The Institutes of Akbar 241: 20. Pir Muhammad Khan of Shirwan.
The Áín i Akbari (Blochmann, Jarrett) 241
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Nothing is known of his father. Pir Muhammad was a Mulla, and attached himself to Bairam in Qandahar. Through Bairam’s influence he was raised to the dignity of Amír on Akbar’s accession. He distinguished himself in the war with Hemú, and received subsequently the title of Náçirulmulk. His pride offended the Chagátáí nobles and, at last, Bairám himself, to whom he once refused admittance when he called on him at a time he was sick.
Bairám subsequently ordered him to retire, sent him, at the instigation of Shaikh Gadáí (vide p. 272) to the Fort of Biyánah, and then forced him to go on a pilgrimage. Whilst on his way to Gujrát, Pír Muhammad received letters from Adham Khán (No. 19) asking him to delay. He stayed for a short time at Rantanbhúr; but being pursued by Bairám’s men, he continued his journey to Gujrát. This harsh treatment annoyed Akbar, and accelerated Bairám’s fall. Whilst in Gujrát, P. M. heard of Bairám’s disgrace, and returned at once to Akbar who made him a Khán. In 968, he was appointed with Adham Khán to conquer Málwah, of which he was made sole governor after Adham’s recall. In 969, he defeated Báz Bahádur who had invaded the country, drove him away, and took Bíjágarh from I’timád Khán, Báz Bahádur’s general. He then made a raid into Khándes, which was governed by Mírán Muhammad Sháh, sacked the capital Burhánpúr, slaughtered most unmercifully the inhabitants, and carried off immense booty, when he was attacked by Báz Bahádur and defeated. Arriving at night on his flight at the bank of the Narbaddah, he insisted on crossing it, and perished in the river.