Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 120: MAHOMED KOOLLY KOOTB SHAH
History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 120
- Language
- English
Contents
MAHOMED KOOLLY KOOTB SHAH
120.1.1
Succeeds his father on the throne — makes war with the Hindoos of Beejanuggur. — Cummum besieged. — The King builds the city of Bhagnuggur, the name of which is subsequently changed to Hydrabad. — The army takes Ournool and Nundial — marches and reduces Gundicotta (Ganjicotta), Moosulmooroo, and Kurpa (Cuddapa). — Roottoom Khan is sent to join the army in the south — his cowardly conduct leads to the discomfiture of the Mahomedans. — A rebellion created by Shah Sahib — is defeated near Pagtoor. — Insurrection in Tulingana. — Operations along the eastern coast of the peninsula. — Arrival of an embassy from Persia. — Serious riots in the city of Hydrabad. — Revolt in Cossimcota. — The Raja of Bustar plunders part of the King's territory. — An army is sent to attack him. — Great difficulty experienced in penetrating to Bustar, which project is eventually abandoned. — Death of the King. — Public works executed during his reign.
120.1.2
Ibrahim was succeeded by his third son, Mahomed Koolly, who assumed the family title of Kootb Shah. The first act of his reign was to proceed and join his army, then engaged in the siege of Nuldoorg, with a large reinforcement. He commenced his approaches on that side of the fort where the ditch was dry, but the governor making several sallies prevented the batteries from being completed, and little progress was made during two months. At length, a breach was reported practicable, and attempts were made to storm the place. The garrison repelled several attacks by hurling boxes filled with gunpowder and stones down the breach and over the walls. In this state of affairs, news arrived that an army of twenty thousand Marratta cavalry had arrived in the skirts of the camp, so that the besiegers were compelled to defer their attacks on the fort for the present. Shortly after this, the allies received overtures for peace from Ibrahim Adil Shah, to which the King of Golconda assented, and raised the siege; and having dismissed the Nizam Shahy troops under Syud Moortuza Khan, he returned to his capital. During the late reign, one Ally Khan Loor, a person of low origin, had been raised to the rank of an Ameer (or noble), owing to his great good conduct in the field; and was subsequently placed in command of the troops south of the Krishna, in the neighbourhood of Condbeer;
120.1.3
but the governor of that province, Ray Row, a bramin, not giving him an estate for the payment of his troops as soon as he wished or expected, Ally Khan became disgusted, and joined the Raja of Beejanuggur with a number of his adherents, volunteering, at the same time, to lead an army against Condbeer. Ally Khan being assisted by Meekur Tima, the son-in-law of the Ray of Beejanuggur, with a force of thirty thousand infantry, besides some cavalry, and fifty elephants, marched to the Condbeer province. In the first place, he besieged the fort of Cummura, but was compelled to fight the royalists under Ray Row, who gave him a total defeat; on which occasion ten thousand of his infantry are said to have been killed and wounded, and four elephants, together with the great drum of the enemy, were taken, while Ally Khan and Mekur Tima made the best of their way towards Beejanuggur; but the Raja refused them his countenance or support. Ally Khan, however, marched about from place to place raising troops; and was thus employed when the King directed Raheem Dad and Tahir Mahomed Khan Fatan, with a large force to the southward. Ally Khan by this time had collected an army, and was laying waste the district of Condapilly. The royalists marched thither, and Ally Khan threw himself into the fort of Ardinga; but not thinking himself secure, he left a force to occupy it, and fled to the hills. The royalists having arrived at Ardinga took it by storm, and put every man to death.
120.1.4
From thence they pursued Ally Khan, who, having posted a party of infantry in an ambuscade in the woods, surprised and slew many of the royalists; but his party was eventually overpowered by numbers, and compelled to fly, with the loss of a thousand men killed and wounded, and as many taken prisoners. At this period, Afzul Khan Hawaldar of Suntravul joined the royalists with a thousand cavalry ; and Ally Khan, informed of the fate of the garrison of Ardinga, marched to the sea-port of Nizampatam, where he plundered all the wealthy merchants of their property ; thence he made a rapid march towards Condbeer, and fell on Kishwur Khan, who with a small force was encamped near that place. The attack completely succeeded, and the royalists were plundered of all they possessed. Ally Khan now retreated to Anumbole, where he surprised Afzul Khan's detachment, plundered his camp, and put many of his men to death. Ally Khan was subsequently pursued by Raheem Dad ; and in an action which he was compelled to fight he was killed, and the royalists under Raheem Dad returned to the capital, where that chief was honoured with the title of Alum Khan. About this time, Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah espoused the daughter of the famous general Ameer Shah Meer.
120.1.5
Dilawur Khan, the regent of Beejapoor during the nonage of Ibrahim Adil Shah II., thought that nothing would so effectually preserve the dominions of his master as an alliance with the King of Golconda; and after the war a splendid embassy came from that court to Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah, requesting the hand of the Princess Mullika Zuman, the King's sister, for Ibrahim Adil Shah; and according to an agreement which took place on this occasion, the royal bridegroom marched to the fort of Nuldoorg, where he was met by the bride from Golconda, accompanied by most of the principal nobles of the Kootb Shahy court: a treaty of perpetual amity and friendship was also settled on the same occasion. In the year 998 the King determined to remove the seat of his government, on account of the confined situation of Golconda, which from many causes, particularly the want of water, became extremely unhealthy: he accordingly fixed on a spot situated at the distance of five coss from his former capital, on the banks of the river Moosy, where he laid the foundation of a new city, which was called Bhagnuggur (after his favourite mistress Bhagmutty); but after her death he ordered it to be called Hydrabad, although for many years it retained its original name. It soon flourished to a very extensive degree, the courtiers vying with each other in building palaces, and constructing gardens. Great pains were taken to introduce water in every direction;
120.1.6
and the increase of the land-rents alone, arising out of increased facility of irrigation, amounted to four lacks of hoons annually. Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah built an elegant musjid and the chahar minar in the middle of the city. The latter building is quadrangular with four arcades, each arch occupying the whole space between the minarets at its corners. Over the centre is a dome, and under the dome is a fountain of excellent water. There are small apartments in each minaret, intended for the use of the professors and students of the college. The King also built baths, hospitals, and other colleges, all of which were suitably furnished; and the attendants for the two former, and learned doctors for the latter, were liberally paid by government.
120.1.7
Many years now elapsed without any war taking place, the King's attention being entirely occupied in the framing of good regulations for the government of his country, and the promotion of the welfare of his subjects: but he at length resolved to extend his conquests to the south; and having collected his troops, crossed the Krishna, and first of all attacked the fort of Moosulmooroo. The Hindoos received the Kootb Shahy army with a volley of musketry and discharges of cannon; but they suffered for their temerity, as the place soon fell. The army now directed its march towards Nundial and Kulgoor. These two forts were at this time in the possession of Buswunt Raj, the son-in-law of the late Ramraj, and his nephew Nursing Raj. They were attacked by the Mahomedans, when, after a few days, the Raja consented to pay an annual tribute, and to deliver up the keys. After which many other zemindars in that neighbourhood were induced to become tributaries; among whom were those of Jumulmooroo, Joodry, Churwul, Nunduatcota, Dole, Chinnoor, and Gundicota.
120.1.8
As most of the petty rajas of Beejanuggur had now bent their necks to the Mahometan yoke, the King determined to reduce all those in the neighbourhood of his camp; he therefore directed his minister, Ameer-ool-Moolk, with the greater part of the army, to attack the fort of Gundicota. This place was in possession of Nursing Raj, the nephew of the late Ramraj, and was celebrated for a famous temple, to which the surrounding Hindoos of Beejanuggur, to the number of one hundred thousand, used to repair once annually, to pay their devotions, and to make large pecuniary offerings to the idol. After standing a siege of some duration Nursing Raj consented to become tributary to the King of Golconda.
120.2.1
When the throne of Beejanuggur devolved on Venkutputty, it appears that prince, in breach of the treaties existing between his predecessor and the King of Golconda, removed his seat of government to the fort of Penconda, situated on the Kootb Shahy frontier. He also made some incursions and invasions into the Golconda dominions; for the prevention of which the King marched his army, after the reduction of Gundicota, towards Penconda, where he arrived without opposition, and immediately commenced the siege; but in a short time Venkutputty deputed his minister Gopraj Tima, and his general Pavia Chitty, as ambassadors to the King, who, upon their making due submission, agreed to an armistice, preparatory to negotiating terms of peace. The Hindoos, taking advantage of the absence of the Mahomedans from the vicinity of the fort, supplied themselves in three days with provisions for a siege; and on the fourth the famous Jugdew Row, accompanied by Goolrung Setty, Munoopraj, and Papia Samywar, at the head of thirty thousand infantry and cavalry, besides four thousand musketeers, threw themselves into the fort. When the King discovered these proceedings he renewed the siege; but his forces made little impression. The rains were now approaching, provisions also were scarce in the camp; and aware that the inundation of the Krishna river would cut off all communication with the Golconda territory, the King deemed it advisable to raise the siege.
120.2.2
Accordingly, having left Sunjur Khan in Gundicota, Asyrow in Moossulmooroo, and Juggutrow in Nundial, and placing a large army under the command of Moortuza Khan in the territories south of the Krishna, Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah returned to his capital. The Mahomedan troops having been required to join the grand army proceeding against Gundicota and Penconda, had left the district of Condbeer wholly unprotected. Venkutputty took advantage of this circumstance to distract the attention of the enemy, by despatching a force to assist Kowlanunda, the Raja of Udgerrydoorg, and wrote to him to make a sudden inroad on the enemy's rear, by plundering and laying waste all his territory as far as Condbeer and the Krishna. Kowlanunda, after being joined by this detachment, sent his son-in-law Woortas Ray to carry this scheme into effect.
120.2.3
Afzul Khan, the governor of the province of Condbeer, finding his districts laid waste, and unable, for want of troops, to oppose the Hindoos, sent intimation to all the jageerdars to collect their best cavalry and retaliate, by making an inroad by the route of Ongole, into the Udgerrydoorg territory ; a measure that induced the Hindoos to return for the protection of their own country, and they came up with Afzul Khan and surrounded his army. This small party, after defending itself for some time, began to give up every thing as lost, when Ajda Khan, with five hundred cavalry, came to its assistance; and before the enemy could discover his numbers, charged upon his rear. This sudden attack by fresh troops completely changed the fate of the day ; and Woorias Ray was defeated, with the loss of three thousand men killed, wounded, and taken prisoners, and all his camp-equipage.
120.2.4
The sudden swelling of the rivers, and the absence of the King with his army, gave Venkutputty leisure to muster the whole of his forces, which amounted to one hundred thousand men. The leaders were Yeltumraj, Goolrung Setty, and Munoopraj, who marched to recover Gundicota from the hands of Sunjur Khan. Here the enemy were daily opposed by sallies from the garrison, but they persevered in the siege ; when they heard that Moortuza Khan, with the main army of the Mahomedans, had penetrated as far as the city of Kurpa, the most famous city of that country, wherein was a large temple. This edifice the Mahomedans destroyed as far as practicable, broke the idol, and sacked the city. Venkutputty, on intimation of the intelligence, detached Yeltumraj and Munoopraj, with ten thousand cavalry, to attack Moortuza Khan ; but after a severe action, the Hindoos were defeated, and compelled to seek safety in flight. Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah no sooner heard of these attacks, and fully aware of the small number of his forces in the south, than he detached Roostoom Khan, at the head of five thousand horse, to reinforce Moortuza Khan, and also to assume the command of all the troops. Meanwhile Moortuza Khan continued to defend himself for three whole months against the Hindoos, whose numbers increased to that degree, that the Mahomedans found it impossible to give them battle, but confined their operations to plundering and cutting off supplies.
120.2.5
The moment Roostoom Khan joined the army, Moortuza Khan, conscious that they could effect nothing by an action in the field, proposed that he, with half of the army, should march towards Beejanuggur, and that Roostoom Khan should, with the other half, still continue the predatory warfare. Roostoom Khan having assumed the principal command neglected all advice from Moortuza Khan. On the day after his arrival, he crossed a river in his front, and imprudently encamped on a black clayey soil, where the rain had fallen, but he did not proceed to attack the Hindoos. The enemy having ascertained that a reinforcement had arrived, delayed also to engage the Mahometans. At this time, whether to amuse their own soldiers, or for what reason is immaterial, the Hindoos dressed up a red bullock with gilded horns, and having painted it with many different colours, and fastened bells to its legs and neck, drove it towards the Mahomedans. Roostoom Khan, who happened to be in front of the army and alone, becoming alarmed at the strange appearance of the animal, galloped off to the rear in dismay, and communicated a panic to his troops. The Hindoos, observing a confusion in the lines of the Mahomedans, took advantage of it to surround them with their musketeers, and galled them on all sides.
120.2.6
The Mahomedan cavalry, in which their principal force consisted, unable to charge through the heavy black soil, were shot one by one, and might have been annihilated, but for Moortuza Khan, who collecting a small party forced his way through the enemy's ranks, and thus covered the retreat of many of the Mahomedans; but all the camp-equipage was taken, and a heavy loss sustained. Roostoom Khan, who was a notorious boaster, was disgraced on his return to Hydrabad, by being dressed in female attire, after which he was banished the kingdom; while Moortuza Khan was honoured with titles and valuable presents.
120.2.7
The King determined to spare neither men nor money to carry on the war against the Hindoos: he accordingly directed Etibar Khan Yezdy, the Hawaldar of Condbeer (henceforth called Moortuza Nuggur), to collect all the troops under his command, with orders to march towards Beejanuggur, and to lay in ashes all the enemy's towns in his route. On learning of the approach of the Mahomedans, the Hindoos dispersed in every direction, and occupied the woods with their infantry. On this occasion Nursa Nundraj, the Raja of Anuntgeer (one of the most famous hill-forts in those parts), marched at the head of fifty thousand infantry and three thousand horse, with the resolution of harassing the Mahomedan army by night-attacks. Accordingly, having selected for this purpose ten thousand rocketeers, he surrounded their camp. As soon as he arrived in their neighbourhood, a severe storm of rain came on, which prevented him from carrying his plan into effect; and the Mahomedans, finding him so near, did not fail to attack on the following day. After a severe action, in which the Mahomedans lost a great number of men, they were at length victorious, and took prisoners all the families of the Hindoos, besides their camp-equipage.
120.2.8
Etibar Khan now proceeded to the town of Calistry, which he reached after a month's march from Golconda. Here he destroyed the Hindoo idols, and ordered prayers to be read in the temples. These edifices may well be compared in magnificence with the buildings and paintings of China, with which they vie in beauty and workmanship. Having given a signal example of the Mahomedan power in that distant country, the Hindoos did not dare to interrupt his return. Thus was the force of the Mahomedans, south of the Krishna, employed for several years. At the period when Ameen-ool-Moolk became Meer Joomla, or minister, to Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah, he sent officers to collect the balances of the customs due to the government from the different jageerdars. This demand had been so long deferred, that the jageerdars, deeming it an innovation, prepared to rebel; and in consequence Alum Khan Patan Khan Khanan, Sabajee Marratta, and Bala Row, resisted the authority of the collectors, and not only refused to pay but made overtures to the Raja of Beejanuggur to join him in opposing the King's forces; and as a proof of their intentions they plundered the country belonging to the crown in the neighbourhood of Condbeer.
120.2.9
Etibar Khan reported the disaffection of these officers to court, and Ameen-ool-Moolk volunteered to lead a force against them; for which purpose he left Hydrabad with ten thousand horse. On his arrival near Condbeer, he was met by Kowlanund the governor, whom he believed to be the instigator of the rebellion, and immediately caused him to be hanged. This prompt measure alarmed the insurgents; for although they had collected seven thousand cavalry and ten thousand infantry, and had strengthened the fort of Ardinga, they now began to waver in their councils, and instead of opposing the royalists, retreated to join the Ray of Beejanuggur. Ameen-ool-Moolk pursued them, but contenting himself with devastating and occupying their estates, he returned to Condbeer, where having seized a number of Naigwaries, who had formerly been with the rebels, caused them to be executed to the number of two hundred, after which he returned to Hydrabad.
120.3.1
About this time, a person calling himself Shah Sahib, caused a considerable commotion in the state. The circumstances are as follow:— Ibrahim Kootb Shah's eldest son, Abdool Kadur, taking a religious turn, acquired the appellation of Shah Sahib, or the Saint, and married one of the ladies of a holy family of Bidur, the descendants of Shah Khuleel Oolla, who traces his pedigree to Shah Neamut Oolla Wully. He was confined to the fort of Dewurconda by his father, and died in his twenty-first year; but his body was brought to the capital, interred in the family vault at Golconda, and the Princess, his wife, returned to her relations at Bidur. At this period, a person who had been a companion of the Prince in his lifetime had the assurance to give out in the city of Bidur that he was the Prince Shah Sahib, and so imposed on the relations of his wife, that they really believed him to be the same person. Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah, upon hearing of this circumstance, sent for the people who were present at the death of his elder brother, and having ascertained, beyond a doubt, that he had been buried twenty years ago, he wrote a letter to Ally Bereed Shah, the King of Bidur, to seize the impostor. He was accordingly taken up and imprisoned; but the holy fraternity in Bidur procured his enlargement, and secured him a safe retreat towards Beejanuggur, where he was joined by numbers of discontented and factious persons.
120.3.2
Among these were Khodawund Khan the Abyssinian, who was famed throughout the Deccan for his bravery, and Kheir Ally Khan, the son of Dilawur Khan of Beejapoor. The impostor, having collected from three to four thousand cavalry, proclaimed himself the rightful heir of the crown of Golconda, and established a camp on the banks of the Krishna. Thence he wrote letters of invitation to several Naigwary chiefs in Tulingana, and sending his emissaries into Golconda, made overtures to the nobles about court Some of the latter received these advances favourably, but they afterwards suffered for their treason. The King, in the mean time, directed Etibar Khan to march with his troops from Condbeer to engage the pretender; and having also sent a force from Golconda, he caused the army to rendezvous at Pangul. Before the arrival of the King's army, the pretender's troops were devastating the country, so that Etibar Khan pushed on with two thousand cavalry and attacked them. These consisted of six thousand horse besides infantry; but they suffered a total defeat in spite of the valour of Khodawund Khan the Abyssinian, who was unhorsed and taken prisoner. The pretender was compelled to fly, and sought refuge in the fort of Tuckull, whence he made good his way to Beejapoor, where he threw himself on the protection of Ibrahim Adil Shah II.; after which, he never set up his claims, but died in obscurity.
120.3.3
At this period, Bhaybulundur, the Raja of the district of Cossimcota, who regularly sent his tribute every year, died; and his son, Mukoond Raj, a boy of twelve years of age, was left as his heir. Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah immediately sent letters acknowledging him as successor, and invited him to the capital, where he was honoured with a dress of instalment, and returned to his government; but scarcely had he reached it, when, at the instigation of his relative Vidiadry, he put to death his brother Dewraj, and sometime after made an attempt to seize the person of Birlas Khan, the King's governor in that country. Such outrages called for the immediate interference of the King, particularly as the Raja, confiding on the valour of his troops and his native woods and mountains for protection, had not sent the annual tribute to court. The King accordingly directed his general, Meer Zein-ool-Abideen, Roosoomdar, with a force to proceed against the Raja. Upon his arrival near Cossimcota, the general deputed a person to Mukoond Raj, requiring of him to pay the arrears of tribute, and to promise more punctuality in its future payment; but that foolish youth refused to give any satisfaction; and as the Mahomedans were too few to enforce their demand, Meer Zein-ool-Abideen wrote to court for reinforcements. The King immediately directed the Ameer Joomla, Ameen-ool-Moolk, with more troops to join the former detachment, and to assume the principal command.
120.3.4
Ameer Joomla was accompanied by Shunkur Raj, the nephew of the late Bhaybulundur. Mukoond Raj, alarmed at the serious preparations made to attack him, wrote to the neighbouring rajas for assistance, as well as to Venkutputty, Raja of Beejanuggur, to induce him to take advantage of the moment, and to detach a force to Condbeer, while he with thirty thousand infantry and three thousand cavalry engaged the King's army in the neighbourhood of Rajmundry. After a bloody battle, in which Shunkur Raj was killed, and the Mahomedans nearly defeated, the fate of the day was decided by Ameen-ool-Moolk, who had remained on the flanks, with a large body of cavalry, waiting for a favourable opportunity to charge the enemy's infantry, which he entirely routed. On this occasion the Mahomedans lost several brave officers and men; but the victory was complete; and Mukoond Raj with his flying troops fled through the woods, and did not halt till they reached Cossimcota. On his arrival there Mukoond Raj put to death Birlas Khan and Ghuzunfur Beg, together with several other Mahomedans whom he inveigled into his presence. Shortly after this, the Mahomedan army arriving near Cossimcota, Mukoond Raj, who could now expect no quarter, retired towards Mudwara and Chicacole. Ameen-ool-Moolk pursued him thither, laying waste the country, and levelling with the dust all the towns and villages in the route.
120.3.5
Mukoond Raj, unable to cope with the royal troops, continued his flight to Pettapoor, and for a long time fled from village to village, in the woods and hills. The Mahomedans gave him no rest, and compelled him to seek an asylum with Ramchundur Raj, a prince of great fame and power in those parts. Ramchundur, in order to repel the invaders, wrote letters to Madhoo Sing, a raja whose country bordered on Bengal, and who, with a large army of Rajpoots, was in the service of Akbur Padshah of Dehly. Madhoo Sing, at the request of Ramchundur, marched to his assistance, while Ameen-ool-Moolk pursued the fugitive into that raja's dominions, levying contributions on the towns, devastating the villages, and pillaging the open country. Madhoo Sing, finding that no advantage was to be gained in the war, withdrew to Bengal, leaving Ramchundur to the alternative of becoming a tributary to the King of Golconda. Mukoond Raj, unable to secure a retreat in that country, was obliged to fly and seek protection in Bengal. Ameen-ool-Moolk, having settled affairs to his wishes, left Alum Khan, Asy Row, and two Reddywar officers, for the protection of that frontier, and himself returned to Cossimcota, where he established the King's troops, and assumed charge of the government.
120.3.6
Thus having given an account of the campaign against Mukoond Raj, let us now turn towards the motions of Venkutputty, Raja of Beejanuggur, who we have seen had been invited to take advantage of the moment, and to invade the district of Condbeer. Independently of the letters from Mukoond Raj, he had another strong motive to adopt this measure: as a great part of the King's army was employed in supporting the falling government of Ahmudnuggur, which capital was at this period besieged by the Prince Moorad Mirza, the son of Akbur Padshah, no moment could, therefore, be more favourable than the present Venkutputty, in consequence, collected all his troops, and marched towards Condbeer with an army consisting of two hundred thousand horse and infantry, and one thousand elephants. The King of Golconda had been previously informed of his intentions, and directed his army, under Adil Khan Bungy, accompanied by two hundred elephants, and many guns, to oppose him. Adil Khan first proceeded direct to Condbeer with his cavalry, but was obliged to remain there sometime for his guns; while Venkutputty, who had not advanced beyond his frontier, finding that the King's troops had arrived, and that the army was very formidable, thought it prudent to send ambassadors with rich presents to the King at Golconda.
120.3.7
The ambassadors had directions to make his excuse, by saying that the object for which he had left his capital, and come towards Condbeer, was merely for the purpose of seeing the lake at Cumnum. Orders were accordingly issued to Adil Khan Bungy to refrain from invading his territories, but to remain with the army at Condbeer as a corps of observation. When the whole of the troops had been withdrawn from Rajmundry and Ellore, for the purpose of attacking Mukoond Raj in Cossimcota, the Reddywars of that country, taking advantage of the moment, began to plunder and attack the surrounding towns, such as Neerdole and Ellore, and P'harchully, which compelled the unfortunate inhabitants to fly to the woods. Upon intimation of these proceedings at the capital, orders were sent to Adil Khan to proceed against the Reddywars. He accordingly marched, and routed them in all directions; but they only fled to collect on a spot where they could make a stand with advantage. The whole of the country being woody and hilly, it was difficult to pursue them; and when the royalists attempted to cross one of the rivers, they found the banks lined with twenty thousand infantry, who prevented them. Here they halted till guns and rockets could be procured from Rajmundry, which were not furnished until orders to that effect were received from court; when Meer Zein-ool-Abideen and Kurreem Khan, with all the musketeers and rocket-men in the neighbourhood, proceeded to support Adil Khan Bungy.
120.3.8
Finding that nothing could be effected without crossing the river, several detachments were sent to explore a ford. Babajee and D'hurmarow at length discovered one, about ten miles from the camp. Having crossed which, they attacked the enemy's infantry on the opposite bank. The passage was well defended ; but as the King's detachment was soon after supported by the main army, the Reddywars fled, and sought protection in the hills and woods. The royalists pursued them to the mouth of a narrow pass which the enemy had stockaded and blocked up with stones and trees, behind which they had placed guns and musketeers. This work was gallantly stormed and taken, although not without considerable loss on both sides. At length the Reddywars sent a deputation to court, and the King's armies were recalled. Adil Khan Bungy returned to Golconda, and Meer Zein-ool-Abideen to his government of Cossimcota, where some disturbances had arisen during his absence.
120.4.1
When Mukoond Raj first opposed the King's authority, Shunkur Raj the nephew, and Hurrychundur the brother, of Bhaybulundur were at Hydrabad, and proceeded with Ameen-ool-Moolk against Mukoond Raj. Shunkur Raj, as has been related, fell in the battle of Rajmundry. At that time one Rawoot Row, a petty raja, in the command of a body of cavalry and infantry, and who was famed for his courage, had sometime before joined, and subsequently acted in concert with Ameen-ool-Moolk ; but being offended at some orders issued by him, Rawoot Row quitted the King's camp without permission, and afterwards induced Hurrychundur to quit it also, and to unite with him in an attempt to establish Hurrychundur in the government of his ancestors at Cossimcota. The first display of open violence evinced by Rawoot Row was to collect a force of ten thousand infantry, with which he made night-attacks on the King's army, whose vengeance they escaped by taking shelter in the woods and fastnesses in that strong country. They were, however, pursued; and in a skirmish which took place Rawoot Row lost his life by an arrow wound. This event put an end to any more resistance for the present; but Hurrychundur, making his escape, fled to Veij Nat Dew, a tributary raja in the neighbourhood, whom he induced to espouse his cause. At the same time, Hurrychundur wrote to Mukoond Raj, entitled Bhaybulundur, to collect his dependents, and attack the fort of Joorjoora, then in possession of Mullik Naib.
120.4.2
Mukoond Raj, having brought together all the Munewars and Naigwaries in the neighbourhood, marched and laid siege to Joorjoora, which was gallantly defended by the Moslems; but it was so vigorously attacked, that an assault was made, and the scaling ladders applied to the walls, when Chungis Khan, one of the King's officers, arrived with a reinforcement, and not only saved the place but defeated the enemy, which dispersed in all directions. In the mean while, Veij Nat Dew and Hurrychundur marched to attack Meer Zein-ool-Abideen's army, with a force consisting of five thousand cavalry and thirty thousand infantry: they were, however, also defeated, with considerable loss, and Veij Nat Dew fled to the fort of Veeragootum, and the Mahomedans encamped at Narainpatam. In the mean time, Mukoond Raj of Julmoor invested the fort of Mahomed Koolly Kootbshahabad; but on hearing of the defeat of Veij Nat Dew he raised the siege, and fled to his capital, a strong hill-fort situated amid the hills and woods of those parts. He was pursued by Chungiz Khan for two months; when, finding himself unable to hold out much longer, he wrote letters to Veij Nat Dew, informing him of his situation. Veij Nat Dew detached his nephew, Nowlapa Nurswundy, with two thousand cavalry, thirty thousand infantry, and one hundred elephants, under the command of Hurrychundur, to his assistance.
120.4.3
The Mahomedan army, composed of five thousand horse and ten thousand infantry, marched to oppose this force, which had taken post in the centre of a valley, surrounded on all sides by hills difficult of access. The King's troops, however, gained the heights, and came down upon the enemy in all directions. The Hindoos were defeated, and saved their lives by a precipitate flight. Hurrychundur was pursued day after day, till at length his party, being surrounded, was defeated, after a bloody action, while himself and his colleague, Nowlapa Nurswundy, made their escape with difficulty, and left in the enemy's hands many of Veij Nat Dew's relations, who were wounded and taken prisoners. Veij Nat Dew, finding that no advantage was to be gained by supporting Hurrychundur in so unprofitable a war, sent an ambassador with thirty thousand hoons and fifty elephants to purchase a peace, and to consent to pay the same amount annually as tribute. The terms were accepted; but the Raja's relations were kept prisoners as hostages until the delivery of Nowlapa Nurswundy, his nephew, whom the Mahomedans insisted on being given into their hands, as he was considered the principal promoter of the war.
120.4.4
After having concluded hostilities with Veij Nat Dew, Meer Zein-ool-Abideen detached Chungiz Khan with a considerable army against Mukoond Raj Bhaybulundur, who occupied Julmoor. Mukoond Raj's force encamped at Verool, a place situated among the hills, and famous on account of its caverns, on which spot he was attacked by Chungiz Khan. On the first day neither party had any apparent advantage; but on the following the Hindoos were defeated, and Mukoond Raj fled to Julmoor, whence also flying, he left his country and property to fall into the hands of the faithful, and sought shelter in the Bengal provinces. Julmoor was now occupied by the Mahomedans; and the whole of the province of Cossimcota promised to repay, during a peace, the trouble and expense of the protracted war; when on a sudden Kishtum Raj, the son of the late Rawoot Row, raising a force, wrote to Bengal, inviting Mukoond Raj Bhaybulundur to return and make another attempt to recover his patrimonial territory; himself commencing the war by seizing the two towns of Potnoor and Mudwara. On intimation of this violence, Meer Zein-ool-Abideen detached Chungiz Khan, D'hurmarow, and Balyrow, to attack the enemy. Mukoond Raj was defeated, after an action which lasted from daylight till sunset, and retreated to Mudwara;
120.4.5
but as that fort was situated in the midst of thick woods, and it was considered impracticable to reduce it, D'hurmarow proposed to Meer Zein-ool-Abideen, by way of putting a stop to this war, to admit the claims of Mukoond Raj to the fortress and district of Mudwara, on condition of his becoming tributary to Golconda. To this proposal Meer Zein-ool-Abideen would by no means consent. A coolness ensued between these officers; and owing to the representations of D'hurmarow at court, Meer Zein-ool-Abideen was recalled, and Syud Hussun was deputed in his stead. On his arrival he granted terms, in the first instance, to Hurrychundur, the uncle of Mukoond Raj; and it was proposed, by way of reducing Mukoond Raj, to build three forts on the passes and narrow roads by which alone he could make attacks. For this purpose the forts of Moostufabad, Kootbshahabad, and Mahomedabad, were built, in which small garrisons were always maintained. Mukoond Raj, thus hemmed in on all sides, had recourse to the assistance of Kishtum Raj, who attacked Mahomedabaci with three thousand musketeer infantry, but was himself killed by an arrow from the garrison. Mukoond Raj became disconsolate on the death of his friend; but detached one Sudashew, a distinguished officer, to supply his place. Sudashew shortly after fell, at the head of his troops, by a musket-shot; and the storming party which he was leading in person, having lost their officer, returned and joined Mukoond Raj.
120.4.6
Shortly afterwards an attack was made on Moostufabad by one Agny Raj, at the head of ten thousand infantry. He was opposed by all the Mahomedan army, and was killed in the assault; at the same time one Boochuna Raj also fell, in his efforts against the fort of Kootbshahabad. Syud Hussun, upon hearing of the defeat of the several attempts made upon his posts, now resolved to reduce Mudwara, and employed his troops in cutting down the woods, and destroying them by fire. Mukoond Raj, reduced to the last alternative, made one desperate effort, and with his whole force attacked the Mahomedans, in which he was defeated, and again fled to Bengal. Thus the province of Cossimcota was cleared of every raja likely to molest the Mahomedans; and Sooria Row was soon after sent from Golconda to partition out that country into jageers, and to superintend the civil duties. Since which time it has been held as a dependency of Golconda. At this time the King appointed the respectable Syud, Meer Mahomed Ameen, a native of Astrabad, to the situation of Meer Joomla, with a salary of two lacks of hoons. In the year 1012, in consequence of the increasing friendship which subsisted at this period between the court of Hydrabad and that of Persia, Shah Abbas deputed one of his relatives, Oghzloo Sooltan, on an embassy to Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah.
120.4.7
On hearing that the ambassador had arrived at Goa, the King deputed Ameer Zein-ood-Deen of Nyshapoor to welcome him, and to provide suitably for his journey to Hydrabad. On his approach to the city he was met by all the most respectable chiefs of the kingdom; and he had an audience of the King at the Kala Chubootra of Golconda, on which occasion the ambassador presented his letter of credentials, as also various presents which he had brought with him. Among these were a crown studded with rubies, of great value, and a handsome dagger highly ornamented with jewels; forty horses of the purest Arabian breed, with saddles, bridles, and housings covered with gold and precious stones; fifty pieces of the richest velvet, and cloths of European manufacture; twelve pairs of Kirman carpets, and a Persian carpet twelve yards square, besides other valuable products of Persia, which it is unnecessary to describe. The ambassador was received with the highest honours; and after being honoured with valuable presents, one hundred officers of rank, who accompanied him, all received handsome robes, and the palace of Dilgoosha was assigned for their residence. Owing to the invasion of the Moguls into the Deccan at this period, the Persian ambassador resided for six years at Hydrabad; during the whole of which time he received annually two thousand tomans (2000l.) for his personal expenses, besides numerous presents.
120.4.8
Previously to his departure Hajy Kumur Ally, a confidential officer of the government, was directed to accompany him, conveying along with him such of the products of India as were worthy to be sent to the King of Persia. Among other articles was some of the gold cloth manufactured at Peitun, which occupied five years in completing.
120.5.1
In the year 1016, the Prince Sooltan Mahomed, son of the late Prince Mahomed Ameen, was honoured with the hand of the King's beautiful daughter, his own first cousin. At this period a great number of Moguls, that is to say, foreigners, having collected from all parts, especially from Agra and Lahore, had settled in the city of Hydrabad. Some of these, with their friends, went together one day, without asking permission, to see the palace and gardens of the Nubat G'hat; and having drank pretty freely, they ascended the hill upon which it is built, notwithstanding the eunuchs left for the occupation of the palace not only prohibited them but endeavoured to prevent their entering into the royal apartments. This circumstance was immediately reported to the King, who directed Ally Aka, kotwal of the city, to proceed and keep the peace by turning out the intruders. Ally Aka reported that in consequence of the invasions of the Dehly troops into the Deccan many Moguls of late years came into the city, who had no other employment but that of debauchery; that they were constantly engaged in acts in direct violation of good order, and that their numbers had become quite alarming to the public peace. On this the King directed a proclamation to be made, commanding all foreigners, under the description of Moguls, who had no employment, to quit the kingdom.
120.5.2
Ally Aka, kotwal, who was a young man, and inflated with the insignia of his office, caused proclamation to be made, directing all foreigners, whether Patans, Persians, Arabs, or Tartars, to quit the city; and, in order to carry this measure into effect, directed his subordinate police-officers to turn them out by force, or to confine them without distinction. The Moguls, hearing of the outrage committed by their countrymen on the Nubat G'hat palace, thought that nothing less than instant death would befall them, and this apprehension became general throughout the city. The inhabitants of the Deccan, delighted at this opportunity of enriching themselves, left their several occupations, and flew to share in the plunder of the warehouses of the wealthy foreign merchants then settled in Hydrabad, many of whom were killed in defending their property. The moment Meer Joomla heard of these riots, although in the midst of business, he ran to the palace; and notwithstanding the King was asleep, and the servants warned him not to intrude, he had courage sufficient to burst open the door, and thunder into his Majesty's ears the alarming state of the city. He even requested him to look at the scene out of the palace windows, and satisfy himself of the truth of his representation. The King ordered a proclamation to be instantly issued, making it death for any person to touch the property of the Moguls ;
120.5.3
and after sending for Ally Aka, kotwal, he directed him to proceed in person and put an end to the riots, or that he would have him trod to death by elephants. Ally Aka, according to his instructions, proceeded into the city, and with a part of the body-guard put to death many of the rioters ; and by way of satisfying the minds of the people, several minor police officers, who had been most active, were beheaded or hanged, or flayed alive, while others were maimed by the loss of limbs, and exhibited through the city in this mutilated state as examples. In the year 1018, the King's younger brother, Mirza Mahomed Khoodabunda, went into rebellion. In the first instance, Abdool Kurreem and Anwur Khan, at the instigation of Shah Rajoo, a holy personage of that age, raised the standard of revolt, supported by many of the Hawaldars or governors of districts. The object of the rebels appears to have been to murder all the foreigners who were Sheeas, to dethrone the King, and to place Mirza Mahomed Khoodabunda on the musnud; but fortunately the King obtained information of the conspiracy, and prevented their plans from being carried into execution, by seizing and confining the ringleaders in the fort of Golconda, together with the Prince Mirza Mahomed Khoodabunda himself, who died there in the year 1020 (A. D. 1611).
120.5.4
It has been already related, that when Mukoond Raj, the son of the late Bhaybulundur, had been expelled his territory, and the province of Cossimcota had been subdued by the Mahomedans, that Veij Nat Dew also, who was one of the principal rajas in that country, and could muster fifty thousand infantry and one thousand elephants, had been compelled to consent to pay an annual tribute to the kings of Golconda. From the period when Syud Hussun became governor of the province of Cossimcota, during eight years, nothing occurred to disturb the public tranquillity. In the same year, when Jehangeer Padshah of Dehly detached his son, the Prince Purveez, to make conquests in the Deccan, a universal spirit of revolt broke out among these rajas. Veij Nat Dew, partaking of the general disaffection, detached a force to plunder and make night-attacks on the Mahomedans of Cossimcota; who, unprepared for resistance, were at first surprised; but they eventually succeeded in repelling the enemy; and the Hindoos spread themselves in all quarters, and laid waste the country. News of this sudden revolt reaching court, Chungiz Khan and D'hurmarow, two officers of distinguished gallantry and ability, were directed to proceed and reinforce Syud Hussun in Cossimcota. Veij Nat Dew, instead of marching boldly to oppose the Mahomedans, took post in his capital, and his country became a prey to their ravages.
120.5.5
Kishtum Raj, nephew of Veij Nat Dew, being offended with his uncle's conduct towards him, fled for protection into the Mahomedan camp, where he was honourably received; and as this young man was popular in his uncle's army, many of the officers of Veij Nat Dew came over and joined him. Shortly after this, Veij Nat Dew being old, and deserted by most of his courtiers and soldiers, was taken seriously ill, and died. On the occurrence of this event, Chungiz Khan and D'hurmarow marched with the army towards his capital, whilst the latter wrote to the representatives of the late raja, requiring them to pay the tribute, or that the country would be laid in ashes. They replied by saying, that Veij Nat Dew had left no sons fit to succeed him, and that the hopes of the country rested on Kishtum Raj, who was now with the Mahomedan army; that, therefore, if he were sent to the capital, they would agree to pay the usual tribute in his name. Accordingly a treaty was entered into with Kishtum Raj as the successor of Veij Nat Dew, who consented to pay the same tribute as Bhayhulundur, and to present on the occasion of his installation three lacks of hoons, and three hundred elephants, besides jewels. D'hurmarow, satisfied with the professions of Kishtum Raj, gave him a suit of armour from the royal armoury, and some horses and other articles of state, and sent him with a suitable escort to the capital of his new kingdom.
120.5.6
He was joyfully received by the courtiers and by his army, and immediately sent 150,000 hoons and one hundred and fifty elephants, in part-payment of the stipulated amount, for the King; but instead of endeavouring to make up the remainder of the sum, he was so infatuated as to follow the advice of some of his friends, and to attack the country of the Mahomedans. The King, on hearing of the young raja's ingratitude, directed the army, under Chungiz Khan, to march, and build a strong fort as a depôt, in the neighbourhood of his capital; which being carried into effect, distressed the Hindoos, as it gave the Mahomedans opportunities of attacking them every moment. In a very short time afterwards, Kishtum Raj was compelled to pay the remainder of the stipulated sum for his installation, and also the annual tribute, as had been originally agreed upon. In the year 1019, news arrived that Purtab Sa, the Raja of Bustar, had plundered some of the King's subjects on the borders of his country, and that he was daily gaining strength, and making partial incursions into the Kootb Shahy dominions. Asyrow, an officer of ability, with several others, were detached to attack and reduce him. In the first instance Asyrow was opposed by Purtab Sa in person, who was defeated, but fled into almost impenetrable woods.
120.5.7
The King's troops pursued the enemy as far as they could, and occupied some of the villages and small towns in that country, but were unable to besiege with success the fortress of Bustar, situated in the midst of thick forests. The army was accordingly encamped on an open spot, and Asyrow wrote to the capital for instructions. The King immediately directed his prime minister, Meer Mahomed Ameen, to march, at the head of all the disposable troops at the capital, and conquer the country of Bustar. Purtab Sa, unable to cope with the Mahomedans in the field, fled before them from place to place. Meer Mahomed Ameen proceeded into the interior until he arrived in the neighbourhood of Mulangoor and Mundlere, at which places he built strong forts; and having marched for a whole month he reached the capital of Bustar, to which place the arms of Islam had never before penetrated. Purtab Sa called together all the neighbouring rajas to resist the attack; but a sudden fall of heavy rain coming on spoiled great part of the powder and this event, together with the circumstances of a dearth of provisions and the distance of the Mahomedan army from the capital, combined to induce Meer Mahomed Ameen to retreat. This object was effected with great difficulty as far as the banks of a considerable river on the frontier, where he encamped : thence he wrote to court for fresh orders ; and the King directed Mullik Birlas, with five thousand musketeers and rocketers, to march to his assistance.
120.5.8
Shortly after this, on Saturday the 17th of Zeekad, A. H. 1020, Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah, having been taken suddenly ill, died after an indisposition of only two days. The Deccanies assembling at the palace commenced to attack the foreigners who were maintained about the King's person ; but the mob was dispersed by the kotwal of the city, who called the rioters away to the coronation of the young king. Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah died in the 49th year of his age, after reigning nearly thirty-four years. Among the public works executed by his orders are the following, in the vicinity of Hydrabad : — 1. The palace and gardens of the Ilahy Mahal. 2. The Mahomedy gardens. 3. The palace of Nubat-Ghat. 4. The palace of Kooh-toor. 5. The palace of the Nuddy Mahal. 6. The alms-house, entitled Lungur of the twelve Imams. 7. The Jooma musjid. 8. The college. 9. The private mosque. 10. The public hospital. Besides these were many other mosques, baths, and public seminaries. On reference to the accounts of Meer Aboo Talib, the King's private treasurer, it appears that seventy-eight lacks of hoons (2,800,000l. sterling) were expended in the construction of public works during the lifetime of Mahomed Koolly Kootb Shah. A sum of sixty thousand hoons, (24,000l.) was distributed annually to the poor; of which twelve thousand hoons (4800l.) were given in charity during the month of Mohurrum alone.