Riyaz al-salatin 43: RULE OF BAHADUR SHAH.

43

In the reign of Sultan 'Alau-d-din, Bahadur Khan who was one of the connexions of Sultan Nasiru-d-din, and was one of the leading nobles of Sultan 'Alau-d-din, was entrusted with the Viceroyalty of Bengal. For many years he occupied the Viceregal throne, and enforced the recital of the Khutbah and the minting of coins after the names of the Emperors of Delhi. During the reign, however, of Sultan Qutbu-d-din Khilji, he usurped the sovereignity of Bengal, and proclaiming himself Bahadur Shah, introduced the Khutbah and the coin in the kingdom of Bengal after his own name, and commenced oppressions. For some time, he passed in this wise. But when the Empire of Delhi passed to Ghiasu-d-din Tughlak Shah, in the year 724 A.H. petitions from Lakhnauti describing the oppressions of the rulers of that country were received. Sultan Tughlak Shah with an efficient army marched towards Bengal. When he reached Tirhut, Sultan Nasiru-d-din whose fief had not been confiscated during Alau-d-din's reign owing to his good conduct and who resided in a corner of Lakhnauti, not finding strength in himself to contend against Tughlak Shah, submitted to his fate, marched from Lakhnauti to Tirhut, and presenting himself before the Emperor offered numerous presents. Sultan Ghiasu-d-din Tughlak Shah treated him honourably, bestowed on him the Royal Umbrella and the Royal Staff, and ratified according to the old custom the continuance of Sultan Nasiru-d-din's fief. And bringing to his presence Bahadur Shah who had proved hostile, the Emperor enrolled him in the ranks of nobles. He, too, submitting to the Emperor, behaved like one of the nobles. Emperor Ghiasu-d-din, appointing his adopted son, Tatar Khan, Governor of Sunargaon, and entrusting to Nasiru-d-din the over-lordship of Sunargaon, Gaur and Bengal, returned to Delhi. But soon after, Sultan Nasiru-d-din died. The period of the rule of Bahadur Shah in Bengal was thirty-eight years.