The History of Fīrūz Shāh (Baranī) 4.16

4.16

* * * It at length became known that this Kazi and several (discontented and needy) nobles used to go to the khdnkah and sit with the Sidi in the evening and talk sedition. They resolved that when the Sultan went in state to the mosque on the Sabbath he should be killed, and that Sidi Maula should then be proclaimed khalifa, and should marry the daughter of Sultan Nasiru-d din. Kazi Jalal Kashani was to have the territory of Multan [and the other conspirators were to be provided for]. One of the persons present carried information to the Sultan. The Sidi and all the other conspirators were arrested and brought before the Sultan. They strenuously denied the charge, and it was not the custom in those days to extort confession by beating. The Sultan and the people were satisfied of their guilt, but they denied it, and so nothing could be done. Orders were given for the preparation of a large fire in the plain of Bahar-pur. * * * The Sultan (with a large following) went there, and orders were given for placing the accused upon the pile, so that fire might elicit the truth. Before carrying out the order the opinion of the learned lawyers was asked, and they replied that the ordeal by fire was against the law * * * and that the evidence of one man was not sufficient to convict any one of treason. The Sultan accordingly set aside the ordeal. Kazi Kashani, the chief of the conspiracy, was sent as Kazi to Badaun.