Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 63: AKBUR PADSHAH.

History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 63

Language: English

63.1 — 8 parts
63.2 — 8 parts
63.3 — 9 parts
63.4 — 8 parts
63.5 — 8 parts
63.6 — 7 parts
63.7 — 9 parts
63.8 — 9 parts
63.9 — 8 parts
63.10 — 7 parts
63.11 — 11 parts
63.12 — 7 parts
63.13 — 7 parts
63.14 — 8 parts
63.15 — 8 parts
63.16 — 7 parts
63.17 — 9 parts

AKBUR PADSHAH.

63.1.1

Akbur ascends the throne at the age of twelve years. — Beiram Khan, Toorkoman, minister. — Distribution of the provinces. — Hemoo, the minister of Mahomed Shah Adily, advances to Dehly — defeats Hyder Khan Seestany — takes Agra — defeats Tardy Beg Khan — takes Dehly. — The Moguls driven across the Sutlooj — they concentrate at Lahore. — Beiram Khan is appointed protector. — The Mogul chiefs propose to quit India, and retire to Kabul. — Beiram Khan opposes the measure. — The Indian chief Hemoo ascends the throne of Dehly, and marches to expel the Moguls. — Battle of Paniput fatal to the Indians. — Beiram Khan excites the King's jealousy — is removed from his office — goes into rebellion — is seized and pardoned — retires to Mecca, but is murdered on the road. — Malwa recovered out of the hands of Baz Bahadur. — Sheer Khan, the son of Sikundur Shah Soor, marches with an army from Bengal to support his title to the throne of Dehly — is defeated. — An attempt to assassinate Akbur fails. — Rebellion of Asuf Khan Hirvy and Khan Zeman Oosbuk in the Dooab — Kabul taken by Sooliman Mirza of Budukhshan. — Revolt of the King's brother Mahomed Hukeem. — Khan Zuman taken, and suffers death. — Mahomed Hukeem returns, and recovers Kabul. — Chittoor taken by Akbur. — Runtunbhore taken. — War in Guzerat. — Guzerat occupied by Akbur. — Revolt in the direction of Bengal suppressed, and Dawood Kirany expelled. — Dawood Kirany recovers Bengal — is again subdued, and suffers death.

63.1.2

— Mahomed Hukeem Mirza revolts a second time, and enters the Punjab — is repulsed by the King in person, and is pardoned. — Guzerat recovered out of the hands of Akbur's officers. — War in Bengal. — The Afghans cut off the communication between India and Kabul. — Great exertions of Akbur in all quarters. — A Hindoo chief appointed governor of Kabul. — Akbur holds his court at Lahore. — Moozuffur Shah, the King of Guzerat, is taken, and puts an end to himself. — Akbur sends his son Moorad Mirza to Guzerat, and thence to the Deccan. — Kandeish occupied. — Ahmudnuggur besieged. — Battle of Soopa between the Moguls and Deccanies. — Akbur besieges Asseer. — Berar occupied. — Daniel Mirza espouses a daughter of the King of Beejapoor — is appointed governor of Kandeish — dies. — Akbur's grief produces illness, of which he dies — his character — nature of his government. The history of this sovereign has been transmitted to us by Sheikh Abool Fuzl, the son of Sheikh Moobarik, in an heroic poem consisting of one hundred and ten thousand couplets, from which the author, Mahomed Kasim Ferishta, has principally derived the materials for this reign.

63.1.3

Abool Fuzl relates, that when Hoomayoon became insensible after his fall, the Mogul chiefs despatched Ally Koolly Khan express to Punjab, to acquaint his son Akbur of the accident. This information reached the Prince in a few days at the town of Kullanore. The officers who were present, after expressing their grief for the deceased, raised Akbur to the throne, on the 2d of Rubbee-oos-Sany, in the year 963, when he was only thirteen years and four months old. Beiram Khan, Toorkoman, distinguished by the title of Khan Khanan, became his minister, and had the whole civil and military power vested in his hands. The first orders issued from the throne, after despatching the letters announcing the succession, prohibited the exactions of the usual presents. Not many days after this, Shah Abool Maaly, who had been in great favour with Hoomayoon, mayoon, having evinced traitorous designs, was seized and imprisoned in Lahore. Some time after, however, he found means to escape out of the hands of Pehlwan Goolzar, the kotwal to whose charge he had been committed, and who killed himself in consequence. Tardy Beg Khan despatched all the ensigns of royalty from Dehly, under charge of Abool Kasim Mirza, the son of Kamran Mirza; and the following chiefs addressed letters of congratulation to the young King. Ally Koolly Khan Seestany, governor of Sumbhul; Sikundur Khan Oozbuk, governor of Agra; Bahadur Khan, governor of Depalpoor; and Moonyim Khan, the tutor of the Prince Mahomed Hukeem Mirza.

63.1.4

Meanwhile the King had occasion to lead his army towards the hills, in order to attack Sikundur Shah Soor; and having defeated and compelled him to fly within the recesses of the mountains the King's army returned. Akbur, shortly after, having subdued the country of Nagrakot, received Dhurmchund, the Indian prince of that province, into favour; but the rains coming on, he took up his residence at Jalundur. In the mean time, Sooliman Mirza, who had been left governor of Budukhshan, throwing off his allegiance, marched against Kabul, which was defended by Moonyim Khan, the tutor of the Prince Hukeem Mirza, the King's brother. Intelligence of this insurrection having reached Akbur, he detached Mahomed Koolly Birlass, Shums-ood-Deen Mahomed Khan Atka, Khizr Khan, and other officers, to succour Moonyim Khan. Some of those chiefs entered Kabul, while others encamping without the city. harassed the besiegers for the space of four months, when the garrison being at length worn out for want of provisions, Moonyim Khan was compelled to suffer the Khootba to be read in the name of Sooliman Mirza, who then raised the siege and returned to Budukhshan.

63.1.5

During these transactions at Kabul, Hemoo, the vizier of Mahomed Shah Adily, advancing towards Agra with thirty thousand horse and foot, and two thousand elephants, obliged Sikundur Khan Oozbuk to retreat to Dehly, while Shady Khan, another of Mahomed Shah Adily's generals, advanced with an army to the banks of the Rohut, where Ally Koolly Khan Seestany, who had received the title of Khan Zuman, opposed him with three thousand horse; but the latter was defeated with so severe a loss, that only two hundred of his men escaped from the field of battle, many of whom were drowned in the river. Hemoo, elated with this intelligence, laid siege to Agra, and having reduced it, proceeded to Dehly. Tardy Beg Khan, the governor, seised with consternation, sent expresses to all the Mogul chiefs in the neighbourhood, to come to his aid. Shortly after, being joined by Abdoolla Khan, Lall Sooltan Budukhshy, Ally Koolly Khan Indijany, Meeruk Khan Kolaby, and others, he conceived himself in a condition to give the enemy battle, without waiting for Khan Zuman, who by this time had obtained a considerable reinforcement, and was on his march to Dehly. Tardy Beg Khan accordingly moved to meet the enemy. Hemoo selected three thousand horse and some of his best elephants, which he retained near his own person in the centre, and during the heat of the battle he charged Tardy Beg Khan with such impetuosity, that he compelled him to quit the field.

63.1.6

The right wing of the Moguls was routed, the flight became general, and the city of Dehly also surrendered. Tardy Beg Khan fled to Surhind, leaving the whole country open to the enemy. Khan Zuman, hearing of this disaster at Meerut, avoided Dehly, and proceeded to Nowshehra, on his way to join the King, who, during these transactions, was at Jalundur, and finding all his dominions, except the Punjab, wrested from him, was perplexed how to act. At length, feeling diffident of himself both from his youth and inexperience, he conferred on Beiram Khan, Toorkoman, the title of Khan Baba, and reposing his whole trust in the prudence and wisdom of that chief, begged of him to take measures for retrieving his affairs. At the same time he assured him, in the most solemn manner, that he would pay no attention to any malicious accusations against him. The young King also required of Beiram Khan to swear on his part, by the soul of his deceased father Hoomayoon, and by the head of his own son, that he would be faithful to his trust. After this, a council being called by Beiram Khan, the majority of the officers were of opinion, that as the enemy's force consisted of more than a hundred thousand horse, while the royal army could scarcely muster twenty thousand, it would be prudent to retreat to Kabul. Beiram Khan not only opposed this measure, but was almost singular in his opinion that the King ought instantly to give battle to the enemy.

63.1.7

The voice of Akbur, which was in unison with the sentiments of Beiram Khan, decided the question. Hostilities being determined on, Khizr Khan (the husband of Sooltana Goolbudun Begum, the King's aunt), who was then governor of Lahore, was directed to attack Sikundur Khan Soor; while the King prepared to march in person against Hemoo. On reaching Nowshehra, he was joined by several of his defeated officers, who had assembled at that place. During his stay there, Beiram Khan, taking advantage of the King's absence from camp on a hunting party, caused Tardy Beg Khan to be seized and beheaded for abandoning Dehly, where he might have defended himself. When Akbur returned, Beiram Khan waited on him, and acquainted him with what he had done, at the same time excusing himself for not consulting the King, as he felt certain his clemency was such, that, notwithstanding Tardy Beg Khan's misconduct, he would have pardoned him. Beiram Khan remarked, that lenity at such a crisis would lead to dangerous consequences, as the only hopes left to the Moguls, at the present moment, depended on every individual exerting himself to the utmost of his power. The King felt obliged to approve of this severe measure.

63.1.8

The author of this work has understood, from the best-informed men of the times, that had Tardy Beg Khan not been executed by way of example, such was the condition of the Mogul army, and the general feeling of those foreigners, that the old scene of Sheer Shah would have been acted over again. But in consequence of this prompt though severe measure, the Choghtay officers, each of whom before esteemed himself at least equal to Keikobad and Keikaoos, now found it necessary to conform to the orders of Beiram Khan, and to submit quietly to his authority.

63.2.1

Soon after this event, the army marched from Nowshehra towards Dehly. The advance guard consisted of the division of Sikundur Khan Oozbuk, Abdoolla Khan, Ally Kooly Khan Indijany, Mahomed Khan Jelabur Budukhshy, Mujnoon Khan Kakshal, and others, the whole commanded by Khan Zuman, who was created Surlushkur (commander-in-chief). This corps was supported by another body of troops composed of the dependents of Beiram Khan, among whom were Hoossein Kooly Beg, Mahomed Sadik Khan Purwanchy, Shah Kooly Khan Mahrum, Meer Mahomed Kasim Khan Nyshapoory, Syud Mahomed Barka, and others. Hemoo, who had now assumed the title of Raja Vikramajeet, in Dehly, having attached Shady Khan and other Afghan chiefs to his interest, marched out of the capital to meet the King, with an army as numerous as the locusts and ants of the desert. His advance guard, consisting of Afghans, with some artillery, having fallen in with the Mogul Surlushkur, was routed with the loss of all its guns, an event which proved of great importance to Akbur. Hemoo, however, reached Paniput without further opposition; and hearing the King was near, distributed his elephants, in which he greatly confided, among his principal officers, and waited an attack. On the morning of the 2d of Mohurrum, 964, the Surlushkur having halted, was joined by the whole army, except a few select troops who remained to guard the King's person, and drawing up, offered battle.

63.2.2

Hemoo began the action with his elephants, in hopes of alarming the enemy's cavalry, unaccustomed to those animals; but the Moguls attacked them so furiously, after they had penetrated even to the centre of the army, where Khan Zuman Khan commanded, that, galled with lances, arrows, and javelins, they became quite unruly, and disdaining the control of their drivers, turned and threw the Afghan ranks into confusion. Hemoo, mounted on an elephant of prodigious size, still continued the action with great bravery, at the head of four thousand horse, in the very heart of the Mogul army; but being pierced through the eye with an arrow, he sunk into his howda from extreme agony. The greater part of his troops feared his wound was mortal, and forsook him. Raising himself again, Hemoo drew the arrow and with it the eye out of the socket, which he wrapt in his handkerchief, and in spite of his painful situation, he continued to fight with unabated courage, endeavouring, with the few men who remained about his person, to force his retreat through the enemy's line. At length Shah Koolly Khan Mahrum levelled his lance against the driver of Hemoo's elephant, who, in order to save his own life, pointed to his master, and promised Shah Koolly Khan to guide the elephant wherever he directed. He was now surrounded by a body of horse, and carried prisoner to Akbur, who was about two or three coss in the rear.

63.2.3

When Hemoo was brought into the presence, Beiram Khan recommended the King to do a meritorious act by killing the infidel with his own hand. Akbur, in order to fulfil the wish of his minister, drew his sword, and touching the head of the captive became entitled to the appellation of Ghazy, while Beiram Khan, drawing his own sabre, at a single blow severed the head of Hemoo from his body. During this action, fifteen hundred elephants fell into the hands of Akbur, who, marching from Paniput, entered Dehly without opposition. From that city he detached Peer Mahomed Khan, the steward of Beiram Khan's household, towards Mewat, wherein the treasure of Hemoo was deposited, a service which was accomplished with trifling loss. While these events transpired in India, the Persian army, commanded by Sooltan Hoossein Mirza, the son of Beiram Mirza, the son of Shah Ismael Sufvy, advanced by order of Shah Tahmasp, and laid siege to Kandahar, which fell into the hands of the Persians after a severe action that took place under the walls. In this engagement Shah Mahomed Kandahary, deputy of the minister Beiram Khan, commanded. At the same time news arrived that Khizr Khan, one of Akbur's generals, had been defeated by Sikundur Shah Soor, and obliged to fly to Lahore.

63.2.4

Akbur, on hearing of these events, put his army in motion and marched towards the Punjab, on which Sikundur Shah Soor, who had advanced as far as Kullanoor, retreated to the fort of Mankote, built by his relative Sulim Shah Soor. At this place Akbur encamped for the space of three months, during which time the King's mother, and other ladies of the seraglio, together with several of the families of the Choghtay chiefs, returned from Kabul. They were escorted by the officer who had been sent there to afford aid to Moonyim Khan; but Mahomed Hukeem Mirza, with his mother and sister, remained at Kabul by the King's orders. The former was formally invested by patent with the management of that country, under the tutelage of Moonyim Khan during his minority.

63.2.5

The siege of Mankote lasted for six months, when Sikundur Shah opened negotiations to surrender, and Mahomed Khan Atka was sent into the fort for the purpose of concluding the terms. Sikundur Shah, unable to attend the King owing to his wounds, consented to evacuate the fort, and to cause his son Sheikh Abdool Rahman, to enter the King's service and remain with him as a hostage for his own future forbearance from hostility, begging that he himself might be permitted to retire unmolested to Bengal. These terms being acceded to, Sheikh Abdool Rahman, in the month of Rumzan 964, was presented to the King, and made offerings of several elephants. Sikundur Shah retired to Bengal, and Mankote was delivered up to Akbur, who having left a trusty governor in the place, proceeded on the road to Lahore.

63.2.6

Beiram Khan, perceiving that the King had lately conferred favours on some persons whom he suspected to be his enemies, was so annoyed, that he withdrew for some days from the royal presence. During this time it happened, that while the King was amusing himself with an elephant fight, one of the animals became unruly, and chanced to run over the tent ropes of Beiram Khan. The minister, conceiving this circumstance was designed, sent Mahim Atka to acquaint the King "that he was sorry to perceive he had given him offence; and that if he had done so, he begged to be informed of what he had been guilty." The King assured Beiram Khan that the circumstance to which he alluded occurred by mere accident; but the minister was by no means satisfied; nor could he be persuaded that the King's mind was not estranged from him. At length they reached Lahore. On their arrival, Shums-ood-Deen Mahomed Khan Atka, conceiving that he had offended Beiram Khan, waited on him, and took the most solemn oaths that he had on no occasion spoken disrespectfully of him to the King; meanwhile the army proceeded by easy marches to the south, and reached Dehly on the 25th of Jumad-oos-Sany. On this road a reconciliation took place between the King and the Regent, and the marriage of Sulima Sooltana Begum, the niece of the late Hoomayoon Padshah, with Beiram Khan, was celebrated at Jalundur with the King's consent, who was present at the nuptials.

63.2.7

In the same year, Khan Zuman, not only received the title of Ameer-ool-Oomra, but was raised to the rank of an officer of five thousand, and made governor of Joonpoor. Shortly afterwards, he seduced away from the King's body guard one of his troopers, who had been a favourite of Hoomayoon. The King sent an order to Khan Zuman to send the young man back; but some delay occurring, he was induced, at the instigation of Moolla Peer Mahomed, to march the army against him. Khan Zuman deputed one Furokh Ally, on his part, to court, to excuse his conduct; but Moolla Peer Mahomed, knowing that both Khan Zuman and Furokh Ally were the firm adherents of Beiram Khan, had sufficient influence not only to procure the messenger to be severely beaten, but subsequently to be pushed off the terrace of the palace, when he was killed. Khan Zuman at length allowed his favourite trooper to quit him; but instead of going to court, he retired to Suroorpoor, having been permitted to take with him one of his master's favourite mistresses, called Dilaram, originally a dancing girl. The young man subsequently engaging in a quarrel on her account lost his life; to revenge which Khan Zuman marched to Suroorpoor, and Meer Abdool Rahman, the governor, fled for protection to the court.

63.2.8

It was about this time that Moosahib Beg, the son of Khwaja Kullan, unmindful of the obligations he owed to Beiram Khan, began to treat him with disrespect, till at length he fell a victim to his misconduct, and was put to death by order of the Protector. This event gave great offence not only to the Choghtay officers and nobles, but also to the King himself, who, shortly after quitting Dehly, proceeded to Agra; and the circumstance was still fresh in every one's mind, when Beiram Khan determined to cut off Moolla Peer Mahomed in the same way.

63.3.1

This person, formerly a retainer of Beiram Khan, was, on account of his abilities, preferred to the office of private tutor to the King; and having gained great influence with his Prince, he behaved with insolence towards the nobles of the court, making them wait whole hours for an audience, and at last sending them word that he could not see them at all. This conduct gave universal offence. Beiram Khan himself, on going one day to Moolla Peer Mahomed's house to enquire after his health, was stopped by the servants, and made to wait outside, and even when admitted, was only allowed to take one servant with him into the court-yard. This conduct so incensed the Protector, that without speaking to the King on the subject, he sent Moolla Peer Mahomed prisoner to a fort, from whence he was banished to Guzerat, and eventually to Mecca, on the plea of performing a pilgrimage; and Hajy Mahomed Khan Seestany, a townsman of the Protector, was appointed to succeed Moolla Peer Mahomed as the King's preceptor.

63.3.2

Akbur was highly enraged at this proceeding; but Beiram Khan, by way of diverting his mind, projected an expedition against Gualiar. That fortress still remained in possession of Soheil Khan, an officer of Sulim Shah, the son of Sheer Shah, who held it for Mahomed Shah Adily. Soheil Khan, hearing of Akbur's intentions, wrote to Ram-Sa, a descendant of Raja Man-Sing, saying that as his ancestors had been masters of Gualiar, and as he was not capable of holding the place against the King, he would put it into the possession of the Raja for a reasonable sum. Ram-Sa availed himself of this offer, and moved towards the fort; but Yekbal Khan, who possessed an estate in the neighbourhood of Gualiar, having raised his vassals, attacked and defeated the Hindoo chief, who fled into the dominions of the Rana. After which Yekbal Khan having invested Gualiar, Soheil Khan surrendered it into his hands. In the course of the same year, Khan Zuman, in order to recommend himself, and to effect a reconciliation with the King, after all that had happened regarding the trooper, marched with his troops and subdued all the districts near Joonpoor and Benares, which till then remained in the hands of the adherents of the Afghan dynasty.

63.3.3

In the month of Rujub, of the same year, Mahomed Ghows, the brother of Sheikh Bheilole, who on account of his attachment to the Mogul dynasty had retired to Guzerat, now returned to court with his family; and being favourably received Beiram Khan was requested to provide him with a suitable establishment. Mahomed Ghows, relying too much on his personal interest with the King, neglected to pay that attention to the minister which he always expected, and Beiram Khan made so many excuses and delays that Mahomed Ghows found his stay at court disagreeable, and quitting it, retired to his old family residence at Gualiar. The King was much vexed with Beiram Khan for his conduct on this occasion; and he, observing a visible alteration in Akbur's manner towards him, proposed an expedition against Baz Buhadur, ruler of Malwa, to the command of which Bahadur Khan, the brother of Khan Zuman, governor of Depalpoor, was nominated.

63.3.4

About this time the King, being on a hunting party near Sikundra, was joined by Mahim Atka, who stated that the Queen-dowager was extremely ill at Dehly, and wished to see him. He accordingly proceeded to Dehly, and Shahab-ood-Deen Ahmud Khan Nyshapoory, an officer of five thouthe court-yard. This conduct so incensed the Protector, that without speaking to the King on the subject, he sent Moolla Peer Mahomed prisoner to a fort, from whence he was banished to Guzerat, and eventually to Mecca, on the plea of performing a pilgrimage; and Hajy Mahomed Khan Seestany, a townsman of the Protector, was appointed to succeed Moolla Peer Mahomed as the King's preceptor.

63.3.5

Akbur was highly enraged at this proceeding; but Beiram Khan, by way of diverting his mind, projected an expedition against Gualiar. That fortress still remained in possession of Soheil Khan, an officer of Sulim Shah, the son of Sheer Shah, who held it for Mahomed Shah Adily. Soheil Khan, hearing of Akbur's intentions, wrote to Ram-Sa, a descendant of Raja Man-Sing, saying, that as his ancestors had been masters of Gualiar, and as he was not capable of holding the place against the King, he would put it into the possession of the Raja for a reasonable sum. Ram-Sa availed himself of this offer, and moved towards the fort; but Yekbal Khan, who possessed an estate in the neighbourhood of Gualiar, having raised his vassals, attacked and defeated the Hindoo chief, who fled into the dominions of the Rana. After which Yekbal Khan having invested Gualiar, Soheil Khan surrendered it into his hands. In the course of the same year, Khan Zuman, in order to recommend himself, and to effect a reconciliation with the King, after all that had happened regarding the trooper, marched with his troops and subdued all the districts near Joonpoor and Benares, which till then remained in the hands of the adherents of the Afghan dynasty.

63.3.6

63.3.7

Apprehensive, however, lest Beiram Khan should suppose that the King's journey to Dehly had originated in an invitation from him, and fearing that he might in consequence be removed, as Moosahib Beg had been on a former occasion, Shahab-ood-Deen communicated his fears to Akbur, and begged that he might be permitted to retire, on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Surprised to find how much the minister was dreaded; yet by way of courtesy to Beiram Khan, as well as to remove Shahab-ood-Deen Ahmud's fears, Akbur wrote to Beiram Khan, telling him that he had come to Dehly, not by invitation of any person, but merely to pay his respects to his sick mother. Beiram Khan replied, that "he should never entertain resentment against any person whom his Majesty was pleased to honour with his favour;" he, moreover, deputed Hajy Mahomed Khan Seestany, and Tursoon Beg, to Dehly, with assurances of his loyalty. The enemies of Beiram Khan at court procured the seisure and confinement of his messengers. This circumstance was no sooner made known at Agra, than many of the minister's adherents began to quit him, and proceed to the court at Dehly, where Shahab-ood-Deen Ahmud, finding the King disposed to listen to accusations against the falling minister, gave full vent to his animosity, in which he was joined by many of the courtiers whom he had attached to his interest.

63.3.8

In short, so many insinuations were thrown out against Beiram Khan, particularly one of a design in favour of Abool Kasim Mirza, the son of the late Kamran Mirza, that Akbur became alarmed, and thought it necessary to curtail the Protector's authority. Accordingly, when Mahomed Khan and Tursoon Beg arrived in Dehly, instead of being admitted to an audience, they were seized and imprisoned, as has been related. This breach between the King and Beiram Khan is related, with other particulars, by Abool Fuzl. "One day," says that historian, "while the King was at Agra, one of his elephants being must, attacked and killed another of Beiram Khan's, who, on the spur of the moment, commanded the keeper of the royal elephant to be put to death, without first speaking to the King. Akbur was highly incensed, the more so, on finding that the man was not to blame, having lost all command over the animal. Soon after this," continues Abool Fuzl, "while Beiram Khan was taking his pleasure in a barge on the river, one of the elephants which had been carried down to the water, ran furiously against the boat, and had nearly sunk it, but for the great efforts of his driver. The minister, naturally suspicious, imagined these accidents were actually plots against his life; and he required the King to punish the driver.

63.3.9

In order to satisfy the Protector, and to remove his suspicion, Akbur ordered the elephant driver to be sent to him to be punished at his discretion, when Beiram Khan caused him to suffer death. Akbur, much incensed at these two instances of his minister's cruelty, came to the resolution of depriving him of office; a measure which required great firmness and much address." Some authors mention a scheme suggested to the King by his nurse to get possession of the seals; while others say, that she discovered it was the Protector's design to seize and confine him; a plot she is stated to have accidentally overheard, in a conversation between Beiram Khan and the Queen-dowager. "This," say they, "was the cause which determined Akbur to quit Agra," but Abool Fuzl does not mention it. He informs us, and with great probability, that the idea of shaking off the trammels of the minister was first communicated to Adam Khan Atka, and Mahim Atka, by the young King, who, tired of tutelage, thought he was capable of acting for himself. When it became known the messengers from Beiram Khan had been imprisoned, his ruin was easily foreseen by every body. A few days after, Akbur issued a proclamation, announcing to his people that he had taken the sole management of affairs into his own hands, requiring that henceforward no orders from court but those issued under his own seal should be obeyed.

63.4.1

Shah Abool Maaly, a favourite noble of the late Hoomayoon Padshah, had been long confined in Lahore; but having some time before this period found means to escape, he joined Kumal Ghukkur, and accompanied him in an expedition against Kashmeer. These chiefs were defeated with great slaughter; and Shah Abool Maaly, retiring to Depalpoor, instigated Bahadur Khan Seestany to rebel; but the latter repenting of his conduct, a quarrel ensued, and Shah Abool Maaly retired towards the Indus, whence he fled to Guzeirat, and eventually came to Joonpoor; where being seized by Khan Zuman, he was sent prisoner to Agra, and condemned to perpetual imprisonment in the fort of Byana.

63.4.2

Beiram Khan, finding himself out of favour at court, marched to Malwa, with the intention of reducing that country, and establishing an independent principality. At Byana, finding that Bahadur Khan Seestany and other chiefs, on whose assistance he calculated, were unwilling to aid him, Beiram Khan procured the release of Shah Abool Maaly from confinement, and intended, through his aid and that of Khan Zuman of Joonpoor, to attack and expel the Afghans from Bengal, and fix himself in that quarter. Before he had proceeded far, however, he changed his resolution, and took the route of Nagoor, with the avowed design of making a pilgrimage to Mecca; while Bahadur Khan Seestany, Yekbal Khan, and many other chiefs who had joined him, took leave and departed. On reaching Nagoor, Beiram Khan gave up the notion of going to Mecca, and assembled troops, in order to establish himself in Punjab. The King, informed of these proceedings, sent Meet Abdool Luteef Kuzweeny, his preceptor, with a message to him; saying, "Till now, our mind has been taken up with our education, and the amusements of youth, and it was our royal will, that you should regulate the affairs of our empire. But it being our intention henceforward to govern our people by our own judgment, let our wellwisher withdraw from all worldly concerns, and, retiring to Mecca, far removed from the toils of public life, spend the rest of his days in prayer."

63.4.3

Beiram Khan, on receiving this communication, professed obedience, and sent the ensigns of state, his elephants, banners, and drums, by Hoossein Kooly Khan, to the King, and returning to Nagoor, began to prepare for his departure for Mecca. He dismissed all his retainers; but Wully Beg and Ismael Khan (his own relations), as well as Shah Kooly Khan Mahrum, Hoossein Khan Oostajloo, Sheikh Guddayee, and Khwaja Moozuffur Ally Toormoozy, refused to quit him. Of all those who abandoned him at this time, most had been his associates and attendants for many years, and owed every thing to his favour; but all obligations were in a moment forgotten; and on the occasion of leaving him, they even carried with them most of his camels and camp equipage. Among those who left him was Shah Abool Maaly; who having joined Akbur while on a hunting-party, and neglecting to dismount when he made his obeisance, was instantly confined. Beiram Khan proceeded as far as Bhickanere; but repenting of his resolution to give up public life, returned to Nagoor, where he again began to assemble troops. The King, informed of this circumstance, marched to Jahjur. Moolla Peer Mahomed, lately returned from the exile to which he had been condemned by Beiram Khan, was considered a fit person to carry on the war against him; and on this occasion he received the title of Peer Mahomed Khan. The King, meanwhile, having returned to Dehly, sent orders to Moonyim Khan, the governor of Kabul, to repair to court.

63.4.4

On the approach of the royalists, Beiram Khan marched to Punjab, closely pursued by Peer Mahomed Khan. On reaching Bituhnda, he was induced to throw all his baggage into that fort, then commanded by Sheer Mahomed Khan, one of his former adherents. No sooner had this chief got them into his possession than he expelled the escort, and appropriated Beiram Khan's property to himself. The ex-minister proceeded to Depalpoor, which was also in the hands of one of his old adherents, Dervish Mahomed Oozbuk; but when he sent his secretary, Khwaja Moozuffur Ally, to wait on him, Dervish Mahomed seized and sent him to the King. All hopes being thus at an end, Beiram Khan marched towards Jallindhur, Meer Abdool Luteef Kuzweeny, his preceptor, with a message to him; saying, "Till now, our mind has been taken up with our education, and the amusements of youth, and it was our royal will, that you should regulate the affairs of our empire. But it being our intention henceforward to govern our people by our own judgment, let our wellwisher withdraw from all worldly concerns, and, retiring to Mecca, far removed from the toils of public life, spend the rest of his days in prayer."

63.4.5

Beiram Khan, on receiving this communication, professed obedience, and sent the ensigns of state, his elephants, banners, and drums, by Hoossein Koolly Khan, to the King, and returning to Nagoor, began to prepare for his departure for Mecca. He dismissed all his retainers; but Wully Beg and Ismael Khan (his own relations), as well as Shah Koolly Khan Mahrum, Hoossein Khan Oostajloo, Sheikh Guddayee, and Khwaja Moozuffur Ally Toormoozy, refused to quit him. Of all those who abandoned him at this time, most had been his associates and attendants for many years, and owed every thing to his favour; but all obligations were in a moment forgotten; and on the occasion of leaving him, they even carried with them most of his camels and camp equipage. Among those who left him was Shah Abool Maaly; who having joined Akbur while on a hunting-party, and neglecting to dismount when he made his obeisance, was instantly confined. Beiram Khan proceeded as far as Bhickanere; but repenting of his resolution to give up public life, returned to Nagoor, where he again began to assemble troops. The King, informed of this circumstance, marched to Jahjur. Moolla Peer Mahomed, lately returned from the exile to which he had been condemned by Beiram Khan, was considered a fit person to carry on the war against him; and on this occasion he received the title of Peer Mahomed Khan. The King, meanwhile, having returned to Dehly, sent orders to Moonyim Khan, the governor of Kabul, to repair to court.

63.4.6

On the approach of the royalists, Beiram Khan marched to Punjab, closely pursued by Peer Mahomed Khan. On reaching Bituhnda, he was induced to throw all his baggage into that fort, then commanded by Sheer Mahomed Khan, one of his former adherents. No sooner had this chief got them into his possession than he expelled the escort, and appropriated Beiram Khan's property to himself. The ex-minister proceeded to Depalpoor, which was also in the hands of one of his old adherents, Dervish Mahomed Oozbuk; but when he sent his secretary, Khwaja Moozuffur Ally, to wait on him, Dervish Mahomed seized and sent him to the King. All hopes being thus at an end, Beiram Khan marched towards Jalun- At this time, Peer Mahomed Khan was recalled, and Shums-ood-Deen Mahomed Khan Atka proceeded to occupy Punjab, and to seize Beiram Khan. A battle ensued at Machiwarra, which was contested with bravery on both sides. Mahomed Khan's troops were at first broken, but, at length, several of Beiram Khan's officers being killed, his followers fled, and he sought protection in the mountains of Sewalik. After this event, the King appointed Khwaja Abdool Mujeed Hirvy to the government of Dehly, under the title of Asuf Khan, and marched in person to Lahore. On his arrival at Lodhana he was met by Momin Khan from Kabul, who was graciously received, honoured with the title of Khan Khanan, and created prime minister.

63.4.7

The King's army having advanced near the mountains of Sewalik, a detachment of light horse entered the hills, where the zemindars of that country combined in support of Beiram Khan. They were, however, so vigorously attacked, that the exile, in the utmost distress, sent his slave Jumal to the King, representing his unfortunate condition, and imploring pardon. Akbur despatched Moolla Abdoolla, a native of Sooltanpoor, to him, with assurances of forgiveness, and with directions to conduct him to court. Accordingly, in the month of Rubbee-ool-Sany, A. H. 968, he was met, at some distance from the camp, by a considerable number of chiefs deputed to receive him, and was brought into the presence. with every mark of distinction. On entering the court, he hung his turban round his neck, and advancing rapidly, threw himself, in tears, at the foot of the throne.

63.4.8

Akbur, stretching forth his hand, caused him to rise, and placed him in his former station at the head of the nobles. A splendid dress was now brought ; and the King addressed him in the following words: "If Beiram Khan loves a military life, the government of Kalpy and Chundery offer a field for his ambition. If he choose rather to remain at court, our favour shall not be wanting to the benefactor of our family; but should he be disposed to seek devotion in retirement, let him perform a pilgrimage to Mecca, whither he shall be escorted in a manner suitable to his rank." Beiram Khan replied, "The royal confidence being once shaken, how can I wish to remain in the presence? The clemency of the King is enough, and his forgiveness is more than a reward for my former services. Let me, therefore, avert my thoughts from this world to another, and be allowed to proceed to the holy shrine." The King assented, and ordered a proper retinue to attend him, at the same time assigning to him a pension of fifty thousand rupees annually for his support. Beiram Khan soon after took leave of the King, who, with a few attendants, returned to Agra.

63.5.1

Beiram Khan proceeded to Gujerat, in order to embark for Mecca, and reached the suburbs of Puttun, then governed by Moosy Khan Lody. During his stay there he went to visit a spot called Sahasnuk, so called from the thousand temples erected in its vicinity. One evening, in the month Jumad-ool-Awul of the same year, he was with a number of friends, accompanied by musicians, in a boat on the lake, where they remained the whole night. On his return in the morning, Beiram Khan was accosted by one Moobarik Khan Lohany, a person whose father he had slain in battle with his own hand. The wretch, pretending to embrace him, drew his dagger, and stabbed Beiram Khan to the heart; and a mob of Afghans falling on his retinue, plundered it. After his death, Mahomed Ameer Dewana, Baba Zeinoo, and some other of his attendants, conveyed his widow and his son, Mirza Abdool Ruheem, then only four years old, to Ahmudabad; whence Itimad Khan, the ruler of Guzerat, sent the whole family, with a suitable escort, to the King at Agra. The history of Mirza Abdool Ruheem will be found in its proper place in this work. Beiram Khan was one of the most distinguished officers of the Mogul court. He was descended from a line of ancestors who served for many generations in the family of the illustrious Teimoor Sahib Kiran. His pedigree is as follows: Mahomed Biran Khan Toorkoman, the son of Syf Ally Beg, the son of Yar Ally Beg, the son of Sheer Ally Beg.

63.5.2

In the female line, he is descended from Ally Shukur, Toorkoman Baharloo. When Zowzun Hussun Sooltan conquered Erak, and Sooltan Aboo Syeed Mirza lost his life, Sheer Ally Beg, who was then in his service, attached himself to Sooltan Mahomed, the son of Sooltan Aboo Syeed Mirza; but meeting with little encouragement to continue with him, he came to Kabul, and in the course of six months raised an army and marched in the direction of Shiraz, with the intention of establishing himself in an independent kingdom. In this endeavour, he was joined by some Toorkomans, and absolutely reached Fars; but being defeated by the troops of Zowzun Hussun, he fled to Khorassan, and eventually lost his life in battle, near Hirat. Sheer Ally Beg's eldest son, Yar Ally Beg, went to Koondooz, and entered the service of Khoosrow Shah; whom he quitted, and enrolled himself under the banners of Babur, on which occasion he seduced several of the officers of Khoosrow Shah from their duty. Yar Ally Beg died in the service of Babur, and his son, Seif Ally Beg, became governor of Ghizny. At his death, his son, Beiram Khan, retired to Bulkh; but being subsequently brought into notice at the court of Hoomayoon, he became his bosom friend, and was selected on that account as governor to his son.

63.5.3

In the end of the year 968, Adam Khan Atka was appointed to command an army destined for the conquest of Malwa. Baz Bahadur, the ruler of the principality, spent his time in idle pleasures at Sarungpoor; and such was his indolence, that, although aware of the expedition of the Moguls, he allowed them to approach within twenty miles of his capital, before he could be prevailed on to quit the pillows of ease, and prepare for action. The contest was short: the Moguls, on the first onset, broke his troops, captured his property and family, and sent him with streaming eyes and a broken heart towards Boorhanpoor.

63.5.4

Adam Khan, after the victory, made provision for the government of Malwa, and distributed the spoil among his followers, reserving for himself the treasure, the royal ensigns, and the ladies of the haram of Baz Bahadur. He sent nothing but a few elephants to the King. Akbur, conceiving that Adam Khan intended to render himself independent, marched to Malwa. He first appeared before Gungrar, the governor of which place, on the part of Baz Bahadur, delivered it up without opposition. Akbur thence made a night march, and in the morning arrived before Sarungpoor. Adam Khan, unaware of the King's approach, was coming out with an intention to besiege Gungrar; but on making the discovery, he paid his respects, and accompanied him into the city. Adam Khan, suspecting the true cause of the King's visit, laid at his feet the treasure and spoil he had reserved for himself, alleging, by way of excuse, that he had reserved them till he should have the honour of presenting them in person. The King saw through this flimsy disguise, but preferring clemency to rigour, allowed the circumstance to pass without further notice, and soon after returned to Agra.

63.5.5

One day while hunting in the vicinity of Nurnear, a royal tigress crossed the road. Akbur, without hesitation, urged on his horse, and with a single stroke of his sabre cut her across the loins, and stretched her dead on the plain. The nobles present, in excess of joy, ran to kiss the royal stirrup, and offered up thanks to God for his preservation.

63.5.6

He had only been a few months at Agra when Sheer Khan, the son of the late Mahomed Shah Adily, with forty thousand Afghans, advanced from Bengal to reduce the province of Joonpoor. Sheer Khan was opposed by Khan Zuman with twelve thousand cavalry, and sustained a total defeat. Bahadur Khan Seestany, the brother of Khan Zuman, distinguished himself much on this occasion; indeed, both were esteemed among the bravest soldiers of the age; but presuming too much on their character, they neglected to send to court the elephants taken in the battle, which are always considered the property of the crown. The King, though prepared to allow due credit to the brothers for their gallantry, could by no means overlook so gross an infringement of his prerogative, and therefore determined on marching towards Joonpoor; but on reaching Kurra, sensible of their misconduct, they advanced to congratulate Akbur, and presented him not only with the elephants and all the spoils they had taken, but made other suitable offerings. The King, whose generosity and clemency were equalled only by his spirit, returned every thing except what belonged of right to the crown, and giving them at the time a gentle reproof for their neglect, he secured their attachment by his princely behaviour and courtesy. During the march to Agra, on the third day, they were permitted to return to their government of Joonpoor.

63.5.7

At this time, Mahomed Khan Atka, governor of Punjab, and Adam Khan Atka, ruler of Malwa, arrived at court according to orders, bringing with them suitable presents. The government of Malwa was now conferred on the King's old preceptor, Peer Mahomed Khan, and the office of prime minister devolved on Mahomed Khan Atka. In the year 969, the King, proceeding to Ajmere, visited the shrine of Khwaja Moyeen-ood-Deen Chishty; and shortly after, on his arrival at Sumthur, Raja Poorunmul consented to give his daughter to him in marriage, and suffered himself and his son Bhowany Dass to be enrolled among the number of the nobles of the court. At Ajmere, Akbur, having performed his devotions, detached Mirza Shurf-ood-Deen Hoossein, the governor, to invest the fort of Merta, subject to Maldew, Raja of Marwar. The King, quitting Ajmere suddenly, returned in three days and nights, attended by a retinue of six persons only to Agra, a distance of more than one hundred and thirty cosses. Mirza Shurf-ood-Deen Hoossein having reached Meita, Raja Jugmul and Raja Devy Dass, two of the principal chiefs of Marwar, threw themselves into Merta, and prepared for defence. They were closely besieged by the Mirza; who in a few days carried mines under one of the bastions, and formed a practicable breach. A select body of troops, led by the Mirza in person, advanced to the assault: but the storming party was opposed with such bravery that it was obliged to retreat;

63.5.8

and on the next morning the Moguls found the breach built up by the enemy. The siege being protracted for some months, and the garrison unable to hold out longer for want of provisions, proposed to capitulate. Terms were granted, by which the besieged were allowed to march out without arms, but with permission to retain their horses. Jugmul, according to stipulation, left all his money and effects in the fort; but Devy Dass, who had been averse to the capitulation, collected five hundred of the garrison, and having burnt all they could not convey with them, rushed out with a determination to cut their way through the enemy. The Mirza, having heard of their intention, caused them to be attacked; but the Rajpoots, fighting with desperate valour, succeeded in making good their retreat, with the loss of two hundred and fifty of their number killed. Among these was Devy Dass himself, whose head his soldiers carried off when they saw him mortally wounded, that it might not fall into the hands of the enemy. Mirza Shurf-ood-Deen Hoossein, after having occupied Merta, wrote an account of his success to the King, by whom he was honoured with marks of his approbation.

63.6.1

Peer Mahomed Khan, governor of Malwa, taking up his residence in Shadyabad Mando, carried on the war against Baz Bahadur with such success that he compelled him to quit his dominions. He took the strong fort of Beejygur, and put the garrison to the sword, as they obliged him to risk an assault Baz Bahadur took protection under the ruler of Boorhanpoor, within the limits of Kandeish; and by his aid he made frequent incursions into Malwa, and kept the country in a state of ferment and alarm. Peer Mahomed Khan marched against Boorhanpoor, and sacked the town, when a cruel massacre of the inhabitants ensued, and among these sufferers were many holy men. Baz Bahadur, shortly after, induced Moobarik Khan Farooky, ruler of Kandeish, and Tooffid Khan, ruler of Berar, to aid him, and he advanced towards the Moguls. The latter retreated to Beejygur, where, contrary to the advice of his officers, Peer Mahomed Khan gave battle to the confederates. He was defeated in the action, and eventually drowned in the retreat while crossing the Nerbudda. The confederates pursued the Moguls from place to place as far as Agra, so that Baz Bahadur, in the year 969, recovered his dominions in Malwa. Subsequent to these disasters, Abdoolla Khan Oozbuk, governor of Kalpy, was appointed to carry on the war against Baz Bahadur, whom he succeeded in expelling a second time from Malwa. Baz Bahadur fled to the mountains of Koombulmere;

63.6.2

and Abdoolla Khan, established himself in Mando, and took up his residence in that city. Syud Beg, the son of Masoom Beg, a member of the Sufvy family, arrived about this time at the court of Agra, in character of ambassador from the King of Persia, bringing handsome offerings. He received in return presents to the amount of two lacks of rupees. Mahomed Khan Atka, having some time before been appointed minister at Dehly, with the title of Shahab-ood-Deen, acquired great influence at court; and Adam Khan Koka, whom we have before seen commanding the army in the first conquest of Malwa, being jealous of his power, endeavoured to effect his ruin; but his intrigues to that end were discovered, and exposed him to shame. Adam Khan had determined in his own mind on the destruction of the minister, and only sought for an opportunity to effect it. At length, one day while Shahab-ood-Deen was sitting in the hall of audience, reading the Koran aloud, Adam Khan entered and saluted him. The minister took no notice of him; for it is not customary on such occasions to do so. Adam Khan, on the impulse of the moment, drew a dagger and stabbed the minister to the heart. Having committed this murder, Adam Khan left the room hastily, and ascended one of the terraces, where he remained till he was seized. The King, who was sleeping in the inner apartments, on hearing the noise, and on ascertaining the cause, arose, and without changing his sleeping dress, went to the spot.

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Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 63: AKBUR PADSHAH.

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AKBUR PADSHAH.