatched AH Mahummud Budukhfhi, one of his
faithfiil fervants, to Elichpore, the capital of Berai;, reprefenting to
Ummad Shaw, that from the ftrange turns of inconftant fortune, and
the viciffitudes of chance, an aftonifhing event had taken place, by
which he was confounded in a labyrinth of diflrefs ; but that if he
would march to the aid of Ibrahim Adil Shaw, he would join him
immediately when he fLould reach the borders of his country. Um-
mad Shaw, in compliance with his requefi, moved without delay
towards Koolburga ; and Boorahan Nizam Shaw and Ameer Bereed,
who were then before the citadel of Beejapore, upon intelligence of
his march, raifed the fiege, after burning the fuburbs of the city and
laying wafte the environs, intending to prevent a jundion with Ibra-
him

270 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

him Adil Shaw. Aflud Khan on the route quitted the allies, and
with all his followers joined Ummad Shaw, to whom he reprefented,
that the traitor Eufuff, having filled the mind of his prince with
fufplclons of his loyalty, and Ibrahim llftening implicitly to every
report to his difhonour, the minlfters of Boorahan Nizam Shaw had
from political views openly declared, that he had offered" to join
their mailer if he would invade Beejapore. Sultan Ibrahim, believing
this, had entertained the higheil difpleafure againfl him, removed
him from office, and attempted to deftroy his life by feveral methods.
The enemy, feeing their arts fuccefsful, had invaded the country;
and, negledled by his mifguided fovereign, he was out of felf-pre-
fervation obliged to join them for a time ; but that as Ummad Shaw
had come to his affiftance, he threw himfelf on his protedllon, to
clear him if poffible from the accufatlons of his enemies in the eyes of
fultan Ibrahim : but if that could not be effecSted, he declared he
would refignedly fubmit to any punifliment he fliould decree for his
involuntary offences.

Ummad Shaw, convinced of the integrity of AlTud Khan, con-
dudled him the fame day to fultan Ibrahim ; to whom he foon made
clear the error he had been guilty of in llftening to the enemies of his
faithful mlnifler. Ibrahim Adil Shaw clafped AfTud Khan In his
embrace, exprefTmg forrow for his ill-ufage ; and to convince him of
his fincerlty, imprifoned Eufuff and his creatures, who had abufed
his confidence, beflowing the traitor's eflates on Ein al Moolk Cana-
anee, an officer of diflinftion, whom Aflud Khan had prevailed upon
to quit the fervice of Ameer Bereed. This reconciliation foon
changed the flate of affairs. Ibrahim with Ummad Shaw marched
to give the allies battle, but they retreated with expedition towards
Dovvlutabad and Ballagaut. The fultan followed them, and took
ample revenge for the depredations on his country, by burning and
deftroying the territories of his enemies. Ameer Bereed dying at
Ballagaut, Boorahan Nizam Shaw was reduced to beg for peace, and

the

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 271

the venerable Shaw Tahir was fent as his ambaflador to obtain terms.
It was agreed, that the five diftridts fliould be reftorcd to Ibrahim
Adil Shaw, and that Boorahan Nizam Shaw fliould not again invade
his dominions. The treaty being figned, and exchanges made, the
fovereigns returned to their feveral capitals.

The following year, 950, Ibrahim Adil Shaw married the daugh- A. D. 1543.
ter of Alia ad Dien Ummad Shaw, named Rabieh Sultana, and the
nuptials were celebrated with royal magnificence. Boorahan Nizam
Shaw, jealous of his military reputation, and vexed at his late defeat,
could enjoy no repofe till he recovered the pergunnahs he had been
obliged to cede to Beejapore. On fome difgufls breaking out be-
tween Ibrahim Adil Shaw and Ummad Shaw, he found opportunity
of executing his defigns j and having formed alliances with Ramraaje
and Jumflieed Koottub Shaw, marched with his own army and the
troops of Ali Bereed and Khajeh Jehaun to the borders of Beejapore.
He laid wafte many difl:ri(5ls, and feveral times defeated the army fent
to oppofe his progrefs. Jumflieed Koottub Shaw entered the country
by another road, and feized the diflrid: of Kaknee, in which he built
a flrong fort, pofTeffed himfelf of all the pergunnahs to the walls of
Koolburga, and laid fiege to the fortrefs of Angeer, near the city of
Saugher. Ramraaje fent his brother Negtaderee with a great army
to reduce the fort of Roijore ; fo that Beejapore, attacked at the fame
time by three powerful princes in feparate quarters, was full of
danger and diforder.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw was at a lofs how to adl ; and no opinion of
his counfellors fatisfying him, he at length called Aflud Khan from
Balgoan to his prefence, and demanded his advice on the alarming
crifis of affairs. AfTud Khan replied by obferving, that Boorahan
Nizam Shaw was the true enemy, who had prevailed on the refl to
commit hoftilities, and if he could be removed, it would be eafy to
manage the others. He advifed, that peace fhould be made with him

by

272 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEfCKAN.

by refigning the five diftrids dependant on Sholapore, and that am-
baffadors fhould be fent to Ramraaje with letters and prefents to
procure his friendlhip ; obferving, that fmall conceflions would obtain
his forbearance from war, as his own country, Carnatic, was not yet
fully fettled, many roies being in a ilate of rebellion i that when frte
from the attacks of thefe two great powers, he would take the
chaftifement of Koottub Shaw upon himfelf, and, by the royal
aufpices, in a little time recover all the places he had taken from
Beejapore fo unjuftly.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw, lending the ear of confent to this advice,
adled according to it, and found every point turned out as the pru-
dent minifter had foretold. When peace was concluded with Boora-
han Nizam Shaw and Ramraaje, AfTud Khan marched againft
Jumfheed Koottub Shaw, took the newly erected fort of Kaknee in
three months by ftorm, and levelled it with the ground. He then
moved towards Angeer, but Koottub Shaw raifed the fiege on his
approach ; and, not thinking it prudent to hazard an engagement,
retreated to his own dominions. AiTud Khan followed him clofe to
the walls of his capital, Golconda, when Jumfheed gave him battle,
but was defeated in a very fevere adlion, himfelf receiving a wound in
his cheek from AfTud Khan as they fought, without being known to
each other, hand to hand. Aflud Khan after a glorious campaign
returned triumphant to Beejapore, where he was received by the
fultan, who" regarded him as his dehverer, with the higheil honours.

Some little time after this, Boorahan Nizam Shaw, at the inHi-
gation of Ramraaje, moved again to reduce Koolburga, and Ibrahim
Adil Shaw marched from Beejapore to oppofe him. Upon his
arrival near the town of Oorjaan, he found Nizam Shaw iirongly
ported on the oppofite bank of the river Beemrah; and feeing.it
impoffible to crofs, the fultan encamped on this fide. Both armies
lay inadive during three months of the rains, in fight of each other,

with

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKFCAN.

with the river between them. At length, Ibrahim Adil Shaw, tired
of delay, found means to crofs, and a general adlion enfued imme-
diately, in which Nizam Shaw was totally routed with very great
lofs ; leaving two hundred and fifty elephants, feventy pieces of can-
non, and other appendages of royalty, to the vidtors. Ibrahim Adil
Shaw in this battle fought perfonally with the greateft bravery, killing
three antagonifts with his own hand ; but he attributed his vidtory to
the condudl of Affud Khan, on whom he conferred feveral diflridts in
addition to his jaghire.

The fultan, puffed up by vain glory, after this vidlory growing
haughty and imperious, treated the ambaffadors of Nizam Shaw in a
contemptuous manner, and behaved tyrannically to his own fubjedts,
putting to death many, and feverely punifhing others of his principal
nobility, for flight offences, which occalloned dil'affedlion to his
government. Boorahan Nizam Shaw taking advantage of the diflen-
tions, again invaded his dominions, and defeated him in two general
engagements in the fpace of fix months, taking many elephants, and
committing fuch ravages as threatened the very exillence of his govern-
ment. Ibrahim, thinking his lofTes were occafioned by the difaf-
fedlionofhis amras and the bramins at the head of civil affairs, put to
death forty Hindoos and feventy muffulmauns of rank, in the fpace of
two months, on mere fufpicion ; fo lighting up the flames of feverity,
that high and low about his court were terrified and difmayed, living
in confl:ant apprehenfion for their fafety. At lafl, numbers reduced
to defpair, formed a confpiracy to dethrone the fultan, and place his
brother AbdooUa in his room. One of the confpirators, in hopes of
great rewards, betrayed the plot to Ibrahim> who put him to death,
with mofl of thofe againfl whom he had informed. His brother,
fultan Abdoolla, with much difficulty made his efcape to Goa, where
he was honourably received by the Portuguefe, who afforded him
protedlion. The fultan, enraged at his flight, punifhed all the bra-
min fpies with various tortures, in the great fquare of Beejapore, till

M m they

273

274 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

they expired in agony. Having again entertained iufpicions of the
fidelity of AlTud Khan, he negledled him fo much, that the old
minifter was feized with grief, and for felf-proteftibn took up his
refidence at Balgoan, from whence he lent a confidential friend, with
an ofi^ering of nine elephants, nine horfes, and many valuable curi-
ofities, with the following letter to the fultan.

VERSE.

" Why, Ah ! why art thou thus eflranged from me ? What have
** I done, what haft thou heard, what haft thou feen of me ?

" If I have committed a fault, to my head the fabre and the
** fhroud ! But to vex a friend is not generous.

*' I know not the caufes of this unkindnefs, nor what can have
" occafioned fuch great coldnefs.

" Whatever crimes interefted perfons may at the moft glorious
" audience of the fultan have attributed to the charge of this loyal
** flave, I acknowledge an hundred in place of one ; but I know not
*' their accufations ; and, like the ' wolf of EufuiF unfeen, am inno-
" cent of their forgeries. I never pafled them from my tongue, nor
*' conceived them in my mind ; fuch ideas have no place in the
** conception of the flave.

** The reafon of the delay of the humbleft of flaves in his for-
** trefs, and not coming to the court glorious as the fun, is to pre-
** vent the injuries of his enemies j who, in the auguft prefence,
" reprefent the purity of his intentions and fincerity of attachment in
" the moft unfaithful manner. Drawing the ftains of difaffediion
" over the face of his behaviour, they have made the peaceful recefs

"of

* Alluding to the patriarch's falfely accufmg the beaft of deftroying Jofeph.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

<' of the king's heart a cell offorrow, nay, a mine of fire. Some-
" times accufing the faithful flave of treachery, they diminifli the
" purple glow of his chearfulnefs ; and fometimes mixing the pure
" gold of his loyalty with fufpicious alloy, melt him in the torment-
" ing crucible of grief and forrow.

" If the unreftraining kindnefs of the king of kings compaflion-
" ates my fituation, and the aufpicious hint fhould be iifued for the
" difgrace and fliame of my enemies, I will at the end of a month,
" when the rains fliall be concluded, haften to kifs the feet of the
•* throne of illuflrious royalty. In one month, with prefents and
" offerings, I will haften glad and rejoicing to the court."

Ibrahim Adil Shaw, moved by the above letter from Afiud Khan,
having treated his family with many marks of favour, was going to
fend them to Balgoan, when fuddenly the rebelhon of the prince
Abdoolla breaking out, his miftruft of the minifter was renewed, and
his favourable intentions towards him laid afide.

Sultan Abdoolla, after his eicape to Goa from the cruelties of his
brother, by the advice of many of the nobility of Beejapore, entered
into a correfpondence with Boorahan Nizam Shaw and Jumfheed
Koottub Shaw, in hopes of obtaining their fupport of his caufe.
Thefe princes, feeing the confufed ftate of affairs at Beejapore, and
the difguft of Affud Khan, joined in promifes to place him on the
throne ; and wrote the Portuguefe of Goa, that from the cruelties
and tyranny of Ibrahim Adil Shaw fuch troubles muft foon break
out in his government, as he could by no means overcome or ex-
tinguifh J therefore they wifhed the prince Abdoolla might be fent to
them, as they intended feating him on the throne of Beejapore. The
Portuguefe agreed to join in promoting their views, but obferved,
they could only fucceed by the co-operation of Affud Khan.

M m z Boorahan

275

276 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKfCAN.

Boorahan Nizam Shaw, on receipt of this anfwer, diipatched
one of his principal bramins to AfTud Khan, to prevail on him to join
in the plan ; but that faithful miniller, ftarting with horror at the idea
of difloyalty, told the bramin indignantly, that but for the laws of
nations which forbid the killing ambaffadors, he would put him to
death j commanding him, if he regarded his fafety, to depart in-
flantly from the reach of his authority, left refentment fhould get the
better of his paflions, and make him offend againft the rules of
policy. The bramin returned with halte to Nizam Shaw, but the
Portuguefe feeing that all the powers of Dekkan, excepting AlTud
Khan, were joined to fupport Abdoolla, marched with him from
Goa, and he affumed the royal titles. Almofl all the nobility of
Beejapore were preparing to defert fultan Ibrahim, and come over to
him, when an accident changed the face of atFairs. AfTud Khan
being taken very ill, Boorahan Nizam Shaw, fuppofing he might
die, call the eye of avidity on the fort of Balgoan, and inflead of
marching to Beejapore with fultan Abdoolla, which would have en-
fured him acceflion to the throne, halted at Mirch, to carry on his
own defigns. He fent his bramin again to Balgoan, with a vafl fum
of money to corrupt the foldiers of the garrifon to give it up to him,
in cafe AlTud Khan fhould die. The bramin had nearly fucceeded in
his commifTion when the plot was difcovered by AfTud Khan, who
put him to death, together with feventy of the foldiers whom he
had bribed to give up the fort to his employer. The nobility of
Beejapore upon this event, fully convinced that the old minifler had
no fhare in the rebellion of Abdoolla, returned to their allegiance to
Ibrahim Adil Shaw ; and the other adherents of the rebel prince
began to fall off daily.

The diforder of AfTud Khan continuing, and old age rendering

nature too weak to flruggle againfl it, he prepared to meet death,

and entreated fultan Ibrahim to honour him with a farewell vifit in

the following verfes:

" Hafle

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

*' Hafte, like the morning breeze, to the garden of friendfliip;
" Come, hke the fportive cyprefs, to the parterre."

277

Sultan Ibrahim thinking it advifeable to comply with his requeft,
in the month of Mohirrim, 956, marched expeditioufly towards Bal- A. 0.1549.
goan ; but when he had pafTed Sikkree received accounts of his
death. The fultan, arriving the fame night at Balgoan, com-
forted his mourning family with khelauts, and affurances of royal
favour, but all his eftates and treafures he took for his own ufe.
The Portuguefe marched back to Goa with fultan AbdooUa, and
the other allies thought proper to retreat to their own dominions.

Aflud Khan was famed for his judgment and wifdom, and in his
condudt of the important affairs of government during the reign of
Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, he juftly exalted the ftandard of celebrity. For
near forty years he was the patron and protedor of the nobles and
diftinguifhed of Dekkan. He lived in the higheft refpedl and
efteem, with a magnificence and grandeur furpaffing all his cotem-
porary nobihty. The fovereigns of Beejanuggur and every country
obferving a refpedt to his great abilities, frequently honoured him
with letters and valuable prefents. His houfehold fervants, Geor-
gians, CircafTians, Hindoos, and Abyflinians, amounted to two hun-
dred and fifty. He had fixty of the largeft elephants, and one
hundred and fifty of a fmaller fize. In his ftables he had four hun-
dred horfes of Arabia and Perfia, exclufive of thofe of mixed breed
foaled in India. His treafures and effecfts were beyond amount. In
his kitchen were every day expended ' one hundred maunds of rice,
Dekkan weight, fifty fheep, and one hundred fowls ; from whence
the expenditure of other articles may be judged. He invented a
robe of cloth of gold, and a dagger, which have been ever fince
worn by perfons of rank in Dekkan -, and was the firil perfon who
ufed the mode of riding elephants with a bridle, and managing them

without
* Eight thoufand pounds weight.

278 FERISKTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

without the kujjuk, or goad j but as thofe animals have frequently
fudden ftarts of vice, this mode of guiding them has not been much
followed. Ibrahim Adii Shaw, agreeably to his laft will, gave his
daughter Mataab Bibi in marriage to Ali Bereed Shaw, with whom
he fought an alliance.

Boorahan Nizam Shaw, foon after the death of AfTud Khan,
having fent ambafladors to Ramraaje, prefents and profelfions of
regard were interchanged between them ; upon hearing of which,
Ibrahim Adil Shaw treated the ambafladors of the latter who were
with him at Beejapore with great flight, and they returned abruptly
without taking leave, to Beejanuggur, where they avowed to Ram-
raaje, that fultan Ibrahim, out of refentment to his alliance with
Nizam Shaw, had they not made their efcape, would have put them
to death. Ramraaje, enraged at this affront, wrote to Nizam Shaw,
that as Ali Bereed had preferred to his alliance that of fultan Ibrahim,
it would be prudent to take from him the fortrefs of Kallean in
revenge for his defertion.

Boorahan Nizam Shaw without delay moved from Ahmednuggur
with a great army, and, furrounding Kallean, effedlually blocked
up all communication from without. Ibrahim Adil Shaw marched
to relieve it ; and advancing within fight of the enemy, pitched his
camp, round which he threw up a mud wall, not chufing to oiFer
battle. As Nizam Shaw would not raife the fiege, he alfo fortified
his camp. Sultan Ibrahim now ordered his ^ Bergee officers, who
were very expert in predatory excurfions, to flop up the roads, and
prevent all fuppHes of grain and forage from going to the enemy.
His orders were fo well executed, that a famine foon prevailed in the
camp of Boorahan Nizam Shaw, fo that in the month of '' Ramazan,
the king and his army, the believers and Hindoos, all fafled ahke

from

» A term given to the Mharattas.

" The month of fafting among the muflulmauns*

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

from abfolute neceffity. Nizam Shaw iti this diftrefs confulted his
generals and nobiUty, fome of whom advifed raiHng the fieo-e and
retreating to Ahmednuggur, and others, making peace with Ibrahim
Adil Shaw ; but Shaw Jaffier and Cafim Beg gave their opinions for
offering battle to the enemy, and Nizam Shaw approved their coun-
fel. Accordingly, Syef ad Dien Ein al Moolk, with other amras, on
the morning of the * Eeed al Fitter, at dawn of day, furprized the
camp of Ibrahim Adil Shaw, whofe troops were off their guard, and
employed in preparing for the feflival. The fultan, who was then
in the warm bath, had fcarce time to make his efcape ; and his
troops fled in fuch confufion, that all the tents, baggage, and
artillery, were left to the poffeflion of the vidlors. Nizam Shaw,
elated by his fuccefs, affaulted the fort of Kallean, and the garrifon,
alarmed at the defeat of their friends, laid down their arms, and
furrendered without attempting any oppofition.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw after his defeat, in order to fave his own ter-
ritories from devaftation, invaded the enemy's country ; and coming
fuddenly before Porundeh, finding the gates open, ruflied with a
large body of troops into the fortrefs, which fubmitted, and was
given in charge to one of his Dekkanee amras. He then laid wafle
the country round, and having colledted contributions, upon advice
that Nizam Shaw was approaching, retreated towards Beejapore.
Nizam Shaw marched to recover Porundeh; but before he had
arrived within many miles, the cowardly governor, being alarmed>
without acquainting any one of his defign, fled by night, and his fol-
lowers the next morning imitated the example of their chief. The
third day after, the empty fortrefs was taken polTeffion of by the
former maflers.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw put the cowardly Dekkanee to death on his
arrival at Beejapore, and began to make preparation to retake the

fort

■ Feftival of concluding the great faft.

279

28o FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. '

fort of Kallean. Boorahan Nizam Shaw, upon advice of his defigns,
fent ambailadors to Ramraaje, who agreed to meet him near Roijore,
when they might form a plan for their mutual operations in the war.
A,D. 1551. Ramraaje, agreeable to his prom ife in the year 959, moved with a
confiderable force to the place appointed for an interview, and Nizam
Shaw meeting him, it was refolved, that the former fhould have
Mudkul and Roijore, and the latter the city and dependancies of
Sholapore. The allies laid fiege to Roijore without delay ; and upon
its being taken, the garrifon of Mudkul furrendered the keys to
Ramraaje, without making any oppofition ; and he, having left his
younger brother with an army to aflifl Nizam Shaw in the reduction
of Sholapore, returned to Beejanuggur. Nizam Shaw took the place
in a fhort time, and having ftrengthened it, returned to Ahmed-
nuggur.

Upon the death of Boorahan Nizam Shaw, a peace was eftab-
Jifhed between his fucceflbr fultan HoufTein and Ibrahim Adil Shaw,
who had a friendly meeting on their borders, and parted much fatis-
fied with each other ; but this good underftanding did not laft long,
and agreement was changed to war. Khajeh Jehaun Dekkanee, who
had fled to avoid the refentment of his fbvereign HoufTein Shaw,
coming to Beejapore, infpired fultan Ibrahim with the defire of
retaking Sholapore ; and for this purpofe he concluded treaties of
friendfhip with Ramraaje, and invited into his fervice Syef Ein al
Moolk, commander in chief to the late Nizam Shaw, who had taken
refuge in Berar from the oppreffions of his fuccefTor. His offers were
accepted by that general, and the fultan conferred upon him high titles,
with confiderable jaghires, and an immediate prefent of money. By
his advice he foon after fpread the umbrella of royalty over the head
of Shaw Ali, fon of Boorahan Shaw, who had taken refuge at his
court ; intending, firfl to feat him on the throne of Ahmednuggur,
and then to pofl'efs himfelf of Kallean and Sholapore, in reparation of
his former defeats and lofles. He firft fent Shaw Ali, with two

thoufand

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DElCKAN. 23 1

thoufand horfe that had joined laim from Ahmednuggur, to attempt
drawing over the nobility of that kingdom to his cauie, but with httle
fuccefs ; and Houflein Nizam Shaw having put his army in motion,
fultan Ibrahim marched from Beejaporc, after diflributing large fums
among his forces by way of encouragement.

Both armies met in the plains of Sholapore, and drew up to en-
gage. Ibrahim gave the command of his right wing to Syef al
Moolk Canaanee and Ankufs Khan, and that of the left to Noor
Khan and Immaam al Moolk ; himfelf taking poft with the houfe-
hold troops in the center. The herawul, or advanced line, was
commanded by Syef Ein al Moolk, who began the acflion with great
impetuofity j but fultan Ibrahim difapproving his feparation fo far
from the main body, fignified, that on the day of battle the herawul
fliould remain nearer the army, in order fooner to receive fupport, if
neceffary. The general returned for anfwer, that his majefty's obferva-
tion was very juil: ; but that as he had advanced fo far, to return would
only give fpirits to the enemy. When he had faid this, he puflied
on to the charge ; and on the firft onfet feized the enemy's cannon,
which he fpiked up, and drove the enemy's herawul back on their
main body : by this he was refolutely oppofed, Houffein Shaw com-
manding in perfon. Many hundreds were llain, the army of Nizam
Shaw began to give way, and muft have been inevitably defeated,
had the gallantry of Syef Ein al Moolk met with the fmallefl: fupport.
At this crifis, feveral amras who had been repulfed from the left of
Ibrahim Adil Shaw advanced to the affiftance of their fovereign, and
almoft: furrounded Syef Ein al Moolk ; who now in his turn began
to be confufed ; but feeing the umbrella and ftandards of fultan Ibra-
him, he, as was always his cuftom on defperate occafions, difmount-
ed from his horfe, refolved to conquer or die. Some weak people
who faw him difmount, told the fultan, that Syef Ein al Moolk,
having gone over to the enemy for a bribe, had juft alighted to pay
his compliments to Houflein Nizam Shaw. Ibrahim Adil Shaw,

N n who

282 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

who upon his firfl advancing had entertained fufpicions of the gene-
ral's fidehty, was now convinced of their truth, and without an
inftant's delay fled from the field, and did not flop till he reached
Beejapore. SyefEinal Moolk, feeing the rout of the king, nobly
fought his way through the enemy with great lofs, and, upon his
arrival near the city, fent word refpedlfully to the fultan, that he
had loft all his baggage, and was without tents or any covering for
himfelf or miferable followers ; therefore he begged an advance of
money from the treafury, to enable him to repair his lofTes and come
to the prefence in a proper manner. The fultan, who regarded his de-
feat as owing to Jiis firft difobedience of orders, replied, that he wanted
not fuch inattentive and obftinate fervants as himfelf, and that he
might provide for himfelf wherever he could. Syef Ein al Moolk,
who could not accufe himfelf of any crime, was overwhelmed with
aftonilhment, and fent back his melTenger to reprefent to the fultan,
that he had ferved him to the danger of his life with unfliaken fidelity,
and facrificed five hundred brave relations and friends in the battle for
his majefty ; that in his prefent miferable fituation he could not move,
had no other refuge but his threfhold, and no other place where to
lay his head ; that he was his flave, and could not move to any other
court. The fultan imagining there was fomewhat of infolence in the
latter part of the meflage, ordered the bearer of it to be beaten and
turned out of the prefence.

Syef Ein al Moolk now defpairing of affiftance from the fultan,
had recourfe to the advice of his friends how to proceed. They
propofed his going to his jaghire, and raifing the collections of the
autumn harveft, then juft ripe; after which, fhould the fultan fend
a force to expel him, he might retire wherever he fhould fee beft.
Ein al Moolk, approving the plan, marched from Beejapore to the
diftridls of Maan, and colledling the revenues, divided them among
his followers. Ibrahim Adil Shaw foon after fent one of his amras
with five thoufand horfe to expel him from the country y but the

royalifts

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

royallfts were defeated ; and Ein al Moolk from this fuccefs being
grown bolder, colleded the revenues of many diftriifts, as Malvveh,
Mirch, and fome others. The fultan upon this, detached againfl
him ten thoufand horfe and foot, under command of Beafs KooUi
and Dillawer Khan Hubfhee, who were alfo defeated j and fo many
elephants and horfes, with fuch a quantity of valuable baggage, fell
into the hands of the rebels, that. Ein al Moolk, becoming formida-
able, extended his views to eflablifli himfelf in the country as an
independant chief, for which purpofe he began to levy additional
troops.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw thought proper now to march againft: the
rebel in perfon, at the head of five thoufind chofen horfe, three
thoufand foot, and a great train of artillery. Ein al Moolk encamp-
ed on the river of Maan i and the fultan arriving, remained fome
days on the oppofite bank without attacking him ; which encouraged
the rebel, who now refolved not to leave the country without fight-
ing, and for three days together advanced towards the fultan's camp,
as if to engage, but as often retreating ; and the royal army remained
under arms each day from dawn till funfet, expecfling the attack. On
the fourth day, Syef Ein al Moolk alfo put his troops in motion ; but
the royal army, fuppoiing that his defign was only to parade, as on
the preceding days, negledted to make preparations, only keeping
up the common guards of the camp. At length, the enemy's
flandard appearing in fight, Ibrahim Adil Shaw drawing up liis troops
in great hafle and irregularity, moved out of the camp to give battle.
Ein al Moolk, averfe from engaging the fultan in perfon, confulted
with his friends ; obferving, that it was treacherous to fight againft
the royal umbrella; to which all affented, except Mortiza Khan
Anjoo, who remarked, that the umbrella did not fight, therefore
there was no danger of fliedding royal blood. Ein al Moolk, pleafed
with this caluiflry, altered his mind, and without delay charged the
royal army; and attacking the center, where fultan Ibrahim wa&

N n 2 % ported,.

283

^^ FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

polled, preffed fo vigoroufly that it was foon difordered, and the
iultan fled ; upon which his whole line broke, and the vidory was
decided in favour of Ein al Moolk, who feized the royal umbrella,
elephants, artillery, and other infxgnia of empire, befides all the
tents and bago-age. The fultan fhut hiinfelf up in the citadel of
Beejapore; and fo great was the alarm of the people on this defeat,
that the ruin of the royal family was pronounced to be inevitable. Syef
Ein al Moolk followed his fuccefs, and came before Beejapore,
where he for feveral days aflaulted various parts of the city, and en-
deavoured to cut off all fupplies of provifions from the inhabitants.

In this exigence, Ibrahim Adil Shaw applied to Ramraaje for
affiflance againft the rebels, fending him a prefent of a large fum;
upon wliich, that roy difpatched his brother Negtaderee with a great
force to expel the enemy. Syef Ein al Moolk, imitating AiTud
Khan, refolved to furprize the infidels -, but Negtaderee having in-
telligence of his defigns, ordered his troops to be on their guard; and
having procured long faggots, with cloth fleeped in oil bound round
one end of each, commanded his followers upon the alarm being
given to light them, and, holding them up as high as poflible, give
the troops a full fight of the enemy. Ein al Moolk, agreeably to
his intentions, having one night chofen two thoufand men for the
purpofe, marched with Sullabut Khan to the enemy's camp, which
he was allowed to enter unmolefted ; but upon a fignal given, all the
brands were inftantly lighted up, and Negtaderee, who was prepared
with his troops, rulhed upon the furprizers, who expedied no refxil-
ance, with fuch fuccefs, that above five hundred of them were killed
before the detachment could clear the camp. Ein al Moolk and
Sullabut with the greatefl: difficulty made their efcape ; but lofing the
road through the darknefs of the night, a report fpread in his camp
on the return of fome of the fugitives, that he was killed ; and his
troops being immediately firuck with a panic, feparated, and fled to
different quarters. Ein al Moolk and Sullabut Khan, with two hun-
dred.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. gg-

dred horfe, about daylight arriving at their ground, and feeing it de-
ferted, fled in confulion by the route of Maan to the dominions of
Nizam Shaw, where they fought protection, but were bafely aflalTin-
ated by his treachery; the particulars of which will appear in their
proper place, in the hiflory of that dynafty.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw, foon after the refloration of his affairs, from
hard drinking and promifcuous amours with women of pleafure, was
affli(fled with a complication of diforders. During his illnefs he put
to death feveral phyficians who had failed in cure, beheading fome,
and treading others to death by elephants ; fo that all the furviving
medical pradlitioners, alarmed, fled from his dominions. At length,
he departed this life, in the year 965, and was buried at Kookee, A.D. 155T.
near his father and grandfather, after a reign of twenty four years and.
fome months. He left behind him two fons and two daughters.

SULTAN.

286 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN

ABOU AL MUZZUFFIR ALI

ADIL SHAW BEEJAPOREE.

oULTAN All Adll Shaw, from his childhood, was remarkable for
his ready wit and various accomplifhments. When he had but jufl
entered into youth, his father, fultan Ibrahim, one day in his prefence
praifed God who had given him grace to quit the heretical opinions of
his father and grandfatlaer, and embrace the orthodox religion. The
prince humouroufly remarked, that as the fultan had thought it proper
to quit the faith of his parents, it was incumbent upon all children to
follow fo excellent an example. The fultan, being difpleafed at this
repartee, alked his fon what fed: he followed ; to which the prince
replied, that at prefent he was of the fame opinion with his majefty,
but hereafter God muft diredt him. Sultan Ibrahim from this
anfwer gueffing him inclined to the fheea faith, difgraced his pre-
ceptor, Khajeh Einaiut Oolla Sheerazee, and in a few days after put
him to death by the fentence of the divines of the fooni ; and ap-
pointed Moolla Fatteh Oolla Sheerazee preceptor to his fon. This
learned man was fecretly a flieea, though for his own fafety he out-
wardly profeffed the doftrines of Hunnefi ; fo that he was much
elteemed by his pupil. Not long after this, a party of the nobility
having entered into the fchemes of Boorahan Nizam Shaw, propofed
bribing the clerk of the kitchen to poifon fultan Ibrahim, to feat his

brother

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

brother Abdoolla on the tlirone, and reflore the publick exercife of the
fheea faith. The clerk of the kitchen, who had at firft favoured the
defign, no fooner heard the intention of changing the rehgion eftab-
lifhed, of which he was a ftridl follower, than he revealed the plot
to the fultan, who put all the confpirators to death, but his brother
efcaped to the port of Goa. Ibrahim now became fufpicious of his
fon, and fent him with his tutor to the fortrefs of Mirch, giving
ftrift orders to the governor Secunder Khan to watch him clofely,
and prevent any perfons of the fheea fed: from approaching his per-
fon, or their dod:rines to be mentioned in his prefence. It happened,
however, that the governor and his fon in law, Kamil Khan Dek-
kanee, were privately fheeas ; fo that inftead of obferving the orders
of the fultan, they attached themfelves firmly to the prince, endea-
vouring to acquire his good opinion by indulgence. When the fultan
was taken ill, and his end appeared nigh, the prince frequently
afcending the pulpit in a mofque, read the prayers after the ritual of
the flieeas, and fometimes Kamil Khan officiated. This behaviour com-
ing to the knowledge of the fultan, he refolved to appoint his younger
fon, Thamafp, to the fucceffion -, but learning that he was by far a
more zealous fheea than his brother, he was enraged againil him, and
committed him to confinement in the fortrefs of Balgoan. He then
faid he fhould leave the fucceffion to be determined by the decrees of
providence, and the miniflers of government to eled: either of the
princes they might chufe for their fovereign.

When the life of Ibrahim Adil Shaw was defpaired of, Mahum-
mud Kifhwer Khan, governor of the diflridls of Bikree, Balgoan,
and Roibaugh, of great wealth and influence, moved towards the
fort of Mirch, reprefenting to Secunder Khan, who commanded that
garrifon, that as the fultan 's end was approaching, it was probable
that many officers of the court and jaghiredaurs would embrace
the caufe of fultan Thamafp, and raife difTentions in the flatej there-
fore it would be prudent to fpread the umbrella of royalty over the

head

287

zBB PERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKfvAN.

head of prince AH immediately, and let him encamp under the walls
■of Mirch, that the people might join his flandard, and he be able to
move to Beejapore without delay on the death of his father. Secunder
Khan, approving this precaution, inverted fultan All with the infignia
of royalty, and fent his fon in law, Kamil Khan, to attend him out of
the fort. He was immediately joined Uy Kifhwer Khan,, who pre-
fen ted him with a large fum of money, and was honoured with the
khelaut of commander in chief, and Kamil Khan Dekkanee was alfo
raifed to the rank of nobility. The news of the prince's operations
Ipreading abroad, the troops repaired to his flandard from various
quarters, and many of the nobility of the court, with the body guards,
quitted Beejapore, and haftened to pay their compliments. Upon
the death of Ibrahim Adil Shaw, fultan Ali without delay moved
towards the capital, and was met on the route by all the officers of
the court, with the infignia of royalty belonging to his father, which
they laid at the feet of their fovereign. On his arrival within two
miles of the city, he afcended the throne in the garden of KilTi-
wer Khan. All the fyeds and learned men pronounced prayers
for his fuccefs, and the nobility and officers, raifing their voices in
congratulation, prefented offerings. The fultan gave orders for a
town to be ereded near the place, to commemorate his acceffion -,
which was foon built, and called Shawpore. His attention to the
flourifhing flate of religion he gave immediate proofs of, by iffuing
orders for the khootbah to be read through all his dominions in the
name of the Imaums, as during the reign of his grandfather. He
ordered forty perfons to be employed in his train as criers, to utter
curfes againft and abufe the Sahabeh, agreeably to the ceremonies of
the fheea fedl ; which was accordingly done in the mofques, at the
publick audiences, and whenever the fultan appeared abroad. As
juftice is a treafure, which encreafes by expenditure, and a building
which fire cannot burn, nor the engines of viciffitude deftroy, the
fultan, by his attention to equity, became enrolled among the juft
monarchs ; paying fuch regard to the eafe and rights of the fubjeft,

that

FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

that the revenues of his dominions were encreafed, and the circle of
his kingdom greatly extended.

In the firft year of his reign, as he was eager to recover the forts
of Kallean and Sholapore, which had fallen into the poflefllon of
Nizam Shaw, without waiting for the cuftomary compliment of am-
bafladors from the furrounding powers to congratulate his accelfion,
he difpatched Kiihwer Khan and Shaw Abou Teraab Sheerazee to
negotiate a treaty of alliance at Beejanuggur ; at the fame time fend-
ing Mahummud Houffein Suddeekee for the fame purpofe to Ah-
mednuggur. Ramraaje received the ambaffadors with proper ho-
nours, and fent back one of his confidential officers with Kifhwer
Khan, to congratulate the fultan's acceffion ; but Nizam Shaw, who
was jealous of the defigns of Ali Adil Shaw, did not ihew the proper
compliments to his embafly, nor fend any in return, but gave ftrong
marks of difguft and enmity. Ali Adil Shaw, who was intent on
extricating his dominions from the loffes of his father by alliance with
Ramraaje, on the death of a fon of that monarch, with uncommon
prudence and refolution went, attended by one hundred horfe, to
Beejanuggur, to offer his condolance on the melancholy occafion.
Ramraaje received him with the greateft refped:, and the fultan with
the kindeft perfuafions prevailed upon him to lay afide his mourning.
The wife of Ramraaje adopted the fultan as her fon, and at the end
of three days, which were fpent in interchanges of friendly profef-
iions, he took his leave i but as Ramraaje did not attend him out of
the city, he was difgufted, and treafured up the aifront in his mind,
though too prudent to fhew any figns of difpleafure for the prefent.

Ali Adil Shaw, on his return from Beejanuggur finding that
the enmity of Houffein Nizam Shaw was daily encreafing, intimated
to him that it was clear to the whole world, that the forts of Kal-
kan and Sholapore belonged to his family by ancient right, though,
owing to the misfortunes of his father, they had paffed into that of

O o Nizam

289

290 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Nizam Shaw j but that now he hoped they would be reftored, or at
leaft the former, from confiderations of regard. Shaw Houffeia
Anjoo, though he ufed every argument, could not prevail on Nizam
Shaw to give up either place to remove the caufes of contention ; fo
that the flames of enmity every day blazed higher. At length Ali
Adil Shaw fent another ambalfador to Ahmednuggur, reprefenting,
that paflion and negledl in matters of fuch importance did not become
great kings; therefore, to prevent ill confequences, Nizam Shaw
muft give up the forts, when agreement and friendlhip would en-
creafe between their Hates ; but if not, he might exped: the march
of an army into his dominions, which fhould be laid wafte without
mercy.

HoufTein Nizam Shaw, inflamed by this meflage, fent back a
reply fo indecent in expreflion as to be unfit to relate ; which en-
crealed the anger of Ali Adil Shaw, who without delay changing
the colour of his umbrella and flandard from yellow to green, the
colour of Nizam Shaw, by way of defiance, according to the cuftom
of Dekkan, challenged him to come and reclaim his honour,

A.D. 1558. In the year 966, Ali Adil Shaw having called Ramraaje to his

afiiilance, they in concert invaded the dominions of Houflein Nizam
Shaw, and laid them wafte in fuch a manner, that from Porundeh to
Khiber, and from Ahmednuggur to Dowlutabad, not a mark of
population was to be feen. The infidels of Beejanuggur, who for
many years had been wifhing for fuch an event, left no cruelty un-
pradlifed. They infulted the honour of the mufTulmaun women,
deilroyed the mofques, and did not refped: even the facred koraun.
HoufTein Nizam Shaw, by the advice of Cafim Beg Hakeem, Shaw
Jaffier, and other miniflers, declining any oppofition in the field,
retired to Puttan, and after fome time purchafed his peace by giving
up Kallean to Ali Adil Shaw ; but the enemy had no fooner retired
from his dominions, than he entered into alliance with Ibrahim

Koottub

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Koottub Shaw, and marched in conjunction with Iiim to retake the
fort he had jufl: fiirrendered. AH Adil Shaw, upon receiving intel-
hgence of the league againfl him, difpatched Kifliwer Khan and
Abou Teraab to Beejanuggur, to demand aid from Ramraaje; and
alfo invited Ali Bereed to enter into alliance. Ramraaje, who
knew the abilities of the fultan, judging that fliould he refufe his
affiftance, he would make peace with the muffulmaun powers, and
attempt the recovery of Mudkul and Roijore, marched to join him
with fifty thoufand horfe and a great army of foot. The allies met
on the banks of the Kiilnah, and moved immediately towards Kal-
lean, which was then befieged by the united armies of Nizam Shaw
and Koottub Shawee.

Ibrahim Koottub Shaw, according to his ufual mode of embracing
the ftrongeft party, quitted his ally, and came over fuddenly to Ali
Adil Shaw; upon which Nizam Shaw without delay retreated to
Ahmednuggur ; but as the allies followed him with the utmoft expe-
dition to that city, he did not think proper to remain ; and having
thrown a reinforcement and fupplies into the citadel, retired to the
town of Khiber. The three fovereigns laid fiege to Ahmednuggur,
and difpatched detachments various ways to lay wafle the country
round. The Hindoos of Beejanuggur committed the moft outrageous
devaflations, burning and razing the buildings, putting up their
horfes in the mofques, and performing their idolatrous wor/liip in the
holy places; but, notwithftanding the fiege was pulhed with the
greatefl vigour, the garrifon held out with refolution, hoping,
that at the approach of the rainy feafon, the enemy would be
neceflitated to raife the fiege.

When the rains had fet in, from the floods, damp, and want of
provifions, dillrefs began to prevail in the camp of the allies, and
Koottub Shaw alfo fecretly correlponded with the befieged, to whom
he privately fent in grain. Ah Adil Shaw, fufpeding the caufes of

O o 2 the

291

292 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

the obflinancy of the befieged, and, probably, jealous of the beha-
viour of his Hindoo allies, perfuaded Ramraaje to raife the fiege, and
march againft Sholapore. Upon their arrival within fome miles of
that fortrefs, Kifliwer Khan, feeing the danger of the aggrandize-
ment of the Hindoo prince, reprefented to Ali Adil Shaw, that
iliould the fort qf Sholapore fall, Ramraaje would moft probably
keep it for himfelf, and extend his views to the neighbouring coun-
tries ; that, therefore, it ^vould be more advifeable to endeavour at
acquiring the fort of Nuldirruk by his aid, and leave the redudlion of
Sholapore to. a more convenient time, when there would be no fear
of rivalry in the poffeffion. Ali Adil Shaw, approving this advice,
perfuaded Ramraaje to alter his views, and move to the place where
raja Nul had formerly erefted a ftrong fortrefs. Here, after tlirow-
ing up an extenfive work of flone, the allies took leave of each
otlier, and returned to their feveral dominions.

In the firfl expedition, on which Ali Adil Shaw prefled by the
behaviour of HoufTein Nizam Shaw, had called Ramraaje to his
afliftance, the Hindoos at Ahmednuggur committed great outrages,
and omitted no mark of difrefpe(fl to the holy religion of the faithful,
finging and performing their fuperftitious worfhip in the mofques.
The fultan was much hurt at this infult to the faith ; but, as he had
not the ability to prevent it, he did not feem to obferve it. Ram-
raaje alfo, at the conclufion of this expedition, looking on the Iflaam
fultans as of little confequence, refufed proper honours to their am-
bafladors. When he admitted them to his prefence, he did not
defire them to fit, and. treated them with the moft contemptuous
referve and haughtinefs. He made them attend when in publick in
his train on foot, not allowing them to mount till he gave orders.
On the return from the laft expedition to Nuldirruk, the officers and
foldiers of his army in general, treated the muffulmauns with info-
lence, fcoffing, and contemptuous language; and Ramraaje, after
taking leave, cafting an eye of avidity on the countries of Koottub

Shaw

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 293

Shaw and Adll Shaw, difpatchcd armies to the frontiers of each.
All Adil Shaw, to purchafe peace, and preferve the reft of his
dominions, gave up tlie diftrifts of Outungpore and Bakrcekobe ;
and Ibrahim Koottub Shaw, for the fame end, refigned Kowilcon-
dah, Bankul, and Kunbore.

Ramraaje daily continuing to encroach on the dominions of the
mufTulmauns, Adil Shaw at length refolved, if pofTible, to punilli
his infolence and curtail his power, by a general league of the faith-
ful againft him ; for which purpofe, he convened an affembly of his
friends and confidential advifers. Kirtiwer Khan Laaree and Shaw
Abou Teraab Sheerazee, whofe abilities had often been experienced,
reprefented, that the fultan's defire to humble the pride of the roy of
Beejanuggur was undoubtedly meritorious, and highly politic, but
could never be effedled, unlefs by a general alliance of the fultans of
Dekkan, as the revenues of his country, collefted from fixty feaports,
and numerous flourifliing cities and diftrids, amounted to an immenfe
fum ; which enabled him to maintain a vaft force, againft which no
fingle fultan of the muffulmauns could ftand with the fmalleft prof-
peft of fuccefs. AH Adil Shaw, approving thefe remarks, com-
manded Kifliwer Khan to take meafures to effed: a general alliance ;
and an ambaflador was difpatched without delay to found the wifhes
of Ibrahim Koottub Shaw, and open to him, if prudent, the defigned
plan.

Ibrahim Koottub Shaw, who had long been inwardly ftung with
indignation at the haughtinefs, infolence, and ufurpations of Ram-
raaje, eagerly agreed to the propofed alliance, and offered himfelf as
mediator to effedl a union of friendftiip between Ali Adil Shaw and
Nizam Shaw, promifing to obtain for the former the fort of Shola-
pore, which had been the caufe of all their difagreement. With
this view, fultan Ibrahim immediately difpatched Muftafa Khan
Ardiftaanee, the moft intelligent nobleman of his court, to Ali Adil

Shaw,

294 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Shaw, with orders, if he fhould find him fincere in his intentions, to
proceed to Ahmednuggur without delay, and conclude the alliance.
Muftafa Khan, on his arrival at Beejapore, feeing every reafon to
believe that the fultan was refolved on the defign of alliance, and
war againft the infidels, departed for Ahmednuggur without delay,
and laid his commiflion in a private audience before Houffein Nizam
Shaw. He reprefented to him, that during the times of the Bhame-
nee princes, when the whole ftrength of the mufllilmaun power was
in one hand, the balance between it and the force of the roies, of
Beejanuggur was nearly equal; that now the muflulmaun authority
was divided, policy demanded that all the faithful princes fhould
unite as one, and obferve the ftriaeft friend fliip, that they might
continue fecure from the attacks of their powerful common enemy,
and the authority of the roies of Beejanuggur, who had reduced all
the rajas of Carnatic to their yoke, be diminiflied, and removed far
from the countries of Iflaam ; that the people of their feveral do-
minions, who ought to be confidered as the charge of the Almighty
committed to their care, might repofe free from the oppreffions of the
unbelievers, and their mofques and holy places be made no longer
the dwellings of infidels.

Thefe remarks had a full effedl upon the mind of HoufiTein Nizam
Shaw, who was pleafed at the fincerity of Muftafa Khan, and treated
him with the moft honourable attentions, fo that the miniiler had
every opportunity he could defire of promoting his views, and which
he did not negled:. After a negotiation of fome days, it was deter-
mined, that Houflein Nizam Shaw fhould give his daughter Chaund
Bibi in marriage to Ali Adil Shaw, with the fortrefs of Sholapore as a
portion ; and that he fhould receive the fifler of that prince, named
Huddeeah fultan, as a confort for his eldefl fon fultan Mortiza ; that
a firm friendfhip fliould for the future fubfifl between both flates,
and that they fhould unite fincerely to reduce tiie power of Ramraaje,
and march againfl him in conjundion without delay. When thefe

points

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 29 J

points were fettled, Moolla Einaut OoUa came with Muftafa Khan
as ambaflador to Beejapore ; the proper treaties and agreements
were drawn up, and confirmed by the moft folemn oaths. On
the fame day, nuptial rejoicings and feftivals were held at Beejapore
and Ahmednuggur, and the two princefTes fent in great pomp and
magnificence to their feparate courts ; after which, Houflein Nizam
Shaw, Ali Adil Shaw, and Ibrahim Koottub Shaw, as alfo Bereed
Shaw, began with great vigour preparations for the war againfl
Ramraaje.

Ali Adil Shaw, preparatory to the war, and to afford himfelf a
pretence for breaking with his ally, difpatched an ambaffador to
Ramraaje, demanding reftitution of fome diftridls that had been
wrefted from him. As he expeded, Ramraaje expelled the am-
baffador in a very difgraceful manner from his court ; and the united
fultans now haftened the preparations to crufli the common enemy of
the Iflaam faith. In the year 972, the four princes met with their A. D. 1564.
armies, on the plains of Beejapore, and on the twentieth of Jummad
al Awul the fame year, marched in conjundlion from that neigh-
bourhood. After fome days, they arrived near the banks of the
Kiftnah, at Talicote ; where, as that place belonged to Ali Adil
Shaw, he entertained his allies with great fplendour, and fent ftridt
orders to all the governors of his dominions, to forward fupplies of
provifions from their diftrifts regularly to the camp.

Ramraaje, though he faw the union of the muffulmauns againft
him, did not defcend in the leaft from his former haughtinefs, but
treated their ambaffadors with fcornful language, and regarded their
enmity as of little moment. He firil: difpatched his youngeft bro-
ther Eeltumraaje,. with twenty thouCind horfe, five hundred ele-
phants, and one hundred thoufand foot, to remain on the bank of
the Kiftnah, and block up all the paflages of that river. After this
force, he fent his brother Negtaderee with a great army, and follow-
ed.

296 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

ed himfelf, by flow marches, with the whole power of his dominions.
The allied princes, finding that all the known ferries and fords were
blocked up by the enemy, difpatched their f|.nes to explore the river,
in hopes of finding feme place at which they might be able to crofs
their troops ; but, after much fearch, it was found that the only fafe
ford for an army was diredlly in their front, and in pofiefTion of the
enemy, who had thrown up works fortified with cannon and fire-
works on the oppofite bank. The allies upon this information held
a council, at which it was determined that they fhould march ex-
peditioufly to another part of the river, as if to crofs, in hope that the
enemy might quit their ftation to follow, when they might return
fuddenly, and gain the defired ford without interruption. The army
of Iflaam, agreeably to this plan, moved the next morning, and
continued to do fo for three days fucceflively, which deceived the
enemy, who quitted their ilations, and followed their courfe along
the oppofite bank of the river. The fultans on the third night fud-
denly decamped, and moved with fo much rapidity, that the next
day they gained the ford which the enemy had deferted, and crofTed
the river without oppofition. In the morning they moved to within
ten miles of the camp of Ramraajci who, though furprized at their
adlivity, was not alarmed, commanded his brothers to join him, and
kept ftridl watch during night round his camp, apprehending a
furprize. The day following the allies arranged their army in order
of battle. The right was entrufled to Ali Adil Shaw, the left to Ali
Bereed Shaw and Ibrahim Koottub Shaw, and the center to Houfi'ein
Nizam Shaw. The artillery, fafi:ened together by ftrong chains and
ropes, was drawn up in front of the line, and the war elephants
placed in various pofitions, agreeable to cullom. Each prince exalted
his particular ftandard in the center of his own army, and the allies
moved in eJofe order againfl the enemy.

Ramraaje entrufled his left to his brother Eeltumraaje, to oppofe
Koottub Shaw, and his right to his other brother Negtaderee, againft

AH,

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

All Adil Shaw ; while he himfelf commanded in his center. Two
thoufand war elephants and one thoufand pieces of cannon were
placed at different intervals of his line. About twelve o'clock in the
day, Ramraaje mounted a *finghaufin, in fpite of the remonflrances of
his officers, who wiflied him to be on horfeback, as much fafer ; but
he faid, there was no occafion for taking precaution againft children,
who would certainly fly on the firft charge. Both armies being in
motion, foon came to battle, and the infidels begun the attack by vaft
flights of rockets and rapid difcharges of artillery, which did not dif-
courage the allies, A general a(5lion took place, and many were flain
on both fides. Ramraaje finding a different behaviour in the enemy
from what he had expedted, defcended from his finghaufin, and
feating himfelf on a rich throne fet with jewels, under a canopy of
crimfon velvet, embroidered with gold and adorned with fringes of
pearls, ordered his treafurer to place heaps of money all round him,
that he might confer rewards on fuch of his followers as deferved his
attention. There were alfo rich ornaments of gold and jewels
placed for the fame purpofe. The infidels, infpired with the genero-
fity of their prince, charged the right and left of the allies with fuch
vigour, that they were thrown into diforder -, and Ali Adil Shaw and
Koottub Shaw began to defpair of vidlory, and prepare for retreat.
Houffein Nizam Shaw remained firm in the center, and puflied fo
vigoroufly that of Ramraaje, that it began to be confufed; upon
which the roy again mounted his finghaufin, which was foon after
let fall by the bearers on the approach of a furious elephant belonging
to Nizam Shaw ; and before he had time to recover himfelf and
mount a horfe, a body of the allies took him prifoner, and conducted
him to Chela Roomi, who commanded the artillery. He carried
him to Nizam Shaw, who ordered inftantly his head to be ffruck off,
and placed upon the point of a long fpear, that his death might be
proclaimed to the enemy. The Hindoos, according to cuftom, when
they law their chief defl:royed, fled in the utmoft confufion and difor-
der from the field of battle, and were purfued by the allies with fuch

P p / fuccefsful

• A fort of litter.

297

2^3 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

fuccefsful flaughter, that the river which ran near the field was dyed
red vvitli their blood. It is computed, on the beft authorities, that
above one hundred thoufand infidels were flain in fight and during
the purfuit. The plunder was fo great, that every private man in
the allied army became rich in gold, jewels, efFedts, tents, arms,
horfes and flaves, as the fultans left every perfon in pofleffion of what
he had acquired, only taking elephants for their own ufe. Firmauns
with accounts of this very important victory were difpatched to their
feveral dominions, and the fultans, a few days after the battle,
marched onwards into the country of Ramraaje as far as Anicondeh,
and the advanced troops penetrated to Beejanuggur, w^hich they
plundered, razed the chief buildings, and committed all manner of
excefs. When the depredations of the allies had deflroyed all the
country round, Negtaderee, who had efcaped from the battle to a
diftant fortrefs, fent humble entreaties of peace to the fultans, to
whom he gave up all the places which his brother had wrefted from
them ; and the vidors being fatisfied, took leave of each other at
Roijore, and returned to their feveral dominions. The raaje of Bee-
januggur fince this battle has never recovered its ancient fplendour i
and the city itfelf has been fo deflroyed, that it is now totally in ruins
and uninhabited; while the country has been feized by the zemin-
dars, each of whom hath aflumed an independant power in his
own diftridl.

HoufTein Nizam Shaw dying not long after this event, was fuc-
ceeded by his fon Mortiza, then a minor ; o,nd Ali Adil Shaw think-
ing this a proper opportunity to execute his defigns, moved with an
army to Anicondeh, in order to place Timraaje, the fon of Ram-
raaje, on the mufnud of Bilcondah, and depofe Negtaderee, hoping
by degrees to acquire for himfelf Anicondeh and Beejanuggur. Neg-
taderee, being informed of his defigns, wrote to Mortiza Nizam
Shaw and his mother Khoonzeh fultana, who directed his affairs, for
afiiftance, as he regarded himfelf as their dependant. The fultana,

by

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 2gg

by the advice of Moolla Einaiut Oolla, taking her fon with her,
marched at the head of an army to Beejapore ; upon which Ali Adil
Shaw retreated expeditioufly from Anicondeh, and returned to his
capital J before which frequent fkirmifhes happened between the two
armies, but at length the fultana thought it advifeable to return with
her fon to Ahmednuggur.

The next year, at the requcfl: of the fultana regent, Ali Adil
Shaw, accompanied the army of Nizam Shaw to Berar, which was
laid wafte j but the fultan returned on the approach of the rains to
Beejapore. This year the ftone wall round that city was completed.
As, on account of the ill management of the relations of Khoonzeh
fultana, the government of Nizam Shaw was much weakened, Ali
Adil Shaw formed views of reducing fome parts of the country to his
authority. He prefented Kummaul Kifhwer Khan with the ftandard
of Aflud Khan Balgoaanee ; on which was embroidered an angry lion;
and in the beginning of the year 975 fent him, with twenty thoufand A.D. 1567,
horfe, to invade the territories of Nizam Shaw. The general polTefT-
ed himfelf of fome pergunnahs with little oppofition, and in a fliort
time eredled a fort for their defence, which he named Darwer.
Mortiza Nizam Shaw, having at length wrefted his power from the
hands of his mother, marched to recover his pofTeffions; upon which
Kifhwer Khan fhut himfelf up in the fort, which he had well flock-
ed with flores and provifions, to fuftain a liege. Ankufs Khan, and
other amras who had been fent to his fupport by Ali Adil Shaw,
either out of hatred to him, difhonefty, or folly, chofe to quit him,
under pretence of drawing off the enemy's attention by plundering
and laying wafle the environs of Ahmednuggur. Nizam Shaw, un-
intimidated by this feint, as he had taken an oath not to retire with-
out reducing the fortrefs, made an immediate affault upon it, without
any regular approaches, and fucceeded, contrary to the expectations ot
his own troops, by the lucky accident of Kirtiwer Khan's being killed
by an arrovi^, as he was conduding the defence j after which his fol-

P p 2 lowers

303 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

lowers fled through a wicket out of the place, which fell into the
hands of Nizanj Shaw, with all the diftrifts that had been wrefled
from his territories by the army of Ali Adil Shaw. Khajeh Meeruk
and Peer Ifpahanee were immediately detached with a large force
after Ein al Moolk, who had moved towards Alimednuggur ; and
overtaking him, a defperate adlion enfued, in which that chief was
killed, Noor Khan taken prifoner, and the fhattered remains of Adil
Shaw's army returned to Beejapore with great difficulty and much
lofs.

In thefe years, Ali Adil Shaw marched againft Goa to reduce the
Europeans, but retreated without effefting any thing, after the lofs
of a great number of men. He then moved againft the fortrefs of
Oodnee, then in poflefTion of one of the principal amras of Ramraaje,
who on the death of his mafter had afllxmed independance. Ankufs
Khan was difpatched on this fervice, with eight thoufand horfe,
infantry, and a coniiderable train of artillery. Several actions were
fought on the plain ; and at length the chief ftiut himfelf up in the
fortrefs, which was well fupplied with ftores and provilions ; but
Ankufs Khan carried on the fiege with fuch vigour, that at length it
fubmitted to his armsi. Oodnee was fituated upon the fummit of a
very high hill, and contained many ponds and fountains of clear and
fweet water, with numerous princely ftrudlures. The roies of Bee-
januggur regarding it as impregnable to the arms of Iflaam, had all
contributed to make it a convenient afylum for their families j and it
was fortified with eleven walls, one within another, fo that it appear-
ed impoffible to reduce it by force, and nothing but the clofe and
long blockade of Ankufs Khan could have reduced it to the arms of
Beejapore.

This acquifition having given great reputation to the arms of Ali
Adil Shaw, he refolved on other conquefts ; prior to entering upon
which, he judged it proper to have a meeting with Mortiza Nizam

Shaw,

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. -01

Shaw, who, at his requeft, came to an interview on his borders, at
which it was agreed, that he Should poflcfs himfelf of Berar, and
tliat AH Adil Shaw might conquer as much of the dependancies on
Beejanuggur as he tJiought proper, without any interference from
Nizam Shaw to interrupt his plans.

In the year 981, AH Adil Shaw marched agaiaft the fortrefs of A. D. 1573.
Toorkul, which he had loft during the invalions of Ramraaje, after
whofe death it had fallen into the hands of Vingti and Buflabie, who
after a liege of feven months furrendered themfelves prifoners, and
were put to death by painful tortures. The fultan then moved to
reduce Darwer, one of the ftrongeft forts in Carnatic, and at that
time poflefted by one of the nobility of Ramraaje, who paid annually
a fmall acknowledgment to Eeltumraaje, and had acquired great
power. By the good condud of Muftafa Khan Ardiftaanee, who
had been appointed prime minifter, the fort was taken in fix months ;
and when tlae furrounding country was perfedly reduced to order,
Ali Adil Shaw, at the perfuaftons of his vizier, carried his arms
againft Binkapore, the principal refidence of Velub Roy, who had
been betel- bearer to Ramraaje, after whofe death he had affumed
independance, and had reduced the roies of Jerreh, Chundercote, and
Caroore to become his tributaries. Upon the approach of the royal
army he ftiut himfelf up in the fort, and detached his fon, with a
thoufand horfe and ten thoufand foot, to line the woods and pafles,
in order to harafs the enemy as opportunity offered, and endeavour to
cut off^fupplies of provifions. At the fame time, he fent letters to
Negtaderee, grandfon of Ramraaje, confefting great penitence and
forrow for his difaffedlion to him as his legal fovereign, and begging
for afliftance againft the fultan j in confideration of which he promifed
to pay an annual tribute, and in future continue firm to his alle-
giance. Negtaderee in reply wrote him, that by his wickednefs and
evil example, moft of the dependants on his houfe had become
rebels, and departed from their duty, fo that it was witli difficulty he

could

02 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEECKAN.

could fupport himfelf at Bilcondah and Chundageereh, which the
fultans of Iflaam had left him ; therefore he would advife him, if
money or jewels could purchafe peace, to lay afide his avarice, and
procure it at any price ; but if he Ihould find that impoffible, he mufl
by all means in his power bring over the neighbouring roies to his
caufe, and prevail upon them to join his fon with their followers, and
harafs the muffulmauns by cutting off provifions, and by night rob-
beries. He promifed to iflue his firmauns to all his vaflals to afiifl:
him, though he could not rely on their obedience.

Though Velub by this anfwer was reduced to despair, yet agree-
ably to the advice of his prince, he prevailed on fome chiefs to join
his fon ; who adted with fuch vigour, that grain became very fcarce
in the royal camp, which he molefted at night by parties of robbers,
who did much execution. The footmen of the Carnatic, who valued
their lives but little, quite naked, and their bodies anointed with oil,
to prevent their being eafily feized, entered tents at night, and ftab-
bed the fleeping inhabitants without mercy. Every night numbers
were killed by them in this treacherous manner ; and fo great a dread
and difcontent prevailed among the foldiers, that they were near
forcing the fultan to raife the fiege. At length Muftafa Khan pro-
vided a remedy, both to prevent famine and the nightly murders.
He detached the Bergee chiefs, with fix thoufand horfe, againll the
enemy in the field, and flationed a chain of eight thoufand foot round
the camp every night. By this precaution the robbers were foon tired
of attempts, as they found it impoffible to efcape with impunity.
The Bergee chiefs performed their orders fo well, that the commu-
nication was kept open, and plenty reftored to the camp. The fiege
however continued for one year and three months, when provifions in
the garrifon began to fail, and the fon of Velub dying, all the vaffal
roies who had attended him retired home. Velub, defpairing of
relief, at length fent offers for furrendering the fort to the fultan, on
condition of being allowed to march away with his family and effefts,

which

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEFCKAN. ^O^

which All Adil Shaw tiiouglit proper to grant, and the place was
evacuated accordingly. The fultan ordered a fiiperb temple witliin
it to be deftroyed, and he himfclf laid the firft flone of a mofque,
which was built on the foundation, offering up praifes for his vicflory.
Muflafa Khan by this fuccefs acquired new credit, was honoured
with a royal drefs, and had many towns and diflridls of the con-
quered country conferred upon him in jaghire. The fultan, who
was much given to pleafure, cntrufted to his fole management all
affairs of flate, and refigned to him his feal, with orders to ufe it as
he pleafed, without waiting for particular inflruftions.

Four months after the reduction of Binkapore, when the country
was properly fettled by the royal officers, and the different chiefs had
fubmitted to pay tribute, Ali Adil Shaw took up his refidence in the
fort, where he fpent his time in a round of amufements, and detached
Muflafa Khan, with twenty thoufand horfe and a great body of
infantry with artillery, to reduce the forts of Jerreh and Chundercote.
On the arrival of the minifter near the former, the roy made offers
of fubmiffion and tribute, which were accepted ; and the army
moved on, without molefting him, to Chundercote, the roy of
which prepared for refiftance. Muflafa Khan laid fiege to the
place, and detached the Bergee chiefs to employ the roies who had
come to his affiflance. At the end of fourteen months the fort was
carried by florm, in the year 983, and Ali Adil Shaw came from A. D. 1575.
Binkapore to vifit it ; and having continued at it three months, re-
turned in triumph to Beejapore, after an abfence of fomewhat more
than three years. Muflafa Khan remained at Chundercote to regu-
late the country, and the royal feal was left in his pofTeffion ; while
orders were given to the heads of offices for all firmauns to be ex-
pedited by them from Beejapore for his approval.

The following year a petition came from Muflafa Khan, repre-
fenting, that the ancient fortrefs of Chundercote was fituated upon a

lofty

304

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

lofty hill, and better calculated for defence than that now flanding on
the plain ; fo that he wiflaed the fultan would come and view the old
fite, that, if he approved, it might be refortified without delay. Ali
Adil Shaw, in compliance with his requeft, went with a fmall train j
and approving the defign of his minifter, ordered a fort to be eredled.
It was finifhed in the fpace of one year, and the fultan came again
from Beejapore to view it, Subgeer Naik having come to vifit the
fultan, invited him to make the tour of his country ; and Ali Adil
Shaw accepting the offer, left his army at Chundercote, and with
Mullafa Khan and four or five thoufand men, proceeded to the for-
trefs of Caroore, This place was fituated in a mountainous country,
full of forefts, and fo difficult of accefs, that in mofl: paflages only
one horfeman could enter at a time. The fultan difliking the ap-
pearance of the country, returned to Chundercote, leaving the Naik
all his pofTeffions ; but Muftafa Khan, in order to make a merit of
his mafler's generofity, told the Naik, that it was with difficulty he
had perfuaded him from reducing the territory; therefore, if he
wifhed his own fafety, he had better fubmit to pay tribute, and draw
over the furrounding roies to do the fame. Subgeer Naik, by his
reprefentations, prevailed on Seeb Naik of Jerreh, the rannee of
Barcelore, and feveral other chiefs, to pay their refpedls to the fultan ;
to whom they prefented an offering of confiderable fums, and agreed
to pay an annual tribute. On the day on which thefe chiefs received
their dreffes of difmiffion from the fultan, women's habits were pre-
pared for Baradeo, the rannee of Barcelore, and another rannee, which
they declined accepting, faying, that though women in fex, they
held their dominions by mafculine ftrength : upon which the fultan
gave them men's dreffes, and praifed their valour. Thefe countries
have been long governed by women, the daughters always fucceeding
to the raaje, and the menferving under them as officers, the hufbands
of the rannees having no power in the ffate.

Ali

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKICAN. 305

Ali Adil Shaw having fettled his new conquefts, appointed a
bramin governor, and Muftafa Khan commander in chief of the
whole, conferring the office ofvaqueel upon Afzul Khan Shcerazee ;
after which regulations, he returned to Beejapore. Muftafa KJian,
who was a faithful fervant, and anxious to extend the power of his
fovereign, fent, not long after, one of his confidential friends to court,
propofing to his majefty to march againfl: Bilcondah. Ali Adil Shaw
approving the plan, ordered his forces to aflemble, and moved in
great pomp to Oodnee i from whence, on the jundlion of Muftafa
Khan with the troops of Carnatic, he proceeded towards Bilcondah,
and Negtaderee, on his approach, committing the place to the care
of one of his nobility, retired with his treafures and effedls to the for-
trefs of Chundageereh, The fultan furrounded the city, blocking
it up clofely for three months; at the end of which the garrifon
were near fubmitting for want of provilions, when Negtaderee bribed
Hundeattum Naik, the chief of the Bergees, with ' twenty four
lacks of rupees and five elephants, to defert from the fultan with his
followers and harafs the camp ; which he did fo effedlually, that Ali
Adil Shaw thought proper to raife the fiege, and retire to the neigh-
bourhood of Binkapore ; from whence he fhortly after marched back
to Beejapore, leaving Muftafa Khan to protedl the frontiers.

In the year 986, the Bergees committing excefles in their jag- a.D. 1578.
hires about Beejanuggur, the fultan fent againft them Mortiza Khan
Anjoo, with three thoufand foreign archers, and a number of Dek-
kanees and Abyffinians, with whom they carried on fkirmifhes for
near one year, without being at all weakened. Muftafa KJian then
reprefented to the fultan, that it was ufelefs fending troops againft
them, and he had better prevail upon them by ftratagem to come to
Beejapore, when he might punifti them in a manner worthy of their
treachery. Ali Adil Shaw approving this advice, difpatched Vafoo
Pundit, and others of their friends, to invite them to return. Rand-
om eattum

* Two hundred and forty thoufand pounds.

3o6 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

eattum Naik In vain reprefented to them, that it was not poflible the
fultan could forgive a treachery vv^hich had difappointed him of the
conqueft of Bilcondah, but had invited them back to efFedt their de-
ftrud:ion. Moft of the chiefs and their followers however returned ;
but Handeattum Naik retired to Bilcondah, where he took fervice
with Negtaderee. For fome time the fultan treated the Bergees with
kindnefs, but at length put mofl of them to death by treachery.

A. D. 1579. ^^ t^^ ys^i" 9^7f as the fultan had no fon, he appointed his

nephew Ibrahim, fon of his brother Shaw Thamafp, his fucceflbr ;
and the following year he was affafllnated by a eunuch, whom he
had forced againfl his inclination to come to his court from Ahmed-
nuggur.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

307

SULTAN

ABOU AL MUZZUFFIR IBRAHIM

ADIL SHAW 2^ BEEJAPOREE.

Ibrahim Adll Shaw upon his acceffion to the throne, being only
in his ninth year, the management of pubUck affairs was given to
JCamil Khan Dekkanee, and Chaund Bibi Sultana, wife to the late
Jcing, was entrufted with the care of the education of the minor
monarch. Every day, excepting Wednefdays and Fridays, publick
audience was given, at which fultan Ibrahim appeared feated on the
throne, when publick affairs were tranfadled in his prefence. For
fome time Kamil Khan behaved with due moderation in his high
ofBce J but, at length, intoxicated with power, he was guilty of fome
infolence towards Chaund Sultana, who turned her thoughts to effed:
his deflrudion. She fecretly fent a meffage to Hajee Kifhwer Khan,
an ofhcer of high rank, obferving, that as the regent was unlit for
his important ofhce, (he wifhed to remove him, and beflow his
honours upon himfelf, provided he would deflroy the minifler before
his power fhould become fo great as to render his removal impofTible.
Hajee Kifhwer Khan, inftigated by the hopes of advancement to the
highefl honours of the flate, formed a party with feveral chiefs, and
one evening, when Kamil Khan was holding a durbar in the green
palace, fuddenly entering the citadel with four hundred men, fhut
the gates, confined the commanding oiKcer of the garrifon, and pro-

Q^q 2 ceeded

joS FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

ceeded to feize the regent. Kamil Khan, being alarmed, attempted
to fly towards the haram, in hopes of protedlion from Chaund Sul-
tana ; when he was informed, by fome eunuchs his friends, that the
plot to feize his perfon was formed by her. Confounded at this in-
telligence, he ran out of the palace, and, as his only chance for
efcapc, flung himfelf over the wall of the citadel into the ditch, then
full of water. He fwam over, and pafled undifcovered to the
Imaum gate of the city, which was however fliut. By the help of
his turban, fafh, and other clothes tied together, and fixed to a battle-
ment of the city wall, he defcended, and haliened to his own houfe
at no great diftance, where he prepared for flight with his friends.
Hajee Kifliwer Khan not finding his intended vidlim, fuppofed he
was concealed in the fort, and employed near an hour in fearching all
the private buildings and retired places ; after which he difpatched a
force to feek him without. Kamil Khan having provided himfelf
with as many jewels and as much money as time would allow, fled
with feven or eight friends towards Ahmednuggur ; but had not
gone above four miles before he was overtaken, and feized by the
people of Kifliwer Khan, who cut off his head, and carried it to
their patron j but plundered all the jewels and treafure for their
own ufe.

Hajee Kilhwer Khan after this event, copying the example of
Kamil Khan, by the patronage and fupport of Chaund Sultana,
grafped the whole authority of the flate, and ruled with uncontrouled
fway. At this period, Behzaad al Moolk Turk, meer nobut to
Mortiza Nizam Shaw, advanced from Ahmednuggur with fifteen
thoufand horfe, to reduce fome diflxicfls belonging to Beejaporcj
upon which the regent detached Ein al Moolk Canaanee with an
army to repel the enemy on the frontiers. Behzaad al Moolk received
a total defeat near Shawdirruk, and all his tents, baggage, elephants,
and artillery, fell into the hands of the vidtors, who returned trium-
phant to Beejapore. The regent, by the advice of Chaund Sultana,

ordered

FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

ordered rejoicings for three days, and conferred rich gifts and
honorary diftindlion^ upon all the amnis who had fignaltzed them-
felves during the expedition ; but fome time after, thought proper to
ilTue firmauns demanding the elephants taken in battle from the cap-
tors, for the royal ufe. This order gave much difgult, and many of
the nobility refuling to comply, fecretly combined together to re-
move him from the regency. Some advifed addreffing Chaund
Sultana to call Muftafa Khan from Binkapore, to take upon himfelf
the adminiftration of affairs ; and others were for deferring any refo-
lution for the prefent, as Syed Mortiza, governor of Berar, was upon
his march from Ahmednuggur to revenge the defeat of Behzaad al
Moolk ; therefore it would be dangerous to attempt a change till the
enemy was driven away from the frontiers ; but that being effected,
they might then retire to Beejanuggur, and take meafures, by the
approbation of Chaund Sultana, to accomplifh their wifhes for a new
regent.

Kifhwer Khan being informed of the defigns forming againft his
power, took meafures to prevent them. He fent an order under the
royal feal to Meer Noor ad Dien, a jaghiredaar near Binkapore, to
affaflinate Muftafa Khan, promifing to reward him for tlie deed with
the eftates and honours of that nobleman. Noor ad Dien, though he
had been patronized by him, and was obliged to him for his prefent
ftation, undertook the action. He fent the bearer of the firmaun into
the fort, and at the fame time a private meffage to the principal
officers of the garrifon, informing them, that Muftafa Khan medi-
tated to put them to death, and deliver the fort up to the raja of
Carnatic, with whom he had entered into deligns againft the royal
authority ; therefore they would do well to obferve the contents of
the firmaun in the hands of Mahummud Ameen the bearer, and rid
themfelves of their treacherous governor, for which they would be
amply rewarded by the fultan. Mahummud Ameen, upon his ar-
rival at the gates of Binkapore, fent word to Muftafa Klian, that he

had

309

^10 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

had brought a firmaun from the fultan : upon which he was admit-
ted with great refpedt, and orders given for his accommodation.
Pretending that it was late, he defired to be excufed fhewing tlie
iirmaun till the next morning; and Muftafa Khan, unfufpeding
deceit, agreed to the delay. During the night, Mahummud Ameen
fhewed the paper to the officers of the garrifonj who feeing the
king's order for the death of Muflafa Khan, agreed to put it into
execution. While he was at prayers the following morning, a num-
ber of them rufhed upon him, and ftrangled him with a bow firing.

When intelligence of this aftion arrived at Beejapore, Chaund
Sultana was highly difpleafed, and uttered in bitter terms of reproach
her difapprobatiori of the conducfl of Kifliwer Khan. The regent for
the prefent concealed his refentment againft her j but in a fhort time
accufed her of having fecretly inftigated her brother, Mortiza Nizam
Shaw, to invade Beejapore, and obtained the fultan 's orders to con-
fine her for fome time in the fortrefs of Sittara. She was accord-
ingly forced out of the haram, with many indignities, and fent
prifoner to that place. After this fuccefsful treachery, Kifhwer Khan
became felf-fecure, and conduced affairs with unbridled authority.
He fent Mean Buddoo Dekkanee, on whofe fidelity he had the
greateft reliance, to command on the frontiers, with inflru<5tions to
feize by treachery mofl of the Abyflinian nobility of the army, and
confine them in Shawdirruk. Thisdefign by accident coming to the
knowledge of the intended vidims, they refolved to feize Mean Bud-
doo in his own fnare, and then remove Kifhwer Khan from the
regency. With this view, Akiaafs Khan, the principal Abyflinian
chief, pretending that he had received news from Beejapore of the
birth of a fon, made a grand entertainment, to which he invited
Mean Buddoo ; who, not fufpedling his intentions, went to his tents,
attended only by a feledt number of his friends, and was made prifon-
er by the very fame flratagem he had defigned to pradife. Akiaafs
Khan, with all the amras, and the whole army, moved the fame day

towards

I

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 3 1 1

towards Beejapore; and Ein al Moolk and Ankufs Khan, with fuch
of the nobility as were friends to Kiihwer Khan, deferted on the
route to their feveral jaghires.

Kifhwer Khan on hearing of this league againft him, gave over
all thoughts of oppofition ; but to preferve appearances, and prevent

. being feized by the inhabitants of the city, he invited the young ful-
tan to a feaft at his own houfe ; but as he attended him throueh the
ftreets, the common people, and even women, uttered loud exclam-
ations of abufe againft him, calling him the murderer of fyeds, and
confiner of Chaund Sultana. The regent, feeing the minds of the
publick enraged againft him, thought it high time to prepare for his
efcape. When he heard that the army was arrived within a day's
march of the city, he prevailed on the fultan to go with him, on

• pretence of hunting, to Koollabaugh, one of the royal gardens ;
where, on his arrival, he exprefled fears left the heat of the fun fhould
hurt his majefty's health, and begged he would return to the palace,
promifing to follow himfelf, as foon as he had taken a view of the
gardens of Shawpore. The fultan returned, agreeably to his requeft ;
when Kifliwer Khan, who had a train of four hundred horfe, among
whom he had diftributed his jewels and money, leaving his women
and children behind in the city, ^ook the road of Ahmednuggur. On
his arrival, he found that court did not wifh to afford him protedlion ;
on which, he moved towards Golconda, the capital of Koottub Shaw,
and he was fhortly after aflaffinated in that city, by one of the friends
of Muftafa Khan, in revenge for his treachery to that nobleman.

The Abyffinian amras entered Beejapore without oppofition, and
were honoured by the young fultan with khelauts and other marks of
approbation. Aklaafs Khan afTumed the regency, and Chaund Sul-
tana being condudled from her confinement in Sittara to the capital,
was again entrufted with the care of the young fultan's perfon. At
her requeft, Afzul Khan Sheerazee was appointed pefhwa, and Vafoo

Pundit

312 FERISHTA's HISTORY OK DEKKAN.

Pundit muftofee of the kingdom ; but tlie new regent not long after
put them both to death, on fufpicion of their entertaining defigns
prejudicial to his intereft in concert with the fultana. He banifhed
many principal noblemen from Beejapore j and, in conjunction with
Hummeed Khan and Dillawer Khan, ruled the flate as his caprice
direiled. He invited Ein al Moolk. from his jaghire to court, and on
his arrival near the city, with his companions, went out to meet him,
in order to fliew their refpedl for his dignity. Ein al Moolk, feeing
the three minifters witli but few attendants, treacheroufly feized them,
put them all into heavy fetters, and the next morning prepared to
enter the city with his prifoners upon elephants, in order to feize the
regency. Upon his entering the city, he was told that the garrifon
had fliut the gates of the citadel, and meant to oppofe him ; upon
which, without regarding his captives, he withdrew with expedition,
and retired to his jaghire. Aklaafs Khan and his companions being
thus unexpectedly releafed, reaflumed their authority ; but fome of the
nobility at court oppofing them, great diffentions prevailed at Beeja-
pore, which gave encouragement to enemies to invade the kingdom.

Behzaad al Moolk, who after his defeat had retreated, returned
with Syed Mortiza, the ameer al amra of Berar. Mahummud
KooUi Koottub Shaw alfo, having entered into alliance' with Nizam
Shaw, and marching from Golconda, joined his generals before
Shawdirruk ; which place was laid clofe ficge to by the allies ; but
the commanding officer, notwithftanding the confufed ftate of affairs
at Beejapore, made a firm reliftance, and refufed fplendid offers made
him by the enemy to give up his charge ; obferving, in anfwer to
their promifes and temptations, that he would not forfeit his honour,
the lofs of which nothing could reffore, as he muff give up with it the
efteem of the world. The allies finding all their attempts fruitlefs,
refolved to raife the fiege, and march againfl Beejapore ; where the
diffentions prevailing among the minilters, would probably favour
their caufe, and if they fucceeded in taking the capital, the depend-

ancies

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

ancies muft foon fall. The allies accordingly broke up their camp
before Shawdirruk, and, after laying wafte the country in their route,
appeared before Beejapore with forty thoufand horfe.

As there were not then at the capital more than two or three
thoufand horfe, the Abyflinians kept themfelves clofe in the city till
the arrival of Ein al Moolk and Ankufs Khan, with eight thoufand
horfe ; after which tbey encamped near the gate of Allapore, and
had repeated fkirmiflies with the enemy, whofe fuperiority of num-
bers gave them the advantage. About twenty yards of the wall of the
city falling down, owing to heavy rain, and Ein al Moolk and An-
kufs Khan going over in difguft at the Hubflieh chiefs to the enemy
the fame night> the allies meditated an aflault on the place in the
morning ; but Syed Mortiza, who was difpleafed at being fuperfeded
by Behzaad al Moolk, prevented the execution of that defign, and
the Beejaporees found time to repair the breach. At length, the
Abyflinian chiefs feeing that the principal nobihty and officers dilliked
their authority, and on that account declined coming to the fultan's
affiftance, in confideration of the flate of affairs, reprefented to the
fultana, that they were willing to give up their power to whoever fhe
fliould appoint, as they were loyal, and wifhed to fee the govern-
ment rendered flourifhing, though they could not condudl it them-
felves, owing to the refufal of the nobility to obey their orders.

Chaund Sultana believing their declarations, at their defire con-
ferred the khelaut of ameer Jumlegee on Shaw Abou al HoufTun, fon
of Shaw Tahir, who immediately fent off expreffes with firmauns of
encouragement to the Bergee chiefs of Carnatic, inviting them to
return to their duty. He alfo wrote to Syed Mortiza, who had a
profound veneration for the family of Shaw Tahir, advifing him to
prevail upon the allies to quit the territories of Beejapore; threaten-
ing, if they did not, that when the amras joined the fultan, which
would fhortly happen, their retreat fhould be cut off. Syed Mortiza,

R r who

sn

3H

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

who did not wifh that Koottub Shaw or Behzaad al Moolk fliould
fucceed, immediately began his meafures to oblige them to retreat.
He fent to Ein al Moolk and Ankufs Khan, who had deferted to him
from Beejapore, defiring them to return i obferving, that at a time
of fuch danger to quit the fervice of their fovereign, on pretence of
diflike to his minifters, was ailing unworthy the charadlers of noble-
men. They took his advice, and returned the fame evening to Bee-
japore, where they renewed their allegiance to^brahim Adil Shaw.
Mofl of the nobility and the Bergees hearing of the change of affairs,
haftened to court with their followers, and by the loyal endeavours of
Abou al HoufTun, in lefs than a month an army of above twenty
thoufand men was collected at the capital, where affairs once more
affumed a promifing appearance. The Bergee chiefs were detached
to harafs the environs of the enemy's camp, and fucceeded fo well,
that in a fliort time famine prevailed, and the allies repented of their
expedition to Beejapore.

As the diflrefs of the allies encreafed, they held councils what mea-
fures to purfue ; and it was at lafl determined that they fhould divide
their armies, that Koottub Shaw fliould proceed againft Koolburga,
and Behzaad al Moolk and Syed Mortiza recommence the fiege of
Shawdirruk. They accordingly moved fuddenly from before Beeja-
pore ; but the Nizam Shawee army, on account of fome events
which will be mentioned, proceeded immediately to Ahmednuggur,
plundering the diftrids of Mirch and Kulhir on their route; and
Mahummud KooUi Koottub Shaw, having left a detachment under
Muftafa Khan to reduce fome diflrifts of Adil Shaw, returned to his
capital of Golconda. Muflafa Khan at the end of three months was
totally defeated, by an army fent from Beejapore under the command
of Dillawer Khan, who, after the vidlory, afpired to the office of
prime minifler; for wh-ich purpofe he entered into a plot againfk
Aklaafs Khan with Hyder Khan, commanding officer in the citadel
of Beejapoie, to whom he made great promifes for his fupport.

When

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

When every thing was fixed for the execution of his defign, he
marched expeditioufly to the capital, and encamping near the gate
of Allapore, fent in fuch flattering meflages and declarations of
attachment to Aklaafs Khan, as threw him otf his guard, and made
him negledtful of the fecurity of the city and palace. One day,
when Aklaafs Khan was repofing in his own houfe without the
citadel, Diilawer Khan with his fons, (even hundred horfe, and
fifteen elephants fuddenly entering the city, proceeded to the palace,
into which he was admitted according to promife by Hyder Khan ;
and after paying his compliments to the fultan, flationed his followers
in every part. Aklaafs Khan foon after advanced towards the gates
with four thoufand men ; but the cannon from the walls obliged him
to retire to a diftance. He blocked up the citadel for near four
months, but being then deferted by Bulled Khan, his principal
chief, with the greateft part of his folio ivers, and difdaining to fly,
he was taken in his houfe by Diilawer Khan ; who, forgetting all
his favours and kindnefs, ungratefully put out his eyes, and confined
him. During this difpute, the inhabitants of Beejapore fuifered
many injuries from both parties, and many fine edifices were deftroy-
ed by the cannon.

Diilawer Khan, on his acceffion to the regency, endeavoured to
attach the nobility to his interefl, by courting their alliance with his
family and placing his relations in the highefl oflices, particularly his
fons, who had thofe immediately about the fultan's perfon. BuUeel
Khan, who had by his coming over to liim from Aklaafs Khan con-
tributed greatly to his exaltation, he adopted for his fon ; and chafing
about one hundred foreigners and fixty Abyllinians, banillied all the
reft from the dominions of Ibrahim Adil Shaw. Shaw Abou al
HoufTun, who had been made prifoner in one of the forts by Aklaafs
Khan, he firfl blinded, and then put to death 3 as alfo Hajee Pofeer,
a favourite of the late fultan ; and circumfcribed the influence of
Chaund Sultana in fuch a manner, that none of the court any lono'er

R r 2 attended

315

3l6 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

attended to her plearure. He by flratagem got Into his power Ghalib
Khan, governor of the fortrefs of Oodnee, who had rebelled, and,
to deter others, pulled out his eyes. He eflabliflied the foonni cere-
monies of religion in Beejapore, and ruled with abfolute fway and
authority in every department for eight years ; during which period
he reilored the affairs of the kingdom to a flourifliing fituation.

The firfl adl of his power, after he found himfelf fecure, was,
to detach Bulled Khan with an army to coUedl the arrears of tribute
from the roies of Malabar. BuUeel Khan, after being joined by
Arfub Naik, roy of Jerreh, marched againfl Sunkir Naik, roy of
Koorg, who refufed to comply with his demands. One night, after
he had begun the fiege, as he was vifiting the batteries, he had the
ill fortune to be taken prifoner by a body of the enemy, and was car-
ried into the fort, where he was put into heavy chains and confined.
His troops, miffing their chief, raifed the fiege, and feparated to
various quarters. Bulled Khan after fome time, by promifes of
great rewards, prevailed upon his keepers and a feller of grafs to
affift his efcape ; and he was carried out by the latter upon his fhoul-
ders, concealed in a bundle of forage. When he had got to a con-
venient fpot, he contrived to pull off his chains, and haftened with
all expedition towards the frontiers of Adil Shaw j where arriving
in fafety, he procured a horfe, and proceeded to Binkapore, from
whence he informed Dillawer Khan of his fituation, and requeued
another army to take revenge on Sunkir Naik j but the regent chofe
for the prefent to lay afide farther attempts.

Dillawer Khan, the fame year, in order to fettle a treaty of
alliance with Mortiza Nizam Shaw, fent ambaifadors in the name of
the fultan to Ahmednuggur, by whom it was effeded ; and in the
A.D. 1584. year 992, Nizam Shaw requefted of Ibrahim Shaw his filler Khadi-
jeh Sultana in marriage for his fon fultan Houffein; which being
agreed to, Cafim Beg came with a train of four hundred horfe to

Beejapore

FERISIITA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. -,-

Beejapore to receive the princefs, and efcort her to Ahniediuiggur.
Slie departed- in great pomp at the end of four months, and was
accompanied by Chaund Sultana, who defired to vifit her brother
^fortiza Nizam Shaw.

In the year 995, as Mahummud KoolU Koottub Shaw negleifted A.D. 1586.
complying with the rcqueft of Ibrahim Shaw to fend his fifler Chaund
Sultana, to wliom he was betrothed, to Beejapore, Dillawer Khan
marched witli the fultan towards the frontiers of Nizam Shaw, at the
inftigation of whofe miniflers the princefs had been detained. On
his arrival at the fort of Oofeh, Mortiza Nizam Shaw, who had long
retired from publick affairs, judging that the condudl of his miniflers
had occafioned the invafion, confined Sullabut Khan, and gave the
office of premier to Cafim Beg; who by his entreaties prevailed upon
Dillawer Khan to quit the country. The regent then moved to-
wards the dominions of Mahummud KooUi Koottub Shaw, who, to
procure peace, fent his fifler in great pomp and fplendour to Ibrahim
Shaw, without delay, and the nuptials were concluded with royal
magnificence at Shawdirruk ; after which the fultan returned to
Beejapore.

In the year 996, Mortiza Nizam Shaw, who was become dif trail- A. D. 1587.
ed, endeavoured to take the life of his fon fultan Meeran HoufTein ;
upon which the minifler, Mirza Khan, thought it befl to join the
prince, and dethrone Nizam Shaw ; to effedt which, he requefted
affiflance of Dillawer Khan, who marched with his fovereign from
Beejapore in confequence of his application, but before he arrived at
Ahmednuggur, fultan HoufTein had dethroned his father. Ibrahim
Adil Shaw fent congratulations to him upon his accefHon, and intend-
ed to have had an interview with him and the fultana his fifler, for
which purpofe he remained encamped fome miles from Ahmednug-
gur; but upon hearing that HoufTein Shaw had atrocioufly put
his father to death, he was flruck with horror at the parricide, and

refolved

3l8 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

refolved not to fee him. He fent Meer Houffein Koord, who was
remarkable for his free manner of fpeaking, to Houflein Shaw with a
meffage, that he had marched from Beejapore folely with the defire
of placing him on the throne, and obliging his father to retire to
fome fort where he might pafs his time in religious exercifes ; but as
he had wickedly put him to death, he would not fee him ; yet, left
the world fhould fuppofe that he adled from views of conqueft, he
fliould leave him to the vengeance of the Almighty, and return to
his own dominions. The fultan, after fending this meffage, returned
to Beejapore J from whence BuUeel Khan was again detached with
twelve thoufand horfe to colled the arrears of ti-ibute from the roies of
Malabar, and, in cafe they refufed payment, to reduce their forts.

A year had fcarce elapfed, when Houflein Nizam Shaw was
aflaflinated, and Jemm?l Khan became all-powerful in the govern-
ment ; upon which, Dillawer Khan advifed Ibrahim Adil Shaw to
move towards Ahmednuggur, to take advantage of the difl!entions j
and firmauns were difpatched to Bulleel Khan, commanding him to
A. D. 1588. return from Malabar without delay. The fultan in 997 marched
from Beejapore, and Dillawer Khan made the army halt near Shaw-
dirruk above a month, in hopes of the jundlion of Bulleel Khan; but
he not appearing, the regent judged farther delay dangerous, and
moved on towards Ahmednuggur. Jemmal Khan, with Ifmaeel
Nizam Shaw, attended by fifteen thoufand horfe, a great body of
foot, and artillery, advanced to meet him, and both armies lay near
each other for many days without engaging. At length, Jemmal
Khan thought proper to beg peace, and Dillawer Khan confented to
grant it, on condition, that the princefs Khadijeh, fifter to Ibrahim
and widow to the late Shaw Houflein, ftiould be fent back to her
brother ; alfo that he fliould pay a fum of money. Jemmal Khan
without delay fent the princefs, with all her effedis and a large fum
of money ; upon which Dillawer Khan retreated i and upon the fame
day Bulleel Khan joined the army, where his fervices were not now

wanted.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

wanted, and his departure from Malabar regretted, as he had nearly
brought affairs in that quarter to a proper adjuftment, which was
difturbed by his recall.

Dillawer Khan, who was difpleafed at his delay, which he fup-
pofed to be defigned, undervalued the effedls which Bulled Khan
had brought as part of the tributes, and demanded the balances
from the roies who had acccompanied him to pay their compliments
to the fultan. In order to affront him flill more, he accufed him, in
prefence of the fultan, of difobeying the royal orders in not haflening
fooner to the royal camp; but Bulled Khan, knowing the fultan
was well inclined towards him, boldly replied, that he had been
guilty of no fault, nor delayed longer than he could well avoid. He
obferved, that he was juft on the point of receiving a large fum in
part of the arrears of tribute, which would have been lofl to the
treafury had he made publick immediately his orders of recall, and
the troops would alfo have met with great difficulties. He obferved,
that the regent, rather than he, was to blame for having led the ful-
tan precipitately againfh an enemy; whereas if he had remained
fifteen days longer at Shawdirruk, the Malabar troops would have
joined, and the country of Nizam Shaw might have been fuccefsfuUy
invaded. Yet he was ready to confefs his own errors, and threw
himfelf on the fultan's mercy for the crimes he might have com-
mitted. Dillawer Khan, though much enraged at this boldnefs ;
apprehending that his notice of it might occafion diflurbances,
thought it beft to conceal his difpleafure. AfTuming then an air of
approbation, he addreffed the fultan, faying, that Bulled Khan was
a loyal fubjedl, and had performed great fervices ; fo that fince his
excufes for delay had reafonable foundation, he requefled his majefly
to forgive his errors, and confer upon him marks of the royal favour.
The fultan, readily complying with this requefl, honoured Bulleel
Khan with a rich khelaut ; and after the breaking up of the court
Dillawer Khan took him with him to his tents, where he entertained

him

319

320 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

him with much magnificence ; and in order to apologife for his late
ufage, iiiid, that as it was known by the publick that he had adopt-
ed him as his fon, if in the affairs of government he did not behave
to him with the fame ftriftnefs as to others, it would be faid that he
was partial to his own children. Shortly after, a khelaut was con-
ferred on the fon of Arfub Naik, who had attended Bulled to pay his
compliments to the fultan, as well as many others of the roies of
Malabar, who were all honourably difmifled to their own country.
The regent having by his hypocritical behaviour thrown the gallant
general off his guard, a few months after the return of the army to
Beejapore, forgetting all his great fervices to himfelf in the time of
Aklaafs Khan, had him treacheroufly feized and deprived of fight,
without the knowledge of the fultan j who, though much difpleafed,
was too much in the power of Dillawer Khan to be able to exprefs
his diflatisfadtion j but opportunity fhortly offered of freeing himfelf
from his intolerable influence.

A.D. J589. In the year 998, Ibrahim Adil Shaw, at the requefl of Dillawer

Khan, marched from Beejapore to afUfl Boorahan Nizam Shaw in the
recovery of the throne of Ahmednuggur from Jemmal Khan, who
had fet up the fon in oppofition to the father. Jemmal Khan having
raifed a confiderable army, advanced with his fovereign, Ifmaeel
Nizam Shaw, to within fixteen miles of the fultan's camp, but
without any intention to engage. He fent ambafladors with great
offers to Dillawer Khan if he would grant him peace ; but the regent
refufing to liflen to any terms, and many officers deferting from
Jemmal Khan, that general, to fecure himfelf from fudden attacks,
retired to a fl:rong pofl furrounded by declivities and broken ground,
at fome diflance from his former camp. Dillawer Khan thinking his
enemy weak, and felf-fecure of vidlory, againfh the exprefs requeft of
the fultan marched after him, with thirty thoufand horfe, in hopes
of taking him prifoner. Upon his arrival at the fpot where Jemmal
Khan, contrary to his expedations, was Jflrongly encamped, he

repented

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

repented of his rafhnefs ; but, adiamed to retire, halted, in liopes
that all his troops would foon join. At this inftant an officer from
Ihrahim Adil Shaw arriving, reprefented, that as the army was not
warned for aftion, the fultan defired he would put it off for the pre-
fent, and ilay till the troops were properly arranged. Dillawer Khan
returning for anfwer that he would fliortly bring Jemmal Khan
bound to the prefence of the fultan, advanced towards the enemy.
Having with great difficulty paffed over much marfhy ground, full
of hollows, he at length, without proper order or difpofition, reached
the enemy's front, and detached the Bergee amras with their cavalry
to fall upon the rear, to prevent any of their baggage efcaping.
Jemmal Khan, feeing no chance of efcape but by the fword, drew
out his troops, and prepared for a defperate refinance. In the very
beginning of the adlion, Ein al Moolk Canaanee, Ankufs Khan and
Aulum Khan, who knew that Ibrahim Adil Shaw was much dif-
pleafed with the regent, deferted him with their troops, and leaving
him in the gulph of deftrudtion, haftened to the royal camp at
Darafung. Dillawer Khan, notwithflanding this, fought fo valiantly
with his own troops, that he put the enemy into diforder ; upon
which his followers feparated to feize the plunder of the camp, ac-
cording to the loofe cuftom of Hindooftan, leaving him with not
more than two hundred horfe. A party of the enemy, who had
retired in good order w^ith their prince, Ifmaeel Nizam Shaw, feeing
this, returned to attack him ; and Dillawer Khan, after much gal-
lant ftruggle, preferring fafety to deftrudlion, fled with {even perfons,
among whom was the author of this hiftory, from the field of battle.
On his way, fpies brought intelligence that Ein al Moolk, with the
other amras who had deferted him, were haftening to the fultan, in
hopes of deftroying his influence ; upon which he redoubled his ex-
pedition, and reached Darafung before them, with three thoufand of
his defeated troops, who joined him by parties on his route. Left
the vidors fhould purfue, he marched with the fultan all night
towards Shawdirruk, where he arrived the next morning. Jemmal

S f Khan

321

322 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Khan, after this very unexpected fuccefs, having taken above one
hundred elephants, advanced to Darafung ; where the author of this
hiflory, who had received fome wounds, and could not travel from
weaknefs, fell into his hands, but made his efcape from him by a
ftratagem. Jemmal Khan, learning that Boorahan Shaw, with his
allies, Khajeh Ali Khan, and the amras of Berar, was advancing
againft him, moved immediately from Darafung -, upon which the
Beejapore army returned again, and purfued him for near one hundred
and fixty miles. The fultan then thought proper to halt with the
main body, and detach on the purfuit the Bergee amras ; but Dilla-
wer Khan difrefpedlfully infifted that the fultan fliould march on,
without delay, to Kaat Rohngur. This infolence gave great diflatis-
fadtion, and Ibrahim Adil Shaw, now of an age to aft for himfelf,
tired of being led in the trammels of a regent, refolved to free him-
felf by effedling his deftrudlion.

As all the officers of the royal houfehold and the body guards
were attached to Dillawer Khan, the fultan was fearful of commu-
nicating his withes to them, left they fhould betray him. After
much precaution, he fixed upon two Hindoos, common fervants of
no note, to be his confidants on this important occafion. Thefe he
fent privately to Ein al Moolk, the ameer al amra, to complain of
' the' unreafonable power of his minifter ; and received in anfwer
facred promifes of affiftance, if he chofe to engage in depofing him
from authority. After much negotiation by the two Hindoos, it
was fettled that the fultan fhould, on a certain night, when Dillawer
Khan was afleep, repair fuddenly to the camp of Ein al Moolk,
which was only at a mile's diftance, where he fhould be joined by
him, Ali Khan and Ankufs Khan, who would faithfully obey his
commands. Ibrahim Adil Shaw, relying upon thefe declarations,
A. D. 1589. on the night of the fourteenth of Rejib, 998, came out of his pri-
vate apartments, and commanded Kuflifdaar Khan to bring him a
horfe. The keeper of the ftables refufed obedience, faying, that

without

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

without the orders of Dillawer IChan he dared not comply. Kufhf-
daar Khan, provoked at this infolence, gave him feveral blows;
upon which the grooms of the ftables were terrified, and brought
horfes immediately. The fultan mounting, iflued, attended by his
Haves from his tents ; and on the way Elias Khan, his nurfe's fon,
who was upon guard, running up to him, afked the caufe of his
motion, and received for anfwer, that the prefent was not a time for
explanation, but he fliould know the caufe if he chofe to attend him ;
which he did immediately, with rather lefs than an hundred horfe.
When he arrived within a fliort diftance of the camp of Ein al
Moolk, he halted, till that nobleman, with Ali Khan and Ankufs
Khan, joined him. As foon as the fultan's march was known,
feveral officers, among whom was the author of this hiftory, with
about three thoufand foldiers, haftened to join him during the night.

Dillawer Khan, though above eighty years of age, had that
night dedicated his hours to pleafure with a beautiful virgin of Dek-
kan, whom he had long fought after, and jufl obtained; fo that,
though feveral fpies often requefted admittance to his prefence, to
inform him of the fultan's flight, his attendants, who had received
orders not to diilurb him, refufed to acquaint him with their coming ;
which negledt gave full time to Ibrahim Adil Shaw to complete his
defigns. Towards funrife, the regent was roufed from his dream of
pleafure, and with his fons and fix thoufand horfe, with many ele-
phants, followed his fovereign, in hopes that on his arrival he would
be deferted by his friends, and again be obliged to throw himfelf into
his hands. When he came in fight of the royal army, the fultan
ordered Ein al Moolk to prepare to oppofe him ; but that nobleman
fent privately a meflenger to the regent, offering to fland neuter
while he might attempt to carry off the king. Dillawer KJian, en-
couraged by this affurance, flopped his followers at a little diftance,
and coming on with an hundred horfe and four elephants clofe to the
fultan, addreffed him, faying, that marching at night was improper^

S f 2 but

323

324 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

but he hoped he would now return to his encampment. The fultan,
enraged at this infolence, exclaimed. Will no one punifh this traitor ?
Upon which an inferior ofHcer of the body guard, named Awut
Khan, fpurring his horfe up to the regent, gave him a wound with
his fabre, and was preparing to infli(fl another ftroke, when the
regent's horfe rearing at the flafhing brightnefs of the weapon, threw
him ; and his elephant drivers rufhing between him and Awut Khan,
he had time to efcape to his own troops, whom he endeavoured to
lead on againft the fultan ; but they were alarmed at the enormity of
aflaulting their fovereign, and refufed, many of them deferting him
immediately. Dillawer Khan, overwhelmed with confufion and
difmay, fled towards Ahmednuggur; but hjs fon Kummaul Khan
Avas overtaken at Darafung by the royalills, and put to death.

When the hand of providence had removed the thorns of the
regent's ufurpations from the fkirts of Ibrahim Adil Shaw, and the
veil of obfcurity was taken from the luftre of his majefty, he gave
khelauts of encouragement to Ein al Moolk, Ali Khan, and Ankufs
Khan, notwithftanding their failure of promife, and, encamping,
afcended the throne to give publick audience. Such as had dif-
tinguiflied themfelves by their loyalty during the night, he rewarded
with a generofity beyond their expeftations, and gratified the nobility
and army by his liberal behaviour. Upon his retiring into his pri-
vate apartments to take repofe, a circumftance happened worthy of
remark. As Dillawer Khan, being of the difciples of Hunefi, had
eftablifhed the fooni ceremonies during his regency, many of the
nobility, among whom were feme ftrift foonites, judging that the
fultan, copying his father and uncle, muft be a flieeah, to pleafe him
gave orders to the criers to proclaim evening prayer in the manner of
the latter fedl. The fultan, who however had by education become
a difciple of Hunefi, on hearing the call to prayer, was offended at
the change, and gave orders for the criers to be confined ; but upon
being informed of the caufe of the alteration, he fmiled at the fudden

converfion

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 32 c

converfion of the foonlte nobility, and would frequently rally them
upon it, calling them political fheeahs. He however left every one
to follow their own opinions in matters of faith, and both fed:s were
publickly allowed to praftife their religious ceremonies, as in the
time of EufufFAdil Shaw.

As, foon after the expulfion of the regent, intelligence arrived of
the defeat of Jemmal Khan, and the acceflion of Boorahan Nizam
Shaw, the fultan fent letters of congratulation to him on the occafion ;
and, as there now remained no caufe for continuing in the field,
returned expeditioufly to Beejapore, where he employed himfelf in
regulating the affairs of his government, which he did with fo much
juftice, clemency, and prudence, that his people foon forgot their
late troubles, and had reafon to congratulate each other on the happy
deliverance of their fovereign from the thraldom of his miniilers.

When Dillawer Khan fled to Ahmednuggur, he was received by
Boorahan Nizam Shaw among his nobility, and appointed to reduce
the forts of Sholapore and Shawdirruk -, which coming to the know-
ledge of Ibrahim Adil Shaw, he fent ambafTadors to requefl that he
might be fent to him, together with the elephants which had been
taken from him by Jemmal Khan. Boorahan Nizam Shaw, inilead
of granting this demand, forgetting every former obligation, pre-
pared for war ; and at the inftigation of Dillawer Khan, in the
month of Jemmad al Sani, 1000, marched towards the territories of a, D. icoi
Beejapore with a great army ; and, having paffed the frontiers, laid
wafte the country as he advanced. Upon his arrival at Munglerreh,
feeing that no army was fent into the field to oppofe him, he became
fufpicious of ftratagem to draw him into the heart of the kingdom,
and on that account would have retreated, but was prevailed upon
by Dillawer Khan to remain, and advance as far as the river Beem-
rah, where he halted, and there finding a ruined fortrefs, ordered it
to be repaired. Ibr-ahim Adil Shaw, who all this time had given

no

326

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

no orders to affemble his nobility, or taken meafures to defend his
country, on hearing this, faid, that Boorahan Nizam Shaw would
fliortly ad lilce the child, who builds walls of clay, and then deftroys
them with his own hands. He feemed to be unmindful that an
enemy was in his country ; and contenting himfelf with difpatching
a few horfe to obferve their motions, appeared to give himfelf totally
up to amufements ; which mode of condud: became the wonder of
all, and every man formed his own conjedlures upon it, both in his
own dominions and the enemy's camp, without being able to account
for his intentions. Boorahan Nizam Shaw confulted upon it with his
own officers and Dillawer Khan, when fome faid that Ibrahim Adil
Shaw, being a youth, was immerfed in pleafures, and unmindful of
the affairs of his kingdom ; others, that, as he was jealous of the
fidelity of his nobility, he was afraid of calling them together. The
fultan's fpies brought him regular information of all that paffed, and
gave alarming accounts of the confidence of the enemy at his very
extraordinary fupinenefs.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw, at length, finding matters ripe for the exe-
cution of his intentions, fent a meflTenger to Dillawer Khan, requeiling
him to return, and once more take the charge of affairs upon him-
felf; obferving, that he faw, though late, the folly of his own con-
dud, in having liftened to the reprefentations of defigning men
againft fo worthy a fervant ; but if he would once more accept of his
office, he might depend on the utmofl encouragement. DUlawer
Khan, overjoyed at tliis invitation, returned for anfwer, that if his
majelly would afTure him he fhould not fuffer any injury in his life or
property, he would haflen to throw himfelf at his feet. All fecuri-
ties he required being granted, the regent, in the hopes of once more
attaining abfolute power and confining the fultan as formerly, ob-
tained his difmiffion from Boorahan Nizam Shaw ; who in vain
reprefented to him that he was haftening to his own deflrudion, as
behaviour like his to his fovereign could never fincerely be forgiven*

The

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The regent haftened to Beejapore, where he arrived iri the evening, as
the fultan was returning in great ftate from the garden of the twelve
Imaums towards the palace, and, having paid his refpe(fls, proceeded
on foot in the train. When he had pafled on a little, the fultan call-
ing to Elias Khan, ordered him to fliew the regent a fpecimen of his
own favourite punifliment in pulling out eyes. Dillawer Khan in
vain reprefented that he had come to court on his majefty's afl'urances
of pardon and fafety. The fultan told him, that he had only promifed
not to injure his life or property, .and that depriving him of fight
could efFeft neither. He was accordingly blinded, and fent to the
fortrefs of Sittareh, where he remained a prifoner till he died.

The fultan having fuccefsfully rid himfelf of his dangerous minif-
ter, fent orders to all his nobility to haften from their jaghires with-
out delay, and made preparations to march againfl the enemy. He
firft fent the Bergee amras, with fix thoufand horfe, to cut off all
communication of fupplies from the enemy's camp ; and in the month
of Shaaban, having appointed Roomi Khan Dekkanee commander of
his armies, difpatched him at the head of ten thoufand horfe, and,
foon after, fent Elias Khan to reinforce him with three thoufand of
the houfehold troops. The Bergee amras greatly diftrefled the
enemy, and defeated feveral detachments fent againfl them ; till at
laft, Boorahan Shaw marched in perfon^ upon which, unable to
oppofe, they recroffed the Beemrah, which was then fordable ; and
a lucky flood of the torrents from the mountains fwelled the river fo
much immediately after, as to prevent their being purfued j upon
which Boorahan Shaw returned to his camp. A famine and peftilen-
tial diforder growing to a great height, and carrying off great numbers
of men and animals, obliged him to retire fome marches back
towards his own country, to obtain relief. When he had received
fupplies of provifions, and the plague had fomewhat ceafed, he
moved again, with a defign to lay fiege to the fortrefs of Sholapore ;
but was oppofed on his march by Roomi Khan and Elias Khan, who

defeated

Z^7

328 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

defeated a principal part of his army under Noor Khan, ameer al
amra of Berar, and took an hundred elephants and four hundred
horfes.

After this lofs, the affairs of Boorahan Nizam Shaw declined
daily, and numbers of his troops, tired of long fervice and fatigue,
deferted from his camp. A confpiracy was formed againft his life by
feveral of the nobility, who wifhed to place his fon Ifmaeel upon the
throne in his room. Difcovering the plot, and growing fufpicious of
all around him, he began his retreat towards Ahmednuggur ; but
was fo haraffed on his firft march, that he thought it imprudent to
attempt moving further till he could make peace with Ibrahim Adil
Shaw, to whom he fent ambafladors for the purpofe. The fultan for
near a month refufed liilening to any terms ; but was at laft prevailed
upon to ceafe enmity, on the condition that Boorahan Nizam Shaw
fliould deftroy the fort he had erecfled upon the bank of the Beemrah,
which he did accordingly, throwing down the firft ftone with his
own hands; after which his troops demohfhed the whole fabric,
which had coft much trouble and expenfe. He then marched ex-
peditioufly back to Ahmednuggur, heartily repenting of his unpro-
voked invafion of the territories of Ibrahim Adil Shaw.

A. D. 1593. As affairs were now reftored to order, the fultan refolved to hum-

ble the roies of Malabar, who, fince the recall of Bulled Khan, had
negledted paying their tribute ; and for this purpofe difpatched Mun-
jun Khan w^ith a confiderable army. This general upon his arrival
at Binkapore halted, and fummoned all the roies to meet him with
their tributes, promifing thofe who obeyed, proted:ion and en-
couragement, but threatening the refrad:ory with certain deftrudtion.
Moft of them prepared to comply with his demands, and intended
coming in a body to vifit him ; but as Gung Naik, who was one of
the principal roies of Malabar, and had eight or ten thoufand horfe
and foot in his pay, went firft to pay his refpedls, the reft, jealous

of

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 329

of his power, and fufpedling that he had gone to form fome plan
againfl them with Munjun Khan, broke oft' their engagements, and
withdrew to the mountains. Munjun Khan not thinking it prudent
to follow them into an unknown country, marched with Gung Naik
ao-ainft Jerreh, which belonged to Arfub Naik ; who with his allies,
to the number of twenty thoufand men endeavoured to interrupt the
fiege. For three days bloody fkirmiflies were kept up, and, as the
Beejaporeans could not ufe their cavaliy, owing to bad ground,
the fuccefs was frequently doubtful; but at length the good
fortune of the fultan's arms prevailed, and Arfub, feeing further
refiftance vain, confented to pay a tribute, and made a prefent of two
fine elephants to Munjun Khan, with many curious and valuable
effeils for the fultan. He alfo joined the army, and aflifted at
the fiege of Myfore, belonging to Negtaderee Naik, which was
reduced in three months, and twenty fine elephants were taken with
it. Munjun Khan was proceeding rapidly in his conquefts, when
the rebellion of the fultan's brother in Balgoan occafioned his recall,
and left the affairs of Malabar once more in an unfettled fituation.

Sultan Thamafp had two fons, Ibrahim Adil Shaw and Sultan
Ifmaeel, who was brought up with his brother till the age of puberty,
when Dillawer Khan fent him to be kept prifoner in the fortrefs of
Balgoan, according to the ufual policy of government. After the
expulfion of the regent, Ibrahim Adil Shaw fent immediately one of
his confidential fervants to his brother, to exprefs his concern that
reafons of fliate would not permit him to fatisfy the defire he had that
they fhould live in the fame place together, and to aflure him of
every indulgence and mark of. affedlion that could be allowed. At
the fame time he fent orders to the governor of Balgoan, to give
fultan Ifmaeel the full liberty of the fort, and to provide every con-
venience and amufement that could make captivity lefs irkfome. He
alfo allowed him a monthly income of ' one thoufand 00ns, for his

T t private

* Three hundred pounds.

330

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

private expenfes. The prince for fome time feemed fatisfied with
his condition ; but fuddenly lofing all fenfe of the generofity of his
brother, confpired againft him, and by degrees bringing over the
governor and garrifon of Balgoan to his intereft, and fecretly cor-'
rupting many of the officers of the court, on the ninth of Ramazan,
A.D. 1593. 1002, took poffeffion of the fort, and openly exalted the ftandard of
rebellion.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw, regarding this behaviour as proceeding chief-
ly from the treachery of fome of his ungrateful nobility, and unwil-
ling to proceed to extremities againft a brother, thought proper to
try firft upon his mind the effedls of admonition ; for which purpofe
he fent to him the venerable Shaw Noor Aalum, with folemn affur-
ances, that if he laid alide his extravagant defigns, he fhould receive
pardon, and be treated with every refpedl and mark of affeftion due
to a brother. The prince, inftead of liftening to the remonftrances
of the Shaw, put him into confinement, and quickened his prepara-
tions to take the field ; at the fame time fending ambafladors to de-
mand the afliftance of Boorahan Nizam Shaw, who promifed to fup-
port him with a confiderable army. Sultan Ifmaeel alfo brought
over to his intereft Ein al Moolk, ameer al amra, and the adopted
fon of Ankufs Khan. The former wifhing, for his own intereft,
that the difputes for the throne might not foon be fettled, would not
break out all at once, fo that Ifmaeel was obliged to content himfelf
for the prefent with the fortrefs of Balgoan and its environs, where
the khootbah was read in his name. Ein al Moolk, to deceive Ibra-
him Adil Shaw, redoubled his fliew of loyalty, till matters fhould
be ripe for the execution of his defigns in favour of the prince. The"
fultan on learning; the behaviour of his brother to Shaw Noor Aalum,
was much enraged, and immediately difpatched Elias Khan, his meer
nobut, with an army to quell the rebellion and befiege Balgoan,

Elias

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Elias Khan, with fix thoufand men, foon arrived before Balgoan j
and as fultan Ilhiaeel had not yet been joined by his adherents, he
fliut himfelf up in the fort, which was clofely befieged by the royal-
ifts. Ein al Moolk alfo, agreeable to the fultan's firmaun, joined
the befiegers to preferve appearances ; but, fecretly attached to the
rebel prince, kept up a conftant correfpondence with the enemy,
and fupplied them at night from his camp with grain and other ne-
ceflaries. Intelligence of this treachery reaching the fultan, he, in
order to try his fidelity, difpatched a firmaun, fummoning him to
court, on pretence that he wiflied to have advice from him on fome
affairs of importance, which could not be communicated to any
other than himfelf. Ein al Moolk, in order to deftroy fufpicion, fet
out with many of his friends immediately on receipt of the firmaun to
Beejapore, where he adled with fo much art, as left the fultan in
doubt of the truth of the accufations againft him ; and Ibrahim Adil
Shaw, unwilling to deftroy an old fervant on fufpicion only, hoped
that, fhould it have any foundation in reality, the favours he received
at his hands would imprefs his mind in fuch a manner, as to make
him lay afide treacherous defigns, and revive his loyalty. With this
view, to do him honour, he received him with the greateft marks of
attention in a full court. Ein al Moolk, according to cuftom, kiffing
the ground three times, advanced to the throne, the feet of which he
alfo kiffed ; but his own guilt at this time Itruck him fo forcibly, that
he was feized with a trembling, which was obferved by the fultan,
who, defiring him to fit down, turned his face another way, that he
might give him time to recover. He afterwards permitted him to
eat with him, and after every mark of kindnefs and diftindlion, hav-
ing conferred upon him a khelaut of great value, a dagger fet with
jewels, fine horfes, and a bracelet of diamonds, gave him leave to
return to the army without delay. The traitor departed from the
capital the next day to his jaghire j and, forgetting his majefty's
clemency, renewed his correfpondence with fultan Ifmaeel, and
afforded him every aid of provifions as before ; which condudl foon

T t 2 became

33*

33^

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

became the topic of common converfation throughout the royal camp»
Not long after this, Hyaut Khan, cutwal of Beejapore, who had
been to efcort ammunition and flores, pafled on liis return from camp
near the refidence of Ein al Moolk, who invited him to an enter-
tainment. Hyaut Khan, in hopes of obtaining a fum of money
from him, upbraided him with his treachery, of which he had
received full proofs in the camp ; at the fame time threatening to
difclofe all he knew to the fultaft. Ein al Moolk, gueffing that his
condud: was now beyond the power of hypocrify or prevarication to
conceal, put Hyaut Khan into fetters for his rafh infolence, and
openly avowed his defedlion, writing letters without delay to the ■
governors of garrifons to join him in favour of the prince. Moft of
them fent fair promifes, but waited to fee the turn of affairs, before
they would dare to adl openly ; but the foldiers of the garrifon of
Mirch inftantly confined their governor, and proclaimed fultan If-
maeel. Ein al Moolk then fent expreffes to Boorahan Nizam Shaw,
defiring him to expedite his march from Ahmednuggur, as the affairs
of fultan Ifmaeel were in a profperous train, and, with his aid,
would eafily attain an happy iflue, for which the forts of Sholapore and
Shawdirruk, with their dependant diftrifts, fhould be given up with-
out delay .^ Boorahan Nizam Shaw, allured by this offer, began his
march, and Ein al Moolk, encouraged by this fupport, withdrew
his troops from Elias Khan before Balgoan -, upon which great con-
fufion prevailed through all the territories of Beejapore. The Hin*
doos of Malabar feizing the opportunity, invaded the diflridls of
Binkapore ; and Elias Khan, either through fear or treachery, raifed
the fiege of Balgoan, and without orders returned to Beejapore,
where his arrival threw the court and inhabitants into great difmay
and terror. Dangerous infurredlions enfued, and many courtiers
formed defigns of taking pofTeflion of the palace for the rebel prince,
to gain his favour ; but the firmnefs of mind of Ibrahim Adil Shaw
on this trying occafion, at length prevailed over the fchemes of the
feditious. He difplaced Elias Khan, Hajee Mahummud, and Roomi

Khan,

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 333

Khan, and put them into ftri<ft confinement, to deter others from
treachery, of which he had ftrong prefumptions of their being guilty,
at the fame time iffuing firmauns to all the amras to repair from their
jaghires to court.

Ein al Moolk, feeing no army to oppofe him in the field, marched
without delay, with ten thoufand horfe and twenty thoufand foot, to
Balgoan, where he prevailed upon fultan Ifmaeel to quit the fort ;
and without waiting for thejunftion of Boorahan Nizam Shaw, who
had began his march from his capital of Ahmednuggur, refolved to
move againft the fultan at Beejapore. Ibrahim Adil Shaw, upon
intelligence of this defign, having appointed Hummeed Khan to the
command of his army, fent him againft the rebels ; who, upon his
arrival at Eefapore, fent fome confidential perfons to make him great
offers of reward if he would come over to them. Hummeed Khan,
by the inflrudlions of his fovereign, received the mefTengers with
much kindnefs, afiTuring them that he had no defigns of oppofition,
and meant to join fultan Ifmaeel ; who, if he would quit the fort and
take command of the army, might gain pofTeflion of the throne with-
out trouble, or putting himfelf under any obligations for the afTiftance
of Boorahan Nizam Shaw. Ein al Moolk, deceived by this promife,
forgot his ufual caution, and imprudently moved with fultan Ifmaeel
to an extenfive plain at fome diftance from Balgoan, where, fecure in
his own mind, he was intent only on making magnificent preparations
for the reception of Hummeed Khan and the other chiefs of the
royal army. His fon, Ghalib Khan, who had remonftrated to
him without efFeft on his ingratitude to Ibrahim Adil Shaw, now
warned him againfl the treachery of Hummeed Khan, and begged
him at all events to be upon his guard againft furprize, but all in
vain. Hummeed Khan advanced in great order towards the camp a D icq
of the rebels, where the prince and Ein al Moolk waited, with their
principal adherents, in a magnificent tent to receive him ; fo that he
was allowed to approach clofe to their lines without apprehenfion.

He

334

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

He then, fuddenly throwing off the mafl<, made a vigorous charge,
which threw the camp into confufion and diforder. The prince and
Ein al Moolk, upon being undeceived, mounted their horfes, and
endeavoured to colledt their troops for oppofition, but in vain. Ein
al Moolk received a v/ound from a fabre, and, falling from his
horfe, his head was immediately cut off by Soheil Khan. Sultan
Ifmaeel was taken prifoner in trying to make his efcape to Ankufs
Khan, with whofe affiftance he intended to join Boorahan Nizam
Shaw. The rebel army difperfed to different quarters, and Hum-
meed Khan fent the head of Ein al Moolk, with congratulatory
accounts of his vidlory to Beejapore. Ibrahim Adil Shaw ordered
the head of the traitor to be placed on a high pole, before the prin-
cipal eate of his palace, where it remained near a week 5 and Shuja-
hut Khan Koord was fent to the camp, where, to prevent frefh
rebellions, he by the fultan's orders put an end to the exiffence of
fultan Ifmaeel. Hummeed Khan returned to Beejapore, and with
many other amras was highly diftinguifhed by the royal favour. The
head of Ein al Moolk being put into a great gun was blown into the
air, that no traces might remain of him ; and feventeeen perfons of
the garrifon of Mirch, who had confined their chief and declared
for the rebels, were put to death, after being brought in chains to
Beejapore, by way of example. Boorahan Nizam Shaw, who had
advanced as far as tlie fort of Porundeh to affiff the rebellion, on
hearing that it was quelled, and the order of government reilored,
retreated with expedition towards Ahmednuggur^

The great Author of events, and the Former of the world by
words only, in order to difplay the fulnefs of his power, at frequent
periods effeds revolutions furprizing to human imagination, of which
there could not be a greater proof than this vidlory, which was un-
expedled by all, as moll of the nobility favoured fultan Ifmaeel, and
the zemindars were throughout the kingdom of Beejapore ripe for
revolt.

Not

" ■» t

jj"

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Not long after this, Boorahan Nizam Sliaw entering into alliance
with the roy of Bilcondah, refolved again to invade the territories of
Ibrahim Adil Shaw ; and accordingly difpatched Mortiza Khan
Anjoo, at the head of ten thoufand horfe, with intentions to reduce
Shawdirruk and Sholapore, while his ally laid fiege to fome of the
forts on the frontiers of Carnatic. Mortiza Khan, when he had ad-
vanced as far as Porundeh, finding that the roy of Bilcondali had not
yet begun his march, thought proper to halt ; but fent out detach-
ments to lay wafte and plunder the adjacent country. Thefe received
a fevere defeat from the troops of Ibrahim Adil Shaw, and their com-
mander, Uzbak Khan, was killed in the adlion, which ftruck the
reft of the army with terror, and flopped their operations. In the
month of Rejib, Boorahan Nizam Shaw was taken dangeroufly ill of
a bloody dyfentery j the news of which occafioned great commotions
in the army at Porundeh, where diflentions arofe among the amras,
and Mortiza Khan, with many of his friends, fearing aflaflination
from the mutinous chiefs, left his command, and retired to Ahmed-
nuggur ; at the fame time Khalifah Arab and Kuzzlbafti Khan fled
for refuge to Ibrahim Adil Shaw. Boorahan Shaw, wafted by illnefs
and the diffentions of his government, dying, was fucceeded by his
fon Ibrahim, and Mean Munjoo Dekkanee became regent of the
kingdom j but the young fultan's mother, who was an Abyflinian,
gave fo much encouragement to the chiefs of her own nation, that
the power of his office was withheld from him, and the upftart Abyf-
finians behaved fo difrefpedlfully to the ambafladors from Beejapore,
as to make them quit Ahmednuggur in difguft.

Ibrahim Adil Shaw was fo much offended at the affront offered to
his throne, that he refolved to be revenged on Nizam Shaw ; for
which purpofe, he on the twentieth of Shaaban having marched a. 0.1504.
from his capital, encamped at Bhamenalee, and moved from thence
towards Shawdirruk. Being however not fond of unneceffary war,
he had determined in his own mind, if ambafladors ftiould be fent

from

33^

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

tfom Ahmednuggur with apologies for the conduft of the miniflers
and defires of peace, to lay afide his expedition ; and in this hope
made defignedly but very flow marches to Shawdirruk, where he
rixed his head quarters.

Aklaafs Khan and the Abyflinian amras of Ahmednuggur, iiiftead
of endeavouring to make peace, marched with the fultan Ibrahim
Shaw, at the head of thirty thoufand men and a great train of artil-
lery, to their borders ; upon which Ibrahim Adil Shaw, thinking
delay no longer advifeable, difpatched Hummeed Khan with other
amras of diftindtion againft them ; at the fame time giving inftruftions,
that if Ibrahim Nizam Shaw did not attempt marching into his
country, they ftiould refrain from hoftilities. The Nizam Shawee army
pafled the boundaries of Beejapore ; upon which Hummeed Khaa
without delay marched to attack their camp, and a fevere adtion
enfued, in which he was near being defeated, his left wing giving
way and flying from the field, clofely purfued by the right of the
enemy. Hummeed Khan however refolutely continued the battle
with his center and right wing. Ibrahim Nizam Shaw, who had at
firit remained in the rear, to be out of danger, feeing the flight of
part of the enemy's line, advanced with his houfehold attendants ;
which being perceived by Soheil Khan, a eunuch, who commanded
the right wing of the Adil Shawee army, he charged him; upon
which the fultan's attendants begged him to retire, but he would not
confent, exclaiming, that as his brother Ifmaeel had difdained to fly
from Dillawer Khan, it would be diflionourable in him to give way
before a eunuch. Having faid this, he drew his fabre, and with the
elephants rufhed towards Soheil Khan ; but, after a fhort flruggle,
he received a mortal wound from an arrow, and died immediately.
His attendants took up the body, and fled towards Ahmednuggur j
and the other part of the army engaged with Hummeed Khan, learn-
ing the death of their king, were feized with a panic, and hafl:ened
from the field, of which they had nearly been the victors, leaving all

their

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

337

their baggage and artillery, with moft of the royal elephants, to the
plunder of the fortunate conquerors, who found themfelves fuch,
when they leaft expected. While Hummeed Khan was enjoying the
fruits of his vidory, Ibrahim Adil Shaw received intelligence at
Shawdirruk that his army was defeated, as many of the fugitives of
the left wing, which had broken and difperfed at the beginnijig of
the aiflion, had fled as far as the royal camp, which was thrown into
great confternation by their alarming accounts. Some faid, moft of
the nobility had been flain, and that all the elephants except one had
fallen into the hands of the enemy. For three days, uncertain intel-
ligence and frequent alarms were received ; but on the fourth, full
accounts were brought of the unexpeded vidtory, and the death of
Ibrahim Nizam Shaw, which changed the terrors of the multitude
to the extravagance of joy. The fultan, notwithftanding this fignal
advantage, and the confufed ftate of the enemy's government, would
not confent to invade their territories, but recalled Hummeed Khan
from the borders ; and in the latter part of the month marched back
towards Beejapore, but did not enter that capital till 1004. He A. D. 1595.
halted on the banks of the Beemrah, from whence he difpatched a
force againft one of the zemindars of the Carnatic, who, taking ad-
vantage of the war, had befieged the fortrefs of Oodnee, which was
in danger of faUing from want of provifions. On the thirteenth of
Mohirrum, the fultan made a triumphant entry into Beejapore, amid
the acclamations of his people ; who on this occafion had adorned the
flreets with tiflues, velvets, brocades, other rich cloths, and coftly
ornaments. Soon after this, intelligence arrived that the infidels oF
Carnatic had, on the approach of the royal troops, raifed the fiege of
Oodnee, and fled to their own country j but that many of them were
cut to pieces in the purfuit. Meer Mahummud Saleh Hummadanee,
a venerable fyed, arriving near Beejapore, and bringing with him
fome hairs of the prophet, the fultan, eager to pay his refpeds to
fuch valuable relics, went out to meet him ; and having condudted
him into the city, entertained him with royal magnificence for

U u many

338 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

maojr days. He endeavoured to prevail upon him to fix his refidence
at his court, but the holy man was earneft to perform the pilgrimage
to Mecca ; and at his departure the fultan conferred upon him many
rich prefents, and received from him two of the facred hairs, which
he placed with care in a golden fhrine fet with jewels, and conftantly
vilited it every Friday night, and upon all holidays.

Diiputes growing to a great height in the government of Ahmed-
nuggur, fultan Moraud, fon of the emperor Akber, was invited into
Dekkan by one of the parties ; and, eager to take advantage of
diffention to fpread the authority of the Moguls in that country,
marched from Guzarat to Ahmednuggur with an army of thirty
thoufand men, and laid fiege to that city, which he was after many
months obliged to raife, as Ibrahim Adil Shaw difpatched Soheil
Khan with a great army to the relief of the befieged Nizam Shaw-
eeans, and, before his arrival, the Moguls retired.

Ferishta concludes his hiftory of the Beejapore fultans in the

A. D. 1596. year 1005. What follows relative to them, is tranflated from a work

called Lub al Towareekh, a fummary hiftory of Hindooftan, by

Binderabun, a Hindoo, in the reign of Aurungzebe, as I could not

obtain any fuller authority.

Binderabun writes, " I know not of any hiftory, after FeriAta's,
" of the fovereigns of Dekkan ; but as the conclufion of his was at
" the clofe of the reign of the emperor Akber, I have feledled fome
" information from his hiftory, fome from that of the fucceeding
" emperors, and the reft from the converfation of well-informed,
" credible perfons, and partly I write from my own knowledge."

In

i

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 339

In the reign of Jehaungeer, Ibrahim Adil Shaw, in concert with
the fultan of Ahmednuggur, difpatched an army againft Abd al
Raheem Khankhaanan, the Mogul foubahdar of Khandefhe and Berar.
The foubahdar, unable to oppofe the alUes, was blocked up in the
city of Boorahanpore. The Dekkanees poflefled themfelves of feveral
diftricfts in both provinces ; and carrying their depredations into
Malwa, laid wafte the country as far north as the fortrefs of
*Mandou. At length, the prince fultan ''Khoorrum advancing with
an army from Dhely, an engagement took place near Boorahanpore,
when the Dekkanees were defeated with great flaughter, and fled.
The imperial diftridts in Dekkan were recovered, and a very con-
fiderable part of the Ahmednuggur fovereignty reduced to the Mogul
government by the prince ; who, at length, confented to a peace, on
the aUied fultans paying him a fum of ' fifty lacks of rupees.

Of the above fum, * twenty lacks were contributed by Ibrahim
Adil Shaw, who in the year 1036 departed this life, after a reign of A.D. 1626.
forty feven years and fome months.

* The ancient capital of Malwa.
^ Afterwards Shaw Jehaun.

' Five hundred thoufand pounds.

* Two hundred thoufand pounds.

U u 2 SULTAN

340

f ERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
MAHUMMUD ADIL SHAW.

oULTAN Mahummud Adil Shaw on the death of his father
acceded to the throne of Beejapore. As the Moguls were daily
extending their conquefts in Dekkan, and he knew that Ihould the
country of Ahmednuggur be reduced, his own would become the
objedl of attack, he affifted Nizam Shaw againft the imperial arms ;
and more than once fuffered for his condud, being obliged to pur-
A. D. 1634. chafe peace by large contributions. In the year 1044, the armies of
the emperor Shaw Jehaun, under Khan Dowraun, Khan Zummaun,
and Syed Jehaun Khan, invaded Dekkan on three quarters, and laid
wafte the country of Beejapore without mercy. After the redudlion
of Dowlutabad and other forts, with moft part of the kingdom of
Nizam Shaw, Mahummud Adil Shaw agreed to pay a conliderable
tribute to the emperor Shaw Jehaun. Though the government of
Dekkan was entrufled to the prince Aurungzebe, he courted the
patronage of Dara Shekkoh, and by his influence obtained royal titles
from Shaw Jehaun, to whom he prefented " forty lacks of rupees and
forty elephants, with houfings of gold and filver. He gave alfo "" five
lacks and fome elephants to the princefs Jehaunara Begum ; and
' fifteen lacks of rupees, as many elephants, and fome valuable
jewels, to the prince Dara Shekkoh. Afterwards, having difpleafed

Aurungzebe,

* Four hundred thoufand pounds.
Fifty thoufand pounds.
One hundred and fifty thoufand pounds.

)>

PERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

34*

Aumngzebe, that prince obtained pcrmifllon to invade Beejapore ;

which he entered, and took the fortrefs of Kallean and other places •

but at this jundure intelligence arriving of the illnefs of Shaw Jehaun,

and the confufion confequent at court, he moved from Dekkan.

Mahummud Adil Shaw for the prefent faved his country. In the

latter part of his reign, his vaflal Sewajee, the fon of Sahoo Bhofileh,

by ftratagem and treachery obtained great power, and the foundations

of the Beejapore monarchy became weakened, as will be accounted

for in the hiftory of the reign of Aurungzebe. Mahummud Adil

Shaw died in the year 1 07 1 . A. D. 1 660.

SULTAN

342 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
ALEE ADIL SHAW 2^-

1 HIS prince fucceeding his father in his childhood, was un-
able to remedy the diforders which had occurred in his kingdom
by the rebellion of Sewajee. This chief had poflefTed himfelf of
all the ftrong holds in the Kokun country, and ereded feveral new
forts. Under pretence of making his fubmiffions to the fultan, he
begged an interview with the Beejapore general, Afzul Khan, whom
he treacheroully flabbed in an embrace. Ruftum Khan was after-
wards fent againft him, and defeated. Alee Adil Shaw died in the

A. D. 1672. year 1083, after a turbulent reign of between eleven and twelve years ;
during which he enjoyed little of royalty but the name, his country
being ufurped by Sewajee and other vaflals. He was fucceeded by
his fon Secunder Adil Shaw, an infant, who never acquired any real

A.D. 1685. power, being the tool of his nobility i and in the year 1097, Beeja-
pore, with its remaining dependancies, was reduced to the Mogul
yoke by the emperor Aulumgeer.

END OF ADIL SHAWEE HISTORY.

0= The hiflory of the reigns fubfequent to that of Ibrahim Adil Shaw 2d. the
tranflator laments being too concife ; but more detailed accounts were not to be ob-
tained, though no enquiries have been fpared in the fearch for them. The chafm
however will be found in fome meafure filled up to the reader, by the account of the
operations of the Mogul emperors in Dekkan, in another part of this work.

FERISHTA's HISTORY

OF

THE AHMEDNUGGUR SULTANS,

OR

NIZAM SHAWEE DYNASTY.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEFCKAN.

345

SULTAN
AHMED NIZAM SHAW BEHEREE.

Ahmed Nizam Shaw was the fon of Mallek. Naib Nizam al
Moolk Beheree, originally a bramin of Beejanuggur, but being taken
prifoner in his infancy by the army of fultan Ahmed Shaw Bhamenee,
was made a muflulmaun, received the name of Mallek HoufTun, and
was educated as one of the royal flaves. The fultan, feeing him a
youth of abilities, gave him to his eldell fon Mahummud fultan, with
whom he finiflied his education, under the fame tutor, and became
eminently learned in Perfic and Arabic literature. On fultan Ma-
hummud's acceflion to the throne, he was raifed by that prince to
the rank of a thoufand, and the charge of the royal falconry was
entrufted to him, from which he acquired the appellation of
' Beheree. By degrees he rofe to the higheft honours, received the
titles of Afhruff Humaioon Nizam al Moolk Beheree, and by the
patronage of Khajeh Jehaun Gawan, being appointed governor of
TeHngana, had Raajmundree and Cundapul, with their dependancies,
conferred upon him in jaghire. Upon the death of Khajeh Jehaun,
he fucceeded him in office, and was honoured with the title of Mal-
lek Naib. Upon the death of Mahummud Shaw, he by his will
became firft minifter to his fon fultan Mhamood, who added Beer
and other diftrids to his jaghire ; which he committed to the charge
of his fon Mallek Ahmed, who took up his refidence at Khiber, and

W w employed

f Beher Is a fpecles of hawk.

2^6 FERISHTA's HISTORY GF DEKKAN.

employed himfelf diligently in the affairs of his government. As
feme of the forts granted to him were garrifoned by Mharattas, who
refufed to evacuate them, on pretence that fultan Mhamood, being
an infant, was not capable of conducing affairs, Mallek Ahmed pro-
ceeded to reduce them by force ; and iirft marched againft the fortrefs
of Seer, which was very flrong, built round the fummit of a high
hill. The garrifon, after a long fiege, being in great diflrefs, and
feeing no hopes of relief, threw their- weapons and flirouds on their
necks, and came out to him with the keys of the place ; at the fame
time laying at his feet five years tribute of the Kokun, which had
been laid up there. This amounting to a very great fum enabled
hini to confer ample rewards upon his followers, and gave credit to
his name. He fucceffively reduced the forts of Johnde, Lahgur,
Sukkee, Terronee, Nuggoreh, Kundaneh, Perrub, HuiTodun, Goher-
derruk, Meerunje, Maholee, and Palee, by which conquefts all the
country of Kokun fell into his hands. He was befieging the fort of
Dundaraajepore when he received intelligence of the affaffination of
his father, Nizam al Moolk, and immediately returned to Khiber ;
where he affumed the titles of the deceafed, and was generally known
by thofe of Ahmed Nizam al Moolk Beheree, to which the people
of Dekkan, though he did not affed it, added the name of Shaw,
which we Oiall alfo ufe in mentioning him hereafter.

Ahmed Nizam Shaw, on his return to Khiber, after he had fpent
the ufual time in mourning for his father, turned his attention to the
welfare of his people; and fo juflly fettled his country, that the
loadftone dared not attradl iron, and the * karooba refrained from
molefling grafs. As he had diflinguifhed himfelf repeatedly as a
general in the field, though fultan Mhamood wifhed to remove him
from power, none of his nobility would accept the tafk of reducing

him

» A plant, the leaf of which has the fame effeil on fmall bits of grafs, as the load-
flone on iron.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

him. By the inftigation of Cafim Bereed, the fultan fent repeatedly
firmauns to Eufuff" Adil Khan, commanding him, in conjunction
with Khajeh Jehaun Dekkanee and Zien ad Dien AU Talifs, to
march againft Khiberj but Adil Khan excufed himfelf, and even
fent an envoy to v/arn Ahmed of his dangerous fituation, and to
prepare for the defence of his dominions ; at the fame time ordering
his troops to evacuate to him the fortrefs of Indapore, and promifing
him affiilance, fliould he require it.

Ahmed Nizam Shaw, having appointed Zerreef al Moolk
Afghaun his ameer al amra, and Nufleer al Moolk Guzaratee his
meer jumleh, fent a meflage to Zien ad Dien Ali Talifs, that as the
rights of neighbourhood deferved the tokens of regard and generofity,
and he efteemed him as endowed with valour and magnanimity, he
wiflied that, erafing the charadters of flrangenefs from his mind, and
forgetting the pafl, he would look upon himfelf as the partner of
his riling fortunes. Zien ad Dien meeting his advances, made pro-
feflions of duty and fubmiflion, but on Nadir al Zumman's marching
to reduce Ahmed Shaw, with twelve thoufand horfe, wavered in his
friendfhip, and refolved to join that nobleman. Ahmed Shaw on
the approach of Nadir, having fent his family for fafety to the fort of
Seer, marched with intentions to harafs the enemy ; but as he was
greatly fuperior in numbers, to avoid coming to an engagement.
With this view he kept from them at the diflance of eight or ten
miles, taking precautions to prevent a furprize. Finding that Zien
ad Dien Ali Talifs waited only for an opportunity to join Nadir, he
left his main body to the charge of Nufleer al Moolk, and with a
feled; party, under pretence of hunting, moved fuddenly towards Jag-
neh, the refidence of Zien ad Dien, who had no fufpicion, and kept
but a loofe difcipline in the garrifon. He arrived at night, and apply-
ing ladders to the walls, mounted firfl himfelf, followed by {even-
teen perfons, while others efcaladed at various quarters. Having got
into the fort without oppofition from the drowly and unfufpedling

W w 2 guards.

347

348 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

guards, he made a general flaughter of the garrilbn, and Zien ad
Dien with about feven hundred followers were put to death. Nufieer
al Moolk upon hearing of the fall of Jagneh, became ambitious of
diftinguifhing himfelf by fome important fervice, before the return of
his fovereign, and with only three thoufand horfe marched againfl
the enemy, of whom he defeated two confiderable detachments;
which encouraging him, he imprudently with his fatigued party gave
battle to Nadir, but was defeated with great lofs. Ahmed Shaw,
on his return from Jagneh, went to vilit him, and ufed every means
to encourage him in his difagreeable lituation. Some nights after,
having left his camp Handing, he furprized the enemy fo efFedlually,
that Nadir, with many of his principal officers, were killed, and his
army totally difperfed, leaving all their baggage and tents to the for-
tunate Ahmed Shaw ; who after his vidlory returned to Khiber, and,
as before, turned all his attention to the flourifhing flate of his people.

Sultan Mhamood Bhamenee, enraged at the defeat of his general,
fent towards Khiber Uzmut al Moolk Dobeer, with eighteen amras
of diftindtion and a great army ; upon which Ahmed Shaw, quitting
the fortrefs, moved with his army into the mountainous country of
Kadabad ; and when the royal army had reached the pafs of Meeree,
he with three thoufand horfe marched expeditioufly to Ahmedabad
Bieder, and arriving during the night, was admitted by the guards,
whom he had previoufly bribed to his interefts. He proceeded im-
mediately to the palace, and having taken all the family of his father
into his proted;ion, fent them oif immediately towards Khiber; then,
having fecured the women and children of all the amras who were
with the army fent againfl him, left the capital in the morning, and
carried them with him towards the fortrefs of Porundeh, but took the
greateft care that no infults ihould be offered to the honour of the
women.

, The

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The amras at the pafs of Meeree, upon hearing of this bold en-
terprize, and the fuccefs with which it had been attended, returned,
in hopes of intercepting him ; and arriving near, fent liim a meflage,
tiaat as he had adled towards their wives and children as his own,
they all were obliged, and bound by gratitude not to attack him ;
but that it was unbecoming his magnanimity to fly from them like
robbers or banditti and diftrefs women ; a behaviour not allowable
among Koords or Fringes. Ahmed Shaw, hurt at this remark, im-
mediately fent back to them the women and children, and marched
to Porundeh. Jull; then a firmaun full of reprimand and difpleafure
came from fultan Mhamood to his amras, fetting forth, that Ahmed
the fon of Nizam al Moolk, the falconer, fpreading his pinions like
the hawk, foared on high, while they, trembling in the nefts of their
tents, could not preferve the innocent mates of their affed:ions from
his talons j that if, having taken the rebel prifoner, they fhould
repair paft errors, it was well ; otherwife, being feized by the royal
anger and difpleafure, they would give the honour of themfelves and
their anceftors to the winds. The amras upon receipt of this firmaun
halted, and fent off reprefentations to the fultan, that they were fol-
diers, whofe bufinefs it was only to fight the enemy, of whofe mo-
tions if the proper intelligence had been negled:ed, they were not to
blame, but Uzmut Dobeer, who commanded the army; that if
another chief fliould be fent them in his room, by the aufpices of tlie
royal fortune, the expulfion of the enemy would be effected. Sultan
Mhamood immediately recalled Uzmut, and fent Jehaungeer Khan,
governor of Telingana, with three thoufand horfe as a reinforce-
ment, to command the army in his room. This general, who was
one of the firfl miniflers of the court, had performed many great ex-
ploits, and in courage and condudl was unequalled in Dekkan, iipon
his jundlion with the army, encouraged all the amras, and without
delay advanced by continued marches to Porundeh.

Ahmed

349

2^0 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Ahmed Shaw, not thing it prudent to engage, applied to Ummad
al Moolk for affiftance ; but feeing no hopes of obtaining it, and
Jehaungeer Khan arriving near Puttun, he moved towards Khiber^
and entering the hilly country by the pafs of Jeypore, was joined the
fame day by NulTeer al Moolk Guzaratee, with his army from
Kadirubad, and a great fupply of treafure and provifions ; upon
which he placed guards in the pafles, and halted in the mountains.
Jehaungeer Khan at length entered the hills by the pafs of Biefganou,
and encamped near the town of Binkar. Both armies remained near
a month inadive, within eighteen miles of each other j when Jehaun-
geer Khan on the fetting in of the rains, fuppofing that Ahmed
Shaw muft perifli blocked up in the hills, or furrender to his fuperior
army, became incautious, and gave himfelf up to his pleafures ; and
his example was followed by the officers and foldiers of his camp,
who became negligent of duty.

Ahmed Shaw, who had good intelligence of the forgetfulnefs and
A. D. 1489. felf-fecurity of the enemy, on the night of the third of Rejib, 895,
moved from his camp with Azim Khan, and marched fo rapidly,
that juft at daybreak he reached the enemy's camp, and rufhing upon
them, like a fudden calamity of fortune, gave not a man time to
oppofe him. Some, in the fleep of intoxication, took the road of
futurity i and others, on opening their eyes, feeing death before
them, gave themfelves up a prey to anniliilation. Jehaungeer Khan
and many officers of rank were killed in the confuiion, and thofe
who furvived were taken prifoners by Ahmed Shaw; who, after
putting them on buffaloes, with their vefts torn in flips down to their
waifts, and leading them round his camp for the fport of his foldiers,
gave them leave to return to the capital with the accounts of their
difgrace. This vidtory was called the vidlory of the garden, as
Ahmed Shaw laid out on the fpot a magnificent garden, in which he.
built a fplendid palace, which was added to by all his fucceffors,
who fortified and made it their general refidence, by the name of

Baugh

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 3jl

Baugh Nizam. Ahmed Shaw, after returning thanks to God for his
victory, and giving a town near his camp as a charitable foundation
for holy men, returned to Khiber ; where he now fat without an
oppofer on the mufnud of royalty j and, by the advice of Eufuff Adil
Shaw, having difcontinued reading the khootbah in the name of
Mhamood Shaw, put in his own, and fpread a white umbrdla over
his head. Khajeh Jehaun and feveral amras, however, reprefenting
to him that his doing this while the Bhamenee fultan lived was un-
grateful, he, to retain their attachments, left his own name out of
the khootbah, and faid, that he ufed an umbrella only to flielter him-
felf from the fun, and not as a fign of royalty. The amras obferved
to him, that as that was the cafe, they had no objeftions, provided he
gave general leave to them and all his fubjefts to ufe the umbrella.'
As he could not well refufe, permiffion was given ; and from that
time to this in his country, the king and the beggar carry it over
their heads ; but to diftinguifh the fultan from his fubjefts, the royal
umbrella has a piece of red upon it, while the others are all white.
This cuftom fpread throughout all Dekkan, contrary to that in the
Mogul empire, * where no one but the fovereign dare ufe an um-
brella. A few days after, Khajeh Jehaun repented of his bold-
nefs, and, with all the amras, requefted him to replace his name in
the khootbah, which at their earneft entreaties he agreed to ; at the
fame time pretending, it was only in compliance with their wiflies,
and not from any ambition of his own. Soon after this he marched to
reduce the fortrefs of Dundaraajepore, a ftrong place near the feaport
of Choul ; and having taken it after a long fiege, and by this means
fecured quiet pofleffion of the country of Kokun, he turned his
thoughts to the acquifition of Dowlutabad; for which purpofe he
formed connexions of friendfhip with the governors, on whom he
hoped to prevail to deliver it up.

Mallek
' This is the cafe at prefent, except in the Englifli dominions.

352 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Mallek Wojeh and Mallek AfhrufFwere brothers, and originally
fervants ofKhajeh Jehaun Gawan, after whofe death they became
enrolled among the corps of fillehdaars of fultan Mhamood, and were
at length raifed to the rank of nobility, by the patronage of Mallek
Naib Nizam al Moolk Beheree, when Mallek Wojeh was appointed
governor of the garrifon of Dowlutabad, and Mallek Aihruff of the
diftrids dependant upon that fortrels. They condudled affairs fo well,
that the banditti of Dowlutabad, long famous for their daring rob-
beries, were expelled, and the roads to the frontiers of Sultanpore,
Nuddirbar, Buggellana and Guzarat became fo fecure, that merchants
and travellers palled without guards ; and the inhabitants being happy
under their government, the country became populous and flourilliing.
Both the brothers, in gratitude for the patronage of Nizam al Moolk,
kept on terms of the ftri(Steft friendfliip with his fon Ahmed Shaw j
who, to cement their alliance flill ftronger, after the vidiory of Baugh
Nizam, gave his filler Bibi Zeenut in marriage to Mallek Wojeh. A
fon being born from this union, the younger brother, Mallek AflirufF, ,
who had entertained ambitious views of fucceeding Mallek Wojeh
and founding a kingdom for himfelf, was alarmed at it, and atro-
cioufly contrived to afTaflinate both father and fon ; after which crime
he afTumed independance at Dowlutabad, and endeavoured to form
alliances with the fovereigns of Boorahanpore, Berar, and Guzarat.
Bibi Zeenut, after the murder of her hulband and fon, having made
her efcape to Khiber, demanded protedlion of her brother Ahmed
A. D. 1493. Nizam Shaw; who, in confequence, moved in the year 899, with
intention to reduce Dowlutabad. Upon his arrival at the garden of
Nizam, ambaffadors came to him from Cafim Bereed, requefting
his affiftahce againft EufufF Adil Khan, who had laid liege to the
capital of Ahmedabad Bieder, and promifing, if he would com-
ply, to afford him aid in the reducflion of Dowlutabad. Ahmed
Shaw confenting to the requeft, marched to Bieder, which he reliev-
ed in the manner we have related in the hiftory of Eufuff Adil Shaw;
and then returning by the fame route, proceeded to execute his

original

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 353

original defign ; but finding, after a fiege of two months, that Dow-
lutabad was too ftrong to be taken by force, he retreated towards
Khiber. On his arrival at the town of Binkar, fituated nearly at an
equal diftance from both places, he formed the defign of raifing a
city for the capital of his dominions ; from whence he refolved, every
year at the harveft feafons, to difpatch an army to lay wafte the ter-
ritories dependant upon Dowlutabad, hoping that the garrifon, being
deprived of refources and diflreffed for provilions, would in procefs of
time defert their chief, and give up that important fortrefs. With
this view, in the year 900, at an inftant fixed upon by the aftrologers A. D. 1493.
as aufpicious, he began the foundations of a city near the garden of
Nizam, upon the bank of the river Seen, to which he gave the name
of Ahmednuggur. Such diligence was ufed in erefting buildings, by
the fultan and all his dependants, that in the fliort fpace of two years
the new city rivalled in fplendour Bagdad and Cairo. His army every
year marching into the territories of Dowlutabad, left nothing undone
inruining cultivation, wafling grain, and fetting fire to the habita-
tions of the farmers at both the harvefts. In the year 905, fultan A. D. 1494.
Mhamood of Guzarat, at the requeft of Mallek AflirufF, marched
towards Dekkan ; refolving firft to humble Adil Khan Farooki,
fovereign of Khandeflie, and then proceed to Dowlutabad, which
was befieged as ufual by Ahmed Nizam Shaw. Upon his arrival at
Sultanpore, Adil Khan being alarmed, requeued the afiiflance of
Ummad al Moolk and Ahmed Shaw -, upon which the latter imme-
diately evacuated the vicinity of Dowlutabad, and haflened with
fifteen thoufand horfe to Boorahanpore, fultan Mhamood being then
encamped with a great army near Afere. Nuileer al Moolk, by the
advice of Ahmed Shaw, by means of a large fum of money, prevailed
upon the keeper of the fultan's elephants to let loofe from his chains
one of thofe animals, who was remarkably vicious. On the night
appointed, Ahmed Shaw, with five thoufand men, marched towards
the Guzaratee camp ; and at twelve o'clock, when, by a fignal agreed
upon, the elephant was let loofe and occafioned great confufion, he

X X fuddenly

354

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

fuddenly poured in upon the line fliowers of rockets and mufque-
try. Sultan Mhamood and his officers, who apprehended nothing
lefs than an attack from fo inferior an enemy, and were fleeping
quietly in their tents, alarmed at the uproar, rofe from their beds
with hafty confufion. At this inllant, the elephant ran towards the
tents of the royal haram, the ladies of which, frightened, made
dreadful fhrieks ; upon this the fultan, fuppofing the enemy had
penetrated his camp and were beginning a flaughter of his family,
made his way out of his tents, and fled with a few attendants to the
diftance of fix miles. The Dekkanees continued at the limits of the
camp firing rockets, till the Guzarat amras had turned out their
troops, and then retreated; upon which, the latter haftened in a
body to the royal tents, to congratulate the fultan on the repulfe of
the enemy; but not finding him, they thought proper to follow
with the whole army ; and Ahmed Shaw in the morning took up the
ground they had left, with his allies, Adil Khan and Ummad al
Moolk. A peace being concluded with fultan Mhamood fhortly
after, Ahmed Shaw returned towards Dowlutabad, and encamping
on Ballaghaut, relaxed from his cares in a variety of amufements.
While here, fome gardeners brought him feveral balkets of mangoes,
which they faid had grown from kernels that had fallen on the
ground he was encamped upon, when befieging Dowlutabad {even
years before, which the fultan regarded as a lucky omen, that prefaged
his fpeedy acquifition of the fortrefs. AflirufF Khan being reduced to
great diftrefs, applied once more for afliflance to fultan Mhamood of
Guzarat, promifing, if he would relieve him from the power of
Ahmed Shaw, to read the khootbah at Dowlutabad in his name, and
pay an annual tribute. The fultan, tempted by thefe off'ers, returned
with a great army to the bank of the Tapti ; upon which Ahmed
Shaw raifed the fiege, and retired to his capital. Afhrufi^, agreeable
to promife, read the khootbah in the name of fultan Mhamood, and
going to his camp, made him valuable prefents, which he agreed to
renew every year as his vaflal. The fultan, after coUeding the arrears

of

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ngr

of tribute from Adil Khan of Boorahanpore, returned to Guzarat;
which was no fooner made known to Ahmed Shaw, than he again
marched towards Dowlutabad, the garrifon of which, difgufled at
their chief for reading the khootbah in the name of Mhamood, fent
him aflurances that they were his fervants, and would, if he arrived
expeditioufly, give him a convincing proof of their attachment.
Ahmed Shaw, who received thefe letters on the banks of the Gung,
fet out inftantly, with three thoufand chofen men, and reaching
Dowlutabad the fame night furrounded the place. Mallek Alliruff
difcovering the defedlion of his followers, who were moftly Mha-
rattas, was taken ill with vexation, and died five or fix days after ;
upon which the garrifon immediately delivered up the place to
Ahmed Shaw, fending a deputation to him with the keys. He im-
mediately went to view the fort, and gave orders for necefiary repairs,
fettling in it a garrifon of his own faithful troops ; after which, he
returned triumphant to Ahmednuggur, and built a citadel round the
garden of Nizam, in which he had eredled a palace of red and green
ftone. He alfo reduced Afhwer and other forts, and made the rajas
of Kalneh and Buggellana become his tributaries.

In the year 913, Daood Shaw Farooki dying, difputes happened a.D. 1507.
about the fucceflion to the throne of Boorahanpore, and Mallek
Hifham ad Dien Mogul, one of the principal amras of the govern-
ment, requeued affiftance of Ahmed Shaw to favour the caufe of
Aalum Khan, a defcendant of the ancient pofleflbrs of Afere. Sultan
Mhamood at the fame time refolving to place on the throne Adil
Khan, the fon of Houfiim Khan Farooki, his fifter's fon, marched
towards Khandefhe with a confiderable army ; upon which, Mallek
Hifham ad Dien calling for the aid of Ahmed Shaw and Ummad al
Moolk of Berar, they marched to Boorahanpore ; but the former,
finding difputes grow high, returned fliortly to Dowlutabad, where
Aalum Khan came to feek his protedlion. Upon the return of fultan
Mhamood to Guzarat, Ahmed Shaw advanced with an army to his

X X 2 frontiers.

,^5 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

frontiers, and fent an ambailador, with a letter to the fultan, defiring
that as Aalum Khan had taken protedion with him, he would give
him part of the territory of Afere and Boorahanpore : but Mhamood
behaved roughly to the ambafladors, exclaiming, What right had
the fon of a llave to the fultans of Bhamenee to w^rite to him, and
extend his feet beyond his covering ! that if he did not fliortly change
his behaviour, and repent, he fliould meet punifliment ! Ahmed
Shaw, thinking it rafh to proceed to extremities, upon this returned
with Aalum Khan to Ahmednuggur, without delay, by continued
marches.

A. D. 1508. In the year 914, NufTeer al Moolk dying, his office was conferred
on Mukkummul Khan Dekkanee -, and two or three months after,
Ahmed Shaw was taken dangeroufly ill. He appointed his fon
Boorahan, an infant of only fevcn years, his fucceflbr ; and conjur-
ing all the nobility to obey him faithfully, took their oaths of
allegiance, and fliortly after paid the debt of nature.

Though the virtues of this prince exceeded all that can be com-
prized in the bounds of defcription, yet, in compliance with the
cuftom of hiftorians, the author attempts to relate a few. Among
his great qualities, were continence and modefty. When he rode
through the ftreets of the city, he never looked afide to the right or
left, left his eyes might fall upon another's wife. When he was a
young man, and marched to reduce the fortrefs of Kaweel, there was
taken among the captives a young lady of exquifite beauty, who was
prefented as an acceptable gift to the fultan by his firft minifter.
Ahmed Shaw was charmed with her perfon, but being told by her
that Ihe had a hulband, who, with all her family, was among the
prifoners, he bridled his defire, and reftored her uncontaminated to
her friends, with prefents to a great amount.

It

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

It was the cuftom of Ahmed Shaw, if any of his officers in the
day of battle negleded difplaying a proper Ipirit, that, inftead of
reproaching, he rewarded them among the firll who had diftinguifli-
ed themfelves by their gallantry. One of his courtiers once taking
the liberty of enquiring the caufe of this unufual condudt, he replied,
that he flwuld have an explanation of it another time. Nor was it
long before an officer, who had been backward in his duty and had
been noticed by the fultan, diftinguifhedhimfelf very particularly ; and
the fultan having honoured him with marks of approbation, faid to
his courtier. Princes are mafters of the hunt, and (liould thus prepare
young warriors for the game of war.

The cuftom of yulleek, or fingle combat, in Dekkan, is alfo a
memorial of this prince, who was well fkilled in the fword, and
delighted much in the fcience. Accordingly, as is ever the cuftom,
the people being eager to copy the prince, both high and low devoted
themfelves to it ; and inftead of colleges, cuftomary in the cities of
Iflaam, fchools for fword-playing were eftabliihed in all quarters of
Ahmednuggur, and nothing was talked of but defence in every
aflembly. As is the efFedt of the ftrife- breeding climate of Dekkan,
every perfon opened his mouth in vaunting over his fellow, and many
contentions occurred between rafti young men, who brought them
for decilion before the fultan. He gave orders for them to fight with
fabres in his own prefence, deciding in favour of him who firft
wounded his adverfary. In confequence of this encouragement, a
crowd of young men every day attended in the hall of audience, to
contend before the king ; and, by degrees, this extravagance rofe to
fuch a height, that every day two or three of the combatants were
killed. At length, the fultan taking a difguft at fuch tragedies,
commanded that no trials of fkill ftiould be made in his prefence ; but
on the plain before the fort claimants might decide their pretenfions,
and that their friends fhould not interfere. He alfo commanded,
that if either of the duellifts was flain in conflid, retaliation, or

punifhment

357

358 I'ERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

puniiliment for his death, fliould not be demanded. This evil cuftom
proving agreeable to the muflulmauns of Dekkan, fpread from Ah-
mednuggur into every city ; and its abomination was fo far forgotten,
that to this day even the learned and venerable fages, and the princes
and the nobles of the land, pradlife duelling, and efteem it a great
accomplifliment ; fo that if their children do not court it, they do not
number them among the valiant, but reprove them. The writer of
thefe fheets, Mahummud Cafim Feriflita, faw the following occur-
rence in the ftreets of Beejapore. Syed Mortiza and Syed Houffun,
two white-beaaded brothers, who were in great efteem with Ibrahim
Adil Shaw, and regarded by all as refpedable in Dekkan, had a dif-
pute about a very trifling matter with three Dekkanees, alfo brothers,
white-haired, and known to the king. Pirft, the fon of Syed Mor-
tiza, a youth of twenty, engaged a Dekkanee, and was killed ; upon
which his father fingled out another, and, like the fon, refigned
himfelf to death. Syed Houflun next fought the third Dekkanee,
and fcattered the duft of anniliilation upon his own countenance.
The three bodies were not yet removed from the ftreet, when the
Dekkanees, who had received mortal wounds from the flaughtered,
gave up their lives to the Keeper of fouls : and thus, in an inftant,
without any former enmity to each other, fix refpedlable perfons
were deftroyed. The muffulmauns of Dekkan are certainly un-
equalled in the management of the fabre, and in fingle combat, and
no one can face them, who has not learned the fcience ; but as moft
of them pradlife on foot, and are ignorant of horfemanfhip and
throwing the lance, before an army, efpecially of Dekkanee cavalry,
they are much inferior ; but for private quarrels and ftreet conten-
tions, they are as tearing lions.

Since the dynafty of Bhamenee, no princes of Dekkan have tried
to difcourage or abolifti this abominable cuftom, but have rather
endeavoured to promote it, except Ibrahim Adil Shaw 2d of Beejapore,

in'

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ^59

in whofe reign it has been much difufed ; and there is hope, that
this deteflable pradlice, which never exifled in any other country,
will, by the happy aufpices of wife and juft princes, be altogether
done away; and this country, refembling paradife, be purified
from fuch abomination.

SULTAN

36o

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
BOORAHAN NIZAM SHAW.

JjOORAHAN Nizam Shaw afcended the throne of his father, at
Ahmednuggur, in the feventh year of his age, Mukkummul Khan
Dekkanee, who was an able ilatefman and general, as in the life-
time of Ahmed Shaw, was honoured with the offices of ^ pefhwa
and *■ meer jumla, and his ion Jummaul ad Dien became diftinguifli-
ed by the title of Yezzeez al Moolk and poft of ' fer nobut. The
father and fon, having thus brought the royal houfehold under their
controul, obtained full power over all the affairs of government.
Near three years pafled in this manner, when the pride and want of
moderation of Yezzeez al Moolk exceeded all bounds, and the other
minifters and nobles, as Roomi Khan, Kerrum Khan, and Meer
Khan, became jealous, and weary of his authority. But as much as
they ftrove to remove him, they could not accomplifli their wifhes.
At length, they gained over to their views one of the women of the
haram, named Bibi Aiefha, who was nurfe to the mother of Boora-
han Shaw, and enjoyed much of her confidence. It was agreed that
fhe fhould contrive to deliver over to them Raja Jeou, the infant bro-
ther of the king, whom they would place on the throne, and thus,
by depofing Boorahan Shaw, free themfelves from the tyranny of
Yezzeez al Moolk and Mukkummul Khan. Bibi Aiefha accordingly,

ORC

* Prime minifter.

'' Commander in chief.

' General of the body guards.

KERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 361

one day, having drefled the young prince, who was only four years
old, in girl's clothes, and put him in her own litter, took him from
the palace towards the city. She was fcarce gone, when the mother
called for her fon, and, upon his not being found, a great tumult
arofe among the attendants within and without the palace. Some,
guefling that he might have fallen into a canal or fountain, went to
fearch ; while others purfued Bibi Aiefha, towards the city, and over-
taking her before fhe reached the houfe of Roomi Khan, brought her
back with the child. As Bibi Aieflia was regarded as a grandmother
to the princes, and now and then took them to her own houfe,
where (he kept them for two or three days at a time, fhe now pre-
tended that flie was carrying the young prince only on a vifit ; but in
a few days the fecret was difclofed, that fhe had done it in concert
with the amras. Upon this, the minilters took greater caution than
ever for the fafety of the princes. They ufed fo much attention in
the education and inftrudlion of Boorahan Shaw, that in his tenth
year he read verfe and wrote with elegance ; and the writer of this
hiftory has feen a treatife on the duties of kings, written by him, in
the library of the Ahmednuggur fovereigns..

As the enmity between the miniflers and the abovementioned
three amras now exceeded all bounds, the latter fuddenly fled from
Ahmednuggur, with near eight thoufand followers ; and, taking the
road of Berar, excited Shekh Alia ad Dien Ummad al Moolk to in-
vade the dominions of Boorahan Shaw, by reprefenting the conqueft
as eafy. The Berar chief, deceived, and tempted by their declara-
tions, colledted his forces, and, marching from Elichpore, moved to
the frontiers of Nizam Shaw, and poffelTed himfelf of fome towns and
diftrifts. Mukkummul Khan, upon intelligence of this invafionj bent
his whole attention to expel it, and marched with Boorahan Shaw,
attended by Khajeh Jehaun Dekkanee, in great force againft the
enemy. An engagement enfued near the town of Ranooree, in the
year 916, in which the invaders received a total defeat ; and Ummad A.D. 15J0.

Y y al

362

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

al Moolk flying from the field, did not draw in his reins, till he
reached his capital of Elichpore. His baggage, horfes, and elephants,
fell into the hands of the Nizam Shaweeans, who laid wafte great
part of Berar. In this battle, Boorahan Shaw, on account of his
tender years, was carried on horfeback before Ardoo Khan, a con-
fidential Turkifli flave. Ummad al Moolk, • upon Mukkummul
Khan's following him into Berar, feeing his fafety in flight, went to
Boorahanpore, the chief of which fent learned and refpeaable per-
fonao^es to the camp of Boorahan Shaw, who reprefented, from the
authority of the koraun and the traditions of the prophet, the difgrace
of the faithful making war on each other. A peace was concluded,
and both parties retired into their own country.

It is faid, that the ancefl:ors of the Nizam Shawee kings were
natives of Paterree -, but for fome caufe, one of them, quitting his
birth place, removed to Beejanuggur, where he fettled. When the
family arrived at royalty, all the relations came to Ahmednuggur,
and expreflTed a defire to recover their ancient home of Paterree -,
upon which Mukkummul Khan fent a meffage to Ummad al Moolk,
as from Boorahan Shaw, requefliing that he would, from regard, give
up this tradl with which he was fo connedled, and receive in lieu of
it a pergunnah yielding a richer revenue. Ummad al Moolk would
not confent to the exchange; and forefeeing that a quarrel muft
enfue on this point, began to build a fort for the protedion of the
pergunnah. Mukkummul IChan requeflied him to defifl:, but in vain,
and the work was completed. Mukkummul Khan, pretending to go
to Dowlutabad, marched fuddenly againfl this place, and carried it
by ftorm ; after which he left it in charge of Mean Gori, who had
fhewn great fpirit in the attack, and conferred upon him the title of
Kamil Khan.

Boorahan Nizam Shaw upon his approach to manhood, became
enamoured of a dancing girl, named Ameena, whom he married,

and

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ^^

and placed at the head of his haram. From her example he learned
to drink wine; upon knowing which, Mukkummul Khan, who
was a wife and virtuous perfon, bowing his head to the ground
before the throne, and laying down the feals of his office, faid to the
fultan, " While you were a child, I, the humbleft flave of the
** throne, to the utmofl of my ability, carried on the affairs com-
** mittted to my charge, under the royal aufpices ; but now, that
** your majefty is able perfonally to condudl the affairs of the flate,
" you will excufe your ancient (lave from bufinefs." Boorahan
Shaw complied with his requeft, and exalted his fons among the
chief amras, but conferred the office of pefhwa on fhekh Jaffier
Dekkanee. Mukkummul Khan lived retired in his own houfe ; only
now and then, at the earnefl requefls of his relations, going to court
on days of feftivals, but would not engage in any publick bufinefs ;
till at length he became united to the mercy of the Deity.

In the year 930, Boorahan Nizam Shaw and Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, A.D. 1523.
by the endeavours of Shaw Tahir, had a meeting in the fort of
Sholapore ; and Bibi Mariem, lifter to the latter, was given in mar-
riage to the former, and the nuptials celebrated with great pomp. As
AfTud Khan Balgoanee had promifed to give Sholapore as a marriage
portion, Boorahan Nizam Shaw demanded it ; but Ifmaeel Adil
Shaw denied having knowledge of the promife, and faid, if it had
been made unknown to him, it was not binding upon him. Boora-
han Nizam Shaw, by advice of Shaw Tahir, did not infifl on the
performance, but returned to Ahmednuggur. Ameena behaving
very improperly to Bibi Mariem, fhe, after fome time, complained to
her brother Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, who obferved to the ambaffadors of
his brother in law, then at Beejapore, that placing a dancing girl over
the head of the daughter of a king, was departing from true dignity :
which fpeech being told to Boorahan Shaw, became the caufe of a
long difpute. Boorahan Shaw inflantly difpatched embaffies to Ameer
Bereed and Ummad al Moolk, courting both princes to his alliance.

Y y 2 In

3^4

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

A.D. 1524. It\ the year 931, in conjunftion with them, he moved at the head of
thirty thoufand horfe and a confiderable artillery, with intentions to
befiege Sholapore.

Ifmaeel Adil Shaw advanced to meet the enemy with nine thou-
fand archers, and an engagement took place on the borders, fo
bloody, that nature feels horror at the remembrance. Ummad al
Moolk was broken by the attack of AfTud Khan Balgoanee, and fled
precipitately to Kaweel without halting ; and Boorahan Nizam Shaw
being overcome with heat and thirft, in the height of conflict, faint-
ed away, and was borne off haftily in a pallanquin by his Turkilh
flaves to Ahmednuggur, which he reached with great difficulty.

A.D. 1526. In the year 933, Ummad Shaw, at the inftigation of Ifmaeel

Adil Shaw, in conjundlion with Sultan Koolli Koottub Shaw, led an
army againft the fort of Paterree, which he recovered from Boora-
han Nizam Shaw -, who, however, fhortly after retook it, razed the
fortifications, and gave the diftrid; dependant upon it to his relations
the bramins j in whofe hands it continued for generations, till the
reign of the emperor Akber. From thence, Boorahan Shaw, having
marched to Mahore, took that fort, and then moved towards Elich-
pore. Ummad al Moolk, unable to withftand him, fled as formerly
to Boorahanpore. Mahummud Shaw Farooki, chief of that country,
aflifting him with troops in perfon, they moved againfl Boorahan
Shaw, who defeated them j taking from them near three hundred
elephants, their tents, iniignia of royalty, and much baggage. Many
places in Berar fell into his hands. Ummad al Moolk and Mahum-
mud Shaw feeing affairs in this fituation, fent ambaffadors with
valuable prefents to fultan Bahadur Shaw of Guzarat, to requefl his
affiftance. Sultan Bahadur regarding their requefl: as fortunate to his

A. D. 1528. arms, in the year 935 entered Dekkan with a great army, by the
route of Nudderbar and Sultanpore.

Boorahan

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 365

Boorahan Nizam Shaw being much alarmed, fent letters to Shaw
Baber of Dhely, congratulating him on his accefhon, profeffing
allegiance, and begging his protection. He at the fame time requeft-
ed ailiftance from Ifmaeel Adil Shaw and fultan KooUi Koottub Shaw.
The former fent Ameer Bereed with fix thoufand foreign horfe to
join him ; but the latter excufed himfelf, under pretence of being
engaged in war in another quarter.

Bahadur Shaw having entered Berar with a view to retake Ma-
hore and Paterree, and liking the country, remained fome time in it ;
upon which Ummad al Moolk, dreading the wafte of his dominions,
reprefented, that if he would move into Boorahan Shaw's country,
and procure fome parts of it for him, he would remove his family
from Kaweel, and, refigning that place up to him, attend conftantly
on his ftirrup. Sultan Bahadur, complying with his requefl, moved
towards the army of Boorahan Shaw, which was encamped in the
hilly country. Ameer Bereed, with the auxiliaries of Adil Shaw and
about three thoufand horfe of his own, attacked part of the Guzarat
army fuddenly, on its march between the towns of Beer and Puttun,
killed near three thoufand men, took much baggage, with feventy
mules laden with treafure. . Sultan Bahadur, enraged, detached
Khodawund Khan, his vizier, with eight thoufand horfe, to revenge
the affront, and Ameer Bereed defeated them by an ambufh. The
fultan then fent twenty thoufand horfe to reinforce Khodawund
Khan, under the command of Ummad al Moolk. Boorahan Shaw
with his allies, finding it impoflible to oppofe fo great a force, fled
to Porundeh, and from thence, being purfued by the enemy, towards
Joneer. Sultan Bahadur now proceeded to Ahmednuggur, where he
nok up his refidence in the palace, and his amras chofe their quarters
in the houfes of the citizens. The fultan commanded a great terrace
to be formed of lime and ftone, that had been colledled for build-
ings, which was raifed in one night, and called the black terrace, the
jlone being of that colour. Upon this, the fultan fat for forty days

fucceflively.

366

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN,

fuccefllvely, to receive the compliments of the people, and amufc
hin:ifelf with fights of elephants and other animals. Boorahan Shaw
and his allies laid wafte the country round, and prevented fupplie*
from coming to his army; fo that famine pxevailed. About this
time, he dreamed one night, that a number of frightful daemons and
evil fpirits furrounded his bed, fome w^ith brands of fire, and others
with great ftones in their hands, which they threatened to caft upon
him. He was affrighted from fleep, and immediately fummoned a
confultation of his nobles, who informed him, that in that fpot
Ahmed Nizam Shaw had fought a battle, in which great numbers of
infidels and muflulmauns were flain when intoxicated, and that their
fpirits, unable to afcend the upper regions of the air, now hovered
about this fpot. Sultan Bahadur was alarmed at this account, flept in
his tents the next night, and a few days afterwards moved from the
city towards Dowlutabad; and leaving Ummad al Moolk with the
Guzarat amras to befiege that fortrefs, encamped with Mahummud
Shaw Farooki, on the mountains of Ballaghaut.

Boorahan Nizam Shaw now wrote to Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, that
though he had fent him aid, as became a brother, unlefs he came
to his affiilance in perfon, he fhould never be relieved from the prefent
troubles. In anfwer to this, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw replied, that the
infidels of Beejanuggur were encamped near Roij ore, and, if he left
his country, would inftantly invade it ; but that he had fent him five
hundred chofen horfe in additional aid, under the command of Hyder
al Moolk Cafbeenie, and hoped that he would fhortly be gladdened
by viaiory. Boorahan Shaw, difappointed, was at a lofs how to ad:.
As the people and army were difpleafed at the adminiftration of
Shekh Jaffier, he removed him from the office of pefhwa, which he
beftowed on Kanwerfein, a bramin, who was endowed with wifdom,
penetration, and integrity. By his advice he moved, with all the
troops he could colledl, from Joneer to his capital of i^Jhmednuggur.
Soon after this, he marched with great caution, and fixed his camp

in

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAhT.

In the hills, within eight miles of the Guzarat army, which he
haralTed by ikirmiflies for near three months. At length, finding
that this had no efFedl upon the fortitude of the Guzaratees, he, by
the advice of Kanwerfein, privately afked peace of Mahummud Shaw
and Ummad al Moolk, promiflng to return the forts and elephants
he had taken from them ; upon which they reprefented to Khoda-
wund Khan, that they had called in fultan Bahadur only to recover
Paterree and Mahore, for which they had engaged to read the
khootbah of Berar and Ahmednuggur in his name, and make him
annual prefents, but that the fultan had extended his views to the
pofleffion of their country. The vizier in reply told them, that this
was their own fault, for if the kings of Dekkan would agree with
each other, all woula be well. They underftood his meaning, and
departed. Ummad al Moolk fuffered large fupplies of provifion to
be conveyed to Dowlutabad through his lines, and at the commence-
ment of the rains retired fuddenly towards Elichpore.

Sultan Bahadur and Meeran Mahummud Shaw now confulted
whether to ftay, or retreat ; and all the minifters obferved, that when
the rivers fhould be full from the rainy feafon, it would be impoflible
to obtain fupplies from Guzarat or Khandefhe, and it was poflible
the princes of Dekkan might unite ; therefore it would be prudent to
leave their feveral countries in the pofTeffion of Ummad al Moolk
and Nizam Shaw, and be content with their acknowledgments of
homage. Sultan Bahadur confenting to this, Boorahan Nizam Shaw
and Ummad al Moolk fent their ambaffadors with prefents, and read
the khootbah in the name of Bahadur Shaw ; who afterwards re-
turned to Guzarat. Boorahan Nizam Shaw on his arrival at Ahmed-
nuggur received a demand from Meeran Mahummud Shaw for the
elephants he had promifed him, and the forts for Ummad al Moolk.
Withthefirfthe complied in part, but refufed the latter; and as
Mahummud Shaw obtained his own wiflies, he did not urge more

on

367

,63 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

o

on the fubjedl, but kept up a friendly connexion with Boorahan

Nizam Shaw.

Boorahan Shaw the following year feat Shaw Tahir with prefents
of rich goods, elephants, and horfes, to fultan Bahadur of Guzarat,
who delayed giving him an audience, and wrote to Meeran Mahum-
mud Shaw, that he had heard, Ummad al Moolk had only once
read his name in the khootbah. Meeran Mahummud Shaw in
anfwer, aflured him, that Boorahan Shaw was his loyal vafTal, and
that if he had only read it once, it was to fave appearances with the
other fultans of Dekkan; therefore he fhould forgive him, and
receive his embalTy. Sultan Bahadur accordingly received Shaw
Tahir, but did not for fome time fhew him much encouragement ;
till at length his great qualities and learning fo won upon him, that
he altered his behaviour, and at the end of three months difmiifed
him with honours and prefents.

A.D. 1S30 In the year 937, when fultan Bahadur had fubdued, Malwa,

Boorahan Nizam Shaw, being alarmed, fent Shaw Tahir with Nerfoo
Pundit to congratulate him upon his conquefts. They were intro-
duced to the fultan at Boorahanpore, by Meeran Mahummud Shaw ;
who obferved, that as the empire of the chief provinces of Hindoo-
flan had now devolved on the family of Timur, the ilar of whofe
profperity was daily afcending, it was political to make a friend of
Boorahan Nizam Shaw. Sultan Bahadur, who was a prince of
much ambition, and fought an equality with tlie fovereigns of Dhely,
Mened to the advice of Mahummud Shaw, and conferred many
favours on Shaw Tahir ; who was difmiifed with expedition to Ah-
mednuggur, in order to prevail on Boorahan Nizam Shaw to come to
an interview with the fultan. Shaw Tahir on his arrival, at iirft
diffu^ded the fultan from the meeting ; but, being overcome by the
arguments of Kanwerfein, confented. Boorahan Shaw having left
his fon Shaw Houffein as his heir, and the direction of all affairs under

the

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

the care of Kanwerfein, moved towards Boorahanpore, with a force
fomewhat lefs than feven thoufand horfe, and difpatched Khajeh
Ibrahim and Sabajee as amballadors before him, to fettle the mode of
interview, and the proper offerings. Upon Boorahan Shaw's arrival
on the bank of the river Chattukdeo, near Boorahanpore, he was
met by Meeran Mahummud Shaw, who informed him, that fuhan
Bahadur would receive him on his throne, on each fide of which
holy men were permitted to fit; but all perfons elfe, of whatever
rank, ftood with their arms crofled before them in the front of the
throne. Boorahan Shaw, underftanding his reafons for this remark
faid nothing in reply ; but, when Mahummud Shaw took leave,
calbd his confidants to him privately, and declared, that he would
never fubmit to the indignity of ftanding before the throne of Baha-
dur Shaw, after having drawn his head from the yoke of the houfe of
Bhamenee ; that he would rather decline the meeting, and trufl his
fafety to the goodnefs of the Almighty. Shaw Tahir repUed, that
God was merciful, and would, he hoped, grant every thing agreeable
to his defire ; but that he muft not be hafty, nor repeat fuch declara-
tions, fince policy demanded that he fhould for one day agree to a
humiliation, that he might pafs the remainder of his life in power
and dignity. Boorahan Shaw, who was a perfon of judgment,
ceafed from violence, and agreed to the reafoning of Shaw Tahir ;
who now obferved, that he had in his mind a remedy againft indig-
nity. He faid he had in his poflefiion a koraun in the handwriting of
the holy Ali, which Bahadur Shaw was very defirous of feeing ; that
he would carry it with him, fo that Bahadur Shaw might from necef-
fity defcend from his throne, and meet him. Boorahan Shaw was
pleafed with this, and the next morning fet out to the place appoint-
ed for the interview, in company with Shaw Tahir and Meeran
Mahummud Shaw. When they arrived near the royal tents, Shaw
Tahir placed the koraun upon his head, and Bahadur Shaw feeing
him at a diftance, afked his vizier, Khodawund Khan, what he was
carrying. Upon being anfwered, a koraun in the hand of Ali ; he

Z z inftantly

369

370 FERISHTA^s HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

inflantly defcended from his throne out of refpedl, and having received
it, kiffed it three times, and rubbed it on liis forehead ; then received
the compliments of Boorahan Shaw, and alked him, in the Guzarat
language, after his health ; to which Boorahan Shaw replied in Perfic,
that by the aufpices of the fultan he was happy. Sultan Bahadur
then reafcended his throne, and Boorahan Shaw and Meeran Ma-
hummud Shaw flood before it. Sultan Bahadur feeing Shaw Tahir
ftanding, defired him to fit, which he declined ; but being repeatedly
prefled, he reprefented that he was ready to obey, but it did not be-
come him to fit, while his mafter ftood. The fultan then defired
Boorahan Shaw to fit. Sultan Bahadur entered into converfation
with Boorahan Nizam Shaw, in the Perfian language, enquiring
how he had pafl'ed the days of dift:refsful viciflitude. Boorahan Shaw
replied, that afi^idtions, which lead to profperity, and abfence
bounded by enjoyment, make the approach to be forgotten in the
conclufion ; that the prefent moment was a fufficient recompenfe for
what evils had happened to him for a feries of years. When fultan
Bahadur heard this anfwer, he turned to Meeran Mahummud Shaw,
and faid, " Heard you the anfwer of Boorahan al Moolk ?" Here-
plied, that he did not. Upon which fultan Bahadur repeated his
queftion, and received the fame reply. He then praifed him in a
voice loud enough to be heard by all prefent. Shaw Tahir then
arofe, and faid, Thefe are the marks of the royal bounty, which I
hope will daily encreafe towards us. Sultan Bahadur, taking a fword
and dagger fet with jewels from his own waift, girded them on
Nizam Shaw ; and as he had not till that time ftiled him Shaw, faid.
May the title of Shaw prove aufpicious to you ! At the fame time he
prefented him with the umbrella of royalty taken from the fultan of
Malwa, and commanded Khodawund Khan, his vizier, and Meeran
Mahummud Shaw to condudl him to the tents pitched for his recep-
tion, which had belonged to the fame prince, fultan Mhamood
Khiljee of Malwa. The following day, fultan Bahadur made a
grand entertainment, and feated Boorahan Nizam Shaw and Meeran

Mahummud

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKFCAN. ,7,

Mahuinmud Shaw on chairs of gold before his throne. At the
breaking up of the aflembly, he prefented Boorahan Nizam Shaw
with five horfes, two elephants, and twelve fighting deer. The
two kings then played together at the * chowgaan. Nizam Shaw
prefented fultan Bahadur his offerings, all of which he approved, but
taking only a koraun, and a fcymetar, on which was engraved the
name of one of the Abaffide caliphs, with four elephants, and two
Arab horfes, faid to Nizam Shaw, " I give you back the remainder
** of your prefents, with all the countries of Dekkan /' at the fame
time difmiffing him, with permiflion to return to Ahmednuggur.
Accordingly he took his departure ; and going by the way of Dowlu-
tabad and Ballaghaut, paid his devotions at the tombs of holy men at
thofe places : after which he encamped for fome time at the refer-
voir of KuttuUoo, where he was met by his fon HoufTein Shaw,
Kanwerfein, and his other miniflers, alfo the ambaffadors of Adil
Shaw and Koottub Shaw, who came to congratulate him.

The difagreements between the fultan of Guzarat and Boorahan
Shaw being now done away, the latter was at leifure to attend to the
regulation of his dominions j and accordingly, by the wife policy of
his minifter Kanwerfein, he took thirty forts from the rajas of the
Mharattas, who had not paid obedience fince the death of Ahmed
Nizam Shaw, and entertained thofe chiefs in his fervice, leaving
them lands for their fupport. He honoured Khajeh Ibrahim with
the title of Lutteef Khan, and Sabajee with that of Pertab Roy,
admitting them among his confidential fervants. The gardens of
Nizam, which had been injured by the Guzaratees, he repaired and
improved.

In the year 938, Ifmaeel Adil Shaw having meditated the con- a. D.1531.
quefl of the forts of Kallean and Candahar, Ameer Bereed fought the

Z z 2 protection

• A game fomewhat fimilar to that in Scotland called goff, only it is exercifed on
horfeback.

272 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEFCKAN.

protection of Boorahan Nizam Shaw, who wrote a haughty letter to
Adil Shaw, commanding him to defift, which was anfwered by
defiance. This brought on difputes about their borders. Ifmaeel
Adil Shaw, in his anfwer to Nizam Shaw, afked if he had forgotten
the former defolation of Ahmednuggur j remarking, if he prided
himfelf on the tattered infignia of the Malwa princes, the boaft was
ridiculous ; nor had he fuperiority in the title of fultan, bellowed
upon him only by the chief of Guzarat ; whereas his royalty was
given him by the kings of Perfia, defcendants of the prophet ; that
if he repented of fuch follies, it would be fortunate, but if not, he
fliould quit the gardens of Nizam, where he would meet him and
try the force of arms to humble his vanity.

Boorahan Nizam Shaw, though afhamed of his vaunting, yet
marched immediately to Ameerapore, where he remained fome days
to coUedl his forces, and then moved towards the borders of Adil
Shaw, who gave him a total defeat, and obliged him to retreat to
Ahmednuggur, with the lofs of all his baggage and near four thou-
fand men ; which difgrace fully leffened his pride and vain glory.

A. D. 1532. In the year 939, by the mediation of ambafladors, a meeting
was effedled between Boorahan Nizam Shaw and Ifmaeel Adil Shaw ;
when it was agreed, that the former fhould undertake the conquefl
of Berar, and the latter of Telingana -, and that they ihould divide
Dekkan in a brotherly manner between them : but this plan was
deftroyed by the premature death of Ifmaeel Adil Shaw, and the
difputes which took place between his fuccefTor and Nizam Shaw.

A. D. 1537. In the year 944, at the inftigation of Shaw Tahir, Boorahan

Nizam Shaw rejedled the names of the Sahabeh from the khootbah
for thofe of the Imaums ; and as the colour of their ftandards was
green, and tradition relates, that at the refurredion thofe of the
prophet will alfo be of that colour, he changed his umbrella and

ftandards

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKFCAN. 373

ftandards to it. He alfo (God forgive him) fettled penfions on per-
fons to curfe and revile the three companions and their followers in
the mofques and ftreets ; thus accomplifliing a wilh which EufufF
AdU Shaw, through fear of his principal amras of the foonni fedt,
was obliged to carry with him to the grave, uneffedled. Boorahaa
Shaw however ran fome hazard from his religious zeal. He was
befieged in his palace by a number of malecontents, headed by
Moolla Peer Mahummud, a furious foonni, whom he took prifoner
and confined ; upon which the tumult fubiided. The kings of
Guzarat, Beejapore, and Khandefhe, enraged at the infult offered
to the foonnites, entered into alliance with each other, and agreed
to divide the dominions of Boorahan Nizam Shaw between them ;
upon which he fent an embafly to the emperor Humaioon, offering
his fervices to affift in an invafion of Guzaratj but the rebellion of
Shcre Shaw falling out, prevented its fuccefs. Boorahan Shaw found
means to fatisfy the fultans of Guzarat and Khandeflie ; and enter-
taining in his fervice all the foreigners difbanded by Ibrahim Adil
Shaw, marched to invade Beejapore. Being fuccefsful, he brought
triumphantly to Ahmednuggur an hundred elephants and fome pieces
of cannon.

In the year 949, Boorahan Shaw again invaded Beejapore; but, A. D. 1542.
though fuccefsful in the beginning, was at lall forced to retreat to the
fortrefs of Dowlutabad, leaving his capital a prey to the Beejapore
troops. He made his peace by giving up many places. The ac-
count of this expedition has been related in the hiftory of the reign
of Ibrahim Adil Shaw, as well as of feveral others, which compofe
the whole tranfadtions of the reign of Boorahan Nizam Shaw, and
would be tirefome in the repetition. He died in the year 961, and a.D. 1553.
was buried in the fame tomb with his father.

SULTAN

374.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
HOUSSEIN NIZAM SHAW.

rl OUSSEIN Nizam Shaw fucceeded his father in the thirtieth year
of his age. His brother Abdul Kader and the other princes efcaped
from the palace the day of his acceflion, and two parties were form-
ed in the ftate ; the foreigners and Ethiopians embracing the caufe of
Houffein, and the Dekkanees, both mufTulmauns and Hindoos, that
of Abdul Kader; who, however, was at length deferted, and fled
into Berar for protedlion to Ummad al Moolkj his brothers, Shaw
Ali and Meeran Mahummud Bahir, fought an afylum at Beejapore.
Khajeh Jehaun, governor of Porundeh, refufed to come to court, and
claimed the throne for his fon in law, Hyder Shaw, alfo fon to the
late king. Houffein Shaw marched againft him, and Khan Jehaun
fled with the prince to Beejapore. The fultan reduced the fort, and
returned to Ahmednuggur. The king of Beejapore embraced the
caufe of Shaw Hyder. Houffein entered into an alliance with Um-
mad al Moolk, who furnifhed him with feven thoufand horfe. He
marched to relieve Sholapore, then befieged by Adil Shaw. An
account of this expedition has been given in the hiflory of that prince.
Syef Ein al Moolk, who had left his fervice, and gone over to Beeja-
pore, being driven from that kingdom, afked leave to return to Ah-
mednuggur. Houffein Nizam Shaw affured him of a favourable
reception, but upon his arrival cut him off by treachery. His women
and effefts were faved by the gallantry of his chief dependant, Kub-
bool Khan, who conduced them in fafety to Golconda, where he

was

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. ^75

was received into the fervice of Ibrahim Koottub Shaw. The grave

of Syef Ein al Moolk is frequented by foldicrs, who eat the turf near

it, as a ilimulus to valour. He was celebrated for the goodnefs of

his troops, and living with them in a brotherly manner. Ibrahim

Adil Shaw dying, Houflein Shaw invaded Beejapore in conjundlion

with Koottub Shaw, who after fome time deferted him, and he was

obliged to return to Ahmednuggur. Ali Adil Shaw formed an

alliance againft him with Ramraaje and Koottub Shaw, in revenge

for the invafion ; upon which he ftrengthened* himfelf by treaty with

Ummad al Moolk, and they met in the year 966. The daughter of A. D. 1558.

the latter was married to the former. The fame year Houflein

Nizam Shaw detached Mahummud Aftad Neefliaporee and Cheleh

Roomi againft Reegdonda, a fort built by the Portuguefe, on the

coaft of Malabar. They begged peace, and entered into a treaty

not to moleft the fubjedls of Nizam Shaw j who, upon this, ordered

his army to retreat. In 967, Nizam Shaw fubdued feveral forts A. D. 1559.

belonging to Annee Roy. The allies invaded his territories. He

was offered peace on condition of furrendering the fort of Kallean,

but refufed, and fled from Ahmednuggur, which was befieged by

the allies. The city held out, owing to the treachery of Koottub

Shaw, who privately conveyed provifions to the garrifon, and at

length deferted his allies. Houfl"ein Nizam Shaw, aflifted by the

troops of Ummad al Moolk, cut off fupplies from the enemy's camp,

in which fcarcity of provifions prevailed. They raifed the fiege on

this account, and encamped at Aflitee.

Houffein Nizam Shaw, by the advice of Cafim Beg, fent MooUa
Einaiut OoUa to aflc peace of Ramraaje -, who offered to grant it on
three conditions : firft, that he fliould cede the fortrefs of Kallean to
Ali Adil Shaw : fecondly, that he ihould put to death Jehaungeer
Khan, who commanded the auxiliary troops from Berar, as he had
done much injury to his army by his attacks : and thirdly, that
Nizam Shaw fhould fubmit to pay him a vifit, and receive from

him

376 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

him a betel of encouragement. The fultan, in order to preferve his
kingdom, accepted the conditions ; and opening the doors of in-
juftice on his friends, fent aflaflins to the tents of his gueft and faith-
ful auxiliary, Jehaungeer Khan. After having thus, at the inftiga-
tion of an infidel, murdered one of the faithful, and verified the
remark, that ** There is no confidence in princes," the fliltan pro-
ceeded to the camp of Ramraaje, who rofe on his entering his tents,
and kified his hand. The fultan, from foolifli pride, called for a
bafon and ewer, and waflied his hands, as if they had been polluted by
the touch of Ramraaje ; who, enraged at the affront, faid in his
own language, *' If he was not my gueft, he fliould repent this
" infult j" then calling for water, he alfo wafhed. HoufTein Nizam
Shaw, giving the keys of Kallean to Ramraaje, faid, " I give them
'* a prefenttoyou :" and Ramraaje immediately fent them to Ali Adil
Shaw. Having received a betel from Ramraaje, he took his leave;
and, without vifiting Ali Adil Shaw, quitted the camp, and returned
to his own capital, which he furrounded with a deep ditch, and
ftrengthened by building the citadel of ftone.

A. D. 1562. In the year 970, the fultan had an interview with Koottub Shaw,

and their alliance was cemented by intermarriages. They befieged
the fort of Kallean, but were obliged to retreat by Ramraaje and Ali
Adil Shaw, who gave them a total defeat, and HoufTein Nizam
Shaw, with difiiculty, reached the fort of Oufeh, with the lofs of all
his artillery and baggage. In his flight he carried the umbrella of
royalty over his own head, and, though attended only by a thoufand
horfe, made his way good through fix thoufand of the enemy. Being
remarkably ftridt in his obfervance of the flated prayers, one after-
noon, when clofely purfued, his friends reprefented the danger of
difmounting to pray, but he regarded them not; and the enemy
were fo flruck with his gallantry, that they ftopped at fome diftance
to admire it. After prayers, on obferving that he had on a girdle
interwoven with gold, he recoUeded that it was unlawful to pray in

it.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

it, therefore carting it off, he repeated his devotions. The enemy
agreed, that to fiicceed againft him was impoffible, and refolved on
giving over their purfuit. The fultan having thrown fuppUes into
Ahmednuggur, retired to the fortrefs of Joneer. The alUes now
befieged Ahmednuggur, and the Hindoos of Ramraaje committed
every cruelty on the faithful, polluting the mofques, and difhonour-
ing the women. Ali Adil Shaw, vexed at thefe indignities to re-
ligion, but unable to prevent them, advifed Ramraaje to raife the
fiege and purfue Nizam Shaw ; who, upon this, retired to the hills,
and difpatched a force to lay wafte all the country in the enemy's
front, fo as to diftrefs and retard their march ; but this detachment
was defeated, and the general flain. At the approach of the rains,
the allies returned to the fiege of Ahmednuggur. A great rife of
the waters drowning near twelve thoufand horfe, a great number of
elephants and footmen, much baggage, and cattle innumerable,
Ramraaje retired to his own country.

An alliance was now formed between the three fultans againft
Ramraaje, whofe defeat and death has already been related in the
hiftory of the Adil Shawee fbvereigns. HoufTein Nizam Shaw died,
eleven days after his return from this expedition, of a diforder occa-
fioned by excefs of venery and drinking. He left behind him four
fons and four daughters.

377

a a SULTAN

4.1

37$ FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
MORTIZA NIZAM SHAW.

As this prince acceded to the throne in his minority, his mother,
Khoonzeh Sultana, became for fix years chief manager of affairs. She
raifed her brothers, Ein al Moolk Taaje Khan and Etibar Khan, to
the firfl rank of nobility. Having appointed MooUa Einaiut Oolla
pefhwa, (he fat daily in court behind a curtain and tranfafted bufinefs.
Mortiza Nizam Shaw was engaged in amufements becoming his
age, and took no part in the affairs of government.

At this crifis, Ali Adil Shaw led an army againft Anicondeh,
hoping to reduce to his dominions all the territories of Beejanuggur.
Vingtaderee, chief of Bilcondah, upon this applied to Khoonzeh
Sultana for afllflance, and fhe with her fon led an army againft
Beejapore -, upon which Ali Adil Shaw, giving over his expedition,
returned to the defence of his own country. The two powers con-
cluded peace at the reprefentations of holy men, and the next year
marched againft Tuffal Khan, who had ufurped Berar, which they
plundered, and returned at the beginning of the rains. On the march
Adil Shaw confpired to feize the perfon of Nizam Shaw ; but Khoon-
zeh Sultana difcovering his defign, marched fuddenly to Ahmed-
nwggur, aflifted by the fudden fwelling of a river between the camps.

In the year 975, Adil Shaw invaded the country, and taking
feveral places, defeated the Nizam Shawee army, by his general

Kummaul

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 370

Kummaul Kifhwer Khan. Khoonzeh Sultana difgufted all the amras
by her partiality to her brethren, who expended the publick trcafures
on their own pleafures, without attending to the wants of the army.
At length, Shaw Jeminal ad Dien Houfiein Anjoo, Cafiim Beg, and
others, the fultan's companions, became alarmed at the difordered
flate of the royal houfehold, and complained to him in private of his
mother's condud. The fultan obferved, that the whole miniilry
were attached to her, how then could he remove her ufurped autho-
rity. They replied, that with his permiffion they would bring over
the principal amras, and effedl a cure for the prefent evils. Nizam
Shaw having given his confent, they, with their friends, repaired to
the palace ; but as it happened, the queen at this inftant having the
fultan with her, his childifh fears made him fuppofe the fecret
betrayed, and, to fave himfelf, he told his mother that certain chiefs
had confpired to feize her ; upon which fhe confined the principal
confpirator, and the reft; efcaped.

In the year 977, the fultana marched with her fon to oppofe the A.D. 1569.
encroachments of Kifliwer Khan, the Beejapore general. Mortiza
Nizam Shaw, now able to judge for himfelf, refolved to be free from
the ufurpation of his mother. Having brought over the principal
amras, he fent to her Hubfheh Khan, to inform her that it was his
pleafure fhe fhould no longer engage in publick affairs, but live
retired, like the other princefTes. Enraged at this, fhe fummoned
her creatures j and, throwing a veil over her face, came from the
palace on horfeback, armed with a bow, fword, and dagger. She
was, however, feized after a fhort refiflance, and her attendants fled.
The fultan now took affairs under his own management -, and, having
levied forces, marched againft the fortrefs of Darwer, and to expel
the invader Kifhwer Khan.

When the fultan arrived within a fhort diilance of Darwer, a
mefTenger from Kifhwer Khan brought him a fealed paper, which,

A a a 2 ^ upon

380 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

upon opening, was found to contain fuch infolent expreflions, as en-
raged him to the higheft pitch. Mounting his horfe, he fwore that
he would not difmount till he fliould enter Darwer, When he
arrived near, he rode towards the gate j upon which his attendants
reprefented, that fortrelTes were not to be taken in this manner, and
that expofing his perfon was improper. The fultan replied, that by
the divine bleffing he would force the gate with his fword, and hew
his pafTage ; that if vidlory was decreed him, no injury could occur;
and that if his death was fixed, it was vain to avoid the danger. The
officers, feeing that the royal determination was unalterable, begged
that he would put on armour, which was allowed by the prophet.
To this he confented, and then proceeded. By this time fhowers of
fhot, arrows, and rockets, poured from the fort walls, and killed
many perfons, elephants, and horfes. The fultan ftill went on, and
efcaped unhurt. At length, the fire from the fort fuddenly ceafed.
The fultan was alloniflied. He fent perfons to enquire the caufe.
They entered unoppofed, and found the fort evacuated. An arrow .,
had pierced the heart of Kilhwer Khan, who lay dead on the ground.
They cut off his head, and hung it over the battlements ; when the
fultan offered thankfgivings for his via:ory. The fultan now invaded
Beejapore, in conjundion with Koottub Shaw; againft whom he
fuddenly became incenfed by the artifice of Shaw Abou Houfliin.
Koottub Shaw efcaped, but his camp was plundered. Nizam Shaw
concluded a treaty with Ali Adil Shaw, and returned to Ahmednug-
gur. He appointed Jemmal ad Dien Houflein his prime minifter,
and marched againft the fort of Reegdondah, belonging to the Por-
tuguefe ; but was obliged to raife the fiege, after a blockade of fome
months, as the enemy obtained provifions by fea, and from the
treachery of the fultan's own amras, who were bribed by prefents,
particularly of wine. The fultan, upon his return from this expedi-
tion to Ahmednuggur, difplaced feveral of his chief amras, and confer-
red the office of vaqueelut on Chungeeze Khan, a nobJeman of great
abilities, who by his attention reftored the publick affairs. He de-
feated

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

381

feated a propofed alliance between Ali Adil Shaw and Koottub Shaw,
and effeded one between the former and his mafter, who had an in-
terview on their borders. It was agreed between the fultans, that
Ali Adil Shaw fliould conquer as much of the Carnatic as would pro-
duce a revenue equal to Berar and Bieder ; which countries Nizam
Shaw fliould be at liberty to wreft: from the hands of TufFal Khan
and Ali Bereed. Koottub Shaw was excluded from any fliare in
this treaty. In the year 980, Nizam Shaw began his expedition to A. D. 1572.
Berar ; and fucceeded by the gallantry and condud of Chungeeze
Khan, who drove Tuffal Khan from Elichpore, forced him to feek
fhelter in the woods, and brought over the inhabitants of the diftridls
by his clemency. TufFal Khan fled from place to place, and wood
to wood, for fix months ; at the end of which he was forced into a
defile, which had no other paflage but what could be blocked up by
the fultan's troops, and would have been taken, had not the fultan
been flopped by a religious fuperftition for fome time on his march,
A mad devotee, Meer Moufeh Mazinderanee, met the fultan on his
march, and conjured him for the love he bore the twelve Imaums,
not to move farther till he had given him a large fum of money j and
the fultan complied with his requeft, though the minifler entreated
him to defer giving the money to the fanatic till the camp was pitch-
ed. He would not, and the opportunity of overtaking Tuffal Khan
was loft by delaying the march. Tuffal IChan fled to Khandefhe,
the fultan of which, at the threats of Nizam Shaw, refufed him
protedion. He returned into Berar, took refuge in the fort of Pef-
nalleh, and applied for affiftance to the emperor Akber j who fent
an ambaffador to Nizam Shaw, commanding him to defift from his
invafion of Berar ; but no attention was paid to the meffage. Per-
nalleh was taken, as alfo other fortrefles, with Tuffal Khan and
Direa Ummad al Moolk, who were kept prifoners.

Nizam Shaw next marched againft Bieder, when a pretender
ftarted up in Berar, aflifted by troops from Meeran Mahummud Shaw,

and

382

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

and was joined by feven thoufand of the inhabitants. The fultan's
officers entreated him to come in perfon, and quell the rebellion.
He marched with the greateft expedition, and commanded Chun-
geeze Khan to follow him with the main army. Syed Mortiza,
who had gone on in front with a detachment of eight thoufand
horfe, came up with the pretended Ummad al Moolk, obliged him
to fly, and his adherents to difperfe. Nizam Shaw entered the pro-
vince of Khandertie, where he did much damage, even to the
neighbourhood of the capital Boorahanpore.

Chungeeze Khan having heard great praifes of the fortrefs of
Afere, where Mahummud Shaw had retired with his army, went
with two or three thoufand horfe, by the fultan's permiflion, to view
the country. Mahummud Shaw fent fome of his nobility, with feven
or eight thoufand men, in the hope to intercept and cut him ofFj but
Chungeeze Khan defeated this detachment, and took many chief
men prifoners. Nizam Shaw then moved to the vicinity of Afere,
from whence he fent out parties, who left not a veftige of popu-
lation in the furrounding country. At length, Mahummud Shaw
purchafed the retreat of Nizam Shaw by a prefent of a large fum of
money.

Mirza Ifpahanee, who had come to pay the compliments of con-
gratulation on his victories to Nizam Shaw from Ibrahim Koottub
Shaw, judging that the attack of Bieder would be renewed, endea-
voured to prevent the expedition. He offered Chungeeze Khan a
great bribe with this view ; but that minifter refufed it, obferving,
that he had the treafures of Nizam Shaw at his command, and
wanted nothing. He faid, it was his wifh that, Bieder being reduced,
Nizam Shaw, Koottub Shaw, and Adil Shaw, fhould join in bro-
therly alliance, and preferve themfeives from the attack of the
foonnite emperor of Dhely, Akber.

The

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

The ambaflador, finding it vain to bribe the minifter, endea-
voured to effedt his purpofe by bringing over to his defign Saheb
Khan, a favourite minion of the fultan's, who had been roughly
treated by Chungeeze Khan. He infinuated to him, that the minis-
ter had intentions of affuming the royal titles in Berar. Saheb Khan
wilhngly believed the accufation, and informed the fultan ; who at
firft would not believe it, and told his favourite, that he knew his
ftories to be the effedl of malice, for the punifliment he had received
from the minifter. Saheb Khan however would not give over the
attempt, but pretended to weep ; and defired the fultan, if he would
not believe him, to fend for Mirza Ifpahanee, who was of the fame
city with the minifter, and hear what he had to fay. The fultan did
io, and his declarations made fome imprefhons on his mind, but he
refolved to wait for proof of his fufpicions. At length, for a trial,
he one day fent for Chungeeze Khan, and fignified his wiihes to
return to Ahmednuggur, as he was tired of the field. The minifter
obferved, that as this was a newly conquered province, it was more
advifeable for his majefty to remain in it five or fix months, in order
to attach the inhabitants to his government ; or, in cafe that was not
agreeable, to leave him with an army for that purpofe. Nizam
Shaw, upon this anfwer, believed all the accufers of the minifter
had faid, and immediately altered his behaviour towards him.
Chungeeze Khan perceiving this, was alarmed, and, under pretence
of illnefs, ftayed fome days from court. The fultan, difpleafed at
this, refolved to difpatch him, and fent his phyfician to him with a
poifoned draught, under the pretence of medicine. Chungeeze
Khan at firft refufed to take it j but, fortifying his mind, at laft
refolved on facrificing himfelf to loyalty, and drank the poifon.
During his laft moments he wrote the following addrefs to the
fultan.

" The faithful fervant Meeruk, the fun of whofe age has pafled
" through fixty manfions, and was haftening to the feventieth, hav-

** ing

383

384 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

*' ing laid the head of fubmiffion on the threftiold of your majefty,
" reprefents, that the draught mixed with the water of life he has
** knowingly, and with eager defire, drank. Having placed the
** treafures of duty and loyalty to the fultan, by whofe bounty I was
" cheriflied, in the cafket of my bofom, I fhut my eyes from the
" obfervance of ftrangers. As lafting as the grave will be to me, fo
" be the life of your maj efly. I hope thus much from the fultan,
" that, eReeming me both in life and death among the number of
" loyal fubjedls, he will adt according to the maxims I fend written
" in my own hand ; that he will fend my body to Kerballa j that he
" will efteem certain amras, named in the petition, as worthy of
** diftindlion, and entertain my foreign fervants among his own
** guards." This addrefs, with fome inflruftions, he committed to
the care of Syed Mortiza j and then reclined upon his bed till the
next day, when he departed from this borrowed, fading manfion,

Mortiza Nizam Shaw was fhortly convinced of the uprightnefs
and fincere attachment of his minifter, whofe death he regretted with
unfeigned forrow ; and, upon his return to Ahmednuggur, refolved
on retiring from the world. He called before him the principal in-
habitants of Ahmednuggur, and faid to them, " Know ye, that I
" have not abilities for empire, for I find not in myfelf the capacity
•' of diftinguifliing juftice from injufticci lb that I frequently am
" guilty of oppreflion under the cloak of juftice i and when the
** truth becomes known unto me, I am difgufted at my own domin-
" ion. Therefore I now take you to witnefs, and fhall call upon you
*' to teftify at the day of refurredlion, that I have appointed Cauzi
« Beg my vaqueel muttulluk, who is of the defcendants of the pro-
** phet ; that he may do unto every one agreeably to law and juftice i
** and, not in the leaft giving a preference to the ftrong over the
" weak, may have no regard to private claims. Should any perfon
" take even the needle of a weak old woman, and it ftiall be quef-
•« tioned me concerning it at the day of judgment, that fuch oppref-

" fion

3^5

€t

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

" fion occurred in my reign, and I was unmindful of it, I will make
anfwer, that I had no bufinefs in fuch affiiirs, whicli depended on
*' Cauzi Beg, the defcendant of the prophet." Then addrefling
himfelf to that minifter, he faid, " Affairs are now in your hands; if
" thou canft not direft them alone, let Ameer al Moolk, Mirza
" Mahummud Nukki, and Cafim Beg, be your partners in publick
" affairs ; while I, who am fearful and apprehenfive of the anger
" and punifliment of the Almighty, and afliamed of my behaviour
" in the affair of Chungeeze Khan, feek retirement, and employ
" my days in repentance and prayer." The fultan, after this, retired
to an apartment in the palace of Ahmednuggur, called Bagdad,
where no one, male or female, was admitted to his prefence, but
Saheb Khan.

In the year 984, the emperor Akber advancing to the frontiers of A. D. 1576.
Dekkan to hunt, the fultan moved with, a few troops, but in a cover-
ed litter, to obferve his motions, and be in readinefs to defend his
dominions. He would have marched to attack the emperor, had
he not been prevented by the entreaties of his nobility. At their
requeft he remained on his borders, till Akber returned to his own
dominions, when he retired again to his privacy in Ahmednuggur.
In the rains the fultan went to Dowlutabad, and vifited the tombs of
the faints. Being feized with a religious enthufiafm, he one day,
unknown even to Saheb Khan, withdrew from his apartment, and
was going alone on foot towards the tomb of Imaum Reza, when he
was known by a countryman, who gave information to the miniflers.
It was with much entreaty that they could prevail upon him to return.
He haftened back to Ahmednuggur, and took up his quarters in the
garden of Hefht Behifht, or the eighth paradife.

At this time, his favourite, Saheb Khan, committed great excefTes,
with his adherents, about three thoufand fcoundrel Dekkanees, fre-
quently forcing children from their parents, for the worfl of purpofes.

B b b He

386 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

He leized the daughter of Meer Mhadie, who was killed in defend-
ing the honour of his family. Thefe injuries gave great difguft, but
the regent was afraid of the favourite's influence with the fultan. At
length, Saheb Khan became fo infolent, as to order a nobleman to
change his name, becaufe it happened to be the fame as his own,
and#' upon his not confenting, refolved to deftroy him, but was pre-
vented by Sullabut Khan's informing tha fultan of his behaviour.
Saheb Khan, enraged, fled ; but the fultan, difl;refled at the lofs of his
\ favourite, purfued him, and overtaking him at Ahmedabad, perfuaded

him to return by agreeing to his unreafonable requells of difplacing
Sullabut Khan, and taking for him the city of Ahmedabad from AH
Bereed, who, upon his befieging it, required and received afllllance
from Ali Adil Shaw.

At this time, Boorahan Shaw, the fultan's brother, efcaped from
prifon, and raifed a rebellion ; which obliged the fultan to return
fuddenly to Ahmednuggur, and recall Sullabut Khan to his prefence.
Saheb Khan, difgufted at this, fled a fecond time. Boorahan Shaw
was defeated and obliged to fly to Beejapore. The fultan endeavour-
ed again to obtain Saheb Khan's return, but he was put to death by
the amras, weary of his infolence, who perfuaded Nizam Shaw, that
he was killed in oppofing the troops fent to condudl him to the pre-
fence. Upon his death, Sullabut Khan became minifter without a
rival, and continued in power for fome years, to the fatisfadtion of
the publick. The country of Mheerut was never fo well governed
as by him, fince the reign of fultan Mhamood Bhamenee.

A. D. I J 80. In the year 988, Ali Adil Sliaw dying, was fucceeded by his bro-

ther Ibrahim, then only in his ninth year. Sullabut Khan, judging
his minority favourable to conquefl, perfuaded Mortiza Nizam
Shaw to invade his dominions. An army was accordingly fent, under
Behzaad al Moolk, who was defeated, with the lofs of all his ele-
phants.

FERISFITA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

phants. The event of this war has been already related, in the
hirtory of the Adil Shawee kings.

387

In the year 992, the fultan fent a fplendid enibally to Beejapore, a. D. 1584,
to demand in marriage the fifter of Ibrahim Adil Shaw for his fon
Meeraun Houflein ; and his requeft being complied with, the prin-
cefs was brought to Ahmednuggar in great pomp. Several nobles
forming a combination to difplace the regent, SuUabut Khan, he
perfuaded the fultan to take up his refidence in the citadel, and I

marched againft the rebels, who were defeated. Shortly after this,
a difcontented faftion having brought Boorahan Shaw, the fultan's
brother, in the difguife of a religious to Ahmednuggur, confpired to
fet him on the throne ; but on the very day intended for the attempt,
Sullabut Khan difcovered the plot. Boorahan Shaw made his efcape,
and fled to the Kokun; but, not thinking himfelf fecure in that
country, fought an afylum with the emperor Akber, from whom he
obtained a force to invade Dekkan, but without fuccefs.

Fatteh Shaw, a dancer, who had fucceeded Saheb Khan in the ful-
tan's affecflions, began to make an ill ufe of his power, by obtaining
large grants of land, and gifts of the royal jewels, which were lavilhly .
beftowed upon him by his mafter. At length he alked for two
rofaries, which had been brought into the treafury from the plunder
of Ramraaje, comJDofed of mofl valuable rubies, pmeralds, and
pearls. The fultan commanded them to be given to him ; but Sulla-
but Khan, unwilling that fuch ineflimable curiofities fliould be loft
to the royal family, fubftituted two ftrings of mock jewels in their
place. After fome time, Fatteh Shaw, difcovering the inipofition,
complained to the fultan; who being enraged, commanded the
regent to lay out in an apartment all his jewels for him to examine.
Sullabut Khan, having concealed the moft precious, placed the reft
as he was ordered j but the fultan miffing them, was fo angry, tliat
he threw all before him into a large fire, and withdrew paflionately

B b b 2 to

388 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

to his chamber. On his departure the regent haflened to fave them
from the flames, and only the pearls had received any damage.
From this time the fultan was confidered and treated as a madman.

The fultan having conceived that his fon Meeraun Houflein de-
figned to dethrone him, attempted to put him to death j but SuUabut
Khan watched the fafety of the young prince. At this time, Ibrahim
Adil Shaw demanded that the nuptials of his fifter fhould be celebrat-.
ed with the fultan's fon, or the princefs be fent back to Beejapore ;
but Sullabut Khan refufed compliance with either demand, unlefs he
would deliver up the fortrefs of Sholapore to Nizam Shaw. Ibrahim
Adil Shaw, enraged at this, laid iiege to the fort of Oufeh. Nizam
Shaw, difpleafed at the condudl of his minifter, upbraided him with
treachery, and declared himfelf weary of his controulj on which the
regent, to (hew his loyalty, begged the fultan to appoint any place
for his confinement, and he would voluntarily put chains on his own
feet and repair to it. Nizam Shaw named the fort of Dunda Raaje-
pore, and Sullabut Khan, in fpite of the remonftrances of his friends
and numerous dependants, immediately refigned himfelf to the fultan's
guards, and was carried to his prifon.

Mortiza Nizam Shaw, on the imprifonment of Sullabut Khan,
conferred the regency on Cafim Beg, and the vizarut on Mirza
Mahummud, commanding them to conclude peace with Ibrahim
Adil Shaw, which they did ; and the nuptials of his filler with the
prince HoufTein were celebrated with great pomp and feftivity. Not
long after this, the fultan, jealous of his fon's fidelity, in a fit of
madnefs refolved to deftroy him. He told his minifters that he longed
for the company of his fon, and they, delighted at his returning
kindnefs, fent the young prince into the fort to him. The fultan pre-
tended great affedion, and gave him a chamber near his own ; but
the-next morning while the youth was fleeping, he fet fire to his bed
clothes, and faftened the door upon him. The prince, awakened

by

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

by the fmoke, and freeing himfelf from the clothes, haftened to the
door. Finding it locked, he cried out for help, but was almoft fuf-
focated with fmoke, when he was releafed by his father's favourite,
Fatteh Shaw, and carried to the minifters, who conveyed him
fecretly to Dowlutabad. The fultan, after fome time, going to the
apartment to examine the afhes for the bones of his intended vidtim,
and not finding them, was enraged. Fatteh Shaw told him the
prince had been burned to aflies ; but he would not believe him, and
demanded him from the favourite, whom he fufpedled of faving him
from the fire. At length, Fatteh Shaw difclofing the truth, the
fultan fent for the minifters, and ordered them to be confined, ap-
pointing others ; but they alfo refufing to kill his fon, he, after nine
days, difplaced them, and gave the regency to Mirza Khan.

Mirza Khan feeing the diftradled ftate of the fultan's intelleds,
pretended acquiefcence with his commands, and courted the favour of
Fatteh Shaw and his dependants by frequent gifts j but wrote pri-
vately to Beejapore, that as the fultan was mad and wanted to murder
his fon, if a detachment was fent to the borders, he would have a
pretence to raife troops, and efpoufe the caufe of the young prince.
Dillawer PLhan, regent of Beejapore, complied with his requeft ; and
Mirza Khan afked the fultan what fleps he fhould take againft the
enemy. Nizam Shaw diredted the regent to purfue what meafures
he might think proper ; and Mirza Khan colledling the troops, they
marched from Ahmednuggur, and encamped near the town of Ran-
nowrd, where they halted by his orders. The fultan, furprized at
their not moving onwards, fent the writer of this hiflory to enquire
the caufe. As the regent knew my loyalty to be firm, he guefied,
that having penetrated his treafonable defigns, I would make them
known to the fultan. He therefore bribed Fatteh Shaw to obtain
the fultan's orders for him to repair to camp, and haften the march of
the army. I was in camp when he arrived, and had found out the real
intention of the miniller, who had given orders to prevent my return ;

but

389

390 FERISKTA's HISTORY OF DErCK:AN.

but having timely notice, I made my efcape in the night. On my
arrival in the city, I related what I had feen and heard to Fatteh
Shaw, who would not believe me. I obferved, that I had no in-
tereft or hatred to gratify, that I fhould falfely accufe the minifler,
and that the truth of my account would quickly appear. While we
were talking, fome fpies brought intelligence, that Mirza Khan
had marched to Dowlutabad, in order to bring the prince Meeraun
Houflein, and feat him on the throne. The fultan now alTced my ad-
vice how to avert the threatened florm. I replied, that there were
two meafures which promifed fuccefs. Firll, that the fultan ftiould
leave his retirement, and march from the city at the head of his
guards, when, probably, moft of the nobility would defert the
regent, and join him. He replied, that he was too ill to mount a
horfe. I then recommended that he flaould fend for Sullabut Khan
from confinement, and put him at the head of affairs, as he was
beloved and refpedted by all ranks, who would flock to his flandard ;
that his majefl:y ihould alfo fet out in a litter to meet him, as far as
the fort of Khiber. The fultan approving of this advice, inftantly
fent off exprefs orders to releafe Sullabut Khan, and prepared to move
himfelf ; when the cowardly Fatteh Shaw fell at his feet, and weep-
ing, laid, that fhould his majefty quit the palace, the guards would
immediately feize and fend him prifoner to the prince, in order to
make their court to a new fovereign. The fultan, alarmed at this
remark, altered his intention, and refolved to wait in the palace for
the arrival of Sullabut Khan. The troops feeing the fultan's fears, now
deferted in crowds to Dowlutabad -, and Mirza Khan advanced from
thence with the prince to the capital by forced marches, in order to
prevent the arrival of Sullabut Khan. I had the guard of the palace,
and wiflied to defend it -, but being deferted by my people, and no
one being left but the fultan, Fatteh Shaw, and a very ftw dome/lic
attendants, oppofition was vain. At length, the prince and Mirza
Khan arrived, and entering the palace with forty armed men, put to
death whomfoever they found. The prince fortunately knew me,

and

ferishta's history of dekkan. 3^1

and rcfleding that we had been fchoolfellows, ordered my life to be
fpared. Having reached the prefence of his father, the prince be-
haved to him, both in word and aiflion, with every poffible infult
and abufe. Nizam Shaw was filent, and only looked at him with
contempt ; till the prince, putting his naked fabre acrofs his breaft,
faid, " I will put you to death." Nizam Shaw then breathing a
deep figh, exclaimed, " O thou accurfed of God, it would be better
" for thee to let thy father be his few remaining days thy gueft, and
" treat him with refpedl." The prince, relenting for a moment at
this expreffion, flopped his hand, and withdrew from his father's
apartment. Not having patience, however, to wait for his death,
though he was then in a mortal illnefs, he commanded him to be put
into a warm bathing room, and fhutting faft the doors and windows
to exclude all air, lighted a great fire under the bath, fo that the ful-
tan was fpeedily fuffocated by the fteam and heat. This parricide
was perpetrated in the year 996. The deceafed fultan was buried in A. D. 1587.
great pomp, in the garden Rozeh ; but his bones were afterwards
taken up and carried to Kerballa, where they were depofited near
thofe of his father and grandfather.

VERSE.

Alas, that there is no ftability in fortune ! for ehdiefs is the circle
of her revolution. Expedt not thou to be free from the encroach-
ments of time, for there is quarter to no one from his cruel fword.

SULTAN

392

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
MEERAUN HOUSSEIN NIZAM SHAW.

JVIeERAUN, on his acceflion to the throne of Ahmednuggur,
being of an impetuous and cruel difpolition, began his reign by
tyranny and oppreffion. He appointed Mirza Khan prime minif-
ter, but paid little regard to his advice ; difappointing him of the
hopes he had entertained of making a pageant of the prince, and
keeping the real power in his own hands. Meeraun having pro-
moted feveral young perfons of his own age to high rank, made
them his companions in his pleafures and excefles. It was frequently
his cuflom, in fits of intoxication, to ride through the city with his
drunken aflbciates, and put perfons to death, though not guUty of
any crime. It being reported to him, that JVLirza Khan had pri-
vately brought from the fort of Sutteeza, Shaw Cafim, brother to
Mortiza Nizam Shaw, and concealed him in his houfe, with a view
to raife a rebellion in his favour, the fultan was alarmed, and confined
the minifter. The next day, however, finding the accufation falfe,
he reftored him to his employments, and gave him his full con-
fidence ; and Mirza Khan, to prevent future fufpicion, advifed the
fultan to put to death the males of the royal family. Meeraun ap-
proved the meafure, and fifteen princes were murdered in one day.
Not long after this event, the power of Mirza Khan becoming
irkfome to the fuhan's companions, they again accufed him of
treachery, and Meeraun believing them, in his drunken hours would
exclaim at one time, that he would behead him with his own hand ;

and

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

393

and at another, that he would have him trod to death by elephants.

Thefe declarations being carried to Mirza Khan, he at length re-

folved to fecure his own fafety by depofing the fultan ; who, in his

turn, tried every means to get the minifter into his power. On the

tenth of Jemmaud al Awul, 997, he repaired to the houfe of his A. 0.1588.

favourite, Ankufs Khan, and fent for Mirza Khan to come and

partake of a banquet, intending to have him alTafllnated ; but the

minifter, being on his guard, excufed himfelf under pretence of

illnefs, fending his friend Agga Meer to make his apology. Agga

Meer reached the houfe of Ankufs Khan jufl as the fultan had

dined ; but the mafter of the houfe had waited, and fat down to eat

with him. When Agga Meer had eaten, he fuddenly pretended

violent pains, declared that he was poifoned, and left the houfe.

Mirza Khan foon after fent a mefTage, that the agga was dying, and

entreated to fee him. The fultan immediately repaired, with a few

attendants, to the fort, where he was feized by the minifter, and

confined, Mirza Khan then fent off Meer Tahir Neefliaporee to

brine the two fons of Boorahan Nizam Shaw from the fort of

Bhaughur, that he might chufe one of them to place on the throne,

concealing the imprifonment of the fultan till their arrival.

On the third day, Meer Tahir returned with the princes ; and
the minifter, fummoning feveral of the principal nobility into the
fort, declared to them the depofal of Houffein, and acceflion of
Ifmaeel Nizam Shaw, then only in his twelfth year. While the
affembly was engaged in faluting the new fultan, a great tumult was
heard at the gates of the fort, where Jemmal Khan, a munfubdar,
with feveral other officers and a mob of foldiers, had affembled, de-
manding to fee fultan Meeraun Houffein, their lawful fovereign.
Mirza Khan fent them word, that Meeraun having no abilities to
govern, he had depofed him, and inaugurated fultan Ifmaeel, who
fhould appear and receive their homage. Jemmal Khan became
more clamorous, and fent perfons to proclaim through the city, that

C c c the

294. FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

tlie minifter, aided by his foreign mercenaries, having depofed their
fovereign, had feated another prince on the throne j and if he was
allowed in this manner to make kings, and adl uncontrouled, the
native nobles and inhabitants of the country would foon become
Haves to foreign adventurers. The Dekkan troops and people, in-
flamed by this report, fled to arms, and in a fhort time about five
thoufand horfe and foot, with a numerous mob, flocked to Jemmal
Khan. They were alfo joined by all the Ethiopian troops.

Mirza Khan thinking to quell the tumult by the death of fultan
Houflein, commanded his head to be ftruck ofl^; which being done,
it was ftuck upon a pole planted on a baftion of the citadel. At the
fame time a perfon cried out to the multitude below, that, as they
muft now be convinced of the death of the fultan, if they would
retire quietly to their habitations, they fhould be rewarded by the
favour of Ifmaeel Shaw, now their fovereign. Several of the princi-
cipal amras were for retiring ; but Jemmal Khan cried out. If
Houflein was murdered, they ought to revenge his death on the
foreigners, take into their own hands the adminiftration of fultan
Ifmaeel, and not fufi'er the country to be governed by flirangers.
Upon this, all refolved to ftorm the fort ; and having heaped piles of
wood and fl:raw to the gates, fet them on fire. About funfet the
gates were burned; but the quantity of hot aflies yet glowing pre-
vented any one pafllng in or out, till midnight, when Mirza Khan
and his friends ruflied from the citadel, and tried to make their efcape
from the city. Numbers were flain in the attempt by the mob ; but
Mirza Khan made his flight good towards the fort of Khiber. The
Dekkanees, Ethiopians, and populace, having entered the fort, put
to death every foreigner they found within, who amounted to nearly
three hundred, and among them were feveral perfons of high rank
and eminent charadlers. Their bodies were dragged out to the open
plain, and orders given for them to lie unburied. Not contented
with the pafl; flaughter, Jemmal Khan commanded his adherents to

murder

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

murder the foreigners of every rank and occupation in the city, and
to plunder and burn their dwelhngs. The foldiers and their followers
having extended the hand of rapine from the fleeve of cruelty, put
to death indifcriminately the noble, the rich, the mafter and the ferv-
ant, the merchant, the pilgrim, and the travelling ftranger. Their
houfes were fet on fire, and the heads of thofe lately exalted to the
fkies, were brought low, and trampled in the dufl. Virgins, who
from modefty concealed their faces from the fun and moon, were
dragged by the hair into the afl'emblies of the drunken. On the
fourth day, Mirza Khan, who had beefi feized near Khiber, was
brought to Jemmal Khan, and being firft carried through the city
on an afs, his body was cut into pieces, which were affixed on dif-
ferent buildings. Several of his friends, taken with him, were alfo
put to death ; and their bodies being rammed into cannons, were
blown into the air. In the fpace of feven days nearly a thoufand
foreigners were murdered. Some few efcaped under the protedlion
of Dekkanee and Ethiopian officers, their intimates and friends. The
reign of Meeraun HoufTein was only two months and three days.
Among thofe princes recorded in hiftory as murderers of their fathers,
we find none whofe reigns extended beyond one year : and a poet
obferves, " Royalty befits not the deftroyer of a parent, nor will tlie
*' reign of fuch a wretch be long."

395

C c c 2 SULTAN

396 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
ISMAEEL NIZAM SHAW.

It has been already mentioned, in the hiftory of Mortiza Nizam
Shaw, that Boorahan Shaw, his brother, having been defeated
in an attempt to dethrone him, fled for protection to the court of
the emperor Akber. On his departure he left behind him two
fons, named Ibrahim and Ifmaeel, who were Jcept confined m the
fortrefs of Lahaghur. The younger being raifed to the throne oa
the death of Meeraun Houflein Shaw, took the title of I&iaeel
Nizam Shaw, and was acknowledged by the vidorious minifter,
Jemmal Khan.

Jemmal Khan, being of the fe(S of Mhaudee, perfuaded the
fultan to embrace his tenets, and commit the power of government
into the hands of his followers. In the beginning of his adminiftra-
tion he obliged the few foreigners who had efcaped the maflacre in
the laft reign, to leave Ahmednuggur, after feizing their effedls, and
they embraced the fervice of the fultan of Beejapore. Among them
was the writer of this hiftory, who was exalted in the fervice of
Ibrahim Adil Shaw.

Intelligence of the commotions of Ahmednuggur having reached
the emperor Akber, he recalled Boorahan Shaw from his jaghire,
and offered him a force to regain the throne of his anceftors, now his
right, but ufurped by his own fon and a defpotic minifter. Boorahan

Shaw

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

Shaw reprefented, that fliould he accept the aid of Mogul troops, the
people of Dekkan would be alarmed, andobjed to his authority ; but
that if his majefly would allow him to repair to the borders of the
country with his own dependants, he would try to draw his fubjedts
to allegiance by gentlenefs and conciliation. Akber approving his
propofal permitted him to depart for Dekkan, and allotted the fron-
tier diflridl of Handea for his fupport till he fhould regain his do-
minions i at the fame time commanding raja Alee Khan, prince of
Khandeflie, to afford him afliftance to his utmofl ability. JBoorahan
Shaw having received offers of allegiance from many of the nobility,
marched againft his fon, but was defeated. However, in a fhort
time after this, he renewed his attempts ; and, being joined by a
great majority of the chiefs and people, attacked Jemmal Khan,
who was killed in the aftion. Ifmaeel was taken prifoner, and
confined by his father, who afcended in his room the throne of
Ahmednuggur.

397

SULTAN

398 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

SULTAN
BOORAHAN SHAW.

JdOORAHAN Shaw, during the reign of his brother Mortiza
Nizam Shaw, was confined to the fort of Lahaghur, but had a large
jaghire allowed him for his fupport, fo that he paiTed his days with
fatisfadlion. When Saheb Khan behaved tyrannically, and the nobles
were difgufted at Mortiza Shaw, who had left the capital to induce
his favourite to return, a party of them befought Boorahan Shaw to
rebel, on pretence that his brother was mad, and unfit to govern.
Allured by promifes of fupport, he gained over the governor of the
fort, and appeared in arms at the head of fix thoufand horfe, with
which force he moved towards the capital. Mortiza Nizam Shaw,
upon intelligence of this rebellion, haftened from Bieder to Ahmed-
nuggur. Pafling through the ftreets to the palace, he flopped his
elephant at the fhop of an apothecary, and alked if he had any
medicine that would cure madnefs, faying, that he did not know-
who required it mofl, himfelf, who wifhed to live the life of a
reclufe and. yet rule a kingdom, or his brother, who, with the en-
joyment of eafe, was plunging himfelf into publick cares. The
apothecary replied, that his brother was the madman who could un-
gratefully offend fo kind a protedlor, and would not profper in his
treafon. The next day Boorahan Shaw was defeated, and fled to
Beejapore. Two years afterwards he made another attempt, with
fimilar fuccefs, and fought protedlion with the emperor Akber, with

whom

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. .

whom he continued till the acceflion of his fon to the throne, which
he difpoflefled him of, as above related.

399

Boorahan Shaw was advanced in years when he afcended the
throne ; but, notwithftanding his age, gave himfelf up to pleafures
unbecoming his dignity. His reign was marked by an unfuccefsful
war with Beejapore, and a difgraceful defeat from the Portuguefe,
who had feized the fea coafts of his dominions. He died in the
year 1003, four years and fome months after his acceffion. He was A. D. 1594.
fucceeded by his fon Ibrahim Shaw, who, after a reign of only four
months, was flain in adion againft the fultan of Beejapore.

On the death of Ibrahim Shaw, feveral fa(5lions arofe in Ahmed-
nuggur, each fetting up a nominal fovereign. Mean Munjoo, who
poflefled the city, and acknowledged the title of Bahadur Shaw,
infant fon to the late fultan, being belieged by his competitors, in-
vited Moraud, fon of the emperor Akber, then governor of Guzarat,
to his afliftance, for which he offered to become tributary to the
Mogul power. Sultan Moraud embraced the propofal, and in the
year 1004 arrived before Ahmednuggur with a conliderable army. A. D. 1595.
Mean Munjoo by this time, having overcome his rivals, repented of
his offers, and prepared to oppofe the fultan. Having committed the
city to the charge of Nufleer Khan his deputy, and the care of Chaund
Beebee, great aunt to fultan Bahadur, he departed to raife levies and
implore the affiflance of Koottub Shaw and Adil Shaw. Sultan
Moraud befieged Ahmednuggur, which was gallantly defended.
Breaches were made, but immediately repaired by the heroic condud:
of Chaund Beebee ; who, covering herfelf with a veil, headed the
troops. At length, fupplies growing fcarce in the camp, and the
allies of Beejapore and Golconda approaching, fultan Moraud
thought proper to accept of fome offers of tribute from Chaund
Beebee, and raife the fiege. Some money was paid, and the diflrids

in

400

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

in Berar belonging to the Nizam Shawee government were ceded to
the Moguls.

On the retreat of fultan Moraud, Chaund Beebee requefled tlie
afliftance of Ibrahim Adil Shaw to reprefs the infolence of the Nizam
Shawee nobles, and eftablifli the authority of the fovereign. Soheil
Khan, a eunuch, celebrated for his valour, wifdom and juftice, was
fent to her aid with eight thoufand horfe, and ftridl injundlions to
pay implicit obedience to her orders. On his arrival, the refraiflory
became fubmifiive. Affairs being fettled at Ahmednuggur, the
auxiliaries departed ; but intelligence arriving that the Dhely forces
had taken poffeflion of fome diftridts not ceded by the late treaty to
the emperor, Soheil Khan halted, and fent for frefh infl:ru(5lions from
Beejapore. Ibrahim Adil Shaw commanded him to oppofe the en-
croachments of the imperialiils, and aflift Chaund Beebee. Soheil
Khan being joined by her troops, and a force from the fultan of Gol-
conda, marched towards Berar. The khankhanaun who was encamp-
ed at Jaulneh, hearing of the advance of the Dekkanees, retreated to
the head quarters of the prince at Shawpore, from whence, having
collected an army of twenty thoufand horfe, he advanced to meet the
enemy on the banks of the Gung. A fevere adtion took place, in
which the Dekkanees were defeated. Some time after this, the
prince Moraud died of exceflive drinking, and Akber appointed his
fon fultan Daniaul governor of Dekkan, with orders to reduce Ah-
mednuggur, while he himfelf was befieging the fortrefs of Afeerghur
in the province of Khandefhe. At this jundure, the Dekkanees put
to death the heroic Chaund Beebee, and confined the fultan Bahadur
Nizam Shaw ; not long after which Ahmednuggur was taken by the
Moguls, and the captive fovereign fent to perpetual imprifonment in
the fortrefs of Gualior.

On the fall of Ahmednuggur, Mallek Umber, an Abyffinian,
who had rifen from the condition of a flave to great influence and

command.

FERTSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAM. 401

command, and Raj 00 Minnaun, a Dekkanee chief, divided the re-
maining territories between them. The former poflefled from the
TeUngana frontier to within eight miles of Ahmednuggur and four of
Dowlutabad ; the latter, northward from that fortrefs to the borders
of Guzarat, and fouthward to within twelve miles of Ahmednuggur,
leaving to a nominal fultan, Mortiza o.^' whom they placed on the
throne on the capture of Bahadur Nizam Shaw, only the fortrefs of
Oufeh with a few villages for his fupport. As each of thefe chiefs
coveted the territories of the other, there was conftant difagreement
between them. In the year 1012 Mallek Umber, by the afliftance of A. D. 1603.
the Mogul arms, defeated Rajoo, and, taking him prifoner, feized his
country. At this period feveral commotions happening in the Dhely
government, owing to the rebellion of fultan Seleem, the death of .
Akber, and revolt of fultan Khoferroo, fucceflively. Umber had lei-
fure to regulate his county, levy great armies, and even dared to feize
feveral of the imperial diftridts. When the authority of Jehaungeer
was eftabliflied, he fent frequent armies to Dekkan ; but Umber was
not to be fubdued, and, though fometimes defeated, continued to
oppofe the royal ftrengtli. At length he gave up the places taken
from the Moguls to the prince Shaw Jehaun, to whofe interefl he
became attached, and continued loyal. After this he remained un-
molefted by the Dhely government, and condudled his affairs with
much glory, often obliging the fultans of Golconda and Beejapore to
pay him contributions. He died in the year 1035, in his eightieth A. D. 1626.
year, and was buried in Dowlutabad, under a fplendid dome which
he had erefted : and fuch is the efteem in which his charadler has
been held, that notwithftanding the various changes of property, the
lands dedicated to the fupport of the attendants of his tomb are yet
left unconfifcated, for that purpofe. He was the firft general, poli-
tician, and financier of his age, and his country was the beft cultir-
vated, and his fubjedls the happiert, of any in Dekkan. He founded
Ghurkeh, five cofs from Dowlutabad, now called Aurungabad, and
ornamented it with a magnificent palace, gardens, and noble pieces

D d d of

402 FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

of water lined with ilone, which yet remain. His charities and
juftice are yet celebrated ; and he was alfo eminent for his piety.

Futteh Khan, the fon of Umber Hubfliee, fucceeded to his
authority ; but Mortiza Nizam Shaw 2"^' being weary of his controul,
took him prifoner by treachery, and confined him in the fort of
Chumber, or Khiber. Having made his efcape, he rebelled, but
was again taken, and confined in Dowlutabad. In time he was
releafed, and appointed generalifTimo by the influence of his fifter,
mother to Nizam Shaw. He fhortly, to prevent another removal
from office, confined the fultan under pretence of infanity, and put to
death twenty five of the principal nobility in one day, writing to Shaw
Jehaun, that he had thus adled, to prevent them from rebelling
againft him. The emperor in reply commended his attachment, and
ordered him to put the captive prince to death ; which he did, and
placed his fon Houfiein, an infant of ten years, on the throne ; but
Shaw Jehaun demanding the royal jewels, treafures, and elephants,
Futteh Khan delayed to obey. Upon this, an army was fent againfl
him ; but he averted the wrath of the emperor, by offering a prefent
to the amount of eight lacks of rupees, and agreed to pay tribute ; on
which he was allowed to keep what territory yet remained to the
Nizam Shawee fovereignty. Adil Shaw preparing to wrefl from him
Dowlutabad, he offered it to Shaw Jehaun, faying, that his father had
commanded him, rather to fweep the courts of the Timur princes,
than accept the higheft ofhce in that of Beejapore. The emperor
. fent his general, Mahabut KJian, to receive the fort 3 but Futteh
Khan, on his arrival before it, repented of his fubmiflion, and held
out till diftrefs for provifions forced him to furrender. The fall of
this place put a final period to the dynafly of Nizam Shaw, which
had fwayed the fceptre for one hundred and fifty years. Houfiein
Nizam Shaw was confined for life in Gualior, but Futteh Khan was
received into favour, and had all his property given up to him. He
was upon the point of being promoted to a high rank of nobility,

when

FERlSHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN.

when he became infane, from the effedls of an old wound in his head ;
upon which the emperor allowed him to retire to Lahore, on a pen-
fion of two lacks of rupees, w^hich he enjoyed till his death, many
years afterwards, in that city. His younger brother, Chungecze
Khan, had before accepted the imperial fervice, and was appointed
an ameer of two thoufand, with the title of Munfoor Khan. Many
of his relations and dependants alfo were promoted. From this
period the Nizam Shawee kingdom funk into a province of the
Mogul empire.

403

END OF THE NIZAM SHAWEE DYNASTY.

HISTORT

OP

THE SULTANS OF GOLCONDA,

OR

KOOTTUB SHAWEE DYNASTY.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 407

SULTAN
KOOLLI KOOTTUB SHAW.

1 HIS prince, the founder of the fovereignty of Golconda, was
originally a Turkifli adventurer, who came to try his fortune in
Dekkan, and embraced the fervice of Mahummud Shaw Bhame-
nee. By degrees he was promoted to high rank ; and in the reign
of Mhamood Shaw obtained the title of Koottub al Moolk, and the
territory of Golconda, part of Telingana, in jaghire. On the decline
of the Bhamenee authority, when Adil Khan and others alTumed
royalty, Koottub al Moolk alfo, in the year 918, fliled himfelf A. D. i5»2.
fultan of Tehngana, under the title of Koottub Shaw. He was a
chief of great abilities, and reigned thirty nine years ; at the end of
which he was aiTaffinated by a Turkifli flave, fuppofed to be bribed
by his fon and fucceflbr,

JUMSHEED KOOTTUB SHAW.

He reigned feven years and fome months, and was fucceeded by
his brother.

SULTAN

^oS FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DI

SULTAN
IBRAHIM KOOTTUB SHAW«

Ibrahim Shaw was a wife and politic prince, but arbitrary and
fevere ; punifliing flight faults with death. He was fond of the
pleafures of the table, but negledted not bulinefs for luxury. He fo
governed the country of Telingana, remarkable for the numbers of
its thieves and banditti, that merchants and travellers could journey
night and day, without going in caravans, in perfedl fecurity. In his
reign the fovereignty of Koottub Shaw acquired weight and refped:,,
from the able characters whom he encouraged at his court. No
wars of any confequence occurred in his time. He died in the year
A. D. 1581, 989, after a profperous reign of thirty two years.

SULTAN

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN, 409

SULTAN
MAHUMMUD KOOLLI KOOTTUB SHAW.

-I HIS prince, on the death of his father, afcended the throne of
Golconda, in his twelfth year. In the beginning of his reign he was
engaged in war with Adil Shaw, with whom he concluded peace in
the year 995, giving him his fifter in marriage. The air of Golconda A. D. 1586.
not agreeing with his conftitution, he founded a city at about eight
miles diftance, which he called Bhaugnuggur, after his miftrefs
Bhaug, a celebrated courtezan j but being afterwards afhamed of
his amour, he changed it to Hyderabad. He entrufled his brothers
with high offices, making them his friends and companions ; and
they in return were loyal and affedlionate. Shaw Abbas, emperor
of Perfia, courted his alliance, by afking his daughter in marriage
for one of his fons ; and Mahummud, efleeming connection with fo
suguft a monarch as an honour, comphed with the requell.

E e e SULTAN

4IO

FERISHTA-s HISTORY OF DEXEvAM.

SULTAN
MAHUMMUD KOOTTUB SHAW.

<

MaHUMMUD Koolli, leaving no fon, was fucceeded by his
brother iMahummud, who was fucceeded by Abdoolla Koottub
Shaw. ^Abdoolla reigned many years under the protedion of the
emperor Shaw Jehaun, to whom he acknowledged himfelf tributary,
A. D. 1655. and paid an annual fum; but in the year io66 he difpleafed that
monarch, and brought upon himfelf much trouble and diftrefs. The
caufe of offence was this : Meer Mahummud Saad, prime miniiler
to Abdoolla Shaw, having acquired great wealth and power, became
fufpeded of dilloyal intentions towards his fovereign, who wifhed to
difplace him. Meer Mahummud, to avoid the difgrace of removal,
and the probable confifcation of his treafures, offered his fervices to
the prince Aurungzebe, then governor of the imperial territories in
Dekkan. The prince recommended him to his father Shaw Jehaun,
who immediately honoured him with the rank of five thoufand, his
fon Mahummud Ameen with that of two, and commanded Ab-
doolla Koottub Shaw to permit them to repair with their effedls
to court. Koottub Shaw difobeyed the mandate, and confining
Mahummud Ameen, then at Hyderabad, feized part of his wealth.
Aurungzebe, enraged at this condudl, marched to Hyderabad, which
he took and plundered. Koottub Shaw was obliged to purchafe
pardon by a contribution of a ^ corore of rupees, and the gift of his
daughter in marriage to the fon of his enemy, the prince fultan

Mahummud.

» One million fterling.

FERISHTA's HISTORY OF DEKKAN. 41 j

Mahummud. From this time Abdoolla Shaw, during the remainder
of his life, was in fadl a vafTal of the empire. He died in the early
part of the reign of Aurungzebe, and was fucceeded by his fon in law,

ABOU HOUSSUN,

Who, after fome years, was taken prifoner by the emperor
Aulumeeer, and confined for life in the citadel of Dowlutabad.
Golconda was then reduced to a province of the empire of Hin-
dooftan.

Befides the fovereignties of Nizam Shawee, Adil Shawee, and
Koottub Shawee, founded on the ruins of the Bhamenee princes of
Dekkan, there were two others, compofed of parts of their once
extenfive dominions. One was founded by Ameer Bereed, prime
minifler, or rather, confiner of the two lafl Bhamenee fultans, and
called from him, Bereed Shawee. His dominions were fmall, con-
fifting only of the capital of Bieder, and a few diflridls round that
city i nor did the honours of royalty long remain in his family, his
territories being wrefled from his grandfon by the other Dekkan
princes, and the kingdom of Bieder deftroyed.

The other fovereignty was filled Ummad Shawee, and confifted
of the fouthern part of Berar. It was fo called from the founder,
Ummad al Moolk, a chief, of the Bhamenee fultans. This mo-
narchy lafted through four generations. The lafl prince, Boorahan
Ummad Shaw, was only nominal fovereign, the power being ufurp-
ed by his minifler Tuffal Khan. He was reduced by Mortiza Nizam
Shaw, who added Berar to his own dominions in the year 982. A. D. 1574.
With the dominions of Ahmednuggur, Berar alfo fell into the hands
of the Mogul emperors. ,

END OF THE KOOTTUB SHAWEE DYNASTY.

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