Pramāṇa · Search · About · API

The Akbarī Generations 66: Twenty-third year of the Reign.

Tabakát-i Akbarí of Nizámu-d dín Ahmad (extracts) 66

Language
English

Twenty-third year of the Reign.

66.1

The beginning of this year corresponded with Tuesday, the 2nd Muharram, 986 H. (11th March, 1578). The festivals of the Nau-roz and of the Emperor's accession were celebrated in the pargana of Dipalpur, a dependency of Malwa. The Emperor devoted his attention to measures for increasing the prosperity of this country, and the raiyats waited upon him in parties, and made statements of their circumstances. He paid the kindest attention to every one's case, and made a satisfactory settlement of the affairs of the province. Many zamindars became submissive and obedient to his will. Raja 'Ali Khan, the ruler of Asir and Burhanpur, had not been duly subordinate, and it being deemed necessary to chastise him, several amirs, such as Shahabu-d din Ahmad and * *, with other jagirdars of Malwa, were sent against him. Shahabu-d din was appointed commander. Shahbaz Khan, the Mir-bakhshi, was to check the brands (of the horses) and the muster of the army. The other amirs were to exercise their diligence, and secure the speedy departure of the force.

66.2

At this same place Raja Todar Mal was commissioned to settle the revenue and other affairs of the province of Gujarat. News also was brought from the force at Idar, that a battle had been fought with Raja Narain Das and a victory gained. The particulars of the occurrence were these: When Muhammad Kalij Khan, in obedience to orders, repaired to the Imperial camp along with 'Ali Murad Uzbek, the army was left under the command of Asaf Khan. Intelligence came in that the Raja of Idar, with a number of Rajputs who had been driven from their homes, together with some zamindars of the country, and supported by Raja Kika, had gathered a force which was posted ten kos distance, and contemplated a night attack. When this intelligence was confirmed, Asaf Khan and * * * held a council. About 500 men were left to secure the camp, and the rest of the force was called out at midnight, and marched towards the enemy. On the morning of the 4th Zi-l hijja, after marching seven kos, they encountered the foe, and a battle began. Mirza Muhammad Mukim, who led the advance, was killed; but the enemy was defeated. Raja Narain Das fled, and the chiefs of the royal army obtained the victory. Asaf Khan's despatch gave His Majesty much pleasure, and he ordered letters of thanks to be written to the amirs and officers of the army.

66.3

When His Majesty had arranged the affairs of Malwa, and settled the matters of the amirs of Asir and Burhanpur, he turned homewards; and, hunting as he went, he arrived at Fathpur on Sunday, 23rd Safar. After three months, troubles arose in Gujarat, through the coming thither of Muzaffar Husain Mirza, son of Ibrahim Mirza, who was son of the daughter of Kamran Mirza. The circumstances of his case are these: When the Emperor was engaged in the siege of Surat, Gulrukh Begam, daughter of Kamran and wife of Ibrahim, carried off her child Muzaffar Husain, as has been related in the account given of the conquest of Ahmadabad. A disaffected man named Mihr 'Ali, a servant of the late Ibrahim Mirza, who accompanied Gulrukh Begam when she fled from Surat to the Dekhin, now stirred up the ambition of Muzaffar Husain, who was fifteen or sixteen years of age. He induced him to leave the Dekhin, and collecting a number of adventurers from all directions, he entered Gujarát, intent upon insurrection.

66.4

At this time Rájá Todar Mal was in Pattan, engaged in the settlement of the revenue. The insurrection spread, and the disaffected were everywhere raising their heads. Wazír Khán, the ruler of Gujarát, had 3000 horsemen, but there were amongst them many adventurous men upon whom he could not rely, so he retired into a fortress, and sent an account of the occurrences to Rájá Todar Mal. Before the Rájá came to his assistance, Báz Bahádur, son of Sharíf Khán, and Bábá Gadáí, the díwán of Gujarát, attacked Muzaffar Husain in the pargana of Nandurbár, and were defeated. Muzaffar Husain then went to Kambáy, and after staying two or three days, he went off towards Ahmadábád. Rájá Todar Mal turned back from Pattan, and arrived at Ahmadábád. When the insurgents heard of this, they fell back, and went towards Dúlaka. The Rájá and Wazír Khán pursued them, and coming up with them at Dúlaka, a battle ensued, in which the royal forces were victorious, and the enemy drew off to Júnágarh. Rájá Todar Mal then departed on his return to Court.

66.5

Muzaffar Husain, as soon as he heard of the Rájá's departure, came back and besieged Wazír Khán in Ahmadábád; for although Wazír Khán's force was large, it was not trustworthy, and so he was obliged to seek the shelter of the fortress. Mihr 'Alí, the vakíl of Muzaffar Husain, and the great prop of the revolt, brought forward scaling-ladders to attempt an assault, but he was sent to hell by a bullet from the fortress. When he was removed, Muzaffar Husain withdrew, and went towards Sultanpur. So the insurrection came to an end.