[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) › [Tārīkh-i Firishta](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta) › [History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs) › 119 # Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 119: IBRAHIM KOOTB SHAH. History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 119 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [119.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.1) — 7 parts - [119.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.2) — 7 parts - [119.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.3) — 9 parts - [119.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.4) — 9 parts - [119.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.5) — 9 parts - [119.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.6) — 8 parts - [119.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.7) — 8 parts ### IBRAHIM KOOTB SHAH. ### [119.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.1.1) Accession of Ibrahim Kootb Shah — assists the King of Ahmudnuggur against the King of Beejapoor. — Jugdew Row becomes prime minister — retires from Golconda to Berar, and goes into rebellion. — he is defeated, and flies to Beejanuggur. — The Kings of Beejapoor and Golconda coalesce with the Raja of Beejanuggur against the King of Ahmudnuggur. — Peace concluded through the means of Ibrahim Kootb Shah. — Jugdew Row induces the Raja of Beejanuggur to make war with Ibrahim Kootb Shah, who is besieged in Golconda. — The Hindoo infantry officers engage to seize the King, but the plot is discovered, and the leaders of it are executed. — Conquests in Tulingana. — Rajmundry attacked. — Dhowleswur taken. — Confederacy of the Mahomedan kings of the Deccan against Ramraj. — Battle of Talikote, in which Ramraj is slain. — Conquests made by Ibrahim Kootb Shah in the vicinity of Rajmundry. — Ruffut Khan reduces Rajmundry, Cossimcota, and Veeragootum, and proceeds to the vicinity of Cuttack. — Conquests of Condavir, Cummum, and Condapilly. — War with the King of Beejapoor. — Death of Ibrahim Kootb Shah. After his coronation, the King employed his time daily in rendering himself acquainted with the nature of his government, in distributing justice to the oppressed, and in enacting salutary laws for its furtherance and establishment. When the other kings of the Deccan heard of his accession, they sent letters of congratulation. ### [119.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.1.2) Hoossein Nizam Shah deputed an officer of rank as ambassador, with magnificent presents, and Ibrahim Kootb Shah sent Moostufa Khan as envoy on his part. On the arrival of Moostufa Khan at Ahmudnuggur it was proposed that the two kings should meet, when they should proceed to reduce the forts of Bidur and Koolburga. These propositions were brought to Golconda by the Nizam Shahy minister, Kasim Beg Shirazy; but all operations were deferred till the kings should have an interview at Koolburga, where they shortly afterwards arrived, with their respective armies. Koolburga was accordingly besieged; but it resisted every effort of the allies for a whole month, till having at last effected two indifferent breaches, an assault was made, in which, after the loss of many of the best officers in the Nizam Shahy army, the allies were repulsed. The King of Beejapoor, to whom Koolburga belonged, unable singly to cope with their united forces, sent an ambassador with magnificent presents to Beejanuggur, to beg the aid of Ramraj, who immediately marched in person at the head of his army to the assistance of the King of Beejapoor, and on the road addressed the following letter to Ibrahim Kootb Shah: — ### [119.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.1.3) "Be it known to your Majesty, that it is now many years since the two courts of Beejapoor and Ahmudnuggur have been in a constant state of warfare, and that the balance of power between them was so equal, that although every year each of these sovereigns had been in the habit of making a campaign on the other's frontiers, yet no advantage accrued to either. It now appears that your Majesty (whose ancestors never interfered in these disputes) has "marched an army to turn the scale in favour of "Hoossein Nizam Shah, without having any cause "of enmity against Ibrahim Adil Shah of Beejapoor, who has accordingly sought our alliance. "As a friendship has long subsisted between our "court and your Majesty, we have thought fit to "lay these arguments before you, to induce you "to relinquish the offensive alliance which your "Majesty has formed, and by returning peaceably "to your capital, show a friendly disposition "towards both parties, who will afterwards conclude a peace, and put an end to this long protracted war." At this period letters were also received to the same purport from Ibrahim Adil Shah. Ibrahim Kootb Shah consented to meet Ramraj, and to mediate terms between the kings of Beejapoor and Ahmudnuggur; for the fulfilment of which the intermediate powers were respectively to be the guarantees. ### [119.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.1.4) About this time information was brought that Yeltumraj, the brother of Ramraj, with a body of cavalry, accompanied by some of the Beejapoor officers, were acting in concert, and that they had laid waste a considerable part of the country in the neighbourhood of Pangul. Having communicated on this subject with Hoossein Nizam Shah, the allies marched to the southward, and the four kings met at the junction of the Beema and Krishna rivers. A peace was now effected, to the mutual satisfaction of all parties, and each returned to his respective capital. During the absence of Ramraj from his capital, his two brothers, Timraj and Govindraj, who were placed in the government of Adony, taking advantage of his absence, usurped the control not only of Adony, but collecting a force, compelled several other districts to submit to their authority. Ramraj, on his return to Beejanuggur, wrote, in the first place, letters to his rebel brothers, which they treated with contempt, relying upon their own force; and he, unable to subdue them, was induced to send ambassadors to the court of Golconda to solicit assistance. Ibrahim Kootb Shah immediately despatched Kubool Khan, at the head of six thousand cavalry and ten thousand infantry, to join Ramraj. On reaching Beejanuggur, Ramraj ordered his own troops into the field; and having directed Sidraj Timapa, Noor Khan, and Bijly Khan, with their different corps, to join the subsidiary force, he ordered them to march against the rebels. ### [119.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.1.5) The insurgents, finding themselves unable to oppose the royalists, took shelter in the strong fortress of Adony, which was besieged for a period of six months, when being distressed for provisions, the garrison sent petitions to the throne at Beejanuggur. Ramraj pardoned his brothers, and recalled the forces to the capital; whence, after being handsomely rewarded, Kubool Khan received permission to return to Golconda, where the King honoured him with the title of Ein-ool-Moolk. It has been previously related, that Jugdew Row, supported by the Naigwaries who released him from prison, put to death the principal supporters of the young Prince Soobhan Koolly, and placed him in confinement. Jugdew Row also retained in his own hands the command of the fort and city, till the arrival of Ibrahim Kootb Shah at the capital. The King, feeling himself under great obligations to this chief, raised him to several high stations, till at length he became prime minister. Having attained this elevation, Jugdew Row evinced his ambitious disposition; and entertaining a secret design to dethrone the King, he proposed to place his brother, the Prince Dowlut Khan, who, it was well known, was an idiot, on the throne, in order to have the entire management of affairs in his own hands. ### [119.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.1.6) In furtherance of this project, the minister's deputy, Ray Row, was guilty of many insolent acts degrading to the principal Mahomedan nobles of the state, who went in a body and complained to the King of the power of these two Hindoos, warning him, at the same time, of confiding too much in them, the more especially as all the garrisons in the kingdom were composed of the Naigwaries, who looked up to Jugdew Row as their chief. The King heard these complaints, but took no measures of precaution, till at length the cruelties and oppression of the minister's deputy, Ray Row, came to his ears. About this time, Venkut Row, the brother of Jugdew Row, quitted the capital without taking leave, and proceeded to his estate; a sure indication of his intended revolt. The King ordered a party to seize Ray Row, who being overtaken was executed. Jugdew Row, upon learning the fate of his deputy, fled from Golconda, accompanied by two or three thousand cavalry, towards Elgundel, and having laid waste the surrounding country, he proceeded to the court of Berar. Here, on account of his well-known character for bravery, he was graciously received by Boorhan Imad Shah, who appointed him to the command of ten thousand cavalry, and deputed him to conduct the war in which he was then engaged with Meeran Mahomed Khan, the ruler of Kandeish. Jugdew Row defeated the Kandeish troops in several engagements, obtaining large quantities of booty on each occasion. ### [119.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.1.7) In addition to this, he was also successful in reducing to his authority many of the petty rajas of Berar, whom he compelled to pay him homage, till at length having collected in his own jageer a force consisting of three thousand cavalry, besides a body of infantry, composed of Arabs, Persians, and Abyssinians, he set at defiance the power of the rulers both of Kandeish and Berar. Boorhan Imad Shah remonstrated with Jugdew Row, saying, "When you came here without friends, I received you with attention, allotted estates for your support, and gave you the command of my army. You have now aggrandised yourself in such a manner as to render it a matter of state policy that you should quit "my territory; which I command you to do with the least possible delay." Jugdew Row, although in the command of a large force, had not yet proceeded so far as to take possession of any of the strong forts in Berar, so that he had no place of strength in which to retreat in case of defeat. Making a virtue of necessity, therefore, he said, that he would not be ungrateful for the kindness he had received at the King's hands, and, consequently, retired from Berar, laying waste all the villages in his route till he reached Elgundel, whence he intended to proceed to Beejanuggur. ### [119.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.2.1) When Ibrahim Kootb Shah heard of the approach of Jugdew Row with an army of five thousand men, composed of Arabs, Persians, and Abyssinians, and also three hundred elephants, besides a body of Hindoo infantry, he detached Moostufa Khan to oppose him. The King's troops fell in with the enemy in the neighbourhood of Cumamett. Moostufa Khan, in the first instance, sent a person recommending Jugdew Row to throw himself on the King's mercy, on promise of his again receiving the jageers which he formerly held. Instead of listening to these overtures, Jugdew Row ordered his troops under arms, and proceeded to attack Moostufa Khan, who was also on the alert to receive him. A severe action ensued, wherein Venkut Row, the brother of Jugdew Row, was killed, and four Arab Sheikhs, namely, Sheikh Fazil, Sheikh Ally Julwany, Sheikh Abdool Raheem, and Sheikh Ibrahim, also fell in leading their troops. Jugdew Row was defeated; and, reluctantly compelled to quit the field, fled to Beejanuggur, leaving all his baggage and treasures, as well as two hundred elephants, in the hands of the royalists. The elephants, according to custom, were sent into the King's stables, but the treasures were distributed among the soldiers of the army. ### [119.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.2.2) It appears from history, that shortly after the meeting which took place between Ramraj, Ibrahim Kootb Shah, and Ibrahim Adil Shah, at the junction of the Beema and Krishna rivers, the latter monarch, on his return to Beejapoor, died, and was succeeded by his son Ally Adil Shah, then a youth. Hoossein Nizam Shah of Ahmudnuggur, taking advantage of the circumstance of his minority, made war upon him, and Ally Adil Shah, unable to defend himself evacuated his capital; and attended only by a small body-guard proceeded in person to Beejanuggur to court the alliance of Ramraj, who was induced to march with his whole army, accompanied by Ally Adil Shah, towards Ahmudnuggur. At the same time, these two sovereigns sent a letter to Ibrahim Kootb Shah, calling upon him, in pursuance of the late treaty, to join them. Ibrahim Kootb Shah, however unwilling to act against Hoossein Nizam Shah, considered it politic not to incur the imputation of a breach of the treaty, and, perhaps, draw on himself the vengeance of the allies, whom he accordingly joined at the city of Koolburga, from whence the whole marched to Ahmudnuggur. The Beejanuggur troops laid waste all the towns and villages on their route. Hoossein Nizam Shah, unable to resist their united forces, having left a strong garrison and plenty of provisions in his capital, retired to Dowlutabad. In the mean time, Ibrahim Kootb Shah wrote to him privately, informing him of the political necessity which had induced him to join the allies; ### [119.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.2.3) but at the same time assured him, that his endeavours should be exerted to assist him, and do all in his power to induce his enemies to retreat, and abandon the war. He also made the same communications to the officer commanding in the fort of Ahmudnuggur, advising him to make every possible resistance, and to hold out till the last. The allies besieged the place with vigour for two months, and the garrison were beginning to lose their spirits, when Ibrahim Kootb Shah, with seasonable donations, bought over some of the principal nobles of Beejanuggur, and induced them to propose the return of the troops to their respective capitals. They represented that the rains were fast approaching; that the army was at a great distance from Beejanuggur; and that if the wet season completely set in, it would be nearly impossible to recross the numerous rivers that lay on the march. Ramraj, convinced of the truth of these remonstrances, consented to retreat; but Ally Adil Shah, who knew that the besieged were suffering for want of provisions, had a conference with Ramraj, and begged him not to think of withdrawing till the place fell, promising to cede to him the district of Indgy if he would only continue the siege for one month longer. Ramraj consented, and the siege was prosecuted with redoubled vigour. Meanwhile Ibrahim Kootb Shah permitted supplies for the garrison, and a number of artillery-men from the King at Dowlutabad, to pass through his camp into the place. ### [119.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.2.4) The approaches of the allies were brought close to the walls; and the speedy reduction of the fort appeared so certain, that Ibrahim Kootb Shah was induced to try, if possible, to avert that extreme evil. He accordingly deputed his minister and commander-in-chief, Moostufa Khan, to wait on Ramraj, and endeavour to persuade him to raise the siege, but at all events to acquaint him, that the Kootb Shahy troops must return immediately to Golconda. Moostufa Khan, in his conference with Ramraj, made use of every argument he could devise in order to gain his end. The scarcity of provisions in the camp, the approach of the rainy season, the advance of the kings of Guzerat and Boorhanpoor, whom, he stated, had entered into an alliance with Hoossein Nizam Shah, and were collecting their armies to march to his assistance, were all adduced as reasons for that measure. Moostufa Khan also engaged secretly, on the part of the King his master, to cede the fort and district of Condapilly to Ramraj, if he would return to his capital. This last motive was, perhaps, the most weighty; for Ramraj immediately consented to retreat, and sent a message to Ally Adil Shah to that effect, and the three kings repaired to their respective capitals. ### [119.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.2.5) At their last meeting at Ahmudnuggur, previously to their separation, a messenger arrived and informed Ramraj, that Toofal Khan, the prime minister of Boorhan Imad Shah, and who was then Regent of Berar, had with four thousand cavalry invaded the territory of Tulingana, and was at present employed in plundering that country. Ramraj, turning round to Ibrahim Kootb Shah, conveyed the news to him, and also observed, that if he was in want of assistance some of the Beejanuggur troops should be placed at his disposal to aid in repelling the invaders. Ibrahim Kootb Shah, annoyed at his supposing he required any foreign assistance, ordered Dustoor Khan Toorkman, in Ramraj's presence, to proceed with a party of only one hundred cavalry to expel Toofal Khan, and to report as soon as possible the nature of his success. Dustoor Khan immediately marched with the Toorkmans which he commanded against Toofal Khan, with whom he came up at the town of Bhimkul, and completely defeated him, taking a number of prisoners, among whom were eleven officers of distinction. Toofal Khan was wounded, and made his escape, and the Mundup, or tent of sixteen poles, belonging to Imad Shah, also fell into the hands of Dustoor Khan. It should be mentioned, that when the armies marched towards Ahmudnuggur the allies took the fort of Kulliany, and delivered it over into the hands of the King of Beejapoor. ### [119.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.2.6) After their return to their capitals, Hoossein Nizam Shah conceived it incumbent on him to send an ambassador to Ibrahim Kootb Shah, to thank him for his friendly conduct during the siege of Ahmudnuggur. He therefore deputed Mowlana Inayut Oolla to Golconda, to offer congratulations on the safe return of Ibrahim Kootb Shah. He was also authorised to effect an alliance with the family; and it was agreed that the two kings should meet on the following year for that purpose, in the neighbourhood of Kulliany, and after celebrating the proposed marriage, that their armies should proceed to the recovery of that fortress out of the hands of Ally Adil Shah. Accordingly, at the stated period, Hoossein Nizam Shah and Ibrahim Kootb Shah collected their respective forces, and met at Kulliany; where the former gave his daughter in marriage to Ibrahim Kootb Shah; and after one month employed in celebrating the nuptials, the kings laid siege to Kulliany. Ally Adil Shah, upon intimation of that event, proceeded to Beejanuggur, and again solicited the aid of Ramraj, who marched with his army to his support. On the road Ally Adil Shah was joined by Ally Bereed Shah of Bidur, who had been invited by him to join the confederacy. ### [119.2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.2.7) On the approach of the allies, Ibrahim Kootb Shah received intimation that Ramraj, taking advantage of his absence, had detached his brother Venkatadry, accompanied by Jugdew Row and Ein-ool-Moolk, at the head of fifteen thousand cavalry, and thirty thousand infantry, to invade his southern districts. On intimation of this event, Ibrahim Kootb Shah consulted with Hoossein Nizam Shah, when it was resolved that they should raise the siege of Kulliany, and return to their respective capitals. As the retreat of Ibrahim Kootb Shah lay directly in the route of the allies, Hoossein Nizam Shah detached his son, the Prince Moortuza Khan, with three thousand horse, to accompany him on his retreat, notwithstanding which he was pursued by the Adil Shahy troops. Ibrahim Kootb Shah directed Sheer Khan Hussun, Arab Khan, Dowlut Khan, Sheikh Mahomed Moostufa, and Meean Bhay, with their divisions, to remain in the rear, and cover the retreat of the main army. On the first march a heavy rain fell, which continued for three days, and rendered it impossible to move: on the fourth, the enemy pressed hard on the rear-guard; and although that corps kept them so much in check as to enable the main body to retreat, yet all the artillery was left on the ground, and Arab Khan and Sheikh Mahomed Moostufa were taken prisoners, while Ibrahim Kootb Shah reached his capital with difficulty. ### [119.3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.3.1) Some time afterwards, when the confederates returned from Ahmudnuggur, they marched towards Tulingana, and encamped at the village of Tarpully, situated at the distance of thirty-two miles from Golconda. From thence they detached Jugdew Row, Ein-ool-Moolk Geelany, and Venkatadry, to lay waste the country. Ibrahim Kootb Shah deputed Mujahid Khan with a force to oppose them; and an action took place in the neighbourhood of Torkul, which lasted for several days without being decisive. Ramraj, at the same time, detached Sidraj Timapa, the Raja of Condbeer, with fifty thousand horse, against Condapilly and Masulipatum, and his son-in-law, Jotumraj, with twenty thousand horse, against Dewurconda and Indraconda, while his own forces were employed in plundering the neighbourhood of Golconda. Several skirmishes took place near the gardens of Ibrahim Shah and the village of Beejwara. Four months were occupied in these operations, till Jugdew Row induced the Naigwaries of Pangul, Kovilconda, and Gunpoora, to deliver up those forts to Ramraj. At the same time Kasy Row made over the keys of Indraconda. On the south Sidraj Timapa attacked Condapilly, and Seetaputty and Vidiadry, from Rajmundry, attacked the fort of Ellore. ### [119.3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.3.2) The King, thus confined to his capital, resolved to march out in person, and attack the confederates at Tarpully, when a messenger most opportunely arrived from Ally Bereed Shah, one of the confederates, proposing that Ibrahim Kootb Shah should send his minister, Moostufa Khan, to camp, in order to negotiate a peace. Moostufa Khan received secret instructions to conciliate Jugdew Row, without whose good will he despaired of obtaining terms. Through his means Moostufa Khan obtained a conference with Ally Adil Shah, after which he accompanied that monarch to the tents of Ramraj, who agreed with reluctance to retreat to Beejanuggur, on condition of being allowed to retain the forts of Gunpoora and Pangul. The confederacy now broke up, and the allies returned to their capitals. When the King had thus gotten rid of his enemies, and reflected on the awkward situation in which he would have been placed if they had besieged him in his capital, which was incapable of defence, he resolved to rebuild the fort of Golconda with stone and mortar. The nobles were invited to construct palaces within the walls, and the King resolved in future to hold his court therein. It has been already related that, during the late war, Jugdew Row had induced Kasy Row, the chief Naigwary of the fort of Indraconda, to seize it; on which occasion he placed Mowlana Mahomed Momin, the governor, in confinement. ### [119.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.3.3) The King, therefore, deputed Moostufa Khan, with ten thousand cavalry, and twenty thousand infantry, to retake that place. The besiegers were, in the first instance, compelled to cut away the woods by which Indraconda was surrounded, after which they carried on regular approaches; but it was two months before practicable breaches were effected, when it was stormed and carried. Kasy Row, being taken prisoner, was beheaded on the spot, and the imprisoned governor released; after which, Moostufa Khan returned to the capital, and was honoured with titles, and raised to the office of peshwa. The King resolved, by degrees, to reduce the power of the Naigwaries, who, it appeared, had been concerned in the late rebellion with Kasy Row. Sooria Row, the commandant of the Naigwaries in the fort of Golconda, discovering the King's intention, entered into a plot with the Naigwary chiefs intrusted with the command of the different garrisons; by whom it was resolved that, on a concerted signal, when the King should go out to hunt in the country, they should secure all the forts, and Sooria Row seize the treasure at the capital, and put all the Mahomedans to the sword. This plot was communicated to Ramraj, who engaged to send a force to aid in the project. Accordingly, when the hunting season came on, the King gave orders for his troops and camp to be pitched on the plain, and left Golconda, about two o'clock in the morning, to proceed to his camp, and make his first movement. ### [119.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.3.4) As soon as he had quitted the fort, the gates were closed, and the Naigwaries began to attack the Mahomedans. Two of the latter made their escape, and informed the King of the circumstance, who ordered the troops with him to invest the fort. The mutineers at daylight, seeing the whole of the army around the fort, appeared upon the ramparts, and said that they were willing to return to their duty, if the King would give up his minister, Moostufa Khan, whom they accused of maltreating the Naigwaries of the out-garrisons ever since his accession to power, saying they were afraid that the same treatment might fall to their own lot. The King sent for Moostufa Khan, and related to him the state of affairs brought on during his administration. The minister replied, that if the King thought his death necessary for the good of the state, he was ready to surrender himself into the hands of the mutineers. The King refused to accede to the demand of the Naigwaries, who after some days, with Sooria Row at their head, were compelled to give in; on which occasion every one of them was executed, as an example to the disaffected Naigwaries in the other garrisons. During the period that the confederate armies were encamped at Tarpully, the fort of Ellore had been attacked by Vidiadry; but Dilawur Khan the governor resisted all the efforts of the enemy, and reported his situation to court. ### [119.3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.3.5) The King now sent a reinforcement of two thousand infantry to his assistance, and authorised him, after repulsing the besiegers, to build a fort at the town of Neerdole. Sometime after its completion, Dilawur Khan wrote to court, recommending that troops might be employed against Rajmundry, a town situated only eight miles distant. The King ordered Ruff'ut Khan Lary, entitled Mullik Naib, with ten thousand horse, to march to Ellore, in order to be ready to attack Rajmundry. On hearing of his arrival at Neerdole, Vidiadry and Seetaputty sent to summon the rajas of Cosimcota and others in the neighbourhood to their aid. These, collecting two thousand cavalry, one hundred thousand infantry, and two thousand musketeers and rocket-men, marched against the Mahomedans. An action ensued, which terminated in the death of the Raja of Oorconda, and the defeat of the Hindoos, who with Vidiadry and Seetaputty fled to the fort of Rajmundry, whither they were pursued by the Mahomedans as far as Dhowlyswur, within four miles of that fort. Dhowlyswur was shortly after taken by storm; and the heavy baggage of the army being left therein, the Mahomedans proceeded to reduce the fort of Tatpak, then in possession of Nursing Row, a powerful zemindar in that part of the country. ### [119.3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.3.6) In consequence of the depth of the ditch a whole month was employed in the attack of this place, when Nursing Row, at the head of two or three thousand cavalry, and ten thousand infantry, sallied out, and attacked the Mahomedans, but he was taken prisoner, and his party totally routed. When the King heard of the capture of Nursing Row, he sent orders to the army to fall back, and to remain during the rains at Dhowlyswur; after which Ruffut Khan again proceeded to the attack of Tatpak, which was reduced, as well as all the surrounding districts of Rajmundry, when the army received orders to return to the capital, and to leave trusty Naigwaries in charge of the several forts which were taken. Ibrahim Kootb Shah now took into consideration the danger which threatened the Mahomedan kings by the frequent interference of Ramraj. During the late wars he had not only laid waste the country of Hoossein Nizam Shah, and polluted the musjids by appropriating them to the use of his cattle and of his soldiers, but on his return he had plundered the districts of both his allies. Ibrahim Kootb Shah, therefore, thought the present a favourable moment to rouse the other kings of the Deccan, and by a confederacy against Ramraj, either to destroy his power, or to curtail it so as to leave no cause for future apprehension from him. The greatest difficulty in this plan was to persuade the kings of Ahmudnuggur and Beejapoor to unite for this purpose. ### [119.3.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.3.7) To this end Ibrahim Kootb Shah deputed his prime minister, Moostufa Khan, to the court of Hoossein Nizam Shah, and from thence directed him to proceed to the court of Ally Adil Shah, at Beejapoor. The avowed object of the mission was, in the first instance, to effect a reconciliation between those princes, and, if possible, to form some family connection between them: at the same time the ambassador was directed to ascertain how a confederacy against Ramraj would be viewed by these kings. Moostufa Khan succeeded so well, that he not only brought about the reconciliation, but it was agreed, that Hoossein Nizam Shah should give his daughter, Chand Beeby, in marriage to Ally Adil Shah, with the fort of Sholapoor as her dowry; and the latter consented to give his sister, Hudeea Sooltana to the Prince Moortuza, the eldest son of Hoossein Nizam Shah; after which it was resolved that the three kings should meet at the fort of Sholapoor, and from thence proceed with their united forces against Ramraj. Accordingly, on the 20th of Jumad-ool-Awul, A. H. 972, the combined armies moved to the south, and arrived without opposition at the town of Talikote, near the river Krishna; while Ramraj, summoning all his dependents and rajas from the banks of the Krishna, as far as the island of Ceylon, brought together a force consisting of one hundred thousand horse, and three hundred thousand infantry, and marched to oppose the confederates. ### [119.3.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.3.8) On Friday, the 20th of Jumadoos-Sany, the celebrated action took place which cost Ramraj his life, and which ended in the defeat of the Hindoo army, with the loss of nearly one hundred thousand men. The allied armies halted for ten days on the field of action, and then proceeded to the capital of Beejanuggur, where the efforts of the conquerors were directed to the plunder of the country and the city, and the destruction of the stone temples. After which the three monarchs deputed severally their generals — Moostufa Khan, on the part of the King of Golconda; Mowlana Inayut Oolla, on the part of Hoossein Nizam Shah; and Kishwur Khan, on the part of Ally Adil Shah — to attack Moodkul and Rachore, which places were easily reduced. Moostufa Khan, without waiting for further orders, delivered over the keys of the forts to Kishwur Khan, which so incensed Hoossein Nizam Shah, that he wrote to the King of Golconda, informing him of the circumstance, and requiring that Moostufa Khan should suffer death. Ibrahim Kootb Shah, unwilling to slay a descendant of the Prophet, sent for Moostufa Khan, and taxed him with treachery. The latter was not allowed to make any defence, but was directed to quit the kingdom and proceed to Mecca, there to repent of his sins. The King caused letters to be written to Golconda to send all the family and property of Moostufa Khan to one of the western sea-ports, to be ready to accompany him; ### [119.3.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.3.9) and it is a well authenticated fact, that his wealth and family required seven hundred carriages and five thousand porters to transport it. Moostufa Khan left the King's presence, and proceeded direct to the court of Ally Adil Shah, by whom he was honourably received, and became his prime minister; after whose death he was assassinated, in the year 988 (A. D. 1580), in the country of Malabar, a country which he had previously reduced, and of which he was governor. ### [119.4.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.4.1) After halting for six months at Beejanuggur, the three sovereigns returned to their respective capitals; and all the districts which had been taken from Ibrahim Kootb Shah in the reign of Ramraj were now recovered. On the following year, 973, on Friday the 14th of Rumzan, the King had a son presented to him, called Mahomed Koolly. Upon the return of Hoossein Nizam Shah to his capital he was taken dangerously ill, and died on Wednesday the 7th of Zeekad, A. H. 972, and was succeeded by his son Moortuza, who assumed the title of Moortuza Nizam Shah. This Prince was devoted to excesses, and left the affairs of his government in the hands of Khonza Hoomayoon, the Dowager-queen, who in a short time becoming very unpopular, Kishwur Khan the peshwa wrote privately to Ally Adil Shah, inviting him to march and attack Ahmudnuggur, where there was a strong party in his favour. On obtaining information of this intrigue, Moortuza Nizam Shah, roused from his lethargy, called together his council. They recommended that an envoy should be forthwith sent to Ibrahim Kootb Shah, the old ally of the house of Nizam Shah, for assistance; but before any aid could arrive from Golconda, Ally Adil Shah had already reached the frontier, and Moortuza Nizam Shah was compelled to quit Ahmudnuggur. He retreated to Berar, where he formed an alliance with Toofal Khan, the ruler of that province, who had usurped the government, and confined the princes of the blood-royal of the Imad Shahy dynasty. ### [119.4.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.4.2) With the aid of the Berar troops, Moortuza Nizam Shah marched to Kowlas, by which time the troops of Ibrahim Kootb Shah had also moved, and a junction was effected between the towns of Kand'har and Kowlas, where a treaty was formed. It was resolved that the united forces of Ahmudnuggur, Berar, and Golconda, should march direct to the attack of Beejapoor. Ally Adil Shah, deserting his capital in his turn, retreated to the Concan, leaving a considerable army for the defence of the city, while the allies laid siege to Beejapoor, and laid waste the surrounding country. Ibrahim Kootb Shah, perceiving that Ally Adil Shah was driven from one spot to another, and unwilling that he should be reduced to cede any large tract of country to Moortuza Nizam Shah, contrived to persuade the other allies to raise the siege, and to return to their own capitals. After this event, Ally Adil Shah made secret overtures of alliance to Moortuza Nizam Shah, and proposed they should meet at the fort of Owsa. Here they entered into a compact, by which it was agreed that Moortuza Nizam Shah should reduce the kingdom of Berar, and Ally Adil Shah those of Bidur and Tulingana. ### [119.4.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.4.3) In the first place, however, the combined forces marched to the northward against Toofal Khan, who, unable to resist them, fled to Gavulgur, which after a considerable time was on the point of surrendering, when Toofal Khan paid two lacks of hoons, and agreed to present fifty elephants to Ally Adil Shah, in order to induce him to raise the siege. In consequence of this secret engagement, Ally Adil Shah sent a person to Moortuza Nizam Shah, saying, that it was shameful for two armies like theirs to throw away their time in the reduction of a fortress, and that it would be more profitable for them both to march and reduce Tulingana. On which Moortuza Nizam Shah raised the siege, and went southward; having, in the first instance, detached a force under Yekhlas Khan on his own part, and another under Ein-ool-Moolk on the part of Ally Adil Shah, to reduce Kowlas; but on the road an accident occurred which saved the kingdom of Tulingana from destruction. One day six thousand Marratta cavalry belonging to the Beejapoor army made a sudden attack on the rear-guard of the Nizam Shahy troops, in order to plunder the baggage. Munsoor Khan, the commander of the rear-guard, opposed them, and many troops on both sides were killed, among whom was Munsoor Khan himself. This circumstance caused a dispute between the monarchs, and brought on the dissolution of the alliance; when each returned to his own capital. ### [119.4.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.4.4) Upon the arrival of Moortuza Nizam Shah at Ahmudnuggur, he, in order to be revenged on Ally Adil Shah, sent an envoy to Golconda, inviting Ibrahim Kootb Shah to form an alliance against the King of Beejapoor; while at the same time an envoy had been previously despatched for the same purpose to Ahmudnuggur, by the King of Golconda, proposing that they should march to the river Krishna, when Yeltumraj, the brother of the late Ramraj, might be invited to join with his forces, when they could all proceed to the reduction of Beejapoor. After reaching the Krishna, the kings of Golconda and Ahmudnuggur wrote to Yeltumraj, requiring him to become a member of the confederacy; but a circumstance occurred, which tended to dissolve this union as suddenly as it had been formed. On the accession of Moortuza Nizam Shah to the throne, he had scarcely attained his twelfth year; and the affairs of his government were conducted by his mother, the Queen-dowager, Khonza Hoomayoon. At that time she had been induced by ill-advised persons about her to demand from Yeltumraj two lacks of hoons for aid to be afforded to him by the allies against the encroachments of the King of Beejapoor. Yeltumraj, who rather expected that the allies would restore the countries taken by Ally Adil Shah from Ramraj instead of applying to him for money, sent a message to Ibrahim Kootb Shah, informing him of the circumstance. ### [119.4.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.4.5) The King of Golconda immediately deputed a person to wait on the Queen-dowager, expressing his astonishment at this unexpected demand; and observing that it appeared very impolitic, in the present posture of affairs, to make demands of money on Yeltumraj, instead of conciliating one who was a useful ally at the head of ten thousand men, and who had reason to bear great enmity towards the powerful state which they were on the point of attacking. Instead of attending to this remonstrance, the demand was again urged by the Queen with threats; and Yeltumraj not only refused to pay the money, but prepared to treat the allies as enemies. Ibrahim Kootb Shah, finding that matters were assuming an unfavourable appearance, sent to Yeltumraj, advising him to retreat to his country, and promising that his own troops should also move at the same time. On the following day, Ibrahim Kootb Shah struck his camp and retreated to Golconda, and Yeltumraj marched to Penkonda. Moortuza Nizam Shah, thus suddenly deserted by his allies and surrounded by the Adil Shahy cavalry, who had occupied the route by which he came, commenced his retreat through the kingdom of Tulingana; and his army laid waste the districts of Kovilconda and Gunpoora. Ibrahim Kootb Shah detached Sulabut Khan, with three thousand horse, to protect the country from the depredations of the Nizam Shahies; ### [119.4.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.4.6) and orders were issued to the Munewars and Havaldars to throw every obstacle in the way of their march, to shut the gates of the towns, and to secure the property of the people, as far as was practicable, from their hands. The village magistrates were very active during the nights, and kept the enemy on the alert by incessant firing in small parties all round the camp. The Nizam Shahies suffered so much from these irregular attacks, that they were induced to dig a trench round the camp for their protection, as well as to prevent the approach of the Kootb Shahy cavalry, which constantly hovered round them. The Nizam Shahies continued to plunder; and Sulabut Khan, finding remonstrances of no avail, charged the rear of their army, and completely routed them. Moortuza Nizam Shah halted his line, and sent a large body of cavalry under Moatimid Khan to attack the Kootb Shahy detachment. In this latter engagement, the Nizam Shahy commander was killed, and Kamil Khan, another general, was wounded. The Kootb Shahy army also lost one general (Mookurrib Khan). Night put an end to the contest; and on the following morning the Nizam Shahies marched, and did not halt till they arrived on the Bereed Shahy territories. Before the battle of Talikote, we have seen that Ruffut Khan Lary, entitled Mullik Naib, had marched to the south, and reduced part of the country of Rajmundry; ### [119.4.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.4.7) but when the Kootb Shahy forces moved to co-operate with the Mahomedan confederated armies against Ramraj, Ruffut Khan was directed to join the grand army. Twelve months after this period, Ruffut Khan Lary was again despatched to the south, with ten thousand horse, with orders to complete the conquest of Rajmundry. On reaching Dhowleswur, he took measures to attack Rajmundry; but the towns of Pentapoor and Rajpoondy being in the possession of Seetaputty, he was in the habit of sending reinforcements and provisions into Rajmundry by night, so that Ruffut Khan first resolved to attack him, and accordingly marched towards Pentapoor. On the road he was opposed by the enemy, and a severe action took place, when the Hindoos were defeated, and fled to the fort of Pentapoor. The Mahomedan army pursued the fugitives to the walls, which they escaladed, and by that means took the place. Seetaputty and his family made their escape through the woods to the fortress of Rajpoondy, whither he was pursued by the Mahomedans on the following day; but they were detained for some time in approaching that fortress, the roads being narrow, and the woods on both sides impenetrable. Ruffut Khan, having determined to reduce it, ordered the jungles to be cut down and burnt. Each day the Mahomedans advanced only about two miles, and lost upwards of three hundred men from the enemy's light troops, which lined the woods on each side of the road. ### [119.4.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.4.8) At length, after some time, they cut their way to the fort of Rajpoondy, situated on a hill; but on their arrival, Seetaputty fled through the woods to Rajmundry, and joined Vidiadry, the raja of that place, leaving the fort of Rajpoondy to be occupied by Ruffut Khan, who from thence proceeded to Rajmundry. Here the Mahomedans were opposed by the united forces of Vidiadry and the Raja of Cossimcota, consisting of thirty thousand horse and as many foot, who on the first onset broke through the right wing of the Mahomedan line; but the reserve coming to its support, the troops rallied, and defeated the Hindoos, who fled in confusion, accompanied by Vidiadry and Seetaputty, to the fort of Rajmundry. After four months the Kootb Shahy artillery began to produce some effect on the walls, and made a breach of nearly fifty paces in the curtain. In this stage of affairs, a flag of truce arrived from the fort, proposing conditional terms of surrender, which the besieged said they would communicate to Yelloo Pundit, one of the Hindoo accountants in the Mahomedan army. He accordingly proceeded to the fort; when it was agreed that Vidiadry and Seetaputty, with their families, should be permitted, after evacuating the fort, to proceed whithersoever they chose, without molestation. Yelloo Pundit returned to camp with these terms for the confirmation of Ruffut Khan. The conditions were ratified; and Vidiadry proceeded to Cossimcota, and Seetaputty to Beejanuggur. ### [119.4.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.4.9) This event took place in the year 979, and the following sentence commemorates the date of its occurrence: — ### [119.5.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.5.1) "The temple of the infidels has fallen into our hands." After the reduction of Rajmundry, the King sent orders to Ruffut Khan to prosecute his conquests, and proceed to the establishment of the Mahomedan authority in Cossimcota. Accordingly the army moved towards Orissa; but as the country was full of woods and impenetrable forests, he gave orders to his soldiers to cut away and burn in all directions. In their progress they found the infidels collected under Venkutraj, who with twenty thousand infantry prepared to repel the Mahomedans. An action took place, wherein the Hindoos were defeated with great loss, their leader making his escape with difficulty, and the two forts of Gopalpilly and Veeragootum fell to the Mahomedan troops; from whence they proceeded to Cossimcota. Surwaraj and his brother Bhaybulundur, two of the principal rajas of those countries, hearing of the advance of the Mahomedans, and of the fate of the other forts, sent ambassadors to Ruffut Khan to negotiate with him. A peace was concluded; and it was agreed that the younger brother, Surwaraj, should proceed, and remain at Golconda, while the elder, Bhaybulundur, should rule his country as a tributary of the King. From thence the army proceeded to the country of Gopal Ooriar, or Wooreea, who fled to Bengal, leaving his territory an easy conquest to the Mahomedans, so that it was occupied by the King's forces. ### [119.5.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.5.2) Ruffut Khan now proceeded to the country of Vidiadry, governed by Velluparaj, who fled on the approach of the Mahomedans to Devvpooral, a hill-fort situated in the territory belonging to Vidiadry. This place was close on the sea-shore, and almost inaccessible on account of the woods. The Mahomedans were opposed by twenty thousand infidels in the plain. These were defeated, and fled to the fortification, which was closely invested for four months, till at length Velhiparaj, consenting to become tributary, ceded the country of Vidiadry to the King of Golconda. From thence Ruffut Khan proceeded to Chundurbar, in possession of two brothers named Nursing and Soorsing, who had occupied a strong fort in a pass, with ten thousand infantry, where they had thrown up a breast-work, dug a ditch, and placed artillery to oppose the enemy. Ruffut Khan halted till his guns could be brought up the pass, when he levelled the breast-work; and forcing his way through, he attacked the infidels, and the two Hindoo brothers were taken prisoners; after which the country submitted to the King of Golconda. ### [119.5.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.5.3) As Ruffut Khan had been successfully employed during the last two years in reducing many of the forts and districts of Rajmundry and Cossimcota, he now resolved to attack Veij Nat Dew, the most formidable of all the rajas of that country. He commenced his operations by the capture of the hill-fort of Potnoor, wherein was taken the brother of the Raja. From thence he proceeded to Kundoo-Deva Pully, the principal hold of that chief; which also fell to the prowess of the Mahomedan arms; but the time occupied in these sieges afforded Veij Nat Dew an opportunity to collect his army; and he accordingly marched to oppose the invader at the head of five thousand cavalry, fifty thousand infantry, and five hundred elephants. Ruffut Khan was not backward to come to action; and a battle ensued, in which the Mahomedans were completely victorious, and the Raja fled to his capital ; and soon after he sent out his eldest son to Ruffut Khan as ambassador, to conclude a peace ; in which it was stipulated, that the Raja should pay annually thirty-thousand hoons as a tribute to the Kootb Shahy state, and make an offering of forty elephants. To these terms Ruffut Khan was glad to accede, as a considerable disaffection and discontent prevailed in his army, and as he had already reduced the whole of the districts along the sea-coast as far as Rajamurda. Let us now return to the affairs of the kings of the Deccan. ### [119.5.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.5.4) The Queen-dowager of Ahmudnuggur had by her conduct excited universal discontent among all the officers of the government, who conspired against her, and persuaded the young King, Moortuza Nizam Shah, to seize and confine her in the fort of Dowlutabad ; while her two brothers, the King's uncles, Ein-ool-Moolk and Taj Khan, fled from the capital. Their departure and the seizure of the Queen threw affairs into the utmost confusion, and the young King was not of an age or of a temper to act with much discretion. Ally Adil Shah, the ancient enemy of the house of Nizam Shah, taking advantage of the moment, deputed his general Kishwur Khan Lary, with twenty thousand horse, to lay waste and occupy as much of the Ahmudnuggur territory as he could seize. He first of all devastated the country of Kondana, and then proceeded to Moortuza Nizam Shah, unable alone to cope with Ally Adil Shah, had recourse to Ibrahim Kootb Shah for aid, who proceeded with his army first to Bidur, and having induced Ally Bereed Shah to unite in the confederacy, they marched together to join Moortuza Nizam Shah, whom they met at the town of Nagdurry, where they swore to stand by each other. The oaths were taken upon a Koran in the possession of the latter, said to be written by Ally, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet. On this occasion it was agreed that they should proceed and attack the Beejapoor territories without delay. ### [119.5.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.5.5) Ally Adil Shah, suspecting that his minister, Shah Abool Hussun, the son of the late famous Shah Tahir of Ahmudnuggur, had promoted this confederacy, put him into confinement. Syud Moortuza, a nobleman of the Nizam Shahy court, was at this time in the Beejapoor camp. He had fled during the late revolution from Ahmudnuggur, and came over to Ally Adil Shah, where he renewed his friendship with Shah Abool Hussun. On the present occasion, Syud Moortuza, desirous of effecting the release of the minister, applied to Ally Adil Shah to be allowed to proceed in character of envoy to the confederates, and through his influence negotiate a peace, a measure which the King had at heart. Syud Moortuza was accordingly deputed to proceed to the Nizam Shahy camp, and having had an audience of Moortuza Nizam Shah, laid his head on the King's feet, and vowed he would not rise till his Majesty promised to obtain the release of the son of the late Shah Tahir, to whom the house of Ahmudnuggur was under such obligations; declaring, at the same time, that nothing but concluding a treaty of peace with Ally Adil Shah could effect this object. Moortuza Nizam Shah at once forgot his enmity to Ally Adil Shah, and consented to listen to terms, on condition that Shah Abool Hussun should be released, and be employed as ambassador to conclude the treaty. Shah Abool Hussun accordingly proceeded with magnificent presents to the camp of the confederates. ### [119.5.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.5.6) While in the camp, he persuaded Moortuza Nizam Shah to attack Ibrahim Kootb Shah's forces as well as those of Ally Bereed Shah, and by thus making a bold stroke at first, follow it up, and reduce the countries of Tulingana and Bidur. Moortuza Nizam Shah, young, thoughtless, and impetuous, eagerly adopted the proposition, and attacked his allies, who defended themselves with bravery, and contrived to retreat to Bidur, whence Ibrahim Kootb Shah proceeded to Golconda. On the return of Ibrahim Kootb Shah to his capital, he resolved to be revenged on Moortuza Nizam Shah for his late treachery; and as the latter always obtained assistance from the Berar court, he determined to anticipate that step by sending an envoy to Toofal Khan, the Regent of Berar, inviting him to an alliance against Moortuza Nizam Shah, to whom he could owe no friendship, since the invasion of his country, and the siege of Gavul. Toofal Khan, glad of an opportunity of revenging himself on Moortuza Nizam Shah, readily acceded to the proposed alliance, and despatched his son, Shumsheer-ool-Moolk, with three thousand cavalry to join Ibrahim Kootb Shah; who having collected his own army, proceeded, under the pretence of hunting, towards Bidur, when he was joined, between that city and the town of Kowlas, by the Berar auxiliaries, as well as by Ally Bereed Shah. Thence they deputed ambassadors to Ally Adil Shah, inviting him, also, to join the confederacy. ### [119.5.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119.5.7) Moortuza Nizam Shah, far from being idle, also collected his army, and determined to prevent the junction of Ally Adil Shah, either by force or stratagem. He accordingly moved towards Beejapoor with his whole force, deputing his minister, Chungiz Khan, with large presents, to the Adil Shahy camp, in order to prevent its union with the confederates; but, at any rate, to make such good use of his money among the courtiers as to detain the King of Beejapoor for some time, till he should hear of the approach of the Nizam Shahies. Chungiz Khan overtook Ally Adil Shah at the fort of Nuldoorg, where he displayed so much diplomatic skill as to induce the King to give up the idea of joining the allies at all, and to consent to meet Moortuza Nizam Shah on friendly terms. Ibrahim Kootb Shah, alarmed at this sudden alteration in the measures of the Adil Shahy court, broke up the confederacy, dismissing the Berar auxiliaries with handsome rewards, and recommending Ally Bereed Shah to repair to the fort of Bidur; at the same time promising his aid in case of invasion and attack. Upon his arrival at Golconda, he pitched the royal pavilion on the plain, and directed all the Naigwary infantry of the realm to repair to his standard. These preparations were not unnecessary; for Moortuza Nizam Shah having made a convert of Ally Adil Shah to his cause, they both marched with the determination of reducing the kingdoms of Tulingana and Bidur; _First 39 of 65 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Tārīkh-i Firishta](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta.119.1) — Muḥammad Qāsim Hindū Shāh Firishta 1606, Persian --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.119) · Pramāṇa