Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 97.3.5

97.3.5

accordingly, as is ever the custom, the people being eager to copy the prince, both high and low devoted themselves to it, and instead of colleges, as is usual in Mahomedan cities, schools for single-sword and wrestling were established in all quarters of the city of Ahmudnuggur. Nothing was talked of but this art in every assembly, till at length things grew to such a pitch in the strife-engendering climate of the Deccan, that people vaunted over their neighbours; and brawls arising between rash young men, they frequently begged to make good their cause before the King, who used to see them combat with swords in his presence; and he who gave the first wound was considered the victor. In consequence of this encouragement, a crowd of young men were in the habit of assembling daily at the palace for the purpose of displaying their skill, till at length a day seldom passed without one or two persons being killed. The King, thinking it time to discountenance this practice, gave orders, that no more exhibitions of this sort should take place in his presence, though the combatants were at liberty to settle their disputes on the outside of the town; and it was commanded, that if either party were killed in fair combat, no retaliation should be required. This vile custom is so congenial to the Mahomedans of the Deccan, that it has spread far and wide from Ahmudnuggur;