[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) › 32 # Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 32: NASIR-OOD-DEEN MAHMOOD. History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 32 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [32.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.1) — 8 parts - [32.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.2) — 8 parts ### NASIR-OOD-DEEN MAHMOOD. ### [32.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.1.1) Life of the King previously to his accession — his love of literature — his remarkable character. — Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, the King's brother-in-law, appointed minister. — Bulbun's nephew, Sheer Khan, nominated governor of the north-west provinces, to keep in check the Mogul incursions. — The King transfers the whole weight of the government on his minister. — The King proceeds to Mooltan. — The minister attacks the Gukkurs, for having united with the Moguls in their incursions. — The Gukkurs defeated, and several thousands carried into slavery. — Several of the ancient nobles holding estates in Punjab on feudal tenure directed to reside at court, while their sons are left in possession of them. — The King returns to Dehly — proceeds to the Doab, lying between the Jumna and Ganges — reduces some Hindoo rajas — proceeds to Runtunbhore. — The King recalls his brother Jullal from Kunowj — the latter withdraws from the kingdom to Chittoor. — The King espouses the daughter of his minister Bulbun. — Eiz-ood-Deen Bulbun, another chief of the same tribe, is made governor of Oocha and Nagore — rebels — but is subsequently pardoned. — The King besieges Nurwur, which is taken. — Chundery and part of Malwa subdued and occupied by the King's troops. — Sheer Khan, the minister's nephew, governor of Punjab, marches to Ghizny, and expels the Moguls. — Oocha and Nagore made over to Sheer Khan. ### [32.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.1.2) — Imad-ood-Deen Zunjany intrigues against the minister Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, who retires to his estate at Hansy. — Hansy taken from him. — The ex-minister has recourse to arms — the nobles of the court support him — is restored to his office. — Imad-ood-Deen Zunjany, ex-minister, rebels — is defeated, and suffers death. — Kootloogh Khan in rebellion — is joined by the ruler of Sind — they are defeated by the minister. — The ruler of Sind retires to his government, where he dies. — Kootloogh Khan disappears. — The Rajpoots of Mewat in insurrection — are sometime upon the banks of the Sodra, from whence the Vizier proceeded towards the mountains of Jood, and the provinces on the Indus. These countries were reduced, and the King took revenge on the Gukkurs for their continual incursions, and for having led the Moguls through their country into Hindoostan. Deeming these offences too great to be pardoned, he carried several thousand Gukkurs of all ages, and of each sex, into captivity. It is related that some old officers who held Jageers in the provinces near the Indus, during the reigns of Kootb-ood-Deen Eibuk, and Shums-ood-Deen Altmish, had, for some time past, refused to supply their quotas of troops to the army, for the performance of which duty they held these estates. By the advice of the Vizier their titles were taken from them, and they were carried prisoners to Dehly; but the King conferred their estates on their sons or relations, on the former military tenure. ### [32.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.1.3) The countries of Punjab and Mooltan were by these means effectually reduced to subjection, and the King's authority was firmly restored. The conduct of Nasir-ood-Deen, on this occasion, reminds me of a story I have somewhere read, that when Alexander the Great was on his way to India, some of his old generals, unwilling to proceed farther, began to mutiny. Alexander was thrown into great perplexity, not knowing how to manage them. In this dilemma he sent a messenger to Greece, to consult his old master Aristotle, who, by reason of his age and infirmities, had not accompanied him. When the sage read the letter, he carried the messenger into his garden. where he gave orders to the gardener to root up all the old plants, and set young shoots in their places. Without saying more or writing any answer, he told the messenger to return in haste to his master. When the messenger arrived, he fell upon his face before the King, and told him he could obtain no reply. Alexander being somewhat surprised, enquired into the particulars of the interview; and on hearing the above relation, he smiled, and told the messenger he had brought him an excellent answer. He accordingly removed some of the old mutinous officers, and disgraced others, supplying their places with young men, who became more obedient, and thus re-established his authority in the army. ### [32.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.1.4) In the month of Shaban, 645, Nasir-ood-Deen Mahmood proceeded with his troops through the country which lies between the rivers Ganges and Jumna, and, after an obstinate siege, the fort of Bitunda yielded to his arms. He then continued his march towards Kurra, Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun commanding the vanguard. He was met at Kurra by the Rajas Dulky and Mulky, whom he defeated and plundered, taking many of their families prisoners. These two Rajas had seized all the country to the south of the Jumna, and had destroyed the King's garrisons from Malwa to Kurra. They resided at Kalunjur. After these exploits Nasir-ood-Deen returned to Dehly. ### [32.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.1.5) On the 6th of Shaban, A. H. 646, the Vizier marched with an army towards Runtunbhore and the mountains of Mewat, and, after chastising the refractory inhabitants of those countries, returned to Dehly. The Vizier's brother, Eibuk Kishly Khan, was now promoted to the office of Ameer Hajib, and Ayaz Ryhany was nominated Vakeel-oos-Sultanut. In the same year, the King's brother, Julal-ood-Deen, was recalled from his government of Kunowj to Dehly; but, apprehensive of a design against his life, he fled to the hills of Chittoor with all his adherents. The King pursued him; but finding, after eight months that he could not secure him, returned to Dehly. Nasir-ood-Deen, in the year 647, married the daughter of his Vizier, Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun. In the year following he marched an army towards Mooltan. On the banks of the Beea he was joined by the minister's nephew, Sheer Khan, governor of the northern provinces, with twenty thousand chosen horse, and continued his march to Mooltan, where he remained for some days, when, having placed Mullik Eiz-ood-deen Bulbun, senior, in the government of Nagore and Oocha, and settled some other affairs, he returned to his capital. ### [32.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.1.6) Eiz-ood-Deen Bulbun, in the year 649, throwing off his allegiance, raised a rebellion. This obliged Nasir-ood-Deen to march an army towards Nagore, where the rebel was put to flight; but, on his throwing himself on the King's mercy, he not only obtained his pardon, but was reinstated in his government. After returning from this expedition the King remained only a few days at Dehly, before he proceeded to the siege of Nurwur. The Raja, Jahir Dew, having lately constructed the fort on the summit of a rock, prepared to defend it to the last. He accordingly marched out to oppose the Mahomedans with five thousand horse, and two hundred thousand foot. This immense host being defeated with great slaughter, the place was invested, and reduced to surrender, after a few months' siege. Thence the King marched to Chundery and Malwa, having subdued which countries, and having appointed an officer to govern them, he returned to Dehly. The Vizier gained, in this expedition, great reputation for his conduct and personal valour. ### [32.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.1.7) In the mean time, Sheer Khan, viceroy of Lahore and Mooltan, the most celebrated man of his age, for his wisdom, valour, and every princely quality, had raised and disciplined a body of horse, with which he drove the Moguls out of Ghizny, and annexed it once more to the kingdom of Dehly. He also caused coin to be struck in the name of Nasir-ood-Deen, and proclaimed him King through all the provinces in that quarter. In consideration of these services, the province of Oocha was added to his government, which, contrary to expectation, was quietly delivered up by Eiz-ood-Deen Bulbun, senior, who returned to Dehly, and received the Jageer of Budaoon. In the year 650, Nasir-ood-Deen marched by the route of Lahore to Mooltan, when he was joined by the governor of Budaoon, and by Kootloogh Khan, with an army from Sehwan. In the beginning of the year 651, Imad-ood-Deen Zunjany, who owed his situation entirely to the interest of the Vizier, envying the fame and influence of that great man, took every private opportunity to traduce his benefactor to the King. The monarch's esteem for the Vizier began visibly to decline; and he was even prevailed on, at last, to dismiss him from office, conferring on him, in lieu of it, the small estate of Hansy, for his subsistence, where his enemy sought an opportunity to take his life. ### [32.1.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.1.8) Imad-ood-Deen, the minister's successful rival, now became absolute in the King's favour, and exercised his authority in ejecting from their offices and government all those who owed their situations to the former Vizier. Kibuk Kishly Khan was sent to Kurra Maunukpoor, and Ein-ool-Moolk Mahomed, the son of the late Nizam-ool-Moolk Jooneidy, was appointed Vizier-kool, or Regent, at Dehly, till the King's arrival. When Imad-ood-Deen returned he disturbed the public peace, and overthrew the ancient laws of the state. Meanwhile the King was compelled to take the field, in the direction of the Beea, for Sheer Khan had, unfortunately, been lately defeated by a body of insurgents from Sind, and had lost several forts in Mooltan. This furnished the favourite with an opportunity of disgracing him in the eyes of the King, who removed him from his government, which he conferred on Arslan Khan. The governor of Keituhl and Kohram having been assassinated by the zemindars, the King was induced to march his army to that quarter. ### [32.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.2.1) The administration of Imad-ood-Deen Zunjany now became so unpopular, that the governors of the following provinces, viz. Kurra, Manukpoor, Oude, Budaoon, Surhind, Sumana, Kohram, Lahore, Sewalik, and Nagore, entered into a confederacy, and deputed persons to wait on Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, the former vizier, declaring that the welfare of the country was at stake, and that the oppression and arrogance of Imad-ood-Deen Zunjany was intolerable. They entreated him, therefore, to proceed to Dehly, and assume the reins of government, as formerly. Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun having consented, the nobles united their forces and met on the same day, at Kohram. ### [32.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.2.2) Nasir-ood-Deen and his minister Imad-ood-Deen, on gaining this intelligence, marched to disperse the insurgents; but as the royal army advanced to Hansy, Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, and the nobles, sent an address to the King, to the following purpose: "That they were loyal subjects, and were satisfied to kiss the foot of his throne, provided he consented to banish Imad ood-Deen Zunjany from his presence." The King found himself under the necessity of either acceding to this request, or of losing his kingdom, so that having dismissed the obnoxious favourite, and sent him to Budaoon, the chiefs presented their offerings, and were gratified by honorary dresses. Mullik Julal-ood-Deen Khany, of the Toorky tribe of Khwaja-Tash, was appointed to command at Lahore, and Sheer Khan was reinstated in his former government, Nasir-ood-Deen then returned peaceably to Dehly, and evinced great joy at seeing his old vizier, who, by his mild administration, had gained the hearts of his subjects. ### [32.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.2.3) In the year 653, the King had some personal quarrel with his mother, Mulka Jehan, who, after the death of Shums-ood-Deen Altmish, had married Seif-ood-Deen Kootloogh Khan, a noble of the court. Nasir-ood-Deen, in order to remove his mother from Dehly, conferred on her husband the government of Oude, and shortly after removed him to Beiraich. Kootloogh Khan, dissatisfied with this arrangement, prepared for rebellion, and being joined by the ex-minister, Imad-ood-Deen Zunjany, and Eibuk Kishly Khan, revolted. The Vizier marched against them, and having defeated the insurgents, the late minister, Imad-ood-Deen Zunjany, was taken prisoner, and put to death; but Seif-ood-Deen Kootloogh Khan effected his escape, and fled to Chittoor. The Vizier destroyed the fort in which Kootloogh Khan held out, but, being unable to secure his person, returned to Dehly. ### [32.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.2.4) Depal, the Raja of Sutnoor, in the year 655, raised an army in support of Kootloogh Khan, who was joined by troops from Sind, whose governor also engaged in the confederacy. The united forces encamping near Kohram, assumed a very formidable appearance. The Vizier again took the field, but discovered a treasonable correspondence in his camp; wherein some of his officers had concerted a plan with a faction in the city to deliver up Dehly to the insurgents in his absence. Letters to this effect being intercepted by the minister, instant notice of the circumstance was given to the King in Dehly, who caused the conspirators in the city to be secured. Meanwhile, the confederates, according to the projected plan, marched with a body of chosen cavalry 200 miles in two days, and advanced to the city gates, where they expected to meet their friends; but finding themselves disappointed, and the King's troops marching against them, they entirely dispersed. The chief of Sind retired to his government, but Kootloogh Khan was never again heard of. Towards the latter end of this year, a Mogul army having crossed the Indus, Nasir-ood-Deen marched to oppose them; but the Moguls retired at his approach, and he returned to his capital, confiding the province of Punjab to the minister's nephew, Sheer Khan, while Mullik Julal-ood-Deen Khany was sent to Bengal. ### [32.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.2.5) In the year 656, Nasir-ood-Deen Mahmood marched towards Kurra Manukpoor, to chastise Arslan Khan and Kullich Khan, who had neglected to bring their forces into the field in obedience to his orders, when he marched the year before to Punjab. These officers, however, found means not only to appease the King's resentment, but Arslan Khan had even influence sufficient to procure the government of Bengal, so lately conferred on Mullik Julal-ood-Deen Khany; while the latter obtained, in lieu, some districts at the foot of the mountains. Eibuk Kishly Khan, the Vizier's brother, in the year 657, was appointed to the government of Kole Jalesur, Gualiar, and Byana. Nothing else remarkable happened during this year but the death of the rebellious governor of Sind. The Vizier, by the King's command, led next year an army into the mountainous country of Sewalik, and also towards Runtunbhore, where the rajas and rajpoots of Mewat had begun to create disturbances; and having collected a numerous body of horse and foot, plundered and burnt the country. At the Vizier's approach, they retired into strong posts among the mountains, where, being attacked and routed, the Vizier continued to ravage their country four months with fire and sword. The rajpoots thus rendered desperate, collected all their forces, and rushed down from the mountains on the Mahomedans. The Vizier, who saw the storm descending, had scarcely time to make his arrangements for receiving them. ### [32.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.2.6) The attack was violent and terrible, and it was not without much difficulty that the Vizier kept his men together; but as the assaults of the enemy became more feeble towards mid-day (till which time the Mahomedans had acted only on the defensive), the Vizier caused his troops to attack in their turn, and before evening he succeeded in driving the enemy, with great slaughter, back to the hills. The loss of the Mahomedans in this action was considerable, and many brave officers were killed. Of the Hindoos above 10,000 fell, and 200 of their chiefs were made prisoners. besides a great number of common soldiers. The Vizier having by this action relieved the fort of Runtunbhore, which had been besieged for some months, returned victorious to Dehly. The captive chiefs were ordered to be put to death, and their followers condemned to perpetual slavery. In the month of Rubbee-ool-Awul of this year an ambassador arrived at Dehly, on the part of Hoolakoo, the grandson of Chungiz Khan, King of Persia. The Vizier went out to meet him in state, with a train of 50,000 foreign horse, then in the service of the Dehly government, 2000 elephants, and 3000 carriages of fire-works. Having exhibited some feats of horsemanship in sham fights, and having made a very splendid display before the ambassador, the latter was conducted in state through the city direct to the palace. There the court was arranged in the most gorgeous and magnificent style. ### [32.2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.2.7) All the nobles, and public officers of state, the Judges, the Moollas, and the great men of the city were present, besides twenty-five princes of Irak-Ajum, Khorassan, and Mawur-ool-Nehr, with their retinues, who had sought protection at Dehly from the armies of Chungiz Khan, which some time before had overrun most part of Asia. Many tributary Indian princes, also, were there, and stood next to the throne. Nasir-ood-Deen, contrary to the custom of other princes, kept no concubines. He had but one wife, whom he obliged to do every homely part of housewifery. When she complained, one day, that she had burnt her fingers in baking his bread, and desired he would allow her a maid to assist her, he rejected her request, saying, that he was only a trustee for the state, and was determined not to burden it with needless expenses. He therefore exhorted her to persevere in her duty with patience, and God would reward her on the day of judgment. As the Emperor of India never eats in public, the table of Nasir-ood-Deen was rather that of a hermit than suitable to a great king; and after his accession to the throne he continued the whimsical habit of purchasing his food from the efforts of his penmanship. ### [32.2.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32.2.8) One day as a nobleman was inspecting a Koran of the King's writing before him, he pointed out the word \_Fih\_, which was written twice over: the King looking at it, smiled, and drew a circle round it. But when the critic was gone, he began to erase the circle, and restore the word. This being observed by one of his old attendants, he begged to know his Majesty's reason for so doing; to which he replied, that he knew the word was originally right, but he thought it better to erase it from a paper, than touch the heart of a poor man by bringing him to shame. In the year 663, the King fell sick, and having lingered some months of the disease, he expired on the 11th Jumad-ool-Awul, 664, after a reign of twenty years and upwards. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.32) · Pramāṇa