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Makhzan-i Afghání and Táríkh-i Khán-Jahán Lodí (extracts)

Translation of The Afghan History of Khān Jahān (Tārīkh-i Khān Jahānī wa makhzan-i Afghānī)

Language
English
Date
1873 CE
Translators
Henry Miers Elliot, John Dowson
Extent
63 passages, 13,880 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

Text

The reign of Sultan Bahlol.

1.1.1

It is narrated by the author of the Táríkh-i Ibráhím Sháhí, and by the historian Nizámí, that Malik Bahlol Lodi was the nephew of Sultan Shah Lodi, who bore the title of Islam Khán during the time of Sultán Mubarak Sháh and Saiyid Khizr Khán, and was one of the grandees of that period. He held the pargana of Sirhind in jágír, and governed the neighbouring districts. [Malik Bahlol, son of Malik Kala, was his full nephew, and] when he perceived that his nephew possessed discernment and good sense, he treated him as his son, and constituted him his successor [and caused his own turban to be bound on his nephew's head.] After the decease of Islam Khan, Bahlol became governor of Sirhind, and established his authority firmly. Kutb Khan, the son of Islam Khán, declining to acknowledge the authority of Bahlol, went to Sultan Muhammad, who was then King of Dehli, and complained against Malik Bahlol. In consequence of his representations, Hisám Khan, who was called Hájí Shudaní, one of the dependents of the Saiyid dynasty of Dehli, who had attained the rank of a noble, was despatched by Sultan Muhammad with a numerous army against Malik Bahlol. Both parties met near the village of Karra, in the pargana of Khizrabad, and a fierce battle took place. Hisam Khdn, being defeated, retreated to Dehli, whilst Malik Bahlol's power and authority were greatly increased.

1.1.2

It is related, that during the time he was with his uncle Isldm Khdn, he went once to Sdmana for the purpose of transacting some urgent and important business, taking with him two of his intimate friends, and hearing that there was a holy man named Saiyid ibn Majzub in that place, who made predictions (sahib i lafz hud) Malik Bahlol went to see that darwesh, accompanied by his two friends, and, after having treated him with every courtesy, sat down. That person, who was abstracted from worldly thoughts, asked, "if any one of them was able to buy the kingdom of Dehli from him for 2000 tankas." Malik Bahlol had 1300 tankas in his purse, which he took out and placed before the saint, and said, "This is all I possess." That worthy person consented to accept the sum so proffered, and said, "May the empire of Dehli be fortunate to you!" When his two associates began to ridicule his superstition, the Malik said, "One of two things must happen: if the event be successful, I shall have made a good bargain; if not, in the day of judgment there are rewards for good deeds done to darweshes." It is said in certain histories that Malik Bahlol traded; but the truth or falsehood of this has never been clearly ascertained. It is known that his grandfather and father were merchants, and were in the habit of visiting Hind.

1.1.3

Malik Bahlol, after the death of Isldm Khdn, gained possession of the territories of Sirhind [and the Panjdb] by the assistance of his other uncle Malik Firoz, the brother of Islam Khan, aided by the whole of his kindred, and strengthened himself and established his authority. The speech which Shaikh ibn Majzub had made to him in his early youth caused him to aspire to the throne, and he was desirous of bringing the bird of empire into his net. After vanquishing Hisam Khan, Malik Bahlol wrote a letter to Sultan Muhammad, complaining of the mal-administration and depravity of Hisam Khan, and lauding his own candour and sincerity. He stated also in it that he would obey and serve His Majesty, if the wizarat were taken away from Haji Hisam Khan, and given to Hamid Khan. Sultan Muhammad, who was totally inexperienced, believing what Malik Bahlol said to be true, put his guiltless and faithful servant Haji Hisam Khan to death on the following day, and raised Hamid Khan to the rank of chief minister. Malik Bahlol and the whole of the Lodis, when they heard this news, came forward without hesitation, and having paid their respects to the Sultan, were confirmed in the possession of their jagirs.

1.1.4

After this reconciliation, Malik Bahlol made war, in the name of Sultan Muhammad, against Sultan Mahmud Khilji of Malwa, [who was ruling over Hisar Firozah, Hansi, and Nagor,] and overcame him. Upon which the Sultan ennobled him by giving him the title of Khan-khanan. Thus the Lodis became gradually more powerful, and possessed themselves by force, without King Muhammad's consent, of Lahore, Dipalpur, Sannam, Hisar Firozah, and various other parganas, and paid no attention to what Sultan Muhammad wrote to them in remonstrance. They raised the standards of rebellion, collected a force, and went against Sultan Muhammad who was in Dehli, and besieged that place; but failing in their attempt, they returned to Sirhind, where Malik Bahlol assumed the title of Sultan, but abstained from having the khutba read and coinage struck in his name until Dehli should fall into his hands.

1.1.5

About this time Sultan Muhammad died, and the nobles and chief men of the State placed his son, Sultan 'Alau-d din, on the throne. The whole of Hind was divided into provinces governed by petty rulers (muluk-i tawd'if); but the Lodis predominated. Ahmad Khan Mewatti possessed the country from Mahrauli to Ladhu Sarai, near the city of Dehli. The Lodis held the country of Sirhind, Lahore, Samana, Sannam, and Hisar, as far as Panipat. Darya Khan Lodi governed the territory of Sambhal, up to the ferry of Khwaja Khizr, which adjoins Dehli. 'Isa Khan Turk-bacha held Kol and Jalali. Kutb Khan, the son of Hasan Khan the Afghan, was governor of Rapri. And Rai Partab held the towns of Bhuiganw, Pattiali, and Kampil. Bayana was in the hands of Daud Khan Auhadi; and Sultan 'Alau-d din ruled only in the city of Dehli, and a few of the neighbouring villages. There were also kings in Gujarat, the Dekhin, Malwa, Jaunpur, [Mandu], and Bengal. Sultan Bahlol, collecting an army for the second time, marched from Sirhind to Dehli; but as he could not succeed in capturing the fort of Dehli, he again returned to Sirhind.

1.1.6

At this time, Sultan 'Alau-d din consulted Kutb Khan Lodi and Rai Partab, on the means of strengthening himself, to which they replied, "If the Sultan will degrade Hamid Khan from the rank of wazir, and imprison him, we will wrest some parganas from the hands of the nobles, and make them over to the exchequer." Accordingly, Sultan 'Alau-d din ordered Hamid Khan to be confined, and then marched from Dehli to Burhanabad, and encamped near Amroha. Kutb Khan, 'Isa Khan, and Partab came there to pay their respects, and promised to make over forty parganas to the Sultan, on condition that he would put Hamid Khan to death. Partab incited the Sultan to slay Hamid Khan, because the Khan's father in former days had plundered his estate and seized his wife. Sultan 'Alau-d din, who was unfit to govern a kingdom, gave directions, without thought or reflection, for the execution of Hamid Khan, whose brothers, learning these intentions, managed to liberate him from confinement, and then fled to Dehli. Malik Muhammad Jamal, in whose custody he had been, pursued Hamid Khan to his house and attacked him; but in the tumult he was killed by a spear, and many people joined the party of Hamid Khan. The wazir removed the wives, sons, and daughters of the Sultan, exposed and bare-headed, out of the fort of Dehli, and then took possession of the treasures and regalia.

1.1.7

Sultan 'Alau-d din's irresolution hindered him from doing anything, and after putting off his revenge from day to day, he remained in Badaun on account of the rainy season. Hamid Khan resolved to avail himself of the opportunity, and to establish another sovereign in the room of Sultan 'Alau-d din; but as Sultan Mahmud, King of Jaunpur, was connected with Sultan 'Alau-d din, and Sultan Mahmud, King of Mandu, was too distant to admit of his holding communication with him, he did not think proper to make any determined move. Whilst he was meditating on his future schemes, Bahlol, having received intelligence of what was in contemplation, came with his entire army from Sirhind to Dehli. Hamid Khan did not quit his post, as he considered himself sufficiently strong to prevent Sultan Bahlol from entering the city. After entering into a convention, Sultán Bahlol gained permission to enter the city, and he, in order to meet the necessities of the times, treated Hamíd Khán with all possible politeness and courtesy, and went daily to visit him, at the same time always keeping near his own person many Afgháns who had joined him from Roh. His determination was to make himself king, and turn Hamíd Khán out. One day Hamíd Khán gave a grand entertainment, and invited many nobles as his guests.

1.1.8

Sultán Bahlol, who was one of the party, had instructed his Afgháns to behave in a foolish and indecorous mannner, during Hamíd Khán's feast, so that he might look on them as a set of idiots, and ceasing to regard them with any apprehension, might pay no further attention to them. When the Afgháns went into Hamíd Khán's presence, they acted in an unusual and strange manner. Some fastened their shoes to their girdles, some placed their shoes in the recess above Hamíd Khán's head. Hamíd Khán inquired what this meant. They answered, "We are taking precautions against thieves." After a short time the Afgháns said to Hamíd Khán, "Your carpet is wonderfully coloured; if you give us each a blanket from it, we will send it as a rarity to our native land of Roh, to make caps for our children, that the inhabitants of the world may know that we are in the service of Hamíd Khán, and are treated with much dignity, honour, and respect." Hamíd Khán smiled, and said in reply, "I will make you presents of the most costly articles for rarities." And as they were bringing round trays containing perfumes, the Afgháns licked the scent bottles, and ate the flowers. They opened the leaves which covered the pán. First they ate the lime, and when this had heated their mouths, they chewed the pán afterwards, and in other respects conducted themselves in an extraordinary manner.

1.1.9

Hamíd Khán asked Malik Bahlol, "Why do they act thus?" He replied, "They are a set of clowns, and have associated but little with men; they only know how to eat and die.'" It became Bahlol's custom to bring some of these men whenever he went to see Hamid Khan; but the greater portion of his attendants remained standing without. On one occasion, when Hamid Khan was feasting Malik Bahlol, the Afghans, in obedience to secret instructions received from Malik Bahlol, beat the door-keepers, and forced their way in, saying, "We are likewise servants of Hamid Khan; why should we be prevented from coming to salute him?" When a tumult and disturbance had arisen, Hamid Khan asked the reason of it. They, as they were entering, abused Malik Bahlol, and said to the minister, "We are just as much your servants as he is; he comes in, and why should not we?" When Hamid Khan directed that they should be admitted, the Afghans crowded in, and two of them placed themselves near every servant of Hamid Khan. When the eating part of the entertainment was over, and many of Hamid Khan's men had gone out, Kutb Khan Lodi drew forth a chain from his bosom, and laid it before Hamid Khan, saying, "The best thing for you will be to retire from public life for a short time. As I have eaten your salt, I do not intend to put you to death." After this he caused Hamid Khan to be seized, and gave him in charge to his officers.

1.2.1

Thus Malik Bahlol took possession of Dehli, without hindrance or opposition; and on the 17th of the month Rabi'u-l awwal, A.H. 855 (19th April, 1451), at the prosperous moment and auspicious time which the astrologers learned in the stars, and experienced Brahmans had indicated, he seated himself on the Imperial throne, and ordered the khutba to be read and coin to be struck in his own name. He assumed the title of Sultan Bahlol; and did his best to conciliate the nobles and soldiery, and gain the goodwill of great and small, by his extreme liberality and generosity. He won the people over to his side, and when he had secured a firm hold on Dehli, after some days, he wrote to Sultan 'Alau-d din, saying, "Since I was educated by your father, and consider myself as in fact your regent for this country, I will allow the royal power, which had left your hands, to remain as it was; and I will not prevent the khutba from being read in your name." Sultan 'Alau-d din wrote in reply, "As my father looked on you as his offspring, I likewise have looked on you as my elder brother, and have therefore made over the government to you, and contented myself with Badaun." Sultan Bahlol, being successful and prosperous, ruled the empire with vigour. He wrested the parganas bordering on Dehli from the people who had usurped them, and took them into his own possession. He also, in the first year of his reign, went to settle the province of Multan.

1.2.2

Some of Sultan 'Alau-d din's nobles, who were dissatisfied with the government of the Lodis, wrote to Sultan Mahmud of Jaunpur, and summoned him to their assistance. Accordingly, in the year 855, he advanced from Jaunpur to Dehli, which place he besieged. Khwaja Bayazid, the son of Sultan Bahlol, with other nobles, remained there to garrison the fort. Sultan Bahlol, on hearing this, left Dipalpur and came and encamped in the village of Narela, fifteen kos distant from Dehli. In spite of all his endeavours to make peace, Sultan Mahmud's pride and arrogance prevented an accommodation. Sultan Mahmud sent Fath Khan Hirwi, with 30,000 horsemen and 39 elephants, against Sultan Bahlol. These came into action in three divisions. The leading elephant of Fath Khan's army was disabled by Kutb Khan Lodi, who was an unrivalled archer, with a single shot. Darya Khan Lodi, who had joined Sultan Mahmud, was fighting in the same field. Kutb Khan called out to him with a loud voice, "Your mother and sisters are in the fort; it is not fit that you should do battle for the stranger, and lose sight of the reputation of your family." Darya Khan said, "I will leave the field, provided you do not follow me." Kutb took an oath that he would not pursue him; and thus, on account of Darya Khan's retreat, Fath Khan's troops were defeated, and he himself was taken prisoner. Sultan Mahmud, being thus foiled, and being unable to effect anything, retired to Jaunpur.

1.2.3

Sultan Bahlol then settled himself firmly, and increased his dominions and authority. He took measures to gain entire possession of the country; and with this object in view, first proceeded into Mewat. Ahmad Khan Mewatti submitted; upon which the Sultan deprived him of seven parganas, but allowed him to retain the remainder. Ahmad appointed his uncle, Mubarak Khan, to be perpetually in attendance at Court. The Sultan proceeded from Mewat to Baran. Darya Khan Lodi, governor of Sambhal, also came before His Majesty, to tender his allegiance and submission, and presented him with seven parganas. The Sultan went thence to Kol, and confirmed 'Isa Khan in the possession of that place on the former terms. When he reached Burhanabad, Mubarak Khan, governor of Sakit, came to pay his respects; he was likewise confirmed in the possession of the districts which he held in jagir. Rai Partab, chief of the zamindars in those parts, was also confirmed in possession of Bhuinganw. From thence he went to the fort of Rapri. Kutb Khan, the son of Husain, who commanded in Rapri, resisted, but his fort was speedily captured. Khan Jahan, after making a solemn promise of safe conduct to Kutb Khan, brought him into the King's presence, when he also was confirmed in his jagirs. From thence, Sultan Bahlol went to Etawah, the governor of which likewise offered his homage.

1.2.4

At this period Mahmud Sharki, by the advice of Malika Jahan, who was the chief lady of his harem, and was related to Sultan 'Alau-d din, again assembled a force, and came against Sultan Bahlol, and encamped in the country about Etawah. On the first day, both armies engaged in hostilities; on the second, Kutb Khan and Rai Partab made amicable arrangements, and agreed that the whole of the territory which had belonged to Mubarak Shah, King of Dehli, should be left in the hands of Sultan Bahlol, and that which Sultan Ibrahim, King of Jaunpur, had held, should be left in the possession of Sultan Mahmud; also that seven elephants which had fallen into the hands of Sultan Bahlol in the fight with Fath Khan should be given back to Sultan Mahmud. Shamsabad was to be considered the property of Sultan Bahlol, and was to be made over to him by Juna Khan, the agent of Sultan Mahmud. After this truce, Sultan Mahmud returned to Jaunpur, and Sultan Bahlol wrote a farman at the appointed time to Juna Khan, directing him to leave Shamsabad, and give it into the hands of Rai Karan. As Juna Khan resisted the execution of the order, Sultan Bahlol went in person to Shamsabad, took the fort and town from Juna Khan and gave them to Rai Karan.

1.2.5

Sultan Mahmud, when informed of these transactions, again went against Sultan Bahlol, in violation of his solemn engagements. They met face to face at Shamsabad, and Darya Khan Lodi and Kutb Khan made a night attack on the army of Sultan Mahmud. By chance, Kutb Khan's horse stumbled, and he was thrown to the ground and taken prisoner. Sultan Mahmud confined him and sent him to Jaunpur, where he remained captive for seven years. Sultan Bahlol, leaving Prince Jalal Khan, Sikandar Khan, and 'Imadu-l Mulk in front of Sultan Mahmud's forces, for the purpose of rendering assistance to Rai Karan, who was in the fort of Shamsabad, went in person against Sultan Mahmud. At this time the Sultan [Mahmud] fell sick, and in two or three days the measure of his age was filled to the brim, and he ceased to exist. His mother, Bibi Raji, who was a very wise, clever and experienced woman, with the assistance of the nobles, seated Prince Bhikhan Khan on the throne of the kingdom, and gave him the title of Muhammad Shah. Certain of the chief nobles and grandees of the State interposed, and made peace between the two monarchs, under which it was agreed that the territories of Sultan Mahmud should be ruled by Muhammad Shah, and that those owned formerly by Sultan 'Alau-d din should be governed by Sultan Bahlol.

1.2.6

After this compact, Muhammad Shah retraced his steps to Jaunpur, and Sultan Bahlol went towards Dehli. On his arrival near Dehli, Shams Khatun, sister of Kutb Khan, and the chief lady of the Sultan's harem, sent to say, that as long as Kutb Khan remained the prisoner of Sultan Muhammad Shah, it would be unlawful for the Sultan to take sleep or repose of any kind, [adding that she would kill herself]. This speech made such an impression on the Sultan, that he turned back from Dehli, and set off again against Muhammad Shah. When Muhammad heard this, he set out from Jaunpur, with the view of meeting Sultan Bahlol; and on reaching Shamsabad, he took that district away from Rai Karan, Sultan Bahlol's governor, and reinstated Juna Khan. Although Rai Partab had formerly been on the side of Sultan Bahlol, yet he now became alarmed on account of Muhammad Shah's successes, and joined his party. Muhammad Shah reached Surseni by uninterrupted marches. Sultan Bahlol encamped in the pargana of Rapri, which adjoined Surseni, and fighting took place for some days between the two armies.

1.2.7

Muhammad Shah wrote a farman to the Kotwal of Jaunpur, ordering him to put his (the Shah's) own brother, Hasan Khan, and Kutb Khan Lodi, who were both detained as prisoners, to death. The Kotwál represented that Bíbí Rájí protected both of them, and that he had not sufficient authority to kill them. When Muhammad Sháh learnt the contents of the reply, he wrote in a perfidious, plausible and treacherous way to his mother, saying, "My brother, Hasan Khan, suffers greatly in prison; it is proper that you should come here and make peace between him and me; after which an estate shall be given to him." Bíbí Rájí set forth on receiving the letter; and when she was some stages on the road, one of Shah Muhammad's courtiers put Prince Hasan Khán to death by order. This news reached Bíbí Rájí at Kanauj. After mourning for Hasan Khan in Kanauj, she declined to enter the presence of Muhammad Sháh. When Muhammad Sháh heard of his mother's return, he was wroth, and wrote to her, saying, "Why do you mourn on account of the execution of an individual? All the princes will meet with a like fate, and then you can mourn for them all at once!" The nobles and ministers were in continual dread of Muhammad Sháh, for he was of a very ferocious, bloodthirsty, and passionate disposition.

1.3.1

During these transactions, Husain Khan, a younger brother of Muhammad Shah, sent Sultán Sháh and Jalál Khan Ajodhaní to inform Muhammad Shah that the troops of Sultan Bahlol intended to make a night attack; that 30,000 horsemen and thirty elephants had been detached for the purpose, and had taken a position on the banks of the Jharna. Sultan Muhammad, on receiving this news, sent a division of his troops to oppose them. Prince Husain Khan desired to take his brother Shahzada Jalal Khan with him, and sent a man to call him; but Sultan Shah remonstrated against the delay, representing that Jalal Khan might come up afterwards. Upon this, they went off in the direction of the enemy. It so happened, that Sultan Bahlol's army was prepared for these movements; so that when Prince Jalal Khan, in obedience to the summons of Husain Khan, had left the army of Muhammad Shah, and started for the Jharna, he found himself in the presence of the Sultan's troops, instead of Husain Khan's. Thereupon, Sultan Bahlol's men seized Jalal Khan, and brought him into the presence of their sovereign, who imprisoned him, determining to retain him as a hostage for the safety of Kutb Khan.

1.3.2

[Husain Khan, when he heard of this capture of Jalal Khan, being in fear and dread of Muhammad Shah, took to flight and went to Jaunpur.] Muhammad Shah was terror-stricken when he learnt the capture of one brother and the flight of another, fearing that the latter might go and do damage to his interests throughout the country; but being unable to offer any opposition, he went to Kanauj, and was pursued as far as the Ganges by Sultan Bahlol, who returned to Dehli after plundering a small portion of the baggage [and capturing some elephants and horses].

1.3.3

Shahzada Husain Khan, in the year 857, came, at Jaunpur, into the presence of Bibi Raji, to pay his respects; and as she was greatly displeased with Muhammad Shah, she, with the aid of the Sharki nobles and grandees, raised him to the throne of the kingdom of Jaunpur, with the title of Sultan Husain. Malik Mubarak Gang, Malik 'Ali Gujarati, and other chiefs were appointed to attack Muhammad Shah, who had taken up a position at Rajgarh, on the river Ganges. When Sultan Husain's army approached, divers nobles who were dissatisfied with Muhammad Shah forsook him, and joined the forces of Sultan Husain. Muhammad Shah fled, accompanied by 100 of his body-guard, and arrived at a garden which was in that neighbourhood, where he was surrounded by the Sultan's soldiers. Muhammad Shah, being a capital archer, took up his bow and arrows; but previous to this, Bibi Raji had persuaded the armourer of Muhammad to remove the points from the arrows which he had in his quiver, so he found, at the time of action, that all the arrows which he drew forth from his quiver were pointless. At last he threw down his bow, and took to his sword, with which he smote down several persons; but an arrow from the bow of destiny was sent by the hand of Malik Mubarak Gang, which struck Muhammad Shah in the throat. The wound caused him to fall from his horse to the ground, when he attained martyrdom.

1.3.4

"Our mother, Nature, never bore a son whom she did not slay! Beware, distrust the love of this murderer of her offspring!" After these events, the Almighty established Sultan Husain firmly in the possession of the kingdom. He made peace with Sultan Bahlol, by which they were both bound to remain satisfied with their own possessions for four years. Rai Partab was induced by Kutb Khan to side with Sultan Bahlol. When Sultan Husain had made peace, and arrived near the Hauz-i Hariya, he sent for Kutb Khan [Lodi] from Jaunpur, and after presenting him with a horse, a royal dress of honour, an elephant, girdles, daggers, and jewelled swords, he gave him leave to depart, and having thus treated him with all possible honour and respect, sent him to Sultan Bahlol. Sultan Bahlol, likewise, gratified Prince Jalal Khan by the kind and polite manner in which he behaved to him, and then sent him to Sultan Husain.

1.3.5

Some time after, Sultan [Bahlol] determined to go to Shamsabad; which place he again took from Juna Khan, and gave it to Rai Karan. He also presented the kettle-drum and standard which he had wrested from Daryá Khan to Narsing Deo, the son of Rai Partab. Daryá Khán took advantage of an opportunity, and, with the approval of Kutb Khán, slew Narsing Deo. Kutb Khan, Husain Khán, Mubáriz Khán, and Rái Partáb, having entered into a conspiracy, went over to the Sharki monarch. Sultán Bahlol, finding himself too weak to resist them, went back to Dehli; and after some time, started for Multan, with the intention of putting an end to the disturbances in the Panjáb. He left Kutb Khán Lodi and Khan Jahan in Dehli, to act as his deputies during his absence; but whilst he was yet on the road, news reached him that Sultán Husain, with a well-appointed army and war-elephants, was marching towards Dehli. Sultán Bahlol turned back, and with all possible speed returned to Dehli, and went out to meet the foe, with whom, after some time, he found himself face to face. Continual fighting took place between the two parties during the space of seven days, when at length, after much slaughter, by the efforts of the chiefs, a peace was brought about; and it was agreed that both kings should remain within the boundaries of their respective territories for three years.

1.3.6

After this truce, Sultán Bahlol abode in Dehli for three years, and Sultan Husain returned to Jaunpúr, and attended to the affairs of his kingdom and army. During this period, Sultan Bahlol proceeded against Ahmad Khan Mewatti, who had before been an ally of Sultan Husain. When he arrived in Mewát, Ahmad Khan was induced by the representations of the Khán-khánán, one of the chief nobles of Sultán Bahlol, to come in and pay his respects. About this period Ahmad Khan, the son of Yusuf Khan Jalwani, governor of Bayana, broke out into revolt against Sultan Bahlol; and having caused the khutba to be read and coin to be struck in the fort of Bayana in the name of Sultan Husain, sent intelligence of this to Sultan Husain. No dispute had occurred during the period of the three years' truce; but now the Sultan marched towards Dehli with 100,000 horse and 1000 elephants. Sultan Bahlol came out of Dehli, and drew up his forces before the enemy in the neighbourhood of Bhatwara. Khan Jahan interposed, and effected a reconciliation between the parties; after which Sultan Husain went to Etawah, and remained there, whilst Sultan Bahlol returned to Dehli.

1.3.7

After the lapse of some time, Sultan Husain broke his oath, and again advanced against Sultan Bahlol. Sultan Bahlol left Dehli, and both sides skirmished during several days in the vicinity of the Sarat Lashkar; they, however, ended by making peace. About this time Sultan Husain's mother, Bibi Raji, departed this life in Etawah. Kalyan Mal, the son of Rai Karan Sing, Raja of Gwalior, and Kutb Khan Lodi, went from Chandawar to condole with Sultan Husain. Kutb Khan found that Sultan Husain was inimical to and disposed to injure Sultan Bahlol, so he flattered the Sultan by telling him that Bahlol was his subject, and unable to cope with him as a rival, and that he would take no rest until he had obtained possession of Dehli for him. After thus deceiving Sultan Husain, Kutb Khan took leave of him, and presented himself to Sultan Bahlol, and said, "We have escaped from the hands of Sultan Husain by wiles and contrivances, and have discovered that he entertains a rooted hatred to you. It is necessary for you, therefore, to look to yourself. Be on the alert."

1.3.8

About this time, Sultan 'Alau-d din departed to the mercy of God in Badaun. Sultan Husain went there for the purpose of offering condolence, but he finished by wresting Badaun from 'Alau-d din's son, and in doing so injured his reputation. From thence he went to Sambhal, where he confined Mubarak Khan, the son of Tatar Khan, the governor of that place, and sent him to Saran. He then proceeded in person against Dehli, with a large army and 1000 elephants, and arrived at the ferry of Kanjh, on the river Jumna, in the month of Zi-l hijja, A.H. 893, and encamped there. Sultan Bahlol was, at this period, in the direction of Sirhind, but came to Dehli when he heard the news. Both parties were employed in fighting for some time, and the eastern forces were generally victorious, owing to their superior strength and numbers. In the end, Kutb Khan sent a person to Sultan Husain with a message, saying, "I am the grateful servant of Bibi Raji; she treated me with the utmost kindness when I was a prisoner in Jaunpur. I think that the most advisable course to pursue at present is to make peace, and return. Let the countries on the other side of the river Ganges be ruled by you, and those on this side by Sultan Bahlol." Thus did Kutb Khan's interposition put an end to this warfare.

1.4.1

Sultan Husain, relying on the truce which had been concluded, marched away, leaving his baggage behind. Sultan Bahlol took advantage of the opportunity, pursued Sultan Husain, and plundered his baggage. A portion of the valuables and treasures, which had been laden on horses and elephants, fell into the hands of Sultan Bahlol. Moreover, forty noblemen of Sultan Husain's army, who were grandees of his kingdom, including Katlagh Khan, the wazir, who was one of the most learned men of the age, Odhu, the naib, and others like them, were made captive. Sultan Bahlol put Katlagh Khan in chains, and gave him in charge to Kutb Khan. The defeated Sultan himself also fled; Malika Jahan, the chief wife of Sultan Husain, was taken prisoner. Sultan Bahlol appointed eunuchs to keep strict guard over the wife of the Sultan; and after some time she was sent, with the greatest honour and respect, to Sultan Husain. Sultan Bahlol seized several parganas which belonged to Sultan Husain, such as Kampil, Pattiali, Sakit, Kol, and Jalali, and appointed his own governors. He then went himself in pursuit, and when the pursuit had lasted some time, Sultan Husain faced about, and posted himself in the village of Rampanjwaran, which is attached to Rapri. At length, a truce was agreed upon, the conditions of which were that both the Sultans should remain contented with their old boundaries. After the conclusion of peace, both returned to their respective countries.

1.4.2

In the next year Sultan Husain, at the instigation of Malika Jahan, forgetful of his oath, again came to attack Sultan Bahlol, at the head of a large army. A desperate battle was fought, near the village of Sonhar, and Sultan Husain, being again routed, went to Rapri. Sultan Bahlol pitched his camp near the village of Dhupamu. An immense amount of valuable property fell into the hands of the Lodis, the possession of which tended much to increase the power and authority of Malik Bahlol.

1.4.3

About this time intelligence arrived of the decease of Khan Jahan Lodi, and Sultan Bahlol granted to his son the title of Khan Jahan, and conferred on him the appointments held by his father. He then went to Rapri against Sultan Husain, and was victorious, after much fighting and slaughter. Sultan Husain, being defeated, fled across the river Jumna. Whilst passing that stream, several of his wives and children were drowned in the river of mortality; this caused Sultan Husain excessive pain and affliction. He, after suffering much trouble, and repentance, went off towards Gwalior, intending to proceed from thence to Jaunpur. On his way to Gwalior, the Bhadauryas attacked his camp. When he arrived at that place, Rai Karan Sing, the Raja of Gwalior, showed his allegiance, and received him with regal honours. He presented an offering to the Sultan, consisting of some lacs of tankas, various descriptions of tents, with some horses, elephants, and camels, and thus proved himself one of the well-wishers of the State. He also sent a body of his own troops to accompany the Sultan as far as Kálpí.

1.4.4

Whilst this was happening, Sultán Bahlol determined to proceed to Etawah. Ibráhím Khán, the brother of Sultán Husain, and Haibat Khán, called Gurg-andáz, "the wolf-slayer," who had posted themselves in Etáwah, fought for three days, after which they begged for mercy, and surrendered that fortress. Sultán Bahlol appointed Ibráhím Khán Lohání to command in Etáwah, and assigned some parganas of Etáwah to Rái Daland. He then went with a numerous force against Sultán Husain; they met at the village of Rángánw, which belongs to Kálpí, and both parties were engaged for some time in preparation for battle. The river Jumna was between them. At this period Rái Tilak Chand, the governor of the territory of Baksar, came to pay his respects to Sultán Bahlol, and took his army across the river by a ford, against the troops of Sultán Husain, who, being too weak to resist, fled to the Panna country, the Rájá of which place came out to meet him, and presented him with some lacs of tankas, and 100 horses and elephants, after which he sent his own soldiers with him as far as Jaunpúr.

1.4.5

Sultán Bahlol collected a body of men, with the intention of gaining possession of Jaunpúr, and when he drew near, Sultán Husain, being unable to resist, retired toward Bahraich, towards which place Sultán Bahlol likewise directed his steps, and they met on the banks of the Ráhab. After a contest, which ended as usual in the defeat of Sultán Husain, the whole of the regalia fell into the hands of the Lodís. Sultán Bahlol, after the victory, made up his mind to go to Jaunpúr, which place he took possession of. Leaving Mubarak Khan to govern Jaunpur, and Kutb Khan Lodi and Khan Jahan, with some other nobles, in the territory of Manjhauli, he himself proceeded in the direction of Badaun. Sultan Husain availed himself of the opportunity thus offered, and returned to Jaunpur, with a large army; upon which the nobles of Sultan Bahlol quitted Jaunpur and went to Manjhauli; but finding themselves unable to hold that place, they entered into an arrangement with Sultan Husain, and amused him under various artifices, devised by Kutb Khan, until such time as succour should arrive. Sultan Bahlol sent his own son, Barbak Shah, to aid them, and also followed in person. Sultan Husain, being unable to do anything, went to Bihar.

1.4.6

When Sultan Bahlol arrived in the town of Haldi, he heard the news of the death of Kutb Khan Lodi, the son of Islam Khan, the Sultan's uncle. After passing some days in the performance of the customary mourning, he went to Jaunpur; and having established Barbak Shah on the throne there, returned himself to Kalpi, which place he gave to 'Azam Humayun, the son of Prince Khwaja Bayazid. He then proceeded to Dholpur by the road of Chandawar; and the Rai of Dholpur came forth to meet him, and presented him with some mans of gold, so that the Rai was treated as a well-wisher of the State. The Sultan marched thence and came to the pargana of Bari. Ikbal Khan, the governor of Bari, having paid his respects in a fitting and respectful manner, was appointed a servant of the State. He made an offering of some mans of gold to the Sultan, who confirmed him in the possession of Bari. From thence, proceeding towards Aladhapur, a dependency of Rantambhor, he overran that country, and spoiled its fields and gardens. After which he came to Dehli, where he remained, and spent some time in ease and festivity, in performing deeds of justice and displaying liberality.

1.4.7

At the close of the rainy season and the rising of the star Canopus, he went to Gwalior, the ruler of which place, Raja Man, came forth to show his obedience; and after presenting an offering of eighty lacs of tankas, he was confirmed in the possession of Gwalior. From that place the Sultan marched to Etawah, from the government of which place he dismissed Rai Sangat Sing, the son of Rai Dandu, and then went back to Dehli. On the road he fell sick, on account of the excessive heat, and near the village of Malawli, which is in the territory of Sakit, in the year a.h. 894 (a.d. 1488), he departed from this transitory and troublesome existence to the regions of eternity, in obedience to the summons of the Almighty. He reigned during the space of thirty-eight years eight months and eight days; and one of the most learned men of the age has made this verse in his praise:—"In the year 894 departed from the earth the mighty monarch, the vanquisher of kingdoms, the world-conqueror Bahlol."

The proceedings of Sultán Sikandar Lodi at Gwálior and Bayána. — Rebellion in Jaunpúr. — Retreat from Panna. — Conquest of Bihár. — (A.D. 897-901.)

2.1

Sultan Sikandar then pursued his march to Kálpí, of which he dispossessed 'Azam Humáyún, the son of Prince Khwája Báyazíd, and bestowed it upon Mahmúd Khán Lodi. After which he proceeded to Baksar Chhetra, whose governor, Tátár Khán, showed the most entire homage and allegiance to him, and was confirmed in the government of Chhetra. He then directed his progress to Gwálior; from whence he despatched Khwája Muhammad Farmulí with an honorary dress to Rája Mán, who acknowledged his authority, and sent in return a nephew of his to attend upon the Sultán. His way now led him to Bayána, where Sultán Ashraf, a son of Ahmad Khán Jalwání, presented himself before him, professing his submission. He was, nevertheless, ordered to evacuate Bayána, and to take in exchange Jalesar, Mahrera, Chandawár, and Sakít. Ashraf, in conformity with this command, took 'Umar Khán Sarwání with him to Bayána, under the pretence of delivering the keys over to him; but when within the walls, he foolishly drew the shield of rebellion over his face, closed the gates, and put the fort in a state of defence, and was imitated by Haibat Khán Jalwání, one of his vassals, in Agra, which was a dependency of Bayána. The Sultán had, in the meanwhile, pitched his tents on the banks of the Jumna, whither he retired in order to avoid the heat, and amuse himself with fishing.

2.2

When the news of these occurrences arrived, he left some of his chiefs to lay siege to Agra, and drew his army back to Bayána, which he closely invested. Sultán Ashraf, being hard pressed, offered to surrender, and thus Bayána was conquered in the year 897 (1492 A.D.). Sultan Sikandar entrusted the fort to Khán-khánán Farmulí, and himself returned to Dehlí. He had arrived at this place only twenty-four days, when intelligence was brought from Jaunpúr, that the zamíndárs of that province, headed by the Bachgotís, had collected together a force of nearly 100,000 men, horse and foot, and deposed Mubárak Khán, the governor of Jaunpúr, and even killed his brother Sher Khán; that Mubárak Khán himself had crossed the Ganges by the ferry of Júsí, but had fallen into Mullá Khán's hands; upon which Rái Bhíd, Rája of Panna, had seized and carried him off a prisoner. Bárbak Sháh, from his inability to offer resistance, abandoned Jaunpúr, and retreated to Muhammad Khán Farmulí, who bore the title of Kálá Pahár ('black mountain'). The Sultán marched in 899 (1493-4), in that direction, and when he arrived at Dalamau, Bárbak Sháh and all his nobles presented themselves humbly before him, and were received with royal favour and kindness. Rái Bhíd, being apprehensive of the Sultán's displeasure, sent Mubárak Khán to the Sultán; upon which, the latter proceeded to Katehr, where the zamíndárs had concentrated themselves in large numbers, and offered a well-contested battle;

2.3

but being finally defeated, dispersed themselves in all directions, and the army of Islám captured a great quantity of booty. He now returned victorious to Jaunpúr, and having for the second time settled the administration of the place upon Bárbak Sháh, he again set out on his return to Dehlí. He enjoyed himself in field sports during one month in the neighbourhood of Oudh; but when he reached Katehr, he received intelligence that Bárbak Sháh could not maintain himself in Jaunpúr against the attacks of the zamíndárs; upon which the Sultán detached Muhammad Khán Farmulí, 'Ázam Humáyún, Khán Jahán, and Khán-khánán Lohání by way of Oudh, and Mubárak Khán by that of Karra, with orders to put Bárbak Sháh in chains, and send him to Court. This being faithfully executed, he gave him in charge to 'Umar Khán Sarwání and Haibat Khán, and proceeded himself to the fort of Chunár to chastise some nobles of Sultán Husain Sharkí. These, however, after giving battle, were obliged to retreat, and fortified themselves in Chunár, which being very strong and almost impregnable, he did not stop to besiege it, but proceeded towards Kantít, a dependency of Panna; the Rája of which place, Rái Bhíd, came out to meet him, and proffered his allegiance, for which the Sultán confirmed him in the possession of Kantít, and moved on to Arail and Bayák. It was at this time that Rái Bhíd, in consequence of his suspicious temper, abandoned all his camp-equipage and effects, and fled.

2.4

The Sultán ordered his whole property to be collected together, and sent to the Rája. On his arrival at Arail, he ordered the gardens and habitations of that district to be laid waste; after which, he proceeded, by the way of Karra, to Dalamau, where he married the widow of Sher Khán Lohání, who was one of the most beautiful and intelligent women of the age; and then continued his march to Shamsábád, from whence, after a stay of six months, he proceeded to Sambhal, but returned again from thence to Shamsábád. On his way thither, he destroyed a place called Pareotakal, the sink and receptacle of marauders, and put to death most of that rebellious gang. After spending the rainy season at Shamsábád, in A.H. 900 (1494-5), he set out in the direction of Panna, for the purpose of chastising Rájá Bhíd; but on his arrival at Khán Ghátí, he fell in with his son Bír Sing Deo, who offered battle, but, being put to flight, fled towards Panna, pursued by the army of Islám. On the Sultan's arrival at Panna, Raja Bhid fled towards Sirguja, but died on the road. Sultan Sikandar then penetrated as far as Phaphund, belonging to Panna; but he was compelled to retreat to Jaunpur, in consequence of the extreme scarcity of provisions, opium, salt, and oil. Besides which, almost all the horses perished; so much so, that ninety out of every hundred died.

2.5

In consequence of this, Lakhmi Chand, a son of Raja Bhid, and all the zamindars wrote to Sultan Husain, representing that Sikandar did not possess a single horse, all having perished. Husain, upon this, marched out of Bihar at the head of a large force, including 100 elephants, with the intention of defeating Sultan Sikandar; who, having crossed the Ganges at the ferry of Kantit, went first to Chunar, and thence to Benares. He detached Khan-khanan to Salbahan, the son of Raja Bhid, with directions to conciliate him, and induce him to accompany the Khan. Meanwhile, Sultan Husain had reached within thirteen kos of Benares, and Sultan Sikandar drew near with all expedition; and having marshalled his troops, with the divine aid, commenced the engagement, supported by Salbahan, who had opportunely arrived to his support. The battle was well contested; but at length the fortune of the day suddenly turned against Sultan Husain, who fled towards Patna; but being closely pursued by Sultan Sikandar at the head of 100,000 cavalry, he took the route of Bihar. After the lapse of nine days, Sultan Sikandar succeeded in reaching Husain's camp, and then heard that he had fled to Bihar. Thither also he was pursued by Sikandar, and on his ascertaining this to be the case, he left Malik Kandu behind in the fort, and sought shelter at Khalganw, a dependency of Lakhnauti. Sultan Sikandar then detached from his camp at Deobár, a force to lay waste Bihar.

2.6

Malik Kandu, from his inability to resist the Sultán's troops, took to flight, and Bihár thus fell into the possession of the Sultán. Sikandar having left Muhabbat Khan, together with several chiefs, in Bihar, proceeded to Darweshpur, where he left Khan-khánán in charge of his camp, and advanced himself in all haste to Tirhut, whose Raja advanced to receive him with all humiliation, and agreed to the payment of several lacs of tanhas as a fine, for the receipt of which the Sultan left Mubarak Khan behind, and proceeded a second time to Darweshpur.

3.1

Sultan Sikandar punishes the governor of Dehli. — His proceedings at Gwálior, Bayána, Dhúlpúr, and Mandraíl. — Foundation of Agra. — Earthquake at Agra. — Proceedings on the Chambal. — Capture of Awantgar. — Disastrous march to Agra. — (A.H. 906-913.) About the same time intelligence of the mal-administration and misconduct of Asghar, the governor of Dehli, reaching the sublime ear, Khawas Khan, governor of Machiwara, was commissioned to apprehend and transmit him to Court. But prior to the arrival of Khawas Khan, Asghar, on the 1st of Safar, 906 H. (27 August, 1500), fled from Dehli to Sambhal, to offer his submission; but by the high command of the Sultan, he was seized and thrown into prison. Khawás Khan repaired to Dehli, and leaving there his son Isma'il Khan, returned, according to orders, to Sambhal. The Sultan received him most graciously, and presented him with an honorary vest. Soon after, Sa'id Khan Sarwani, who belonged to the seditious party, came from Lahore to pay his respects. The Sultan banished him, together with Tátár Khan, Muhammad Shah, and the other disaffected chiefs, from his empire; and they accordingly took the route of Gwálior, and went off in haste to Málwá, and Gujarát.

3.2

Rájá Man, of Gwálior, sent one of his attendants, Nihal, with valuable presents to the Sultan; but when the envoy was admitted to him, he returned such coarse and improper answers to the questions put to him, that the Sultán, in a rage, uttered a threat that he would himself command an expedition against the fort (of Gwálior) and capture it. Meanwhile, the report of the death of Khán-khánán Farmulí, governor of Bayána, having reached the Sultán, he appointed the two sons of the deceased, 'Imád and Sulaimán, to succeed him; but as Bayána, owing to its strong fort and frontier situation, was the seat of sedition and tumult, they both came with their attendants to Sambhal, to consult with the Sultán about some affairs. Deeming their arrival inopportune, he appointed Khawás Khán governor of Bayána; and after some days, Safdar Khán was nominated governor of Ágra, one of its dependencies. To 'Imád and Sulaimán he gave Shamsábád, Jalesar, Manglaur, Sháhábád, and some other districts. After that, he ordered 'Álam Khán Mewattí, and Khán-khánán Lohání, jágírdár of Ráprí, in conjunction with Khawás Khán, to reduce the fort of Dhulpúr, and wrest it from the hands of Rái Mánik-deo. When these chiefs, in execution of the command, directed their route against that place, the rái came out to repel force by force, and much life was daily lost on both sides. Amongst the killed was Khwája Ben, one of the most gallant of combatants.

3.3

On account of these occurrences, Sikandar himself marched on Friday, the 6th Ramazán, 906 (March, 1501), upon Dhulpúr; but Rájá Mánik-deo, placing a garrison in the castle, retreated to Gwálior. This detachment, however, being unable to defend it, and abandoning the fort by night, it fell into the hands of the Muhammadan army. Sikandar, on entering the fort, fell down on his knees, and returned thanks to God, and celebrated his victory. The whole army was employed in plundering, and all the groves which spread their shade for seven kos around Bayána were torn up from the roots. After a residence of one month in Dholpur, the Sultán marched to Gwálior. There he left Ádam Lodi, with most of the nobles, and passing the Chambal, encamped for two months on the banks of the Asi or Mendhi, where his people fell sick, owing to the badness of the water. Rájá Mán not only delegated ambassadors for peace, but expelled from the fort Sa'íd Khán, Bábu Khán, and Rái Ganesh, who had formerly deserted the Sultán, and taken refuge with him. Besides that, he sent his eldest son, Bikramájít, to wait upon the Sultán, who bestowed upon him a robe of honour and a horse, and then allowed him to depart. From thence the Sultán returned towards Ágra; and when he reached Dholpur, he bestowed that district upon Rái Bináik-deo. Afterwards, he set out for Bayána, the seat of the empire, which he honoured with his presence, and spent there the rainy season.

3.4

In Ramazán of the year 910 (1504 A.D.), after the rising of Canopus, he raised the standard of war for the reduction of the fort of Mandráil; but the garrison capitulating, and delivering up the citadel, the Sultán ordered the temples of idols to be demolished, and mosques to be constructed. After leaving Mián Makan and Mujáhid Khán to protect the fort, he himself moved out on a plundering expedition into the surrounding country, where he butchered many people, took many prisoners, and devoted to utter destruction all the groves and habitations; and after gratifying and honouring himself by this exhibition of holy zeal, he returned to his capital Bayána. In the same year the heat of the air became so intense, that almost all the people fell grievously sick of fevers. It had for a long time occurred to the Sultán to found a town on the banks of the Jumna, which was to be the residence of the Sultán, and the head-quarters of the army, and to serve to keep the rebels of that quarter in awe, and deprive them of further opportunity of growing refractory, for frequently the jagirdárs and government servants and the peasantry in general in sarkár Bayána had complained of the violence to which they were subject. With this view, he commissioned, in the year 911 (1505 A.D.), some judicious and intelligent men to explore the banks of the river, and report upon any locality which they might consider the most eligible.

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