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Táríkh-i Mubárak Sháhí (extracts)

Translation of The History of Mubārak Shāh (Tārīkh-i Mubārakshāhī)

Language
English
Date
1872 CE
Translators
Henry Miers Elliot, John Dowson
Extent
121 passages, 26,110 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

Reign of Sultan Firoz Shah.

1.1

[In the year 753 H. (1352 A.D.), on the 3rd Jumada-l awwal, Prince Muhammad Khan was born in the capital (shahr). * * In this same year (the Sultan) founded the masjid-i jami' near the palace, and the college at the top of the hauz-i khass ; * * and Kiwamu-l Mulk Makbul, naib-wazir, became wazir of the State, and received the title of Khan-i Jahan. * * In the year 755 H. (1354 A.D.), the Sultan marched with an army against Lakhnauti, leaving Khan-i Jahan at the capital in charge of all affairs of State. * * When he reached Kurakhur, Adi Singh waited upon him, and offering a tribute of twenty lacs of tankas in cash and two elephants, was received into favour. On the 28th Rabi'u-l awwal, he arrived at the fort of Ikdála, and some hard fighting ensued. The Bengalis were defeated, and many were slain. Saha Deo, their leader, with several others, was killed. On the 29th of the month, the army marching from that place, encamped on the banks of the Ganges. Ilyás Hájí was shut up in the fort, and on the 5th Rabi'u-l ákhir, he marched out with his countless Bengali followers and forces. The Sultan marshalled his army, and as soon as Ilyás Hájí beheld it, he was dismayed and fled. The army (of the Sultan) made the attack; the canopy and forty elephants were captured, and innumerable horsemen and infantry became food for the sword. For two days after the Sultan remained encamped, and on the third he marched for Dehli. Some months afterwards he founded the great city Firozabad.

1.2

In the year 756 H. (1355 A.D.), the Sultan proceeded to Dibálpur, and conducted a stream (júi) from the river Satladar (Sutlej), for a distance of forty kos as far as Jhajjar. In the following year he brought the stream of Fírozábád from the mountains of Mandatí (sic) and Sirmor, and having thrown into it seven distinct streams, he conducted it to Hánsí. From thence he led it to Aráman, and there he built a strong fort, which he called Hisar Fírozah. Below the palace (kúshk), he dug an extensive tank, and filled it with the waters of that canal. He formed another canal from the Khakhar (Khagar), to the fort of Sarsutí, and from thence to Harbi-khir. There he built a fortified place which he called Firozabad. He brought another canal from the river Jumna, and threw it into the tank of that city, from whence he carried it on farther. In the month of Zi-l hijja, on the day of the 'I'd-i azha, in the year before named, a robe of honour and a diploma arrived from the Khalifa al Hakim bi amr-illah Abu al Fath Abu Bakr Abu al Rabi' Sulaiman, the Khalifa of Egypt, confirming on (the Sultan) the territories of Hindustan. * * *

1.3

In the year 759 H. (1358 A.D.) * * * an army of Mughals came into the neighbourhood of Dibalpur, and Malik Kabul, Lord of the Bedchamber (sar-parda-dar), was sent against them. Before his forces the Mughals retreated to their own country. * * At the end of this year, Taju-d din Betah, with several other amirs, came from Lakhnauti to Court as envoys, bringing with them presents and tribute, and they received a gracious reception. In the year 760 H. (1359 A.D.), the Sultan marched with a large army against Lakhnauti, leaving Khan-i Jahan in Dehli and Tatar Khan as Shikkdar at Multan, (to guard) the Ghazni frontier. When the Sultan reached Zafarabad, the rains came on, so he halted there. Here he was waited upon by Malik Shaikh-zada Bustami, who had left the country by royal command. He brought a robe of honour from the Khalifa, and the Sultan being graciously disposed towards him, granted him the title of 'Azam Khan. Saiyid Rasuldar, who had come with the envoys from Lakhnauti, was now sent back thither, and Sultan Sikandar again sent him to Court with five elephants and rich presents. But before he arrived, 'Alam Khan came to Court from Lakhnauti, and he was told (by the Sultan) that Sultan Sikandar was foolish and inexperienced, and had strayed from the path of rectitude. The Sultan at first had no desire to draw the sword against him; but as he had not discharged the duties of obedience, he must now understand that the Sultan was marching against him.

1.4

After the rainy season, the Sultan proceeded towards Lakhnauti, and on the way Prince Fath Khan received the insignia of royalty, such as elephants. A coin was struck in his name, and tutors were appointed for him. When the Sultan reached Pandwah, Sultan Sikandar shut himself up in Ikdala, where Sultan Shamsu-d din, his father, had before taken refuge. On the 16th Jumada-l awwal, 761 (5th May, 1360), the Sultan sat down against Ikdala, and passed some days in besieging it. The garrison perceived that they could not withstand the assailants, so they were compelled to capitulate, and seek for peace by sending elephants, treasure, and goods as tribute. On the 20th Jumada-l awwal, the Sultan marched from Ikdala on his return, and when he reached Pandwah, Sultan Sikandar sent him thirty-seven elephants and valuable offerings as tribute. By successive marches he reached Jaunpur, and the rains coming on he rested there. After the rains were over, in the month Zi-l hijja of the same year, he marched with his victorious array by way of Bihar to Jajnagar. Orders were issued that the baggage animals (lashkar-sutur), women, horses out of condition, and weak men should not proceed. Malik Kutbu-d din, brother of Zafar Khan the wazir, was left behind with the elephants and baggage at Karra. The Sultan then marched. When he reached Sikra, he attacked it, and the Rai took to flight. There Shakr Khatun, daughter of Rai Sadhan, with Adayah, was taken prisoner.

1.5

The Sultan placed her in the palace of his daughters. When he advanced farther, he left Malik 'Imadu-l Mulk one stage behind with the prisoners and baggage. At this place Ahmad Khan, who had come up from Lakhnauti, joined the Sultan in the hills of Ranthor, and was received with honour. The Sultan then proceeded to the city of Banarasi, which was the residence of the Rai. Having left the Mahanadi, the Rai had fled to Tilang. The Sultan pursued him for one day's march, but when he found that the Rai was far in advance, he returned. In this neighbourhood he hunted. Rai Bir Bhandeo sent some persons to sue for peace, that his people might not be killed. The Sultan, according to his wont, turned aside, and (the Rai) sent in thirty-three elephants and rich offerings as tribute. From thence the Sultan fell back and hunted in Padmavati and the elephant fields, where he killed two elephants. Afterwards he marched on to Karra, and from Karra he proceeded to Dehli, which he reached in Rajab, 762 H. (1361 A.D.), and entered as a conqueror.

1.6

Some time afterwards he heard that there was in the vicinity of Bardar a hill of earth, through the midst of which a large river flowed and fell into the Satladar (Sutlej). This river was called Sarsuti. On the hither side of the mountain there was a stream called Salimah. If the mountain of earth were cut through, the waters of the Sarsuti would fall into that stream; which would flow through Sihrind (Sirhind) and Mansurpur, and from thence to Sannam, keeping up a perpetual supply. The water was brought, but some time was occupied in cutting through the hill. Sirhind, to as far as within ten kos of Samana, was separated from the shikk of Samana, and given into the charge of Malik Ziau-l Mulk Shamsu-d din Aburja, to bring it into cultivation. A fortress was built there, which received the name of Firozpur.

1.7

When the Sultan saw that the excavation of the mountain was possible, he left the spot and went to Nagarkot, and after conquering it, he proceeded against Thatta. The Jam and Babiniya were in possession of Thatta. By dint of great exertion the place was invested, and fighting went on for some time, but such a scarcity of provender and grain arose in the Sultan's army, that many men died, so that of necessity, and after a great struggle, he was obliged to retreat into Gujarat. After the rainy season, he resolved again to march against Thatta. The fief (ikta') of Gujarat was placed under Zafar Khan, instead of Nizamu-l Mulk, who was dismissed and proceeded with his followers to the capital, where he afterwards became wazir of the State. On the Sultan's reappearing before Thatta, Jam and Babiniya made their submission and waited upon him. They were graciously received, but were carried off with all the chiefs of the country to Dehli. After having for a while shown obedience, the Sultan reinstated the Jam in the fief (ikta') of Thatta, and sent him there in state. In the year 772 H. (1370-1 A.D.), Khan-i Jahan died, and his eldest son Jaunan Shah attained the dignity of Khan-i Jahan. In 773 Zafar Khan died in Gujarat, and his eldest son succeeded him in the fief. In 776, on the 12th of the month of Safar, Prince Fath Khan died at Kanthur. The Sultan was greatly affected by his death, and his constitution received a manifest shock.

1.8

In 778 H. (1376-7 A.D.), Shams Damaghani offered forty lacs of tankas in excess of the revenue paid for Gujarat, 100 elephants, two hundred Arab horses, and four hundred slaves, children of Hindu chiefs (mukaddam bachagan), and Abyssinians annually. Malik Ziau-l Mulk Malik Shamsu-d din Aburja was deputy (of the governor) of Gujarat, and an offer was made to confirm it to him on his consenting to these enhanced terms. But he knew he could not pay them, and that Shams Damaghani had made an extravagant offer, so he refused to accept. Shams Damaghani then received a golden girdle and a silver palankin, and was appointed to Gujarat as deputy of Zafar Khan. When he arrived in Gujarat, wild dreams and fancies entered his brain, and he raised the standard of rebellion, for he found that he could not raise the increased revenue and tribute which he had undertaken to pay. At length the new amirs (amir-i sadah) of Gujarat, such as Malik Shaikhu-l Mulk Fakhru-d din, rebelled against Shams Damaghani in the year 778 H., and having slain him they cut off his head, and sent it to Court. His revolt was thus put down. During the prosperous reign of this good and gracious sovereign, his justice and equity had such an effect over every quarter of his territories, that no rebellion had ever broken out, and no one had been able to turn his feet from the path of obedience until the revolt of this Shams Damaghani, and he quickly received the punishment of his perfidy.

1.9

The frontiers (sarhadd) of the empire were secured by placing them under the charge of great and trusty amirs. Thus on the side of Hindustan, on the Bengal frontier, the fief (ikta') of Karra and Mahoba, and the shikk of Dalamau, were placed under the charge of Maliku-s Shark (Prince of the East) Mardan Daulat, who received the title of Nasiru-l Mulk. The fief (ikta') of Oudh and Sandila, and the shikk of Kol were placed under Malik Hisamu-l Mulk and Hisamu-d din Nawa. The fief of Jaunpur and Zafarabad was given to Malik Bahroz Sultani. The fief of Bihar to Malik Bir Afghan. These nobles showed no laxity in putting down the plots of the infidels, and in making their territories secure. Thus the Sultan had no anxiety about the safety of these parts of his dominions; but on the side of Khurasan there was no amir capable of withstanding the attacks of the Mughals. He was therefore compelled to summon Maliku-s Shark Nasiru-l Mulk from Karra and Mahoba, and to send him to Multan, in order to put down and punish the assaults of these accursed foes. The fiefs (ikta's) of this quarter were conferred upon him, and the fief of Hindustan, that is to say Karra and Mahoba, was also ordered to be confirmed to Maliku-s Shark Shamsu-d din Sulaiman, son of Malik Mardan Daulat. After the murder of Damaghani, the fief of Gujarat was granted to Malik Mufarrih Sultani, who received the title of Farhatu-l Mulk. * * *

1.10

In the year 781 H. (1379 A.D.), the Sultan made a progress towards Samana, and when he arrived there, Malik Kabul Kuran Khwan, amir of the privy council and chief of Samana, presented his tribute, and the Sultan showed him great favour. Passing from thence through Ambala and Shahabad, the Sultan entered the hills of Saharanpur, and after taking tribute from the Rais of Sirmor and the hills, he returned to his capital. Just at this time information came of the rebellion of Khargu, the Hindu chief (mukaddam) of Katehr. This Khargu had invited Saiyid Muhammad, who held the fief of Badaun, and his brother Saiyid 'Alau-d din, to a feast at his house, and had then basely murdered them. In 782 H. (1380 A.D.), the Sultan proceeded there to avenge this murder, and ravaged the district of Katehr. Khargu fled, and took refuge in the mountains of Kamaun, in the country of the Mahtas. The Sultan also attacked them. * * Every year he used to proceed to Katehr, ostensibly to hunt, and that country became so devastated that nothing but game lived there. In 784 H. (1382 A.D.), he built a fortress at Beoli, seven kos from Badaun, and called it Firozpur, but the people named it Akhirin-pur (the last town). The Sultan now grew old and feeble, for his age was nearly ninety years, and Khan-i Jahan, the wazir, exercised unbounded authority. All the affairs of the State were in his hands, and the maliks and amirs were entirely subservient to him.

1.11

If any one opposed him, he got him removed from the presence of the Sultan in any way he could. Some he killed, others he put in confinement. At length it came to this, that whatever Khan-i Jahan said the Sultan used to do. So the affairs of the kingdom fell into disorder, and every day some loss occurred. One day Khan-i Jahan represented to the Sultan that Prince Muhammad Khan had allied himself to certain nobles such as Darya Khan, son of Zafar Khan, amir of Gujarat, Malik Ya'kub Muhammad Haji, master of the horse [etc., etc.], and was on the point of raising a rebellion. As the Sultan had given over everything to the charge of the Khan, he, without thought or consideration, gave the order that they should be taken into custody. When the prince heard this, he did not come to the palace for several days, and although Khan-i Jahan sent for him, he made excuses. Then the Khan, upon the pretext of a balance of accounts, kept Darya Khan, son of Zafar Khan, amir of Mahoba, confined in his house. This alarmed the prince still more, and he made a statement of his position to his father. The Sultan gave orders for the dismissal of Khan-i Jahan, and for the release of Darya Khan. The prince having done this, Malik Ya'kub Beg, master of the horse, brought out all the royal horses, and Malik Kutbu-d din Faramurz, keeper of the elephants, brought out the elephants with their howdas and armour, and took them to the prince.

1.12

The slaves of Sultan Firoz, the amirs, and other people of the city, also joined the prince. In the month of Rajab, 789 (July, Aug., 1387 A.D.), being fully prepared, the prince proceeded late one night, with a large body of men, to the house of Khan-i Jahan. When the Khan heard of their approach, he took Darya Khan, son of Zafar Khan, out of prison and put him to death. Then he came out with a few chosen followers, and was attacked by the prince. Being defeated, he fled to his house, and received a wound as he was entering. Unable to make further resistance, he again left his house with a few followers and fled into Mewat, where he sought refuge with Koka Chauhan, at Mahari. The prince plundered Khan-i Jahan's house of all its gold and wealth, and arms, horses and effects; he then returned with his followers to the palace. Next he caused Malik Bihzad Fath Khan, [and several other adherents of] Khan-i Jahan, to be brought to the palace and to be beheaded. When these proceedings were reported to the Sultan, he gave over his authority to Prince Muhammad Khan, and the maliks and amirs and slaves of Sultan Firoz, and the people in general, rallied round the prince. The Sultan was old and feeble, so of necessity he gave over to the prince the reins of government, with all the horses and elephants, wealth and state. He conferred upon him the title Nasiru-d din Muhammad Shah, and then he retired to his house to serve his God.

1.13

In all the chief mosques throughout the dominions the khutba was repeated in the names of the two sovereigns, and in the month of Sha'ban of the same year Muhammad Khan took his seat upon the throne in the palace of Jahan-numa. The titles and offices, fiefs, and allowances, pensions and gifts, and whatsoever had been enjoyed by any one during the late reign, were confirmed. Malik Ya'kub, master of the horse, was made Sikandar Khan, and received the fief of Gujarat. * * He was then sent with an army to Mahari against Khan-i Jahan. When this force reached Mahari, the accursed Koka seized Khan-i Jahan and sent him prisoner to Sikandar Khan, who killed him, and carried his head to Court. Sikandar Khan then departed to his fief of Gujarat, and the prince devoted himself to the duties of government. In the month of Zi-l ka'da of the same year, he went to the mountains of Sirmor, and there spent two months in hunting the rhinoceros and elk. While thus engaged, information was brought to him of the death of Sikandar Khan, whom Malik Mufarrih, amir of Kambay, and the new amirs of Gujarat, had risen against and slain. The retinue that had marched with him from Court, some of them wounded and some of them despoiled, returned home with Saiyid Sálár. When Prince Muhammad Khán heard this intelligence, he became thoughtful and anxious, and returned to his capital. But he was young and inexperienced, and he gave himself up to pleasure.

1.14

For five months longer the old rules and arrangements kept the affairs of the kingdom in order, but at length great irregularities arose. The slaves of the late Government of Fíroz Sháh, of whom there were about a lac in Dehlí and Fírozábád, stirred up by the opposition shown by Malik Samáu-d dín and Malik Kamálu-d dín, abandoned the prince, and joined themselves to the late sovereign; hence arose contention and strife. When the prince became aware of the facts, he sent Malik Zahíru-d dín Loharí to parley with the insurgents, who had assembled in the maidán; but they pelted him with bricks and stones, and after wounding him they made a display of their force and rejected all propositions for peace. Zahíru-d dín returned wounded to the prince, who was ready for action. He proceeded with all his force of horse and foot, and elephants, to the maidán against the rebels; and when he attacked them, they fled to the palace and sought refuge with the old Sultán. Fighting went on for two days, and on the third the prince was prepared to renew the struggle, when the insurgents brought out the old Sultán from the palace. The soldiers and elephant-drivers, directly they saw the face of their Sultán, deserted the side of the prince and joined themselves to their old master. Finding that he could no longer maintain the struggle, the prince turned and fled with a small band of followers to the mountains of Sirmor. The insurgents plundered his house, and those of his adherents.

1.15

That day tranquillity was restored, and the people were satisfied. The Sultán then appointed Prince Tughlik Sháh, his grandson, son of Fath Khán, to be his heir, and delivered over all the affairs of Government to him. Amír Husain Ahmad Ikbál, son-in-law of the Sultán, who had separated from the party of the prince, was made prisoner, and the prince had him beheaded before the entrance of the palace. Orders were also sent to the new amirs of Samana directing them to seize 'Ali Khan, the amir, and bring him to Court. When he was brought in, the prince sent him away to Bihar, and granted the fief of Samana to Malik Sultan Shah.

1.16

On the 18th Ramazan, 790 H. (26th September, 1388 A.D.), Sultan Firoz died, worn out with weakness. Veracious historians and truthful chroniclers of venerable age have recorded that since the days of Nasiru-d din, son of Shamsu-d din Altamsh, who was a second Naushirwan, there has been no king in Dehli so just and merciful, so kind and religious, or such a builder. His justice won for him the hearts of his subjects. If any poor traveller, by the visitation of God, fell in the road and died, the feudal chiefs, the officers, and the mukaddams having called together the kazis and all Musulmans, they examined the body, and drew up a report under the seal of the kazi, certifying that no mark of a wound was discernible upon the body, and after that they buried it. Thus by inquiries of the kazis, all the injunctions of the law were fulfilled, and it was in no way possible that during the reign of this Sovereign, any strong man could tyrannize over the weak. God Almighty took this gentle, beneficent, and just king to his everlasting rest, after a reign of thirty-seven years and nine months.

Reign of Tughlik Shah, son of Fath Khan, son of Firoz Shah, the late Sultan.

2.1

This Sultan, with the concurrence of several of the amirs and maliks and servants of the late Sultan, took his seat upon the throne in the palace at Firozdbdd, on the day of his predecessor's death, and took the title of Sultan Ghiyasu-d din. Malik-zada Firoz, son of Malik Taju-d din, was made wazir, and was honoured with the title Khan-i Jahan. Khudawand-zada Ghiyasu-d din Turmuzi was placed over the armoury. Firoz 'Ali was taken out of prison, and his father's office of sar-jandar was conferred upon him. The fief of Gujarat was granted to Malik Mufarrih Sultani, who held it under the late Sultan. The various other fiefs and appointments were confirmed to the holders. Malik Firoz 'Ali and Bahadur Nahir were sent with a considerable force against Prince Muhammad Khan. The amirs of the fiefs (iktd's), such as Sultan Amir Shah of Samana, Rai Kamalu-d din and others, were sent along with them. In the month of Shawwal the army entered the mountains of Sirmor, and Prince Muhammad Khan retired to the top of the mountains by hostile roads, till he reached the fort of Baknari. The royal army also entered the mountains, and when it reached the valley (darra) of Baknari, some little fighting followed, but the place being strong, the prince was not subdued. From thence he ascended the mountains and went towards Sakhet. (The royal army) then marched from Baknari to the town of Arbi, and encamped in the darra of Arbi, near to the station (chautara) of Kimar.

2.2

The prince then left Sakhet, and went to the fort of Nagarkot. The royal forces followed to the confines of Gwaliyar in pursuit, but they met with opposition on the way, so Malik Firoz 'Ali and the other amirs gave up the pursuit, and returned. The prince secured himself in Nagarkot. Tughlik Shah was young and inexperienced. He knew nothing of politics, and had seen none of the wiles of fickle fortune. So he gave himself up to wine and pleasure. The business of government was entirely neglected, and the officers of the late Sultan asserted so fearlessly their power, that all control of the State was lost. The Sultán imprisoned his brother Salár Sháh without any reason. Abú Bakr Sháh, son of Zafar Khán, having fled for refuge, Malik Ruknu-d dín Janda, deputy wazír, and several other amírs and slaves of the late Sultán, made common cause with him, and raised a revolt. They despatched with the sword Malik Mubárak Kabírí, in the palace at Fírozábád, as he was retreating through the door. A great outcry thereupon arose in the palace, and the Sultán hearing it, escaped through the door opening on the Jumna. Malik Fíroz, the wazír, was with him; but the traitor, Rukn Janda, being apprised of his escape, followed him with his own adherents, and with a party of the late Sultán's slaves. When they reached the ford of the Jumna, they killed Sultán Tughlik Sháh and the prince Fíroz. Then they cut off their heads, and threw them down in front of the palace.

2.3

This happened on the 21st Safar, 791 H. (19th February, 1389 A.D.) After this they brought Abú Bakr Sháh out from his dwelling, and seating him upon an elephant, with a canopy over his head, they proclaimed him under the title of Sultán Abú Bakr. Rukn Janda was made wazír. After a few days, Rukn Janda conspired with several slaves of the late Sultán Fíroz, with the intention of slaying Abú Bakr, and of making himself king. But certain others, who were unfriendly to him, anticipating his action, killed him, and put his confederates to the sword. Abú Bakr was in possession of Dehlí, the royal elephants and treasure were in his hands, and his power was day by day increasing. Just at this juncture the new amírs of Sámána treacherously slew Malik Sultán Sháh Khush-dil, with their swords and daggers, at the tank of Sannám, on the 4th Safar. Then, taking possession of Sámána, they plundered the houses of Malik Sultán Sháh and slew all his dependents. They cut off the head of Malik Sultán, and sent it to Nagarkot, to Prince Muhammad Khán, with offers of assistance. The length of the reign of Sultán Tughlik Sháh was six months and eighteen days.

Sultán Muhammad Sháh, younger son of the late Sultán Fíroz Sháh.

3.1

When the intelligence of the death of Malik Sultán Sháh reached Muhammad Khán at Nagarkot, he marched thence to the town of Jálandhar, and so into the district of Sámána. There, on the 6th of the month of Rabí'u-l ákhir, of the year above named, he, for the second time, mounted the throne of the empire. The new amírs of Sámána, and the mukaddams of that district and of the hills, all joined him, and renewed their vows of allegiance. Several amírs and maliks also of Dehlí deserted Abú Bakr Sháh, and came to join him. So there assembled round him in Sámána about twenty thousand horse, and an innumerable host of foot. From Sámána he marched to Dehlí; and by the time he reached its neighbourhood, the horse had increased to about fifty thousand. Abú Bakr Sháh was informed of his approach, and the slaves of Sultán Fíroz, having before opposed the new Sultán, now allied themselves with Abú Bakr. On the 25th Rabí'u-l ákhir, 791 (23rd April, 1389), Sultán Muhammad took up his position at the palace of Jahán-numá, and Abú Bakr also, with his adherents and forces, was at Fírozábád. On the 2nd Jumáda-l awwal, the adherents of Abú Bakr, having taken the streets and walls of Fírozábád, gave battle to the forces of the new Sultán. On that very day Bahádur Náhir came into the city with a party of his followers; and Abú Bakr Sháh, being emboldened by his arrival, marched on the following day into Fírozábád with his horse and foot.

3.2

The battle began, and by the decree of God, Sultán Muhammad was defeated. He fled towards his own territories. With a party of about two thousand horse, he crossed the Jumna, and penetrated into the Doáb. From thence he sent his second son, Prince Humáyún Khan, to Samana, to assemble his forces; and he sent with him Malik Ziau-d din Aburja, Rai Kamalu-d din Main, and Rai Khul Chain Bhatti, whose fiefs were in that quarter. The Sultan himself took up his position at the village of Jalesar, on the banks of the Ganges. The amirs of Hindustan, such as Malik Sarwar, governor of the city (shahna-i shahr), Maliku-sh Shark Nasiru-l Mulk the holder of Multan, Khawassu-l Mulk the holder of Bihar [and others]; and Rai Sarvar and other rais and ranas, making in all about fifty thousand horse, with an innumerable force of foot, joined the Sultan. Malik Sarwar received the title of Khwaja-i Jahan, and was made wazir. Malik Nasiru-l Mulk became Khizr Khan, Khawassu-l Mulk was made Khawass Khan, and Saifu-d din became Saif Khan.

3.3

In Sha'ban of the same year Sultan Muhammad again marched against Dehli. Abu Bakr Shah came forth to meet him, and encountered him at the village of Kundali. Both sides arrayed their forces, and a battle ensued. By the will of God, the army of Sultan Muhammad was defeated, and Abu Bakr was victorious. His camp equipage and baggage fell into the hands of the victors, who kept up the pursuit for three kos. Sultan Muhammad then returned, and took up his abode at Jalesar. Abu Bakr Shah went back to Dehli. On the 19th Ramazan the slaves of the late Sultan Firoz who were living in the various districts and cities, as at Multan, Lahor, Samana, and Hisar, and the fort of Hansi, were unjustly put to death in one day by the chiefs and people of the different places, under the orders of Sultan Muhammad. In consequence of the contention among the Musulmans for the throne, the Hindu infidels gathered strength, and gave up paying the poll-tax and tribute. They moreover threatened the Muhammadan towns.

3.4

In the month of Muharram, 792 H. (January, 1390 A.D.), Prince Humayun Khan, having collected the various maliks and amirs who had been appointed to act under him, such as Ghalib Khan, amir of Samana [etc., etc.], pitched his camp at Panipat, and plundered the environs of Dehli. When Abu Bakr Shah was informed of this, he sent Malik Shahin 'Imadu-l Mulk, with four thousand horse and guards and many foot soldiers, towards Panipat; and the two forces drew up in battle array at the village of Basina, near Panipat. The Almighty gave the victory to Abu Bakr Shah, and the army of the prince being defeated fled back towards Samana. His camp and baggage and equipments, all became the spoil of the victors. The forces of Dehli, under the grace of God, being thus everywhere victorious, Sultan Muhammad and his army could no longer resist the enemy, and he became very much depressed in spirit. Still the maliks and the soldiers and the people of the capital were entirely on the side of the Sultan, and Abu Bakr dared not leave the city to pursue his defeated enemy.

3.5

In the month Jumada-l awwal of the same year Abu Bakr Shah collected his army and marched towards Jalesar. He encamped about twenty kos from Dehli, and Sultan Muhammad, being informed of this, left his army and baggage at Jalesar, and started off with four thousand light horse for Dehli. Some guards who had been left in charge of the city shut themselves up at the Badaun gate, and made some show of resistance; but the assailants set fire to the gate, and the defenders fled. Sultan Muhammad entered the city through this gate, and took up his quarters at the Humayun palace. All the people of the city, high and low, and the bazar people, joined him. When intelligence of this reached Abu Bakr, he set off early on the same day with a party of his followers, and entered the city by the same gate, and Malik Bahau-d din, who had been left in charge of the gate by Sultan Muhammad, was killed on the spot. The Sultan was in the palace, unaware of what had happened; but when Abu Bakr drew near, and he was apprised of the fact, he escaped with a small party of followers through a back door of the palace, and making his way out of the city by the gate of the Hauz-i khass, he returned to Jalesar, to his army and baggage. The amirs and maliks and soldiers who were unable to escape out of the city with the Sultan were, some of them taken prisoners, and some killed; Khalil Khan naib-barbak and Malik Isma'il, son of the daughter of Sultan Firoz Shah, were taken alive, and were put to death.

3.6

In the month of Ramazan of the same year Mubashir Hajib Sultani, who had the title Islam Khan, with several old slaves (bandagan) of Sultan Firoz, without any reason, turned against Abu Bakr Shah, and opened communications with Sultan Muhammad. When this fact became known, Abu Bakr Shah was unable to overcome them, so he left Dehli, accompanied by some of his most devoted followers, such as Malik Shahin 'Imadu-l Mulk, Malik Bahri, and Safdar Khan Sultani, and proceeded to the kotila of Bahadur Nahir. On the 17th of the month Ramazan, Mubashir Hajib and the old Firoz Shahi men sent letters to Sultan Muhammad, informing him of the facts, and of the flight of Abu Bakr Shah. They placed Khan-i Khanan, the youngest son of the Sultan, on an elephant, and, raising a canopy over his head, they conducted him to Jalesar. On the third day, the 19th Ramazan, the Sultan started from Jalesar, and entering the city he took his seat on the throne in the palace of Firozabad. Mubashir Hajib received the office of wazir, and the title of Islam Khan was confirmed to him. The old guards of Firoz Shah and the people of the capital joined the Sultan. After a few days, he left Firozabad, and went into the fort (hisar) of Jahan-panah to the Humayun palace. He took the elephants from the charge of the Firoz Shahi slaves, and placed them under the old elephantkeepers. This excited great discontent among them;

3.7

but as the Sultan was strong, and the elephants had all been taken into the charge of his servants, they could not withstand him; so they fled in the night, with their wives and children, and joined Abu Bakr Shah at the Kútila of Bahadur Náhir. Such of these old slaves as remained in the city next morning received notice that they must quit it within three days, so the city was cleared of them.

3.8

The amirs and maliks of the various parts of the kingdom (bilád-i mamálik) now came to Court, and the Sultán's power and dignity increased. Prince Humáyún Khán, with Islám Khan [and others], was sent with a powerful army to suppress Abu Bakr Sháh and the old Fíroz Sháhí slaves. They had reached the town of Mahindwari; and in the month of Muharram, 793 (Dec. 1390 A.D.), Abú Bakr Sháh, Bahádur Náhir, and the old Fíroz Sháhí slaves, having assembled, made a sudden attack upon the royal forces early in the morning, and killed several men. But Islám Khán made ready his division, and fell upon the assailants; the prince also mounted his horse, with his followers, and defeated the enemy at the first charge. The royal army pursued, and the bulk of the defeated forces took refuge in the fort of Kútila, but some were killed, and some were taken prisoners. When the news of the victory reached the Sultán, he started off for the scene of the conflict; and arriving at Kútila, he encamped on the banks of the Dahand. Abu Bakr Sháh and Bahadur Nahir begged for mercy, and came to meet the Sultán. Bahádur Náhir received a robe, and was sent back. Abu Bakr Sháh was carried away by the Sultán as far as Khandí, from whence he was sent to be kept a prisoner at Mirat, and there he died. The Sultán proceeded to Etáwa, and there he was waited upon by Nar Singh, who received a robe, and was sent back. Proceeding along the bank of the Jumna, the Sultán arrived at Dehli.

3.9

In 794 H. (1392 A.D.), Nar Singh above mentioned, and Sarvádharan and Bír Bahan, broke out in rebellion. The Sultán sent Islám Khán against Nar Singh, and he himself marched to Etáwa against Sarvádharan and the other infidels. The accursed Nar Singh encountered the forces of Islám Khán, and, by God's grace, was defeated and put to flight. The victors pursued, sending many infidels to hell, and laying waste their country. Nar Singh at length sued for mercy, and came to wait on Islám Khán, who carried him to Dehli. Sarvádharan attacked the town of Balárám, but when the Sultán reached the banks of the Biyáh (sic), the infidels fled and shut themselves up in Etáwa. The Sultán continued his march thither, and on the first day of his arrival some little fighting took place. In the night the rebels abandoned the fort of Etáwa and fled, and next day the Sultán destroyed it. From thence he marched towards Kanauj, and crossing the Ganges, he punished the infidels of Kanauj and Dalamau, and returning went to Jalesar, where he built a fortress which he called Muhammadábád.

3.10

In the month of Rajab, a letter arrived from Khwája-i Jahán, who was the Sultán's locum tenens in Dehli, bringing the information that Islám Khán was about to depart for Multán and Láhor, with the object of stirring up a rebellion. The Sultán immediately left Jalesar, and proceeded to Dehli, where he held a Court, and questioned Islám Khán about the intentions imputed to him. He denied them. But an infidel named Jáju, his brother's son, a bad fellow who had a spite against him, gave false evidence, and Islam Khan was unjustly condemned to death. Khwaja-i Jahan was made wazir, and Malik Mukarrabu-l Mulk was sent to Muhammadabad in Jalesar, with an army. In the year 795 H. (1393 A.D.), Sarvadharan and Jit Singh Rahtor, and Bir Bahan mukaddam, of Bhanu-ganw, and Abhai Chand mukaddam, of Chandu, broke out in rebellion. "The Sultdn sent Mukarrabu-l Mulk to put down this outbreak. When the two parties came in sight of each other, Mukarrabu-l Mulk adopted a conciliatory course, and by promises and engagements, induced the rais to submit. He carried them with him to Kanauj, and there treacherously had them put to death ; but Rai Sar[vadharan] escaped, and entered Etawa. Malik Mukarrab then returned to Muhammadabad. In the month of Shawwal, the Sultan attacked and ravaged Mewat. Having gone from Muhammadabad to Jalesar, he there fell sick. Just at that time intelligence reached him that Bahadur Nahir had attacked and plundered several villages in the vicinity of Dehli.

3.11

Notwithstanding his weakness, the Sultan proceeded to Mewat, and on reaching Kutila, Bahadur Nahir came out to fight; but he was defeated, and took refuge in Kutila. Unable to remain there, he fled and hid in Jhar. After this, the Sultan proceeded to Muhammadabad, in order to inspect the buildings which he had there begun. His sickness grew worse. In the month Rabi'u-l awwal, 796 H., he appointed Prince Humayun to march against Shaikha Khokar, who had rebelled, and had got possession of Lahor. Just as the prince was about to march, he received intelligence of the death of the Sultan on the 17th Rabi'u-l awwal (15th Jan. 1394 A.D.); so he remained at the capital. Sultan Muhammad Shah reigned six years and seven months.

4

"The late Sultan's second son, Humayun Khan, remained for three days engaged in the duties of mourning; but on the 19th Rabi'u-l awwal, he ascended the throne, with the approbation of the amirs and maliks, the saiyids and kazis, and all the great men of Dehli. Khwaja-i Jahan was made wazir, and the various other officers were confirmed in their appointments. On the 5th Jumada-l awwal, he fell sick and died, after a reign of one month and sixteen days.

Sultan Mahmud Shah, youngest son of Muhammad Shah.

5.1

"On the death of Sultan 'Alau-d din, otherwise known as Humayun Khan, several of the nobles, such as Ghalib Khan of Samana, Rai Kamal Main, Mubarak Khan, Malajun (?) Khawass Khan governor of Indri and Karnal, were about to leave the city and proceed to their respective territories, without taking leave of [Prince] Mahmud Shah. But Khan-i Jahan heard of their intention, and encouraged them to return to the city. On the 20th Jumada-l awwal, by the efforts of the amirs and maliks, and great men, Prince Mahmud was placed upon the throne in the Humayun palace," and the title Sultan Nasiru-d din Mahmud Shah was given to him. The office of wazir was confirmed to Khwaja-i Jahan, Mukarrabu-l Mulk became Mukarrab Khan, and was named heir-apparent of the Sultan. 'Abdu-r Rashid Sultani was entitled Sa'dat Khan, and received the office of Barbak. Malik Sarang was created Sarang Khan, and received the fief of Dibalpur. Malik Daulat Yar, the dabir (secretary), was created Daulat Khan, and received the office of 'Imadu-l mulk and 'ariz of the State. Through the turbulence of the base infidels, the affairs of the fiefs of Hindustan had fallen into confusion, so Khwaja-i Jahan received the title of Maliku-sh Shark (King of the East); and the administration of all Hindustan, from Kanauj to Bihar, was placed in his charge. In the month of Rajab, 796 H., he proceeded to Hindustan with twenty elephants;

5.2

and after chastising the rebels of Etawa, Kol, Kahura-kanil, and the environs of Kanauj, he went to Jaunpur. By degrees he got the fiefs of Kanauj, Karra, Oudh, Sandilah, Dalamau, Bahraich, Bihar, and Tirhut, into his own possession. He put down many of the infidels, and restored the forts which they had destroyed. God Almighty blessed the arms of Islam with power and victory. The Rai of Jajnagar and the King of Lakhnauti now began to send to Khwaja-i Jahan the elephants which they used to send [as tribute] to Dehli.

5.3

About the same time, Sarang Khan was sent to Dibalpur, to get possession of the fiefs, and to suppress the rebellion of Shaikha Khokhar. In the month of Sha'ban, he proceeded to Dibalpur, where he recruited and disciplined the soldiers and officers, and got possession of the fief (ikta'). In Zi-l ka'da, 796 H., having taken with him Rai Khul Chain Bhatti and Rai Daud Kamal Main, and the army of Multan, he crossed the Satladar (Sutlej) near the town of Tirharah, and the Biyah, near Duhali, and came into the country of Lahor. When Shaikha Khokhar heard of Sarang Khan's advance, he also collected his forces, and attacked the neighbourhood of Dibalpur, and laid siege to Ajodhan; but on being informed that Sarang Khan had passed Hindupat, and had sat down [against Lahor], he left Ajodhan in the night, and proceeded to Lahor. On the next day the hostile forces prepared for battle, and placed themselves in array at Samuthalla, twelve kos from Lahor. Sarang Khan obtained the victory, and Shaikha Khokhar went into Lahor. In the night, however, he collected his wives and children, and fled to the Jud mountains. On the following day, Sarang Khan obtained possession of the fort of Lahor, and giving his brother Malik Kandhu the title of 'Adil Khan, he left him there, and himself returned to Dibalpur. In the month of Sha'ban, the Sultan, taking with him Sa'dat Khan, went on an excursion to Bayana, leaving Mukarrab Khan at the capital, in charge of the elephants and royal family.

5.4

When the Sultan approached Gwaliyar (Gwalior), Malik 'Alau-d din Dharwal, Mubarak Khan son of Malik Raju, and Mallu Khan brother of Sarang Khan, formed a conspiracy against the latter; but he got information of it, and seizing Malik 'Alau-d din and Mubarak Khan, he put them to death. Mallu Khan fled, and took refuge with Mukarrab Khan in Dehli. The Sultan returning from his journey, encamped near the city, and Mukarrab Khan came forth to meet him. He received the honour of an interview, but fear and apprehension filled his heart, so he went back into the city and made ready for war. Next day the Sultan, having placed Sa'dat Khan over all the amirs, maliks, and elephants, approached the maidan gate in battle array. Mukarrab Khan shut himself up, and the fight began. For three months the war continued, till at length some of the Sultan's friends took him into the city, in the month of Muharram, 797 H. (November, 1394 A.D.). But then the elephants and royal horses, and all the paraphernalia of government, were left in the hands of Sa'dat Khan. The position of Mukarrab Khan was strengthened by the presence of the Sultan, and next day he assembled the soldiers and bazar people, and led them out in a sortie against the investing forces. Sa'dat Khan got timely notice of the sortie, and drew up his men in the maidan. Sharp fighting followed, but Mukarrab Khan was worsted, and obliged to retreat into the city, with his men, greatly disheartened.

5.5

Still Sa'dat Khan could not take the fort, and fell back. He encamped near the hauz-i khass; and finding the fortifications of Dehli impregnable, and the rainy season coming on, he raised the siege, and marched to Firozabad. He conspired with the amirs, who supported him, to raise some one of the sons of the late Sultan Firoz Shah to the sovereignty, and place him on the throne in Firozabad. Nusrat Khan, son of Fath Khan, son of Sultan Firoz Shah, was in Mewat. They brought him forward, and in the month Rabi'u-l awwal raised him to the throne, in the palace of Firozabad, under the title of Nasiru-d din Nusrat Shah. But he was a mere puppet, and all the direction of affairs was in the hands of Sa'dat Khan. Only a few days had passed, when some of the old Firoz Shahi slaves, and some of the elephant-keepers, attached themselves to Nasiru-d din, and while Sa'dat Khan was unsuspicious of danger, they placed Nasiru-d din upon an elephant, and suddenly attacked him, before he could gather his friends around him. Unable to resist, he escaped from the palace by the door of the harem. Some of his soldiers joined him, and with them he fled to Dehli, and presented himself to Mukarrab Khan, by whom, a few days afterwards, he was treacherously seized and killed.

5.6

The amirs and maliks who remained in Firozabad, such as Muhammad Muzaffar, wazir; Shahab Nahir, Malik Fazlu-llah Balkhi, and the old Firoz Shahi slaves, all joined Sultan Nasiru-d din [Nusrat Khan], and pledged their faith to him. Muhammad Muzaffar was made wazir, and received the title of Tatar Khan, Shahab Nahir became Shahab Khan, and Fazlu-llah became Katlagh Khan, and Malik Almas Sultani received the command of the royal slaves. He became sovereign in Dehli and Firozabad.

5.7

Mukarrab Khan had secured Bahadur Nahir and his adherents, and had placed him in charge of the fortress of Old Dehli. Mallu was entitled Ikbal Khan, and received charge of the fortress of Siri. At length fights came to be daily occurrences between Dehli and Firozabad, Musulmans shed the blood of each other, and neither party could obtain the mastery. The districts (shikk) in the Doab, and the fiefs (ikta's) of Sambhal, Panipat, Jhajhar, and Ruhtak, were in the possession of Sultan Nasiru-d din [Nusrat Khan], while Sultan Mahmud held no place except the forts above named. The amirs and maliks of the outlying territories (bilad-i mamalik) set themselves up as rulers, at their own pleasure, and kept all the wealth and revenue in their own hands. Things went on thus for three years. Deadly contests were of daily occurrence between Dehli and Firozabad, and of varying results. Sometimes the men of Dehli had to throw themselves into their fortress, sometimes they drove their adversaries into the fort of Firozabad.

5.8

In the year 798 H. (1396 A.D.), Sarang Khan quarrelled with Khizr Khan, amir of Multan, and much fighting went on between them. At length some of the people (ghulam) of Malik Mardan Bhatti joined Sarang Khan, and with their assistance he got possession of the district (shikk) of Multan. Having assembled a considerable force, he in the month of Ramazan, 799 (May, 1397 A.D.), marched against Samana, and besieged the amir Ghalib Khan. When he was no longer able to hold out, Ghalib Khan fled, with a small party of horse and foot, to Panipat, to join Tatar Khan. As soon as Sultan Nasir Shah (Nusrat Khan) heard of this, he sent Malik Almas, commander of the slaves, with ten elephants and a small army, to Tatar Khan, with orders to march against Samana, expel Sarang Khan, and to reinstate Ghalib Khan. On the 15th Muharram, 800 H. (9th October, 1397 A.D.), a battle was fought at the village of Kotila, and Tatar Khan gained the victory. Sarang Khan fled towards Multan, and Tatar Khan pursued him as far as Talwandi, when he sent Rai Kamalu-d din Main in pursuit, and returned.

5.9

In the month of Rabi'u-l awwal, 800 (November-December 1397), Pir Muhammad, grandson of Amir Timur, King of Khurasan, crossed the river Sind with a numerous army, and laid siege to Uch. 'Ali Malik, who held Uch for Sarang Khan, sustained the siege for about a month, when Sarang Khan sent his naib Malik Taju-d din, and some other amirs with 4,000 horse, to his assistance. Pir Muhammad, on hearing of their approach, left Uch, and fell upon this force at the village of Tamtama, on the banks of the Biyah. The attack was unexpected, and resistance was unavailing; many perished by the sword, and many threw themselves into the river and were drowned. Taju-d din fled, with a small party of horse, to Multan. Pir Muhammad pursued him, and Sarang Khan, being unable to oppose him in the field, was obliged to shut himself up in the fortress. The siege went on for six months, and then want of forage and provisions compelled Sarang Khan to surrender in the month of Ramazan, 800. Pir Muhammad made Sarang Khan and his family and dependents, and all the people of the city, prisoners. He also took possession of the fortress, and encamped his army there.

5.10

In the month of Shawwal, Ikbal Khan joined himself to Sultan Nasiru-d din [Nusrat Khan], and a compact was made between them at the tomb of the Shaikhu-l mashaikh Nizamu-l hakk wau-s shara [Kutbu-d din Bakhtiyar Kaki]. He placed the Sultan [Nusrat Khan] upon an elephant, and conducted him into the Jahan-panah. Sultan Mahmud, Mukarrab Khan, and Bahadur Nahir, were shut up in Old Dehli. On the third day, Ikbal Khan treacherously attacked Sultan Nasiru-d din [Nusrat Khan], who, being unable to resist, fled, with a small party of men and elephants, to Firozabad. Ikbal Khan pursued with his forces, and all the elephants fell into his hands. The prince escaping to Firozabad, fled from thence with his family and dependents, crossed the Jumna, and went to Tatar Khan. Firozabad then came into the possession of Ikbal Khan. After this, fighting went on daily for two months between Mukarrab Khan and Ikbal Khan; but at length some amirs interfered, and made peace between them. Mukarrab Khan then entered Jahan-panah with Sultan Mahmud, and Ikbal Khan stayed in Siri. Suddenly Ikbal Khan proceeded with a party of his followers to the house of Mukarrab Khan, took him, and slew him without mercy. He then kept Sultan Mahmud in his power as a puppet, and himself directed all matters of government.

5.11

In the month of Zi-l ka'da, Ikbal Khan marched against Tatar Khan at Panipat. When information of this reached the latter, he left his baggage and materials of war in Panipat, and marched with a strong force against Dehli. Ikbal Khan invested Panipat, and captured the place in three days. Tatar Khan also attacked Dehli, but notwithstanding his efforts, he could not take it. When he heard of the fall of Panipat, he gave up the siege, and fled with his army to his father in Gujarat. Ikbal Khan took the elephants, horses, etc., from Panipat, and returned to Dehli. Malik Nasiru-l Mulk, relation (karib) of Tatar Khan, joined the victor, and received from him the title of 'Adil Khan, and a fief in the Doab. Ikbal Khan then devoted himself to affairs of State. In the month of Safar, 801 H. (October, 1398 A.D.), intelligence came that Amir Timur, King of Khurasan, had attacked Talina, and was staying at Multan, and that he had put to the sword all the soldiers of Sarang Khan, who had been taken prisoners by Pir Muhammad. This intelligence filled Ikbal Khan with dread and anxiety. Amir Timur continuing his march, besieged Bhatnir, took the rai Khul Chain prisoner, and put the garrison to the sword. From thence he marched to Samana, and many inhabitants of Dibalpur, Ajodhan, and Sarsuti, fled in terror to Dehli. Many prisoners were taken, and most of these received the glory of martyrdom. Then he crossed over the Jumna into the Doab, and ravaged the greater part of the country.

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