Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 88: THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO VOL. III.
History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 88
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Contents
THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO VOL. III.
88.1.1
This humble individual, Mahomed Kasim Ferishta, desires it to be understood by those reflecting persons who peruse his work, that as the object of his labours, in the preceding part, has been to give a true account of the sovereigns of Dehly, and of the Bahmuny Kings of the Deccan, so shall his care be, in the remaining portion of it, to write a detail of the histories of all the other Mahomedan princes who have held independent sway in India. He proposes, therefore, to continue the narrative by commemorating, in the first place, the deeds of the illustrious monarchs who have reigned over Beejapoor; for the prosperity of which dynasty he constantly prays to Almighty God.
88.1.2
Situated as the author is, under the protection of this family, it may be supposed that he would be disposed to lavish encomiums on its ancestors, and either suppress or misrepresent facts for the purpose of obtaining pecuniary rewards; but his object is to write truth in simple and unadorned language. He has fortunately been already placed, by the bounty of his sovereign, Ibrahim Adil Shah II., above all pecuniary wishes, so that he is able to spurn gold beneath his feet. On that score, therefore, having nothing to desire, he is left free to indulge his own inclination, in fulfilling the commands of his King, by the honest performance of the task which he has undertaken. mudnuggur, and Berar, are formed. — Yoosoof assumes the title of King — attempts to introduce the Sheea doctrines — nearly loses his throne, and is induced to forego his intentions — The Portuguese take Goa, which is shortly after retaken by Yoosoof Adil Shah. — His death and character. Abool Moozuffur Yoosoof Adil Shah, the founder of the Adil Shahy dynasty, was the son of one of the emperors of Room, of the Ottoman family. His father, Agha Morad, dying in 854, he was succeeded by his eldest son Mahomed; on which occasion the ministers observed, that as in the beginning of the late reign, a person named Moostufa, calling himself a son of Elderim Bayezeed, occasioned great commotions in the empire, it was desirable that in future only one prince of the family should be suffered to live.
88.1.3
Sooltan Mahomed, assenting to the suggestion, gave orders for his brother Yoosoof, then a child, to be put to death; and the executioners came to demand him from his mother, in order that, having strangled him, the body might be publicly exposed. The Queen entreated them to spare the infant; or, if state policy demanded so cruel a sacrifice, to indulge her by deferring the execution for a day, that she might prepare her mind for so melancholy an event. The ministers having consented, the Queen improved the time to save her son's life. She accordingly sent for Khwaja Imad-ood-Deen, a merchant of Sava, with whom she had been in the habit of making purchases of the products of Persia, and enquired if he then had any male slaves for sale. He replied, he had five Georgians, and two Circassians. Among these was a Circassian who, on the whole, bore some resemblance to the Prince ; and him she purchased, at the same time committing Yoosoof to the merchant's care, together with a large sum of money, entreating him to convey him to a place of security, out of the Emperor's dominions. The Khwaja, for the sake of the money, accepted the commission, and began his journey, with the infant Prince, the same night.
88.1.4
The next morning, the ministers coming to the door of the Queen's apartments, demanded her son ; when having admitted one of them, on whom she could rely, candidly informed him of the deception, and bound him to favour it by large gifts. The Circassian slave was accordingly strangled ; and the body being brought out, wrapped in a shroud, by the minister, whose integrity was not suspected, it was interred without examination. Khwaja Imad-ood-Deen carried the young prince to Ardbeel, where he enrolled him among the disciples of the venerable Sheikh Sufiy; after which he conveyed him to the city of Sava. When he was seven years of age the Khwaja made known to him the secret of his birth, and placed him at school with his own children. The next year the Queen sent a person to Sava to enquire after her child; and the messenger, after an absence of nine months, departed homewards, but was taken so ill at Alexandria, that he remained there a year and a half; after which he returned to the Queen, and presented her with a letter written by Yoosoof; giving her pleasing accounts of himself. The Princess bestowed alms to the poor in gratitude for the preservation of her son; and shortly after sent his nurse, with her son Ghuzunfur Beg, and her daughter Dilshad Agha, to Sava, accompanied by her former messenger, as also a large sum of money for the use of the Prince.
88.1.5
Yoosoof remained at Sava till he was sixteen years old, when his nurse imprudently divulged the secret of his birth, which having come to the ears of the governor, a Toork of the tribe of Akkooinloo, he made the Prince pay him four hundred tomans, to permit him to quit the place in safety. Yoosoof intended to remain at Koom till the governor of Sava should be removed; but after some time, having left Koora, he proceeded to Kashan, Isfahan, and eventually to Shiraz, where a story is told that the prophet Khizr appeared to him in a dream, directing him to quit Persia and go to Hindoostan, where he should attain to sovereign power. Yoosoof accordingly left Shiraz, went to the sea-coast, and embarking at Gombroon for India, reached Dabul in the year 864. On his arrival there he became acquainted with Khwaja Mahmood Goorjistany, a merchant who had come to that port on business. Yoosoof's appearance and manners (being at that time only seventeen years of age) were at once striking and engaging, for he had received a liberal education at Sava. The Khwaja prevailed on him to accompany him to Ahmudabad Bidur, where he was sold, as a Georgian slave, to the minister Khwaja Mahmood Gawan for the royal body-guard. This account the author received from Mirza Mahomed of Sava, the son of Gheias-ood-Deen, prime minister of Yoosoof Adil Khan at the time he declared his independence at Beejapoor, under the designation of Yoosoof Adil Shah.
88.1.6
The same story is related by Shah Jumal-ood-Deen Hoossein, the son of Shah Hoossein Anjoo, in his history; as also by Khwaja Nuzr, a member of the Bahmuny family. At the period of the marriage of Beeby Musseety to the Prince Ahmud at Koolburga, that Princess took her seat above all the other ladies; and on remonstrance being made to her afterwards, she replied, as the daughter of Yoosoof Adil Shah, and the niece and grand-daughter of two emperors of Room, she certainly considered herself inferior to no lady in the Deccan. Ameer Bereed of Bidur was afterwards at the trouble of sending persons to Constantinople to endeavour to falsify this statement; but the corroborating facts were so strong that the subject was not again agitated. Yoosoof Adil Khan is said to have derived the appellation of Savaee from the circumstance of his having been educated at Sava.
88.1.7
After two or three months, Khwaja Mahmood Gawan, with the approbation of the Queen-mother, placed Yoosoof under Azeez Khan, master of the horse; who finding him fit for the task, and being old and infirm himself, committed to him the whole duty of his department; by which Yoosoof had frequent opportunities of going into the presence of Mahomed Shah, whose notice he attracted. On the death of Azeez Khan (at the recommendation of Khwaja Mahmood Gawan) he succeeded to the office of master of the horse; but not agreeing with the bramin who kept the accounts, he resigned the office, and attached himself to Nizam-ool-Moolk Toork, one of the nobles at court, whose friendship he acquired to such a degree that he used to call him brother. On Nizam-ool-Moolk's being appointed governor of Berar, he procured for his friend the title of Adil Khan, with the rank of a commander of five hundred horse, and took him with him. Nizam-ool-Moolk was afterwards killed at Kehrla; when Yoosoof Adil Khan, leaving a strong garrison in the fort, conducted back the army, together with the rich plunder of a very successful campaign, as also thirty elephants, which procured him the royal approbation; from which time the star of his good fortune began to ascend.
88.1.8
When Mahomed Shah left this vain world, and dissensions prevailed throughout the kingdom, most of the foreign officers and soldiers attached themselves to Yoosoof Adil Khan; who, perceiving that the ministers of Mahmood Shah were bent on his destruction, withdrew with his family and followers from Ahmudabad Bidur to Beejapoor; and resolving to become the founder of a kingdom, he began to add to his territories by conquest.
88.2.1
When the hooma of prosperity had spread the shadow of her wings over his head, Yoosoof Adil Khan, as well as Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, in the year 895, according to the verse in the Holy Koran, "The sword for him who can wield it, and dominion to him who conquers," caused the Khootba to be read in his name, and assumed the canopy of royalty, at which time the foreigners unanimously acknowledged him King. After this event, he wrested many forts from the governors of Mahmood Shah, and subdued all the country from the river Beema to Beejapoor, the inhabitants of which territory submitted to his authority; and being subsequently joined by many Deccany officers, who had formerly deserted him on his retiring from Ahmudabad Bidur, his power daily increased.
88.2.2
Kasim Bereed Toork, who had himself entertained hopes of founding a kingdom at Beejapoor, wrote to the Ray of Beejanuggur, that Mahomed Shah was willing to cede to him the forts of Moodkul and Rachore, if he would wrest them from Yoosoof Adil Khan; at the same time letters were addressed to Bahadur Geelany, who possessed Goa and all Dureabar, (the tract which, in the language of the Deccan, is called Concan,) inviting him to invade the country of Yoosoof Adil Khan. Timraj, the general of the Ray of Beejanuggur, having crossed the river Toongbudra, laid waste the country as far as Moodkul and Rachore; and Bahadur Geelany reduced the fortress of Jumkindy. Yoosoof Adil Khan was too weak to repel these attacks by force. He accordingly made peace with Timraj, and expelled Bahadur Geelany from his dominions; but without attempting to recover Jumkindy, led his army, composed of eight thousand foreigners, towards the capital, against Kasim Bereed.
88.2.3
Kasim Bereed applied for aid to Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, together with Khwaja Jehan Deccany, governor of Purenda, who joined him. The troops with Mahmood Shah Bahmuny II. marched from the capital, and were met by Yoosoof Adil Shah in the vicinity of Nuldroog, where an action was fought. Duria Khan commanded the right wing, Fukhr-ool-Moolk Toork the left, and Yoosoof Adil Khan led the centre of his army, while his foster-brother, Ghuzunfur Beg, commanded a separate corps of a thousand foreign bowmen, to assist wherever there might be occasion. Kasim Bereed fled with the King at the first onset; upon which Yoosoof Adil Khan and Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, discontinuing the fight, entered into a treaty on the field, and each retired to his own dominions. This action is, however, differently related by the Bahmuny historian, who states, that Mullik Ahmud was not in the field, but his general Khwaja Jehan only; that Yoosoof Adil Khan was defeated, and retired to Beejapoor, where he shortly after obtained peace with his enemies; and then, on learning that dissensions prevailed in Beejanuggur, he marched to retake Rachore.
88.2.4
On reaching the banks of the Krishna, Yoosoof Adil Khan amused himself for some time in hunting; but having brought on an ague and fever by exertion, he was confined to his bed for two months; during which time, his foster-brother, Ghuzunfur Beg, directed all public affairs. In this interval Timraj the minister, having composed his disputes with the young Ray of Beejanuggur, advanced at the head of an army to Rachore, which struck terror into that of Yoosoof Adil Khan, for whose recovery fervent prayers were offered up by his subjects. Not long after, Yoosoof recovering, distributed sixty thousand rupees among holy men and syuds of Medina, Kerbulla, and Nujuf. He also intrusted a considerable sum to Khwaja Abdoolla Hirvy, who had come with him to Hindoostan in the same ship, directing him to build a mosque at Sava, and to give the surplus of the money among the poor of that city. Meanwhile intelligence was received that Timraj, having crossed the Toongbudra, was advancing to Beejapoor. Yoosoof Adil Khan mustered his troops, and found them to consist of eight thousand Doaspa horse and two hundred elephants of all sizes. Addressing himself to Ghuzunfur Beg, Mirza Jehangeer, and Dawood Khan Lody, his favourite officers, he said, that he trusted he should be able to defeat the enemy with this force, and communicated his determination to advance towards him.
88.2.5
Next day he accordingly marched, and encamped at a little distance from Timraj's army, and then dividing the ground among his officers to the best advantage, he threw up entrenchments round his camp to prevent surprise. Several days passed inactively, till on Saturday, in the month of Rujub, 898, both armies drew out; and in the beginning of the action nearly five hundred of Yoosoof Adil Khan's troops being slain, the rest fell back in disorder. Fortunately, at this moment, one of his officers who had been taken prisoner made his escape, and represented, that the enemy were busily engaged in plunder, and might be attacked with advantage. The King, rallying his troops, prepared to renew the action; when Timraj, not having time to collect his whole army, drew up seven thousand horse, a considerable number of foot, and three hundred elephants to oppose him. Yoosoof Adil Khan charged this body with such impetuosity, that Timraj, unable to stand the shock, fled, leaving two hundred elephants, and a thousand horses in the hands of the victors, besides sixty lacks of hoons, with many jewels and other valuable booty. Timraj and the young Ray fled to Beejanuggur. The latter died on the road of wounds received in the action, and Timraj seized the government of the country; but some of the principal nobility opposing his usurpation, dissensions broke out, which gave Yoosoof Adil Khan a respite from war in that quarter.
88.2.6
Dustoor Khan relates, that the victory was gained by the following stratagem: Yoosoof Adil Khan, after the disorder of his troops, sent a messenger to Timraj entreating peace, and offering to acknowledge allegiance to the Ray for the country he held; upon which the minister and the Ray came, attended by three or four hundred followers and their principal nobility, to a conference in the field, when Yoosoof Adil Khan fell upon them by surprise with his whole army and routed them, killing seventy persons of rank. Their troops, alarmed at the death of their chiefs, fled, and left the camp to be plundered by the victors. Yoosoof Adil Khan, after his success, conferred on Raab Jung Bahadur Khan fifty elephants, with one lack of hoons, and detached him with a force to reduce the forts of Moodkul and Rachore; which having effected in the space of forty days, the King returned to his capital of Beejapoor. This victory added greatly to his wealth, strengthened his power, and confirmed his authority. It is said, however, that he paid Mahmood Shah the compliment of sending to him two splendid vests, the borders of which were adorned with precious stones, two horses shod with gold, and saddles and bridles set with jewels, with an official report of his success.
88.2.7
Yoosoof Adil Khan was preparing to march against Jumkindy, which Bahadur Geelany had taken from him, when Mahmood Shah, in consequence of complaints from the King of Guzerat resolved to march in person against the latter chief; on which occasion Yoosoof Adil Khan sent his general, Kumal Khan Deccany, with five thousand horse, to attend the Bahmuny monarch. Jumkindy being taken, was delivered over to Yoosoof Adil Khan, and Bahadur Geelany was slain in action. When Mahmood Shah returned from this expedition, Yoosoof Adil Khan went forth to meet him ; and having conducted him into Beejapoor, then newly surrounded with a wall of stone, entertained him for ten days with great splendour. On his departure, he presented him with twenty elephants, fifty horses, four bracelets set with jewels, and other rare and valuable articles to a large amount Mahmood Shah having made choice of one elephant sent back the other articles, with a private message, that as they would be seized by his minister Kasim Bereed, he returned them, to be kept for him in trust, till such time as Yoosoof Adil Khan, like a faithful servant, should deliver him from his trammels.
88.2.8
Yoosoof Adil Khan, though he had it in his power to effect this object at once, did not think it desirable to do so; and answered, that such an undertaking could not succeed, unless Mullik Ahmud Bheiry of Ahmudnuggur should agree in promoting it, as also Imad-ool-Moolk of Gavulgur; and he promised, that when Mahmood Shah reached his capital he would prevail upon those chiefs to join with him in punishing the obnoxious minister. Mahmood Shah, satisfied with this declaration, departed for his capital; but before he left Beejapoor, Yoosoof Adil Khan conveyed to him privately a large sum of money, and also made considerable presents to Kasim Bereed and Kootb-ool-Moolk, who had attended the King in the campaign.
88.2.9
In the year 901, Dustoor Deenar, the Abyssinian eunuch, who held the districts of Koolburga, Sagur, Alund, and other forts and districts between the river Beema and Tulingana, aspired to establish his independence. For this purpose he opened a communication with Mullik Ahmud Bheiry; observing, that as Futteh Oolla Imad-ool-Moolk had, in concert with Yoosoof Adil Shah, assumed royal titles in Berar, it would be consistent with his friendship to support him in doing the same. Dustoor Deenar was the adopted son of Nizam-ool-Moolk, the father of Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, and thought, in consequence, he had claims on his support. Accordingly the eunuch, having adopted the regal canopy, seized many districts dependent on the capital of Ahmudabad Bidur, and expelled the officers of Kasim Bereed.
88.3.1
Kasim Bereed, on this occasion, demanded the assistance of Yoosoof Adil Khan, who directed his general, Ghuzunfur Beg, Duria Khan, and other chiefs, to join the King's army; writing to Mahmood Shah, at the same time, that he should have attended in person, did he not foresee, in that case, that Mullik Ahmud Bheiry would think it necessary to join Dustoor Deenar with his whole force, a proceeding which would only prolong the war. Soon after, however, intelligence being received that Khwaja Jehan Deccany, at the instigation of Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, had moved from Purenda towards Koolburga with a considerable force to aid Dustoor Deenar, and that Mullik Ahmud was also preparing to march, Yoosoof Adil Khan thought it proper to join his own army; so that, after forming a junction with Mahmood Shah and Kasim Bereed, the whole moved against Dustoor Deenar without delay. The eunuch advanced to receive them with eight thousand horse, mostly Abyssinians, and twelve thousand auxiliaries, sent by Mullik Ahmud Bheiry under Khwaja Jehan of Purenda, when, after a severe action, Dustoor Deenar was defeated, and taken prisoner. Mahmood Shah would have caused him to be put to death, at the instance of Kasim Bereed; but Yoosoof Adil Khan, not wishing to strengthen the hands of the minister, interceded for his pardon, and Koolburga was restored to him;
88.3.2
after which Yoosoof Adil Khan, without paying his respects to Mahmood Shah, returned to Beejapoor, while the King and Dustoor Deenar repaired to their respective capitals. Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, who had begun his march to join the eunuch, hearing of the peace, returned to Ahmudnuggur. In the year 903, Mahmood Shah solicited the hand of Beeby Musseety, the infant daughter of Yoosoof Adil Khan, for his son Ahmud Shah, and fixing on Koolburga as a fit place to celebrate the nuptials, both princes repaired to that city, an event which greatly offended Dustoor Deenar. Yoosoof Adil Khan at this time intimated privately to Mahmood Shah, that if he wished to displace Kasim Bereed, he must cede to Beejapoor the districts now belonging to Dustoor Deenar, which intervened between his own territory and the estates of the minister: an acquisition which would afford Yoosoof Adil Khan a plausible pretext for advancing troops into them, and give him an opportunity of expelling Kasim Bereed, before Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, or any other person disposed to assist him, could hear of his design. Mahmood Shah accordingly made out the requisite transfers, and dispossessed the officers of Dustoor Deenar, who, unable to resist, was obliged to consent to hold the rest of his districts subordinate to Sooltan Koolly Kootb Khan of Golconda. Kasim Bereed, alarmed and offended at this proceeding, quitted Mahmood Shah, and putting himself at the head of his dependents, retired to Alund.
88.3.3
Yoosoof Adil Khan, upon this, moved with Mahmood Shah, who was accompanied by Sooltan Koolly Kootb Khan, and Mullik Elias, to reduce Kasim Bereed, whom they defeated near the town of Gunjowty, and the fugitives took shelter in various forts. After the victory, a rich carpet of cloth of gold was spread on the field, and Mahmood Shah taking Yoosoof Adil Khan by the hand, commanded him to sit, an honour he declined to accept, till after being repeatedly pressed. Here it was determined, that, on the following year, the allies should march and effectually subvert the power of Kasim Bereed. Mullik Elias fell in the action; and Yoosoof Adil Khan conferred his estates upon his eldest son, Mahomed, with the title of Ein-ool-Moolk, and quitting Mahmood Shah returned to Beejapoor.
88.3.4
On the following year, Yoosoof Adil Khan marched against Dustoor Deenar; but Mullik Ahmud Bheiry coming to his assistance, Yoosoof retired towards Bidur, where he received assurances of support from Sooltan Koolly Kootb Khan and Imad-ool-Moolk of Berar; on which Dustoor Deenar and Mullik Ahmud retired without hazarding an action to their respective capitals. On his return to Beejapoor, Yoosoof Adil Khan sent embassies to Mullik Ahmud Bheiry and to Imad-ool-Moolk; observing, that the Deccan was too small a country to maintain so many independent chiefs, that therefore they three should, out of regard to their own security, unite and endeavour to occupy the whole country. After much discussion it was resolved, that Imad-ool-Moolk should have Mahoor, Ramgur, and all the territory then in possession of Khodawund Khan the Abyssinian; that Mullik Ahmud should have Dowlutabad, Antore, Galna, and the country beyond those forts as far as the borders of Guzerat; that Yoosoof Adil Khan, for his share, might seize the territories of Dustoor Deenar and Ein-ool-Moolk; that Kasim Bereed should be allowed to take the country of Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, as an appanage to the capital of Ahmudabad Bidur, and its dependencies. By this treaty it was understood that the contracting powers were not to interfere with the plan now proposed, but, on the contrary, if necessary, unite to enforce it.
88.3.5
Yoosoof Adil Khan, in pursuance of this treaty, in order to ascertain if Ein-ool-Moolk were content to be dependent on his authority, despatched an order commanding him to his presence, whereas he had always before addressed him on terms of equality. Ein-ool-Moolk received the order with joyful submission, declaring that now he was convinced Yoosoof Adil Khan regarded him as loyal, by putting his submission to the test. He made a festival of a week in the fort of Goa on the occasion, and repaired with six thousand horse to Beejapoor, where Yoosoof Adil Khan received him as one of his subjects, exacting those salutations from him made only to crowned heads, and then conferred on him an honorary dress. Dustoor Deenar, informed of the partition treaty which included his destruction, applied to Ameer Bereed for aid, who had just then succeeded his father in the office of minister to Mahmood Shah II. Ameer Bereed, accordingly, sent three thousand horse to his assistance; and Dustoor Deenar encamped on the banks of the Bheema, where he was joined by Khwaja Jehan of Purenda, and his brother Zein Khan, who had also been excluded by Mullik Ahmud from the partition treaty. They brought with them five thousand horse. Mullik Ahmud Bheiry was at this time engaged in taking Dowlutabad, and defending himself against invasions from Guzerat.
88.3.6
Yoosoof Adil Khan, unmoved by the superiority of the enemy's numbers, collected his troops, and liberally distributing among them the booty he had taken from the Beejanuggur army, marched from Beejapoor, and encamped within ten miles of the enemy. The day following he prepared his army for battle, sending on an advanced corps of two thousand select cavalry, under Mahomed Koolly Beg, brother of Ghuzunfur Beg, with directions to encamp within two miles of the enemy, and divert their attention by skirmishing parties. At the same time he sent a message to Dustoor Deenar, assuring him, that should he consent to submit and acknowledge his supremacy, both he and his dependents, should receive the highest favour under his government; but if impelled by folly to reject his offer, he must abide the fate of war. Dustoor Deenar, refusing the proffered terms, detached a large body of Abyssinian cavalry to attack the advanced corps of Yoosoof Adil Khan; but they were defeated with great slaughter, and many elephants and horses fell into the hands of the victors. Yoosoof Adil Khan, the next morning, advancing on the enemy, drew up his army near their camp in the following order: Ghuzunfur Beg commanded the right wing, Heidur Beg Tubreezy the left, and Mirza Jehangeer Koomy had charge of the pickets, while the King with a select guard took post in the centre.
88.3.7
Dustoor Deenar, also, confident in his numbers, drew out his troops, mostly covered with iron armour, according to the practice in use in the Indian mode of warfare, disposing his elephants in different parts, and all his battering engines in front. Mirza Jehangeer advanced first, with the velocity of lightning, on the enemy, while Ghuzunfur Beg and Heidur Beg charged, at the same time from the right and left, with such fury that nothing could withstand their impetuosity. By the will of the Eternal One, Dustoor Deenar fell in this attack, and his troops fled, overwhelmed with terror. Ghuzunfur Beg, who had received a severe wound, approaching Yoosoof Adil Khan, knelt down with the rest of the nobles, and performed the ceremonies of congratulation, and waved money and jewels over his head, as is customary after victory. Yoosoof Adil Khan, kissing his eyes and forehead, clasped his brave foster-brother in his embrace, and superintended the dressing of his wounds, but all was vain; for, according to the declaration of holy writ, "When death comes, we cannot arrest him for one instant," the hero, after three days and nights, having sipped of the cup of martyrdom, departed to the world eternal.
88.3.8
Yoosoof Adil Khan was deeply afflicted at this loss; but having performed the funeral rites, roused himself and took Koolburga, Sagur, and all the forts and territories of the late Dustoor Deenar, which he delivered to officers in whom he could confide, and then returned in triumph to Beejapoor. On his arrival in that city, he raised Mirza Jehangeer and Heidur Beg to the highest rank of nobility, for their gallantry in the late action, and conferred honours and gifts on all the officers and soldiers who had distinguished themselves during the war.
88.4.1
Having now attained the summit of his wishes, Yoosoof Adil Khan resolved to perform a religious vow, which he had determined on in his mind for many years. For this purpose, in the year 908, he held a council of his principal subjects, and calling Mirza Jehangeer and Heidur Beg, who were of the Sheea sect, as also Syud Ahmud Hirvy and other learned men of that persuasion, to him, addressed them, saying, that when the Prophet, appeared to him in a vision, and had hailed him with the presage of his present dignity, he then made a vow, that if his dream should ever be fulfilled, to promulgate the faith of the Imams, and grace the pulpit with proclamation of their titles; that also, when Timraj and Bahadur Geelany invaded his territories, and nearly seized the reins of government from his hands, he had renewed this vow; he therefore wished to have their opinions, whether the present was not a fit time for its performance.
88.4.2
The assembly unanimously broke out into prayers for the prosperity of his house. Some of those present approved of his devout intention, while others, more prudent, observed, that his power was yet but in infancy; that Mahmood Shah, though weak, was still the acknowledged lawful monarch of the Deccan; that most even among his own nobles were Toorks, Deccanies, and Abyssinians of the Soony persuasion, as were also the surrounding kings of the Deccan, such as Mullik Ahmud Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry, Ameer Bereed, and others, who were all zealous for their faith; therefore that it was more than probable an opposition too great to be overcome by his single power would attend any innovation of the established religion. Yoosoof Adil Shah, after a short pause, replied, that he had made a vow to God who had raised him by his goodness to royal power, and he did not doubt but on its fulfilment the same gracious arm would uphold him. At this instant news arrived that Shah Ismael Sufvy of Persia had established the Sheea doctrines throughout his dominions, which confirmed Yoosoof Adil Khan, who was a disciple of that house, in his determination, and he took measures without delay to carry his project into execution.
88.4.3
On an appointed day, he accordingly went in great state to the grand mosque in the citadel of Beejapoor; and Nukeeb Khan, one of the venerable syuds of Medina, by his command ascending the pulpit, cried aloud, in calling to prayer, according to the custom of the Sheeas, "I bear testimony "that Ally is the friend of God," after which he read the Khootba in the names of the twelve Imams. Yoosoof Adil Shah was the first prince who dared to perform these ceremonies publicly in Hindoostan. Notwithstanding this bold attempt, he had the prudence not to permit the populace to utter scandalous and abusive epithets against the Sahiba, so that fanaticism was prevented from spreading its baneful venom. The learned disciples of Jafur, and those eminently versed in the tenets of Mahomed Huneef, and of the Shafye persuasion, lived together in friendship; and in mosques of different sects each worshipped the true God according to his own belief, without interfering in the ceremonies of the other. The holy teachers and pious recluses were equally astonished at this well-regulated moderation, and attributed it to an almost miraculous ability in the wise king. The author of these sheets recollects an anecdote applicable to the toleration practised by some kings, which he thinks proper to insert for the information of his readers.
88.4.4
Mowlana Gheias-ood-Deen, a celebrated divine of Persia, much respected for his abilities and purity of life, was once asked by Ibrahim Adil Shah, which was the best of all the various sects of Islam? He replied, "Suppose a great monarch "to be seated in a palace, with many gates leading to it, and through whichever you enter you see the King, and can obtain admission to his presence, — your business is with the Prince, and not with those at his gate." Ibrahim Adil Shah again asked him, which, in his opinion, was the best of all faiths? He replied, that, in his opinion, the best man of every faith followed the best faith. This observation pleased the King, who conferred upon the Mowlana large gifts.
88.4.5
Yoosoof Adil Shah having read the Khootba according to the ceremonial of the Sheeas, and established their tenets at Beejapoor, many of the principal chiefs, such as Duria Khan, Fukhr-ool-Moolk Toork, and others, embraced the same tenets as their sovereign; but some being rigid Soonies refused, and even expressed a wish to quit his service. Yoosoof Adil Shah, when informed of the state of public feeling, permitted each person the free exercise of the doctrine, "My faith for myself, and your faith for yourself," which at length gave universal satisfaction. At this time, the King becoming jealous of the increasing influence of Ein-ool-Moolk Geelany, deprived him of the command he held in the army; and resuming the districts he had possessed during his father's life, allotted to him for his private support Hookery and Belgam in their stead, with permission to retire from court and follow his own opinions in religious matters. All the Soony nobles were also allowed to read the Khootba, within their own jageers, in the names of the Sahiba, and no opposition was made to the exercise of their own mode of worship publicly. But in spite of these indulgences, the King found it necessary to observe a strict watch over the chiefs of the Soony persuasion. Mullik Ahmud Bheiry and Ameer Bereed, who were strict and zealous followers of the Soonut, were alarmed at the innovation on the established faith of the Deccan, and spoke of it in reproachful terms.
88.4.6
At length, forming an alliance, they invaded the territory of Yoosoof Adil Shah. Ameer Bereed seized on Gunjowty, and many districts taken from Dustoor Deenar, while Mullik Ahmud Bheiry sent ambassadors to Beejapoor peremptorily demanding the surrender of the fortress of Nuldroog. Yoosoof Adil Shah, incensed at this wanton attack on his dominions, sent back an answer full of indignation, and marching at once on Gunjowty recovered it forthwith. Mahmood Shah Bahmuny and Ameer Bereed now made application for aid to Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, Imad-ool-Moolk, and Khodawund Khan Hubshy. Sooltan Koolly, though secretly of the Sheea persuasion, yet in conformity with the spirit of the times, and by the advice of his officers, moved towards the camp of Mahmood Shah; but Imad-ool-Moolk and Khodawund Khan framed excuses, and did not join the league. Ameer Bereed now despatched his own son Jehangeer Khan to Ahmudnuggur, with such urgent remonstrances, that Mullik Ahmud Bheiry was induced to march with ten thousand horse and a train of artillery; which, added to the troops of Ameer Bereed and Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, composed a formidable army, of which Mahmood Shah was nominally the leader.
88.4.7
Yoosoof Adil Shah, thinking it unsafe to engage in a pitched battle with the inferior force at his command, sent his son Ismael, then an infant of five years old, with all his treasures and elephants, from Alund to Beejapoor, committing the care of that city and the sole direction of affairs to Kumal Khan Deccany. Having stationed Duria Khan and Fukhr-ool-Moolk Toork to protect Koolburga, he himself, attended by Ein-ool-Moolk Geelany, and many foreign officers, together with an army consisting of six thousand horse firmly devoted to him, marched towards Beer, burning and destroying the country as he passed. Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, finding his territory thus pillaged, moved with Mahmood Shah Bahmuny and the allies in pursuit of the enemy. Yoosoof Adil Shah had taken this step to prevent the war being carried into his own country; and though he avoided a general action, he hovered around the allied army, harassed their followers, and cut off their supplies. Finding this plan not sufficiently successful, and his troops being exhausted with fatigue, after first plundering the environs of Dowlutabad, he penetrated into Berar, relying on the friendship of Imad-ool-Moolk. This chief was at the time encamped with his army near Gavul, resolved to maintain a strict neutrality, and to attend merely to the protection of his own country. Yoosoof Adil Shah, however, was received with kindness;
88.4.8
but Imad-ool-Moolk, apprehensive that the allies would invade Berar, if he openly espoused the cause of Yoosoof Adil Shah, advised him to retire for the present towards Boorhanpoor, till some plan could be devised of dissolving the league formed against him; he recommended him also, strongly, by way of conciliating his enemies, to order the Soony rites to be re-established in Beejapoor. Yoosoof Adil Shah saw the necessity of compliance, and sent orders to that effect to Kumal Khan. Meanwhile, taking leave of Imad-ool-Moolk, Yoosoof Adil Shah proceeded to Boorhanpoor, where he was received with due respect by the ruler of Kandeish.
88.4.9
Imad-ool-Moolk, on his part, deputed one of his nearest relations to Mullik Ahmud Bheiry, and to Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, assuring them that Ameer Bereed had only made religion a pretext to destroy Yoosoof Adil Shah, in order that he might secure Beejapoor for himself; and Imad-ool-Moolk added, that if Ameer Bereed, now master only of a small territory, was enabled to effect so much in the name of the King, the subversion of their own independence in the Deccan would, in the event of any great accession of dominion, necessarily follow. He, moreover, observed, that no man had any right to interfere in the religious concerns of another, since every one would be rendered accountable for his actions on the day of judgment. Setting aside, however, this argument, Yoosoof Adil Shah had now formally retracted his profession of the Sheea doctrines, and had sent orders to restore the Soony rites in Beejapoor, so that no fair pretence now remained for continuing the war. Imad-ool-Moolk, therefore, strongly recommended the confederates, instead of weakening themselves and becoming the dupes of an artful minister, to retire to their own dominions. Mullik Ahmud Bheiry and Sooltan Koolly Kootb-ool-Moolk, who paid great respect to the advice of this aged and experienced statesman, were convinced by his arguments, and retreated suddenly one night, without even taking leave of Mahmood Shah.
88.5
Ameer Bereed, not aware of the reasons which led to this desertion of his allies, applied to Imad-ool-Moolk for his assistance to invade Beejapoor, and suffered himself to be detained some days by idle negotiations, till Yoosoof Adil Shah arrived at Gavul from Boorhanpoor. Ameer Bereed now perceived the danger of his situation, and instantly fled with the King, attended only by a few followers, leaving his camp standing, which was plundered by the Berar troops. Yoosoof Adil Shah, having taken leave of Imad-ool-Moolk, returned to Beejapoor after an absence of three months; and being no longer apprehensive of his enemies, he renewed the public exercise of the Sheea religion, and inclined his mind to the improvement of his country, without meditating further conquests. At this time he sent Syud Ahmud Hirvy, with presents and declarations of attachment, to Shah Ismael Sufvy, King of Persia, with an account of his success in establishing the Sheea religion.
In the year 915 the Christians surprised the town of Goa, and put to death the governor, with many Mussulmans. On receiving intelligence of this event, Yoosoof Adil Shah marched with three thousand chosen men, composed of Deccanies and foreigners, with such expedition, that he surprised the Europeans, retook the fort, and put many to death; though some made their escape to sea in their ships. Having provided for the security of Goa, Yoosoof Adil Shah returned to Beejapoor, and died in that city of a dropsy, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, after having reigned with great prosperity twenty-one years. Shah Tahir relates that he was informed by Syud Ahmud Hirvy, who long lived at his court, that Yoosoof Adil Shah was a wise prince, intimately acquainted with human nature; that he was handsome in person, eloquent in speech, and alike eminent for his learning, his liberality, and his valour. He wrote elegantly, and was a good judge of poetical composition, and even sometimes wrote verses himself. His taste and skill in music were superior to those of most of the masters of his time, whom he encouraged by munificent rewards to attend his court: he himself performed to admiration on two or three instruments, and in his gay moments would sing improvisatore compositions. Although he mingled pleasure with business, yet he never allowed the former to interfere with the latter. He always warned his ministers to act with justice and integrity, and in his own person showed them an example of attention to these virtues. He invited to his court many learned men and valiant officers from Persia, Toorkistan, and Room, also several eminent artists, who lived happy under the shadow of his bounty. In his reign the citadel of Beejapoor was built of stone.
When Yoosoof Adil Khan first established his independence, he heard that one Mookund Row Marhatta and his brother, who had both been officers under the Bahmuny government, had with a number of peasants fled and taken up a strong position among the hills, with the determination of opposing his authority: he accordingly marched against them at the head of two thousand cavalry, and five thousand infantry: they were defeated, and their families fell into the hands of the King. Among these was the sister of Mookund Row, whom Yoosoof afterwards espoused, and gave her the title of Booboojee Khanum. By this lady he had three daughters and one son, Ismael, who succeeded to the throne. Of the three daughters, Muryum, the eldest, married Boorhan Nizam Shah Bheiry of Ahmudnuggur: Khoodeija, the second, married Alla-ood-Deen Imad-ool-Moolk, King of Gavul and Berar; and Beeby Musseety, the third, married Ahmud Shah Bahmuny at Koolburga, as has been related.