Riyaz al-salatin 111: NIZAMAT OF NAWAB ALI VARDI KHAN MAHABAT JANG.
The Riyazu-s-salatin (Abdus Salam) 111
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NIZAMAT OF NAWAB ALI VARDI KHAN MAHABAT JANG.
111.1.1
After obtaining victory, Ali Vardi Khan Mahabat Jang, in order to overlook the sacking of the City and the loot of Sarfaraz Khan's treasures at the hands of Afghans and Bhaliahs, for three days encamped outside the City, on the banks of the river Gobrah. On the fourth day, with a sense of perfect security entering the Citadel, he seated himself with extended thighs on the masnad of the Nizamat of Bengal, and confiscated without any trouble Sarfaraz Khan's treasures which the past Nazims with considerable self-denial had hoarded. In that Nawab Mahabat Jang avoided the company of strange women, and did not care for this sort of pleasure, during his life he had only one wedded wife, and in fact, he often plumed himself on this circumstance. Haji Ahmad and his sons and relations possessed themselves of Sarfaraz Khan's fifteen hundred pretty female dependants and slaves. Mahabat Jang banished to Jahangirnagar (Dacca) the wedded Begams of Sarfaraz Khan with their children, and fixed small allowances for them from the income of the Khas Ta'luqah. And Nafisah Begam, Sarfaraz Khan's sister, who had adopted as her child Aqa Baba Kuchak who was her nephew, entered service as a governess in the Seraglio of Nawazish Ahmad Khan, the eldest son of Haji Ahmad, and in this way supported her nephew.
111.1.2
When news of the fall of Sarfaraz Khan and of the succession of Ali Vardi Khan to the Masnad of the Nizamat of Bengal reached Emperor Nasiru-d-din Muhammad Shah, the latter wept and said: "Owing to Nadir Shah, the whole of my Empire is convulsed and shattered." But to mend the state of affairs was difficult, and so the Emperor kept quiet. Mahabat Jang, through Murad Khan, who was one of the associates of the Prime Minister, Nawab Qamru-d-din Khan (about whom mention has been made before), intrigued with the Prime Minister and other Ministers. He remitted to the Emperor forty laks of rupees on account of Sarfaraz Khan's confiscated treasures and fourteen laks on account of tribute, over and above the usual fixed revenue. He also gave three laks of rupees to Qamru-d-din Khan Vazir, and one lak of rupees to Asaf Jah Nizamu-l-Mulk. He similarly conciliated and bribed other Imperial Officers according to their ranks. Intriguing with Rajah Jugal Kishor, agent of Sarfaraz Khan, Mahabat Jang obtained in his own name the patent of the Nizamat of all the three Subahs of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, according to the usual practice. He then exacted double the usual amount of revenue, presents and tribute from the Zamindars of Bengal.
111.1.3
For the purpose of overthrowing Murshid Quli Khan, and for conquering the Subah of Odisah (Orissa), Mahabat Jang now girded up his loins, mobilised troops and collected armaments, and bestowed the office of Generalissimo on Mir Ja'far Khan Bahadur, who was Mahabat Jang's brother-in-law, and who in the war with Sarfaraz Khan had rendered Mahabat Jang good services. Mahabat Jang bestowed on Mir Ja'far a corps of bodyguard, together with a mansab, a title, and a peerage. He bestowed the office of Diwan with the title of Rai Raian on Chin Rai, who was a clerk in charge of the Jagirs of Ja'far Khan, and who was a person of probity and honesty. And he bestowed on Muhammed Riza Khan, the eldest son of Haji Ahmad, who had married Ghasiti Khanam, daughter of Mahabat Jang, the title of Nasiru-l-Mulk Ihtishamu-d-daulah Nawazish Muhammed Khan Bahadur Shahamat Jang, together with the nominal office of Diwan of Bengal, and the Deputy Nizamat of Jahangirnagar (Dacca), including Chittagong, Raushanabad (Tipperah), and Silhat. And he bestowed on Hashim Ali Khan, the youngest son of Haji Ahmad, who had married the younger daughter of Mahabat Jang, named Amanah Khanam, the title of Zainu-d-din Ahmad Khan Haibat Jang, together with the Deputy Nizamat of the Province of Bihar and Azimabad (Patna). And he advanced to ranks, titles, and Jagirs his other relations and connexions, according to their ranks and aspirations.
111.1.4
But the Afghans and the Bhaliahs, who owing to their large numbers were haughty, meddled so much in all the affairs, that they did not care for Mahabat Jang, and deviated from the usual forms of etiquette. Shelving the canons of justice on the shelf of forgetfulness, they looted treasures, and killed and slaughtered the people, together with their women and children. And the conduct of ingratitude, which had subsisted in the times of the early Musalman Independent Kings of Bengal, reasserted itself afresh from the time of Mahabat Jang. Towards the commencement of the insurrection of Ali Vardi Khan Mahabat Jang, Nawab Sarfaraz Khan had asked for help from Murshid Quli Khan, the Governor of Odisah (Orissa), who was his brother-in-law; but the latter, owing to personal spite which has been referred to before, had delayed to march to his help. Whilst Murshid Quli was occupied with despatching a body of troops in the shape of an auxiliary force, he suddenly received news of Sarfaraz Khan's fall and of Ali Vardi Khan's mastery over the Subah of Bengal. It was then that Murshid Quli Khan woke up from slumber, and was plunged into shame and sorrow. General well-being follows mutual union, General ruin follows disunion.
111.1.5
In short, from fear of Ali Vardi Khan, Murshid Quli Khan made preparations in self-defence, and exerted himself strenuously towards the mobilisation of an army, and deputed to Murshidabad Mukhlis Ali Khan, son-in-law of Haji Ahmad, who from before was in his company, in order to arrange the basis of a treaty of peace. After the latter's arrival, Ali Vardi Khan and Haji Ahmad sending a reassuring and diplomatic message to Murshid Quli Khan, set him at ease, and sent back Mukhlis Khan, in order to sow treason secretly amongst the Officers of Murshid Quli Khan's army. Mukhlis Khan presenting himself before Murshid Quli Khan outwardly tried to humour and reassure him, but covertly by offer of allurements and temptations sowed sedition in Murshid Quli's army, and sent an account of his success in this direction to Ali Vardi Khan Mahabat Jang. The latter, with a large army and an immense artillery, instantly marched towards the Province of Orissa. On receipt of this news, leaving his wife, Durdanah Begam, and his son, Yahya Khan, with his treasures in the fort of Barahbati, Murshid Quli Khan with an efficient force and requisite war-paraphernalia, together with his two sons-in-law, named Mirza Muhammad Baqir Khan, a Prince of Persia, and Alau-d-din Muhammad Khan, marched out from Katak (Cuttack) in order to fight, and advanced to the port of Balisar (Balasor).
111.1.6
At the ferry of Phulwar, from the rock of Tilgad'hi to the river Jon, he threw up an entrenchment, and remained behind it waiting for the enemy. Unfortunately, Murshid Quli Khan was ignorant of the wiles of the traitor in his own camp in the person of Mukhalis Ali Khan, and had, therefore, failed to take any precautionary steps against that double-faced scoundrel, and had thus ignored the saying of Shaikh Sa'di: — 'If thy relative be thy enemy, treat him outwardly as thy friend, But never be heedless of his treachery. For inside his heart, wound festers from thy envy, Whenever he thinks of the love-shackles of kinship.' Advancing from Bengal by forced marches with a large army, which numbered more than one lak cavalry and infantry, Ali Vardi Khan reached Mednipur, secured the adhesion of the Zamindars of that district by bestowing on them Khila'ts and gifts, and encamped at Jalisar (Jalasore), which was an Imperial outpost. On the banks of the river Sabanrikha, at the ferry of Rajghat, Rajah Jagardhar Bhanj, Zamindar of Morbhanj, had established a garrison of his Chawars and Khandaits, and had erected entrenchments. To cross, therefore, at the ferry of Rajghat which was protected by dense jungles and thorny trees, was found to be a difficult operation, and therefore, Ali Vardi Khan had to ask for help from the Rajah. The Rajah, however, was haughty owing to his command of a large army, and did not care for Ali Vardi Khan.
111.1.7
He refused to side with the latter, or to permit him to cross at the Rajghat ferry. Ali Vardi Khan placing his artillery-waggons in front of the Rajghat ferry, commenced bombarding it. The Rajah's army were unable to hold the ground in their entrenchment, and fled to the jungles. Ali Vardi Khan with troops and artillery crossed over at Rajghat, and encamped at Ramchandarpur which was at a distance of one and a half karoh from Murshid Quli Khan's encampment. Emissaries and envoys were busy for some days moving to and fro with messages of peace and war, and this sort of diplomatic parley lasted for one month. All this time Murshid Quli Khan did not advance across the ferry of Phulwar. Having regard to the wasteful expenditure on account of a huge army thus locked up, and viewing the dearth of provisions, and apprehending the approach of the rainy season as well as the raids of Mahratta freebooters, Ali Vardi Khan thought it expedient to patch up peace, and return. But Mustafa Khan, generalissimo of Ali Vardi's Afghan contingent, not acquiescing in peace, suggested entrenchments being thrown up during the rains.
111.1.8
After a Council of War, it was decided after much deliberation to send a soothing message to Murshid Quli Khan through a trustworthy envoy, who was instructed to get back a reply in the following form: — "I shall not allow you authority or possession over the Subah of Odisah," and then with this document to return to Bengal, and after the rainy season, again mobilising troops, to re-attempt Murshid Quli Khan's subjugation. Although 'Abid Khan and other Afghan Generals, owing to the sedition sown amongst them by Mukhalis Ali Khan, treacherously advised Mirza Baqir Khan, who commanded the vanguard of Murshid Quli Khan's army, to give battle by advancing out of the entrenchment, Murshid Quli Khan remained on the defensive, and dissuaded Mirza Baqir from attempting a sally. But as the period of stay within entrenchments was tediously protracted, Mirza Baqir, carried by his youthful impulsiveness, sallied out with his contingent composed of Syeds of Barha, and arrayed himself in battle-rank. Murshid Quli was, therefore, obliged to array his troops in front of Ali Vardi Khan's army. On both sides, the battle opened with a cannonade, which was soon abandoned for a sword and spear-charge at close quarters.
111.1.9
Murshid Quli Khan's generalissimo, Mir Abdu-l-'Aziz, who commanded the van, and his devoted contingent of three hundred knights consisting of Syeds of Barha spurred on their chargers, exhibited feats of heroism and hereditary gallantry, and with the flashing of their lightning swords ignited the life-harvests of all whose moment for death had arrived. Before this gallant charge, Ali Vardi Khan's soldiers, who had hitherto fancied themselves lions of the forest of bravery, fled like sheep from the battle-field, and met with a crushing defeat. The elephant on which Ali Vardi Khan with his Begam was mounted, was withdrawn half farsakh away from the battle-field. At this crisis, Mukhalis Ali Khan and Jibid Khan surnamed Farzand Ali Khan, upon whose loyalty Murshid Quli Khan reposed implicit confidence, together with Muqarrab Khan and other Afghan generals, exhibiting treachery which is the characteristic of the Afghan race, effaced from the tablets of their hearts all the alphabets of obligations that had been engraved thereon by many years of shelter and salt-eating, deserted the side of Murshid Quli Khan, and retired from the battle-field.
111.1.10
At this juncture, Manikchand, Peshkar of the Rajah of Bardwan, who had arrived with an appropriate auxiliary force to serve under Ali Vardi Khan, reflecting that results of war were dubious, and speculating about the future, covertly humoured Murshid Quli Khan, and asked for the latter's flag of truce, in order to join him and exhibit self-sacrifice and loyalty. From a side of the forest, towards the direction whence the force of Mirza Baqir Khan was marching in pursuit of Ali Vardi Khan, Manikchand shewed himself, and displayed Murshid Quli Khan's flag. Inasmuch as the aforesaid Mirza was unaware of his aim, he opposed his progress. Manikchand was obliged to fight. Mirza Baqir's efficient soldiers were already exhausted by warfare, so they fought in broken lines, and by the viccisitudes of times, the corps of Mirza Baqir was defeated. Ali Vardi Khan, on being apprised of this, hurriedly collected his vanquished troops by use of persuasions, and a second time engaged in fighting. Mir Abdu-l-'Aziz and his corps, consisting of three hundred Syed knights, dismounting from their horses, and girding up their loins of bravery, marched to the battle-field, and one by one, all of them fell, being shot down by bullets fired by the Bhaliah corps. Murshid Quli Khan being thus defeated retired to the Port of Balisar (Balasore), and there embarking on a sloop which had been kept ready from before, he sailed for the Dakhin, and presented himself before Nawab Asaf Jah.
111.1.11
A providential victory thus fell to the good fortune of Ali Vardi Khan Mahabat Jang. The latter pursued the vanquished army up to the Port of Balasore. From there, he detached Mirza Khairu-l-lah Beg, Faqiru-l-lah Beg, and Nuru-l-lah Beg to capture Yahya Khan and Murshid Quli's Begam, and also to seize his treasures and chattels. Ali Vardi instructed them to proceed by forced marches, whilst he himself followed them on horse-back. When news of this affair and of Murshid Quli Khan's retreat to the Dakhin reached Katak (Cuttack), Murad Khan, the generalissimo of the Rajah of Parsutam (Puri), who had been detailed for guarding Yahya Khan and the Begam in the Fort of Barahbati, planned to send instantly the Begam and Yahya Khan together with all their chattels and treasures to the Dakhin, by way of Sikakul. Baggages and equipages were kept ready, and jewelleries, gold coins, treasures, and other precious things were loaded on elephants, camels, and waggons, when all of a sudden the army of Ali Vardi Khan made its appearance. The elephant and camel-drivers, &c., leaving behind the loaded treasures and chattels with their baggages, fled, and all those treasures fell into the hands of the aforesaid Mirzas, who divided the precious jewelleries, treasures, and other valuable wares amongst themselves. Since Ali Vardi Khan also followed up subsequently, he captured the remaining treasures, and also confiscated other treasures of the adherents of Murshid Quli Khan.
111.1.12
Issuing proclamations of peace and security, and employing reassurances and persuasions, Ali Vardi Khan won over to his side the Collectors, Zamindars and Officers of Orissa, and set about making settlement of the revenue, nazar, and tribute, as well as of the Jagirs. And in the course of one month, having finished the organisation and settlement of the Subah of Orissa, he entrusted the charge of that Province to Said Ahmad Khan, his nephew, who had previously served as the Faujdar of Rangpur, procuring for him from the Emperor the title of Nasiru-l-Mulk Said Ahmad Khan Bahadur Saulat Jang. Ali Vardi Khan also left Gujar Khan, a Rohilla general, together with a contingent of three thousand cavalry and four thousand infantry, to be in attendance on Said Ahmad Khan at Katak (Cuttack). Ali Vardi Khan then returned, triumphant and victorious, to Bengal.
111.2.1
Saulat Jang was of a churlish disposition and regulated himself by avarice. For effecting retrenchment in the military expenditure, he took into his service Salim Khan, Darvesh Khan, Nia'mat Khan, Mir A'zizu-l-lah and other generals, and sent back Gujar Khan to Murshidabad, on the plea of smallness of the revenue of Katak. The aforesaid generals who were anxious to avenge the fall of their old master, Murshid Quli Khan, finding now an opportunity, broke out into revolt. Saulat Jang sent to them Qasim Beg, Superintendent of the Artillery, and Shaikh Hidaitu-l-lah, Faujdar (Magistrate) of Katak, for effecting the basis of a reconciliation. The Generals, who were seeking for an opportunity, finding the above two emissaries unescorted, slew Qasim Beg, whilst Hidaitu-l-lah, after receiving some wounds, made his escape. The citizens and soldiers en masse broke out into revolt, and under cover of the darkness of night they besieged Saulat Jang, took him prisoner along with his followers and relations, and looted his treasures and effects. Then inviting over Mirza Baqir Khan, son-in-law of Murshid Quli Khan, from Sikakul across the Chilkah lake, they placed him on the masnad of the Nizamat of Orissa, and advancing with their forces they conquered Mednipur and Hijli. The news of the approach of the Katak army threw Bengal into commotion.
111.2.2
Ali Vardi Khan, on the occurrence of this disaster, mobilised an immense army equipped with a battering artillery, and then set out for Katak, in order to relieve Saulat Jang and re-conquer Orissa. By forced marches, scouring through Bardwan, he encamped on the outskirts of Mednipur. On receiving news of the approach of Mahabat Jang, the Katak army, which was spread at Hijli and Mednipur, concentrated at Mednipur and Jalisar, next crossed over at the ferries of Rajghat and Phulwar, and then encamped at the Port of Balasore. The soldiers of Mirza Baqir, who had previously received arrow-shots at the hands of the Bhaliahs, suddenly lost heart, and sending all their baggages to Sikakul remained unencumbered. When Mirza Baqir came to know of the disloyalty and cowardice of his soldiers, ostensibly he gave out that he contemplated advancing against the enemy, but in reality he planned to withdraw to the Dakhin. Whilst completing his arrangements for withdrawal to the Dakhin, he detached a force to Chaprah ghat, which is the ferry of the river Mahandi and is situate midway the town of Katak. And he himself with Saulat Jang, &c, and a number of other captives together with tents, &c, crossed the river Katjuri. Mahabat Jang was encamped on the banks of the river Kamhariah, at a distance of forty Karoh from Katak, and there at midnight messengers brought him news of Mirza Baqir's flight.
111.2.3
Immediately summoning Mir Muhammad Ja'far the generalissimo, Mustafa Khan, Shamshir Khan, Sardar Khan, 'Umar Khan, Buland Khan, Sirandaz Khan, Balisar Khan and other Afghan generals, and holding a Council of War, Ali Vardi that very night with their concurrence despatched them expeditiously under the command of Mir Ja'far Khan to pursue Mirza Baqir Khan. Soon after, Ali Vardi Khan himself with the remainder of his army set out. When the aforesaid generals with their army arrived five karoh from Katak, Mirza Baqir Khan being apprised placed Saulat Jang in a fringed Rath, placed in it Haji Muhammad Amin, brother of Murshid Quli Khan, with a drawn dagger, to be his companion and attendant, and also set two armed horsemen on two sides of the Rath, with Amanat Khan, Mir Kazim Khan, Bahadur Ali Khan. Ali Vardi reached with his army the northern banks of the Mahanadi river opposite to Katak town, whilst Mirza Baqir Ali was encamped with his troops on the southern banks of the same river. Seeing Ali Vardi's huge army, Mirza Baqir Ali's soldiers fled, and dispersed in all directions, whilst Ali Vardi's troops plunged into the river, quickly crossed over to Katak town (at the Jobra Ghat, as would appear from the Biyaz), and rescued Saulat Jang who was encaged in a Rath (a four-wheeled carriage) covered over with a white sheet tied round it with white strings. Saulat Jang's escape from certain death was almost miraculous.
111.2.4
instructions that should the army of Mahabat Jang overtake them, they should instantly hack up Saulat Jang with daggers and spears and on no account should let the latter escape. And Mirza Baqir himself mounted a horse, and along with the Rath containing Saulat Jang he left the La'l Bagh Palace situate in the city of Katak, and arrived at Malisar. At this time, Balisar Khan with fifteen horsemen, who were his comrades, came up. The flags carried by the cavalry were visible in the forest. By chance at that time, from the excessive heat of summer, Saulat Jang changing his seat inside the Rath sat in the place where Haji Muhammad Amin had hitherto sat, and gave his own seat to the Haji. At the very sight of the flags of Balisar Khan's cavalry, the two armed horsemen who rode alongside the Rath thrust their spears through the Rath—screen, wounded Haji Muhammad Amin whom they mistook for Saulat Jang, and fled. As fate would have it, as soon as the spear-thrust pierced the Haji's hand and shoulder, the Haji's dagger fell from his hand, and shouting out, "you have killed me; you have killed me," the Haji tumbled down inside the Rath. Saulat Jang, the cup of whose life was not yet full to the brim, remained unscathed. When the Afghan troops were busy looting the vanquished, Mir Muhammad Ja'far Khan Bahadur and Muhammad Amin Khan Bahadur, with a few men fell in with the runaways, and moved in every direction in quest of Sa'id Ahmad Khan Bahadur Saulat Jang;
111.2.5
but Saulat Jang fearing lest some enemy might be searching for him, held his breath quietly. When Muhammad Amin Khan came up quite close, Saulat Jang, recognising his voice, answered him. The aforesaid Khan, on hearing the response, immediately tearing the screen of the Rath, and cutting up the tent-ropes brought out Saulat Jang, and dismounting from his horse embraced him. And Mir Muhammad Ja'far Khan also coming up, they embraced each other, and after offering thanks to Providence for the safety of Saulat Jang's life, they indulged in jubilations. At the time when they were busy with embracings and hand-shakings, Haji Muhammad Amin, finding an opportunity, nimbly got out of the Rath, and mounting the horse of Muhammad Amin Khan fled to the jungle, and vanished. When after enquiries into the condition of Saulat Jang they mounted their own horses, Muhammad Amin Khan was confounded at the disappearance of his own horse. On subsequently ascertaining the secret, they were all sorry. When the Afghan soldiery, after finishing their work of plunder and sack, rallied round Mir Muhammad Ja'far Khan, they sent Saulat Jang to Mahabat Jang, whilst they themselves set out in pursuit of Mirza Muhammad Baqir. Finding the chance of his escape to be slender, the Mirza became desperate, and opened the battle by shooting rockets and arrows and firing muskets.
111.2.6
When the fighting was about to turn to a charge with spears and swords, Murad Khan, the generalissimo of the Rajah of Puri, who with a large contingent of troops supported Mirza Baqir, seizing the rein of the Mirza's horse, and by use of great persuasion, pulled him back from the battle-field. Becoming his guide, Murad Khan led the Mirza by a route across the forest towards the Dakhin. Ali Vardi Khan, after holding a thanksgiving service for meeting Saulat Jang and obtaining victory, allowed Saulat Jang to retire to the city of Katak for rest, whilst he himself, after resting some time and being freed from all anxiety on account of the enemy, entered Katak triumphantly. And after chastising fully the adherents and friends of Mirza Baqir, Ali Vardi confiscated all the branded horses of Mirza Baqir, appointed Shaikh Ma'sum, who was an able General, to the office of Deputy Nazim of the Subah of Odisah (Orissa), and after finishing the administrative arrangements of that Province returned to Bengal.
111.2.7
Inasmuch as Jagat Isar, Rajah of Morbhanj, had taken sides with Mirza Baqir, and had not submitted to the authority of Mahabat Jang, the latter was in anxiety owing to his insolence. Therefore, on arrival at the port of Balasore, he girded up his loins in order to chastise the Rajah. The latter was at Hariharpur which contained his mansion, and was at the time plunged in pleasures and amusements. His knowledge of the denseness of the forests that surrounded him, coupled with his command of numerous hordes of Chawars and Khandaits, made him feel insolent, and so he did not pull out the cotton of heedlessness from the ear of sense, nor cared for the army of Ali Vardi Khan. Ali Vardi Khan's army stretching the hand of slaughter and rapine, set about looting and sacking the populations, swept the Rajah's dominion with the broom of spoliation, captured the women and children of the Khandaits and Chawars, and sowed dissensions amongst them. The Rajah, seeing the superiority of Ali Vardi Khan's army, with his effects, followers and dependants, fled to the top of a hill, and hid himself in a secret fastness, beyond the ken of discovery. Ali Vardi Khan then subjugated the tract of Morbhanj, shewed no quarter, and mercilessly carried fire and sword through its limits.
111.3.1
Mir Habib, the Generalissimo of Murshid Quli Khan, after the latter's defeat, had gone to Raghoji Bhoslah, and persuaded the latter to undertake the conquest of Bengal. At this time, Raghoji Bhoslah, nephew of the Rajah of the Dakhin, was Governor of the Subah of Berar. Taking advantage of the circumstance that Mahabat Jang was occupied with the affairs of Orissa, and finding that the whole extent of Bengal was denuded of troops, Raghoji Bhoslah detached his generalissimo, Diwan Bhaskar Pandit, and Ali Qarawal, who was an able general, with a contingent of sixty thousand Mahratta cavalry from Nagpur, in the company of Mir Habib, by the route across the forest, in order to invade and pillage Bengal. On receiving news of the approach of Mahratta freebooters, Mahabat Jang abandoned the pursuit of the Morbhanj Rajah, and withdrew towards Bengal. As yet Ali Vardi Khan had not passed through the forests of Morbhanj, when the army of Mahratta freebooters swooped down from the direction of the chaklah of Bardwan. Mahabat Jang, with the celerity of lightning and wind, marching swiftly by night and day, reached the inn of Ujalan adjoining to Bardwan. The armies of Mahratta freebooters, concentrating from different directions, commenced looting baggages and tents.
111.3.2
The Bengal army, which was ignorant of the tactics of Mahratta freebooters, but which had heard tales about their barbarity and ravages, stood motionless from fear like an army of statues, and were hemmed in and attacked by the freebooters. Their baggages were looted, and their food-supplies were cut off. Horses, elephants, and camels of the Bengal army were captured, and carried off by the freebooters. The army of Mahabat Jang, being tired out by the devastating onslaughts and sieges of the freebooters, broke in disorder. The Mahrattas at once hemming in attacked the elephant Landah on which Mahabat Jang's Begam was mounted, and capturing the elephant dragged it towards their own camp. Musahib Khan Mohmand, son of U'mar Khan the General, having his Hindustani courage aroused in him, attacked the freebooters, and advancing his feet of valour and gallantry, by means of valorous onslaughts and Rustam-like onsets, rescued the elephant together with its fair rider from the clutches of the freebooters. In consequence, however, of numerous mortal and ghastly wounds that they received, Musahib Khan and a large number of his comrades and kinsmen drew the red paint of martyrdom on the face, and on that very spot of slaughter were buried. And when the freebooters from impudence and insolence made onslaughts from all sides, Mahabat Jang, of necessity, opened leathern bags of coins, and scattered them on the field.
111.3.3
Thus diverting the freebooters with the work of picking up coins, Mahabat Jang seized this respite, and with the celerity of lightning and wind riding out at full gallop arrived at Bardwan. The hungry troops, who for three days and nights had not seen the face of food-stuffs, quenched the fire of their hunger with the stores of Bardwan. The army of Mahratta freebooters followed up in pursuit. Sacking villages and towns of the surrounding tracts, and engaging in slaughters and captures, they set fire to granaries, and spared no vestige of fertility. And when the stores and granaries of Bardwan were exhausted, and the supply of imported grains was also completely cut off, to avert death by starvation, human beings ate plantain-roots, whilst animals were fed on the leaves of trees. Even these gradually ceased to be available. For breakfasts and suppers, nothing except the discs of the sun and the moon feasted their eyes. And for nights and days together, being constantly mounted on their high saddles, they did not even dream of sleep. The Afghan and Bhaliah troops becoming desperate, determined to die hard. Mahabat Jang, seeing signs of defeat, owing to the exhausted condition of his soldiery, held a Council of War.
111.3.4
It was at last decided to place the artillery round the army, and to put baggages in the centre, and in this form to march out expeditiously from Bardwan to Katwah, where food and fodder would be either procurable, or could he imported by waterways or highways from the environs of Murshidabad, to relieve the distressed soldiery. In short, in pursuance of this plan, setting out at night from Bardwan, Mahabat Jang's army marched towards Katwah, and in a short interval by forced marches reached Katwah. The light Mahratta cavalry, however, covered forty karoh a day, and thus before Mahabat Jang's arrival at Katwah, they had already burnt down its fields, farms, and granaries, and reduced them to ashes. The army of Mahabat Jang now being in a state of utter despair, sent up to the skies wails, similar to the following :— We never get relief from distress ; To whatever country we roam, We see the sky alone. However, Haji Ahmad collecting the bakers of Murshidabad got breads prepared, and sent these together with other eatables and food-stuffs on boats to Katwah. Other provisions and food-grains were also similarly conveyed gradually and in large quantities. At last, Mahabat Jang's army were saved from starvation, and their cattle also received a grateful supply of fodder and grass. Mahabat Jang's soldiers, whose houses were in Murshidabad, felt home-sick, and gradually drifted away towards their homes.
111.3.5
As Mir Sharif, brother of Mir Habib, together with the family treasures, dependants and children, was at Murshidabad, Mir Habib with seven hundred Mahratta cavalry swooped down on Murshidabad, in order to relieve his brother. Marching expeditiously, night and day, early at day-break, Mir Habib reached Dihparah and Ganj Muhammad Khan, to which he set fire. And opposite to the Citadel, crossing the river Bhagirati, Mir Habib reached his residence, and taking out Mir Sharif, together with his treasures, effects, followers, and dependants, he kept them in his company. Sweeping clean the houses of numerous residents of the City with the broom of plunder, and looting as much gold and silver coins as he could from the houses of Jagat Set, and capturing Murad Ali Khan, a son-in-law of Sarfaraz Khan, and Rajah Dulabh Ram and Mir Shujau-d-din, Superintendent of the Bajutarah Sair duties, he encamped at Tiratkonah, which was to the west of the City, at a distance of one farsakh. Haji Ahmad, Nawazish Ahmad Khan and Husain Quli Khan, who were in the City, at the very sight of the Mahratta cavalry, firing their guns once or twice, and closing the avenues to the City as well as the gates of the Citadel, entrenched themselves, but found it impossible to fight and disperse the enemy, or to defend the City. On the next day, Mahabat Jang, with his army marching night and day, entered Murshidabad.
111.3.6
Then the Mahrattas abandoned the idea of assaulting the City, and after desolating the surrounding tracts across the river returned to Katwah. The rainy season now set in. In view of the tumultuousness of the river, the Mahrattas now suspended their fighting, established their quarters at Katwah, and from there commenced making administrative arrangements. Giving Mir Habib a free hand in all affairs, Bhaskar Pandit himself remained at Katwah, and sent out detachments in all directions for raid and plunder. Similarly, Mahabat Jang, in view of giving rest to his army, did not move out of the City. As in his earlier years, Mir Habib had lived at Hugli, the latter place still abounded with many of his kinsmen and friends. Their headman, Mir Abu-l-Hasan Sarkhil, now laid plans to surprise Hugli. He won over many of the Mughals to his side, and held secret correspondence with Mir Habib. Mir Muhammad Riza, the Deputy Faujdar of Hugli, used to treat Mir Abu-l-Hasan as his right-hand in all affairs. In blissful ignorance of the fact that he had a traitor in his camp, the Deputy Faujdar passed nights and days in carousals. At length, at the instigation of Mir Abu-l-Hasan, Mir Habib with a detachment of two thousand cavalry commanded by Sis Rao advanced to Hugli, and at midnight arriving at the gate of its Fort announced his arrival to Mir Abu-l-Hasan.
111.3.7
Whilst Muhammad Riza, arranging a feast of revelry, was quite absorbed in watching the dancing of some pretty women, Mir Abu-l-Hasan said to the former: "Mir Habib has come alone to visit you, and is waiting at the gate of the fort." Under the influence of liquor, the Deputy Faujdar unhesitatingly ordered the gate of the Fort to be thrown open and to admit Mir Habib. Entering the Fort, Mir Habib with the concurrence of Mir Abu-l-Hasan placed Muhammad Riza and Mirza Piran under surveillance, established himself inside the Fort, and posted his own guards at its gate. The noblemen and residents of the town that very night fled to Chuchrah (Chinsurah) and other places, and took refuge in the houses of the Dutch and French. Next morning, Sis Rao with his detachment of cavalry entered the Fort. Many of the Mughal residents who were Mir Habib's acquaintances were introduced to Sis Rao by Mir Habib. The Rao treated them courteously and deferentially, reassured every one of them, and issuing proclamations of peace and security forbade the Mahrattas from looting or sacking the town. He persuaded the Zamindars to assess and collect the revenue, and appointing as usual Qazis, Muhtasibs and other officers to administer justice, he bestowed the office of Faujdar on Mir Abu-l-Hasan. Mir Habib, carrying off some guns and ammunitions together with a flotilla of sloops from Hugli, rejoined Bhaskar Pandit at Katwah.
111.3.8
As it was the rainy season, Mir Habib deputed Mir Mihdi with a detachment of musketeers on boats for collecting revenue from the mahals across the Ganges. But Mir Mihdi, from fear of Mahabat Jang, did not land. The agents of the Zamindars proceeded to Mir Habib, and paying him large sums obtained guards for the immunity of their tracts from the ravages and loot of Mahratta freebooters. The wealthy nobility and gentry, to save their family honour, quitted their homes, and migrated across the Ganges. The whole tract from Akbarnagar (Rajmahal) to Mednipur and Jalisar (Jalasore) came into the possession of the Mahrattas. Those murderous freebooters drowned in the rivers a large number of the people, after cutting off their ears, noses and hands. Tying sacks of dirt to the mouths of others, they mangled and burnt them with indescribable tortures. Thus they desolated and dishonoured the family and children of a whole world. Mahabat Jang, making strenuous efforts towards the chastisement and expulsion of the insolent enemy, set about collecting troops and armaments. Requisitioning to Murshidabad a large flotilla of boats from the neighbourhood of Jahangirnagar (Dacca), from the Jilengi, from Maldah, and Akbarnagar (Rajmahal), &c., he constructed a road leading to Katwah. From the eastern bank of the Bhagirati he detached for bridge-making twelve thousand pioneers and sappers on boats, and attended to the comforts of the army.
111.3.9
Collecting paraphernalia, horses, elephants, and swords, and winning the hearts of his soldiery by bestowing on them gifts and increments in pay, he encouraged and incited them to fight. Finding the enemy absorbed in political affairs relating to Zamindars, Revenue-Collectors and Administrators, Mahabat Jang seized this opportunity, and held a Council of War with his Afghan and Bhaliah Generals in view of delivering a night-attack. In pursuance of this plan, Mahabat Jang marched expeditiously with a large and efficient army, and by forced marches, at midnight, reached a place just opposite to Katwah. In the cover of the night's darkness, he instantly floated a bridge of boats that had been kept ready from before, and with a large army commenced crossing the river. Whilst he with the officers and some veteran soldiers had crossed the river, the bridge suddenly gave way under the heavy weight of a large army. Some of the boats sank, whilst a large number of Afghans and Bhaliahs were drowned in the river. Mahabat Jang, on learning about this mishap, was engulphed in a sea of confusion. His mind was racked with anxiety. He realised that the entire army from the eastern bank of the river had been unable to cross over, and that he alone with a handful of troops was on the western bank face to face with the enemy. In consequence, he apprehended that in the event of the enemy getting scent of his movement, he would meet with a terrible disaster.
111.3.10
He, therefore, put out the torches, and gave directions for immediately repairing the broken portions of the bridge. After the bridge was repaired, he ordered the whole army to cross over and join him. As the enemy was heedless and negligent, everything ended well. Kishwar Khan, the Deputy Faujdar, and Mankant, the commandant of the pioneers and sappers, quickly rendered the damaged boats water-tight by plastering their cracks and rends with mud and bits of wood, and thus displayed Luqman-like skill. An army, waving like the sea, swiftly crossed the bridge, rallied round Mahabat Jang and his Generals, and quickly unsheathing their swords, in a solid and clamorous phalanx, like some heavenly disaster, swooped down on the enemy. Shouts rose up on every side.
111.4.1
True, the night was dark, but the sword flashed, So as amidst the dusky clouds, lightning flashes. From profuse shedding of blood on that battle-field, Earth's face turned crimson. Heaps of corpses crashed on heaps of corpses, Aye, formed veritable mounds on every side. Overwhelmed with disaster, and unable to stand their ground, Mir Habib and Bhaskar Pandit with other Mahratta officers fled from the battle-field, leaving their army to their fate, just as a cow is left to the tender mercies of a butcher. A crushing defeat was inflicted on the Mahratta army, which was triumphantly chased to some distance Bhaskar and other Mahratta Generals fell back to Ramgadh, from where with common consent they marched with celerity across jungles, to invade and ravage the Subah of Orissa. Shaikh Muhammad Ma'sum, the Deputy Nazim of Orissa, in order to resist the enemy, advanced from Katak, and opposed the enemy's march. When the two armies encountered each other, the fire of conflict flared up once again. Although the Zamindars had deserted his side, with a small band numbering five thousand cavalry and infantry, Shaikh Muhammad Ma'sum stood his ground dauntlessly on the field. The Mahratta army, which was more numerous than ants and locusts, surrounded Shaikh Ma'sum from all sides like a circle, and slaughtered him together with his comrades. The Subah of Odisah (Orissa), together with the Fort of Barabati and the citadel of the City of Katak, fell once again into the hands of the enemy.
111.4.2
Nawab Mahabat Jang, on hearing of the above disaster, marched swiftly to Bardvvan. He paid to each soldier two months' pay and also other gifts on account of the victory of Katwah, advanced to Katak, and repeatedly assaulting the Mahratta troops drove them from Katak, and victoriously entered its citadel. Leaving General Abdu-r-Rasul Khan, who was a second Mustafa Khan and who was also the latter's nephew, as the Deputy Nazim of Orissa, together with a contingent of six thousand cavalry and infantry, Mahabat Jang returned to the Subah of Bengal.
111.4.3
On receiving news of the defeat of Bhaskar Pandit, Sis Rao evacuating the fort of Hugli retreated to Bishanpur. Other Mahratta officers, who were posted at different places for the collection of revenue, also fled. The Collectors and Faujdars of Mahabat Jang entered the ravaged tracts, and again set about to re-settle them. But Bhaskar Pandit, after his defeat, sent Bairagi dacoits towards Akbarnagar (Rajmahal), Bhagalpur, and Behar. Mahabat Jang, who had not yet breathed freely, again set out from Bengal for those places. He had not yet reached the Subah of Behar, when the Bairagis retreating from those parts swooped down on Murshidabad. Mahabat Jang fell back from Behar, and pursued them. These Bairagi freebooters were busy with looting Baluchar, when the music of the drum and tambourine of Mahabat Jang's vanguard rang in the ears of those maniacs. Losing all courage, and leaving behind bags of booty, they fled from Baluchar. Mahabat Jang chased them up to Ramgadh, from where he returned. In short, this sort of guerilla warfare lasted three years. Victories on both sides were mingled with defeats, and it was hard to decide which side eventually came off the best. Nawab Mahabat Jang, following the saying that " war is made up of fraud," diplomatically established friendly relations with Ali Qarawal, who was one of the Mahratta leaders that had embraced the Muhammadan faith, and was surnamed Ali Bhai. From considerations of expediency, Mahabat Jang invited him over.
111.4.4
Receiving him kindly and courteously, using dissimulation and artfulness, and professing friendship and benignity, he made him consent to arrange an interview between himself and Bhaskar Pandit with other Mahratta Generals. Heedless of the duplicity of the times, that simpleton was taken in, and arrived at Diknagar. He induced Bhaskar and other Mahratta Generals to meet Mahabat Jang, by conveying to them the assurances and avowals of Mahabat Jang with reference to the settlement of the Chauth and the establishment of friendly relations. And these, in accordance with the saying ; — " One perceiveth according to the length of his sight," placing the finger of acceptance on their blind eyes, summoned to their presence Rajah Janaki Ram and Mustafa Khan for fixing the basis of a treaty, and for ratifying it by protestations and oaths. These going over to Bhaskar made vows and oaths, according to the forms of their respective religions and creeds. Mustafa Khan had with him, under a cover, a brick instead of the Qoran, and holding it he repeated oaths. Falling into the trap laid by Mahabat Jang, and reiterating the vows of peace, Ali Bhai and Bhaskar with other Mahratta Generals promised to meet Mahabat Jang at a place called Mankarah, and permitted Mustafa Khan and Rajah Janaki Ram to return. These going to Mahabat Jang assured him of the success of their mission, and related the mutual promises and vows that had taken place.
111.4.5
Expressing his satisfaction, Mahabat Jang ostensibly set about collecting valuable khillats and jewelleries, together with elephants, horses, and other rare and precious presents for presentation to the aforesaid Mahratta Generals. Announcing to the general public news of the approaching peace, Mahabat Jang covertly laid a plot of treachery, and took into confidence his own Generals towards its development. He picked out veteran and brave soldiers from his army, and caused long and wide tents, capable of holding large detachments with horses and elephants, to be pitched at Mankarah. Himself going into one of the tents, he arranged a grand party of friends and comrades. He secreted in battle-array inside the tents a battalion of picked men, and sent a message to Ali Bhai to bring over Bhaskar with all the Mahratta Generals. In short, Bhaskar, leaving all his troops in camp, came to Ali Vardi's tent, together with Ali Bhai and twenty-one other Mahratta Generals. The tent-pitchers following the signal dropped down the screens of the pavilion, tied them strongly with tent-ropes, and cut off the ingress and egress of friends and foes. Mahabat Jang, at the very sight of Bhaskar, said to his comrades who were waiting for the signal : "Kill these heathen sinners." Instantly, swords sprang up from every side on the Mahrattas. The clamour of assault rose up to the skies, Breasts were pierced through by swords.
111.4.6
Bhaskar and twenty-one other Mahratta Generals were butchered. In the midst of this carnage, Mahabat Jang mounting an elephant ordered the music of victory to be struck up, and ordered his select battalion to charge the Mahratta army with their swords. On seeing this, one of the Mahratta Generals, who was posted outside the pavilion with ten thousand cavalry, fled together with his force. Mahabat Jang's soldiers pouncing like fighting lions on this flock of sheep fiercely attacked the Mahratta troops, and slaughtered them, right and left, raising human shambles, and captured those who escaped the sword. On hearing of this disaster, other Mahratta detachments which were encamped at Bardwan and Diknagar, &c, or patrolled the tracts between Mednipur and Akbarnagar (Rajmahal) fled to Nagpur. When news of this disaster reached the ear of Raghoji Bhoslah, He knitted his brow, from fury of rage, And coiled, like a serpent, from anxiety of lost treasures. He kindled such a fire of wrath in his heart, That he scorched himself from head to foot. After the rainy season was over, Raghoji Bhoslah mobilised a large force, and marched towards Bengal, to avenge the slaughter of Bhaskar and other Mahratta Generals, and engaging on massacres, captures, and plunders, tortured many of his cap- Vardi's Subadar in Orissa. His name was Dulab Ram, and he was a son of Rajah Janoki Ram, Ali Vardi's Peshkar.
111.4.7
Ali Vardi had appointed Dulab Ram as Subadar, in the place of Abdul Rasul Khan (son of Abdul Nabi Khan) who had resigned his office and joined Mustafa at Patna. Dulab Ram was not only cowardly, but superstitious, and most probably, also treacherous (as his subsequent conduct towards Ali Vardi's grandson indicates). He associated at Katak with the Sanyasis, most of whom were spies in the employ of Raghoji Bhoslah. As soon as Dulab Ram heard of the approach of the Mahrattas, he attempted to run away; but was soon after captured by the Mahrattas. At this time, a small band of Syeds, under the command of Mir Abdul Aziz, bravely held out for over a month in the Fort of Barabati. The heroic stand against heavy odds made by this small beleaguered garrison and its unflinching loyalty, once more relieves the darkness of the moral chaos that had seized the times. When cajoled and threatened by Raghoji Bhoslah's friend, Mir Habib, and entreated by Dulab Ram and by his own brother to join Raghoji's side, Mir Abdul Aziz returned the following gallant and loyal answer : " I own no brother nor any other master ; I acknowledge only one master, namely, Mahabat Jang ; true, some cowards have joined you ; but from regard for the salt I have eaten, I will, by God, stand by this Fort, so long as there is breath in my life." (Seir, p. 546).
111.4.8
As however, no reinforcements came up, though over a month had elapsed, and as all provisions had run out, this noble band of beleaguered garrison had at length to capitulate on honourable terms to Raghoji Bhoslah, who made himself master of the Fort Barabati and also of the whole of Orissa province, as well as of Mednipur, Hughli and Bardwan. Ali Vardi was occupied at this time in Patna in crushing out the Afghan revolt under Mustafa Khan. When Mustafa Khan was slain and the Afghan revolt was crushed, Ali Vardi hastened back to Bengal. At this time, Raghoji was encamped at Birbhum. Meanwhile the Afghan comrades of the late Mustafa Khan, who lay in a death-trap in the Jungles of Tikari asked Raghoji to help them, and promised him their adhesion. Raghoji marched to Tikari to their rescue via the jungles of Birbhum and Kharakpur, looting en route the villages of Shaikpura and Tikari, &c. Mahabat Jang followed quickly in their heels and moved to Patna. From Patna, Raghoji (on the advice of Mir Habib, who was the inspiring genius of the Mahrattas, also in this second Marhatta invasion) turned towards Murshidabad, pursued closely by Ali Vardi, whose pursuit was hot and unslacking. At Katwah, another battle was fought, in which the Mahrattas were worsted.
111.4.9
Finding that victory was out of the question, and hearing of some troubles in his own country, Raghoji now prudently withdrew to his own country at Nagpur, leaving in Bengal his friend, guide, and philosopher, Mir Habib, with 3,000 Mahratta and 7,000 Afghan troops. (See Seiru-l-Mutakherin, Pers. text, p. 551). It would seem a despicable moral chaos had at this time seized the country, in which neither religious ties tives. Ali Vardi Khan with a large army again advanced to encounter the enemy. At this juncture, Balaji Rao, son of Baji Rao Pandit, Peshwa and generalissimo of Rajah Sahu, who was young, and had enmity with Raghoji, under orders of Emperor Muhammad Shah, came from the Imperial Capital (Dihli) to Bengal with sixty thousand Mahratta cavalry, to re-inforce Ali Vardi Khan. Mahabat Jang, finding floods of disaster approaching Bengal from two sides, shewed firmness and foresight. He deputed experienced envoys with presents to Balaji Rao, won him over to his side by display of courtesy and sincerity, met him at Birbhum, established friendly relations with him, and both unitedly resolved to drive out Raghoji Bhoslah. Raghoji finding it impracticable to accomplish the object of his mission withdrew to his own country, without gaining his end.
111.4.10
Being somewhat relieved of his anxiety by the withdrawal of Raghoji Bhoslah, Mahabat Jang presented a large amount of cash to Balaji Rao, and thus sent him out of Bengal in a contented and thankful mood, whilst he himself returned to Bengal. Being inwardly in anxiety as to the demand of Raghoji for Chauth, Mahabat Jang set about mobilising troops. At this moment, a rupture occurred between Ali Vardi Khan and Mustafa Khan, the Afghan General, and it was so far accentuated that all the Afghans combining with the latter, broke out into revolt, and set out with a large force for Azimabad (Patna), in order to storm that City, and to capture Haji Ahmad and Zainu-d-din Ahmad Khan. On reaching Mungir (Monghyr), Mustafa Khan besieged the Fort of Monghyr. The Commandant of the Fort prepared to fight. Abdu-r-rasul Khan, a cousin of Mustafa Khan, advancing in the inebriation of the wine of valour and daring, wanted to storm the Fort, by battering down its gate. The guards of the Fort hurled down a huge stone on his head. From the blow of that heavy stone, his head was smashed to atoms. Mustafa Khan, viewing this disaster to be a bad omen, abandoned the siege of Monghyr, marched with celerity to Azimabad, (Patna), engaged in besieging the latter City, and commenced fighting with Zainu-d-din Ahmad Khan.
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