[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) › 49 # Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 49: SYUD ALLA-OOD-DEEN, History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 49 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [49.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.1) — 8 parts - [49.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.2) — 7 parts - [49.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.3) — 8 parts ### SYUD ALLA-OOD-DEEN, ### [49.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.1.1) The son of the late King ascends the throne — proceeds to Byana — retreats to Dehly — falls into contempt. — Interesting account of the Mahomedan rule in India. — The territorial limits of each principality described. — The King removes his court to Budaoon — attempts to put his minister to death. — The latter flies to Dehly, and invites Bheilole Lody to occupy it. — Bheilole arrives — deceives the King as to his motive — is adopted by the King as his heir — Alla-ood-Deen abdicates his throne — and is content to live at Budaoon. Alla-ood-Deen, the son of Syud Mahomed, ascended the throne on the demise of his father, and all the chieftains, excepting Bheilole Lody, took the oath of allegiance. The new King, however, was in no condition to resent this mark of contempt; but having collected an army in the beginning of the year 850, he marched to recover Byana. While on his route, he received advices that Ibrahim Shah Shurky was advancing towards Dehly, which, though false, brought the King back to his capital. Humeed Khan, the Vizier, ventured to remonstrate on his acting on so vague a report; but the observation brought upon the Vizier the displeasure of his master. ### [49.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.1.2) This step at once proved fatal to the King's reputation; and the meanest of the people did not hesitate to say publicly, that he was a weaker man than his father. On the following year he marched to Budaoon, where he remained some time employed in laying out gardens, building pleasure houses, and making entertainments. Fancying the air of Budaoon agreed better with his health, he expressed an inclination to make that city his residence, from which the Vizier endeavoured in vain to divert him. Hindoostan was, at this period, divided into separate principalities. The Deccan, Guzerat, Malwa, Joonpoor, and Bengal, had each its independent king. Punjab, Depalpoor, and Sirhind, as far south as Paniput, formed the territory of Bheilole Khan Lody; Mehrowly and the country within seven coss of Dehly, as far as the Sersy Lado, was in the hands of Ahmud Khan Mewatty; Sumbhul, even to the suburbs of Dehly, was occupied by Duria Khan Lody; Kole Jalesur, in the Dooab, by Eesa Khan Toork, and Rabery and its dependencies by Kootub Khan Afghan; Kampila and Pattialy by Raja Purtab Sing, and Byana by Dawood Khan Lody; so that the city of Dehly, with a very small tract of country, alone belonged to the King. ### [49.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.1.3) Bheilole Lody, about this time, made another attempt upon the capital, but was not more successful than before. The King, as soon as relieved from this danger, began to consider of the means to recover part of his lost empire, and held a consultation with Kootub Khan, Eesa Khan, and Purtab Ray. These chiefs, desirous to weaken him still more, told him that the nobles were disgusted with his vizier, Humeed Khan; and that if he were removed from office, and imprisoned, they were ready to support him, and did not doubt that the affairs of his government would assume a more favourable aspect. Syud Alla-ood-Deen, becoming the dupe of these traitors, imprisoned and disgraced the minister, and immediately ordered preparations for removing the court to Budaoon; from which not all the remonstrances of his best friends could restrain him, though they represented, in a strong light, how impolitic it was, at such a juncture, to quit Dehly. ### [49.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.1.4) Alla-ood-Deen, accordingly, in the year 852, marched to Budaoon, leaving Hissam Khan in the government of Dehly. When he arrived at his new capital, Kootub Khan and Purtab Ray, waiting on the King, represented that as long as the Vizier was alive, the chiefs could not be induced to trust themselves at court. The King was thus prevailed on to order the Vizier's death; but the Vizier's brother, having discovered his intention, found means, with the assistance of some of his friends, to release Humeed Khan, who escaped to Dehly. There he took possession of all the King's effects, and sent the females of the royal household out of the city. ### [49.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.1.5) Alla-ood-Deen deferring, by frivolous delays and excuses of weather and unlucky days, his march to Dehly, allowed time for the Vizier to invite Bheilole Lody to assume the government. Bheilole, seizing the opportunity, amused the King by writing to him that he was on his march to chastise the Vizier; but having arrived, he quietly took possession of the capital, and was proclaimed King. This event occurred in the year 854; although the name of Alla-ood-Deen was, for form's sake, allowed to be read in the Khootba as usual. Bheilole, leaving his son, Khwaja Bayezeed, in Dehly, marched in person to Depalpoor, to organise, at his convenience, his Afghan army. While thus engaged, he wrote to Alla-ood-Deen, that his only motive for securing the capital was to expel the Vizier. To this letter he received for answer, that the King having adopted Bheilole as his son, he (Alla-ood-Deen) should ever esteem him as his brother; and formally abdicated the throne in his favour, on condition of his being permitted to reside quietly in possession of Budaoon. Bheilole Lody from that hour rejected the name of Syud Alla-ood-Deen from the Khootba, and publicly assumed all the insignia of royalty. Alla-ood-Deen remained at Budaoon unmolested till his death, which happened in the year 883 (A. D. 1478): his reign in Dehly being seven years, and his retirement at Budaoon nearly 28. ### [49.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.1.6) Mullik Kaly, Mullik Feroze, Mullik Mahomed, and Mullik Khwaja, all of whom, on the death of their father, remained in Mooltan. When Khizr Khan was appointed to the government of Mooltan, Mullik Sooltan received the command of his Afghan troops. In the action which Khizr Khan fought with Mulloo Yekbal Khan, Mullik Sooltan had the good fortune to slay Yekbal Khan with his own hand; on which account he became a favourite with Khizr Khan, and was appointed governor of Surhind, with the title of Islam Khan, while his brothers participated also in his good fortune. One of these, Mullik Kaly, the father of Bheilole, whose proper name is Bulloo, had a district bestowed on him by his brother. The wife of Kaly Khan, his own cousin, was smothered by the fall of her house when pregnant. Her husband caused her to be instantly opened, and saved the life of the infant, who was called Bulloo. Mullik Kaly having subsequently been killed in an action with the Neeazy Afghans, Mullik Bheilole joined his uncle Islam Khan, at Surhind; and, being much distinguished in battle, he received the hand of Islam Khan's daughter in marriage. Islam Khan was a chief of such consequence, that he retained 12,000 Afghans, mostly of his own tribe, in his service. At his death, though he had full-grown children of his own, Islam Khan made Bheilole his heir, and he succeeded to the command of the troops. On this occasion the Afghans divided into three parties; ### [49.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.1.7) one of which adhered to Mullik Bheilole: one to Mullik Feroze, the brother of Islam Khan, an officer in the service of the King of Dehly, and the other to Mullik Kootub Khan, the son of Islam Khan: Bheilole, having most talent, found means to weaken his rivals, and gradually to strengthen his own party. Mullik Kootub Khan, stung with envy, repaired to Dehly, and acquainted the King, Syud Mahomed, that the Afghans at Surhind were establishing a power, which, unless soon checked, would subvert his throne. The Vizier, Mullik Sikundur Tohfa, was accordingly directed to repair, with an army, to that quarter, and to require the Afghan chiefs to appear at court, in failure of which he was authorised to expel them from Surhind. Jusrut Gukkur also was instigated to take arms against them; so that in the end they were driven to the hills. Subsequent to this, Mullik Feroze Lody, leaving his son Shaheen Khan, and his nephew Mullik Bheilole, with the army, proceeded with some attendants to the camp of Mullik Sikundur Tohfa and Jusrut Gukkur, under the most solemn assurances of good faith; but at the instigation of his nephew Kootub Khan, Mullik Feroze was seized, and his attendants cut off. After this event a part of the army was detached to reduce Mullik Bheilole; but he having retreated into the hills with the women and children, ensured his own safety, though Shaheen Khan was overtaken and slain, and a great part of his tribe destroyed. ### [49.1.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.1.8) After the death of Shaheen Khan, his head was cut off and carried to Jusrut Gukkur, and placed before his father, Mullik Feroze, to recognise. The latter at first denied his son; but after hearing from those who attended of the gallant manner in which he had behaved, he burst into tears, and said, "Yes, it is my son; but I would not recognise his countenance till convinced he had done honour to his tribe." He observed, at the same time, "My nephew Bheilole could not have been in the battle, or he would have been slain also. But he lives; and if so, he will revenge the death of my boy." ### [49.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.2.1) When Jusrut Gukkur retired to Punjab, Mullik Bheilole collected the remainder of his tribe, and began to levy contributions: being extremely liberal in dividing the spoil among his troops, he became very popular, and his followers increased. Some time after, Mullik Feroze made his escape, and joined Mullik Bheilole; while Kootoob Khan, repenting of his former conduct, became reconciled to his relations, and joining the Afghans, Mullik Bheilole headed the party which subsequently invaded Surhind, and occupied that province. On receiving intelligence of this event, the King detached Hissam Khan, his vizier, against the Afghans; but Mullik Bheilole gave him battle, and defeated him. They relate, that when Mullik Bheilole was a youth, he was permitted to pay his respects to a celebrated Derwesh of Samana, whose name was Sheida. While sitting in a respectful posture before the Dervish, the latter called out aloud, in an enthusiastic manner, "Who will give two thousand rupees for the kingdom of Dehly?" Bheilole told him he had only two thousand rupees in the world; which he ordered his servant to bring immediately, and present to the Dervish. Having accepted the money, the Dervish laid his hands on Bheilole's head, and said, "Shah-Bash Beta," literally, "Be thou king, my son." The companions of Bheilole ridiculed him much for this action; but he replied, "That if the thing came to pass, he had made a cheap purchase; ### [49.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.2.2) if not, the blessing of a holy man could do no harm." After Mullik Bheilole had defeated the Vizier, he wrote to the King, as has been before related, ascribing the whole blame of his rebellion to the minister's conduct towards the Afghans; on which the King, as has been shown, basely cut off the Vizier, and permitted Mullik Bheilole according to his promise, to visit him. This meeting enabled Bheilole to carry on his intrigues at court, where he managed his affairs so well, that he was continued in the government of Surhind, together with some other districts in its vicinity. ### [49.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.2.3) When Sooltan Mahmood Khiljy of Malwa brought an army against Dehly, Mullik Bheilole being called on to join the King, he appeared at the head of 20,000 Afghan cavalry, with which he pursued Sooltan Mahmood Khiljy on his retreat, and plundered his army on the day after he quitted Dehly, for which service he obtained the title of Khan Khanan. On that occasion, Bheilole returned to Surhind, and instantly began to lay hands on the King's districts, contiguous to his own estates, such as Lahore, Depalpoor, and Soonam; not content with which, he marched his army boldly against the King himself. On reaching Dehly, he laid siege to it, but being foiled in his attempt, he was induced to retire to Surhind. Meanwhile, the King dying suddenly, his son, Alla-ood-Deen, ascended the throne. After some years, as has been related, Humeed Khan, the Vizier, seeing the declining state of public affairs, invited Bheilole Lody from Surhind, who ascended the throne and assumed the title of king. At the time of his accession, Bheilole had nine sons, whose names were Bayezeed, Nizam (who afterwards ascended the throne under the title of Sikundur), Barbik, Alum (who also became king under the appellation of Alla-ood-Deen), Jumal, Yakoob, Futteh, Moosa, and Julal. Among the chiefs of distinction in the state no fewer than thirty-six persons were either blood-relations, or intimately connected with the new King. ### [49.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.2.4) Humeed Khan, the Vizier, who conferred the government upon him, still possessed great influence. Bheilole treated him for some time with much respect; but being one day in Humeed Khan's house, at an entertainment, he ordered the Afghans, whom he carried with him, to assume the manners of ill-bred persons, and act the part of clowns, in order that the Vizier might be less on his guard against them. When they came into company, some of them tied their shoes to their girdles, and others put them up in the recesses of the apartment; and on Humeed Khan's asking them the reason, they replied, that they were afraid of having them stolen. When they had taken their seats, one of them began to praise the flowers of the carpet, and the brightness of their colours, saying he would like extremely to have such a carpet, to send home, and make caps for his boys. Humeed Khan laughed, and told him, he would give him velvet or brocade for the purpose. When the plates and boxes of perfumes were laid before them, some began to besmear their whole body with the finest otto of roses; others to lick it up; and others devoured whole garlands of flowers; while the pan leaf was eagerly scrambled for, and greedily eaten up. Some having swallowed large pieces of lime with their pan, burned their mouths, made wry faces, and vociferated aloud. This conduct astonished the servants and the guests, who ascribed it to their ignorance as foreigners, that had never lived at court; ### [49.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.2.5) while the King and the Vizier were convulsed with laughter. The Vizier imagined that this scene proceeded from the King's humour, who, in bringing such people with him, had resolved to make merry in his house, but had no suspicion it originated from design. The next visit the King paid to Humeed Khan, a great number of his attendants were admitted; but as Humeed Khan had a still greater number of his own friends within the court-yard, it became necessary for the King to gain admission for more of his people, who were stopped without by the guards. The King having before instructed them how to proceed, they began to wrangle loudly with the guards, and threw out bitter invectives against the King, for permitting them to be excluded, swearing that they respected their friend the Vizier, and would see him. Humeed Khan, on hearing the noise, ordered the gates of the court-yard to be thrown open, and directed as many of the Afghans as could conveniently be admitted to be allowed to come in. This point being gained, the King gave the signal, and his people, drawing their swords, told Humeed Khan's servants to remain quiet, and they should suffer no injury: on which, two or three seizing the Vizier, bound him fast. The King then told him, that gratitude was a security for his life; but it was necessary he should withdraw from business, and spend the rest of his days in retirement. ### [49.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.2.6) The same year, being the 855th of the Hijra, having intrusted Dehly to the charge of his eldest son, Bayezeed Khan, the King marched towards Mooltan, both to employ his army, and to regulate the affairs of the western provinces. Some of his officers dissatisfied with him, deserted and joined Mahmood Shah Shurky, King of Joonpoor; who, during the absence of Bheilole Padshah, in the beginning of the year 856, advanced and laid siege to Dehly; but Bheilole, hastening from Depalpoor, did not halt till he reached Perah, within thirty miles of his capital. Mahmood Shah Shurky detached 30,000 horse, and 30 elephants, under the command of Futteh Khan Hirvy to oppose him. An action ensued, in which Kootub Khan Lody, the son of Islam Khan, who excelled in archery, shot an arrow into the forehead of one of Futteh Khan Hirvy's elephants. The animal, becoming outrageous broke the line; and Kootub Khan, coming in contact with Duria Khan Lody, one of the malecontent chiefs who had joined Mahmood Shah Shurky, thus addressed him: "For shame, Duria Khan; where is your honour, thus to wage war against your own kindred, and to lay siege to the city of Dehly, which contains your family, when you ought rather to defend it against your natural enemies?"— "Pursue me not," said Duria Khan, "and I am gone:" he immediately wheeled off, followed by all the Afghans in Futteh Khan Hirvy's army. The other troops, thus deserted, gave way, and Futteh Khan was taken prisoner; ### [49.2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.2.7) but this chief, with his own hand, had just killed Pritvy Ray, the brother of Kurun Ray: the latter, therefore, struck off Futteh Khan's head out of revenge, and sent it to Bheilole. The news of this defeat induced Mahmood Shah Shurky to raise the siege of Dehly, and to retreat with precipitation to Joonpoor. The power of Bheilole Lody being once firmly established, he began to think of conquests. His first movement was towards Mewat; where Ahmud Khan Mewatty, submitting to his authority, seven purgunas were wrested from him, but he was permitted to hold the remainder as tributary. From Mewat the King marched to Birun; where Duria Khan Lody, governor of Sumbhul, presented him with seven handsome elephants, and acknowledged his supremacy. From Birun, the King proceeded to Kole; and confirming Eesa Khan in the government of that district, he continued his route to Boorhanabad, the management of which was intrusted to Moobarik Khan Lohany, while Meinpoory Bhooigam was delivered over to Purtab Ray. On reaching Rabery, Kootub Khan, the son of Hoossein Khan Afghan, shut the gates of the fort, and at first refused the King admittance; but shortly after, having made his submission, he was reinstated in his authority, and Bheilole marching from thence to Etawa, confirmed the former governor of that district also in his office. ### [49.3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.3.1) At this time an officer called Joona Khan, quitting the court in disgust, joined Mahmood Shah Shurky, from whom he received the government of Shumsabad; and having instigated his new master to make another attempt on Dehly, Mahmood Shah Shurky advanced to Etawa, where the Dehly army was encamped. On the first day both kings sent out parties to reconnoitre, but no engagement took place; and on the next day, they began to retreat, having agreed, in the mean time, that Bheilole Lody should keep possession of all the countries belonging to Dehly, in the reign of Syud Moobarik, and that Mahmood Shah Shurky should retain all the possessions held by Ibrahim Shah Shurky; that Bheilole should, on the one hand, restore all the elephants taken in the action with Futteh Khan Hirvy, and that Mahmood Shah Shurky should dismiss Joona Khan from his government and service. ### [49.3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.3.2) Mahmood Shah Shurky, immediately after this treaty, returned to Joonpoor, and Bheilole proceeded to take possession of Shumsabad. Mahmood Shah Shurky, incensed at this proceeding, returned to Shumsabad, where two parties from the Dehly army, under Kootub Khan Lody and Duria Khan Lody surprised the Shurky camp in the night. During this operation, Kootub Khan's horse, having trodden upon a tent-peg, threw his master, who was taken prisoner, but his division retreated without molestation to the Dehly lines. Bheilole Lody drew out his army on the following morning; but on receiving advice that Mahmood Shah Shurky had just expired, and that his ministers had set up his son Mahomed Shah Shurky, a treaty was concluded through the mediation of Beeby Rajy, the young King's mother. Mahomed Shah Shurky accordingly returned to Joonpoor, and Bheilole took the route of Dehly. ### [49.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.3.3) Before Bheilole arrived at the capital, he received a letter from Shums Khatoon, the sister of Kootub Khan, entreating him not to suffer her brother to remain in the hands of Mahomed Shah Shurky, a circumstance which induced Bheilole to break the peace and to return towards Joonpoor; on which occasion Mahomed Shah Shurky met him near Sasny. At this place, Hoossein Khan, the younger brother of Mahomed Shah Shurky, apprehensive of his brother, withdrew with all his adherents to Kunowj, and Julal Khan Shurky, his other brother, followed his example. Bheilole availed himself of these events to detach a force to seize Hoossein Khan, in which object it failed, but overtaking Julal Khan, he was taken prisoner; and Bheilole determined to detain him as a hostage till the release of Kootub Khan by the King of Joonpoor. Meanwhile the Shurky officers conspiring against Mahomed Shah put him to death, and recalling Hoossein Khan, who had fled to Kunowj, placed him on the throne. Bheilole now agreed to a truce for four years, on condition that both Kootub Khan and Julal Khan should be released. Bheilole forthwith returned towards Shumsabad, where Nursing Ray, the son of Purtab Ray, came to pay his respects. It appears the latter chief had formerly taken a standard and a pair of drums from Duria Khan Lody in action; and that chief, in order to revenge himself, assassinated Nursing Ray, inspite of the opposition of Kootub Khan, the son of Hoossein Khan. ### [49.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.3.4) Moobarik Khan, apprehensive of Duria Khan's influence at court, fled to Hoossein Shah Shurky. Bheilole returned to Dehly; and his attention being shortly after excited by the rebellion of the viceroy of Mooltan, and by the disorders in Punjab, he proceeded in that direction. On his march he learned that Hoossein Shah Shurky, taking advantage of his absence, was approaching Dehly for the purpose of besieging that city: he was induced to countermarch, and leaving the city in charge of Kootub Khan and Jehan Khan, Bheilole marched direct towards the enemy. The two armies met at the village of Chundwar, where they skirmished without much effort for seven days, when a truce was concluded for the term of three years; at the expiration of which period Hoossein Shah investing Etawa took it, and gained over Ahmud Khan Mewatty and Eesa Khan of Kole to his interest. Ahmud Khan Julwany, also, the governor of Byana, went so far as to coin money and read the Khootba in the name of the Shurky monarch, who now advanced with an army of 100,000 horse and 1000 elephants from Etawa towards Dehly. Bheilole, undismayed by the superiority of Hoossein Shah Shurky's force, marched out boldly to oppose the invader. The two armies, however, after remaining encamped for some time in sight of each other at Bhutwara, engaged only in partial skirmishes, in which no advantage was obtained by either party, and a hollow truce was again concluded. This pacification was not of long duration; ### [49.3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.3.5) for Hoossein Shah Shurky, having advanced again towards Dehly some months after, was opposed at the village of Sunkur, and obliged to fall back without attaining any object. At this time, Beeby Hajy, the mother of Hoossein Shah Shurky, dying at Etawa, the Raja of Gualiar, and Kootub Khan, the son of Hoossein Khan, Afghan of Rabery, went to condole with him. During his visit, Kootub Khan, perceiving the rooted enmity of Hoossein Shah Shurky towards Bheilole, took occasion to observe that the King was nothing more than one of the dependents of Dehly, and could not hope to contend long with him, descended from a race of kings; concluding his speech by saying, "If I do not put you in possession of Dehly, look on my words as nothing." Having taken his leave from Hoossein Shah's court, Kootub Khan proceeded to Dehly, where he stated that he had escaped with much difficulty from the hands of Hoossein Shah Shurky, who was meditating a fresh attack on Bheilole. About this time, the ex-monarch, Syud Alla-ood-Deen, who had abdicated the throne of Dehly, dying at Budaoon, Hoossein Shah Shurky proceeded thither, and after performing the funeral ceremonies, seized that district from the of Alla-ood-Deen. From thence, marching to Sumbhul, he imprisoned Moobarik Khan, governor of that province; and proceeding towards Dehly in the year 883, he crossed the river Jumna near the Kutcha-Ghat. Bheilole Lody was at Sirhind when he received intelligence of this invasion; ### [49.3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.3.6) and returning with expedition to his capital, several slight actions ensued, in which Hoossein Shah Shurky had in general the advantage. Another treaty was however brought about through Kootub Khan, in which it was agreed that Bheilole should relinquish all the territory eastward of the Ganges on condition of his retaining possession of all the districts on the west bank of that river. These terms being concluded, Hoossein Shah retreated towards Joonpoor; but Bheilole broke his faith, and pursuing Hoossein Shah, attacked him on his march, killing vast numbers of his troops, and taking forty officers of rank prisoners, besides part of his treasure and equipage. Bheilole followed up his success, occupied several districts belonging to Hoossein Shah Shurky, such as Kampila, Puttyaly, Shumsabad, Sukeet, Murhera, Kole, and Jalesur, and appointed agents for their management. Hoossein Shah Shurky, however, halted at Kampinjun, and gave battle, in which both parties claimed the victory; after which peace was once more concluded, leaving the village of Dopamow as the boundary between the kingdoms, when Hoossein Shah proceeded to Baberk and Bheilole to Dehly. Hoossein Shah could not, however, forgive the perfidy of Bheilole; and having recruited his army, he again waged war, but was defeated at the village of Sirsar, after an obstinate battle, with the loss of all his treasure and baggage, an event which greatly added to Bheilole's reputation. ### [49.3.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.3.7) Hoossein Shah Shurky fell back on Rabery, but was followed closely by Bheilole, and totally overthrown in a second engagement. After this battle Hoossein Shah retreated towards Gualiar, where the Raja supplied him with several lacks of rupees, and with elephants, horses, camels, and a handsome suit of camp-equipage, and accompanied him to Kalpy. Bheilole, in the mean time, marched to Etawa, then occupied by Ibrahim, the brother of Hoossein Shah Shurky, which place surrendered by capitulation. Ibrahim Khan Lohany, one of the Dehly officers, being left in charge of Etawa, the King proceeded to Kalpy, where he found Hoossein Shah Shurky encamped. The river intervening, both armies remained for some months inactive, till at length Ray Tilloke Chund of Kutehr, having come over to Bheilole, pointed out to him a ford, by which he crossed. He attacked Hoossein Shah Shurky, and defeating him, compelled him to fly in the direction of Joonpoor. At Kunowj, Hoossein Shah Shurky again opposed Bheilole, on the banks of the Kaly Nudy, but having now acquired a habit of retreating, he was, as usual, defeated: his regalia and equipage were taken, and also the chief lady of his seraglio, Beeby Khonza. She was the daughter of the late ex-monarch, Syud Alla-ood-Deen, and was treated with great respect by Bheilole, who after this victory retreated to Dehly. ### [49.3.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.3.8) Having recruited his troops, Bheilole advanced towards Joonpoor, and having entirely subdued the country, made over the charge of it to Moobarik Khan Lohany, leaving Kootub Khan Lody, together with Khan Jehan, and other chiefs, at Bisowly. The King now marched to Budaoon, where he heard of Kootub Khan's death. Khan Jehan, Moobarik Khan, and many others, though they outwardly professed allegiance, no sooner heard of the death of Kootub Khan than they concerted measures to acquire independence. Bheilole, apprised of their intentions, marched towards Joonpoor, and having expelled Hoossein Shah Shurky, who had made an attempt to recover his kingdom, placed Barbik, one of his own sons, on the throne of Joonpoor. From thence he proceeded to Kalpy, which having reduced, he conferred the government on his grandson, Azim Hoomayoon, the son of his eldest son, Bayezeed Khan. The King then marched to Dholpoor, levying tribute on the raja of that place; from thence he proceeded to Ruttunpoor, a place situated in the districts of Runtunbhore, where having committed great devastations, he returned to Dehly. ### [49.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49.4) Bheilole being now old, and infirmities daily increasing on him, divided his dominions among his sons. Joonpoor was conferred on Barbik Khan; Kurra and Manikpoor on Alum Khan; Bhuraich on his nephew Sheikhzada Mahomed Firmully, known by the name of P'har (the Black Rock), Luknow and Kalpy on Azum Hoomayoon, whose father, Bayezeed Khan, was assassinated by one of his own servants. Budaoon was allotted to Khan Jehan, a relation and one of his oldest officers, and Dehly, with several districts in the Dooab, were conferred on his son, the Prince Nizam Khan, known afterwards by the name of Sikundur, whom he now declared his heir and successor. Some time after this, the King proceeded to Gualiar, and raising a tribute of 80 lacks of tunkas from the Raja, came to Etawa, from whence having expelled Sungut Sing, he returned towards Dehly. Falling sick on his march, many of the nobles were desirous that he should alter his former will, with respect to the succession, which, they said, was the undoubted right of Azim Hoomayoon, his grandson by his eldest son. The Queen, hearing this, wrote to her son, Nizam Khan, (who, having intimation of his father's illness, was about to quit Dehly,) by no means to come, lest he might be imprisoned by the nobles. At the same time, the King, by the advice of his officers, caused letters to be written, to hasten his arrival in the camp in order to see him before his death. Nizam Khan was greatly perplexed how to act. He at length conferred with Kootloogh Khan, the vizier of Hoossein Shah Shurky, who was then a prisoner at Dehly. This chief recommended him to pitch his tents outside of the city, and to proceed by slow journies towards the camp. Meanwhile, the King's disease increasing, he died at Badowly, in the district of Sukeet, in the year 894, after a reign of 26 years, eight months, and seven days. Bheilole Lody was esteemed a virtuous and a mild prince, executing justice to the utmost of his knowledge, and treating his courtiers rather as companions than subjects. When he obtained the crown, he divided the public treasure among his friends, and could be seldom prevailed on to ascend the throne; saying, "That it was enough for him that the world knew he was king, without his making a display of royalty." He was extremely temperate in his diet, and seldom ate at home. Though a man of no great literary acquirement himself, he was fond of the company of learned men, whom he rewarded according to their merit. He placed great reliance on the courage of his Mogul troops, on which account they met with such encouragement among his relations and courtiers, that it is estimated there were nearly 20,000 Moguls in the service of the government during his reign. He was a wise and brave prince, and personally well acquainted with Mahomedan law. He also studied the best institutes for maintaining order in his government, which he invariably adopted. He was prudent, and above all things, deprecated hurry in matters of state; and indeed, his conduct throughout life sufficiently evinced how much he practised this quality. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.49) · Pramāṇa