[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [General histories](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general) › [Tārīkh-i Firishta](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta) › [History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs) › 89 # Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 89: ISMAEL ADIL SHAH. History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 89 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [89.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.1) — 8 parts - [89.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.2) — 7 parts - [89.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.3) — 8 parts - [89.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.4) — 8 parts - [89.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.5) — 7 parts - [89.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.6) — 8 parts - [89.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.7) — 5 parts ### ISMAEL ADIL SHAH. ### [89.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.1.1) Kumal Khan Deccany appointed by the late King, on his death-bed, protector to his only son Ismael. — The Soony doctrines avowedly made the established religion of the state — Goa retaken by the Portuguese. — Treaty with the Portuguese. — The Protector gradually takes possession of several estates lapsing to the crown, till he at length threatens to ascend the throne. — He enters into a scheme with Ameer Bereed of Bidur to cede to him the districts south of Sholapoor and east of the Beema, to be himself acknowledged king of all the territory west of that river from Punderpoor — resolves on dethroning the King. — The plot of the Queen-mother to oppose the Protector, — He is assassinated. — Deliberate conduct of the Protector's mother, and activity of his son. — The Queen-mother is alarmed. — Great intrepidity of Dilshad Agha, the sister of Ghuzunfur Beg, the late King's foster-brother — collects the foreign troops about the palace — opposes every effort of the late minister's son, who attempts to carry the palace by storm, and is killed by a stone pushed over the battlements. — The King's party successful. — The Deccany troops are all dismissed, and great encouragement given to foreign soldiers. — Mirza Jehangeer authorised to attack the eastern districts ceded by the Protector to Ameer Bereed, which are all recovered. ### [89.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.1.2) — Ameer Bereed, in the name of Mahmood Shah Bahmuny, requires the aid of the several Deccany states, and marches to Beejapoor — is defeated — and the Bahmuny King and his son are taken prisoners. — A small force is sent with the Bahmuny King and his son to Bidur. — Ameer Bereed retreats from the capital. — Ismael Adil Shah resolves to recover Rachore and Moodkul, taken by the Hindoos — advances with an army to the banks of the Krishna. — The enemy in possession of the ferries. — The King passes on an elephant, and is followed by many of his troops — attacks the Hindoos, but is repulsed, and narrowly escapes with his life — is recommended by his general Assud Khan of Belgam to retire to Beejapoor. — The King meets Boorhan Nizam Shah at Sholapoor, and gives him his sister Muryum in marriage. — Sholapoor and certain districts promised in dower — they are subsequently withheld by Ismael Adil Shah. — War ensues. — Boorhan Nizam Shah is defeated — returns again in the ensuing year, and is again repulsed. — The King's sister Khoodeija is married to Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah of Berar. — The King sends 400,000l. sterling to assist Boorhan Nizam Shah in repelling the attack of Bahadur Shah of Guzerat. — The King attacks Ameer Bereed, and besieges Bidur — kills two of the sons of Ameer Bereed with his own hand. — Ameer Bereed is taken prisoner, but is restored to his territory. — Death of Ismael Adil Shah — his character. ### [89.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.1.3) Ismael Adil Shah, on his accession, being too young to direct the affairs of the kingdom, the sole administration was intrusted to Kumal Khan Deccany. This chief had been one of the nobles of the court of Sooltan Mahmood Shah Bahmuny II.; but on Yoosoof Adil Shah assuming independence, he came over to his interests, and was appointed Meer Nobut. After this period, showing distinguished gallantry in the battle against Timraj, he rose in favour and influence till he became prime minister. Yoosoof Adil Shah, on his death-bed, enjoined him to become regent during the minority of his son, and earnestly entreated Duria Khan, Fukhr-ool-Moolk, Mirza Jehangeer, Heidur Beg, and the rest of his officers, to maintain a strict friendship with him, as also among themselves. On this account they respected Kumal Khan as their superior, and leaving all affairs to direction obeyed him as regent. ### [89.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.1.4) Kumal Khan, on assuming his new dignity, evinced great good sense by restoring the exercise of the Soony religion, a measure by which he gained the affections of the people, and secured by his affability the support and attachment of the nobility. He cultivated the friendship of the neighbouring princes, such as Ahmud Nizam Shah, Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah, and Ameer Bereed Shah. He also made peace with the Europeans, who, after the retreat of Yoosoof Adil Shah, had besieged Goa, and regained possession by giving large bribes to the governor. This event occurred on the accession of the infant King, and it was finally agreed that the Europeans should retain Goa, on condition of their not molesting the other towns and districts on the seacoast. Accordingly since that time the Portuguese have kept possession of Goa, and observing the treaty, have not made any farther encroachments on the Adil Shahy territory. ### [89.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.1.5) Kumal Khan, after thus settling the affairs of the kingdom, continued regent for some time. Meanwhile, Duria Khan and Fukhr-ool-Moolk dying, he divided their jageers among his own relatives and dependents, besides procuring for them honours and public employment. At the same time he deprived Mirza Jehangeer and Heidur Beg of some pergunas from their estates, to bestow upon his followers. The lands of all officers who died, or of persons convicted of treason, were confiscated, and he gave them to his own creatures. By these means Kumal Khan increased his power so greatly, that at last he became giddy with his elevated station, and his evil genius prompted him to form schemes for seizing the crown. The ambition of treacherous ministers had already proved fatal to the lawful kings of the Deccan. Timraj was the first usurper: he had poisoned the young Raja of Beejanuggur, son of Shew Ray, had rendered his infant brother the tool of his designs, and, by degrees, overthrowing the ancient nobles, he at length established his authority over the kingdom. Kasim Bereed and others had reduced Mahmood Shah II. to a mere pageant, and at length caused their own names to be read in the Khootba: Kumal Khan, also, tempted by these successful examples, having obtained the requisite means for assuming independence, addressed himself artfully to Ameer Bereed. He observed, that if he wished to extend his possessions, a favourable opportunity now offered itself. ### [89.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.1.6) Ahmudnuggur was at present held by a weak infant, and Imad-ool-Moolk, the sovereign of Berar, immersed in the pleasures of youth, had no inclination for military glory. Under these circumstances, Kumal Khan promised Ameer Bereed, that if he would support his views on the crown of Beejapoor, he would in return forward Ameer Bereed's views on Ahmudnuggur. The latter heartily embraced the proposal, as he had been long secretly seeking an opportunity to extend his power; a secret treaty of offensive and defensive alliance was accordingly formed. It was stipulated that all the country formerly taken from Dustoor Deenar, such as Koolburga, Alund, Gunjowty, and Nuldroog, as far as the banks of the Beema, should be ceded to Ameer Bereed; and that Beejapoor, Concan, Moodkul, and Rachore, with other places, should remain in the hands of Kumal Khan, who might depose, or even put to death, Ismael Adil Shah, and proceed, if he chose, to reduce Sholapoor, and the country belonging to Zein Khan. Ameer Bereed, having first confined his sovereign Mahmood Shah II. to his palace, moved to Koolburga; and Kumal Khan, imprisoning Ismael Adil Shah, with his mother Booboojee Khanum, in the citadel of Beejapoor, marched with a force to Sholapoor, which he besieged for three months; and no relief coming from Ahmudnuggur, Zein Khan, on receiving security for the safety of his family and wealth, delivered it into his hands, together with five and a half districts, of which he had charge. ### [89.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.1.7) The cause of this distribution was as follows: — When the nobles of the Bahmuny dynasty threw off their allegiance, they each seized on the districts they then held in trust Khwaja Jehan Deccany, at that time governor of Purenda, had eleven districts under him. His brother Zein Khan, governor of Sholapoor, laid claim to half of the eleven districts, and he even endeavoured to obtain royal grants from Bidur to that effect; but Khwaja Jehan, supported by Boorhan Nizam Shah of Ahmudnuggur, was enabled to retain the whole, and to oppose successfully the pretensions of Zein Khan at the court of Bidur. At length, on the death of Ahmud Shah Bahmuny, Yoosoof Adil Shah marched against Khwaja Jehan, and compelled him to cede five and a half of the eleven districts to his brother Zein Khan. Ameer Bereed, who was now besieging Koolburga, after receiving from the Adil Shahy officers the places ceded to him by Kumal Khan, sent him a congratulatory letter on his success at Sholapoor; upon which the Regent, more haughty than before, returned to Beejapoor to complete his usurpation, by dethroning his sovereign, and usurping the kingdom. ### [89.1.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.1.8) On his arrival at Beejapoor, he brought the young King once into durbar for form's sake, to receive the compliments of the court. To strengthen his own party, he reduced the number of the Khaskheil, or royal guards, from three thousand foreign troops to three hundred, commanding the rest to quit Beejapoor in a week, under penalty of death, and forfeiture of their property to the state. The unfortunate exiles hastened with all speed to various parts to avoid such tyranny. The Regent having thus removed the chief obstacle to his accession, next adopted the practice of the court of Nizam Shah, and caused the officers of a thousand horse to be styled commanders of three thousand. He also raised a vast number of G'hora Rawoot, till at length, having an army of twenty thousand horse devoted to his service, he called together his creatures on the 1st of Suffur, in the year 917, to consult with them regarding a lucky day for deposing Ismael Adil Shah, and for causing his own name to be read in the Khootba at Beejapoor. After much debate, the first of the ensuing month, Rubbee-ool-Awul, was fixed as the time propitious to his designs, he little supposing that the recorders of fate were then penning the concluding pages of the journal of his vainglorious life. ### [89.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.2.1) The young King and his mother were much alarmed at the intelligence of the Regent's intentions; and though the number of their friends was small, they contrived a plan to avert the danger. God having decreed the preservation of the Adil Shahy family, and the long continuation of its royal power, the astrologers represented to Kumal Khan, that the appearance of the heavenly bodies indicated certain days of the present month as unfavourable to his designs, he would, therefore, do well to avoid approaching any persons of whom he had the least suspicion. Fully impressed with these observations, the Regent committed the charge of the city to his own dependents; and having chosen an apartment in the citadel, close to the royal palace, shut himself up with his own family and officers, keeping the gates of the fort strongly barred within, and having guards without. After taking these precautions, he remained in one room for some days, pretending to suffer under a severe head-ache, vainly thinking by these precautions to evade that fate to which he was destined. The measures adopted by the Protector proved favourable to a plan which the Queen-mother had formed to destroy him. In order to carry it into effect, she applied to Yoosoof Toork, the foster-father of Ismael Adil Shah, who had been treated with great indignity by the Regent, and who mortally hated him, to be her agent in the business. ### [89.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.2.2) This old officer entered into the Queen's plan, saying, that he would undertake to slay the Regent at all risks, and regretted that instead of one life he had not a thousand to sacrifice for his prince; for though it was clear one man could effect little against eight thousand Deccanies and Abyssinians, yet as he knew his life would be taken the instant Kumal Khan ascended the throne, he was willing to render it up as a sacrifice for his sovereign, and desired to be informed how he could be useful. The Queen now sent for an old female attendant of her own, whom she knew to be employed as a spy upon her actions by Kumal Khan, and pretended to be under great uneasiness at the report of the Regent's indisposition. She desired the old female to take a sum of money, as a wave-offering for his recovery, and to make enquiries regarding his health. When the old woman left her, and had gone some paces, the Queen called her back, as if suddenly recollecting something, and said that her faithful servant Yoosoof Toork was very much depressed in spirits, and wished to go on pilgrimage to Mecca; she, therefore, desired the old female to take him with her, and to prevail on Kumal Khan to grant him leave, and to give him, as usual, a pan of dismissal with his own hand, telling the Regent she should regard it as a personal favour. The female consented; ### [89.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.2.3) and going first in to Kumal Khan, delivered the Queen's offering and message in such a manner, that the Protector was highly pleased, and gave orders to admit Yoosoof. The Toork approaching, according to custom, with great respect and humility, made his obeisance, and uttered several flattering speeches, which pleased Kumal Khan, who calling him nearer to him, stretched out his hand to give him a pan. Yoosoof putting his hands under the cloth that covered his shoulders, advanced as if to receive it. The Protector stretched forth his hand to put the pan on the cloth, when Yoosoof, with the quickness of lightning, drawing a dagger concealed beneath the cloth, stabbed Kumal Khan in the breast with all his force, so that he fell down and expired immediately with a loud groan; upon which the attendants rushing in cut the assassin to pieces with their swords, as also the old woman, whom they concluded had acted in concert with him. The mother of Kumal Khan, a woman of masculine spirit, commanded the attendants to refrain from clamour; and placing the body dressed out supported by pillows on a musnud, in a balcony of the palace, as if to receive compliments from the court, instructed the Protector's son, Sufdur Khan, to go down and tell the guards it was his father's orders to surround the royal apartments and to seize Ismael Adil Shah. She sent orders also to the troops without the citadel to enter the city, and pay their compliments to the Regent as their sovereign prince. ### [89.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.2.4) Sufdur Khan, conceiving the force within sufficient to take the young King prisoner, closed the gates of the citadel, and with his relatives and followers armed with musketry, sabres, spears, bows and arrows, advanced to the apartments where the Prince resided with his mother and family. The Queen apprehending that Yoosoof had failed in his attempt, and that Kumal Khan out of resentment had hastened his operations to dethrone her son, thought it prudent to pretend ignorance of Yoosoof's design, and to endeavour to avert the storm by flattery and submission. But the King's foster-aunt, Dilshad Agha, who had lately come from Persia to Hindoostan in the latter part of the reign of Yoosoof Adil Shah, remarked, that, in such a crisis as the present, valour and fortitude would be of more avail than submission. She instantly ordered the palace-gates to be shut, and sent out her eunuch, Mullik Sundul, to the few of her countrymen on duty in the outer court of the seraglio, informing them, that Kumal Khan, with a view of deposing Ismael Adil Shah their sovereign, who was of the same country as themselves, was advancing to assassinate him and the whole of the royal family. She entreated them, therefore, that if they were men, they would not regard the superiority of the enemy, but valiantly assist their Prince against the traitor, who, by the divine blessing, would be overwhelmed in the enormity of his accursed ingratitude. ### [89.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.2.5) The foreign guards declared their resolution to defend their young sovereign, and both Dilshad Agha and Booboojee Khanum (the Queenmother) now came out, dressed as men, and clad in armour, with bows and arrows in their hands, attended by the young King, Ismael Adil Shah, who had the yellow umbrella of his father held over him by a Toorky female, named Moortufa. Meanwhile Sufdur Khan, the Regent's son, who was endeavouring to force the gates, was opposed by the Toorks with arrows from the palace wall. The young King, as well as the women, assisted, but the enemy's superiority was so great, that the party of brave Toorks had little chance. Many of them were killed by musket-balls, and the rest falling back, a mournful cry of despair ensued. At this instant, Moostufa Khan and Sikundur Khan Koomy, who had formerly the charge of the citadel, (and whom Kurtial Khan, thinking weak and insignificant, had not thought worth while to expel,) hearing of the disturbance, hastened with fifty Deccany matchlock-men to the foot of the palace wall, and hailing Dilshad Agha ascended the terrace, and joined the royal party. The minister's party, though now kept in check, could not effectually be repulsed. Many persons continued to fall on both sides; and Dilshad Agha sent a servant privately over the wall into the city, to inform all the foreigners of the danger to which their King was exposed, entreating them to hasten to his assistance, promising to admit them over a bastion behind the palace. ### [89.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.2.6) The rebels not having secured this spot, many of the King's friends ascended by ropes thrown over to them by this enterprising female for the purpose, till at last the party in the palace amounted to one hundred and fifty foreign archers, fifty matchlock-men, nineteen Toorky slaves, and twenty-five Abyssinians. Dilshad Agha, with a veil on her head, fought with them, and by animating speeches encouraged their exertions, promising that the King would reward them all with high honours. Sufdur Khan, perceiving that the numbers within increased, secured the approaches to the palace to prevent more from entering, and made a desperate attack with five hundred men, bringing cannon also to batter down the walls. Many of the besieged fell at this time, and almost all the Deccanies and Abyssinians threw themselves over the battlements and fled. The foreigners now concealed themselves, and remained silent behind the parapet wall. Sufdur Khan, concluding they had fled, broke open the outer gate of the palace, and entered the court, but while endeavouring to force the inner door the gallant Dilshad caused a volley of shot and arrows to be discharged from the terrace, which did great execution, killing and wounding some of the principal men of the minister's party. An arrow also pierced the eye of Sufdur Khan, who ran under a wall over which the King himself was standing; ### [89.2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.2.7) and the royal youth, knowing his person, rolled down a heavy stone from the terrace, which crushed him to death as he lay couched to avoid the shot. The troops, seeing their chief killed, ran to the house of Kumal Khan, where they now learned that he also was dead, upon which they opened the gates of the citadel, and fled in different directions. Khoosroow Khan Toork, a faithful slave of the late king, perceiving the numbers of the enemy without to be considerable, shut the gates again; and, at the suggestion of Dilshad, sent out the heads of the minister and his son with a guard by a sally-port, to be displayed through the streets of the city, for the information of the people. Mahomed Ein-ool-Moolk (who had given his daughter to Sufdur Khan in marriage), together with all the principal friends of the Regent, quitting their houses, made their escape out of the city. At length, the capital being cleared of the rebels, the King came out with the body of his foster-father Yoosoof, which he caused to be deposited near the tomb of the venerable Ein-ood-Deen Jooneidy; and after distributing alms, he ordered a dome to be erected over the remains of his faithful servant, and a mosque to be built, for the maintenance of which public lands were allotted. During his whole reign, Ismael Adil Shah went constantly once a month to visit this tomb. ### [89.3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.3.1) Early the next morning, the King ascended the throne, and gave public audience; on which occasion all the officers of the court and the inhabitants of the city paid their respects, and made offerings according to their rank and ability. Letters were despatched to the surrounding states, with an account of the death of the Regent, and the fortunate emancipation of the King. Ameer Bereed, on receiving this information, raised the siege of Koolburga; but Timraj, who had taken advantage of the times to invade the King's dominions, still continued before Rachore, which at last surrendered to him, Ismael Adil Shah being too much employed in establishing the authority of his government to afford it timely relief. ### [89.3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.3.2) The King's first acts were to reward those who had assisted him in the late crisis; he next sent letters to Mirza Jehangeer, Raab-Jung, Heidur Beg, and other noblemen, who had fled from the persecutions of Kumal Khan, inviting them to return to his court, and resume their employments. With the magnanimity becoming a great prince, he drew the pen of forgiveness over the crimes of the Regent's mother, and the rest of his family, who had been taken prisoners; and giving them a considerable sum of money, ordered them to quit his territories. The astrologers, who had so truly foretold the danger of Kumal Khan, he took into his own employment. The veterans of his father now assembling from all quarters, he soon collected a gallant body of Toorks and Moguls. Khoosrow Toork, who had assisted in his late deliverance, was honoured with the title of Assud Khan, and had Belgam conferred on him as a jageer. During his confinement, the King had vowed not to enlist any Deccanies or Abyssinians in his service; and he kept his word for nearly twelve years, maintaining no other troops but foreigners, till at length, at their request, he permitted the children of foreigners born in India, to be received into the army, and afterwards, by degrees, consented to enrol Afghans and Rajpoots, provided they were not natives of the Deccan; a practice which was rigidly adhered to at the Adil Shahy court, till the reign of Ibrahim Adil Shah II. ### [89.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.3.3) Mirza Jehangeer, on his return to court, having the districts of Koolburga conferred on him, expelled the forces of Ameer Bereed, with the loss of four hundred men on their side; he also retook the forts of Noosrutabad Sagur and Etgeer, and wholly recovered all the country taken from Beejapoor during the regency of Kumal Khan. Ameer Bereed, incensed at these losses, issued orders in the name of Mahmood Shah to all the sovereigns of the Deccan, demanding assistance; upon which, Boorhan Nizam Shah, Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah, and Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah, each sent troops to join the Bahmuny standard; and in the year 920, Ameer Bereed obliged the Bahmuny king to march from Ahmudabad Bidur, at the head of the allies, consisting of twenty-five thousand horse, towards Beejapoor, committing vast depredations on his route. Ismael Adil Shah deemed it prudent to remain in his capital, permitting the enemy to advance without opposition to Allapoor, a town built by Yoosoof Adil Shah, within a mile and a half of Beejapoor, when quitting the city at the head of twelve thousand horse, all of whom were foreigners, he attacked the allied forces. Notwithstanding the superiority of the enemy in numbers, the Beejapoor troops defeated them so completely, that they fled, leaving behind them Mahmood Shah and his son, the Prince Ahmud, who both fell from their horses during the action. All the baggage of the fugitives fell into the hands of the victors. ### [89.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.3.4) Ismael Adil Shah, on hearing of the situation of the princes, went to pay his respects to them: he made offerings of horses, with furniture set in jewels, and proposed to conduct them in magnificent palkies into Beejapoor, and to emancipate them from the oppression of Ameer Bereed. Mahmood Shah, however, not consenting to enter the city, encamped near Allapoor; where he remained some time to recover of the bruises he had sustained in his fall, and afterwards requested that Beeby Musseety, sister to Ismael Adil Shah, might now be married to his son Ahmud, to whom she had formerly been betrothed. Ismael Adil Shah giving his consent to the nuptials, the ancient city of Koolburga was fixed on for its celebration; and both kings repaired thither, where the marriage ceremony was conducted with great magnificence; and the bride being delivered to the Prince Ahmud, Ismael Adil Shah sent an escort of five thousand cavalry to attend the royal pair, accompanied by Mahmood Shah, to Ahmudabad, which was deserted by Ameer Bereed on their approach. Mahmood Shah II., for some time, tasted the sweets of liberty, and was released from the control of his minister; but the Beejapoor troops no sooner left Bidur than Ameer Bereed returned, and resumed the charge of affairs as before. ### [89.3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.3.5) Some years previous to these events, the King of Persia, Shah Ismael Sufvy, had sent ambassadors to the several states of Hindoostan, who had been received with due respect both by the Ray of Beejanuggur and the King of Guzerat. At this time Mahmood Shah, also, received an ambassador from him with proper attention, and wished to dismiss him with royal presents, but was prevented by Ameer Bereed. In this dilemma the ambassador wrote to Ismael Adil Shah, complaining of his being detained at Ahmudabad Bidur. The King of Beejapoor demanded the dismissal of the Persian ambassador, who, having obtained his audience of leave, came to Beejapoor, where he was met by Ismael Adil Shah at Allapoor. He was honoured with rich presents, and a suitable escort attended him as far as the port of Dabul, from whence he embarked on his return to Persia. The King of Persia, in return for this attention to his ambassador, in the year 925 deputed Ibrahim Beg Toorkman, an officer of high rank, with letters and presents to Ismael Adil Shah: among the latter was a sabre set with valuable jewels. The King of Persia having in his letter addressed Ismael Adil Shah as an independent prince, he went twelve miles to meet the ambassador; ### [89.3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.3.6) and being highly gratified at the flattering acknowledgment of his sovereignty, he received Ibrahim Beg with extraordinary honours, and commanded the officers of his army to wear scarlet caps, having twelve points, a dress by which the followers of Sheikh Suffy were distinguished. He also ordered, that on Fridays and holidays a prayer should be recited at the mosques for the royal family of Persia. In the year 927, Ismael Adil Shah made preparations for marching to recover Moodkul and Rachore from the Ray of Beejanuggur; who gaining early intelligence of his intention moved with a great force, and stationed his camp on the banks of the Krishna, where he was joined by many of his tributaries; so that his army amounted to at least fifty thousand horse, besides a vast host of foot. The King would now have deferred his expedition, as the enemy held possession of all the ferries of the Krishna, but his tents being once pitched, he considered it would be undignified to delay. He therefore marched with seven thousand cavalry, composed entirely of foreigners, and encamped on the bank of the river opposite to the Hindoos, waiting for the preparation of rafts to cross and attack. ### [89.3.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.3.7) Some days after his arrival, as he was reposing in his tent, he heard one of his courtiers without the screens, reciting this verse: "Rise and fill the golden goblet with the wine of mirth, before the quaffer shall be laid in dust." The King, as if inspired by the verse, called his favourites about him, and spreading the carpet of joy, gave way to the pleasures of music and wine. When the banquet had lasted longer than was reasonable, and the effects of the liquor began to exercise their influence, a fancy seized the King to pass the river and attack the enemy. He accordingly called on his military officers to state the cause of the delay in preparing the boats and rafts. He was told that one hundred boats were already finished, and the rest would be ready in a few days. The King, heated with the banquet, resolved to cross immediately; and mounting his elephant, without making his intentions known, proceeded to the river as if to reconnoitre, but suddenly gave orders for as many of his troops as could go to embark on the rafts, others to follow him on elephants. The officers in vain represented the imprudence and danger of this precipitation; but the King, without reply, plunged his own elephant into the stream, and was instantly followed by some of his officers and soldiers, on about two hundred and fifty elephants. ### [89.3.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.3.8) By great good fortune all reached the opposite bank in safety, and as many troops as could cross on the rafts and boats at two embarkations had time to arrive before the enemy opposed him. The Hindoos, however, were in such force as precluded every hope of the King's success, with whom were not more than two thousand men to oppose thirty thousand. The heroes of Islam, as if animated with one soul, behaved so gallantly, that above a thousand of the infidels fell, among whom was Sungut Ray, the chief general of Beejanuggur. The Mahomedans, however, found themselves so harassed by cannon shot, musketry, and rockets, which destroyed nearly half their numbers, that the survivors threw themselves into the river, in hopes of escaping. Tursoon Bahadur and Ibrahim Beg, who rode on the same elephant with their King, drove the animal across the stream; but so rapid was the current, that with the exception of that elephant and seven others the rest were all drowned. The King's rashness was severely punished by so great a loss. He took a solemn vow never to indulge again in wine till he had wiped away the stain of this defeat; and for this purpose he bent his whole mind to repair his misfortune. ### [89.4.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.4.1) Mirza Jehangeer having fallen in the late action, tion, the King had recourse to the advice of Assud Khan as to the measures necessary to retrieve his disaster. Assud Khan observed, that as his loss was great, and the troops were dispirited, it would be advisable to return for the present to Beejapoor, and lay aside all thoughts of revenge till he could strengthen himself by an alliance with Boorhan Nizam Shah, and remove his natural enemy Ameer Bereed from his border. These objects being once effected, the punishment of the infidels might be subsequently accomplished. The King approving this advice marched from the Krishna to Beejapoor; and conferring the dignity of Sipahsalar on Assud Khan, added several districts to his jageer, and made him henceforward his principal counsellor in all important affairs. ### [89.4.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.4.2) Syud Ahmud Hirvy, who had formerly been sent as ambassador from Ismael Adil Shah to the King of Persia, was now despatched in the same capacity to Ahmudnuggur, to cement the bonds of friendship with that state; and being met near the city by Shah Tahir and the principal nobles, he was introduced to Boorhan Nizam Shah, and received with great honour. Letters and civilities having been previously interchanged, it was determined, that an interview should take place between the Kings of Beejapoor and Ahmudnuggur at the town of Sholapoor. On which occasion, Boorhan Nizam Shah demanding the hand of Muryum, the sister of Ismael Adil Shah, the nuptials were concluded with due ceremony. Valuable presents, including elephants and horses, were interchanged by both kings; and the re joicings in honour of this alliance continued during the whole month of Rujub, of the year 930; after which, both kings took leave of each other, and returned to their respective capitals. ### [89.4.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.4.3) It is asserted, that in the treaty of alliance formed on this occasion Ismael Adil Shah consented to give up, as a marriage-portion to his sister, the fort of Sholapoor with its five and a half districts taken by the late regent from Zein Khan; but it is certain this article was not immediately fulfilled. Boorhan Nizam Shah, for some time, neglected noticing the omission; but in the next year, having secured the co-operation of Imad Shah, King of Berar, and of Ameer Bereed, Regent of Bidur, the confederates marched with forty thousand men to besiege Sholapoor, and to occupy the ceded districts. Ismael Adil Shah, collecting ten thousand foreign cavalry, moved to oppose the invasion; and both armies continued encamped during forty days between the forts of Sholapoor and Nuldroog, at the distance of four miles from each other, without coming to action. Three thousand foreign bowmen of Ismael Adil Shah were sent forth daily to hover round the enemy's camp, and cut off his supplies; in which service they were very successful. Khwaja Jehan Deccany, governor of Punenda, in consequence, vexed with the inactivity of Boorhan Nizam Shah, quitted the camp attended by four thousand select Deccany cavalry, with the resolution of surprising the Beejapoor archers. On the following evening, the foreigners, as usual, took up their post for the night on the banks of a rivulet, and having picketed their horses, were unarming, and waiting for their servants to dress their food. ### [89.4.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.4.4) At this time, when the night had just shut in, Khwaja Jehan Deccany, with a reconnoitring party, came upon them, but was discovered at a short distance from the outposts by a sentry, who gave the alarm. The bowmen instantly took to their horses; but before they were all mounted, Khwaja Jehan fell upon them, and killed about three hundred; the rest owed their escape to the speed of their horses. Khwaja Jehan's Deccanies, after returning from the pursuit, came to the spot on which the archers had been encamped, and dismounting, employed themselves in plundering and in eating the victuals which had been left in the pots on the fires. The Beejapoories, stung by the disgrace of this shameful defeat, determined on turning it to advantage, and concluding the enemy's army might also be surprised, they resolved to make an attack on the camp of Boorhan Nizam Shah. They accordingly moved direct to his lines, and the sentinels, taking them for Khwaja Jehan's detachment returning to camp, permitted them to pass. When in the midst of the camp, the Beejapoor bowmen discharging their arrows made great havoc, and pursued their route direct to the tents of Boorhan Nizam Shah. Confusion soon prevailed in every quarter; friends could not be distinguished from foes; and the bowmen, when sated with slaughter and plunder, retired with very little loss. On the following morning, Ismael Adil Shah advanced to give battle to the enemy while yet suffering from the terror occasioned by the night-attack. ### [89.4.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.4.5) Boorhan Nizam Shah and Imad Shah drew up their line, but in so great disorder and with such precipitation, that they were unable to withstand the assault of the Beejapoor troops. Imad Shah being charged by Assud Khan fled from the field without scarcely making any opposition, and did not halt, except at night, till he reached his fort of Gawul in Berar. Boorhan Nizam Shah was also on the point of giving way; but being timely reinforced by Ameer Bereed with six thousand fresh horse, continued to oppose for some time longer. At last, Khoosh-Geldy Agha and Ismael Agha, Toorky officers in the Beejapoor service, gained the enemy's rear with two thousand horse, while Assud Khan made a simultaneous attack on the right wing. These assaults threw the enemy into utter confusion; and Boorhan Nizam Shah, overcome by the weight of his armour, was nearly falling from his horse through faintness. In this state of the action, some Toorky slaves, observing the condition of the King of Ahmudnuggur, led his horse off the field, and the rout of his army instantly succeeded. About three thousand of the Ahmudnuggur troops were slain in the pursuit, and the royal standard of Nizam Shah fell into the hands of Assud Khan, besides forty elephants, many pieces of cannon, and the tents and baggage of the enemy, which became the reward of the victors. ### [89.4.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.4.6) Ismael Adil Shah, after this victory, returned in triumph to Beejapoor, where he made rejoicings for a whole month, and conferred rewards and honours on the officers who had most distinguished themselves. To Assud Khan he gave five large and six small elephants, and on the same occasion he increased the pay of every soldier in his army. To enable him to bear this expense, he appropriated all the lands hitherto allotted for the support of the seraglio to his troops, and gave up half the customs levied at the forts for the same object. Being one day told that some officers were still unprovided for, and on the ministers saying, that the treasury could not maintain so many troops on the present pay, he asked what number of districts were set aside for the support of his wardrobe and kitchen? and having ascertained they amounted to twenty-four, he commanded half to be allotted to the pay of the troops; saying, that it was better for him to suffer some inconvenience than that the soldiers should have reason to complain. ### [89.4.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.4.7) In the year 935, Boorhan Nizam Shah, accompanied by Ameer Bereed, again invaded the territories of Ismael Adil Shah. They were, however, completely defeated, within twenty coss of Beejapoor, by Assud Khan; on which occasion, Khwaja Jehan of Purenda and several officers of distinction were taken prisoners. Assud Khan pursued the fugitives as far as Purenda, and took much baggage and twenty elephants, among which was that which carried the ambarry of Nizam Shah. Ismael Adil Shah conferred all the elephants on Assud Khan, except one named Alla Buksh (or the Gift of God), and honoured his general with the title of Furzund (or Son) in the firmans addressed to him. The King, by his advice, this year, gave his sister Khoodeija in marriage to Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah, King of Berar; and these two monarchs had a meeting in the town of Oorsingy to celebrate the nuptials; after which, they took leave of each other with mutual presents and professions of regard. ### [89.4.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.4.8) This year, also, Bahadur Shah of Guzerat having invaded the territories of Boorhan Nizam Shah, Ismael Adil Shah sent ten lacks of hoons and six thousand horse to assist his ally. These troops, after the retreat of Bahadur Shah, returning to Beejapoor, informed their sovereign that Ameer Bereed had endeavoured to corrupt their fidelity, and to prevail on them to join him in an attack on Beejapoor, promising to reward them with a share of territory. Ismael Adil Shah, justly incensed at this treachery, resolved to punish Ameer Bereed; and in the year 936, A.D. 1529, sent intelligent ambassadors to Boorhan Nizam Shah, complaining that Ameer Bereed had frequently conspired against his family, and had more than once induced his enemies to invade his dominions; that he (Ismael Adil Shah) had hitherto refrained from attacking him, but that now he had resolved to do so, both from religious and political motives; for, he observed, it was contrary to wisdom to treat the wolf with gentleness, or the snake with kindness. He concluded by stating, that if Boorhan Nizam Shah would remain neutral on the occasion, he intended shortly to take ample vengeance on the ancient enemy of his house. Boorhan Nizam Shah, who lay under obligations to the King for his late succours, acquiesced in his wishes. The ambassadors returned with this answer; and Ismael Adil Shah immediately prepared for his intended expedition. ### [89.5.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.5.1) The King having now formed an army of ten thousand cavalry, consisting of Arabians, Persians, Toorks, Oozbuks, Koords, and other foreigners, whom his liberality had bound to his interest, marched towards Ahmudabad Bidur. On his approach, Ameer Bereed, who was old and infirm, by the advice of Heemajy, a bramin, his minister, committed the charge of the fort of Bidur to his eldest son Ally Bereed, and himself withdrew to the fortress of Oodgeer. Ismael Adil Shah, on arriving before Ahmudabad Bidur, blockaded the city on all sides; but the garrison made repeated sallies, and being nearly equal in numbers to the besiegers, greatly retarded their operations. At length the sons of Ameer Bereed, with five thousand horse, came out of the city, resolved, as the Beejapoor troops were composed only of bowmen, to charge them under cover of their shields, and cut them to pieces in close combat with their swords. Ismael Adil Shah, who had foreseen such an event, had provided three thousand cavalry, expert swordsmen, whose horses, as well as themselves, were covered with iron armour. This body was commanded by Syud Hoossein, an Arab chief of distinction. A very severe action in consequence ensued, on the plain before the gate of Bahmunypoora, and foreigners and Deccanies both displayed great courage. Ismael Adil Shah, in spite of the remonstrances of Assud Khan, engaged in the action, and killed with his own hand two of the sons of Ameer Bereed, who attacked him successively on that day. ### [89.5.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.5.2) Both armies were loud in the praises of the King's valour, and his own officers, alighting from their horses, kissed his stirrup. The engagement was scarcely ended, when four divisions of troops were seen on the right, which appeared to consist of about four thousand. Assud Khan instantly sent off one of his attendants, named Goodurz, with forty horsemen to learn who they were. They proved to be four thousand cavalry detached by Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah of Golconda to the aid of Ameer Bereed; accordingly Ismael Adil Shah, having ordered Assud Khan to oppose them, prepared to renew his attack on the troops of Ally Bereed himself. At this moment Syud Hoossein Arab earnestly entreated to be entrusted with that duty, and begged the King not to expose his person unnecessarily. Moved by his remonstrances, the King promised to remain merely as a witness of the battle, at the same time presenting to Syud Hoossein his own sword, still reeking with the blood of his enemies. The Beejapoor generals were both successful; and the troops of the allies, after losing about five hundred men each, fled in disorder, leaving the field in possession of Ismael Adil Shah. Assud Khan, in this battle, gained great credit; for after driving off the four thousand Tulingas of Kootb Shah he came to the assistance of Syud Hoossein. ### [89.5.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.5.3) When the King dismounted after the victory, and was seated on an eminence overlooking the field of battle, he thanked all his officers, particularly distinguishing Assud Khan above the rest, by clasping him in his embrace. To Syud Hoossein he gave the horse he himself rode during the battle. On the part of the enemy, two of the sons of Ameer Bereed, and Roostoom Beg, commander of the Kootb Shahy auxiliaries, were slain. Ismael Adil Shah now laid closer siege to the city than before; and Ameer Bereed, reduced to great distress, wrote to Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah, earnestly requesting him to come and mediate a peace. Imad Shah, therefore, without even going to Oodgeer, to which place Ameer Bereed had retired, came and encamped within a mile of the besieging army at Bidur. Ismael Adil Shah went to visit the King of Berar, attended by his principal officers. On this occasion, after congratulating him on his late successes, Imad Shah declared that he had marched merely for the purpose of sharing in his victories, but that he now hoped to be able to mediate terms between him and Ameer Bereed. The King replied, that Ameer Bereed had done his family more injuries than could be enumerated; that in this war many of his brave officers had fallen, and that he would listen to no terms short of absolute submission. Imad Shah, perceiving the determination of Ismael Adil Shah, did not press him farther; and the two princes, after spending a week together in festivity, parted. ### [89.5.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.5.4) Ameer Bereed, hearing of this circumstance, now left Oodgeer, and came to the camp of Imad Shah, again entreating him to effect a peace. But being informed no other offer than the actual surrender of the city would be listened to by Ismael Adil Shah, he retired in disgust to his own camp, near that of Imad Shah, and to drown his cares gave himself up to pleasure. The troops of Ameer Bereed were much harassed, and became careless at night; so that even the outposts lay down to sleep, while many, following the example of their leader, had recourse to wine. Ismael Adil Shah, having heard of the arrival of Ameer Bereed, ordered Assud Khan, with two thousand chosen horse, to surprise his camp. Assud Khan warned the troops for the duty, as if intended to relieve those at the trenches as usual; but when he had got beyond the lines, he made known to them his designs, and proceeded as silently as possible towards the tents of the enemy. Having arrived close to the outposts, and not hearing the smallest noise, he ordered his own men to remain quiet, and sent spies to learn the situation and state of the enemy. The scouts soon returning, declared that they had advanced uninterruptedly to the tents of Ameer Bereed, where the few men on guard were all asleep; in confirmation of which assertion, they presented some turbans and sabres they had stolen from them. ### [89.5.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.5.5) Assud Khan, ordering his troops to remain in profound silence where they were till his return, proceeded with twenty-five horsemen and a few foot through the enemy's camp to the tents of Ameer Bereed. Here he saw the guards lying on all sides, apparently dead-drunk, amid the broken vessels of liquor. Assud Khan, unwilling to murder them in so helpless a condition, ordered some of his infantry to stand over them with drawn sabres, in case any should awake, and attempt giving the alarm. He now dismounted, and entering the King's tent with a few of his soldiers, resolved to carry off Ameer Bereed Shah alive ; but in case of any attempt at rescue, to put him to death, and carry his head to his master. Ameer Bereed Shah lay senseless on his couch, around which the dancers and singers, male and female, were indiscriminately jumbled together, amid the filth of broken vessels and spilt liquors. The bed of Ameer Bereed, that old, experienced, and crafty prince, was now lifted up by Assud Khan's soldiers. They were moving out of the tents quietly with their prize, when one of the lamp-men, (called "deoties" in the Deccan, and who watch by the chief at night,) awaking, was in the act of crying out, but Assud Khan clapped his hands on the watchman's mouth, and his people seizing him strangled him on the spot, after which the party reached the troops waiting on the skirts of the camp without molestation. ### [89.5.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.5.6) Assud Khan, now addressing his soldiers, said, that the main object of their enterprise being accomplished, it was better to desist from a night-attack on the camp, as in the darkness the Hindoos could not be distinguished from the Mussulmans, and, consequently, many of the faithful must be slain. He accordingly moved towards the royal camp, carrying his prisoner on his bed without attempting to awaken him. Ameer Bereed Shah, however, finding his bed in motion, awoke, and fancying evil spirits or genii carried him through the air, began to cry out in terror, and called on God to protect him from enchantment. Assud Khan now explained to him his situation, and reproached him with imprudence; observing, that for a reverend old man, experienced as he was in the arts of government, to suffer himself to be taken in a state of intoxication in the neighbourhood of his enemy was as degrading to his character as to his sense. Ameer Bereed Shah, covered with shame and vexation, returned no answer; but Assud Khan consoled him by assuring him of his influence with the King to procure kind treatment. ### [89.5.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.5.7) On arriving at the Beejapoor camp, Assud Khan without delay presented his important prize to his master, who was overjoyed at the success of the enterprise. Sending for Ameer Bereed Shah, he asked how a person possessed of such art and cunning as he had displayed throughout a long life could allow himself to be so ensnared? The captive monarch replied, Fate and Providence had thus decreed it. The King then delivered him over to Assud Khan, and ordered him to bring his prisoner to court on the next day. ### [89.6.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.6.1) Ismael Adil Shah, on the following morning, being seated on his throne, Ameer Bereed was placed opposite to him, with his head bare, and his hands tied behind his back, exposed to a hot sun. When he had stood for two hours in this situation, the King gave orders for his being put to death, and an executioner advanced to do his duty with a drawn scimitar. Ameer Bereed Shah, perceiving his helpless condition, condescended to beg his life; saying that undoubtedly he had been guilty of many insults to the King and his late father, of blessed memory, and was conscious of meriting revenge at his hands; but if the King would forget these circumstances, and suffer him to live and repent, he would surrender to him the city of Ahmudabad, with the fortress of Bidur, whose battlements the ladders of an enemy had never yet scaled, — and he promised to deliver into his hands the treasures of the Bahmuny royal family. The King having consented to spare his life on these terms, Ameer Bereed despatched a message to one of his sons, acquainting them with his situation, and the agreement he had made. His son returned for answer, that as he was very old, and the period of his existence drawing to a close, it were folly to surrender such a fortress for a few remaining days of life. The object of this message, however, was only to gain time, in hopes of assistance from the allies; ### [89.6.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89.6.2) for the sons sent secret instructions by a confidential person to agree to the terms if their father should be in real danger. Ameer Bereed Shah affected to complain of the cruelty of his sons; but Ismael Adil Shah, who suspected the scheme, gave orders for him to be thrown before a vicious elephant, observing that he would trust to his army for gaining the city by assault. Ameer Bereed again had recourse to entreaty, and begged that he might be carried before a certain tower of the fort, in order that his sons might behold his condition, and be thus moved to save his life. This being done, the sons seeing no other means but submission to save the life of their parent, offered to resign the city and fortress, on condition that they and their own families should be allowed to depart with the clothes on their persons without search. This being agreed on, they loaded themselves and their women with as many of the valuable ornaments and robes of the royal family of Bahmuny as they were able to conceal, and retired, with their followers, unmolested, to the fortress of Oodgeer. _First 40 of 59 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89)_ --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.89) · Pramāṇa