[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) › 98 # Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 98: BOORHAN NIZAM SHAH I. History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India (Briggs) 98 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [98.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.1) — 8 parts - [98.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.2) — 7 parts - [98.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.3) — 8 parts - [98.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4) — 10 parts ### BOORHAN NIZAM SHAH I. ### [98.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.1.1) The King ascends the throne in his seventh year. — Mookumil Khan Deccany minister and regent. — His son, entitled Azeez-ool-Moolk, commander of the household troops. — The nobles are offended with Azeez-ool-Moolk, and resolve to remove his party — they endeavour to obtain possession of the King's younger brother Raja-Joo, but their plan is defeated — they quit Ahmudnuggur with eight thousand men, and join the King of Berar, who is induced to lead an army to attack the Nizam Shahy dominions. — The enemy is defeated in the battle of Ranoory by the troops of the young King of Ahmudnuggur — is pursued, and compelled to quit Berar. — Applies to the King of Kandeish to mediate a peace. — Mookumil Khan demands the cession of the town of Patry in exchange for some other place. — The King of Berar not only declines compliance, but fortifies the town. — Mookumil Khan some time afterwards makes a night-attack on Patry, and occupies it. — The King espouses Ameena, a dancing girl, and takes to drinking wine. — Mookumil Khan resigns his office of minister, which is conferred on Sheikh Jafar Deccany. — The King marries the Princess Muryum, sister of Ismael Adil Shah. — The fort of Sholapoor promised to be obtained for the King of Ahmudnuggur by Assud Khan of Belgam, the ambassador — but the cession is not acceded to by the King of Beejapoor. — The King's first wife assumes superiority over the Princess Muryum. ### [98.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.1.2) — The latter complains to her brother, who remonstrates, and threatens the King of Ahmudnuggur. — Formidable confederacy against the King of Beejapoor. — The allies march to take Sholapoor — are defeated. — The King of Berar is encouraged by the King of Beejapoor to attack Patry — it is taken and retaken, and subsequently rased to the ground. — Boorhan Nizam Shah is attacked by the kings of Berar and Kandeish — they are both defeated, with the loss of three hundred elephants — they apply for aid to Bahadur Shah of Guzerat. — Boorhan Nizam Shah obtains the aid of Ameer Bereed, King of Bidur, and a body of troops from Beejapoor. — Ameer Bereed attacks and discomfits two divisions of the Guzerat army near Beer — but Boorhan Nizam Shah is eventually compelled to retreat, first to Purenda, and then to Joonere. — Bahadur Shah of Guzerat, after being proclaimed King at Ahmudnuggur, retires to Dowlutabad. — Boorhan Nizam Shah removes Sheikh Jafur from the office of Peshwa, and confers it on a Hindoo named Kawur Sein. — Obtains peace. — The confederates retire to their own capitals, Boorhan Nizam Shah is constrained to read the Khootba in the name of Bahadur Shah of Guzerat. — Bahadur Shah, after subduing Malwa, arrives at Boorhanpoor in Kandeish. — Boorhan Nizam Shah is invited to meet him, — Difficulties occur, which are removed through the address of the ambassador Shah Tahir. — Description of the meeting. ### [98.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.1.3) — Disputes concerning territorial limits occur between the kings of Ahmudnuggur and Beejapoor — mediated by ambassadors. — Boorhan Nizam Shah supports the Sheea persuasion — avails himself of the jealousy of the King of Beejapoor against his minister Assud Khan of Belgam to wage war with him — is eventually compelled to retreat — renews the war in concert with the King of Golconda and Ramraj. — The King of Ahmudnuggur makes three campaigns, but with little success. — His death — his body sent to Kurbula. ### [98.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.1.4) Boorhan Nizam Shah ascended the throne of his father at Ahmudnuggur, in the seventh year of his age. Mookumil Khan Deccany, an able statesman and general, who held both the offices of Peshwa and Ameer Joomla in the lifetime of the late king, was appointed Vakeel or Protector; while his son, Meean Jumal ood-Deen, received the title of Azeez-ool-Moolk, and had the office of Sur-Nobut assigned to him. The father and son having thus placed the royal household under their control obtained the fullest power over all the affairs of government. Nearly three years elapsed, during which the pride and insolence of Azeez-ool-Moolk had grown so intolerable to the other nobles, such as Roomy Khan, Kureem Khan, and Meer Khan, that becoming envious of his authority, they strove to subvert his influence; and having gained over to their interests Beeby Eisha, (nurse to the young King's mother, who enjoyed much of her confidence,) it was agreed that she should deliver over to them Raja-Joo, the infant brother of the King, whom they determined to raise to the throne; so that by deposing Boorhan Nizam Shah they might free themselves from the despotic sway of the minister and his son. Beeby Eisha, accordingly, having one day dressed the young prince in girl's clothes, and put him in her own palky, took him with her towards the city. She was scarcely gone when the Queen-mother sending for the child found he was missing. ### [98.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.1.5) Great consternation spread among the attendants both within and without the palace. Some, conjecturing that he might have fallen into a fountain or well, went to search for him, while others, having followed Beeby Ersha, and overtaking her before she reached the city, brought both her and the child back. This old lady having been always regarded as a grandmother to the princes, was frequently in the habit of taking them with her to town, where they sometimes remained for two or three days, so that on this occasion she pretended that she was carrying the young prince only on a visit: in a few days, however, the secret being disclosed, that she had done so in concert with the nobles, the minister took measures to watch the princes more narrowly. So much attention was paid to the education of Boorhan Nizam Shah, that in his tenth year he read poetry with facility and proper emphasis, and wrote exceedingly well. The author has seen a treatise on the duties of kings, in the royal library at Ahmudnuggur copied by that monarch at that tender age. The enemies of the Peshwa (Mookumil Khan) were soon after induced to quit Ahmudnuggur with their followers, to the number of eight thousand men. They entered the service of Alla-ood-Deen Imad-ool-Moolk, ruler of Berar, whom they excited to attack the dominions of Boorhan Nizam Shah. Imad-ool-Moolk, deeming the conquest an object of easy attainment, marched with a large army from Elichpoor towards the Nizam Shahy frontier; ### [98.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.1.6) while Mookumil Khan, aided by the forces of Khwaja Jehan Deccany of Purenda, and attended by the young King, opposed the enemy near the town of Ranoory, in the year 916, when Imad-ood-Moolk sustained a total defeat; flying from the field without halting till he reached Elichpoor, and leaving in the hands of the Nizam Shahies all his baggage, horses, and elephants. In this battle Boorhan Nizam Shah, on account of his tender years, rode on horseback with his tutor Ajdur Khan, and was seated before him on the same saddle. Imad-ool-Moolk, finding himself pursued, left Elichpoor and fled to Boorhanpoor, where he solicited the aid of the ruler of Kandeish to mediate a peace. Some learned men were accordingly sent to Mookumil Khan, who represented that it was contrary to the law of the prophet for the faithful to wage war against each other, a peace was concluded, and both parties returned to their respective dominions. ### [98.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.1.7) It is said that the ancestors of the Nizam Shahy kings were natives of the town of Patry; but for some cause, one of them, a Coolcurny, quitting his birth-place, removed to Beejanuggur and settled. When the family attained regal power, its relations came to Ahmudnuggur, and expressed a desire to recover their ancient rights in the village of Patry, situated within the territory of Berar, but close on the Nizam Shahy frontier. On which Mookumil Khan wrote to Imad-ool-Moolk, as from Boorhan Nizam Shah, requesting that he would, out of private regard, give up the Patry district, in which the Nizam Shahy family had so much interest, and receive in lieu of it another, yielding even a greater revenue. Imad-ool-Moolk refused to consent to the exchange; and fearing that a war might ensue in consequence of his refusal, began to build a fort at Patry. Mookumil Khan requested him to desist, but in vain; till at length the work being completed, Mookumil Khan, being some time after at Dowlutabad, went on a party of pleasure to see the caves of Elloora in its vicinity, from whence he made a sudden march against Patry, and carried it by assault. After which he left it in charge of Meean Mahomed Ghoory, who had distinguished himself on the occasion, and conferred on him the title of Kamil Khan. ### [98.1.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.1.8) The young king, in the mean time, having attained the age of manhood, became enamoured of a dancing girl called Ameena, whom he married, and placed at the head of the ladies of his seraglio. From her he learned to drink wine, which Mookumil Khan having understood, he approached the throne, and laid the seals of his office at the feet of the King, saying, "While your Majesty was a child, I (the humblest servant of your throne) carried on the affairs committed to my charge to "the best of my ability; but now that you are "able personally to conduct the affairs of the state, "you must excuse me from interfering in public "business." Boorhan Nizam Shah complied with the minister's request, but raised his sons to high rank, and conferred the office of Peshwa on Sheikh Jafur Deccany. Mookumil Khan ever after lived retired, going to court occasionally only at the earnest request of his friends; but resisted every attempt to induce him again to engage in public business, till at length he died a natural death. ### [98.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.2.1) In the year 930, Boorhan Nizam Shah and Ismael Adil Shah, through the intervention of Shah Tahir Jooneidy, had a meeting in the fort of Sholapoor; and Beeby Muryum, the sister of Ismael Adil Shah, was given in marriage to Boorhan Nizam Shah, when the nuptials were celebrated with great splendour. It appears, also, on this occasion, that Assud Khan of Belgam, the envoy on the part of Ismael Adil Shah, had promised in his master's name to give Sholapoor as a dowry with his sister; but as that Prince afterwards denied having authorised such a condition, Boorhan Nizam Shah, at the intercession of Shah Tahir, was induced to drop the demand, and to return to Ahmudnuggur. Ameena, the favourite queen of Boorhan Nizam Shah, assuming her usual right of superiority over the Beejapoor princess, the latter complained to her brother Ismael Adil Shah of the affront offered to her rank by putting a public actress above her in the royal apartments. The Beejapoor monarch remonstrated with the resident ambassador from Ahmudnuggur then at his court in very strong language, and out of this an enmity grew; and Boorhan Nizam Shah despatched missions to the courts of Bereed Shah of Bidur and Imad Shah of Gavulgur, to induce those princes to unite against Ismael Adil Shah. Accordingly, in the year 931, the confederates marched against Sholapoor. Ismael Adil Shah moved to defend the place with nine thousand bowmen; ### [98.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.2.2) and an engagement took place on the borders, so sanguinary that nature revolts at the remembrance. Imad Shah was opposed, and his ranks broken, by Assud Khan of Belgam, and fled precipitately to Gavulgur; while Boorhan Nizam Shah, overcome with the extreme heat of the day, was borne off the field in a palankeen, and conveyed by his foreign troops to Ahmudnuggur. In the year 933, Imad Shah, at the instance of Ismael Adil Shah and Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah, led an army against the fort of Patry, which he recovered; but which was shortly afterwards retaken by Boorhan Nizam Shah, after a close siege of two months. On this occasion he rased the works to the ground, and gave over the district dependent on it in charity to his relations the brahmins, in whose hands it continued for several generations till the reign of the Emperor Akbur. After destroying Patry, Boorhan Nizam Shah marched and reduced the fort of Mahoor, and afterwards moved on to Elichpoor. Imad Shah, unable singly to contend with the Nizam Shahy troops, fled to Boorhanpoor, where he induced Mahomed Khan Farooky, the ruler of Kandeish, to assist him. Thus united, the allies marched against Boorhan Nizam Shah; but experienced such a total defeat, that they lost three hundred elephants and all their baggage, besides many places in Berar which fell into Boorhan Nizam Shah's hands. Imad Shah and Mahomed Khan Farooky, seeing things in this state, sent ambassadors to Bahadur Shah of Guzerat to request his aid. ### [98.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.2.3) Bahadur Shah readily complied with their wishes, and marched an army, in the year 935, into the Deccan by the route of Sooltanpoor and Nundoorbar. Boorhan Nizam Shah, alarmed at the accession of Guzerat to the confederacy, sent letters of congratulation to Babur on his elevation to the throne of Dehly; and also addressed Ismael Adil Shah, Ameer Bereed Shah, and Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah. Of these Ameer Bereed Shah only rendered any assistance, by marching to join him with six thousand foreign horse. Bahadur Shah Guzeratty having entered Berar, with a view to recover Mahoor and Patry, liked the country so much, that he remained some time in it; when Imad Shah, fearful lest his dominions might be laid waste, represented, that if he would move into Boorhan Nizam Shah's country, and procure some parts of it for him, he would remove his family from Gavul, and resigning that fortress to Bahadur Shah, attend constantly at the royal stirrup. Bahadur Shah, accordingly, marched towards Boorhan Nizam Shah's army, and encamped in the hilly district near Beer; where Ameer Bereed Shah, with a force of Adil Shahy horse, and three thousand of his own, made an attack on a division of the Guzerat army, which was completely cut off between the towns of Beer and Peitun. On this occasion three thousand men were killed on the field, and upwards of seventy camels, laden with treasure, fell into the hands of the assailants. ### [98.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.2.4) On intimation of this defeat, Bahadur Shah instantly detached his vizier, Khoodawund Khan, with twenty thousand horse, to revenge the disgrace. This division, being drawn into an ambuscade, was also defeated by Ameer Bereed ; but a third detachment of twenty thousand horse, under the command of Imad Shah, arriving to reinforce Khoodawund Khan, Boorhan Nizam Shah was compelled to fall back first on Purenda, and eventually to retire into Joonere. Bahadur Shah reached Ahmudnuggur without further opposition, and took up his quarters in the palace of Boorhan Nizam Shah, where he remained for forty days. At last, leaving the siege of the fort to be conducted by Imad Shah, he marched to Dowlutabad ; while, in the mean time, Boorhan Nizam Shah, hovering about the Guzerat ties, endeavoured to cut off their supplies. In this state of affairs, Boorhan Nizam Shah wrote to Ismael Adil Shah, that if he did not march in person to his relief, as became a brother, he must sink under the pressure of his enemies. Ismael Adil Shah replied, that the infidels of Beejanuggur were encamped near Rachore, and that if he left his country they would instantly invade it ; but that he sent him five hundred chosen horse under the command of his general Heidur-ool-Moolk Kuzveeny, and hoped that he would shortly repel the enemy. ### [98.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.2.5) Boorhan Nizam Shah, disappointed in his hopes, deprived Sheikh Jafur, who had now become very unpopular among all classes of people, of the office of Peshwa, which he bestowed on one Kawur Sein a bramin; a person at once endowed with wisdom, penetration, and integrity. By his advice he marched with all the troops he could collect from Joonere to Ahmudnuggur; and shortly after, decamping with great caution, took up a position in the hills near Dowlutabad, and within eight miles of the Guzerat army. While in this post he harassed the enemy by frequent skirmishes and night-attacks for nearly three months, when a general action took place, in which Boorhan Nizam Shah being defeated, was at last induced to sue for peace through Mahomed Khan Farooky and Imad Shah, to whom he promised to return the forts and the elephants he had taken from them during the war. These two princes accordingly represented to Khoodawund Khan, that they had called in the aid of Bahadur Shah Guzeratty only to recover Mahoor and Patry; for which service they had engaged to cause the Khootba to be read in his name, both in Berar and Ahmudnuggur, and also to make him annual presents, but that the King seemed now to have extended his views to the absolute possession of their country. Khoodawund Khan remarked, that this was their own fault, for if the kings of the Deccan would agree together, all would be well. They understood his meaning, and resolved to break up the league. ### [98.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.2.6) Imad Shah, accordingly, permitted supplies of provisions to pass through his camp to Dowlutabad, and retired at the commencement of the rains to Elichpoor. Bahadur Shah and Meeran Mahomed Khan Farooky now consulted whether to stay or retreat. The ministers of both parties observed, that when the rivers swelled in the rainy season it would be impossible to obtain supplies either from Guzerat or Kandeish; and it being possible that the kings of the Deccan might still unite, it appeared to them prudent that Bahadur Shah should leave the possession of their countries both to Imad Shah and Nizam Shah, and be content with the acknowledgment of their homage. Bahadur Shah consented to this arrangement, and a communication was made to that effect to Boorhan Nizam Shah, who sent the ambassadors back with presents, and caused the public prayers to be read in the name of Bahadur Shah, who returned to Guzerat. Boorhan Nizam Shah, on his arrival at Ahmudnuggur, received a requisition from Meeran Mahomed Khan for the elephants which had been taken from him, and they were restored; but Imad Shah having made a similar demand for the forts of Mahoor and Patry, an evasive answer was given, and the request was not acceded to. ### [98.2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.2.7) Boorhan Nizam Shah, the following year, sent Shah Tahir with rich presents of cloth, elephants, and horses, to Bahadur Shah, who delayed giving him an audience, and wrote to Meeran Mahomed Khan that he understood Boorhan Nizam Shah had only read the Khootba in his name once, and then discontinued it. Meeran Mahomed Khan, however, assured him that Boorhan Nizam Shah was his loyal vassal, and that if he had only read it once, it was merely to save appearances with the other kings of the Deccan; he trusted, therefore, he would forgive him, and receive his embassy. Bahadur Shah, accordingly, received Shah Tahir, but did not for some time treat him with any consideration; till at length his great talents and learning obtained for him the esteem of the King of Guzerat, who altered his conduct; and at the end of three months dismissed him with honour. ### [98.3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.3.1) In the year 937, when Bahadur Shah had subdued Malwa, Boorhan Nizam Shah sent Shah Tahir with Nursoo Pundit to congratulate him upon his conquests. These two personages were introduced to the King at Boorhanpoor by Meeran Mahomed Khan of Kandeish, who observed, that as the empire of the chief provinces of Hindoostan had devolved on the family of Teimoor, the star of whose prosperity was daily ascending, it was politic for him to make a friend of Boorhan Nizam Shah. Bahadur Shah, who was a prince of great ambition, and pretended to an equality with the sovereigns of Dehly, listened to the advice of Meeran Mahomed Khan, and conferred many favours on Shah Tahir, who was dismissed with expedition from Boorhanpoor to Ahmudnuggur, to induce his master to have an interview with Bahadur Shah at the former city. ### [98.3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.3.2) Boorhan Nizam Shah at first declined, but was at length induced to give his consent, at the instigation both of Shah Tahir and Kawur Sein; and having left his son, the Prince Hoossein Nizam Shah, in charge of the government during his absence, under the care of Kawur Sein, he marched with a body of about seven thousand horse, as an escort, to Boorhanpoor, sending on Sumbajee Chitnevees and Khwaja Ibraheem as ambassadors before him, to ensure him a suitable reception. Upon his arrival at Changdevy, on the bank of the Tapty, near Boorhanpoor, he was met by Meeran Mahomed Khan, who informed him that Bahadur Shah would receive him on his throne, on each side of which holy men were permitted to sit, but that all persons else, of whatever rank, stood with their arms crossed before them. Boorhan Nizam Shah, understanding his reasons for this remark, said nothing in reply; but when Meeran Mahomed Khan took leave, he called his confidential officers to him privately, and declared that he never would submit to the indignity of standing before the throne of Bahadur Shah, after having declared his independence from the house of Bahmuny; that he would rather decline the meeting, and commit his safety to the hands of the Almighty. Shah Tahir observed, God is merciful, and would, he hoped, grant every thing agreeably to his desire; ### [98.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.3.3) but that he must not be hasty, nor repeat such declarations, since policy might demand that he should one day submit to a humiliation, in order that he might pass the rest of his life in power. Boorhan Nizam Shah, who was a person of judgment, partially acceded to the arguments used by Shah Tahir, who now said that he had thought of a mode of averting this indignity. He stated that he had in his possession a Koran in the handwriting of Ally, which Bahadur Shah was very desirous of seeing; that he would carry this with him, so that the King of Guzerat would be compelled to descend from his throne, out of reverence, to meet it. On the following day, accordingly, when the interview was to take place, and the King of Ahmudnuggur with his attendants arrived at the royal tents, Shah Tahir placed the Koran on his head; and Bahadur Shah, seeing him at a distance, asked his vizier, Khoodawund Khan, what he was carrying. Upon being told it was a Koran in the handwriting of Ally, he instantly descended from the throne, kissed it three times, and put it to his eyes and his forehead. He then received the compliments of Boorhan Nizam Shah, and asked him in the Guzerat language if he was well; to which Boorhan Nizam Shah replied in Persian. Bahadur Shah now re-ascended his throne, and Boorhan Nizam Shah and Shah Tahir stood before it. ### [98.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.3.4) Observing that Shah Tahir, a holy man of the first rank, was standing, Bahadur Shah desired him to be seated, but he excused himself as his master was standing. He then requested Boorhan Nizam Shah to sit also. After which Bahadur Shah, addressing him in Persian, enquired how he had passed the days of his late vicissitudes. Boorhan Nizam Shah replied, that afflictions which lead to prosperity, and absence terminating in happy meetings, cause the remembrance of the past to be forgotten; and in conclusion he observed, that the present moment was a sufficient recompense for all the trials he had experienced in a series of years. When Bahadur Shah heard this answer, he turned to Meeran Mahomed Khan, and said, "Did you hear "the answer of Boorhan Nizam-ool-Moolk?" (for he had not yet called him Shah:) he replied that he did not: upon which Bahadur Shah put the same question, and received the same reply. He then praised him in a very loud voice to be heard by all present. ### [98.3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.3.5) On which Shah Tahir, arising, said, "May "such proofs of the royal favour daily increase!" Bahadur Shah now taking a sword, and a dagger set with jewels, from his own waist, girded them on Boorhan Nizam Shah, and said, "May the title of "Shah prove auspicious to you!" at the same time he presented him with the chutr or royal canopy, taken from the King of Malwa, and commanded his vizier, Khoodawund Khan, and Meeran Mahomed Khan Farooky, to conduct him to the tent pitched for his reception, which had also belonged to the same Prince, Sooltan Mahomed Khiljy of Malwa. On the following day Bahadur Shah gave an entertainment, and seated Boorhan Nizam Shah and Meeran Mahomed Khan on chairs of gold in front of the throne. At the breaking up of the party he presented Boorhan Nizam Shah with five horses, two elephants, and twelve fighting deer. The two kings then played together at chowgan. Boorhan Nizam Shah in his turn made offerings to Bahadur Shah; the whole of which he highly approved, but would only accept of a Koran, and a sword, (on which was engraved the name of one of the Abassy caliphs,) with four elephants, and two Arab horses. He then said, "I give you "back all the rest of your offerings, and all the "country of the Deccan," at the same time dismissing him, with permission to return to Ahmudnuggur. Boorhan Nizam Shah accordingly took his departure, and going by the route of Dowlutabad, paid his devotions at the shrines of the holy men buried at that place; ### [98.3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.3.6) after which he encamped at the Houz-i-Kootloo, where he was met by his son, Hoossein Nizam Shah, and his minister Kawur Sein, as well as by ambassadors from the courts of Beejapoor and Golconda, who came to congratulate him. The disagreements between Bahadur Shah and Boorhan Nizam Shah being now at an end, the latter was at leisure to attend to the administration of his dominions, and accordingly, by the wise policy of Kawur Sein, he reduced, in a very short space of time, thirty forts belonging to Marratta rajas who had not paid allegiance since the death of Ahmud Nizam Shah; after which he enlisted them in his service, giving them back their lands in jageer, on condition that they should supply troops when required for the state. The two ambassadors, Khwaja Ibrahim and Sumbajy Chitnevees, who had preceded the King to Boorhanpoor, were honoured with the titles of Luteef Khan and Purtab Ray, on their return to Ahmudnuggur, and were henceforward admitted as confidential officers of the government. ### [98.3.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.3.7) In the year 938, Ismael Adil Shah having contemplated the conquests of the forts of Kulliany and Kand'har from Ameer Bereed Shah, that prince solicited aid from Boorhan Nizam Shah, who wrote an imperious letter to Ismael Adil Shah, requiring him immediately to desist. This again brought on the disputes about the boundaries; and Ismael Adil Shah observes in his answer; "Have you so soon forgotten your late condition at Ahmudnuggur? If you pride yourself on the tattered rags of the King of Malwa, the boast is ridiculous. Nor need you be too vain of the title of Shah, conferred on you by the King of Guzerat, since I derive my royal lineage from a race of sovereigns, and am so styled by the kings of Persia, descendants of the prophet. I advise you to repent of your folly and arrogance, or I shall compel you to quit your enjoyments in the Bagh-i-Nizam, and try how you like the clashing of steel in the field of battle." Boorhan Nizam Shah, though really ashamed of his conduct, yet marched directly to Oomruzpoor, where he remained some days to collect his forces, and then crossed the border of Ismael Adil Shah's territory. The latter gave Boorhan Nizam Shah a total defeat, and obliged him to retreat to Ahmudnuggur, with the loss of all his baggage, and nearly four thousand men, a disaster which fully humbled his pride. ### [98.3.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.3.8) In the year 939, through the mediation of ambassadors, a meeting was effected between Boorhan Nizam Shah and Ismael Adil Shah, when it was agreed that the former should undertake the conquest of Berar, and the latter of Tulingana, and that they should divide the Deccan in a brotherly manner between them ; but this project was frustrated by the sudden death of Ismael Adil Shah, and the disputes which took place between his successor and Boorhan Nizam Shah. ### [98.4.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4.1) In the year 944, at the instigation of Shah Tahir, Boorhan Nizam Shah rejected the names of the Sahiba from the Khootba, and substituted those of the Imams ; and as the colour of their standards was green (it is believed that at the day of judgment those of the Prophet will also be of that colour), he changed the colour of his canopy and standards to the same. He also (God forgive him !) settled pensions on persons to curse and revile the three first caliphs and their followers, in the mosques and streets ; thus fulfilling the wish which Yoosoof Adil Shah of Beejapoor was unable to accomplish, owing to the opposition of his nobles, and which he carried with him to the grave. Boorhan Nizam Shah, however, ran some risk from his religious zeal. He was besieged in his palace by a number of malecontents, headed by one Moolla Peer Mahomed, a furious Soony, whom he took prisoner and confined ; on which the tumult subsided. The kings of Guzerat, Beejapoor, and Kandeish, enraged at the insult offered to the Soonies, entered into alliance with each other, and agreed to divide the dominions of Boorhan Nizam Shah between them; upon which the latter sent an embassy to the Emperor Hoomayoon, offering his services to assist in an invasion of Guzerat; but the rebellion of Sheer Shah taking place at this period, prevented that measure. Boorhan Nizam Shah found means to satisfy the kings of Guzerat and Kandeish; ### [98.4.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4.2) and entertaining in his service all the Sheea foreigners who had been lately disbanded by Ibrahim Adil Shah, marched to invade Beejapoor. In this campaign he was so successful as to capture one hundred elephants and some pieces of cannon, which were brought triumphantly to Ahmudnuggur. In the year 949, dissensions arose at the court of Beejapoor between Assud Khan of Belgam and his master, Ibrahim Adil Shah. Boorhan Nizam Shah, taking advantage of this circumstance, invited Ameer Bereed Shah of Bidur to a coalition; at the same time he promulgated a report, that Assud Khan had, in conformity with his religious feelings, invited those two monarchs into the kingdom, and promised to give up Belgam to Boorhan Nizam Shah. Although there was not the slightest truth in this story, it was sedulously spread by the enemies of Beejapoor, and so successfully as to poison the King's mind more than ever against his minister. Boorhan Nizam Shah having marched to Sholapoor, he seized on and made over to Khwaja Jehan Deccany the five and a half districts, and then proceeding to Belgam, took possession of it, and plundered the towns that did not submit to his authority. ### [98.4.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4.3) Assud Khan used all his exertions to induce the King to march against the enemy, but he was apprehensive of treachery; and to such a height were their mutual jealousies carried, that Assud Khan saw no security but that of going over to Boorhan Nizam Shah. He joined him accordingly with six thousand troops attached to his person, and Boorhan Nizam Shah marched direct to Beejapoor. Ibrahim Adil Shah, deprived of his minister, and without confidence in those around him, deserted his capital, and took shelter at Koolburga, till the arrival of a reinforcement under Imad Shah. The proximity of the Berar army to that of Boorhan Nizam Shah, a short time afterwards, enabled Assud Khan to quit the side he had espoused, and to unite himself with the ally of his country. Assud Khan no sooner joined the Berar army than Boorhan Nizam Shah retreated towards Ahmudnuggur, whither he was pursued by the allied forces of Berar and Beejapoor; and being compelled, in his turn, to quit his capital, and to leave it a prey to the invaders, he took post in the strong fortress of Dowlutabad. At this place Ameer Bereed Shah of Bidur dying, Boorhan Nizam Shah concluded a peace, and restored to Ibrahim Adil Shah the five and a half districts of Sholapoor. ### [98.4.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4.4) On the following year, Boorhan Nizam Shah deputed Shah Tahir as ambassador to the court of Jumsheed Kootb Shah of Golconda, congratulating him on his accession to the throne, and making private overtures to induce him to form a league with Ramraj, the Hindoo prince of Beejanuggur, against the state of Beejapoor. In the year 953, Boorhan Nizam Shah, at the instigation of Ramraj, moved again to reduce Koolburga, and Ibrahim Adil Shah marched from Beejapoor to oppose him. Upon his arrival near the town of Hoorchean, he discovered Boorhan Nizam Shah strongly posted on the eastern bank of the Beema river; and finding it impossible to cross, he encamped on the opposite bank. Both armies lay inactive for three months, during the rains, in sight of each other, with the river between them. At length Ibrahim Adil Shah, tired of delay, found means to cross, and attacked the Nizam Shahies, who were totally defeated, with the loss of two hundred and fifty elephants, and one hundred and seventy pieces of cannon and tumbrils included. Ibrahim Adil Shah is said on this occasion to have killed three of the enemy with his own hand, and to have given great proofs of personal intrepidity; he, however, always attributed the victory to the conduct of Assud Khan, on whom he conferred several districts in addition to his other jageers. Boorhan Nizam Shah now sent his trusty minister, Shah Tahir, to beg the assistance of Ally Bereed Shah of Bidur, who, however, declined. ### [98.4.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4.5) This induced him, on the following year, to march an army against Bidur, commencing his operations by the siege of Owsa. Ally Bereed Shah, in the mean time, promised to cede the fort of Kulliany to Ibrahim Adil Shah, in case he would march to his assistance; and the Beejapoor troops formed a junction with the Bidur forces at Kulliany. The allies now raised the siege of Owsa; and an action took place with the Nizam Shahy army within four miles of that fort, in which the allies were defeated with considerable loss, and the fall of Owsa shortly afterwards took place. From thence Boorhan Nizam Shah marched against Oodgeer, which he also reduced, and then proceeded against Kand'har. At this place the allies made another effort to raise the siege; but being a second time defeated, with the loss of their heavy baggage, Kand'har shortly after fell, and Boorhan Nizam Shah returned towards his capital, in the year 955. On the road he was met by deputies from a political party in Beejapoor, who stated that the people were so oppressed by the cruelties and mal-administration of Ibrahim Adil Shah that the nobles were desirous of substituting in his stead the Prince Abdoolla, the King's younger brother. This prince had at that time sought an asylum with the Portuguese at Goa; but they had said nothing could be effected without the assistance of Boorhan Nizam Shah. ### [98.4.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4.6) Jumsheed Kootb Shah of Golconda was also invited to coalesce with the King of Ahmudnuggur for this purpose, and the allied sovereigns accordingly moved towards Beejapoor. Boorhan Nizam Shah first invaded the country, and failing in an attempt to seize Belgam, he was compelled to retreat; and the death of his favourite minister, Shah Tahir, which occurred about this period, induced him to fall back on his capital, and to make over the seals to Kasim Beg Hukeem and Gopal Row a bramin. Nearly at the same time, also, Assud Khan of Belgam dying, Boorhan Nizam Shah resolved to make another attack on the Beejapoor dominions. He accordingly deputed ambassadors to Ramraj, inviting him to a confederacy, when presents and professions were interchanged between them. Upon hearing which, Ibrahim Adil Shah treated the resident ambassadors of the latter at Beejapoor with evident marks of disrespect; and they quitted his capital in great indignation, without taking leave. On arriving at Beejanuggur, they told Ramraj what had been the behaviour of Ibrahim Adil Shah, on account of the league the Beejanuggur court was about to form with Boorhan Nizam Shah; and concluded by saying, that had they not made their escape they should probably have been put to death. Ramraj, enraged at this affront, wrote to Boorhan Nizam Shah, that as Ally Bereed Shah of Bidur had preferred to his alliance that of Ibrahim Adil Shah, it would be desirable to take from him the fort of Kulliany. ### [98.4.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4.7) Boorhan Nizam Shah, without delay, moved from Ahmudnuggur, and surrounding Kulliany effectually blocked up all communication from without. Ibrahim Adil Shah marched to relieve it; and advancing within sight of the enemy, pitched his camp and intrenched himself. Boorhan Nizam Shah, unwilling to raise the siege, also fortified his lines. The Beejapoor Marratta horse were employed to infest the roads leading to the enemy's camp, and to cut off his supplies; and were so successful as to cause the greatest distress for provisions to the Nizam Shahies. Boorhan Nizam Shah, in this situation, called a council of his nobles, some of whom proposed to raise the siege, and, retreating on Ahmudnuggur, to make peace; while Shah Jafur and Kasim Beg recommended a sudden and vigorous attack on the enemy. The latter advice being adopted, Seif-ood-Deen Ein-ool-Moolk, with several other Toorky officers, on the morning of the fast of Rumzan, surprised the Beejapoor army at dawn of day. Ibrahim Adil Shah, who was then in a warm bath, had scarcely time to make his escape, and fly towards Beer and Purenda, while his troops were so completely surprised, that they deserted their tents, baggage, and artillery, all of which fell into the hands of the victors. At the same moment, also, an attack was made on the fort of Kulliany, which surrendered without much opposition. ### [98.4.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4.8) After this defeat, Ibrahim Adil Shah, in order to save his own territories from devastation, fled through the enemy's country, and coming suddenly before Purenda, rushed in before the gates could be shut, and taking possession, gave charge of it to one of his Deccany officers. He then laid waste the surrounding country, and levied heavy contributions on the people; but hearing of the approach of Boorhan Nizam Shah, he retreated towards Beejapoor. The Nizam Shahy troops continued to advance towards Purenda; and the dastardly governor, whom Ibrahim Adil Shah had left there, fled during the night, before the enemy had arrived within forty miles of the place. Shah Jumal-ood-Deen Anjoo, a contemporary, told me, that the governor of Purenda persisted in declaring he heard the trumpets of Boorhan Nizam Shah when he was forty miles distant, and this proved to be nothing but the buzzing of a gnat in his room. The third day after his flight, the empty fortress was occupied by the Nizam Shahy troops; and Boorhan Nizam Shah having restored it to Khwaja Jehan Deccany, retreated to Ahmudnuggur. ### [98.4.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4.9) On the following year, Boorhan Nizam Shah marched his army through great part of the Beejapoor territory without opposition, and had a conference with Ramraj in the vicinity of the fort of Rachore, when it was resolved that they should both aggrandise themselves by attacking the Beejapoor territories; that Ramraj should take the forts of Rachore and Moodkul, with their dependencies on the south of the Krishna, and that Boorhan Nizam Shah should attack Sholapoor and Koolburga. Sholapoor was accordingly besieged, and after a blockade of three months was carried by assault. Boorhan Nizam Shah was about proceeding to Koolburga, when hearing that Ramraj had already reduced Rachore and Moodkul, and had returned to Beejanuggur, he also thought it advisable to retreat to Ahmudnuggur. In the year 961, Boorhan Nizam Shah again formed an alliance with Ramraj, and marched towards Beejapoor, while Ibrahim Adil Shah, unable to cope with him, retired to Punala. Beejapoor was besieged by the allies, when Boorhan Nizam Shah was suddenly seized with a violent disorder in his bowels, which obliged him to return to his capital, and he soon after expired. His body was embalmed, and sent to Kurbela, where he was entombed near the burial-place of Hussun, the son of Ally, and the grandson of the Prophet. ### [98.4.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98.4.10) Boorhan Nizam Shah died at the age of fifty-four, after a reign of forty-seven years. He left two sons, Hoossein and Abdool Kadur, by his favourite wife Ameena, and two others, Shah Ally and Meeran Mahomed Bakur, by Beeby Muryum, the daughter of Yoosoof Adil Shah. He had also another son, Shah Heidur, married to a daughter of Khwaja Jehan Deccany. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tarikh-i-firishta~en-briggs.98) · Pramāṇa