Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 47: SYUD MOOBARIK
History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 47
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Contents
SYUD MOOBARIK
47.1.1
Succeeds his father. — Insurrection in Punjab suppressed. — The minister appointed governor. — Survur-ool-Moolk created vizier. — New insurrection in Punjab. — The King of Malwa declares war against Dehly, and lays siege to Gualiar — is compelled to retreat. — Insurrection in Mewat suppressed. — The King proceeds to Byana. — The King of Joonpoor makes war with the ruler of Kalpy. — The latter is assisted by the King of Dehly. — The rulers of Byana, Mewat, and Surhind, in open rebellion against the Dehly government. — Byana and Mewat reduced to obedience. — The ruler of Surhind invites the Moguls from Kabul to aid him. — The King of Dehly retires from Surhind to Dehly. — The Moguls are attacked, and totally routed. — Revolt in Punjab. — The King's governor taken prisoner. — The King proceeds in person, and recovers Punjab. — Appoints a new governor. — Lahore taken by the Moguls and Gukkurs. — Mullik Sikundur appointed generalissimo — expels the Moguls and Gukkurs, and returns to court. — The King becomes jealous of his minister. — The latter, apprehensive of the King, causes him to be assassinated.
47.1.2
When Khizr Khan perceived, from the nature of his disorder, all hopes of recovery were at an end, he nominated his eldest son to succeed him. Accordingly, three days after his death, Moobarik ascended the throne, and assumed the title of Moiz-ood-Deen, Abool Futteh Moobarik. He raised his cousin, Mullik Budr, to high honours, and nominated Mullik Rujub to the government of Depalpoor and Punjab. In the month of Jumad-ool-Awul he received advices that Jusrut, the brother of Sheikha Gukkur, (who had the preceding year defeated and made captive Ally Shah, King of Kashmeer, on his return from an expedition against Tutta,) presuming on his success had come to the resolution to attempt the throne of Dehly. For this purpose Jusrut Gukkur invited Mullik Toghan, who had fled to the mountains to join him, and he appointed him Ameer-ool-Omra, or general-in-chief of his troops. Their first operations were directed against Punjab; and having seized Lahore, they secured the person of Zeeruk Khan, governor of Jalindur, which they also took, and subsequently besieged Islam Khan in the fort of Sirhind. Syud Moobarik, in spite of the rainy season, which was then at its height, marched from Dehly; but on his approaching Sirhind he found Jusrut Gukkur had raised the siege and retreated to Lodhana. Here Zeeruk Khan contrived to effect his escape, and joined the King. The Dehly army now advanced towards Lodhana, where they perceived Jusrut Gukkur encamped on the opposite bank.
47.1.3
He had secured all the boats on the river, a circumstance which obliged the King to halt at Kabhoolpoor till the stream became fordable. On the 11th of Shuval, Mullik Sikundur (the Vizier), Zeeruk Khan, Mahmood Hussun, Mullik Kaloo, and other chiefs, forded the river; and the King himself following with the main body of the army, Jusrut Gukkur and his troops were thrown into confusion, and eventually put to flight. The King's forces pursued the enemy closely, slaying vast numbers, and capturing all their baggage. After this defeat, Jusrut, having crossed the Chunab, took refuge in the mountains, and Ray Bheem, Raja of Jummoo, directing the King's army to Beesul, a strong fort into which Jusrut Gukkur had thrown himself, the latter again fled; but his followers were pursued with great slaughter. Meanwhile, in the month of Mohurrum, A. H. 825, the King, having marched to Lahore, ordered the ruined palaces and fortifications to be repaired, and appointing Mahmood Hussun governor, returned to Dehly. He had scarcely reached his capital when Jusrut, collecting his scattered forces, took the field again, and invested Lahore for five months; but failing in his attempt, he raised the siege, retired to Kallanore, and attacked Ray Bheem, Raja of Jummoo, for having betrayed his retreat to the King. On this occasion, Jusrut Gukkur, being unsuccessful, retired to the banks of the Beea, in order to refresh and to recruit his army.
47.1.4
Meanwhile, Mullik Sikundur, the Vizier, having been sent to reinforce Lahore, was joined by Mullik Rujub, governor of Depalpoor, and by Islam Khan, governor of Surhind. With these troops the Vizier marched against Jusrut, and compelled him to recross the Ravy and Chunab, and to take shelter again among the mountains. The Vizier marched along the Ravee to Kullanore; and being joined on the frontiers of Jummoo by Ray Bheem, that Prince acted as guide to the Dehly troops, so that many of the Gukkurs, who were concealed, were discovered, and put to the sword; after which the Vizier returned to Lahore.
47.1.5
These successes induced the King to appoint the Vizier, Mullik Sikundur Toofa, Viceroy of Lahore, and to recall Mahmood Hussun. In the year 826, the King deprived Mullik Sikundur of the office of vizier, and conferred it on Survur-ool-Moolk, whom he sent with an army against the Hindoos of Kutehr, in order to compel them to pay the usual tribute. The King, at this time, effected an accommodation with Mohabut Khan, governor of Budaon, and intrusted him with a command against the tribe of Rahtore Rajpoots, whose country was plundered, and some of whom were made prisoners. The Raja of Etawa, alarmed at these measures, withdrew suddenly from the royal camp. Moobarik pursued, and besieged the Raja in Etawa; but at length terms were concluded with him, and the Raja's son was delivered as a hostage for his father's future good conduct into the King's hands, after which he returned to Dehly.
47.1.6
Mahmood Hussun, about this time, was appointed bukhshy of the forces, which office in those days was styled Ariz. Jusrut Gukkur, unsubdued by his misfortunes, again appeared in the field; and having defeated and slain Ray Bheem of Jummoo, raised an army of nearly 12,000 Gukkurs, with which he again made war on the kingdom of Dehly. He ravaged the countries of Lahore and Depalpoor, and acquired considerable booty. Mullik Sikundur Tohfa, the governor, advanced against him; but rather than risk a battle, Jusrut retired with his spoils to the hills, where he continued to recruit his army for another campaign. Meanwhile Jusrut Gukkur formed an alliance with Ameer Sheikh Ally, a Mogul chieftain in the service of Sharokh Mirza, governor of Kabul; and prevailed on him to make an incursion into the territories of Seestan, Bhukkur, and Tatta, by way of creating a diversion, in order that, by drawing off the King's forces from the capital, for the defence of Sind, his own views on Dehly might be facilitated. Mullik Alla-ool-Moolk, governor of Mooltan, dying about the same time that the news of Ameer Sheikh Ally's incursion was received, the King detached Mullik Mahmood Hussun with the army to Mooltan. Sooltan Hooshung, King of Malwa, also in the same year invested Gualiar, so that the King was obliged to send all his troops to his frontiers. The King marched in person into Malwa, levying contributions, on his route, from Ameer Khan, the son of Wahid Khan, governor of Byana.
47.1.7
Sooltan Hooshung of Malwa secured the usual fords of the Chumbul; but the King, having discovered others, crossed the river, and attacking Sooltan Hooshung in his camp, defeated his army, took many prisoners, and a part of his baggage. The prisoners, being chiefly Mahomedans, were released; and Sooltan Hooshung, thinking it advisable to compound matters by paying a sum of money to the King of Dehly, was permitted to withdraw without molestation towards Dhar. The King of Dehly remained for some time in the vicinity of Gualiar to levy contributions upon the neighbouring Hindoo chiefs, and returned in the month of Rujub to the capital.
47.1.8
Next year the King moved towards Kutehr, and was met by Nursing Ray, who came to the banks of the Ganges to pay his respects; but as he had not settled the revenues of his territory for three years, he was detained in camp for a few days till his accounts were adjusted, and then released. The King, having crossed the Ganges, reduced some factious tributary chiefs and returned to Dehly; but not remaining there many days, he marched towards Mewat, from whence he expelled some insurgents, and ravaging their country, returned to his capital; when having permitted his officers to retire to their estates with their troops, he abandoned himself to dissipation. The Mewatties, rendered desperate by the King's conduct towards them, took revenge on the neighbouring districts. In the year 829, therefore, the King assembling troops, marched to punish them. On his approach, Julloo and Kudroo, the grandsons of Bahadur Nahir Mewaty, retreated to the hills of Alwur, and defended the passes with much obstinacy; but being eventually reduced to great distress they surrendered, and were imprisoned. The repeated attacks on the Mewatties did not render them peaceable. The King, after a lapse of four months, was again obliged to send troops against them, who carried fire and sword through their whole country. The King now proceeded as far as Byana, where he found that Ameer Khan, the governor, was dead; and that his brother Mahomed Khan, assuming independence, had shut himself up in the town.
47.1.9
The King laid siege to Byana for sixteen days, but on the desertion of part of the garrison, Mahomed Khan surrendered at discretion, and with a rope about his neck was led into the royal presence. The King delivered over the charge of the city to Mokbil Khan, and sent Mahomed Khan and his family to Dehly. After which, making Mullik Kheir-ood-Deen Tohfa governor of Seekry (known now by the name of Futtehpoor), the King marched to Gualiar, and received the tribute from the Raja. At this time Mullik Mahmood Hussun was recalled from Mooltan, and placed in charge of Hissar Feroza, while Mullik Rujub Nadiry succeeded to the charge of Mooltan. Meanwhile Mahomed Khan of Byana effected his escape with his family to Mewat, and collecting a considerable force, recovered the city of Byana, in the absence of the King's governor, Mokbil Khan, who had gone on an expedition to Mahawun. Mullik Moobariz was now appointed to Byana, with orders to expel Mahomed Khan. The latter retiring into the fort, Mullik Moobariz took possession of the country, but after a few days' siege, Mahomed Khan, intrusting the defence of the place to some trusty followers, escaped and joined Ibrahim Shah Shurky of Joonpoor, who was then advancing with an army against Kalpy.
47.2.1
Kadir Khan, the ruler of Kalpy, on this occasion, sent expresses to Dehly for succours; and the King took the field in person. On reaching Atraoly, he detached Mullik Mahmood Hussun, with 10,000 horse, to intercept Mokhlis Khan, the brother of Ibrahim Shah Shurky, who was on his march to reduce Etawa. This detachment, encountering Mokhlis Khan, compelled him to fall back on his brother, and Mullik Mahmood Hussun rejoined the Dehly army. Ibrahim Shah Shurky, meanwhile, advanced along the banks of the Kaly-Nye to Boorhanabad, from thence to the village of Rahery, while the King, Moobarik, moved by Atraoly to Malykote. The two armies marched parallel to each other till they arrived on the banks of the river. The King of Dehly, having crossed the Jumna near Chundwara, encamped within ten miles of the enemy. Both armies remained in their trenches for the space of 22 days, during which time slight skirmishes only took place. Ibrahim Shah Shurky, however, upon the 7th of Jumaad-oos-Sany, marched out of his camp, and offered battle. The King of Dehly declined exposing his own person, but put his troops under the command of his Vizier, Survur-ool-Moolk, who, with Syud Salim, Syud-oos-Sadat, was directed to engage the enemy. The action commenced with great fury at noon, and night only parted the combatants, both armies retiring to their respective encampments. Ibrahim Shah, however, marching off on the next morning towards Joonpoor, left Moobarik to claim the victory.
47.2.2
The latter, satisfied with this nominal advantage, moved towards Gualiar, having crossed the Chumbul at Hulkant. After receiving the usual tribute, he moved in the direction of Byana, into which place Mahomed Khan Ahdy had again thrown himself after the battle. On this occasion, Mahomed Khan made a brave defence, but was obliged to capitulate, and had leave to go whithersoever he chose. Mullik Mahmood Hussun was left in the government of Byana, and, on the 15th of Shaban, 831, Moobarik returned to Dehly. He there seized Mullik Kudroo Mewatty, who had joined Ibrahim Shah Shurky in the late war, and ordered him to be put to death, and Mullik Survur-ool-Moolk was sent to occupy Mewat ; but the inhabitants, deserting the towns, fled to the mountains. Julal Khan Mewatty, the brother of Mullik Kudroo, together with Ahmud Khan, and Mullik Fukhr-ood-Deen collected a force within the fort of Alwur, and defended it so bravely, that Mullik Survur-ool-Moolk was content to receive a contribution from them, and to return to Dehly. In the month of Zeekad, the King received advices, that Jusrut Gukkur had besieged Kallanore, and had, moreover, defeated Mullik Sikundur in the field, and compelled him to fall back on Lahore.
47.2.3
Orders were accordingly sent to Zeeruk Khan, governor of Samana, and to Islam Khan, governor of Sirhind, to reinforce Mullik Sikundur; but before their arrival, the latter had obtained assistance from the Raja of Kalianore, and not only defeated Jusrut Gukkur in turn, but deprived him of all the plunder he had acquired in that province. In the month of Mohurrum, in the year 829, the King marched to Mewat, and entirely subdued that country, obliging the inhabitants to pay him tribute. Advices at this time reached Dehly of the death of Mullik Rujub Nadiry, governor of Mooltan, when the title of Imad-ool-Moolk was conferred on Mullik Mahmood Hussun (who had settled the affairs of Byana), and he was nominated to the government of Mooltan. The King, in the following year, proceeded towards Gualiar, on the route to which place he required the payment of tribute from the Raja of Eulkant, who, unable to satisfy the demand, fled to the mountains; his country was laid waste, and his subjects carried off as prisoners and slaves to Dehly. The King then led his army towards Rabery, and having wrested that country from the son of Hoossun Khan Mewatty, gave it over in charge to Mullik Humza. Syud Salim dying on the march back to Dehly, his eldest son received the title of Syud Khan, and the youngest that of Shoojaa-ool-Moolk.
47.2.4
They were allowed also to retain the wealth their father had collected during 30 years of power, amounting to a sum supposed to be equal to the private coffers of the King himself, and which, according to the custom of Hindoostan, might have become the property of the crown. These indulgences, however, did not secure the fidelity of the sons of Syud Salim, who sent one Folad, a Toorky slave, to Surhind, to stir up an insurrection, privately, in their name. They had formed hopes, it seems, that they might be sent with a force to suppress the rebellion, and thus have an opportunity to join the insurgents; but the plot being discovered, both these chiefs were imprisoned, and Mullik Yoosoof and Ray Hubboo were sent to Surhind, to resume their estates, and to suppress the disturbances. Folad, entering into negotiation with the Dehly chiefs, lulled them into security, and sallying one night from his fort, attempted to surprise their camp. He was so warmly received by the King's troops, that the attack altogether failed; but this circumstance did not deter Folad from making another attack on the following night, supported by a heavy fire from the works; on which occasion, the Dehly troops fled panic-struck, leaving their camp standing. On receiving intimation of this disaster, the King marched from Dehly in person. The rebel daily gathered strength; and the King was induced to direct Imad-ool-Moolk from Mooltan, and several other governors, to proceed to Surhind.
47.2.5
The reinforcements having joined, the King remained on the Soorsutty river, and detached the greatest part of his army to invest the fort of Surhind. The rebel Folad now sent a message to the King, saying, that if Imad-ool-Moolk were sent to him, with a promise of pardon, he would deliver up the place. This measure was acceded to on the King's part; and Folad having met Imad-ool-Moolk without the gate was assured of the King's pardon, and promised, on his part, to surrender the fort of Surhind on the next day. One of Imad-ool-Moolk's attendants, being acquainted with Folad, hinted to him privately, that though Imad-ool-Moolk was a man of honour, and would certainly adhere to his promise, yet the King might not be so scrupulous. Folad's suspicions were raised, and having abundance both of money and supplies in the place, he determined to hold out to the last. The King, finding the reduction of the place would occupy time, and thinking so large an army unnecessary for the siege, permitted Imad-ool-Moolk to return to his government of Mooltan; and leaving Islam Khan Lody, Kalu Khan, and Ray Feroze, with some Ameer Judeeda, to conduct the siege, the King retired to Dehly. Folad held out six months: he was greatly distressed; and saw no means of extricating himself but by an alliance with Ameer Sheikh Ally, governor of Kabul, on the part of Sharokh Mirza. He accordingly despatched messengers to him, soliciting his aid.
47.2.6
The King had taken no pains to keep on good terms with the neighbouring Mogul, who was induced to quit Kabul to aid Folad. He was joined by the Gukkurs on crossing the Beas, and ravaged the country of those chiefs who held estates in the Punjab, and who were conducting the siege of Surhind. Ameer Sheikh Ally advanced to Surhind, and compelled the royal army to decamp. Folad remunerated his ally with a sum equal to two laks of tunkas, and made him presents besides. He also placed in his hands his family, and by strengthening the fortifications of Surhind, and laying in provisions and ammunition, prepared for another siege. Ameer Sheikh Ally, recrossing the Sutlooj, committed vast depredations in the Punjab, realising by plunder one hundred-fold beyond the value of what he had received from Folad. On reaching Lahore, he imposed a contribution of one year's revenue on Mullik Sikundur Tohfa. From Lahore he proceeded towards Depalpoor, desolating that country also; insomuch that 40,000 Hindoos were computed to have been massacred, besides a great number carried away prisoners. Imad-ool-Moolk, the governor, posted himself in ambush to surprise Ameer Sheikh Ally at Toolumba, but he avoided the ambuscade by going to Khuteebpoor: meanwhile Imad-ool-Moolk received the King's orders to return, for the protection of Mooltan. This movement encouraged the enemy to march along the Ravy, and to lay waste the country to within two coss of the city of Mooltan;
47.2.7
where Ameer Sheikh Ally defeated Imad-ool-Moolk, who endeavoured to arrest his progress. From thence the Moguls advanced to Khyrabad, within six miles of Mooltan, and on the next day, being the 4th of Rumzan, made an unsuccessful assault on the place; but they continued the siege, and committed daily depredations, putting all whom they met to the sword. The King, informed of these transactions, sent Futteh Khan, son of Moozuffur Khan Guzeratty, with other nobles of distinction, to reinforce Imad-ool-Moolk, on which he marched out, and offered battle to Ameer Sheikh Ally. A sanguinary engagement ensued, in the commencement of which the Moguls gained some advantage; but after the death of Futteh Khan of Guzerat, the King's troops, inspired with revenge, fought more desperately, and gained the victory. Ameer Sheikh Ally was totally defeated; and having lost all his plunder, escaped with a few attendants only to Kabul; his whole army being either killed or drowned in the Jheelum in their attempt to escape. Imad-ool-Moolk pursued the fugitives to Shewur, and returned to Mooltan, while the nobles who had come to his aid repaired, by the King's orders to Dehly. Soon after this event, the King becoming jealous of the popularity of Imad-ool-Moolk at Mooltan, recalled him to court. Jusrut Gukkur taking advantage of his absence, crossed the Jheelum, the Ravey, and the Beea;
47.2.8
and attacked Mullik Sikundur Tohfa near Jalendur, whom he defeated and made prisoner, together with all his treasure and baggage. Jusrut Gukkur now advanced and laid siege to Lahore. Ameer Sheikh Ally was also instigated by Jusrut to make another incursion into Mooltan, and having taken Toolumba by capitulation, he broke his pledge, plundered the place, and put to death all the men able to bear arms; he also burned the town, and carried the wives and children of the inhabitants into captivity.
47.3.1
Folad of Surhind, taking advantage of these events, marched out of his fort, and invading the country of Ray Feroze, defeated and slew him. On the 1st of Jumad-ool-Awul, 835, the King, therefore, took the route of Lahore. Mullik-Survur-ool-Moolk was a second time appointed governor, and received the command of the advance guard of his army. The Vizier arriving at Samana, Jusrut raised the siege of Lahore, and retreated to the hills: Ameer Sheikh Ally fell back on Kabul; and Folad again shut himself up in Surhind. The King deprived the Vizier of the government of Lahore a second time, and nominated Noosrut Khan Goorgandaz to the office, himself encamping near Paniput, on the banks of the Jumna. From hence he sent Imad-ool-Moolk, with a part of the army, to suppress some insurrections about Gualiar, while the Vizier, Survur-ool-Moolk, being left to besiege Surhind, the King returned to Dehly.
47.3.2
In the month of Zeehuj, Jusrut Gukkur advanced again to Lahore; and having commenced hostilities against Noosrut Khan, the King was induced, in the year 836, to march from Dehly as far as Samana. Intelligence was brought to him at that place of the death of his mother, Mukdooma Jehan, when he immediately returned with a few attendants to the capital, and after performing the funeral obsequies rejoined his army. After his arrival in the camp he suddenly marched towards Mewat, conferring the government of Lahore upon Mullik Alla-dad-Lody, who promised to expel Jusrut. The Gukkur chief on hearing of the King's return, and being joined by a large body of his tribe, was enabled to defeat Alla-dad-Lody before he reached Lahore. The King having received the news of this disaster, and also that Ameer Sheikh Ally was coming towards Surhind, again took the route of Punjab, sending before him Imad-ool-Moolk to reinforce the army besieging Surhind. On the approach of Imad-ool-Moolk, Ameer Sheikh Ally, who had formerly sustained a defeat from him, laid aside his intentions of coming to Surhind, and retreated by forced marches towards Lahore, which he surprised. Hearing, however, the King had reached Toolumba, Ameer Sheikh Ally left a garrison of 2000 men in Lahore, and retreated to Kabul, ravaging the country on his route, and leaving his nephew Moozuffur Khan in the fort of Shewur.
47.3.3
Mullik Sikundur Tohfa, who had procured his release out of the hands of Jusrut Gukkur, by the payment of a large sum of money, was reinstated by the King in the government of Lahore, Depalpoor, and Jalendur; upon which he advanced and laid siege to Lahore, which surrendered by capitulation, and the garrison was permitted to retire to Kabul. The King now crossed the Ravy near Toolumba, and invested Shewur. Muzuffur Khan defended the place for a whole month; but being hard pressed, he capitulated, and, moreover, gave his daughter to the King, and paid a large ransom for his liberty. The King left a part of his army at Depalpoor, and with a select body proceeded in person to Mooltan, where he visited the tombs of the saints. From thence he returned in a few days to his camp. At this time he divested Mullik Sikundur Tohfa of the government of Lahore, and giving it to Imad-ool-Moolk, returned to Dehly. Being jealous of the power of the Vizier, Mullik Survur-ool-Moolk, the King united Kaly Khan with him in the office of vizier, and the latter being a man of superior abilities, soon gained the favour of his sovereign and the good will of the people.
47.3.4
Mullik Survur-ool-Moolk, dissatisfied with this arrangement, gained over Sudanund, the son of Gungoo Kutry, Meeran Sudr, deputy to the chief secretary, Kazy Abd-oos-Sumud, and others, who watched an opportunity for assassinating the King. At this time, the King ordered a city to be founded on the banks of the Jumna, and called it Moobarikabad, and made an excursion towards Surhind, in order to take the diversion of the chase. On the way, he received advice that Surhind was taken, and the head of the rebel Folad was presented to him, after which the King returned to the new city. Here he gained intelligence that war had broken out between Ibrahim Shah Shurky and Sooltan Hooshung of Malwa, whose armies were then near Kalpy. This information promised to afford the King an opportunity of expelling Ibrahim Shah Shurky from his dominions; he accordingly gave orders to collect his army, and caused his tents to be pitched outside the city of Dehly. A few days elapsed in the necessary organisation of his forces, during which time the King continued to visit the new works: he was, however, little apprehensible of the event which soon after took place, never having given offence to his nobility, except in changing or removing them from their governments when they misbehaved.
47.3.5
On the 9th of the month of Rujub, in the year 838, according to custom, he went to worship at a mosque lately built at the new city, with only a few attendants. On which occasion, Meeran Sudr, and Kazee Abd-oos-Sumud, with a band of Hindoos clothed in armour, entered the mosque; while Sudanund, the son of Gungoo Kutry, with another party of Hindoos kept guard without, to prevent people from either going in or coming out. Although the King perceived the conspirators were in armour, he took no immediate notice of them; till at length Sidpal, one of the Hindoos, drawing his sword, rushed on him, and the rest following his example, they basely murdered this worthy and excellent Prince. Meeran Sudr, instantly quitting the spot, repaired to the house of the Vizier, and acquainted him, according to agreement, with what had happened; and Survur-ool-Moolk, who had previously arranged matters with Mahomed, one of the grandsons of Khizr Khan, raised that Prince to the throne. Syud Moobarik reigned 13 years, three months, and 16 days. He was esteemed a man of good talents, and on most occasions just and benevolent. His temper was so equal, that it is notorious he never spoke in anger to any person during his life. The Towareekh Moobarik Shahy was written to commemorate the events of his reign.