Riyaz al-salatin 78: REIGN OF SULAIMAN KARANI.

78

In the beginning of his career, Sulaiman Karani was one of the grandees of Sher Shah. Sher Shah appointed him Goverttor of the Subah of Behar, which he continued to hold in the reign of Salim Shah. When Salim Shah passed to the regions of eternity, in Hindustan, tribal chiefs established themselves, and in every head the ambition of sovereignty, and in every heart the aspiration of suzerainty, arose. Sulaiman Khan, after the death of his brother, Taj Khan, established himself with full independence as king of Bengal and Behar, and abandoning the City of Gaur, owing to the inclemency of its climate, established himself in the town of Tandah. And in the year 975 A.H., he conquered the country of Orissa, and placing it under a permanent Governor with a large army, he himself set out for the conquest of the country of Kuch Behar. He subjugated its environs and outlying parts, and whilst he was besieging its capital, he got news that the insurgents in Orissa had again raised the standard of insurrection. Thus, of necessity, he abandoned the siege of Kuch Behar town, and returned to Tandah, which was his Capital. And for some time, in a similar manner, there was commotion all over Hindustan. And when Emperor Humayun returned to Hindustan from Persia, Sulaiman Khan, exercising foresight, sent a letter embodying sentiments of loyalty and friendship, together with presents. From the other side also, owing to the exigencies of the times which called for the destruction and extirpation of the descendants and adherents of Sher Shah, the presents and gifts were accepted, and a condescending reply containing expressions of reassurance and good-will was sent, together with a Royal manifesto, ratifying Sulaiman's continuance in his office. After this, though Sulaiman Khan continued the Khutba and the coin after his own name in the kingdom of Bengal, he styled himself Hazrat 'Ala (the Supreme Chief), and outwardly showing submission to Jallalu-d-din Muhammad Akbar Badshah, he sent occasionally presents and gifts. Nearly sixteen years ruling independently over Bengal, in the year 981 A.H. he died. And he was very energetic, industrious, and strict. In the history of Firishta, the reign of Taj Khan is not given, and the reign of Sulaiman Khan is described as lasting 25 years. Since the brothers, from the beginning, held conjointly the rule of this country, and Taj Khan came afterwards, therefore the rule of both has been ascribed to one. God knows the truth!