[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [General histories](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general) › [Muntakhab al-tawārīkh](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh) › [Muntakhabu-t-tawarikh (Ranking, Lowe, Haig)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig) › 32 # Muntakhab al-tawarikh 32: Sultan Jalalu-d-Din ibn Tamrash Khilji Muntakhabu-t-tawārīkh (Ranking, Lowe, Haig) 32 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [32.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.1) — 8 parts - [32.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2) — 10 parts - [32.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.3) — 5 parts ### Sultan Jalalu-d-Din ibn Tamrash Khilji ### [32.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.1.1) Whose name was Malik Firoz and his title Shayista Khan, came to the throne in the year 689 H. as has already been said, with the consent and assistance of Malik Chhaju Kishli Khan; and inasmuch he had previously been regent and governor of the kingdom the affairs (of state) all devolved upon him. It must not be forgotten that although Shihabu-d-Din Hakim Kirmani Jaunpuri, the author of the history called Tabaqat-i-Mahmud Shahi, deduces the pedigree of Sultan Jalalu-d-Din and Sultan Mahmud Malwi from the stock of Qalij Khan, son-in-law of Changiz Khan, there is a long story connected with this. This at least is clear that this ancestry has no real authority, any one of sound judgment will be able to detect the falsity of his claim to this descent; and as a matter of fact there is no connection whatever between Qalij and Khalj, in spite of the fact that Qalij has too rough a sound for the Turki tongue, and if it had any equivalent (of sufficient softness) it would be Qalj with the meaning of a creed and in some histories it is said that name of one of the sons of Yafis (Japhet) the son of Nuh (Noah) on whom peace and that the Khaljis descend from him God knows the truth of this. ### [32.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.1.2) To make a long story short, Sultan Jalalu-d-Din divided the greater portion of the valuable appointments between his sons and brothers, and bestowed the following titles—upon his eldest son the title of Khan Khanan, upon his second son that of Arkali Khan, and on his youngest son that of Qadr Khan, while he gave to his uncle Malik Husain the title of Taju-l-Mulk. In this same way he bestowed various titles upon others, and allotted them estates, and having built a new town, and a new garden on the banks of the Jamna opposite to the Ma'izi palace he called it a citadel, “The Rocky Citadel”; when it was completed it was called “Shahr-i-nau” (New-town). And in Sha'ban, of the second year after his accession, Malik Chhaju Kishli Khan went to Karra, and became openly rebellious. The Amirs of the party of Ghiyasu-d-Din who held estates in that district joined with him, came to Badaun and crossed the Ganges by the ford of Bijlana with the intention of attacking Dihli, waiting for the arrival of Malik Chhaju who was to come by way of Karra, (and) Sultan Jalalu-d-Din left Khan Khanan in Dihli and marched against them. Dividing his forces into two army corps he himself went by way of Kol, and reached Badaun, sending Arkali Khan towards Amroha to oppose Malik Chhaju. Arkali Khan fought the enemy valiantly in many engagements during several days on the banks of the Rahab. ### [32.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.1.3) In the meantime the people of Bairam Dev the Raja of Kola, which was also called Koola, gave information to Malik Chhaju that Sultan Jalalu-d-Din was in pursuit of him, and having frightened him exceedingly, urged him to take to flight. He was in such dread of the Sultan, that he did not know his head from his heels, and in the dead of night he made his escape, but eventually fell into the hands of the Kuwars. Arkali Khan crossed the Rahab, despatched Bairam Malik Chhaju, and kiss her feet of the elder Amirs of the past reigns, but he went to the direction of Badaon and Kol and Khurja, which is in the Doab. Sultan Shamsu-d-din, and when they brought Malik Chhaju and the other Ghiasi Amirs in fetters and chains into the presence of the Sultan, he caused their chains of relationship, and laved them even their bonds, sent them to the baths, clothed them in rich garments of honour, and made them partake of his own repast, and sent Malik Chhaju with the greatest marks of respect to Multan. Malik ‘Alau-d-din who was the brother's son and son-in-law of the Sultan, and had been appointed to the district of Karra, and Almas Beg, the brother of ‘Alau-d-Din who subsequently became Ulugh Khan was appointed to the post of Akhur Beg. In the meanwhile, the summons which is distasteful to all reached Khan-i-Khanam. The Sultan was greatly distressed at his loss. Mir Khusru wrote the following dirge in memory of him:— ### [32.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.1.4) What day is this that I see not the sun shining, If night has come why do I not see the brilliant moon. Since two days my sun has remained behind the clouds, So that in my eyes I see nothing but clouds and rain. In Hindustan an evident danger has appeared, On every face I see thousands of wrinkles but I do not see the Khaqan. The stone of the royal signet is hidden as a stone in the mine. The heart has turned to blood like the ruby for that I see him not. Lo there is the King, seated on his throne, with his courtiers standing round him on all sides, All are there, but still I do not see Khan i Khanan. When I saw fortune blinded, I asked him, Dost thou wish for sight? He replied, What could I do with sight, since I cannot see Mahmud Sultan! ### [32.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.1.5) And in the year following, Arkali Khan came from Multan to Dihli, and the Sultan leaving him in Dihli proceeded to Mandawar, and after his arrival at that stage, having received with anxiety tidings of the revolt of certain of the Juyusi Amirs, he made over the district of Cudaon to Malik Maghlati, sent him off at once and appointed Malik Mubarak to Tibarhindah, then after reducing the fortress of Mandawar proceeded by an uninterrupted series of marches to Dihli, and in those days a certain Saiyyid ascetic and recluse, holding close communion with God, relying upon Him, bountiful, adorned with so many excellencies and perfections, Sidi Maula by name first came from 'Ajam (Persia) to Ajudhan in the service of the pillar of the Saints the master Shaikh Farid, Ganj i shakkar, may God sanctify his resting place, and sought permission to proceed to the eastern parts of Hindustan. They said to him "Beware of crowds of men, and abstain from intercourse with kings." When he reached Dihli, Khan i Khanan, the eldest son of the Sultan, displayed the greatest desire to become his disciple. In the same way the greater number of the deposed Maliks and Amirs of the Balban party used daily both morning and evening to sit at the table of that darvesh, who would not accept anything from any one. ### [32.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.1.6) People used to credit him with alchemistic powers, and used to come in such crowds that a thousand mans of fine flour and five hundred mans of freshly skinned meat, and three hundred mans of sugar used to be the daily expenditure of the which he expended in alms ; the aforesaid Sidi although he exerted always in vigils and the prayers of the five times, was, however, never present at the public on Fridays, nor was he bound by the conditions of public worship in accordance with established custom, and Qazi Jalalu-d-Din Kashani and Qazi Urdu and men of note, and trusted chiefs, and all both great and small, used continually to worship at his monastery. When this news reached the Sultan, the story goes that one night he went in disguise to his monastery, and saw for himself that he expended even more than was reported. Accordingly the next day he held a grand darbar and ordered Sidi Maula with the Qazi and the other Amirs who were his disciples, to be brought before him with ignominious treatment of all kinds, bound in fetters and chains. He enquired into the state of the case, and asked each one whether the Sidi laid claim to kingly power. The aforesaid Sidi denied it, and fortified his denial with an oath, but to no purpose. At that time Qazi Jalalu-d-Din lay under the Sultan’s displeasure, he also denied the allegation. The Sultan deposed him, and nominated him as Qazi of Budaon. ### [32.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.1.7) In order to verify the claims to Saiyyidship, and to test the miraculous powers of the Sidi, he had a huge fire like that prepared by Nimrud (for Abraham) lighted, and wished to have Sidi Maula thrown into that temple of fire. The Ulama of the time, in consideration of the irreligious nature of that order, issued a mandamus which they communicated to the Sultan saying, “The essential nature of fire is to consume things, and no one can issue forth from it in safety unhurt.” The Sultan accordingly desisted and gave up that ordeal, but he punished the larger number of those Maliks in that same assembly, and some he expatriated ; and inasmuch as the answers of Sidi Maula were all in accordance with reason, and no fault could be found with him either on the score of religious law or logic, the Sultan was reduced to extremity, and suddenly turning to Abu Bakr Tusi Haidari who was the chief of the sect of Qalandars, and utterly unscrupulous, he said “Why do not you darveshes avenge me of this tyrant,” thereupon a Qalandar leapt up from their midst, and struck the unfortunate Sidi several blows with a razor and wounded him, then they shaved off the holy man’s whiskers with a knife even to the chin, and stabbed him in the side with packmakers’ needles, and then, by command of Arkali Khan the second son of the Sultan, an elephant driver drove a rogue elephant over the head of the poor oppressed Sidi, and martyred him with countless tortures: may God be gracious to him. ### [32.1.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.1.8) They say that this same Sidi, for a whole month before this occurrence used to sing these verses at all times, smiling the while he sang: ### [32.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2.1) In the kitchen of love, they slay naught but the good: The weak natured, and evil disposed they kill not. If thou art a sincere lover, flee not from slaughter, He whom they slay not is no better than a corpse. And just at this time, on the very day of his murder, a whirlwind black with dust arose, and the world was darkened; there was a scarcity of rain in that year, and such a famine occurred that the Hindūs, from excess of hunger and want, went in bands and joining their hands threw themselves into the river Jumna and became the portion of the alligator of extinction. Many Muslims also, burning in the flames of hunger, were drowned in the ocean of non-existence, while the rest of the world took these signs and events as proofs of the verity of Sidi and as evidence of his sincerity. Although no inferences can be drawn from facts of this kind, since they may finally prove to be only coincidences, still I myself have seen with my own eyes examples of such incidents, as shall be related in their proper places if God so will it. God has never cursed any nation Until the heart of a holy man has been grieved. ### [32.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2.2) The remainder of the accused, at the intercession of Arkali Khan, were delivered from the danger which threatened their lives, and from the punishment intended by the Sultan; and in this same year the Sultan for the second time marched against Ranthambhor, and destroyed the country round it, and overthrew the idols and idol-temples, but returned without attempting to reduce the fort. Arkali Khan went to Multan without his permission, at which the Sultan was very vexed. ### [32.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2.3) In the year 693 H. the Mughuls under Chingiz Khan came up against Hindustan with a very large army, and fought a very severe battle with the Sultan’s victorious forces in the neighbourhood of Sanam. When the Mughuls became aware of the size of the army of Hindustan they began to make overtures for peace. The Sultan thereupon summoned their leader, who was very closely related to Halaku Khan, and also his son, who called the Sultan his father. They accordingly had an interview and exchanged gifts and presents and each returned to his own country: and Alghu the grandson of Chingiz Khan, embraced Islam, and several thousand Mughuls besides followed his example and having learnt to repeat the sacred and blessed formula, elected to remain in the service of the Sultan. Alghu was selected for the honour of becoming son-in-law to the Sultan. The Mughuls took up their abode in Ghiyaspur in which is now the sacred tomb of the Prince of Holy men Nizamul Auliya may God sanctify his resting place. It is commonly known as Mughulpur and those Mughuls were called the “new Muslims.” At the close of this same year the Sultan having gone up against the fort of Mandawar ravaged and pillaged the country round it and then returned. ### [32.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2.4) ‘Alau-d-Din the Governor of Karra, obtained permission in that year to proceed to Bhilsa and attacked that country and brought much booty thence to present to the Sultan, and the idol which was the object of worship of the Hindus, he caused to be cast down in front of the gate of Badaon to be trampled upon by the people. These services of ‘Alau-d-Din being highly approved, the jagir of Oudh also was added to his other estates; and since ‘Alau-d-Din was very angry and incensed against the Sultan’s consort, who was his mother-in-law, and against the daughter of the Sultan, because she always made a practice of speaking ill of him to her father, he was anxious, on any pretext whatever, to leave the Sultan’s dominions and go to a distance, and find some place of refuge for himself; accordingly he provided himself with new servants, and making all preparations as to personal clothing and furniture, he asked the Sultan to bestow upon him the district of Chanderi, and leaving Dihli came to Karra, and from there under the pretence of attacking Chanderi, he went by way of Illichpur, and made for the frontiers of the country of Deogir; leaving Malik ‘Alau-l-Mulk who was one of his friends, as his deputy in Karra, and having instructed him to temporise with the Sultan, went off somewhere unknown to anyone, and when no news could be obtained of Malik ‘Alau-d-Din’s whereabouts for a considerable time, the Sultan was exceedingly sorry. ### [32.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2.5) Suddenly news arrived that ‘Alau-d-Din having gone up against the rebel Deo Gir, had conquered the whole of his country as far as the confines of the country of the Deccan, and had taken as spoil much treasure, and elephants and property, several thousands of horses, together with valuables; silk and cloth goods, and jewels, beyond the limits of computation, and that he was making for Karra. This was a source of great gratification to the Sultan, but the wise men of those times knew very well, both from analogy and inference, that ‘Alau-d-Din had gone to that country without permission from the Sultan, and had suffered much annoyance at the hands of Malika-i-Jahan who was the consort of the Sultan, and also from his own wife, and had accordingly faced the world, always nursing in his breast sinister intentions. Now that he was in a position perfectly to put his rebellious ideas into execution, and had not the access to the Court, it was strange that the Sultan seemed to suffer no apprehension as regarded him; but no one dared represent these views to the Sultan, who was wholly and entirely ignorant of the annoyance which ‘Alau-d-Din had suffered at the hands of the Queen-mother and his own wife, and if by chance they ventured to speak of the possibility of the revolt and treachery of ‘Alau-d-Din, the Sultan attributed it to jealousy, and would never allow the idea of his contumacy or rebellion to enter his head. ### [32.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2.6) In short, at the time when the Sultan was in the neighbourhood of Gwaliar he summoned a council of his Amirs to deliberate about ‘Alau-d-Din and said, “What in your opinion is ‘Alau-d-Din’s object in coming hither with so great display and circumstance, what will he do and what ought I to do? shall I go to meet him by way of Chanderi or shall I remain where I am, or again shall I return to Dihli?” Malik Ahmad Chap who was a Vazir of sound judgment and ripe experience and loyal to the backbone, did all he could to warn the Sultan by adducing logical arguments and quoting precedents, reminding him of the revolt of Malik Chhaju and the mutiny of the inhabitants of Karra, events which were of recent occurrence, as testifying to the probabilities of the present position, and urged him to go out to meet ‘Alau-d-Din on the way by which he would arrive, and to put an end to his ostentatious display and pompous arrogance, to seize his elephants and property, and all the things which were likely to be of use; ### [32.2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2.7) but the Sultan would not listen to his advice, and launching forth into extravagant eulogy of ‘Alau-d-Din declared that his mind was perfectly at ease on his account in every possible way, “for is he not” (said he) “my protege and foster child, he can never harbour any evil designs against me.” Malik Fakhru-d-Din, and the other Amirs also went with oily speeches to the Sultan, and brought forward all sorts of absurd arguments simply to suit the humour of the Sultan, and adducing weak examples induced him to return to Dihli; Malik Ahmad Chap rose up in wrath from that assembly, and spoke as follows: “If Malik ‘Alau-d-Din with all this pomp and royal display has arrived at Karra and crossing the river Saru makes for Lakhnauti, I do not know what can be done by any one to oppose him,” and lamenting exceedingly the condition of the Sultan he repeated the following lines— A foeman, though small, one should never despise, For a mountain is made up of stones of small size. The Sultan then came from Gwaliar to Dihli, and ‘Alau-d-Din having reached Karra wrote despatches full of craft and cunning to the Court, and worked upon the avarice of the Sultan by presents of elephants and endless wealth, and begged for a kindly-worded letter summoning him to the Court, while all the time he was engaged in preparations to start for Lakhnauti; and having sent his brother Zafar Khan to Oudh, ordered him to hold in readiness all the boats on the river Saru. ### [32.2.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2.8) The simple-minded Sultan Jalalu-d-Din wrote a command with his own hand in accordance with 'Alau-d-Din's request, and sent it by the hand of two confidential and trusted body-servants, one of whom was named Imadu-l-Mulk and the other Ziau-d-Din. These men when they arrived soon perceived by his manner and bearing that the face of affairs was altered: and ‘Alau-d-Din having prepared the dish for the Sultan, and having arranged for its service at a given signal, handed over those two messengers to sentries who were charged to keep them so closely guarded that not even a bird should be able to flap its wings near them; ### [32.2.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2.9) then he wrote a letter to Ilmas Beg his brother, who was also a son-in-law of the Sultan, and sent it to Dihli couched in these words: “Inasmuch as in the course of this expedition, I have committed many unwarranted acts, in that without taking the orders of the Sultan I proceeded to Deogir, for this reason certain persons have aroused fear in my heart and anxiety—but seeing that I am the loyal servant and son of the Sultan, if he will march lightly equipped and by rapid marches come and lay hands upon me, and carry me off, I have nothing to urge against imprisonment, and if, as they have said the current rumours are true, and the Sultan’s mind is in reality turned against me, I must perforce lay violent hands upon myself and efface myself from the World.” When Ilmas Beg laid that letter before the Sultan, he on the instant sent Ilmas Beg to reassure ‘Alau-d-Din and gave him a promise that he himself would follow. Ilmas Beg embarked in a boat, and going like the wind over the surface of the water, on the seventh day joined Malik ‘Alau-d-Din, and urged him to proceed to Lakhnauti, but certain of the wise and far-seeing companions of ‘Alau-d-Din said, “What need have we to go to Lakhnauti when the Sultan by reason of his excessive greed for the wealth of Deogir, and the elephants and horses of that country will come here lightly equipped in the very height of the rainy season. ### [32.2.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.2.10) At that time we will take any steps that may be necessary, and whatever has to be done to meet the emergency, we have it all stored up and we will put an end to him on the spot.” Since the cup of the life of Sultan Jalalu-d-Din was full and his heart was brim full of lust and greed for that fancied and ill-omened treasure, and Fate too had rendered him deaf and blind, not one of these evil designs was perceived by him: ### [32.3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.3.1) Verse. When Fate lets fall from the sky a feather, All the wise men became blind and deaf. Casting the advice of his well-wishers behind him, embarked on a boat with certain of his trusted followers and a thousand borrowing feet from the wind and feathers from the stream, and set out for Karra: he sent first Ahmad Chap the Vazir with an armed force and a body of retainers by land. Malik Ahmad Chap was rending his garments but all to no purpose. Verse. If the listener will not turn his ear to counsel, He will reap retribution from the heaven. The Sultan, whose life's boat had been upset by a contrary wind, and had been split on the shore of destruction, arrived at Karra on the 17th of the blessed month of Ramazan: and 'Alau-d-Din, who had kept his forces in readiness, had crossed the river Ganges between Karra and Manikpur and had pitched his camp; then he sent Ilmas Beg to the Sultan, sending by him some valuable jewels, with strict orders to use all the means he could devise and all the craft he could command to separate the Sultan from his army and bring him to further represented saying “my brother is in great fear and awe of the Sultan and is quaking from head to foot; and when he sees even this small body of men, he will be all the more alarmed, and will despair of the Sultan’s clemency.” Accordingly the Sultan ordered this body of retainers to lay aside their arms which they did; ### [32.3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.3.2) those who were closely attached to the Sultan were greatly agitated at this foolish decision, but the Sultan would not be dissuaded by their objections. When they arrived near the bank of the river, the army of ‘Alau-d-Din was plainly visible drawn up in close order fully armed and equipped, and evidently expecting an engagement. Malik Khurram the Vakildar said to Almas Beg “We left our army behind that we came without our arms, what is this army ready for action?” He replied “my brother wishes to review them, and following his usual course, he wishes to make a proper return to the Sultan, with an eye to future advantage,” and in accordance with the saying “When fate comes the eye is blinded,” the Sultan up to that moment even did not discover the deceit of his nephew, and of his own free will walked deliberately into the jaws of death. and is quite occupied in that service, and he has preparing food for breaking your fast, and to do honor to the arrival of his guest, and is now awaiting the honoured coming of the Sultan, so that he may be distinguished among Dihli and pending the arrival of Arkali Khan from Multan (he was the worthy son of the Sultan and fitted to succeed him in the kingdom) as a temporary measure, with the co-operation of Malika-i-Jahan, seated Qadr Khan the youngest son of the Sultan, upon the throne of Dihli, with the title of Ruknu-d-Din Ibrahim. The Amirs and Maliks of Jalalu-d-Din’s party came one and all to swear allegiance to him at his accession. ### [32.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.3.3) He retained the name of King for one month. Malik ‘Alau-d-Din lost no time, but on the very day of the assassination of the Sultan, made open display of the insignia and emblems of royalty, and raising the imperial canopy over his own head was addressed as Sultan and in the middle of the rainy season marching uninterruptedly he made straight for the metropolis of Dihli, and showering dinars and dirhems like rain over the heads of the populace, and pelting the people in the streets great and small with golden missiles from balistae and slings, came to his own garden on the banks of the Jumna and alighted there. Day by day the Amirs of the Jalali faction joined themselves to him and swore allegiance to him, and by the hope of the red gold, all regret for Jalalu-d-Din was completely effaced from their black hearts. Liberality is the alchemy of the copper of faults; Liberality is the remedy for all pain. It is said that by the day when Sultan ‘Alau-d-Din reached Badaon sixty thousand sowars had joined his standard. Malik Ruknu-d-Din Ibrahim seeing that he had not the power to resist him went to Multan to Arkali Khan, with certain chosen Amirs who remained faithful after the massacre (of Jalalu-d-Din), and the whole of the kingdom fell under the dominion of ‘Alau-d-Din. ### [32.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.3.4) The kingdom is God’s and greatness is His. The massacre of Sultan Jalalu-d-Din took place on the seventeenth of the month of Ramazan in the year 695 H. (A.D. 1296) and the duration of his reign was seven years and some months. Hast thou seen the acts of the tyrant heaven and its star, Mention it not, what is the heaven, its revolution, or its arched vault? How is it that the revolving heaven has cast the sun of the kingdom headlong into the dust, Dust be on the head of his sun of glory. Sultan Jalalu-d-Din had a taste for poetry, and Amir Khusru after the death of Mu'izzu-d-Din Kaiqubad, came into the service of the Sultan Jalalu-d-Din, and was honoured by being selected as an intimate companion, and was made Qur’an keeper to the Sultan, he was presented every year with the robes of honour which were reserved for the Amirs of the Sultan and were tokens of special distinction and peculiar trust. In this same category were Amir Hasan and Muid Jajarmi and Amir Arslan Katibi and Sa‘d-i-Mantiqi and Baqi-i-Khatib and Qazi Mughis of Hansi, who is one of the most learned men of the time of Jalalu-d-Din and wrote a Ghazal in nineteen metres, of which this is the opening:— Two pearly ears, a stately form, two lovely cheeks, with fresh youth dight, Thy glory is the fairy’s pride, a fairy thou, at glory’s height. ### [32.3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32.3.5) And the rest of the learned men used to keep the Sultan’s assembly embellished and adorned with the jewels of poems and delicate points of learning and philosophy, and the following few verses are the offspring of the Sultan’s genius:— I do not wish those flowing locks of thine to be entangled, I do not wish that rosy cheek of thine (with shame) to burn. I wish that thou one night unclothed may'st come to my embrace, Yes, loud I cry with all my might, I would not have it hidden. And at the time when he was besieging Gwalior he built a pavilion and a lofty dome and wrote this quatrain as an inscription for that building: Quatrain. I whose foot spurns the head of heaven, How can a heap of stone and earth augment my dignity? This broken stone I have thus arranged in order that Some broken heart may haply take comfort from it. And Sa‘d Mantiqi and the other poets he ordered to point out to him the defects and beauties of this composition. They all praised it exceedingly and said: It has no fault, but he replied: You are afraid of hurting my feelings, I will point out its defect in this quatrain: It may be some chance traveller may pass by this spot Whose tattered garment is the satin mantle of the starless sky; Perchance from the felicity of his auspicious footsteps One atom may fall to my lot: this will suffice me. ## Linked texts (1) - [Muntakhab al-tawārīkh](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh.32.1) — ʿAbd al-Qādir Badāʾūnī 1590, Persian --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.muntakhab-al-tawarikh~en-ranking-lowe-haig.32) · Pramāṇa