The Nāṣirī Generations 238: XX. MALIK 'IZZ-UD-DIN, BALBAN-I-KASHLU KHAN-US-SULTANI SHAMSI.
Tabakat-i-Nasiri 238
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XX. MALIK 'IZZ-UD-DIN, BALBAN-I-KASHLU KHAN-US-SULTANI SHAMSI.
238.1
Malik 'Izz-ud-Din, Balban, is a native of Kipchak, and had been specially honoured by his sovereign [See note 8, page 641], hence he records it in the Bihar inscription, in which the words "Tughril-us-Sultani" with ya-i-nisbat, merely show, as in Mu'izzi, Kutbi, Shamsi, &c., that he was a slave of the reigning dynasty, as shown at page 736. Under the events of the 13th year of Sultan Nasir-ud-Din, Mahmud Shah's reign, it is stated that, on the 18th of Zi-Ka'dah the last month 656 H., the kingdom of Lakhanawati was conferred upon Malik Jalal-ud-Din, Mas'ud Shah, son of the late Malik 'Ala-ud-Din, Jani—the same, who, in the List of Maliks at the end of Sultan Shams-ud-Din, I-yal-timish's reign, is called "Prince of Turkistan," and who was made ruler of Lakhanawati at the close of the Khalj dynasty, as already related, and subsequently held Lahor, rebelled, and was slain in 634. See page 640. Afterwards, in the account of the 14th year of Nasir-ud-Din, Mahmud Shah's reign, it is mentioned that, on the 4th of the month of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, 657 H., two elephants, treasure, &c., reached the capital from Lakhanawati, but who the sender was is not mentioned.
238.2
In his account of Ulugh Khan, farther on, our author states that Arsalan Khan-i-Sanjar—the subject of the above notice—and Kutlugh [Kulich] Khan, Mas'ud-i-Jani, i. e. son of ['Ala-ud-Din], Jani, on the advance of Ulugh Khan against them with the Sultan's forces, and as referred to in note page 768, having agreed to present themselves at Court, did so on the 27th of Shawwal—the tenth month—656 H. Two months after this, which would be the twelfth month of that year, the state of Lakhanawati was conferred upon Kutlugh [Kulich] Khan—as he is styled—and the districts of the Koh-payah upon Arsalan Khan-i-Sanjar.
238.3
A few lines under, it is stated, that, on the 4th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, 657 H., only the sixth month after Lakhanawati is said to have been conferred on Kutlugh [Kulich] Khan, two elephants, treasure, and other valuables, reached Dihli from Lakhanawati—some time must be allowed for Kutlugh [Kulich] Khan, so called, to have reached that part from Dihli, and some time also for the elephants, &c., to have arrived from thence—and that the sender of these things was not Kutlugh [Kulich] Khan, but Malik 'Izz-ud-Din, Balban-i-Yuz-Baki; Yuz-Bak [Yuz-Baki refers to a dependent or slave, in the same manner as the terms, Kutbi, Shamsi, and the like]; and, that, through Ulugh Khan's exertions and good offices, the investiture of Lakhanawati was conferred upon him, and that an honorary robe and other honours were despatched for him, stated above also, in this notice of Arsalan Khan-i-Sanjar.
238.4
From these statements of our author, it would appear, that 'Izz-ud-Din, Balban-i-Yuz-Baki, would not allow Jalal-ud-Din, Mas'ud-i-Jani—otherwise Kutlugh [Kulich] Khan—if he ever went there, to assume authority, or that he had died suddenly, and 'Izz-ud-Din, Balban, had assumed the government. Had the word been Yuz-Bak, and not Yuz-Baki, we might safely assume that he was Tughril Khan-i-Yuz-Bak's, otherwise Sultan Mughis-ud-Din's, son, and the same that had been made prisoner with his father in the disastrous retreat from Kamrud [just related at page 766], and named successor by him. This assumpa man impetuous and gallant, of good disposition, and the votary of ’Ulama, upright and good men, and recluses. The august Sultan [I-yal-timish] purchased him of From what our author states in different places in this work, it may be supposed, merely, that, when Malik Jalal-ud-Din [Kulij Khan], Mas’ud Shah, son of the late Malik ’Ala-ud-Din, Jani, was appointed to the government of Lakhanawati, in the last month of the year 656 H., there must either have been a vacancy, or the Court had determined to oust Ikhtiyar-ud-Din, Tughril Khan-i-Yuz-Bak, who had invaded it, and usurped the fief; and, if the former, it must, in all probability, have been caused by his death.
238.5
If this latter supposition be correct, the ’Izz-ud-Din, Balban-i-Yuz-Baki, mentioned by our author, who is evidently the same person who is referred to at page 827—Kutlugh Khan’s [the Sultan’s father-in-law] son-in-law—who became Deputy Amir-i-Hajib, when ’Imad-ud-Din-i-Rayhan conspired against Ulugh Khan, must have been confirmed in it by the Court of Dihli. I think he must have been a dependent of Tughril’s, not his son, for this reason, that, when referring to a son, our author merely adds the father’s name to the son’s, using the izafat for bin [see Appendix C], namely:—Muhammad-i-Sam, Mas’ud-i-Jani, Abu-Bikr-i-Ayaz, and the like; but, when he refers to a retainer, freedman, or slave, he always adds the ya-i-nisbat, signifying relation or connexion, to the person’s name, as, Sultani, Kutbi, Shamsi, Ayazi, Yuz-Baki,—as previously stated. The Zubdat-ut-Tawarikh, which quotes our author largely, as far it goes, throws a little more light than others on this subject [Alfi, possibly, which I have not the means of examining just at this time, might throw more], although very meagre. It states that Malik ’Ala-ud-Din, Jani, ruled over Lakhanawati three years, and was removed. Saif-ud-Din, I-bak-i-Yughan-Tat, succeeded, and died in 633 H. Our author says he died in 631 H. ’Izz-ud-Din, Tughril-i-Tughan Khan, succeeded him and held the government thirteen years and some months [to the end of the year 642 H. See page 740].
238.6
Ki-ran-i-Tamur Khan succeeded and held it ten years [two years less two months. He died in 644 H. See page 741]; and, after him, in Nasir-ud-Din, Mahmud Shah’s reign, Ikhtiyar-ud-Din, Yuz-Bak-i-Tughril Khan, who assumed the title of Sultan Mughis-ud-Din, became feudatory. The Tarikh-i-Firuz-Shahi says “this assumption of sovereignty took place in Sultan Ghiyas-ud-Din, Balban’s reign, but God knows best.” He ruled over Lakhanawati twenty-six years [from the death of Ki-ran-i-Tamur Khan, twenty-six years would bring us to Shawwal, 670 H., however], and, after him, Sultan Ghiyas-ud-Din, Balban, conferred Lakhanawati upon his youngest son, Bughra Khan. The Gaur MS., previously referred to [in note page 558], also states that Yuz-Bak-i-Tughril Khan reigned twenty-six years, from 653 H. to 682 H., and both authors make the same mistake with respect to Ki-ran-i-Tamur Khan’s holding the government ten years instead of two; but, in this matter, our author himself gives the date of his being ousted from Lakhanawati as the last month of 642 H. war. At the outset [of his career] he became Cup-bearer, and, after he had served the Sultan some time, he was made Shrab-Dar [Purveyor of Drinkables], when before the fortress of Gwaliyur. Subsequently, Barhamun [or Barhanmun] was assigned to him in fief ; and, after some time, the fief of Baran was entrusted to him.
238.7
When the Shamsi reign came to its termination, in the outbreak of the Turkish Amirs in the camp of Sultan Rukn-ud-Din, Firuz Shah, at Tara’in he was the ringleader. On the Rukni reign passing away, and the disaffection of Malik Jani and Malik Kuji towards Sultan Raziyyat continuing, during the conflicts [which then took place,] before the gate of the city of Dihli, between the Turkish Amirs who were the slaves of the [late] Sultan Shams-ud-Din, I-yal-timish, and who were present in the service of Sultan Raziyyat’s Court, Malik Balban fell captive into the hands of the rebels. He again obtained his release, and was treated with distinguished honour and favour; and, when the reign of Sultan Raziyyat lapsed, and the throne of sovereignty devolved on Sultan Mu’izz-ud-Din, Bahram Shah, he was honoured as heretofore, until the time when the Khwajah, Muhazzab-ud-Din, the Wazir, caused animosity to show itself between that Sultan and his Turkish Amirs, as is recorded [under his reign]. Previous to this, the whole of the Amirs and Maliks had entered into a compact together to expel Sultan Mu’izz-ud-Din, Bahram Shah, from the throne. In the year 640 H., the whole of them, in concert together, advanced to the gate of the city of Dihli; and, for a period of five months or more, this hostility and strife went on; and, when the city was taken by the Maliks [and Amirs], the ringleader in this outbreak was Malik ’Izz-ud-Din, Balban-i-Kashlu Khan.
238.8
Early in the day on which the troops of the Amirs [and Maliks] entered the city, Malik Balban proceeded to the Royal Palace, and once, by his command, a proclamation was circulated throughout the city [announcing his assumption of the sovereignty]. Immediately, Malik Ikhtiyar-ud-Din, Aet-kin, of Kuhram, Malik Taj-ud-Din, Sanjar-i-Kikluk, and Malik Nasir-ud-Din, Ai-yitim, and several other Amirs, assembled at the mausoleum of Sultan Shams-ud-Din, I-yal-timish — May he rest in peace! — and repudiated that proclamation, and, in concert together, brought forth the sons of the late Sultan [I-yal-timish], and the princes who were in confinement. When Malik Balban became aware of this, he took part with them, and they raised ’Ala-ud-Din, Mas’ud Shah, to the throne. He assigned the territory of Nag-awr, together with an elephant to Malik Balban, and he proceeded thither. After some time had passed, when an army of the infidels of Chin [Mughals] appeared before the fortress of Uchchah, and Sultan ’Ala-ud-Din, Mas’ud Shah, marched from the capital with the troops of Islam towards the river Biah to repel them, Malik Balban came from Nag-awr with a body of troops [and joined the Sultan’s army], and that momentous affair terminated successfully. When the army of infidels retired from before Uchchah precipitately, Malik Balban returned to Nag-awr again, and Multan was placed under his charge.
238.9
When the Sultan of Islam, Nasir-ud-Dunya wa ud-Din, ascended the throne of sovereignty — May it ever continue! — after Malik Balban had come [to Court?] he, on several occasions, made a request for Uchchah together with Multan. This was acquiesced in, under the understanding that the Siwalikh [territory] and Nag-awr should be relinquished, by him, to other Maliks who are servants of the government, and that the Court should have the nomination [of them]. After he brought Uchchah under his jurisdiction, he still continued to retain possession of Nag-awr, and did not relinquish it. The Sultan-i-Mu'azzam — The Almighty perpetuate his reign! — with the Maliks of Islam — Be victory always theirs! — particularly the Khan-i-Mu'azzam, Ulugh Khan-i-Azam — Be his Khilafat perpetuated! — determined to proceed from the capital in the direction of Nag-awr. On the Sultan's reaching that part, after making much difficulty of the matter, and protracting as long as possible, in the semblance of submission, Malik Balban presented himself [in the Sultan's presence], relinquished Nag-awr, and proceeded towards Uchchah.
238.10
When the territory of Uchchah and Multan was made over to Malik Balban's charge from the sublime Court, Malik Saif-ud-Din, Hasan, the Karlugh, from the direction of [the territory of] Banian brought an army before the gate of Multan in order to possess himself of that city [and fortress], and Malik Balban advanced from Uchchah to repel him. When the two armies came opposite to each other, a band of warriors and heroic men in Malik Balban’s service, to the number of about fifty picked horsemen, having formed a ring, attacked Malik Saif-ud-Din, Hasan, the Karlugh, charged into the centre [of his army], and Malik Hasan was slain, the greater part of those heroic men, who displayed such impetuosity, having fallen in the attack. Malik Balban entered the fortress of Multan; and the Karlugh troops kept the death of their Malik concealed, and pitched their camp before the gate of the city of Multan. Emissaries passed to and fro between the two armies and discussed terms of peace, and the surrender of Multan to the Karlughs. The peace was concluded, and Malik Balban delivered up Multan to the Karlughs, and returned towards Uchchah; and the Karlughs took possession of Multan.
238.11
When Malik Balban became aware that Malik Hasan, the Karlugh, had been killed, he repented of having given up Multan, but it was useless. After some time, Malik Nusrat-ud-Din, Sher Khan-i-Sunkar, wrested Multan out of the hands of the Karlughs, and took possession of it, and located there Malik Kurez. On Saturday, the 2nd of the month of Rabi’-ul-Awwal, 648 H., Malik Balban, having advanced from Uchchah for the purpose of regaining possession of Multan, appeared before the walls of that fortress. The writer of these words, two days subsequently [to that], arrived before Multan from the illustrious capital, Dihli, for the purpose of despatching [a number] of male slaves to Khurasan. After that he [the author] continued at that place for a period of two months; and the fortress did not come into Malik Balban's possession, and he returned again towards Uchchah.
238.12
Malik Sher Khan-i-Sunkar advanced from Tabarhindah and Lohor, and appeared before the fortress of Uchchah and invested it, and remained before it for some time. Malik Balban, who was away from it at this period, placing confidence in this, that they were both of one house and of one threshold, unexpectedly, presented himself in the camp of Malik Sher Khan-i-Sunkar, and seated himself down in the latter’s pavilion, upon which Malik Sher Khan-i-Sunkar manifested some show of regard towards him, arose, and came out by way of the back of the pavilion, giving directions to guard Malik Balban, and not permit him to depart from the place until such time as the garrison of Uchchah should surrender that fortress. As Malik Balban was helpless and in straits, he gave directions to the garrison of the fortress to surrender it to Malik Sher Khan-i-Sunkar, who, after he had taken possession of the fortress of Uchchah, set Malik Balban at liberty, who came to the capital.
238.13
Having presented himself at Court, the [fief of the] province of Buda’un with its dependencies was assigned to him; and, when the sublime standards advanced towards the upper parts [of the kingdom — the Biah and Lohor], and the preserved city of Tabarhindah was recovered, forces were nominated to march towards Uchchah and Multan. Between Malik Sher Khan-i-Sunkar and the Maliks of the Court, contention went on; and Sher Khan proceeded into Turkistan, and Uchchah and Multan were entrusted, a second time, to Malik Balban's charge. No sooner had Malik Balban taken possession of that country than he became disloyal to the Court, and, making Malik Shams-ud-Din, Kurt, the Ghuri, his medium, preferred a request [through him] to Hula'u [Hulaku] the Mughal, who was a Shah-zadah [Prince] of Turkistan, for a Shahnah [Intendant]. Malik Balban sent [to Hulaku’s Court] a grand-son in pledge, and brought a Shahnah thither [into Sind and Multan]. Subsequently, when the Khan-i-Mu'azzam, Ulugh Khan-i-A'zam, had returned to the Court, and Malik Kutlugh Khan had separated from it and had joined Malik Balban, and the Sultan and his forces had returned to the capital, Malik Balban, in the year 655 H., suddenly resolved to advance to the frontiers of the kingdom of Dihli with the troops of Uchchah and Multan.
238.14
When this determination and purpose [of the confederates] was represented before the sublime throne, the royal command was given to repel that faction, and Malik Ulugh Khan-i-A’zam with the whole of the Maliks and Amirs, marched against the troops of Malik Balban. On the 15th of the month of Jamadi-ul-Awwal, 655 H., when, within the limits of [the districts of] Kuhram and Samanah, they drew near [Malik Balban’s army], a faction of seditious [persons] of the capital city, Dihli, consisting of turban wearers [priest-hood] and cap-wearers [Sayyids], wrote and despatched letters secretly to Malik Balban, soliciting him to come thither, saying : “ In order that we may deliver up the city to thee it behoveth thee to set out for it.” Malik Balban accordingly moved towards Dihli, and, on Thursday, the 6th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, 655 H., he [and Kutlugh Khan and their forces] reached the environs and suburbs of the city; but his conceptions were not realized, and the faction, who had written letters to him, had, by the sublime command, left the city.
238.15
When Malik Balban reached the Bagh-i-Jud [the Jud Garden] which is in the environs of the city of Dihli, along with Malik Kutlugh Khan and the Malikah-i-Jahan [Sultan Nasir-ud-Din’s mother], the account of the expulsion of that faction became known to them, and that flame of the fire of hope [from the faction] was extinguished with the water of disappointment. After the time of forenoon prayers, they advanced to the gate of the city, and made a perambulation round the place. They remained at the Bagh-i-Jud for the night, and, at morning dawn, they came to the determination to retire. On the Friday, which was the 7th of the month of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, the troops of Uchchah and Multan, the whole of them, separated from Malik Balban, and went off in bodies in various directions, but the greater number were those [among them] who entered the city, and who joined the service of the sublime Court.
238.16
Malik Balban—the Almighty have him in His keeping!—withdrew, and by way of the Siwalikh [country], and, with a slight retinue, less than 200 or 300 in number, returned to Uchchah again. Subsequent to these events, Malik Balban came to the determination of undertaking a journey into Khurasan, and proceeding into 'Irak to the presence of Hula'u, the Mughal, who is a Shah-zadah [Prince] of Turkistan, and presented himself before him. He returned from thence, and came back to his own place of residence again [to Uchchah]: and, up to the date of this narrative, which was the year 658 H., he has despatched his own agents, along with the Shahnah [the Mughal Intendant] of the territories of Sind, which was on account of the army of Mughals [then on the Dihli frontier], to the presence of the Court. Please God, it may turn out well and advantageously, and may He long preserve the Sultan of Islam, Nasir-ud-Dunya wa ud-Din, Abu-l-Muzaffar-i-Mahmud Shah, on the throne of sovereignty!