[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) › 33 # Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 33: GHEIAS-OOD-DEEN BULBUN. History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 33 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [33.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.1) — 8 parts - [33.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.2) — 8 parts - [33.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3) — 10 parts - [33.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.4) — 6 parts ### GHEIAS-OOD-DEEN BULBUN. ### [33.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.1.1) His early life and character — his conduct on his accession to the throne — his repugnance to the employment of men of low origin — his court the resort of many of the princes and nobles expelled by Chungiz Khan and the Moguls from their own dominions — his encouragement of learned men. — Description of his court and equipage. — Singular instance of stern justice. — Makes war on the Mewatties. — 100,000 Mewatties put to death. — The army employed to fell the forests of Mewat, which become good arable lands. — The King marches an army to Lahore, and repairs the city walls. — Settles pensions on the old officers of the army. — The King's nephew, Sheer Khan, dies — is buried in a magnificent tomb at Bhutnere. — Moguls invade the Punjab. — The King's eldest son Mahomed opposes and defeats them — is made governor of Mooltan. — Toghrul Khan, ruler of Bengal, revolts. — An army is sent against him, which is defeated, and the general slain. — The King proceeds in person to quell the revolt. — Toghrul flies to Orissa — is pursued by the King's army, and slain. — The King returns to Dehly, after an absence of three years. — The Prince Mahomed comes to the capital — his father's advice to him. — Moguls invade Punjab. — The Prince marches against them — defeats them, but is himself killed in the action — his romantic gallantry — his character. — The King's grief for the loss of his son. — Appoints the Prince's son, Kei Khoosrow, to succeed him in Mooltan. ### [33.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.1.2) — The King's health gradually declines. — Sends for his son Kurra Khan, governor of Bengal, who comes, but again quits the capital. — The King makes his will in favour of his grandson Kei Khoosrow, governor of Mooltan. — Death of Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun. — Mullik Fukhr-ood-Deen Kotwal opposes the succession of Kei Khoosrow, but raises Kei Kobad, the son of Kurra Khan, to the throne. Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun was a prince of just principles, and endowed with many great and amiable qualities. He was a Toork of Kurra Khutta, and of the tribe of Albery. In his youth he was taken by the Moguls, that conquered his country, and sold him to a merchant, who conveyed him to Bagdad. His father was a chief of great power, and commanded 10,000 horse in the war in which our young hero was carried off. He was bought at Bagdad, in the year 630, by Khwaja Jumal-ood-Deen, of Bussora, a person famed for his piety and learning. His patron, having ascertained that he was of the same tribe as Shums-ood-Deen Altmish, conveyed him to Dehly, and, presenting him to that monarch, was rewarded so handsomely, that he returned with an independent fortune to Bagdad. ### [33.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.1.3) Shums-ood-Deen Altmish employed him first in the superintendence of his falconry, in which he was very skilful. He rose by degrees from that station, by the influence of his brother Eibuk Kishly Khan, (who happened to be then in great favour at the court of Dehly,) till he became a noble. In the reign of Rookn-ood-Deen Feroze he commanded in Punjab, when, on hearing that his enemies at court had exasperated the King against him, he refused to obey the royal mandate to return, and long maintained independent possession of the province. Having subsequently joined the confederate chiefs who marched to Dehly to depose Sooltana Ruzeea Begum, he was taken prisoner, and remained some time in confinement; but, effecting his escape, he joined the party of Beiram against the Queen. During the reign of Beiram he was particularly befriended by Budr-ood-Deen, the Ameer Hajib, through whose influence he procured the government of Hansy and Rewary, in which office he distinguished himself in several actions against the inhabitants of Mewat. ### [33.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.1.4) During the reign of Alla-ood-Deen Musaood, in the year 642, he was promoted to the office of Ameer Hajib, and in the late reign of Nasir-ood-Deen Mahmood he was raised to the vizarut, which high office he filled in such a manner as to relieve the King from all anxiety and embarrassment, and on the death of his sovereign, who was also his brother-in-law, he ascended the throne not only without opposition, but even with the general consent of the nobility and people. In the reign of Shums-ood-Deen Altmish, forty of his Toorky slaves, who were in great favour, entered into a solemn covenant to support each other, and on the King's death to divide the empire among themselves. Jealousies and dissensions afterwards arose among them, and prevented this project from being carried into execution. Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun was of this number, and as several of them had succeeded to great power in the kingdom, the first act of his reign was to rid himself of all who remained. Among these was his own nephew, the celebrated Sheer Khan. ### [33.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.1.5) The death of these chiefs removed all apprehension from his mind, and he afterwards became so renowned for his justice and the wisdom of his administration, that his alliance was courted by the kings of Persia and Tartary. He took particular care that none but men of merit and family should be admitted to any public office, and for this purpose he endeavoured to make himself acquainted with the talents and connections of every person about his court. While, on the one hand, he was liberal in rewarding merit, on the other, he was no less rigid in punishing vice; for whoever misbehaved in his station was certain of being immediately disgraced. He made it a rule never to place any Hindoo in a situation of trust or power, lest that race should employ its delegated authority to the destruction of the Mahomedans. During a reign of 22 years he scrupulously excluded men of low origin from his court; and being one day told that one Fukhroo, an old servant of the state, who had acquired a vast fortune by usury and by monopolies in the bazaar, would present him with some laks of rupees if he would honour him with one word from the throne, he rejected the proposal with disdain, and said, — "What must his subjects think of a king who should condescend to hold discourse with such a creature?" ### [33.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.1.6) In the history of those times compiled from the Tufkat Nasiry and other works, besides that of Ein-ood-Deen Beejapoory, it is stated, that Gheiasood-Deen Bulbun used to affirm that one of the greatest sources of the pride of his reign was, that "upwards of fifteen of the unfortunate sovereigns from Toorkistan, Mawur-ool-Nehr, Khoraasan, Irak, Ajum, Azoorbaizan, Iran, and Room, who had been driven from their countries by the arms of Chungiz Khan, were enabled to find an honourable asylum at his court at Dehly." Princely allowances and palaces were assigned to each, and, on public occasions, they ranged themselves before the throne according to their rank; all standing on the right and left, except two princes of the race of the Caliphs, who were permitted to sit on either side of the musnud. The parts of the town in which the royal emigrants resided took their names from the princes who occupied them, and were denominated Mohullas; such as The Mohulla Abassy. The Mohulla Roomy. — Sunjurry. — Sunkury. — Khwaruzm Shahy. — Yemny. — Deylimy. — Moosury. — Alny. — Samar-Kundy. — Atabuky. — Kashghury. — Ghoory. — Khuttay. — Chungizy. ### [33.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.1.7) In the retinue of those princes were some of the most illustrious men of learning whom Asia at that time produced. The court of India, therefore, in the days of Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, was esteemed the most polite and magnificent in the world. A society of learned men assembled frequently at the house of the prince, commonly known by the name of Khan Shaheed, at which the Ameer Khoosrow of Dehly, the poet, presided. Another society of musicians, dancers, actors, and story-tellers, frequently met at the house of the King's second son, Kurra Khan Bagera, who delighted in such amusements. The omras followed the example of their superiors, so that various societies were formed in every quarter of the city, and the King's taste for splendour in his palaces, equipages, and liveries, was imitated by the courtiers. ### [33.1.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.1.8) So imposing were the ceremonies of introduction to the royal presence, that none could approach the throne without a mixture of awe and admiration. Nor was Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun less splendid in his processions. His state elephants were covered with purple and gold trappings. His horse-guards, consisting of a thousand Tartars, appeared in glittering armour, mounted on the finest steeds of Persia and Arabia, with silver bits, and housings of rich embroidery. Five hundred chosen foot, in rich liveries, with drawn swords, preceded him, proclaiming his approach, and clearing the way. His nobles followed according to their rank, with their various equipages and attendants. The Nowroze and other festivals, and the anniversary of his own birth, were held with much pomp. ### [33.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.2.1) As an instance of his inflexible justice, it is related that Mullik Feiz Shirwany, the son of the keeper of the royal wardrobe, an officer of rank, who maintained a guard of 1000 horsemen, and was governor of the province of Budaoon, put to death one of his personal dependents, with his own hand, while in a state of drunkenness. After some time, Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun happened to go in person to Budaoon, when the widow of the deceased came to complain of the injury. The governor, Mullik Feiz, was sent for, and tried, and was beaten to death in the presence of the whole court, after which his body was hung over the gate of the town. Another instance is also mentioned of one Hybut Khan, an officer of the household troops, who held the government of Oude, who also put a person to death while in a state of intoxication. On the complaint coming before the King, and the fact being proved, the governor received a public whipping of 500 lashes, and was given over as a slave to the widow of the deceased ; nor did he procure his release till he had paid 20,000 silver tunkas for his ransom, after which he kept his house and soon died. Gheias-ood-Deen used to tell his children, that Shums-ood-Deen Altmish said, in his presence, that he heard Syed Moobaruk Ghizny twice repeat to Mahomed Ghoory, that "kings were too apt to conduct themselves as if they were gods upon earth, contrary to the ordinances of prophets and of religion ; ### [33.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.2.2) " but, said this holy man, a king can only be saved "from perdition by the exercise of four duties, and if there be a deficiency in any one of these, no mortal will be subject to more rigid scrutiny, or meet with less mercy on the day of judgment." These duties are, 1st, "To assume dignity, and exercise power at proper seasons, and allow nothing to induce him to forget the majesty of God, or the happiness of his subjects. 2dly, Not to permit immorality and indecency to be openly practised within his realm, without imposing heavy fines, or some other punishment. 3dly, To make selections from men of character for the offices of government, and not to permit men of notoriously vicious habits to find an asylum within his realm. 4thly, To be patient and just in the administration of justice. These are the rules," said this Prince, "which I have adopted for my own conduct; they are those on which I hope my successor will also act; and I warn you, that, although you are my own children, you will meet with no consideration on that account, if you infringe the laws of the empire." ### [33.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.2.3) Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, in his youth, was addicted to the use of wine; but, on his accession to the throne, he became a great enemy to this luxury, prohibiting the use and manufacture of fermented liquors throughout his dominions under the severest penalties. So rigid was he in enforcing his authority, that, for the disobedience of one man, he would order a force to the remotest parts of the empire, if necessary, to bring him to punishment. In cases of insurrection or rebellion, he was not satisfied, as had formerly been the custom, to chastise the leaders, but he extended the capital punishment of high treason to the meanest of their vassals and adherents. This severity rendered it necessary for the Soobas to have the King's mandate for every military expedition or act of hostility which they undertook. That his army might be kept in constant exercise, he led them out twice every week to hunt for forty or fifty miles round the city, and established laws for the preservation of the game. ### [33.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.2.4) In the year 664, he was advised by his council to undertake an expedition to reduce the kingdoms of Guzerat and Malwa, which had been annexed to the empire by Kootb-ood-Deen Eibuk, but had since shaken off the Mahomedan yoke. To this measure he by no means assented, saying, that the Mogul Tartars were become so powerful in the north, having conquered all the Mussulman Princes, that he thought it wiser to secure what he possessed, than leave his country unprotected from foreign invasion. In this same year, Mahomed Tatar Khan, the son of Arslan Khan, who during the late reign had neglected to remit the annual revenue, sent 63 elephants, and other presents, as a peace-offering from his government of Luknowty, which were graciously received; and from that day the supremacy of Dehly was re-established. In the course of this year, an army was ordered to extirpate a plundering banditti of Mewatties, who had occupied an extensive tract about eighty miles south-east of the capital, towards the hills, from whence they used, in former reigns, to make incursions even to the gates of Dehly. It is said, that in this expedition above 100,000 Mewatties were put to the sword; and the army, being supplied with hatchets and other implements, cleared away the woods for the circumference of 100 miles. The tract thus cleared afterwards proved excellent arable land, and became well cultivated. ### [33.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.2.5) In the year 665, Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun sent an army into the Doab (the tract lying between the Ganges and Jumna), to suppress some insurrections. The King himself soon after marched in person towards Cumpila, Puttialy, and Bhojpoor, whose inhabitants interrupted the intercourse between Dehly and Bengal, by the route of Joonpoor and Benares. He put some thousands of them to death, and caused forts to be built, in which he placed Moslem garrisons to quell any future disturbance. It was at this time, also, he repaired the fort of Julaly, and then returned to Dehly. Soon after his arrival he received intelligence of an insurrection in Budaoon and Kuttehr, whither he marched with 500 select cavalry, and put to death the insurgents, with the exception of women and children. On this occasion he so completely eradicated that band of plunderers, that neither in Amroha, Budaoon, or Sumbul, were any murders or robberies committed till the period of Julal-ood-Deen Feroze. ### [33.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.2.6) Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, after these transactions marched his army towards the mountains of Jood, where he employed them for the space of two years in taking forts, and reducing the inhabitants to obedience. This country was famous for its breed of horses, many thousands of which were brought back to Dehly. Wherever the King marched, the Soobas, Zemindars, Fojdars, and magistrates of the provinces, met him on their own frontiers, with their offerings, which were afterwards distributed among the poor. Some time after this, the King made a journey to Lahore, which city, having greatly suffered from the Moguls, he ordered to be put in a proper state of defence ; and, after erecting some public buildings, returned to Dehly. ### [33.2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.2.7) About this period Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun was told by one of his omras, that a number of veterans who had served in the preceding reigns, were now worn out, and incapable of further duty. The King ordered a list of them to be made, and settled half-pay upon them for life, exonerating them from active employ. The old men, however, being dissatisfied with this provision, deputed some of their number to go to Fukhr-ood-Deen Kotwal of Dehly with presents, to induce him to represent their case to the King. This venerable magistrate, being in great favour, rejected the presents, but told them he would use his endeavour to get their full pay continued to them. He accordingly went next day to court, and, while standing in the presence, put on a face of dejection, which being observed, the King enquired the cause. The old man replied, " I was just thinking, that if, in the pre- "sence of God, all the old men were rejected, what would become of me." The King was struck with the reproof, and after a short and pensive silence, ordered the usual full pay to be continued to the veterans. ### [33.2.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.2.8) In the fourth year of this reign, the King's nephew, Sheer Khan, who had ruled the districts of Lahore, Mooltan, Bhukkur, Sirhind, Depalpoor, Dibalpoor, and all the districts open to the Mogul incursions, died, and was buried at Bhutnere. Some say he was poisoned by the King's order. He was entombed at Bhutnere in an extensive mausoleum which he had there constructed for the purpose. On the demise of Sheer Khan, Soonam and Samana were granted to Ameer Teimoor Khan, and the other countries under his administration were divided among other officers of the court. The Moguls encouraged by the death of Sheer Khan, recommenced their depredations in those provinces. The mutual jealousies and dissensions among the new and numerous governors were favourable to their incursions; and the King was obliged to appoint his eldest son, the Prince Mahomed, (at that time bearing the title of Taj-ool-Moolk, and afterwards known by the name of "the Martyr,") viceroy of the frontier provinces. At this time also he was publicly proclaimed the King's successor. ### [33.3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3.1) The Prince, accordingly, marched with a fine army, attended by some of the best generals in the service. He was a youth of promising talents, and evinced great taste in literature. With his own hand he made a choice collection of poetry, extracted from the most celebrated authors. This work contained twenty thousand couplets, which were esteemed the most select specimens of good taste then extant Among the learned men at the Prince's court were Ameer Khoosrow and Khwaja Hussun. These, with many more of his literary companions, accompanied him on this expedition to Lahore. ### [33.3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3.2) He was visited at Lahore by Sheikh Oothman Toormoozy, the most learned man of that age, but no presents or entreaties could prevail on him to remain out of his own country; so that, after a short stay, he returned to Tooran. We are told, that as he was one day reading one of his poems in Arabic before the Prince, all the poets who were present were transported with it, and the Prince himself shed tears. The fame of the celebrated Sheikh Sady, of Shiraz, reached the ears of the Prince Mahomed, who invited him twice to his court at Mooltan; but he excused himself on account of his age, and it was not without much importunity he was induced even to accept some presents. Sady, in return, sent to the Prince a copy of his works, and commended in high terms the abilities of Ameer Khoosrow, the Prince's favourite, and the president of his learned society. The Prince, every year, made a journey to see his father at Dehly, to whom he always behaved with the utmost filial affection and duty. ### [33.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3.3) To his younger son, Kurra Khan, entitled Nasirood-Deen, the King made over Sumana and Soonam, as an estate. On his departure, the King advised him to recruit and discipline an army, to watch the movements of the Moguls; and warned him that, if ever he heard of his giving way to wine and his former debaucheries, he would certainly take away his estates, and never put confidence in him again. The Prince, adopting the advice of his father, entirely reformed his manners, and gave proofs that, though his mind had taken a wrong bias in his youth, he possessed great abilities. A place of rendezvous on the river Beea, near Lahore, was appointed, in case of invasion from the north-west, where the two princes were to join the imperial army from Dehly. Every thing seemed now in perfect security throughout the empire, when Toghrul Khan, who was entrusted with the government of Bengal, revolted. In the year 678, this bold and enterprising chief led an army against the raja of Jajnuggur, and others in that neighbourhood, whom he defeated, carrying off some hundreds of elephants, and much wealth. Of this spoil he made no report to the King, who at the time laboured under a fit of severe sickness, so that the news of his death was spread abroad. This intelligence having reached the ears of Toghrul, he assumed the scarlet canopy, with other royal insignia, and declared himself King of Bengal. Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, hearing of this, wrote him an order to return immediately to his alleglance; ### [33.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3.4) which producing no effect, he appointed Aluptugeen, entitled Ameer Khan (and surnamed the Hairy), then governor of Oude, to the government of Bengal. He also sent Teimoor Khan Shumsy, Mullik Taj-ood-Deen, and Jumal-ood-Deen Kandahary, and other generals to his assistance. Aluptugeen, joined by this force, crossed the Sirjoo, now called the Gagra, and proceeded towards Bengal, whence Toghrul Khan advanced to oppose him. Toghrul Khan employed his money so well among the troops of Aluptugeen, that he gained over many of the Toorky chiefs, and attacking the royalists, gave them a total overthrow. The King, hearing this news, bit his own flesh with vexation. He ordered Aluptugeen to be hanged at the gate of Oude, and despatched Mullik Tirmuny Toork with another army against the rebel. Nor was the fate of Mullik Tirmuny more fortunate than that of his predecessor: he was also defeated, and lost all his baggage and the public treasure. ### [33.3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3.5) The King now prepared to take the field in person, and gave orders to collect a fleet of boats, with all expedition, to carry his baggage down the river. In the mean time, under pretence of going on a hunting party, he went to Soonam and Samana, the province of his younger son, whom he brought with his army to Dehly, leaving Mullik Fukhr-ood-Deen Kotwal in charge of the government during his own absence. The King now crossed the Ganges without waiting for the dry season, and proceeded to Bengal by forced marches; but having met with much delay on account of the roads and the numerous rivers, Toghrul Khan had time to collect a large army. With all his elephants, treasure, and effects, he evacuated Bengal, and took the route of Jajnuggur, with intention to remain there till the King should return to his capital. Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun having reached Luknowty, remained there only a few days. He appointed Hissam-ood-Deen Vakeel (grandfather of the author of the history of Feroze Shah), governor of the province, and proceeded himself with his army towards Jajnuggur. At Soonargam, the zemindar of that place joined him, and promised to guard the river against Toghrul Khan, if he should endeavour to escape that way. Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun continued his march with great expedition, but could gain no intelligence of the enemy. He therefore ordered Mullik Yar Beg Birlass, with 1000 chosen horse, to advance twenty miles in front of the army, to gain information; ### [33.3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3.6) but in spite of all enquiry, no satisfactory accounts could for several days be obtained. One day, however, the brother of Mullik Yar Beg, Mullik Mookudur, afterwards known by the name of Toghrul Koosh (the slayer of Toghrul), governor of Kole, being out with 40 horse on a reconnoitring party, saw some bullocks with pack-saddles, and having seized the drivers, made enquiries about the enemy. They obstinately pretended ignorance; but the head of one of them being struck off, the rest fell on their faces, and confessed that they had just left his camp, which was about four miles farther on. Mullik Mookudur sent the drivers to Mullik Yar Beg's camp, that he might examine them in person. and proceeded himself to reconnoitre the enemy. He saw, from a rising ground, the whole encampment extending over a plain, with the elephants and cavalry picketed, and every thing in apparent security. Having fixed his eye upon Toghrul's tents, which were pitched in the centre of the army, he determined to execute one of the boldest enterprizes perhaps ever attempted. He advanced at full speed, with only forty men into the camp, which he was permitted to enter, being taken for one of their own parties. He continued his course direct to the head-quarters, and then ordering his men to draw their swords, rushed into the great tent of audience, which was crowded with men of distinction, and cut down all those who attempted to oppose them, crying "Victory to Sooltan Bulbun." ### [33.3.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3.7) Toghrul Khan, who imagined he was surprized by the royal army, started from his throne in confusion, and cut his way through the tent to the rear. He mounted a horse without a saddle, and the cry having now spread through the camp, he was confirmed in his fears, and fled towards the river, with an intention of crossing and making his escape to Jajnuggur. Mullik Mookudur, having got sight of him as he fled, pursued him, and shot him with an arrow while in the act of swimming the stream. Toghrul fell from his horse, and Mullik Mookudur, plunging into the water, dragged him out by the hair, and cut off his head. At that very instant, seeing some of the enemy coming towards him, he hid the head in the sand, and sending the body into the stream, began to bathe himself in the river. The party questioned him about their king, and then went off without suspicion. ### [33.3.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3.8) Mullik Mookudur's party, in the mean time, having cut off every body they found in the royal tents, dispersed themselves in such a manner among the enemy, who were now in the utmost confusion, that most of them escaped in the crowd. Toghrul Khan being no where to be found, and the panic having run through the whole army, the flight became general, and each thought only of his personal safety. Those of the forty heroes who survived remained in the rear, till the enemy were quite gone off the field. They then came back, and chanced to meet Mullik Mookudur, with whom they returned to Mullik Yar Beg's camp, who instantly sent the head of Toghrul Khan to the King. The King arrived the next day with the main army. He called to him the two gallant brothers, and commanded the youngest to relate the particulars of the exploit. He heard it with surprise, but instead of praising him, as he expected, he told him that his rashness was inconsistent with a due regard to prudence, and lectured much more to the same purpose. In a few days, however, he conferred high titles and honours on both brothers. Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, finding the enemy had dispersed, returned to Bengal, and put to death every member of the rebel's family. He did not even spare his innocent women and children; and he carried his rigour so far as to order the execution of a hundred holy mendicants, together with their chief Kullunder. ### [33.3.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3.9) This man was in high favour with the rebel Toghrul, who had shortly before presented him with three maunds of gold to support his sacred fraternity. Gheias-ood-Deen having appointed his son, Kurra Khan, King of Bengal, bestowed on him the ensigns of royalty, and the spoils of Toghrul Khan, except the elephants and treasure, with which he himself returned to Dehly. The King was absent on this expedition altogether three years. After his return, he conferred dignities upon Fukhr-ood-Deen Kotwal, who had ruled Dehly with great wisdom during his absence. He then visited the learned men at their own houses, made them rich presents, and, at their instigation, published an act of grace to all insolvent public debtors who were in confinement, striking off, at the same time, all old balances of revenues due to the crown. Notwithstanding this appearance of humanity, either the policy or natural cruelty of his disposition rendered him unmerciful to all rebels. He ordered posts to be erected in the market-place for the execution of the prisoners taken in the late expedition; and it was with the utmost difficulty that the kazies, mufties, and learned men, proceeding in a body to petition, obtained their pardon. The Prince Mahomed, having heard of his father's arrival, came from Mooltan to Dehly to visit him, and was received with the greatest affection. ### [33.3.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.3.10) He had scarcely been at the capital three months, during which time his father and he were inseparable, when news arrived that the Moguls had invaded Mooltan. The Prince hastened his departure to oppose them; but before he took leave, his father called him into a private apartment, and addressed him in the following manner. He told him, "that he himself had spent a long life in the administration and government of kingdoms; that by study and experience he had acquired some knowledge which might be of service to his son after his death, which, in the course of nature, must now soon happen." ### [33.4.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.4.1) "When you shall ascend the throne," said he, "consider yourself as the deputy of God. Have a just sense of the importance of your charge. Permit not any meanness of behaviour in yourself to sully the lustre of your station, nor let avaricious and low-minded men share your esteem, or bear any part in your administration. "Let your passions be governed by reason, and beware of giving way to anger. Anger is dangerous in all men, but in kings it is the instrument of death. "Let the public treasure be expended in the service of the state with that prudent economy, yet benevolent liberality, which reason will dictate to a mind like yours, ever intent on doing good. "Let the worship of God be inculcated by your example, and never permit vice and infidelity to go unpunished. "Be ever attentive to the business of the state, that you may avoid being imposed on by designing ministers. Make it your duty to see that they execute your commands without the least deviation or neglect, for it is through them you must govern your people. Let your judges and magistrates be men of capacity, religion, and virtue, that the light of justice may illuminate your realms. Let no levity on your part, either in public or private, detract from that important majesty which exalts the character of a king; and let every thing around you be so regulated as to inspire that reverence and awe which will render your person sacred, and contribute to enforce respect to your commands. ### [33.4.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.4.2) Spare no pains to discover men of genius, learning, and courage. You must cherish them by kindness and munificence, that they may prove the soul of your councils, and the instruments of your authority. Throw not down a great man to the ground for a small crime, nor yet entirely overlook his offence. Raise not a low man too hastily to a high station, lest he forget himself, and be an eye-sore to men of superior merit. Never attempt any thing, unless through necessity, but what you are sure to accomplish; and having once determined upon a measure, let your perseverance be never shaken, nor your mind be ever averted from the object. For it is "better for a king to be obstinate, than pusillanimous and vacillating; as in the first case he may chance to be right, in the latter he is sure to be wrong. Nothing more certainly in- "dicates the weakness of a prince than a wavering "mind." ### [33.4.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.4.3) Having ended his instructions he embraced his son tenderly, and parted with him in tears. The Prince immediately marched against the enemy, and having expelled, with great slaughter, the Moguls who had invaded his province, recovered all the territories of which they had possessed themselves in his absence. The throne of Persia was at this time filled by Arghoon Khan, the son of Eibuk Khan, and grandson of Hoolakoo Khan, who had conquered that empire about the year 1258. Teimoor Khan, of the family of Chungiz Khan, a prince of great renown, ruled the eastern provinces of Persia from Khorassan to the Indus, and at this time invaded Hindoostan with twenty thousand chosen horse, to revenge the death of the Moguls who had been slain during the former year. Having ravaged the country about Depalpoor and Lahore, he directed his march towards Mooltan. The Prince Mahomed, then in Mooltan, hearing of his designs, hastened to the banks of the river of Lahore, which runs through part of the Mooltan province, and prepared to oppose him. When Teimoor Khan advanced to the river, he saw the Hindoostan army on the opposite bank; but the Prince, desirous of engaging so great a chief on equal terms, permitted Teimoor Khan to pass it unmolested. ### [33.4.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.4.4) Both armies drew up in order of battle, and attacked each other with great spirit for the space of three hours, during which time both commanders were eminently distinguished. The Moguls being at last put to flight, the Indians followed them with too much eagerness. The Prince Mahomed, fatigued by the pursuit, halted on the banks of a stream, with 500 attendants, to drink, and having sated his thirst, fell prostrate upon the ground, to return God thanks for his victory. At this time a Mogul chief, who had concealed himself with two thousand horse in a neighbouring wood, rushed upon his party. The Prince had only just time to mount, and collecting his small band, encouraged them by his example. They defended themselves desperately; but at length the Prince, overpowered by numbers, and having received several wounds (after having thrice obliged the Moguls to give ground), fell, and in a few minutes expired. A detachment of the Indian army appearing that instant, the Moguls took to flight. Few of the Prince's party survived this unfortunate conflict. Among those who fell into the hands of the Moguls was the Prince's favourite and tutor, Ameer Khoosrow, who procured his liberty in the way mentioned in his poem entitled Khizr Khany. When the army returned from the pursuit of Teimoor Khan, and beheld their Prince weltering in his blood, the shouts of victory were changed to wailings of woe. Not a dry eye was to be seen from the meanest soldier to the general. ### [33.4.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.4.5) The fatal news reached the old King, now in his eightieth year, who was so much distressed, that life became irksome to him; but bearing up against his misfortune, he sent Kei Khoosrow, his grandson (the son of the deceased), to supply the place of his father. On his arrival at Mooltan, this Prince took the command of the army, and began to provide for the defence of the frontier. The King, perceiving himself fast sinking from the weight of his affliction, sent for his son Kurra Khan from Bengal, and appointed him his successor; at the same time insisting, that he should continue with him at Dehly till his death, and appoint a deputy for his government of Bengal. To this Kurra Khan consented; but conceiving his father's illness was not likely to come so soon to a crisis as he expected, he returned to Bengal without acquainting him of his intention. This undutiful behaviour threw the old man into the deepest grief, and induced him to send for his grandson, Kei Khoosrow, from Mooltan. The Prince hastening to his presence, a council of the nobles was called, and the succession was changed in his favour, all of the officers promising to enforce Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun's last will, in favour of this young Prince. The King, in a few days, expired, in the year 685, after a reign of 21 years. ### [33.4.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33.4.6) Immediately upon the death of the Emperor, Mullik Fukhr-ood-Deen Kotwal, chief magistrate of Dehly, having assembled the chiefs, and having been always at variance with the father of Kei Khoosrow, addressed them upon the present state of affairs. He stated that Kei Khoosrow was a young man of a violent and untractable disposition, and therefore unfit to reign; he also observed, that the power of the Prince Kurra Khan was so great, that a civil war was to be apprehended if the succession should not be continued in his family, and that, consequently, as the father was absent, it would be most prudent for the nobles to place the reins of government in the hands of his son Keikobad, a prince of mild disposition, and then present in Dehly. So great was the influence of this minister at the time, that he procured the throne for Keikobad; and Kei Khoosrow, glad to escape with life, returned to his former government of Lahore. In the glorious reign of Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, there flourished at Dehly, besides the great men we have already mentioned, the learned and celebrated Sheikh Fureed-ood-Deen Musaood, entitled Shukurgunj; Sheikh Baha-ood-Deen Zacharia, and his son; also Sheikh Budr-ood-Deen Aarif of Ghizny, the philosopher; the learned and holy Kootb-ood-Deen Bukhtyar Kaky; Siddy Mowla, and many more, eminent in various branches of science and literature. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.33) · Pramāṇa