Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 90.2

90.2

When Ismael Adil Shah was about to take his departure from this temporary mansion of care, he addressed Assud Khan, saying, that although he feared his eldest son, Mulloo Khan, had not abilities to govern, yet paternal affection led him to wish he might succeed according to his birthright. He appointed Assud Khan protector of the kingdom, with full powers to place the Prince Mulloo on the throne; conjuring him to remain steadfast in his loyalty towards him; and concluded by saying, that he had full reliance on the minister's abilities, which he was sure would make up for any deficiency or imprudence to which his son might be prone. The Prince Ibrahim, the King's youngest son, who had long entertained ambitious views towards the throne, had gained over many of the nobles to his interest; so that when their father's death could no longer be concealed from them, the brothers were on the eve of coming to open war, though in an enemy's country, and actually conducting the siege of Kowilconda. Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah of Golconda, obtaining information of the state of affairs, conceived the opportunity so favourable that he directed his troops to hover round the Adil Shahy camp, and stop its supplies of provisions; and he even caused the ears and noses of the prisoners to be cut off, and then released them in this mutilated condition to return to their camp.