[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) › 208.4.1 # Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 208.4.1 History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 208.4.1 - **Language:** English ### [208.4.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.208.4.1) During this year, in consequence of an unusual drought, famine prevailed in Guzerat, of which many thousands of the inhabitants perished. On the 1st of Zeekad, the King commenced his preparations for marching against Champanere. This fortress situate on a high hill, was surrounded by strong works of solid masonry, and was in possession of Beny Ray, a chief of the Rajpoot tribe. It is so ancient that no tradition even exists of the time of its foundation. The princes of Champanere had possessed the government from time immemorial; and sixty thousand Rajpoots formed the army of the Raja, who were devoted to his person with an enthusiastic attachment. It is by no means, therefore, to be wondered at, that this fort had not yet been subdued, or that its rulers had never bent their necks to the Mahomedan yoke. When the Ray heard of the determination of Mahmood Shah, he began to lay waste the country contiguous to Rusoolabad, and put to death many of the faithful. On the King’s arrival at Baroda, repenting of his conduct, the Ray sent ambassadors to solicit forgiveness; but Mahmood Shah, enraged at the devastation committed on Rusoolabad, refused to listen to any accommodation. It was in the beginning of the year 888 before all the preparations were ready, that Taj Khan, Beiram Khan, Etibar Khan, and Azd-ool-Moolk, were sent in advance, and arrived at the foot of the hill on the 7th of Suffur, A. H. 888. - [Previous: 208.3.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.208.3.7) - [Next: 208.4.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.208.4.2) - [Up: 208.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.208.4) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.208.4.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.208.4.1) · Pramāṇa