Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 116: SOOLTAN KOOLLY KOOTB SHAH :
History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 116
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Contents
SOOLTAN KOOLLY KOOTB SHAH :
116.1.1
His origin — arrival in India from Persia — distinguishes himself in repulsing an attack on the King's person at Bidur — is created governor of Tulingana. — Death of the King. — Sooltan Koolly declares his independence, and builds the town of Mahomednuggur, near the fort of Golconda — extends his dominions by foreign conquests — takes Rajconda, Dewurconda, and Pangul, from the Raja of Beejanuggur, also Gunpoora and Kovilconda. — War with Seetaputty Raja of Tulingana. — Sooltan Koolly takes Wurungole and Cumamett. — War with Guja Ramchundur. — Takes Belumconda. — War with the Raja of Beejanuggur. — War with Ismael Adil Shah, King of Beejapoor. — Capture of Koheer and Nulgoonda from the Hindoos. — Siege of Etgeer. — Death of Sooltan Koolly. The Prince Sooltan Koolly is the son of Ooveis Koolly, the son of Peer Koolly, the son of Ameer Alwund, the son of Ameer Iskundur, the son of Ameer Kurra Yoosoof, the son of Ameer Kurra Mahomed, the son of Ameer Toorsin, the son of Kurra Munsoor, the son of Kurra Beirum, the son of Kurra Toormish, the son of Ameer Tora Beg, who carries his pedigree up to Oghz Khan, lineally descended from Japheth, the son of Noah.
116.1.2
During the reign of Ameer Hussun Beg, the chief of the tribe of Ak Koovinloo, that monarch, satisfied of the peaceable disposition of Ameer Peer Koolly, the head of the rival tribe of Kurra Koovinloo, which had been lately expelled from the throne, refrained from molesting him or his family. After the death of Ameer Hussun Beg, his eldest son, Ameer Khuleel Sooltan, succeeded him, and adopted the same line of conduct towards Ooveis Koolly, the son of Ameer Peer Koolly Kurra Koovinloo; but upon the accession of Ameer Yakoob Ak Koovinloo, his courtiers pointed out to him the rising genius of Ooveis Koolly's son, Sooltan Koolly, the subject of our history. He was upheld as the darling of his father, and the hope of his tribe, which looked up to him for the re-establishment of its power. Historians have even gone so far as to state, that Ameer Yakoob Beg consulted the astrologers concerning the fate of Sooltan Koolly, who foretold that he would be a king, though not in Persia, but that he was destined to spread the banners of the true faith on the plains of Hindoostan. This report reached the ears of his father, Ooveis Koolly; and it was said, that on this account Ameer Yakoob Beg Ak Koovinloo sought the young prince's life, which was the cause of his being sent with his uncle, Ameer Alla Koolly, to India.
116.1.3
The following account from the Murghoob-ool-Koolloob, written by Sudr-i-Jehan, is stated to be taken down from the mouth of Sooltan Koolly himself, who is lineally descended from Ameer Kurra Yoosoof Toorkman, and nearly related to Ameer Jehan Shah, King of Persia, as mentioned in several histories. The birth-place of Sooltan Koolly is Saadabad, a small village in the province of Humadan. His own words are as follow: — "After the subjugation of my tribe of Kurra Koovinloo by that of Ak Koovinloo, I was compelled to fly "my country when a child, and I came with my "uncle Ameer Alla Koolly to the Deccan in "India, where after remaining some time I returned to my father at Humadan; but the splendour of the Bahmuny court, and the attentions "which we received, so filled my youthful imagination, that the Deccan and India were always "present to my thoughts. As my uncle would "not leave so young a boy as I then was, he "compelled me to return with him to Persia. On "the accession of the enemies of our tribe, and "when it was ascertained beyond a doubt that "Ameer Yakoob Ak Koovinloo sought my life, I "consented to proceed again to the Deccan, with a "number of fine horses and other presents for the "Bahmuny king; but I previously went to take "leave of my grand-uncle, Shah Noor-ood-Deen, at "Yezd. Shah Noor-ood-Deen was my spiritual "pastor, as well as my near relation, having " married my grandfather Ameer Peer Koolly Beg's own sister;
116.1.4
and as he was skilled in astrology, and by the divine favour had an insight into futurity, he told me, on my departure, that I should one day be a king over a portion of Hindoostan. On which, taking from his pocket a quantity of gold coin, he gave it to me, and conferred on me his blessing, saying, 'Consider this as a symbol of your future success.' It is unnecessary to say that this circumstance made a deep impression on my mind, and I already fancied myself a king, when my uncle and I proceeded together towards India. Having got over the voyage, we went direct to the city of Ahmudabad Bidur, then the capital of the Deccan. After two or three days we had an audience of Mahmood Shah Bahmuny, and presented the horses and other rarities we had brought with us, after which a place was allotted by the King for our residence. Shortly afterwards, my uncle requested his audience of leave to return to his native country; and although the King did all he could to induce him to remain, he could not be prevailed on, particularly as he had just heard of the death of the inveterate enemy of the family, Ameer Yakoob Beg, from whose tyranny I was compelled to fly. Mahmood Shah Bahmuny, unable to persuade my uncle to stay, insisted on his leaving me at the court, declaring he would treat me as his own child. I readily embraced the opportunity, and my uncle left India alone."
116.1.5
Mahmood Shah Bahmuny, as he had promised, always treated Sooltan Koolly with the greatest affection; and as he was informed of the illustrious descent of his young friend, his attentions towards him increased daily. This degree of favour excited envy in the minds of the King's sons and the nobles of the court, who omitted no opportunity of defaming his character to the King. In the Towareekh-i-Hind we find it related, that Mahmood Shah Bahmuny one night having collected his courtiers about him was enjoying the pleasures of the festive board, amid the voices of damsels and the sound of music, when he was attacked by a body of Abyssinians and Deccanies. Fortunately Sooltan Koolly, with ten foreigners, was on the spot on guard over the King's person. When they heard the noise they rushed out with the rest of his guard, and having repulsed the assailants, accompanied the King, who retired to the fort. Five of Sooltan Koolly's party were killed on this occasion, while he with the other five, and the King in person, defended the palace with their bows and arrows. In the mean time a message was despatched to Hussun Khwaja Jehan to occupy the bastions of the fort with all the Khorassanies he could collect. In the execution of this order many men were lost in forcing their way to the ramparts. The assailants were in the end defeated in all quarters; and the King's guards took possession of the gates of the city, to prevent the traitors from making their escape.
116.1.6
In consequence of the extreme darkness torches were used by the King's troops, who with lights in one hand and swords in the other fought desperately during the early part of the night. The moon rose about midnight, when the King, who had been joined during the confusion by a few more adherents, made his way good to Hussun Khwaja Jehan. He was accompanied by Sooltan Koolly, who, proceeding in advance, cut his way through the opposing foes. In the morning, the royalists appeared every where victorious, while the rebels, being dispersed, fled through the streets, or sought safety from the sword by throwing themselves over the battlements. Others, who had secreted themselves in houses, were dragged forth and put to death. Mahmood Shah Bahmuny, who certainly owed his life to the personal exertions of Sooltan Koolly, honoured him with the title of Mullik Kootb-ool-Moolk, and conferred on him the appointment of second minister; he also granted titles and rewards to the five remaining Persians who had so gallantly defended his person.
116.1.7
In the history of the Deccan it is related, that when the imbecility of the Bahmuny dynasty became apparent, several of the military nobles, separating themselves from the crown, declared their independence. Among these was Mullik Deenar the Abyssinian, and Mullik Khoosh Kuddum Toork, who refused to acknowledge the authority of the King in their districts. Mahmood Shah Bahmuny marched against them, and took their leader, Mullik Deenar, prisoner; but at the instance of some of his advisers he was pardoned, and all the elephants taken in the action were restored to him. In consequence of the gallantry displayed by Sooltan Koolly on this occasion he was honoured with the government of the province of Tulingana, and received the title of Ameer-ool-Omra, besides having the towns of Kotgeer and Ootgy added to his personal estates.
116.2.1
In the history of Mahmood Shah Bahmuny it is related, that after the death of Kishwur Khan, Bahadur Geelany, an officer of the Bahmuny court, distinguished for his bravery in action, succeeded him in the government of the Concan, including Dabul and Goa, and other sea-ports, and declared his independence from the court of Bidur. Shortly after which, he laid violent hands on all the trading vessels proceeding along the coast, and captured several ships laden with merchandise, belonging to the subjects of Mahmood Shah of Guzerat, which had been driven on shore. When Mahmood Shah of Guzerat heard of the fate of his vessels, he addressed letters to Bahadur Geelany, requiring him to restore the property. Bahadur not only refused to yield up his prizes, but wrote insolent replies to the King of Guzerat's letters. Mahmood Shah of Guzerat, in consequence, sent an ambassador to Mahmood Shah Bahmuny, requesting his interference, as Bahadur Geelany was one of his subjects. The Bahmuny monarch wrote peremptory orders, directing the Guzerat ships to be sent to Cambay, and the property to be forwarded to the capital of Bidur, in order that it might be made over to the Guzerat ambassador then at court. Bahadur Geelany, having intimation of the approach of the messengers conveying these orders, caused them to be detained on the road, and declared his independence from the court of Bidur.
116.2.2
Mahmood Shah Bahmuny immediately marched to reduce the rebel chief, and arrived without opposition at the fort of Mirch, where he was met by Pota Naig, the zemindar of that district, at the head of five thousand cavalry, and an army of one hundred thousand infantry; but the Hindoo chief was compelled to take shelter within the walls of Mirch, wherein he was besieged by the royal army. During the operations, Dew Naig, the son of Pota Naig, with a large force, attacked a division of the King's army commanded by Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk. The Hindoos fought bravely hand to hand with the Mahomedans, from daylight till sunset, and Dew Naig was every where successful. At this moment he came in contact with Sooltan Koolly in person, and was slain. The Hindoos withdrew on the following day; and Pota Naig, despairing of maintaining the place after the death of his son, sent a number of fine elephants and horses as presents to the King, besides consenting to pay an annual tribute. It was, moreover, agreed that the fort of Mirch, with all the public property it contained, should be delivered to the King, on condition that the lives of the inhabitants, and their property might be spared. Pota Naig, on the day after the treaty, had an audience, and received the fort back at his Majesty's hands. The public property was delivered over in charge to Sooltan Koolly.
116.2.3
After reducing the power of Bahadur Geelany, the King returned to his capital, and Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk repaired to his government of Tulingana. Shortly after which, Mullik Kasim Bereed, an ambitious noble of the Bahmuny court, seeing the King without his best advisers about him, took this opportunity of insinuating himself into his favour, and not long after, he was honoured with the situation of prime minister a second time. The first effects of his influence were the removal of the old officers from the King's person ; and he at length assumed such power as to take upon himself the entire government of the kingdom. Kasim Bereed, well aware that his conduct would not be supported by Yoosoof Adil Khan, Kootb-ool-Moolk, and the other governors of provinces, endeavoured to remove the King altogether ; but his plans were discovered and frustrated by the union of most of the respectable officers of the state, who resolved not to permit Mullik Kasim Bereed to continue to treat the King as a mere pageant. It was resolved, therefore, by several of the officers commanding provinces, to march to the capital, and to compel Mullik Kasim Bereed to restore to the King his authority. Yoosoof Adil Khan of Beejapoor and Mullik Deenar the Abyssinian of Koolburga, were the two who first moved with their respective forces to the capital of Bidur, where they were joined by Kootb-ool-Moolk.
116.2.4
Mullik Kasim Bereed, on the near approach of the confederates, clothed himself in a shroud, slung a sword round his neck, and threw himself at the King's feet, imploring his forgiveness, and craving protection against the nobles. Mahmood Shah Bahmuny, whose greatest fault was his indolent disposition, deputed all the holy men of Bidur to go out and entreat the chiefs to desist from any measures against Kasim Bereed. It was required, however, that he should withdraw to his jageers of Owsa and Kand'har, leaving the King in full possession of the capital of Bidur; and the different chiefs demanded that they might be allowed to come to court once annually to pay their respects, and proceed to the attack of the Hindoos of Beejanuggur. After these arrangements, the chiefs returned to their respective governments. In the middle of the year 908, Mahmood Shah Bahmuny marched from the capital, with the nobles who were in his train, to attack the infidel Hindoos. On his arrival at the town of Ootgy, Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, receiving intimation of his approach, joined the royal army with three thousand cavalry, ten thousand infantry, and thirty elephants. At this time the King of Bidur was also joined by Yoosoof Adil Khan of Beejapoor, Futteh Oolla Imad-ool-Moolk of Berar, Mullik Ahmud Nizam-ool-Moolk of Joonere, and Mullik Deenar, the Abyssinian of Koolburga, agreeably to the compact of the former year.
116.2.5
The first movement from Ootgy was made by the detachment of Mullik Ein-ool-Moolk, who proceeded by the route of Koolburga towards Beejanuggur; while the King with the grand army marched by easy stages to Rachore, one of the strongest forts in that part of India, which was now besieged on all sides by the Mahomedan forces; and the Hindoos were at last reduced to purchase forbearance, by stipulating for the payment of tribute. On this occasion the forts of Rachore and Moodkul were delivered over to the charge of Yoosoof Adil Khan of Beejapoor. After which, without prosecuting the war farther, Mahmood Shah Bahmuny returned to the capital, and the great chiefs received permission to proceed to their respective estates. The King being left with only a small force, Mullik Kasim Bereed marched against him, and besieged the capital, where he arrived on the 9th of Zeehuj, A.H. 909; and having bribed the officers of the foot-guards, he was admitted through the gates, and proceeded direct to the palace of the minister, Khan Jehan, whom he put to death, and re-assumed the functions of minister to the unwilling monarch, whom he deprived of all authority. On the imprisonment of the King becoming known to the governors, they collected their troops as before, and marched for his relief to the capital. On their arrival they found Mullik Kasim Bereed and the King, whom he had brought out by force, encamped outside the city.
116.2.6
The King's presence sanctioned the elevation of the royal standard, and made it appear as if Mahmood Shah Bahmuny enjoyed his full power. An action took place, which was maintained with much spirit on both sides. Mullik Kasim Bereed, in the first instance, compelled the allies to give way; but a vigorous charge made by Mullik Kootb-ool-Moolk, on the centre of his line, turned the fate of the day, and obliged Kasim Bereed to fly, and seek protection in the fort of Owsa. The victorious confederates now proceeded to the royal pavilion, where they paid their respects to the King, and replacing him on the throne of Bidur, returned to their different provinces. In the year 910, the King, having reason to be displeased with the conduct of Yoosoof Adil Khan of Beejapoor, marched, accompanied by Mullik Kootb-ool-Moolk, against that chief; but he was again taken into favour, and the King returned to his capital. Shortly after this, Mullik Futteh Oolla Imad-ool-Moolk, governor of Berar, died in Elichpoor, and his son Mullik Alla-ood-Deen was nominated by the King his successor. Yoosoof Adil Khan also died at Kovilconda, and was succeeded by his son Ismael, while Khwaja Jehan, governor of Sholapoor, was succeeded by Noor Khan, his youngest son, who was honoured with the title of Khwaja Jehan, and assumed the government of Purenda and its dependencies.
116.2.7
On the following year, A. H. 911, according to the compact of Bidur, the King ordered his nobles with their troops to repair to the capital, all of whom having joined him, he again proceeded towards Beejanuggur. On his arrival at Dewly, the King's army was opposed by the Hindoo forces, when a sanguinary action took place. Mullik Kootb-ool-Moolk broke the left wing of the enemy, but Mahmood Shah, in the centre, gave way, and being thrown from his horse, was nearly trodden to death. He was, however, fortunately discovered by some of his troops, and being placed in a palankeen was conveyed to the tent of Meer Lootf Oolla, the son of Shah Mohib Oolla. Thence the army retreated to the capital, when the nobles retired to their respective governments. After this period, the King was weak enough to re-admit Mullik Kasim Bereed into his councils, and again became the dupe of that insinuating minister. Not long after, being taken dangerously ill, Mahmood Shah Bahmuny died on the 24th of Zeehuj, A. H. 912, in the forty-seventh year of his age, and in the thirty-seventh of his reign. On the death of Mahmood Shah Bahmuny, the governors in their respective provinces threw off the small portion of allegiance which they latterly paid to the late king, and proclaimed their independence.
116.3.1
First, Mullik Ahmud Nizam-ool-Moolk, in the province of Joonere and Dowlutabad. It was at this time he began to construct the fort and town of Ahmudnuggur for his future capital. Secondly, Ismael Adil Khan usurped the districts of Beejapoor, Mirch, and the Concan, making Beejapoor his capital. Thirdly, Alla-ood-Deen Imad-ool-Moolk, the governor of Berar, proclaimed himself King, making Elichpoor his capital. Fourthly, Mullik Kasim Bereed, having seized the whole of the late king's treasures, became absolute in Bidur. Fifthly, Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, who still continued his allegiance to the shadow of royalty which remained, retained possession of the province of Tulingana, making Golconda his seat of government. From the best authorities it appears that Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk during the first years of his rule was engaged in the reduction of the neighbouring zemindars of Tulingana. It was his usual practice, after advancing into a hostile country, and making his observations, to retreat, in order to draw his enemy into an ambuscade, from which he seldom escaped.
116.3.2
Sudr-i-Jehan, the author of the Murghoob-ool-Koolloob, says, he himself heard Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk state, that although invited by Kasim Bereed and Futteh Oolla Imad-ool-Moolk to seize by violence the Bahmuny districts in the vicinity of his government, he always refused to do so, contenting himself with the estates conferred on him, and aggrandising his power by the reduction of the Hindoo zemindars alone, who were the enemies of the true faith. "It is now (said that King one day "to Sudr-i-Jehan) nearly sixty years since I "was first engaged in spreading the banners of "the faithful, and reducing the infidels of Tulingana from the borders of Wurungole to Masulipatam and Rajmundry, having taken between "sixty and seventy forts by force of arms, such as Rajconda, Kovilconda, Dewurconda, Pangul, Gunpoora, Jirconda, Yelgundel, Mulungoor, Etgeer, Meduk, Bhowungeer, Belumconda, Wurungole, Cumamett, Indraconda, Ramgeer, Condapilly, Ellore, and Chitcole. I also swore by the Prophet and his descendant Ally, that if I ever succeeded in establishing my independence, I would promote the faith of the followers of the twelve Imams, in parts where the banners of the faithful had never before waved; but let it not be supposed that I took up the idea from Shah Ismael of Persia; for be it known I before professed the religion of the twelve (on whom be the peace of God!) from the period of the reign of Sooltan Yakoob, as being the faith of my ancestors.
116.3.3
Here am I nearly arrived at the age of a hundred years, most of which time has been spent in disseminating the principles of the true faith; and I now wish to retire from the world, and to spend the last few days which remain in prayer." Thus far is extracted from the work of Sudr Jehan, taken down from the mouth of Sooltan Koolly himself. It appears from all the Deccan histories, that when Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk had laid the foundation of the city of Mahomednuggur, and that all the different chiefs, such as Adil Khan of Beejapoor, Nizam-ool-Moolk of Ahmudnuggur, &c. had declared their titles as kings, the officers of his government recommended him to ascend the throne and proclaim himself King of Tulingana, saying they had no one else whom they acknowledged as such. As these representations came in support of several letters to the same purport, sent by Yoosoof Adil Shah and Ahmud Nizam Shah, Sooltan Koolly consented to ascend the throne in due form, and issued his mandate that the public worship should be read in the name of the twelve Imams throughout his territory. He was accordingly proclaimed king under the title of Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah. Sooltan Koolly every year made a campaign against the infidels of Beejanuggur, and returned to his seat of government; but he now determined to select a more centrical position for his capital, and accordingly he built the city above alluded to at the village of Golconda, to which place he removed his court.
116.3.4
After having repaired the fort of Golconda Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah turned his thoughts towards the reduction of the fortress of Rajconda, the ray of which place had lately made an attack on the Kootb Shahy dominions. He accordingly marched his army to that place, and on his arrival he closely invested it. In a few days his heavy artillery made practicable breaches in the fort-walls. The enemy during these operations made several desperate sallies which did not deter the besiegers, and the place was eventually carried by storm, though not without considerable loss. The Raja, Venkutty Naig, being made prisoner, was carried to Golconda. After his return the King proceeded to reduce the fortress of Dewurconda, strongly situated on the top of a hill, which after a long siege was taken, and the Hindoo palaces and temples, by the King's orders, were consumed to ashes, and mosques built in their stead. When Krishn Ray, the Raja of Beejanuggur, heard of the fall of Dewurconda, he marched with a force of thirty thousand horse and three hundred thousand foot to attack the Kootb Shahy dominions, which he invaded, overrunning and laying waste much of the country on the frontier. As soon as Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah heard of this outrage, he collected his army, consisting of five thousand horse and thirty thousand foot, and marched with this comparatively small force to the town of Pangul, where the enemy was encamped.
116.3.5
The Mahomedan army came so suddenly on the advanced guard of the Hindoos that it fell back on the main body without making even a show of resistance. Krishn Ray, relying on his numbers, ordered the line out and attacked the Moslems who had encamped near the town of Pangul, where a sanguinary engagement took place, which lasted from morning till sunset. The King appeared every where, cheering up the drooping spirits of his troops, who were at one time giving way before the superior numbers of the enemy. Sooltan Koolly, however, always kept a body of cavalry in reserve, which was directed only to move when it received orders. This party consisted of fifteen hundred of his best horse ; and at the very time when his centre was falling back, he charged in person at the head of the reserve full on the enemy's flank. The Hindoos, unprepared to resist the shock of these fresh troops, broke, and fled in confusion. This manoeuvre turned the fate of the day ; and the enemy, seeing their line broken, gave way on all sides at once ; and although the darkness of the night favoured their retreat, Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah was left in possession of all the heavy baggage and elephants. On the following day he laid siege to Pangul.
116.3.6
This fort, situated on a hill, was surrounded by a thick wood : it was immediately invested by the Mahomedans, who had nearly reduced it, when Krishn Ray, hearing of the distress of the garrison, sent three hundred cavalry and one thousand infantry as a reinforcement. This party was directed to penetrate the woods, and to come suddenly upon the besiegers during the night ; while at the same time the besieged were recommended to make a simultaneous sally from the fort. The garrison continued thus to make several successful sallies, which prevented the place from falling so soon as was at first expected. At length, after a period of two months, the commandant, a relation of Krishn Ray, opened a negotiation to capitulate. On the following day the fort surrendered to the Mahomedan arms, and the garrison were permitted to proceed whithersoever they chose. The army proceeded from Pangul to Gunpoora, situated between that fort and Kovilconda. On the King's arrival he summoned the commandant to surrender, but the latter answered this message by the discharge of his artillery, followed by a sally from the hill which descended into the plain, and penetrated into the Mahomedan lines. This attack was repulsed, and the assailants sought safety within the walls of the fort. The siege of Gunpoora continued for two months; during which time the Mahomedans lost many valuable officers and soldiers, and the King nearly despaired of taking it.
116.3.7
Gunpoora is situated on a hill, and the only road to the gate leads along a narrow pathway with a deep precipice on each side. This passage was blocked up with stones and stockades, and at the entrance were two bastions which protected it. The King, in the first instance, ordered the bastions to be knocked down, which, after some time, was effected, and then leading the storming party himself, he attacked and carried the fort, but not without a heavy loss. From Gunpoora the King proceeded to Kovilconda, which was bravely defended for a considerable time, the garrison making several desperate sallies, in which many soldiers were killed on both sides. At length, the breaches being rendered practicable, the Mahomedans stormed at midnight; and although they did not then succeed in taking the place, the besieged, on the following morning, surrendered at discretion, and the commandant delivered the keys into the King's hands. The garrison was permitted to march out with all their private property; while the public treasury, which is represented to have been very rich, fell into the King's possession, who distributed it on the spot among his troops. After leaving a Mahomedan officer in the place, the King returned to his capital, when he was met by all the principal inhabitants of the city.
116.4.1
During the absence of Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah in his late campaign, his northern districts had been attacked and laid waste by Kowam-ool-Moolk Toork, an officer of the Bahmuny government, who, during the late convulsions, had rendered himself master of the forts of Elgundel, Mulungoor, and some other districts, and collecting a force of six thousand horse and about ten thousand infantry, invaded the countries of his neighbours. On the return of Sooltan Koolly, he received accounts of Kowam-ool-Moolk's incursions. He accordingly addressed letters of advice to him, and demanded restitution of the property he had plundered in the Kootb Shahy territories. The ambassadors who waited on Kowam-ool-Moolk were directed to inform him, that their master was sorry to hear what had happened; and that it was his wish to be on terms of friendship with all his Mahomedan neighbours, since it is written in the Koran, that "all the faithful are brethren." Kowam-ool-Moolk, elated with his success in declaring his independence, and despising the power of Sooltan Koolly, shortly afterwards sent his troops again into his territories to plunder. Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah could no longer restrain his rage, and immediately ordered his army into the field, and marched towards Elgundel. He was met by Kowam-ool-Moolk at the distance of one day's march from that place at the head of his army.
116.4.2
On the following day an action ensued, which lasted from dawn till noon, when the King charged in person, at the head of two thousand cavalry, and defeated Kowam-ool-Moolk, who fled in confusion, and threw himself into the fort of Elgundel. To this place the King proceeded, and invested it; but Kowam-ool-Moolk, finding himself unable to contend with his enemy, fled to Berar, and solicited assistance from Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah. Elgundel, shortly after, fell into the hands of the King, and many of the Mahomedan troops of Kowam-ool-Moolk entered his service. Having now occupied the forts of Elgundel and Mulungoor with his own soldiers, the King returned to his capital. Kowam-ool-Moolk, who had fled to Berar, persuaded Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah to espouse his cause, and to march to recover his country. When Kootb Shah heard of this movement, he sent an ambassador to that monarch, relating the obstinacy of Kowam-ool-Moolk, and reminding him, also, that the Imad Shahy troops had lately usurped the country of the seven tuppas, which the late Mahmood Shah Bahmuny had bestowed upon Sooltan Koolly; he therefore demanded the restitution of the seven tuppas, and required, also, that Imad Shah should not give protection to Kowam-ool-Moolk within his territories.
116.4.3
Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah, however, so far from yielding to any of the above demands, sent back an answer full of indignation, which induced Sooltan Koolly to march with his army towards his dominions; and Imad Shah moved from Elichpoor, and opposed the Kootb Shahy troops near the fortress of Ramgeer. On the day following an action ensued, which lasted till the afternoon. The Imad Shahy army outflanked Sooltan Koolly's which was in the act of giving way on all sides, when he, as usual, charged through the centre of his own army with the reserve of two thousand cavalry in armour, broke the enemy's line, and completely defeated them. Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah fled to Berar, and Sooltan Koolly directed his army to occupy the district of the seven tuppas; after which he returned to Golconda. Here he heard that Seetaputty, the Raja of Cumamett, had presumed to lay hands on some of the Kootb Shahy districts which lay contiguous to his country. This raja possessed the strong forts of Cumamett, Belumconda, Wurungole, and others, and had in his service twelve thousand infantry, noted as good marksmen. The King, in the first place, marched against Belumconda, which he closely invested. The siege lasted a considerable time, till at length the King determined to make an attempt to take it by escalade, which he effected by a general assault on all sides at once, in which effort, after losing many men, he at length succeeded.
116.4.4
When Seetaputty heard of the capture of Belumconda, which he considered as impregnable, he immediately marched with an army to oppose the King in the field, who also prepared to receive him. The two armies met, and a battle was fought, wherein the Mahomedans lost many brave officers and soldiers from the well-directed fire of the enemy's infantry, which withstood several charges of the Mahometan cavalry; but they were at length broken, and fled, leaving Sooltan Koolly in possession of all the Raja's treasures and heavy baggage: after which the King returned to Golconda. Seetaputty, subsequently to his defeat, fled to Cumamett, and despatched messages to the neighbouring rajas, such as those of Condapilly, Indraconda, Warapully, and Etgeer, inviting them to form a confederacy against Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah, who had already reduced the greatest part of Tulingana, and was every day gaining such ground that in a short time no Hindoo chiefs would remain to oppose his ambitious views. The rajas all united accordingly, and formed a rendezvous at Cumamett. When Sooltan Koolly heard of this league, he marched to oppose them; and a sanguinary action ensued in the neighbourhood of that place, when the Mahomedans, as usual, gained the victory; and the Raja Seetaputty fled, and took protection with Ramchundur Dew. The Mahomedan forces took possession of Condapilly, Indraconda, and Etgeer, while the King proceeded to reduce Cumamett, then one of the strongest forts in Tulingana;
116.4.5
but as he was unwilling to spill human blood wantonly, he sent a message to the commandant of the place, informing him of the defeat of his master, and requiring him to surrender the fort to the Mahomedans, which he refused to do. Several unsuccessful attacks were made in consequence, in which the Mahomedans lost many men; till at length the King resolved, as the last resource, to make a general assault on all sides at once. Sooltan Koolly led the principal attack in person: the Mahomedans, covering their heads with their shields, and being well supplied with scaling ladders, rushed on simultaneously, and, although their loss was severe, they succeeded in gaining the ramparts, and drove the garrison before them. On this occasion they gave no quarter, killing every man, woman, and child in the place, excepting the females of the family of Seetaputty, who were reserved for the King's seraglio.
116.4.6
When Seetaputty was defeated he fled, as before related, to Raja Ramchundur, the son of Gujputty, who held his court at Condapilly, and who was king of the land and the sea-coast of Tulingana and Orissa, as far as the confines of Bengal. Seetaputty had represented to him that Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah had, by his persecution, at length succeeded in expelling him from his country; that he had now subdued almost the whole of Tulingana, and that his next step would be to invade the country of Ramchundur, which lay contiguous to his own. Guja Ramchundur, convinced of the truth of these observations, and relying on the numerous forces he could bring into the field, wrote orders to his adherents to repair with their respective armies to Condapilly, where he collected a host of three hundred thousand foot, and thirty thousand horse, all bearing lances, accompanied by Seetaputty, Vidiadry, and Hurry Chundur, as well as other rajas of note. These, having sworn to stand by each other, marched to attack Sooltan Koolly. He prepared to oppose them with only five thousand horse, and met them at the river near Palunchinoor. The Hindoos drew up their forces on the next day in the following order: — Guja Ramchundur, with ten thousand horse, one hundred thousand foot, and three hundred elephants, in the centre. On the right his nephew Vidiadry, with ten thousand horse, one hundred thousand foot, and two hundred elephants.
116.4.7
On the left Hurry Chundur, with Seetaputty, in the command of ten thousand horse, one hundred thousand foot, and two hundred elephants: — the whole of the elephants bearing several men with bows and arrows. Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah, in spite of the disparity of numbers, determined to give the Hindoos battle. He placed his son, Heidur Khan, with fifteen hundred horse, on the right, and Futtehy Khan, with an equal number, on the left, himself taking post in the centre with two thousand horse. According to custom he dismounted in front of the army, and going down on his knees, supplicated the great Disposer of events to give up the host of the infidels into the hands of the faithful; after which he mounted, and charged the enemy, driving the affrighted Hindoos before him like sheep. The Raja Ramchundur was taken prisoner, and his nephew Vidiadry killed by the Prince Heidur Khan's own hand; the capture, also, of all the enemy's elephants and treasures, as well as of Raja Ramchundur, ensured to the King the whole of the country as far as the sea-coast. From thence he proceeded to Condapilly, which he reduced; and afterwards went to Ellore and Rajmundry, in the former of which places many Hindoos were slain. Upon the arrival of the Mahomedan forces at Rajmundry, they encamped on the banks of the Godavery, where the King received intimation that the enemy had assembled in great numbers in the woods and hills, with the intention of attacking him by night.
116.4.8
The King accordingly detached his generals, Futtehy Khan and Roostoom Khan, to watch their motions, and to endeavour to cut them off. The two parties engaged, and the Hindoos, after they had lost two thousand men, fled to the forests, leaving the Mahomedans in possession of the field of action.
116.5.1
Vusnad (properly Veija Nat) Dew, commonly called Gujputty, who possessed the countries of Bengal along the sea-coast as far as the confines of Tulingana, hearing of the discomfiture of Raja Ramchundur, sent ambassadors to Sooltan Koolly. A treaty was forthwith concluded, by which it was agreed that the river Godavery should be the boundary between the Mahomedan kingdom of Tulingana and the Hindoo territory of Orissa; after which the seals of the King and Vusnad Dew were affixed, and the district of Ellore was made over to the Mahomedans. Upon the return of the army to Golconda, the King heard that during his absence Krishn Ray of Beejanuggur had invaded some of his frontier districts. Sooltan Koolly, therefore, immediately prepared for war, and in the first instance marched against Condbeer. On his arrival there the fort was invested; but the enemy's troops from the two hill-forts of Belumconda and Inaconda (each situated about two gows distant from Condbeer) came to the assistance of the garrison, and made several successful night-attacks on the besiegers. This mode of warfare so much annoyed the King that he quitted Condbeer, and proceeded to reduce the other two forts. In the first instance he surrounded Belumconda; but the garrison defended itself with great obstinacy, while the army of the Hindoos in the field did not cease to make night-attacks. In these assaults the Mahomedans lost several of their best officers and many soldiers.
116.5.2
The King at length resolved to try his ultimate and favourite expedient of a general assault. At the concerted signal the walls were escaladed on all sides, and the place was carried, not without heavy loss. Having distributed the property obtained in the fort among his troops, he left Soheil Khan, an eunuch, in the command, and proceeded towards Condapilly. During these operations many of the Hindoo officers of the King's army, left with the Prince Heidur Khan before Condbeer, went into open mutiny, and the King was obliged to return, in order to support his son's authority. Meanwhile Kristin Ray of Beejanuggur, on finding the Mahomedan army had marched towards Condbeer, collected a force also, and deputed his nephew with five thousand horse, and fifty thousand foot, to engage the Mahomedans in the field. This army had now reached its destination, and proceeded to attack Soheil Khan in Belumconda. This wily chieftain required three days to give it up; acknowledging that it was now not in a condition to stand a siege against so large a force. In the mean time he sent a messenger to the King, informing him of his situation.
116.5.3
Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah no sooner obtained this information than he suddenly counter-marched, with all his cavalry, and coming unexpectedly upon the enemy, who anxiously awaited the surrender of the fort, dispersed his troops, taking their baggage, and sixty elephants laden with treasure, which was sent to pay the troops for the defence of Belumconda and Condapilly. Having thus raised the siege of Belumconda, the King returned to Condbeer. The walls of this fort were shortly after battered down by the artillery in several places, and the lower fort taken, the garrison evacuating it, and retiring to the hill-fort; this also capitulated on the next day, and was given over to be plundered by the victorious army by the permission of the King; but the lives of the inhabitants were spared. When news of the reduction of Condbeer reached Krishn Ray of Beejanuggur, he immediately detached his general and son-in-law, Seeva Ray, with a force of one hundred thousand foot, and eight thousand horse, to march against the Mahomedans. The King resolved not to weaken his army by leaving any troops in Condbeer: he therefore distributed the provisions among them, burned the gates of the fort, and partially destroyed the works, and retreating towards Condapilly, encamped on the banks of the Krishna. The Hindoos, surprised at this sudden retreat of the Mahomedans, repaired the walls of Condbeer, and left a garrison therein, making it a depot for their treasure and heavy baggage.
116.5.4
They then proceeded in pursuit of the Kootb Shahy army. Sooltan Koolly permitted them to approach within a few miles of his encampment, when, like the hawk pouncing on his prey, he moved out with five thousand cavalry, and fell on the Hindoos at daylight. The action lasted till noon, with equal ardour on both sides, when the enemy's troops retreated to the fort of Condbeer, to which place the King, on the following day, followed them, and closely invested the fort a second time. Finding the place untenable, the Hindoos agreed to become tributary, and to pay annually three lacks of hoons. At the same time they paid down two lacks, and gave three or four young rajas as hostages for the remainder. During these actions between the Hindoos and Mahomedans near Condbeer, the garrison of Condapilly, chiefly composed of a tribe of Hindoos called Naigwaries, refused to obey the orders of the King's son, Heidur Khan, and had been in a state of open mutiny for four months, when they heard of the defeat of Seeva Ray, and the recapture of Condbeer. Seeing there was now little chance of holding out with success, they begged their lives, and offered to deliver up the place to the King's troops. The Naigwaries were pardoned by Sooltan Koolly, who directed that the mutinous troops of Condapilly should be sent to garrison Gunpoora, and those of Gunpoora be marched to Condapilly.
116.5.5
After this long campaign Sooltan Koolly marched towards his capital; but heard on the road that his neighbour Ismael Adil Shah, the King of Beejapoor, at the instance of the Raja of Beejanuggur, was at that period besieging the fort of Kovilconda. For this service Ismael had already received two hundred thousand hoons; and the Hindoo envoys were then in his camp, negotiating for the payment of fifty thousand hoons for each march the Beejapoor troops should advance into the Kootb Shahy dominions. At this period Jafur Beg, a cousin-german of the King, held the government of the fort and district of Kovilconda; and having been upwards of a month closely besieged by the Adil Shahy troops, consisting of twenty thousand men, he wrote to the King that his resources were much reduced, and he feared, without assistance, the place must shortly fall into the hands of the enemy. Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah immediately made arrangements for moving to the relief of the garrison; but his ministers remonstrated against the measure, representing that he had now only three thousand cavalry fit for duty; that all his troops were harassed, and that his elephants were weak and reduced after a campaign of upwards of two years in Tulingana. Sooltan Koolly replied, that he had not been accustomed to be alarmed at the numbers of his enemies, as was apparent in the battle with Ramchundur Raja.
116.5.6
His officers recommended him at all events to wait till he could receive aid from Boorhan Nizam Shah of Ahmudnuggur, to whom it was proposed he should make overtures; but he insisted on marching immediately against his Mahomedan neighbour, who had attacked him without provocation. Information was accordingly given to the garrison of Kovilconda, that the King was marching to its relief. On reaching Gunpoora he sent an envoy to wait on Ismael Adil Shah, reprobating the system of the faithful attacking each other at the instigation of infidels; on which, Ismael Adil Shah, leaving a force to prosecute the siege of Kovilconda, advanced with the rest of his army to attack Sooltan Koolly. Sooltan Koolly now called a meeting of all the holy and learned men in his camp, and asked them if it were not lawful, by the tenets of the faith, to oppose any Mahomedan prince, who, unmindful of the principles of his religion, submitted to be bribed by an infidel to attack a Mahomedan neighbour for his sake? The council was of opinion that such an enemy ought himself to be treated as an infidel. Accordingly, having harangued his small body of troops, he marched to oppose the invader. On the right he placed Ein-ool-Moolk, on the left his general Futtehy Khan, and in the centre the Prince Heidur Khan, while himself remained in the reserve with a body of select cavalry at his own disposal. Ismael Adil Shah, also, having drawn out his army, the two forces engaged.
116.5.7
The action lasted during the whole day, and night closed the scene without either having gained an advantage. Three days passed in continual skirmishes, till on the third night Ismael Adil Shah detached three thousand cavalry to make forced marches and plunder Golconda. The fourth day passed in skirmishing, and the two armies, as before, retired to their respective camps. At length his spies informed Sooltan Koolly of the detachment of three thousand Adil Shahy troops which had marched to Golconda, on which he caused all his heavy baggage to be thrown into the fort of Gunpoora, and resolved to attack the enemy's detachment. After making two forced marches, he overtook the enemy, and cut them off to a man. When Ismael Adil Shah heard of this event, he fell back on Kovilconda, which he continued to besiege with renewed vigour. Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah, finding that Ismael Adil Shah had only retreated for the purpose of resuming his attacks, returned with three thousand cavalry, and encamping in the suburbs, made night-attacks, and dispersed light troops to cut off the enemy's supplies. In an action which afterwards took place near the town of Gunpoora, Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah received a sabre wound on the face, which disfigured him for life, the weapon having taken off a part of his nose and cheek. During eleven months a succession of skirmishes took place between the two armies in the suburbs of Kovilconda;
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the garrison of which fort also made frequent sallies on the besiegers. The attacks had not been carried on with much success, when Ismael Adil Shah was taken dangerously ill of a fever and flux, of which he shortly afterwards died on the 16th Suffur, A.H. 941, and his eldest son, Mulloo Adil Khan, ascended the throne of Beejapoor with the title of Mulloo Adil Shah. Peace was immediately after concluded. Among the brave garrison of Kovilconda were a number of Hindoo Naigs, who distinguished themselves in its defence, and who received handsome presents from the King for their conduct. As the army had now endured a continued campaign of three years, the King permitted his officers and soldiers to proceed to their respective homes, while he marched to his capital.
116.6.1
In the month of Shuval, A. H. 936, the King had a son born, who was called Ibrahim Koolly. — At the time that Sooltan Koolly was engaged in war with Ismael Adil Shah, Kasim Bereed Shah of Bidur took advantage of that circumstance to devastate many of the northern towns and districts of Tulingana. After having remained some time at his capital, Sooltan Koolly was again in the field with the determination of taking revenge for the late incursions into Tulingana. He accordingly marched to Bidur, where an action was fought, which terminated in a drawn battle on the first day; but on the second it ended in the total overthrow of the Bereed Shahy troops, with the loss of one hundred and fifty elephants; after which Sooltan Koolly gave orders for his cavalry to disperse in all directions, and to lay waste the whole of the Bereed Shahy territory. On this occasion the zemindars of Gujweel, Ellore, and Tipran, came forward and paid tribute, and delivered over their country to the King's troops, of which they immediately took possession. Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah now proceeded to reduce the strong fortress of Koheer. When Kasim Bereed Shah heard of this movement, he marched to oppose the Kootb Shahy army. On his arrival, he was opposed by Sooltan Koolly with half of his army, the other half being left to continue the siege: an action took place, which terminated in a drawn battle.
116.6.2
The Bereed Shahy troops, however, hovered about the Kootb Shahies, and endeavoured to cut off their supplies for the space of three months, during which time several partial skirmishes ensued. At length it was agreed by both parties, that, on account of the approaching rains, Kasim Bereed Shah should cede the fort of Koheer, and that the King of Golconda should retreat to his capital. Having remained for some time at Golconda, the King gave orders for a campaign against the infidels; and after collecting his army, marched to Nulgonda, the raja of which province had, during the late campaign, made some incursions into his country. On reaching the place it was required to surrender; but the demand was rejected, and the King immediately commenced the siege. Shortly after the brother of the Raja made a sally from the fort, in which he was taken, and his troops defeated. This event did not deter Raja Hurry Chundur, the commandant of the place, from making several other attacks by day and by night on the trenches, in which many brave men were killed on both sides.
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