[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate) › [Ṭabaqāt-i Nāṣirī](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri) › Tabakát-i Násirí (extracts) # Tabakát-i Násirí (extracts) Translation of [The Nāṣirī Generations (Ṭabaqāt-i Nāṣirī)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri) - **Language:** English - **Date:** 1869 CE - **Translators:** [Henry Miers Elliot](https://indike.org/pramana/person/elliot), [John Dowson](https://indike.org/pramana/person/dowson) - **Extent:** 168 passages, 38,319 words - **Text:** complete digital text - **Source:** archive.org · The History of India, as told by its own Historians. The Muhammadan Period. The posthumous papers of Sir H.… · Public domain (published before 1930) ## Contents - [1 TABAKAT XI. · History of the Ghaznivide Sovereigns.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.1) - [2 I.—Amíru-l Ghází Násiru-d dín Subuktigín.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.2) - [3 II. — Reign of the great King Yaminu-d daula Mahmud Nizamu-d din Abu-l Kasim Mahmud, son of Subuktigin.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.3) - [4 III. — Muhammad bin Mahmúd Jalálu-d daula.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.4) - [5 IV. — Nasiru-d din Allah Mas'udu-sh Shahid (the Martyr).](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.5) - [6 V. — Maudūd, son of Mas'ūd, son of Mahmūd.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.6) - [7 VI. — 'Ali, son of Mas'ud, and Muhammad, son of Maudud.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.7) - [8 VII. — 'Abdu-r Rashid, son of Mahmud.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.8) - [9 VIII. — Tughril, the accursed.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.9) - [10 IX. — Farrukh-zad, son of Mas'ud.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.10) - [11 X. — Sultan Ibrahim.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.11) - [12 XI. — 'Alau-d din Mas'ud, the Generous, son of Ibrahim.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.12) - [13 XII. — Malik Arslan, son of Sultan Mas'ud.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.13) - [14 XIII. — Bahram Shah](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.14) - [15 XIV. — Khusru Shah, Son of Bahram Shah.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.15) - [16 XV. — Khusru Malik Son of Khusru Shah, the last King of the Ghaznivide Dynasty.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.16) - [17 TABAKAT XVII. · The Shansabaniya Sultans and the Kings of Ghor. · 1. — Amir Fulad Ghori Shansabi.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.17) - [18 2. — Amir Banji, son of Naharan.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.18) - [19 3.—Amir Suri.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.19) - [20 4. — Malik Muhammad Suri.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.20) — 8 parts - [21 \[\*Transactions with Sultan Sanjar Saljuki.\*\]](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.21) - [22 TABAKAT XIX. · The Shansabania Sultans of Ghazni.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.22) - [23 1. — Sultan Saifu-d din Suri.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.23) - [24 2. Sultanu-l Ghazi Mu'izzu-d dunya wau-d din Abu-l Muzaffar Muhammad bin Sam.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.24) — 9 parts - [25 \[Proceedings west of the Indus.\]](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.25) - [26 TABAKAT XX. · The Mu'izziya Sultans of Hind.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.26) - [27 1. Sultan Kutbu-d din Aibak.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.27) — 4 parts - [28 2. Aram Shah, son of Sultan Kutbu-d din Aibak.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.28) - [29 3. Násiru-d dín Kubácha.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.29) — 4 parts - [30 4. Sultan Bahau-d din Tughril.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.30) - [31 5. Malik Ghazi Ikhtiyaru-d din Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji, of Lakhnauti.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.31) — 14 parts - [32 6. Malik 'Izzu-d din Muhammad Shiran Khilji.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.32) - [33 7. Malik 'Alau-d din 'Ali Mardan Khilji.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.33) - [34 8. Malik Hisamu-d din 'Auz Khilji.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.34) — 5 parts - [35 TABAKAT XXI. · HISTORY OF THE SHAMSIYA KINGS OF HINDUSTAN. · 1. — Sultan Shamsu-d dunya wau-d din Abu-l Muzaffar Altamsh.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.35) — 13 parts - [36 2. Malik Sa'íd Násiru-d dunyá wau-d dín Mahmúd.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.36) - [37 Sultan Ruknu-d din Firoz Shah.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.37) — 5 parts - [38 Sultan Raziya, Daughter of the Sultan.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.38) — 8 parts - [39 5. Mu'izzu-d din Bahram Shah.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.39) — 9 parts - [40 6. — Sultan 'Alau-d din Mas'ud Shah bin Firoz Shah.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.40) — 5 parts - [41 7. Sultan-i Mu'azzam Nasiru-d dunya wau-d din Mahmud.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.41) - [42 First Year of the Reign — Hijra 644 (1246 A.D.)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.42) - [43 Second Year of the Reign — Hijra 645 (1247 A.D.)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.43) - [44 Third Year of the Reign— Hijra 646 (1248 A.D.).](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.44) - [45 Fourth Year of the Reign — Hijra 647 (1249 A.D.).](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.45) - [46 Fifth Year of the Reign—Hijra 648 (1250 A.D.)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.46) - [47 Sixth Year of the Reign — Hijra 649 (1251 A.D.).](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.47) - [48 Seventh Year of the Reign — Hijra 650 (1252 A.D.)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.48) - [49 Eighth Year of the Reign — Hijra 651 (1253 A.D.).](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.49) - [50 Ninth Year of the Reign—Hijra 652 (1254 A.D.).](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.50) - [51 Tenth Year of the Reign — Hijra 653 (1255 A.D.)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.51) - [52 Eleventh Year of the Reign — Hijra 654 (1256 A.D.)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.52) - [53 Twelfth Year of the Reign—Hijra 655 (1257 A.D.).](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.53) - [54 Thirteenth Year of the Reign — Hijra 656 (1258 A.D.)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.54) - [55 Fourteenth Year of the Reign — Hijra 657 (1259 A.D.).](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.55) - [56 Fifteenth Year of the Reign—Hijra 658 (1260 A.D.)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.56) - [57 TABAKAT XXII. · No. 25. Al Khakdnu-l Mu'azzam Bahdu-l hakk wau-d din Ulugh Khan Balbanu-s Sultani \[otherwise called Ghiyasu-d din Balban\].](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.57) — 39 parts ## Text ### [1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.1) Imam Abu-l Fazl al Hasan Baihaki relates in the Tarikh-i Nasiri, that Sultan Sa'id Mahmud heard from his father, Amir Subuktigin, that his (Subuktigin's) father was called Kara-bahkam. His name was Jauk (troop), and in Turki they call a troop bahkam; so that the meaning of the name Kara-bahkam is "black troop." Whenever the Turks in Turkistan heard his name they fled before him on account of his activity and courage. Imam Muhammad 'Ali Abu-l Kasim Hamadi says in his Tarikh-i Majdul, that Amir Subuktigin was a descendant of King Yazdajird. When this monarch was slain in a mill in the country of Merv, in the reign of the commander of the faithful 'Usman, his followers and dependants \[atba' wa ashya'\], came to Turkistan, and entering into intermarriages with the people of that country after two or three generations (their descendants) became Turks. Their palaces in this country are still standing. The following is a genealogical table of this race:—Amir Subuktigin, son of Jauk Kará-bahkam, who was the son of Kará Arslán, the son of Kará-malat, son of Kará Nu'mán, son of Fíroz, son of Yazdajird, who was the sovereign of Persia,—but God knows the truth. ### [2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.2) Imám Abú-l Fazl Baihakí writes that Nasr Hájí was a trader in the reign of 'Abdu-l Malik Núh Sámání. He bought Subuktigín, and took him to Bukhárá as a slave. The marks of wisdom and activity were stamped upon his forehead, and he was purchased by the Lord Chamberlain \[Amír hájib\], Alptigín. In the service of this nobleman he went to Tukháristán, and when Alptigín was appointed governor of that place he continued to serve him. In the course of events Alptigín came afterwards to Ghaznín, when he conquered the country of Záwulistán, and wrested Ghaznín from the hands of Amír Anúk. Eight years afterwards Alptigín died, and was succeeded by his son Is'hák. This chief fought with Anúk, and being defeated he went to Bukhárá, where he succeeded in obtaining assistance from Amír Mansúr Núh. Thus strengthened, he returned and retook Ghazní. One year later he expired, and Bilkátigín, the chief of the Turks, was raised to his place. This chief was a very just and religious man, and was one of the greatest warriors in the world. He died after a reign of two years. Amir Subuktigin was in his service. Bilkdtigin was succeeded by Amir Pari, who was a very depraved man. A party of the inhabitants of Ghazni opened communications with Abu 'Ali Anuk, and invited him back. Abu 'Ali obtained the aid of the son of the king of Kabul, but when they came into the vicinity (hadd) of Charkh, Subuktigin with five hundred Turks fell upon them, and defeated them. He put a great number to the sword, and took many prisoners. He also captured two elephants, and carried them to Ghazni. After the achievement of this victory the people, who were disgusted with Pari on account of his wickedness (fasad), raised Subuktigin with unanimous consent to the chieftainship of Ghazni. On the twenty-seventh of Sha'ban, A.H. 366 (April, 977), on Friday, he came out of the fort with the umbrella, jewels, and banners, and proceeded to the Jami' Masjid, where he was confirmed in the government and sovereignty of the country. He carried his arms from Ghaznin to different countries, and brought Zamin-dawar, Kusdar, Bamian, the whole of Tukharistan and Ghor into his possession. On the side of India he defeated Jaipal at the head of a large army and numerous elephants. He also drove back Bughra Khan, of Kashghar, (from his attacks upon) the Samanian dynasty. He then went to Balkh, and restored the chief of Bukhara to his throne. In his time great exploits were performed, and all the sources of internal dissensions in Khurasan were eradicated. In the month of Shawwal, a.h. 384 (November, 994), the command of Khurasan was conferred on Amir Mahmud, under the title of Saifu-d daula, and Amir Subuktigin received the title of Nasiru-d din. He expelled Abu-l hasan Saimjur, and Khurasan was cleared of its enemies. Amir Subuktigin was a wise, just, brave, and religious man, faithful to his agreements, truthful in his words, and not avaricious for wealth. He was kind and just to his subjects, and the Almighty God had bestowed upon him all the great qualities which are admirable in nobles and princes. The length of his reign was twenty years, and of his life fifty-six years. He died in the vicinity of Balkh, at the village of Barmal Madrui, a.h. 386 (996 a.d.). ### [3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.3) Sultan Mahmud was a great monarch. He was the first Muhammadan king who received the title of Sultan from the Khalif. He was born on the night of Thursday, the tenth of Muharram, a.h. 361 (2nd October, 971), in the seventh year after the time of Bilkatigin. A moment (sa'at) before his birth, Amir Subuktigin saw in a dream that a tree sprang up from the fire-place in the midst of his house, and grew so high that it covered the whole world with its shadow. Waking in alarm from his dream, he began to reflect upon the import of it. At that very moment a messenger came, bringing the tidings that the Almighty had given him a son. Subuktigin greatly rejoiced, and said, I name the child Mahmud. On the same night that he was born, an idol temple in India, in the vicinity of Parshawar, on the banks of the Sind, fell down. \*\*\*\*\* Mahmud was a man of great abilities, and is renowned as one of the greatest champions of Islam. He ascended the throne in Balkh, in the year 387 H. (997 A.D.), and received investiture by the Khalifa Al Kadir bi-llah. His influence upon Islam soon became widely known, for he converted as many as a thousand idol-temples into mosques, subdued the cities of Hindustan, and vanquished the Ráis of that country. He captured Jaipal, who was the greatest of them, kept him at Yazd (?), in Khurasan, and gave orders so that he was bought for eighty dirams. He led his armies to Nahrwala and Gujarat, carried off the idol (manát) from Somnat, and broke it into four parts. One part he deposited in the Jami' Masjid of Ghazni, one he placed at the entrance of the royal palace, the third he sent to Mecca, and the fourth to Medina. 'Unsuri composed a long Kasída on this victory. \[The story of his return from Somnat through the desert of Sind follows (see supra, p. 191), and an account is given of the state and pomp of his Court.\] He died in the year 421 H. (1030 A.D.), in the thirty-sixth year of his reign, and at sixty-one years of age. ### [4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.4) Jalalu-d daula Muhammad was a good amiable man. Many curious poems are attributed to him. When his father Mahmúd died, his brother Mas'úd was in 'Irak, and the nobles of the court of Mahmúd resolved upon placing Muhammad on the throne, which they did in the year 421 H. (1030 A.D.). He was a man of gentle temper, and had not the energy necessary for governing a kingdom. A party of the friends of Mas'ud wrote to him in 'Irák, and that prince gathered a force, with which he marched upon Ghazni. When intelligence of his design reached Ghazni, Muhammad prepared an army and went out to meet his brother. 'Ali Kurib was Hajib and commander-in-chief. When they reached Takinabad they heard of Mas'ud's approach, so they seized upon Muhammad, blinded him, and put him in prison. 'Ali Kurib then led his army on to Hirat to meet Mas'ud. When he came within a stage of that place, he went to wait upon the Sultan, but Mas'ud ordered him to be made prisoner, and his whole force to be destroyed. On this occasion Muhammad reigned for seven months. When Mas'ud was killed at Marikala, Sultan Muhammad was brought out of prison, and although he was blind he was once more placed upon the throne. He then marched at the head of his army towards Ghazni, but Maudud, son of Mas'ud, came forth to avenge his father, met his uncle in battle, defeated him, and slew him and his children. The second time he reigned four months. His age was forty-five years when his death occurred, in the year 432 H. ### [5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.5) Nasiru-d din Allah was the appellation of this prince, but his family name was Abu Mas'ud. He and his brother Sultan Muhammad were born on the same day. Sultan Mas'ud, the martyr, ascended the throne in a.h. 422 (1031 a.d.). He was so exceedingly generous that people used to call him "the second 'Ali," and for his bravery they named him "the second Rustam." No man could lift his battle-axe from the ground with one hand, and even an elephant could not stand before him. His father envied his strength, and used to keep him under control. He (Mahmud) kept Muhammad at Ghazni, and at length he obtained authority from the Khalif to place the name and titles of Muhammad in the Khutba before those of Mas'ud. Khwaja Abu Nasr Mishkan says : "When the letters (of the Khalif) were read in Mahmud's court, it was felt by us, and by all the princes and great men, to be a heavy blow, for marks of intelligence and courage were apparent on the brow of Mas'ud. When the prince came forth from the presence of his father, I, Abu Nasr Mishkan went after him and said to him, "O prince, this postponement of your name in the letter of the Khalif is very offensive to your servants." The prince said, "Don't grieve about it, the sword is a truer prophet than the pen." He then told me to return. I had no sooner got back than the informers told the Sultan Mahmud of my devotion to Mas'ud. He sent for me, and I waited upon him. He asked me why I went after Mas'ud, and what I had said to him. I related exactly all that had passed, without reserve, for by concealment my life would have been imperilled. The Sultan then said, "I know that Mas'ud excels Muhammad in every respect, and after my death the kingdom will devolve upon him, but I take this trouble now on behalf of Muhammad, that the poor fellow may enjoy some honour and gratification during my lifetime, for after my death it will not be so safe for him. May God have mercy on him." Abu Nasr Mishkan goes on to say: — "In this incident two things surprised me very much. The first was the answer which Mas'ud so kindly and discreetly gave me. The second was the quickness and strict control of Mahmud, from whom this little attention of mine could not be concealed." When Sultan Mahmud took 'Irak he placed Mas'ud on the throne of that country, and before that period Hirat and Khurasan had been ruled in his name. After he ascended the throne of Spahan (Ispahan) he took the countries of Re, Kazwin, Hamadan, and Taram, and he overcame the Dailamites. Several times he received robes of honour from the Khalifate. After the death of Mahmud he came to Ghazni, and took possession of his father's kingdom. Several times he led his armies to India, and waged religious war. Twice he went to Tabaristan and Mazandaran. Towards the end of his reign the Saljuks made inroads, and three times he scattered their forces in the neighbourhood of Marv and Sarakhs. But as it was the will of God that the kingdom of Khurasan should come into the hands of the Saljūks, he eventually fought a bloody battle with them for three days at Tālikān. On the third day, which was a Friday, the Sultān was defeated, and retreated by way of Gharjistān to Ghazni. In panic he collected his treasures and went towards India, but in Mārikala his Turkī and Hindī slaves revolted, took him prisoner, and raised Muhammad to the throne. They sent Mas'ūd to the fort of Kīrī, and there he was slain in the year 432 H. (1040 A.D.). His age was forty-five years, and he had reigned nine years. ### [6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.6) Shahābu-d daula Abū Sa'd Maudūd, son of Nāsiru-d dīn Allāh Mas'ūd, upon receiving the news of his father's assassination, ascended the throne. When his father, Mas'ūd, started for Hindūstān, he was appointed to act as vicegerent over Ghaznī and its dependencies, and it was in the year 432 H. (1040 A.D.), that he mounted the throne. To avenge his father he collected an army, and set out towards Hindūstān, against his uncle Muhammad. The opposite party had taken Muhammad out of prison, and had seated him on the throne. The nobles of Hindustan submitted to him, and the Mahmudi and the Mas'udi Turks who had revolted against Mas'ud rallied round him and supported him. For four months they upheld him as ruler, but Maudud defeated him at Takarharud, and took him prisoner, with all his children and dependants. Maudud avenged his father's blood upon him, and the Turks and Tajiks and every one else who had taken part in his father's assassination he put to death. He thus obtained honour and renown. Afterwards he returned to Ghazni, and brought his father's territories under his power. He reigned nine years, and died in the year 441 H. (1049 A.D.), at the age of thirty-nine years. ### [7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.7) These two princes, uncle and nephew, were raised jointly to the throne by the Turks and nobles. Every man took matters into his own hands, and when it was seen that they had no wisdom or power, and that ruin was coming upon the army and the people, they were dethroned after two months' reign, and sent back to a fort. 'Abdu-r Rashid was raised to the throne in their stead. ### [8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.8) Sultan Baha'u-d daula 'Abdu-r Rashid, son of Mahmud, ascended the throne in the year 441 H. (1049 A.D.) He was a learned and clever man, and used to listen to chronicles and write history; but he had no firmness or courage, and so changes and reverses came upon the state. The Saljuks, on the side of Khurasan, coveted the throne of Ghazni. Daud obtained the throne of Khurasan. Alp Arslan, son of Daud, was a good general, and they resolved to attack Ghazni. Alp Arslan advanced from Tukharistan with a large force, and his father, Daud, marched by way of Sistan to Bust. 'Abdur Rashid collected an army, and placed at the head of it Tughril, who had been one of the slaves of Mahmud, and was a very energetic man. He marched against Alp Arslan, and routed him in front of the valley of Khumdr. From thence he returned speedily to Bust, and Daud retreated before him to Sistan. He defeated Beghu, the uncle of Daud, and when he had achieved two or three such victories he returned to Ghazni, where he killed 'Abdu-r Rashid and placed himself on the throne. 'Abdu-r Rashid reigned two years and a half. His age was thirty. ### [9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.9) Tughril had been a slave of Mahmud, and was a man of great energy and courage. In the reign of Sultan Maudud he went from Ghazni to Khurasan, and entered the service of the Saljuks. For some time he remained there, and learnt their method of war. In the time of 'Abdu-r Rashid he returned to Ghazni, where he took 'Abdu-r Rashid and slew him, together with eleven other princes. He then ascended the throne of Ghazni, and reigned for forty days with great tyranny and injustice. Some one asked him how the desire of sovereignty had entered into his mind, and he replied, "When 'Abdu-r Rashid sent me against Alp Arslan he made some promises to me, and confirmed them by giving me his hand. He was then so overpowered by fear that the sound of the tremor which had seized upon his bones came to my ears, and I knew that such a coward could never rule and govern. It was then that the desire of sovereignty fell upon me." Forty days after his usurpation, a Turk, by name Noshtigin, who was a soldier, turned against Tughril, and conspiring with some of his friends, they killed him on the throne. His head was then brought out, placed upon a pole, and carried round the city, so that the people might have assurance of security. ### [10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.10) When the Almighty God had recompensed Tughril for his atrocious deeds, and the people were delivered from him and his unbounded tyranny, there were left surviving in the fort of Barghand, two princes who were sons of Mas'ud. One of these was named Ibrahim, and the other Farrukh-zad. Tughril, the accursed, had sent a party of men to the fort of Barghand to put them to death. The commandant of the fort pondered over the matter for a day, and kept these emissaries at the gate of the fort upon the understanding that they were to come in on the following day, and execute their orders. Suddenly some fleet messengers arrived with the intelligence that the accursed Tughril had been killed. When that wretched man fell in Ghazni by the hand of Noshtigin, the grandees, princes, and generals set about searching for a king. It was then discovered that two persons (of the royal family) were left surviving in the fort of Barghand. Accordingly they all repaired to that place. At first they wished to raise Ibrahim to the throne, but he was very feeble in body, and as no delay could be admitted, Farrukh-zad was brought out, and proclaimed king on Saturday, the ninth of Zil-ka'da, A.H. 443 (March, 1052 A.D.). Farrukh-zad was very mild and just. When he ascended the throne the country of Zawulistan was in a state of desolation from disease and murrain, so he remitted the revenue that it might again become prosperous. He secured the territories of the kingdom, and reigned seven years. He died of colic in the year 451 (1059 A.D.), at the age of thirty-four years. ### [11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.11) Sultan Zahiru-d daula wa Nasiru-l Millat Razu-d din Ibrahim, son of Mas'ud, was a great king, — wise, just, good, God-fearing, and kind, a patron of letters, a supporter of religion, and a pious man. When Farrukh-zad became king, Ibrahim was taken out of the fort of Barghand, and brought to that of Nai, and on the death of Farrukh-zád all men concurred in recognizing his succession. An officer named Hasan went to wait upon him, and with the approbation of the people of the kingdom he was brought out from the fort, and on Monday he auspiciously ascended the throne. The next day he spent in mourning for his late brother, and paid a visit to his tomb, and to the tombs of his ancestors. All the nobles and great men walked on foot in attendance upon him. He bestowed no favours upon any one, and hence apprehensions about his rule took possession of the hearts of the people. When the intelligence of his accession reached Daud, the Saljuki, he sent some nobles into Khurasan, and made peace with him. After the death of Dáúd, his son, Alp Arslán, confirmed this treaty of peace. Ibráhím strengthened himself in the possession of his ancestors; the disorders which had arisen in the country from the late extraordinary events he rectified, and the Mahmúdí kingdom began once again to flourish. Ruined places were built afresh, and several fortified places and towns were founded, as Khairábád, Imanabad, and other places. Many wonders and marvels appeared in his reign, and Daud, the Saljuki, died, who in havoc, war, slaughter, and conquest, passed like a flash of lightning. Ibrahim was born at Hirát, in the year of the conquest of Gurgan, 424 H. (1033 A.D.) He had thirty-six sons and forty daughters. All the daughters he married to illustrious nobles or learned men of repute. One of these princesses was ancestress in the third degree of Minhaj Siraj. The cause of the emigration of the author's ancestors from Juzján, was that Imám 'Abdu-l Khálik, who is buried at Tahirábád, in Ghazni, saw in a dream while he lived in Juzjan, an angel who told him to rise, go to Ghazni, and take a wife. Upon his awaking it struck him that this might be some work of the devil, but as he dreamed the same thing three times successively, he acted in compliance with his dream, and came to Ghazni. There he married one of the daughters of Ibráhím, and by that princess he had a son named Ibrahim. This Ibrahim was father of Maulana Minhaju-d din 'Usman, who was father of Maulana Siraju-d din, the wonder of his time, and father of Minhaju-s Siraj. Sultan Ibrahim reigned happily for forty-two years, and died in the year 492 H. (1098 A.D.), at the age of sixty. ### [12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.12) Sultan Mas'ud, the generous, was a virtuous prince, who had a prosperous reign. He possessed many excellent qualities, and was adorned with justice and equity. He ascended the throne in the days of Al Mustazhar bi-llah Ahmad, commander of the faithful, son of Muktadar. He was very modest and liberal. He abolished all the tyrannical practices which had been introduced in former reigns, and cancelled the newly-established imposts throughout the dominions of Mahmud, and the country of Zawulistan. Taxes and imposts were remitted in all his dominions. He restored to the princes, nobles, and grandees their possessions as they had held them in the reign of Sultan Ibrahim, and he adopted whatever seemed best for the welfare of the state. Amir 'Azdu-d daula was confirmed in the governorship of Hindustan. In the days of this prince the great Hajib died; but Hajib Taghatigin crossed the river Ganges, and made an incursion into Hindustan, carrying his arms farther than any army had reached since the days of Sultan Mahmud. All the affairs of state were reduced to a system in his reign, and there was nothing to disturb the minds of any one in any quarter. He was born in Ghazni in A.H. 453 (1061 A.D), and after reigning seventeen years, he died in the year 509 (1115 A.D.), at the age of fifty-seven. He married the sister of Sultan Sanjar, who was called Mahd-i 'Irak (Cradle of 'Irak). ### [13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.13) Malik Arslan Abu-l malik ascended the throne A.H. 509 (A.D. 1115), and brought Garmsir and the kingdom of Ghazni under his rule. Bahram Shah, his uncle, fled to Sultan Sanjar, in Khurasan. Several wonderful phenomena occurred in the reign of this prince. One was that fire and lightning fell from the sky, and burnt the markets of Ghazni. Other distressing calamities and events occurred during his reign, making it hateful to the people. Arslan was famous for his magnanimity and energy, courage, and bravery. After he had ascended the throne he treated his mother, Mahd-i 'Irak, with contempt, and this incensed Sanjar, who gave his aid to Bahram Shah, and marched to Ghazni. Malik Arslan gave him battle, but being defeated, he fled to Hindustan, and fell into great distress. He expired in A.H. 511 (1117 A.D.), after a reign of two years, in the thirty-fifth year of his age. ### [14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.14) Mu'izzu-d daula Bahram Shah, was handsome and manly, liberal, just, and a friend of his people. In the early part of his career, when Malik Arslan succeeded his father, Sultan Mas'ud the generous, he went to Khurasan, the throne of which country was occupied in those days by the great Sultan Sa'id Sanjar. Bahram Shah remained for some time at his Court. But at length Sultan Sanjar marched against Ghazni, and defeated Malik Arslan in battle. Bahram Shah then mounted the throne, and was supported by Sultan Sanjar. Saiyid Hasan composed an ode, which he recited at Court in the presence of Sanjar. Sanjar went back to Khurasan, and Bahram took possession of the country. He made some expeditions to Hindustan, and on the twenty-seventh of Ramazan, A.H. 512, he captured Muhammad Bahalim, and kept him a prisoner; but he afterwards liberated him, and assigned the whole country of Hindustan to him. This officer again revolted and built the fort of Nagor, in the Siwalik hills, in the vicinity of Bera. He had many sons and dependants. Bahram Shah proceeded to Hindustan to subdue the fort, and Muhammad Bahalim marched towards Multan to meet him, and gave battle, but God punished him for his ingratitude, and he, with his ten sons, their horses and arms, fell on the day of battle into a quagmire, so that no trace of him was left. Bahram Shah returned to Ghazni, and had to fight against the kings of Ghor. In the war his son Daulat Shah was slain, and in one campaign he was defeated three times by Sultan 'Alau-d din. Ghazni fell into the hands of the Ghorians, who set it on fire and destroyed it. Bahram Shah went to Hindustan, but when the Ghorians had retired, he again came to Ghazni, and there expired. His reign lasted forty-one years. ### [15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.15) Sultan Yaminu-d daula Khusru Shah ascended the throne in A.H. 552 (1157 A.D.) The kings and princes of Ghor had shaken the throne of the descendants of Mahmud, and had wrested from them and desolated the countries of Ghazni, Bust, Zamin-dawar, and Takinabad. Weakness had thus fallen on the kingdom and its splendour was departed. When Khusru Shah ascended the throne he was weak and unable to bring the country under his rule. A body of Ghuzz (Turks) also arose and attacked Khurasan where the reign of Sultan Sa'id Sanjar had come to an end. An army likewise came against Ghazni, and Khusru Shah being unable to resist them went to India. He thus lost Ghazni which fell into the hands of the Ghuzz, and so remained for twelve years. But at length Sultan Sa'id Ghiyasu-d din Muhammad Sam led an army from Ghor, expelled the Ghuzz, took possession of Ghazni, and mounted the throne. Khusru Shah had gone to Lahore in Hindustan, where he died. He reigned seven years. ### [16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.16) Khusru Malik Taju-d daula Sultan Jahan, the gentle king, mounted the throne at Lahore. This prince was exceedingly gentle, liberal, and modest, but fond of pleasure. He possessed many excellent qualities, but as he lived when the rule of his family came to an end, he was held in small esteem. With him closed the power of his house, and anarchy reigned in the country. All the nobles and officers of the State, both Turks and freemen, \[atrák o ahrár\] deserted him. The slaves and servants of the throne took the government into their own hands, while he indulged in luxury and pleasure. Sultan Sa'id Mu'izzu-d daula Muhammad Sam came every year from Ghazni, continually increasing his hold upon Hind and Sind, till at length in A.H. 577 (1181 A.D.), he advanced to the gates of Lahore, where he took the elephant and the son of Khusru Shah and carried them off with him. In A.H. 583 (1187 A.D.) he again advanced on Lahore and took it. He then dethroned Khusru Malik, sent him to Ghazni from whence he was subsequently sent to Firoz-Koh, which was the capital of the great king Sultan Ghiyásu-d din Muhammad Sam. By order of this monarch, Khusru Malik was kept a prisoner in the fort of Balrawán, in Gharjistan. When the war (húdisa) of Sultan Shah (of Khwarizm) broke out in Khurasán, the kings of Ghor were obliged to throw themselves into it, and they then put Sultan Khusru Malik to death in the year 698 H. (A.D. 1201). His son Bahram Sháh who was a captive in the fort of Saifrud in Ghor, was also slain. Thus ended the house of Nasiru-d din Subuktigin. The kingdom of Irka, the throne of Hindustan, and the country of Khurasan all fell into the possession of the Shansabaniya Kings. ### [17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.17) Amir Fulad Ghori was one of the sons of Malik Shansab, son of Harnak. The mountains of Ghor came into his possession, and he gave new life to the names of his forefathers. When the founder of the house of 'Abbas, Abu Muslim Marwazi, revolted, and resolved upon expelling the officers of the Ummayides from Khurasan, Amir Fulad led the forces of Ghor to his assistance, and took an active part in the victories of the race of 'Abbas, and of the people of the house of the prophet. The fortress of Mandesh was in his possession, and he ruled for some time over the Jibal and Ghor. Upon his death he was succeeded by the sons of his brother, but after these nothing is known of the rulers of Ghor until the time of Amir Banji Naharan. ### [18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.18) Amir Banji Naharan was a great chief, and his history is well known in Ghor. He is considered one of the greatest kings of that territory, and all its kings are descended from him. His pedigree is thus given. Amir Banji was a handsome and excellent man, possessing good qualities, and of very estimable character. When the power of the family of 'Abbas was established, and the territories of the Muhammadans came under the rule of the Khalifs of that house, the first person of the Ghori family who went to the seat of the Khilafat, and obtained the title of sovereignty and a royal banner was Amir Banji Naharan. The cause of his going to the presence of Harunu-r Rashid, the commander of the faithful, was as follows:—There was a tribe in Ghor called Shishani, who asserted that their ancestors were first converted to Muhammadanism, and then the Shansabanis. Muhammad is called in the Ghori language Hamd, and when they espoused the faith they were designated Hamdis, or Muhammadans. In the time of Amir Banji there was a man of the Shishani tribe whose name was Sis, or in the Ghori language Shish. A dispute arose between this Amir Shish and Amir Banji, for the chiefship of Ghor, and contention broke out among the people. It was agreed by both parties that Amir Banji and Shish should both repair to the Khalif, and whoever brought back a patent of sovereignty and royal ensign should be the chief. \[\*Account of the interview which the two chiefs had with the Khalif, when Amir Banji, through the instruction in court etiquette which he had received from a Jew, was named chief, and Shish was made general.\*\] From that time the title of the Shansabani kings, according to the gracious words of Harunu-r Rashid, commander of the faithful, became Kasim-i Amiru-l Muminin. The two chiefs returned to Ghor, and assumed their respective offices of ruler of Ghor and commander of the army. These two offices are held to this day by the different parties, according to this arrangement. The kings of Ghor were all Shansabanians, and the commanders of the army are called Shishaniyans, such as Muadu-d din, Abu-l 'Abbas Shish, and Sulaiman Shish. ### [19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.19) The writer of this work has not been able to obtain the annals of the kings of Ghor from the reign of Amir Banji down to the present reign, so as to enable him to write their history in detail. The author resides in Dehli, and through the disorders which the inroads of the infidel Mughals have caused in the territories of Islam, there has been no possibility of his copying from the histories which he had seen in Ghor. He has written what he found in the Tárikh-i Násirí and the Táríkh-i Haizam Nábí, as well as what he was able to glean from old men of Ghor, but his readers must pardon imperfections. It is said that Amir Súrí was a great king, and most of the territories of Ghor were in his possession. But as many of the inhabitants of Ghor, of high and low degree, had not yet embraced Muhammadanism, there was constant strife among them. The Saffarians came from Nímroz to Bust and Dáwar, and Yakúb Lais overpowered Lak-lak, who was chief of Takínábád, in the country of Rukhaj. The Ghorians sought safety in Sarhá-sang, and dwelt there in security, but even among them hostilities constantly prevailed between the Muhammadans and the infidels. One castle was at war with another castle, and their feuds were unceasing; but owing to the inaccessibility of the mountains of Rásíat, which are in Ghor, no foreigner was able to overcome them, and Shansabání Amír Súrí was the head of all the Mandeshís. In Ghor there are five great and lofty mountains, which the people of Ghor agree in considering as higher than the Rásíat mountains. One of these is Zár Murgh, in Mandesh, and the capital and palace of the Shansabání kings are at the foot of this mountain. It is said that Zál Zar, father of Rustam, was here nourished by a Símurgh, and some of the inhabitants of the foot of the mountain say that between the fifth and sixth centuries a loud voice of cry and lamentation was heard to proceed from it, announcing the death of Zál. The second mountain is called Sar Khizr; it is also in the territory of Mandesh, in the vicinity of Takhbar. The third is Ashak, in the country of Tímrán, which is the greatest and highest of the whole territory of Ghor. The country of Tímrán lies in the valleys and environs of this mountain. The fourth is Wazní, and the territories of Dáwar and Walasht, and the fort of Káhwardn, are within its ramifications and valleys. And the fifth mountain is Faj Hanisar, in the country of Ghor. It is very inaccessible and secure. It is said that the length, breadth, and height of this mountain are beyond the limits of guess, and the power of understanding. In the year 590 (1194 A.D.), a piece of the trunk of an ebony tree was found on this mountain, which exceeded two hundred mans in weight, and no one could tell how large and high the tree must have been. ### 4. — Malik Muhammad Suri. ### [20.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.20.1) Abu-l Hasan al Haizam, son of Muhammad-n Nabi author of the Tarikhu-l Haizam, says that when the government of Khurasan and Zawulistan departed from the Samanians and Saffarians, and fell to Amir Subuktigin, he led his army several times towards the hills of Ghor, and carried on many wars. When Amir Mahmud Subuktigin succeeded to the throne, the kingdom of Ghor had devolved upon Amir Muhammad Suri, and he had brought all the territories of Ghor under his sway. Sometimes he made submission to Sultan Mahmud, and at others he revolted, and withheld the payment of the fixed tribute, and the contingent of arms which he had agreed to supply. Relying on the strength of his forts, and the numbers and power of his army, he was continually engaging in hostilities. Sultan Mahmud was consequently always on the watch, and his mind was much disturbed by Suri's power, his large army, and the security afforded to him by the height and inaccessibility of the hills of Ghor. At last he marched to Ghor with a considerable army. Muhammad Suri was besieged in the fort of Ahangaran, and held out for a long time. He fought desperately, but was at last compelled to evacuate the fort, upon conditions, and made his submission to Sultan Mahmud. ### [20.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.20.2) The Sultan took him and his younger son, whose name was Shish, to Ghazni, because the lad was very dear to his father. When they reached the neighbourhood of Gilan, Amir Muhammad Suri died. Some say that he was taken prisoner, and and as he had a very high spirit he could not brook the disgrace. He had a ring, under the stone of which was concealed some poison, which he took and then died. The Sultan immediately sent his son Shish back to Ghor, and gave the chieftainship of Ghor to the eldest son, Amir Abu 'Ali bin Suri, an account of whom follows. 5. Amir Abu 'Ali bin Muhammad bin Suri. 6. Amir 'Abbas bin Shish bin Muhammad bin Suri. 7. Amir Muhammad bin 'Abbas. 8. Malik Kutbu-d din al Hasan bin Muhammad bin 'Abbas. 9. Malik 'Izzu-d din al Husain bin Hasan Abu-s Salatin. 10. Malik Kutbu-d din Muhammad bin Husain, King of the Jabbal. 11. Sultan Bahau-d din Sam bin Husain. 12. Malik Shahabu-d din Muhammad bin Husain, King of Madin, by Ghor. 13. Malik Shuja'u-d din 'Ali bin Husain. 14. Sultan 'Alau-d din Husain bin Husain bin Sam. Sultan Bahau-d din Sam, son of Husain, died in Kidan, whilst he was leading his army to Ghazni in order to exact revenge for the death of Sultan Suri, King of the Jabbal. Sultan 'Alau-d din then ascended the throne of Ghor and Firoz Koh. He assembled the forces of Ghor and Gharjistan, firmly resolved upon attacking Ghazni. ### [20.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.20.3) Sultan Yaminu-d daula Bahram Shah, when he heard of these preparations, assembled the troops of Ghazni and Hindustan and passing through Garmsir by way of Rukhaj and Takinabad, he came to Zamin-dawar. When 'Alau-d din came up with his army, Bahram Shah sent messengers to him, saying, "Go back to Ghor, and stay in the states of your forefathers; you have not the strength to resist my army, for I have brought elephants with me." When the envoys delivered this message, 'Alau-d din replied, "If you have brought elephants (pil) I have brought the Kharmils,—besides, you mistake, for you have slain my brothers, whilst I have killed no one belonging to you. Have you not heard what the Almighty says? 'Whosoever is slain unjustly we have given his heir power (to demand satisfaction); and let him not exceed bounds in putting to death, for he is protected.'" When the messengers returned, both armies made ready for battle. Sultan 'Alau-d din called for his two champions, named Kharmil, who were the heads of the army and the renowned heroes of Ghor. One of these was Kharmil Sam Husain, father of Malik Nasiru-d din Husain; the other was Kharmil Sam Banji. Both of these men were famous for courage. 'Alau-d din sent for them and said, "Bahram Shah has sent to say that he has brought elephants, and I have answered that I have brought the Kharmils. You must each take care to bring an elephant to the ground to-day." They bowed and retired. ### [20.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.20.4) The two armies were drawn up at a place called Kotah-baz-bah. The two champions were on foot, and throwing off their coats of mail, they advanced to battle. When the elephants of Bahram Shah charged, the two champions each singled out one; and creeping under the armour, they ripped open the bellies of the animals with their knives. Kharmil Sam Banji fell under the feet of the elephant, and the animal rolling upon him, they both perished together. Kharmil Sam Husain brought down his elephant, extricated himself, and mounted a horse. When 'Alau-d din had cased himself in armour ready for the fight, he called for an overcoat of red satin, which he put on over his armour. His attendants enquired why he did so, and he said, it was to prevent his men seeing his blood and feeling discouraged, in the event of his being wounded with a lance or arrow. It is the practice in the armies of Ghor for the infantry to protect themselves in battle with a covering made of a raw hide covered thickly on both sides with wool or cotton. This defensive covering is like a board, and is called kâroh. When the men put it on they are covered from head to foot, and their ranks look like walls. The wool is so thick that no weapon can pierce it. ### [20.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.20.5) Daulat Shah, son of Bahrám Shah, advanced to the assault, mounted on an elephant at the head of his cavalry, and 'Alau-d din directed his kâroh-wearers to make an opening in their line, and allow the prince and his followers to pass through. When all had gone through the kâroh-wearers closed up the gap in their line, and the prince with his elephant and all his cavalry were slain. When the armies of Bahram Shah saw this manoeuvre and its bloody result, they broke and fled. 'Alau-d din pursued them from stage to stage until they reached a place called Josh-ab-garm (hot wells) near Takinabad. Here Bahrám Shah made a stand, but was again defeated. 'Alau-d din followed in hot pursuit, and Bahram Shah having drawn together some of his scattered forces, and some reinforcements from Ghazni, he a third time gave battle, and once more was routed. ### [20.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.20.6) The victor then entered Ghazni, and for seven nights and days he gave it to the flames. Writers record how that during these seven days the clouds of smoke so darkened the air that day seemed to be night, and the flames so lighted the sky at night that night looked like day. For these seven days plunder, devastation, and slaughter, were continuous. Every man that was found was slain, and all the women and children were made prisoners. Under the orders of the conqueror, all the Mahmudi kings, with the exception of Mahmud, Mas'úd, and Ibrahim, were dragged from their graves and burnt. All this time, 'Alau-d din sat in the palace of Ghazni occupied with drinking and debauchery. He had directed that the tomb of Saifu-d din Suri and of the King of the Jabbál should be sought out. Coffins were made for their bodies, and all the army was ordered to prepare for mourning. When the seven days were over, the city burnt and destroyed, and its inhabitants slain or scattered, on that very night, 'Alau-d din composed some verses in his own praise, which he gave to the minstrels to set to music and sing before him. (Verses.) ### [20.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.20.7) He then ordered that the remnant of the people of Ghazni should be spared. Breaking up his court, he went to the bath, and on the morning of the eighth day he led the nobles and followers of Ghor to the tombs of his brothers, where he put on garments of mourning, and with all his army he remained there seven days and nights, mourning, making offerings, and having the Kuran read. He then placed the coffins of his brothers in cradles, and marched with them towards Dawar and Bust; he destroyed all the palaces and edifices of the Mahmudi kings, which had no equals in the world, and devastated all the territory which had belonged to that dynasty. After that he returned to Ghor, and interred the remains of his brothers in the tombs of their ancestors. While at Ghazni he had given directions that several of the Saiyids of that town should be taken in retaliation of Saiyid Majdu-d din, wazir of Sultan Suri, who was hanged with him from the bridge of Ghazni. These captives were brought into his presence, and bags filled with the dirt of Ghazni were fastened round their necks. They were thus led to Firoz-koh, and there they were slain. Their blood was mixed with the earth they had carried from Ghazni, and with that mixture 'Alau-d din built some towers on the hills of Firoz-koh, which are standing to this day. May God forgive him! Having thus exacted vengeance, he devoted himself to pleasure and wine, and he composed some more verses for minstrels to sing in his praise. ### [20.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.20.8) When he ascended the throne of Firoz-koh he imprisoned his two nephews, Ghiyasu-d din Muhammad Sam and Mu'izzu-d din Muhammad Sam, sons of Sultan Bahau-d din Sam, in a fort of Wahiristan, and settled an allowance for their maintenance. ### [21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.21) Towards the end of his life some emissaries of the Mulahidatu-l maut came to him, and he paid great honour to these heretics, inviting them into all parts of his kingdom. They on their part were desirous of establishing their sway over the people of Ghor. This remains a stain upon the fame of 'Alau-d din. 15. Malik Ndsiru-d din al Husain bin Muhammad al Madaint. 16. Sultan Saifu-d din Muhammad bin Sultan 'Alau-d din Husain. 17. Sultdnu-l 'azam Ghiydsu-d dunyd wau-d din Abu-l Fath Muhammad Sdm Kasim Amiru-l muminin. 18. Mdliku-l Hdji 'Alau-d din Muhammad bin Abu Ali bin Husain ash Shansabi. 19. Sultdn Ghiydsu-d din Mahmud bin Muhammad Sdm Shansabi. 20. Sultdn Bahdu-d din Sdm bin Mahmud bin Muhammad Sdm. 21. Sultdn Alau-d din Atsar bin Husain. 22. Sultdn Alau-d din Muhammad bin Abu Ali, the last of these kings. ### [22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.22) \[Printed Text, p. 111.\] This book contains an abridged account of the Shansabdni Sultans, whose glory added lustre to the throne of Ghazni, and elevated the kingdoms of Hind and Khurdsan. The first of them was Sultan Saifu-d din Suri. After him came Sultdn 'Alau-d din Husain, who took Ghazni, but did not reign there. The throne was next taken by Sultan Mu'izzu-d din Muhammad Sam. When he was killed the crown was confided to his slave, Sultan Tdju-d din Yalduz, and so the line ended. ### [23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.23) Saifu-d din was a great king, of handsome appearance and noble carriage, and distinguished for courage, energy, humanity, justice, and liberality. He was the first individual of this family who received the title of Sultan. When the news reached him of the destruction which had fallen upon his elder brother the king of the Jabbal (Kutbu-d din), he resolved upon taking vengeance upon Bahram Shah. He gathered a great force in the states of Ghor and marched to Ghazni, where he routed Bahram and took the city. Bahram fled to Hindustan, and Saifu-d din ascended the throne of Ghazni, when he placed the territories of Ghor under his brother, Sultan Bahau-d din Suri, father of Ghiyasa-d din and Mu'izzu-d din. After he had secured Ghazni the chiefs of the army and the nobles of the city and environs submitted to him, and he conferred many favours upon them, so that the army and the subjects of Bahram Shah were overwhelmed by his bounteous care. When winter came on he sent his own forces back to Ghor, and kept with him only the troops and officers of Bahram Shah in whom he placed full confidence. His wazir, Saiyid Majdu-d din Musawi, and a few of his old servants remained with him, all the rest of his officers both at Court and in the country had been in the service of the old government. In the depth of the winter, when the roads to Ghor were closed by heavy falls of snow, the people of Ghazni saw that no army or assistance could come to Saifu-d din from that quarter, so they wrote to Bahram Shah explaining how matters stood, and pressing upon him the necessity of seizing this favourable opportunity for the recovery of his dominions. The deposed king acted upon these advices, and marched suddenly to Ghazni and attacked his foe. Suri, with his wazir and his old servants, abandoned the city and took the road to Ghor, but the horsemen of Bahram Shah pursued them and overtook them in the neighbourhood of Sang-i Surakh. They fought desperately until they were unhorsed, and then retreated into the hills, where they kept up such a shower of arrows that the foe could not approach them. When the last arrow had been shot the horsemen captured them, bound them hand and foot, and conducted them to Ghazni. At the gate of the city Sultan Suri was placed upon a camel, and his wazir, Majdu-d din, upon another. They were then led ignominiously round the city, and from the tops of the houses, ashes, dirt, and filth were thrown upon their venerable heads. When they reached the one-arched bridge of Ghazni, the Sultan and his wazir were both gibbeted over the bridge. Such was the disgraceful cruelty practised upon this handsome, excellent, just, and brave king. The Almighty, however, prospered the arms of Sultan 'Alau-d din Jahan-soz, brother of Sultan Suri, who exacted full retribution for this horrible deed, as we have already related in another place. ### 2. Sultanu-l Ghazi Mu'izzu-d dunya wau-d din Abu-l Muzaffar Muhammad bin Sam. ### [24.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.24.1) Historians relate that Sultan 'Alau-d-din was succeeded by his son Sultan Saifu-d din. This king released the two princes Ghiyasu-d din and Mu'izzu-d din (his cousins) who were confined in a fort of Wahiristan, as has been already narrated in the history of Sultan Ghiyasu-d din. Prince Ghiyasu-d din dwelt peacefully at Firoz-koh in the service of Sultan Saifu-d din, and Prince Mu'izzu-d din went to Bamian into the service of his uncle Fakhru-d din Mas'ud. ### [24.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.24.2) When Ghiyasu-d din succeeded to the throne of Ghor after the tragical death of Saifu-d din, and the intelligence thereof came to Bamian, Fakhru-d din addressed his nephew Mu'izzu-d din saying, "Your brother is acting, what do you mean to do? You must bestir yourself." Mu'izzu-d din bowed respectfully to his uncle, left the Court, and started just as he was for Firoz-koh. When he arrived there he waited upon his brother and paid his respects, as has been already related. One year he served his brother, but having taken some offence he went to Sijistan to Malik Shamsu-d din Sijistani and staid there one winter. His brother sent messengers to bring him back, and when he arrived he assigned to him the countries of Kasr-kajuran and Istiya. When he had established his authority over the whole of Garmsir he made over to his brother the city of Takinabad, which was the largest town in Garmsir. This Takinabad is the place which was the cause of the quarrel with the house of Mahmud Subuktigin, and it passed into the hands of the kings of Ghor. Sultan-i Ghazi 'Alau-d din sent the following quatrain to Khusru Shah bin Bahram Shah: " Thy father first laid the foundation of this place " Before the people of the world had all fallen under injustice. " Beware lest for one Takinabad thou shouldest bring " The empire of the house of Mahmud to utter ruin." ### [24.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.24.3) When Sultan Mu'izzu-d din became master of Takinabad the armies and leaders of the Ghuzz had fled before the forces of Khita towards Ghazni, where they remained for twelve years, having wrested the country from the hands of Khusru Shah and Khusru Malik. Sultan Mu'izzu-d din kept continually assailing them from Takinabad, and troubling the country. At length in the year 569 H. (1173 A.D.) Sultan Ghiyasu-din conquered Ghazni, and returned to Ghor, after placing his brother Mu'izzu-d din upon the throne, as has been before related. This prince secured the territories of Ghazni, and two years afterwards in 570 H. (1174 A.D.) he conquered Gurdez. In the third year he led his forces to Multan and delivered that place from the hands of the Karmatians. In the same year 571 H. (1175 A.D.) the people of Sankaran revolted and made great confusion, so he marched against them and put most of them to the sword. It has been written by some that these Sankaranians have been called martyrs, in agreement with the declaration of the Kuran, but as they stirred up strife and revolted they were made examples of, and were put to death from political necessity. In the year after this victory he conducted his army by way of Uch and Multan towards Nahrwala. The Rai of Nahrwala, Bhim-deo, was a minor, but he had a large army and many elephants. In the day of battle the Muhammadans were defeated and the Sultan was compelled to retreat. This happened in the year 574 H. (1178 A.D.). ### [24.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.24.4) In 575 H. (1179 A.D.) he attacked and conquered Farshawar (Peshawar), and two years afterwards he advanced to Lohor (Lahore). The power of the Ghaznivides was now drawing to its close and their glory was departed, so Khusru Malik sent his son as a hostage, and an elephant as a present to the Sultan. This was in the year 577 H. (1181 A.D.) Next year the Sultan marched to Dewal, subdued all that country to the sea shore, and returned with great spoil. In 580 H. (1184 A.D.) he went to Lahore, ravaged all the territories of that kingdom, and returned after building the fort of Sialkot, in which he placed Husain Kharmil as governor. When the Sultan was gone, Khusru Malik assembled the forces of Hindustan, and having also obtained a body of Kokhars (Grakkars) he laid siege to Sialkot, but, after some interval, was obliged to withdraw. The Sultan returned to Lahore in 581 H. (1185 A.D.). The house of Mahmud had now come to its end; the sun of its glory was set, and the registrar of fate had written the mandate of its destruction. Khrusru Malik could offer no resistance; he came forth peacefully to meet the Sultan, and was made prisoner. Lahore fell completely into the power of the Ghori prince, and he secured all its dominions in Hindustan. ### [24.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot.24.5) 'Ali Karmakh, chief of Multan, was appointed commander at Lahore, and the father of the writer of this book, Maulana A'jubatu-z Zaman Afsahu-l 'Ajam Siraju-d din Minhaj, was appointed Kazi of the army of Hindustan, and received the honour of investiture from Mu'izzu-d din. He held his Court at the head quarters of the army, and twelve camels were assigned for moving from place to place his Bench of Justice. The Sultan returned to Ghazni carrying Khusru Malik with him, and on arriving there he sent him on to Firoz-koh, to the Court of the great king Ghiyasu-d din. This monarch sent him prisoner to the fort of Bahrawan, and confined his son Bahram Shah in the fort of Saifrud. When the war with Khwarizm Shah broke out in the year 587 H. (1191 A.D.) Khusru Malik and his son were put to death. The victorious Sultan then prepared another army, with which he attacked and conquered the fort of Sarhind. This fort he placed under the command of Ziau-d din Kazi Tolak, (son of) Muhammad 'Abdu-s Salam Nasawi Tolaki. This Kazi Ziau-d din was cousin (son of the uncle) of the author's maternal grandfather. At the request of the Kazi, Majdu-d din Tolaki selected 1200 men of the tribe of Tolaki, and placed them all under his command in the fort so as to enable him to hold it until the return of the Sultan from Ghazni. _First 35 of 180 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot)_ --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tabaqat-i-nasiri~en-elliot) · Pramāṇa