The History of Mubārak Shāh 7: Sultan-i 'azam wa Khundigan-i mu'azzam Mu'izzu-d dunya wau-d din Mubarak Shah
Táríkh-i Mubárak Sháhí (extracts) 7
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- English
Sultan-i 'azam wa Khundigan-i mu'azzam Mu'izzu-d dunya wau-d din Mubarak Shah
7.1
Khizr Khan, three days before his death, nominated his excellent and worthy son as his heir-apparent. On the 19th Jumada-l awwal, 824, with the approval of the amirs and maliks, Mubarak Shah took his seat upon the throne. Khizr Khan being dead, the people in general renewed their vows of allegiance to his throne. The amirs and maliks, the imams, saiyids, and kdzis, and every one else who held appointments and emoluments in the late reign, were confirmed in their ikta's, parganas, villages (dih), parcels of ground (kati'), and allotments (mahdud), by the new sovereign. He even increased them of his own accord. The fiefs of the shikk of Hisar Firozah and of Hansi were taken from Malik Rajab Nadir and given to Maliku-sh Shark Malik Badah, the Sultan's nephew. Malik Rajab received the fief of the shikk of Dibalpur. News now arrived of the rebellion of Jasrath Shaikha Khokhar and Tughan Rais. The cause of this outbreak was, that in 823 H. (1420 A.D.), Sultan 'Ali, King of Kashmir, led his army into the country of Thatta, but as he returned, he was encountered by Jasrath Khokhar. The Shah's army was scattered, part being still in Thatta, and part having come out. Incapable of sustaining the attack, it broke and fled. Shah 'Ali himself fell a prisoner into the hands of Jasrath, and all his baggage and stores were plundered. Jasrath Khokhar was an imprudent rustic. Intoxicated with victory, and elated with the strength of his forces, he began to have visions about Dehli.
7.2
When he heard of the death of Khizr Khan, he passed the rivers Biyah and Satladar (Sutlej), with a body of horse and foot, and attacked Rai Kamalu-d din Main, at Talwandi. Rai Firoz fled before him towards the desert. Jasrath next plundered the country, from the town of Ludhiyana to the neighbourhood of Arubar (Rupar), on the Sutlej. Some days after, he re-crossed the river, and proceeded to Jalandhar. Zirak Khan withdrew into the fort, and Jasrath Khokhar pitched his camp three kos from the town, on the bank of the Beni. Negociations went on between them, and terms of capitulation were agreed upon by both parties. The fort was to be evacuated and given into the charge of Tughan. Majlis-i 'all Zirak Khan was to take a son of Tughan to wait upon the Sultan, and Jasrath was to send tribute, and return home. On the 2nd Jumada-l akhir, Zirak Khan came out of the fort of Jalandhar, and was conducted to Jasrath Khokhar, who was drawn up ready to receive him with his whole force. When Jasrath saw Zirak Khan in his power, he forgot his promise, and carefully guarding him, carried him off a prisoner over the Sutlej, to the town of Ludhiyana. From thence he marched on the 20th Jumada-l akhir, to Sirhind, where he arrived in the middle of the rainy season. Malik Sultan Shah Lodi took refuge in the fort, and although Jasrath made great exertions, God guarded the fortress, and Jasrath failed to take it.
7.3
When Malik Sultan Shah's appeals for assistance reached the ears of the Sultan, he, notwithstanding the rains, marched out of the city in the month of Rajab, and proceeded towards Sirhind. He reached the town of Kohila, in the neighbourhood of Samana, and Jasrath hearing of his approach, raised the siege of Sirhind, on the 27th Rajab, and retreated to Ludhiyana. He released Majlis-i 'ali Zirak Khan, who then returned to Samana, and joined his sovereign. The royal army then advanced to Ludhiyana, and Jasrath Khokhar crossed to the other side of the river, where he encamped in full view of the Sultan's forces. He had got possession of all the boats, so the royal army was unable to pass. For nearly forty days they thus remained posted in sight of each other, until Canopus rose and the waters fell. The Sultan then retired to Kabulpur, and Jasrath Khokhar, keeping to the bank of the river, made a similar movement. On the 11th Shawwal, the king sent Sikandar Tuhfa, Majlis-i 'ali Zirak Khan, Maliku-sh Shark Mahmud Hasan, Malik Kalu, and several other amirs, with a strong force and six elephants, to cross the river higher up at Rupar. Early in the morning they crossed the river by a ford. On the same day, the king himself marched to the place where they had crossed. Jasrath Khokhar also, still holding to the bank of the river, advanced by a parallel march; but when he heard that some forces had crossed the river, he was alarmed, and took up a position four kos distant from the ford.
7.4
The Sultán then passed with his whole army, and hastened to meet him. As soon as the royal forces came in sight, the rebels fled without fighting, leaving all their baggage behind. The royal forces pursued, and many horse and foot men were killed. Jasrath fled hastily with some light-horse, to the town of Jalandhar, and on the second day he crossed the Biyáh. When the royal army reached the Biyáh, he made off to the Ráví. The Sultán crossed the Biyáh at the foot of the hills, and reached the Ráví, near the town of Bhowa. He continued his pursuit across the river, and Jasrath then went over the Jánháva, and proceeded to Tekhar, in the hills. Rái Bhím, the chief of Jammú, was honoured in an interview with the Sultán, and he then undertook to act as guide. He crossed the Jánháva, and conducted the royal army to Tekhar, which was his [Jasrath Khokhar's] strongest place. They destroyed the place, and made many of those who had there sought refuge prisoners. The royal army then retired victorious towards Láhor. In Muharram, 825 H. (December, 1421), the Sultán entered the ruined city of Láhor, in which no living thing except the owl of ill omen had its abode. After a while the Sultán turned his attention to the restoration of the city, and under his royal favour building was recommenced. He stayed there encamped by the side of the Ráví for nearly a month, engaged in repairing the fort and the gates.
7.5
When this work was completed, he gave the fief of Láhor to Maliku-sh Shark Malik Mahmúd Hasan. He gave him also two thousand horse, and having made preparation for the maintenance of this force and of the fort, he left them in his charge, and then returned to Dehli. In Jumada-l akhir of this same year, Jasrath Shaikha crossed the rivers Janhava and Ravi with a large force of horse and foot, and proceeded to Lahor. He pitched his camp near the place (tomb) of the Shaikhu-l Mashaikh Shaikh Hasan Zanjani. On the 11th Jumada-l akhir, an engagement was fought in the mud fort (hisar-i kham), and by God's grace Jasrath was repulsed. The royal forces came out of the fort in pursuit, but did not advance very far, so that the opposing forces maintained their respective positions. On the next day Jasrath held his ground, but on the following day he went down the Ravi. There having assembled the wise men ('ulama), he, on the 17th of the month, fell back one kos from Lahor. On the 21st he returned and again attacked the fort, but the arms of Islam were once more victorious. The assailants were driven back and pursued, and Jasrath returned to his army. In this way for a month and five days fighting went on outside the fort, but at length Jasrath was compelled to retreat towards Kalanor. Rai Bhim had come into the fort of Kalanor, with the object of rendering assistance to the royal forces.
7.6
He had (already) excited the enmity of Jasrath, and when the latter approached, constant fighting went on, but neither party could prevail. So the strife continued; but subsequently, in the month of Ramazan, they made peace. Jasrath then went towards the Ravi, and there he gathered together all the people of the territory of the Khokhars who were in alliance with him. Sikandar Tuhfa now arrived at the ford of Buhi with a large force to support Malik Mahmud Hasan, who had been sent by the Sultan against Jasrath. Unable to resist these forces, Jasrath fled across the Ravi and Janhava with his followers, and proceeded to Tekhar. Maliku-sh Shark crossed the Biyah at the ford of Buhi, and on the 12th Shawwal, he arrived at Lahor. Malik Mahmud Hasan came three kos out of the fort to meet him.
7.7
Previous to this, Malik Rajab, amir of Dibalpur, Malik Sultan Shah Lodi, amir of Sirhind, and Rai Firoz Main joined Malik Sikandar. The army (of Sikandar Tuhfa) marched along the Ravi, and crossed that river between Kalanor and the town of Bhoh. On reaching the confines of Jammu, they were joined by Rai Bhim. After this, some Khokhars who had separated from Jasrath, at the river of Janhava, were defeated, and the army returned to Lahor. His Majesty now gave orders that Maliku-sh Shark Mahmud Hasan should go to the fief of Jalandhar, and having got ready (his followers), should return and join him. Malik Sikandar was placed in charge of Lahor, and in obedience to the royal order, he proceeded with his army into the fort. His Majesty having recalled Mahmud and the other amirs, removed Malik Sikandar from the office of wazir, and appointed as his successor Maliku-sh Shark Sarwar, then governor of the city. The son of the latter succeeded him in the office of governor. In the year 826 H. (1423 A.D.). His Majesty made ready his army, and determined to march towards Hindustan. In the month of Muharram he entered the territory of Katehr, and collected the revenue and taxes [mal o mahsul]. At this time Muhabat Khan, who had felt himself in danger from the Sultan's father Khizr Khan, was admitted to an interview and forgiven. From thence, the Sultan crossed the Ganges, and attacked the country of the Rahtors, putting many of the infidels to the sword.
7.8
He remained for some days encamped on the Ganges, and then he left Malik Mubaraz, Zirak Khan, and Kamal Khan with a detachment in the fort of Kampila, to put down any outbreak of the Rahtors. The son of Rai Sarwar, who had joined His Majesty, and had followed in his retinue, now took alarm and went off. Maliku-sh Shark Khairu-d din Khan was sent in pursuit of him with a strong force, but could not come up with him. He, however, plundered his country, and descended upon Etawa. The Sultan also marched and joined Khairu-d din in Etawa, when the infidel ruler of that country shut himself up in his fort. But he was unable to hold out, and so this son of Rai Sarwar made his submission, and paid the revenue and tribute which was owing. His Majesty then returned victorious to Dehli, where he arrived in Jumada-l akhir, 826 H. Malik Mahmud Hasan came in with a large body of followers from his fief of Jalandhar to wait upon the Sultan, and was received with great distinction. The office of 'ariz-i mamalik was taken from Malik Khairu-d din Khani and given to Mahmud Hasan. This worthy and righteous man was a faithful servant of the Sultan; he applied himself diligently to business, and his dignity daily increased. In Jumada-l awwal of this same year, there was fighting between Jasrath Shaikha and Rai Bhim. The rai was killed, and the greater portion of his horses and arms fell into the hands of Jasrath.
7.9
On ascertaining the death of Rai Bhim, Jasrath united a small army of Mughals with his own, and attacked the territories of Dibalpur and Lahor. Malik Sikandar immediately marched after him, but Jasrath fell back, and crossed over the Janhava. About this time intelligence arrived of the death of Malik 'Alau-l Mulk, amir of Multan. Accounts were also brought in, that Shaikh 'Ali, lieutenant of the prince the son of Sar-'atmash, was advancing with a large force from Kabul to attack the territories of Bhakkar and Siwistan. To repulse this attack and overthrow the accursed invaders, His Majesty placed the districts of Multan and Siwistan under the charge of Maliku-sh Shark Malik Mahmud Hasan, and he sent him with a large army, and with all his family and dependents, to Multan. When he arrived there, he restored tranquillity among the population, and distributing in'ams, pensions, and allowances, he made the people joyful and happy. The inhabitants, both of the city and country, felt secure. He repaired the fort which had been damaged in the struggles (hadisah) with the Mughals, and he collected a strong army around him. News now arrived that Alp Khan, amir of Dhar, had marched against the Rai of Gwalior.
7.10
His Majesty hastened thither with a large army, but when he arrived at the district (khitta) of Bayana, the son of Auhad Khan, amir of Bayana, who had treacherously murdered his uncle, Mubarak Khan, rebelled against the Sultan, and destroying the fort, retired to the top of the hill. His Majesty sat down with his army at the foot of the hill, and after a time, the son of Auhad Khan, being reduced to extremities, paid his revenue and tribute, and placed his neck in the collar of obedience. His Majesty then continued his march towards Gwalior against Alp Khan. This chief held the fords of the Chambal, but another ford was accidentally found, and the royal army passed over. Malik Mahmud Hasan and some other amirs, and the Mewattis, and Nusrat Khan, with their horse and foot, plundered the baggage of Alp Khan, and brought many of his men, both horse and foot, back as prisoners. His Majesty considering that both parties were Musulmans, spared the lives of the prisoners and set them free. Next day, Alp Khan sent messengers to His Majesty to make proposals of peace. The Sultan seeing that he was reduced to a state of impotence, consented to make peace, on condition of Alp Khan sending in tribute and retiring from Gwalior. On the following day, Alp Khan forwarded his tribute, and marched back towards Dhar.
7.11
His Majesty remained for some time encamped on the banks of the Chambal, levying revenue and taxes from the infidels of the neighbourhood according to old custom, after which he returned to Dehli, where he arrived in Rajab, 827 H., and devoted himself to the business of the State.
7.12
In Muharram, 828 H. (November, 1424), His Majesty resolved on going to Katehr. On reaching the banks of the Ganges, Rai Har Singh came to pay his respects, and was received with great condescension; but as he had not paid his taxes (mahsul) for three years, he was detained for a while. The royal army then crossed the Ganges, and having chastised the recusants of the neighbourhood, proceeded to the hills of Kumaun. There it stayed for a time, but when the weather became hot, it marched homewards by the banks of the Rahab. Crossing the Ganges at Gang, the intention was to march to Kanauj; but there was a terrible famine in the cities of Hindustan, and consequently the army advanced no farther. News was brought that the Mewattis had broken out into rebellion, so the Sultan marched into Mewat, which he ravaged and laid waste. The Mewattis having driven off all the population, took refuge in [the mountains of] Jahra, which was their great stronghold. This place was impregnable, and grain and fodder were scarce, so the Sultan returned to Dehli. He arrived there in the month of Rajab, and took up his abode in the palace. The amirs and maliks were dismissed to their own estates, and the Sultan gave himself up to relaxation and pleasure.
7.13
In 829 H. (November, 1425), he again marched against Mewat. Jallu and Kaddu, grandsons of Bahadur Nahir, and several Mewattis who had joined them, laid waste their own territories, and took up a position in the mountains of Andwar. They were attacked for several days by the royal forces, who drove them out of Andwar, and then they went to the mountains of Alwar. Next day His Majesty destroyed the fortified post of Andwar, and marched against Alwar. When Jallu and Kaddu posted themselves there, the royal forces followed them. At length they were reduced to distress, and were compelled to surrender. His Majesty granted them quarter, and afterwards graciously gave Kaddū a reception.
7.14
"The Sultan having wasted the country of Mewat, returned home. Fourteen months afterwards, on the 11th Muharram, 830 H. (12th November, 1426 A.D.), he proceeded to Mewát, and after punishing the disaffected in that quarter, he marched to Bayána. Muhammad Khán, son of Auhad Khán, ruler of Bayána, retired to the top of the hill, and for sixteen days kept up his resistance. Some of his men joined the Sultan, and when he could no longer hold out, he came forth from the fort in the month of Rabí'u-l ákhir, with a rope round his neck, and made his submission. The horses and arms and goods of all sorts which were in the fort, he offered as tribute. By order of the Sultan, his family and dependents were brought out of the fortress and sent to Dehlí. Bayána was given to Mukbil Khán. Sikrí, which is now known as Fathpúr, was entrusted to Malik Khairu-d dín Tuhfa. His Majesty then proceeded towards Gwalior. The Rái of Gwalior and [the Ráis] of Bhangar and Chandawár, made no resistance, but paid their revenue according to the old rule.
7.15
"The Sultán returned to Dehlí in the month Jumáda-l awwal. He then changed the territory of Mahmúd Hasan, giving him charge of Hisár Fírozah, and transferring Multán to Malik Rajab Nádirah. Muhammad Khán [son of Auhad Khán] having escaped with his family, fled to Mewát, where several of his scattered "followers rejoined him. There he learnt that Malik Mukbil [the governor] had marched with his army towards Mahawan, leaving Malik Khairu-d din Tuhfa in the fort, and the town empty [of soldiers]. Muhammad Khan seized the opportunity, and being supported by several zamindars of Bayana, he went there with a small force. Most of the people of the town and country joined him. Unable to hold the fort, Malik Khairu-d din capitulated, and went to Dehli.
7.16
"Mubarak Shah then gave Bayana to Malik Mubariz, and sent him against Muhammad Khan. The rebel shut himself up in the fort, and Mubariz took possession of the country and began to manage it. Muhammad Khan then left a party of his adherents in the fort, while he himself escaped, and with all speed went to join Sultan Ibrahim Sharki. Sultan Mubarak Shah summoned Malik Mubariz to his presence to account for the escape of Muhammad Khan, and marched in person against Bayana. On his way, a letter reached him from Kadir Khan, the governor of Kalpi, informing him that Sultan Ibrahim Sharki was coming up against Kalpi with a strong force. The Sultan therefore deferred his march to Bayana, and turned to meet Sultan Ibrahim Sharki. Meanwhile the forces of Sharki had attacked the town of Bhukanu, and were marching upon Badaun. Sultan Mubarak Shah then crossed the Jumna, and attacked the village of Haroli, one of the well-known places of Mawas. From thence he proceeded to Atroli."
7.17
His Majesty was now informed that Mukhtass Khan, brother of Sharki, had entered into the territory of Etawa with a large army and many elephants. He immediately sent off Maliku-sh Shark Mahmud Hasan, with ten thousand brave and experienced horsemen, against Mukhtass Khan. The malik marched with this force, and came to the place where the Sharki army was encamped. When Mukhtass Khan heard of his approach, he retreated, and joined [Ibrahim Shah] Sharki. Malik Mahmud Hasan remained there some days, seeking to take his opponents unawares; but they were on the alert, and he could not find an opportunity. He then returned and joined his own army. [Ibrahim Shah] Sharki now advanced along the banks of the Blackwater to Burhanabad, in the district of Etawa. His Majesty marched against him from Atroli, and arrived at the town of Payin-kotah, where the two armies were only a short distance apart. When Sharki saw the magnificence and the bravery of His Majesty, and the strength of his army, he retreated in the month of Jumada-l awwal, and went towards the town of Rapri. There he crossed the Jumna to Gudrang, and marching on, he encamped on the river of Katehr. His Majesty crossed the Jumna at Chandawar in pursuit, and encamped four kos distant from the enemy. The royal skirmishers made constant attacks upon all points, and carried off prisoners, cattle, and horses. About twenty days passed in this manner, the two armies being in close proximity.
7.18
On the 17th Jumada-l akhir, Sharki drew up all his forces, horse and foot and elephants, in battle array. His Majesty, Maliku-sh Shark Sarwaru-l Mulk, Saiyid Salim chief of the saiyids, and several other great amirs, remained in the camp in safety, and some others were sent against the enemy, such as Maliku-sh Shark Malik Mahmud Hasan, and Khan-i 'azam Fath Khan son of Sultan Muzaffar, Majlis-i 'ali Zirak Khan, Maliku-sh Shark Sultan Shah, who had lately received the title of Islam Khan, Malik Jaman, grandson of the late Khan-i Jahan, Kalu Khani, master of the elephants, Malik Ahmad Tuhfa, and Malik Mukbil Khan. The battle began and went on from midday till evening, but as night fell, the combatants withdrew to their respective positions. Neither side turned their backs, but remained fighting till the last. There were many wounded in the army of Sharki, so that when next day he saw the strength of the royal forces, he retreated towards the Jumna. On the 17th Jumada-l akhir, he crossed from Gudrang to Rapri, and from thence marched to his own country. The Sultan pursued him to Gudrang ; but as the combatants on both sides were Musulmans, His Majesty yielded to the intercession of his nobles, and gave up the pursuit. He then marched to Hath-kant, where he took revenue and taxes and tribute, according to old custom, from the Rai of Gwalior, and other rais. Turning homewards, he proceeded along the Chambal, and entered Bayana.
7.19
Muhammad Khan Auhadi had joined Sharki, and consequently being afraid, he shut himself up in the fort. The Sultan invested the fort, which was very lofty and strong, and was deemed impregnable. But the garrison was unable to make a successful defence ; their hands were powerless against the assailants, and their feet were unable to flee. So they were compelled to capitulate and ask for mercy. His Majesty, full of royal mercy and compassion for Musulmans, forbore to punish Muhammad Khan, and granted him forgiveness. He directed his forces to remove from the fort, and on the 26th Rajab he marched out with his followers, and went off towards Mewat. His Majesty remained there for some days to set in order the wasted city ; then he took effectual care to preserve the district and fortress, by appointing as their governor Malik Mahmud, who had exhibited great resolution and loyalty in the government and protection of provinces, and had successfully accomplished many great duties. Thus, in the beginning of the reign, he had fought against Jasrath Khokhar ; and when he held the command at Lahor, he had successfully contended against the prince-deputy of the Prince of Khurasan, and had prevented him from coming to Multan. He was now appointed to command the fort of Bayana, and to manage the territory, and that ikta' and all its dependencies were placed under his charge.
7.20
His Majesty then departed homewards, and proceeding along the banks of the Jumna, he reached Dehli on the 16th Sha'ban, 831 H. (30th April, 1428 A.D.), and took up his residence in Siri. Then dismissing the amirs and maliks to their fiefs, he gave himself up to pleasure and enjoyment. * * * In the month of Shawwal, he seized Kaddu the Mewatti, for having allied himself to Sultan [Ibrahim Sharki], and for having kept up a correspondence with him: afterwards he had him put to death privately. His Majesty then sent Malik Sarwaru-l Mulk with an army to Mewat, to repress the turbulence of the people and settle the country. The inhabitants laid waste several of their towns and villages, places flourishing in the desert, and then retreated into the mountains. Jalal Khan brother of Malik Kaddu, and some other chiefs, including Ahmad Khan, Malik Fakhru-d din, and several other maliks related to them, collected all their horsemen and footmen, and assembled in the fort of Alwar. When Malik Sarwaru-l Mulk sat down against the fort, the besieged saw that it was hopeless to resist, so they made proposals for peace, engaging to give hostages for the payment of their revenue. In accordance with this engagement, having received the revenue (mal), taxes (mahsul), and hostages, Sarwaru-l Mulk returned with his army to Dehli.
7.21
In the month of Zi-l ka'da, intelligence was brought that Jasrath Khokhar had besieged the town of Kalanor. Maliku-sh Shark Malik Sikandar Tuhfa marched from Lahor to relieve the place; but Jasrath, quitting his position before Kalanor, advanced some kos to meet him. A battle followed, in which Jasrath was victorious; Malik Sikandar retreated with his forces to Lahor. Jasrath passing by Kalanor, crossed the Biyah, and attacked Jalandhar; but the place was strong, and he was unable to take it, so he retreated to Kalanor, carrying off the people of the neighbourhood as prisoners. When His Majesty was informed of these occurrences, he ordered Zirak Khan, amir of Samana, and Islam Khan, amir of Sirhind, to unite their forces and advance to reinforce Malik Sikandar. But before they reached Lahor, Malik Sikandar had gone to Kalanor, and there uniting with his own forces all the horse and foot belonging to Rai Ghalib of that town, he marched after Jasrath, and met him near Kangra, on the banks of the Biyah. Both armies drew up in battle array, and the fight began. The forces of Islam were victorious. Jasrath being defeated, all the spoils which he had gained at Jalandhar fell into the hands of the victors, and he retreated to Tekhar. Malik Sikandar then returned to Lahor.
7.22
In Muharram, 832 H. (October, 1428 A.D.), Maliku-sh Shark Mahmud Hasan having suppressed the rebellion which Muhammad Khan Auhadi had stirred up among the infidels of Bayana, he quitted that district and went to wait upon His Majesty in Dehli. He was received with great favour, and the fief of Hisar-Firozah was granted to him. His Majesty determined to march into the mountains of Mewat, and the royal camp was pitched at the top of the Hauz-i khass. The amirs and maliks from all parts of the country joined it. Marching from thence, the Sultan proceeded to the palace of Hindwari, and rested there for a while. Jalal Khan, Mewatti, and other Mewattis, being reduced to extremities, brought in the money, contributions, and tribute according to old rule, and some of them were granted the honour of paying homage. In the month of Shawwal, the royal standards returned safe and victorious to the capital. Nothing else of importance was done this year. About this time, intelligence was received of the death of Malik Rajab Nadira, amir of Multan, and the fief of Multan was restored to Maliku-sh Shark Mahmud Hasan, who received the title of 'Imadu-l Mulk, and was sent to Multan with a large army. In the year 833 H. (1429-30), the Sultan led his army to Gwalior, and passed through the country of Bayana. Having punished the rebels of Gwalior, he proceeded to Hathkant. The Rai of Hathkant was defeated, and he fled into the mountains of Jálhar.
7.23
His country was pillaged and laid waste, and many of its infidel inhabitants were made prisoners. From thence the army proceeded to Rápri, and the fief of Rápri was taken from the son of Hasan Khán and given to Malik Hamza. The army then returned to the capital in the month of Rajab. During the march, Saiyid Salim was attacked by illness and died. His body was placed in a coffin, and carried to Dehli with all speed, and buried. Saiyid Salim was [for thirty years, one of the great nobles in the service of] the late Khizr Khán, and he held many fiefs (iktá's) and parganas in the Doáb, besides the fort of Tabarhindh (Sirhind). His Majesty had also granted to him the khitta of Sarsuti and the iktá' of Amroha. The late Saiyid was a very avaricious man, and in the course of time had amassed an immense sum of money, and vast quantities of grain and stuffs in the fort of Tabarhindh (Sirhind). After his death, all the iktá's and parganas were given to his sons. The eldest son received the title of Saiyid Khán, and the other was entitled Shujá'u-l mulk. In the month of Shawwál, Púlád Turk-bacha, slave of Saiyid Salim, came into the fort of Tabarhindh, at the instigation of the Saiyid's sons, and there began to prepare for rebellion. His Majesty imprisoned the Saiyid's two sons, and sent Yúsuf Sarúr and Rái Hansu Bhatti, to conciliate the above-mentioned Púlád, and to get possession of the late Saiyid's wealth.
7.24
When they came near the fort of Tabarhindh, on the first day, Púlád met them and conferred with them in the most friendly way; he also sent them provisions, and made them feel at ease. Next day he sallied out of the fort with his men, and made a sudden attack upon them. Malik Yúsuf and Rái Hansu were informed of his treachery, and made their forces ready to meet him. Although the malik's men were all covered with iron, yet they could not stand before the infamous Púlád. At the first onset they were scattered like drops, and he pursued them for a parasang. Then he returned and took possession of their baggage, tents, money, goods, and whatever they had left behind them.
7.25
The Sultan, when he heard of this, was much affected, and started for Tabarhindh. He arrived at Sarsuti, where the amirs and maliks of those parts joined the royal standard. Pulad had made many preparations for the siege, and had strengthened himself in the fort. Majlis-i 'Ali Zirak Khan, Malik Kalu, keeper of the elephants, Islam Khan and Kamal Khan invested the fort. Maliku-sh Shark 'Imadu-l Mulk, amir of Multan, was summoned to come from Multan and advise upon the suppression of Pulad's rebellion. In the month of Zi-l hijja, 'Imadu-l Mulk left his army in Multan, and proceeded hastily to Sarsuti with a small party, where he was admitted to an interview. But before this, Pulad had said to himself that he could depend upon the promise and protection of 'Imadu-l Mulk, and that if through him he could gain his object, he (Pulad) would return to his obedience, and would hope for the honour of being received into the royal presence. 'Imadu-l Mulk was sent forward to Tabarhindh to excite his expectations. Pulad came out of the fort, and had an interview with 'Imadu-l Mulk and Malik Kalu in front of the gate. "Pulad, however, talked and made statements, but determined to persevere in his revolt. So 'Imadu-l Mulk returned unsuccessful. In the month of Safar, the Sultan ordered 'Imadu-l Mulk back to Multan, and he himself returned to Dehli. "The Sultan left Islám Khán, Kamál Khán, and Rái Fíroz Main to carry on the siege of Tabarhindh.
7.26
'Imádu-l Mulk instructed these officers as to the siege operations, and then departed for Multán. Púlád held out for six months. He then sent a sum of money by the hands of some trusty adherents to Shaikh 'Alí Beg, at Kábul, soliciting his assistance. In the month of Jumáda-l awwal, Shaikh 'Alí went to Tabarhindh. When he came within ten kos distance, Islám Khán, Kamál Khán, and all the other amírs abandoned the siege, and went to their own homes. Púlád then came out of the fort, and had an interview with Shaikh 'Alí, to whom he paid the two lacs of tankas he had promised. Shaikh 'Alí, taking with him the family of Púlád, started on his return. Passing through Jalandhar, he went to Láhor. There Malik Sikandar gave him the money which he paid to him annually, and sent him away. From thence Shaikh 'Alí proceeded to Talwára, and endeavoured to destroy it. 'Imádu-l Mulk now marched to Tulamba, in order to oppose him, and Shaikh 'Alí not being strong enough to meet him, went off to Khatíbpúr. Orders now arrived for 'Imádu-l Mulk to leave Tulamba and go to Multán. On the 24th Sha'bán, he accordingly proceeded to Multán, and Shaikh 'Alí being emboldened, crossed the Ráví at Khatíbpúr, and laying all waste along the banks of the Jhilam, which is well known as the Jináb (Chínáb), advanced towards Multán. When he arrived at a village a kos distant from Multán, 'Imádu-l Mulk sent out Sultán Sháh Lodí uncle of Bahlol Lodí to oppose him.
7.27
This officer met his enemy unexpectedly, and was killed. His army was put to flight, and the men returned in small "parties to Multan. On the 3rd Ramazan, the Shaikh occupied Khairabad, near Multan." On the 25th of Ramazan, Shaikh 'Ali advanced with all his forces against the gates of Multan, to make an assault; but the troops of 'Imadu-l Mulk and the citizens sallied forth to meet him. A fight took place in the gardens, and the assailants were driven back, with the loss of all the provisions they had brought with them. On the 27th Ramazan, they again made an attack in great force. Dismounting his horsemen, in order to push through the gates of the city, 'Imadu-l Mulk fell upon them with his horse and foot, and they, unable to support his attack, retreated. Some were killed, and some succeeded in falling back to the main body. Being thus again defeated, they dared not make any further attack upon the place. When the report of these events reached the ears of the Sultan, he sent Majlis-i 'ali Khan-i 'azam Fath Khan son of Sultan Muzaffar Gujarati, Majlis-i 'ali Zirak Khan, Malik Kalu keeper of the elephants, Khan-i 'azam Islam Khan, Malik Yusuf Sarwaru-l Mulk, Khan-i 'azam Kal Khan, and Rai Hansu Khul Chain Bhatti with a large army, to reinforce Maliku-sh Shark 'Imadu-l Mulk. On the 26th Shawwal, this army arrived in the khitta of Multan, and remained encamped for some days.
7.28
On Friday, the 3rd Zi-l ka'da, it marched, and approaching the prayer-house (namaz-gah), endeavoured to enter the kotila of 'Ala-l Mulk. Shaikh 'Ali was informed of this, and he drew up all his horse and foot in opposition. The royal forces also were marshalled ready for the fight. Maliku-sh Shark 'Imadu-l Mulk was in the centre; Majlis-i 'ali Fath Khan, Malik Yusuf, and Rai Hansu on the right; and Majlis-i 'ali Zirak Khan, Malik Kalu, Khan-i 'azam Islam Khan, and Khan-i 'azam Kamal Khan on the left. At the sight, even from a distance, of the approach of the royal forces, the hearts of the enemy wavered; and when the brave warriors made a general charge on them, they broke and fled. So precipitate was their flight, that they never looked behind them. Several of their generals were killed endeavouring to escape, and the rest of the army took refuge in the fortification which had been raised round the baggage. The victorious army pressed on to the fortifications, and the enemy, unable to withstand the attack, were driven into the Jhilam. Many were drowned, and those who escaped the waves were killed or made prisoners. Haji Kar was wounded, and perished among the drowned. Shaikh 'Ali and Amir Muzaffar crossed the river in safety, and proceeded with a few horsemen to the town of Shor. All their arms, baggage, and equipments fell into the hands of the victors. So great a disaster had never befallen an army at any former time, or under any reign.
7.29
All who took to the water were drowned, and all who resisted on the battle-field were killed; neither flight nor fight availed to save them. * * To return to our narrative: Maliku-sh Shark Malik 'Imadu-l Mulk, that is, Malik Mahmud Hasan, and the other commanders, on the 4th Zi-l ka'da, pursued Shaikh 'Ali to the town of Shor. Amir Muzaffar prepared himself to stand a siege in the fort of Shor, and to fight it out. Shaikh 'Ali, defeated and discouraged, fled with a small body of followers towards Kabul. At this juncture, orders arrived from the Sultan, in accordance with which all the amirs who had been sent left the fort of Shor, and proceeded to the capital. In consequence of this business, the ikta' of Multan was taken from Maliku-sh Shark, and given to Malik Khairu-d din Khani. But this transfer was made inconsiderately and imprudently, and hence great troubles and disturbances arose in the khitta of Multan, which will have to be narrated in subsequent pages. In the year 835 H. (1431-2) it was reported to the Sultan that Malik Sikandar Tuhfa had marched towards Jalandhar. For Jasrath Shaikha Khokhar had come down with a strong force from the mountains of Telhar, and having crossed the Jhilam, Ravi and Biyah, had come near to Jalandhar on the river Pani. Malik Sikandar was incautious, and encountered him with a small force. At the first charge he was defeated, and by the decree of fate fell into the hands of Jasrath Khokhar.
7.30
Some of Malik Sikandar's men were killed in the fight, and some fled to Jalandhar. Jasrath carried off Sikandar and some others who had been made prisoners with him, and marched in triumph to Lahor, to which fortress he laid siege. Saiyid Najmu-d din, lieutenant of Sikandar, and Malik Khush-khabr, his slave, held the fort, and carried on a constant fight with the besiegers. While this was passing Shaikh 'Ali collected a band of accursed wretches, and attacked the frontiers of Multan. He made prisoners of the people of Khatibpur, and several other villages on the banks of the Jhilam, as he descended that river. On the 17th Rabi'u-l awwal he reached Tulamba, and having got the people of the town to surrender, he kept the chiefs of them prisoners. Then he gave his accursed followers permission to take possession of the fort. Next day, all the Musulmans became the prisoners of the unclean ruthless infidels. Although many good men of the place were imams, saiyids, and kazis, no respect for the Musulman religion, no fear of God, could restrain that accursed wretch, devoid alike of feeling and shame. Women, youths, and little children were all dragged to his house. Some of the men were killed and some were set at liberty. The fort of Tulamba, which was very strong, he caused to be destroyed. About this time Pulad Turk-bacha came out of Tabarhindh with his followers, and attacked the country of Rai Firoz.
7.31
As soon as the rai heard of this, he marched with his horse and foot to oppose him, and a battle followed. The rai was slain, and the victorious Pulad cut off his head and carried it to Tabarhindh. He also secured many horses and a large supply of grain. When the Sultan received information of these events, he himself marched towards Lahor and Multan, and he sent Malik Sarwar on in advance with a strong force to repress the rebellion of Pulad. When the army came near to Samana the infamous Jasrath Khokhar abandoned the siege of the fort, and went into the hills of Telhar, carrying with him Malik Sikandar. Shaikh 'Ali also, fearing the royal army, retreated towards Bartot. The fief of Lahor was taken from Maliku-sh shark Shamsu-l Mulk, and given into the charge of Khan-i 'azam Nusrat Khan Garg-andaz. Malik Sarwar brought the family of Shamsu-l Mulk out of Lahor, and sent them to the capital. Nusrat Khan thus became possessed of the fort of Lahor and the fief of Jalandhar. In the month of Zi-l hijja Jasrath Khokhar came down with his followers from the hills, and attacked Nusrat Khan at Lahor, but, in the end, he was worsted and returned to the hills. The Sultan pitched his royal camp on the river Jumna, near to the khitta of Panipat, and there he remained for a time. From thence, in the month of Rajab, he sent Maliku-sh Shark 'Imadu-l Mulk with a strong force to Bayana and Gwalior, with orders to punish the rebels and infidels of those parts.
7.32
He himself then returned to the capital. In 836 H., in the month of Muharram (Sept., 1432), the king marched from Dehli to Samana, to punish the disaffected in that neighbourhood. He proceeded as far as Panipat. News was then brought that Makhduma-i Jahan, his mother, was very ill. He immediately returned to the capital, leaving his army and baggage in charge of the amirs and maliks. A few days after his return his mother died. After performing her obsequies he remained for a day in the capital, and then returned to his army. On his arrival he ordered Malik Sarwar to march with an army, appointed for the purpose, against the fort of Tabarhindh, where Pulad Turk-bacha had made himself stronger than he was before, having thrown into the fort all the arms and implements and grain which he had gathered from the country of Rai Firoz. The fort was invested and operations were begun. Malik Sarwaru-l Mulk, when the dispositions were made, left Majlis-i 'ali Zirak Khan, Islam Khan, and Malik Kahun Raj in command, and proceeded with a small escort to join the Sultan at Panipat. The Sultan having given up his design of proceeding on his intended expedition, took the fiefs of Lahor and Jalandhar from Nusrat Khan, and gave them to Malik Allah-dad. [When Malik Allah-dad arrived at Jalandhar, Jasrath Shaikha crossed the Biyah and attacked him.] Jasrath was victorious, and the Malik being obliged to flee went into the mountains of Kothi.
7.33
In the month of Rabi'u-l awwal the Sultan marched towards the mountains of Mewat, and arrived at the town of Taoru. Jalal Khan Mewatti, on hearing of his advance, shut himself with a large force in the fort of Andaru, which is the strongest place belonging to the Mewattis. Next day the Sultan prepared to attack the place, but before his forces drew near, Jalal Khan set fire to the fort, and making his way out he went off towards Kutila. The greater part of the provisions and materials and grain, which had been collected in prospect of the siege, fell into the hands of the royal forces. His Majesty then marched away, and encamping at the town of Tajara, he devastated the greater part of the country of Mewat. Jalal Khan, being distressed and helpless, returned to his allegiance; and paying his revenue and taxes according to old rule, gave up his rash proceedings, and was pardoned. Malik 'Imadu-l Mulk joined the Sultan at Tajara with a strong force of horse and foot from Bayana. The Sultan sent Malik Kamalu-l Mulk and all the amirs and maliks from Tajara to coerce the infidels of Gwalior and Etawa, and he himself returned with an escort to the capital, which he reached in the month of Jumada-l awwal. After he had been there a few days, the intelligence arrived that Shaikh 'Ali was marching with a large force against the amirs who were engaged in the siege of Tabarhindh (Sirhind).
7.34
This troubled His Majesty, for he feared lest these amirs, alarmed at the news, should raise the siege, as it had been raised before. He therefore sent Malik 'Imadu-l Mulk to support them; and when that chief arrived, the officers in command were encouraged and strengthened. Shaikh 'Ali, marching quickly from Shor, entered the country on the banks of the Biyah, and after making prisoners of many of the men of Sahani-wal and other villages, he went on to Lahor. Malik Yusuf Sarwar, Malik Isma'il nephew of Majlis-i 'all Zirak Khan, and the son of Bihar Khan, had been left in charge of the fort of Lahor. They now closed the fort, and opposed the assailants. The people of the city were negligent of their watch and ward; consequently Malik Yusuf and Malik Isma'il left the city by night and fled. Shaikh 'Ali sent a force in pursuit. Many of the horsemen fell under the attacks of the accursed pursuers, and many were taken prisoners, including Malik Raja. Next day the accursed Shaikh 'Ali made all the Musulmans of the city, both men and women, prisoners. This wretched graceless fellow had no better object or occupation than to lay waste the seats of Islam and to make Musulmans captive. After making prisoners of the men of Lahor, he remained there for some days, and repaired the walls of the fortress which had been damaged. Then leaving about 2,000 men, horse and foot, behind, with the means of standing a siege, he marched towards Dibalpur.
7.35
Malik Yusuf Sarwaru-l Mulk was about to abandon the fort of Dibalpur and flee, as he had abandoned that of Lahor; but Maliku-sh Shark 'Imadu-l Mulk at Tabarhindh, being informed of his intention, sent Maliku-l umara Malik Ahmad, his brother, with a body of men, to hold the fort. Shaikh 'Ali had (formerly) escaped alive with a thousand troubles from before Maliku-sh Shark, and dread of that chief still ruled in his heart, so he was unable to go to Dibalpur. In Jumada-l akhir the Sultan received intelligence of these movements. The brave monarch, prompted only by his courage, and without hesitation, marched with the limited force which was ready at his command to Samana. There he waited some days for Maliku-sh Shark Kamalu-l Mulk. When that chief, with the force under his command, joined the Sultan, he left Samana and marched to Talwandi (belonging to) Rai Firoz Main, where he encamped. Here he was joined by Maliku-sh Shark 'Imadu-l Mulk and Islam Khan Lodi, who had been sent to Tabarhindh. Giving orders to his other amirs not to delay the investment of the fort, he hastened on and crossed [the Ravi] at the ford of Pohi. When the enemy heard of these movements, he was alarmed, and took to flight. The royal forces arrived in the neighbourhood of Dibalpur, and, crossing the Ravi, encamped on the other side, when the accursed foe had already crossed the Jhilam. Maliku-sh Shark Sikandar Tuhfa now received the title of Shamsu-l Mulk, with the fiefs of Dibalpur and Jalandhar.
7.36
The Sultan marched on unopposed towards Shor, which was in the possession of the enemy, and crossed the Ravi near the town of Tulamba, sending on Maliku-sh Shark in pursuit of the foe. But he fled precipitately, never staying to look behind him, and many horses and much baggage and goods which he had got in boats fell into the hands of the victors. Shaikh 'Ali's nephew, Amir Muzaffar, was in command of the fort of Shor, and held out for nearly a month; but he was at length compelled to capitulate in the month of Ramazan. He gave his daughter to the king's son, and paid a large sum of money as tribute. The band of Mughals who were besieged in Lahor capitulated to Maliku-sh Shark Shamsu-l Mulk in the month Shawwal, and he then took possession of the place. * * * Maliku-sh Shark 'Imadu-l Mulk had been successful in several important charges, so the Sultan took the fiefs of Dibalpur, Lahor, and Jalandhar from Malik Shamsu-l Mulk and gave them to 'Imadu-l Mulk; he also gave the fief of Bayana which 'Imadu-d din had held to Shamsu-l Mulk. Leaving his elephants and horses, his army and baggage and followers, in charge of Maliku-sh Shark Kamalu-l Mulk, the Sultan hastened with all speed to Dehli, which he reached on the day of the 'Id [of Kurban]. * * * On the 1st Zi-l hijja Kamalu-l Mulk also arrived with the army. The duties of diwan and wazir were not effectively discharged by Sarwaru-l Mulk;
7.37
so as Kamalu-l Mulk had shown himself in all his duties to be trustworthy, capable and loyal, the diwan-i ashraf was transferred to him, and the office of wazir only was confirmed to Sarwaru-l Mulk. They were both ordered to carry on the affairs of the State in concert, but they acted falsely to each other. [Kamalu-d din was the more competent man], so the government officials consulted him about their affairs. Sarwaru-l Mulk's thoughts were now turned towards blood. His deprivation of the fief of Dibalpur had rankled like a thorn in his heart, and his mind was now set upon effecting some revolution in the State. Some villainous infidels, such as the sons of Kangu and Kajwi Khatri, whose families, from the days of their ancestors, had been patronized and protected by the royal house, and who had become masters of many servants and followers and much territory and power; some treacherous Musulmans also, Miran Sahib, deputy of the 'ariz-i mamalik, Kazi 'Abdu-s Samad Khan Hajib and others, conspired with Sarwaru-l Mulk, and were intent upon their design [of killing the Sultan]. They did not find an opportunity, but no fear of God or shame of man restrained their hands from this wicked and senseless deed. The Sultan had determined to build a city on the banks of the Jumna, and on the 17th Rabi'u-l awwal, 837 H. (31st October, 1433), he laid the foundation of a city at Kharababad. The name given to that ill-omened city was Mubarakabad.
7.38
He knew not that the foundation of his existence was shaken, and that his life had turned its face towards departure. He devoted much time and care to the direction of this building. At this time intelligence was brought of the reduction of the fort of Tabarhindh by the amirs who had been sent against it, and of the death of the evil Pulad, whose head had been cut off and sent to the Sultan by the hands of Miran Sadr. The Sultan now set out, as if for hunting, to settle and make quiet the country of Tabarhindh. After staying there a few days, he returned in good health and spirits, and went to the city of Mubarakabad. Subsequently he proceeded towards Hindustan, for he had heard of war having broken out between Sultan Ibrahim and Alp Khan, on account of Kalpi. He had previously contemplated leading his armies in that direction; and on hearing this intelligence, his course was decided. Orders were sent in every direction for the amirs of the capital, and the maliks of every country, to gather their forces with the greatest celerity, and to join His Majesty. When a large army was assembled, in the month of Jumada-l akhir, the Sultan left the city to begin his march to Hindustan, and he encamped for a few days at the chautara of Shir-gah. Thence he proceeded with only a small escort, and without ceremony, to Mubarakabad, in order to see the progress of the buildings.
7.39
The unworthy Sarwaru-l Mulk had been watching his opportunity, and he now set the vile infidels and the traitor Miran Sadr to work, lest his secret plots should become disclosed. A time of privacy was what his plans required. On Friday, the 9th Rajab, 837 H. (19th January, 1434), the Sultan had reached Mubarakabad with his small party, and was preparing for prayers, when Miran Sadr craftily removed the amirs who were on guard, and like a cunning fox and bloodthirsty jackal, brought in his wretched infidels armed and mounted on horseback upon pretence of taking leave. Sadharun Kangu stood with his party outside the door, to prevent any one from going in to the rescue. The confiding sovereign, having full confidence in them, took no notice of these preparations. He had been exceedingly kind and generous to these foes of God and enemies of himself. Sidhu Pal, grandson of Kaju, from his ambush, dealt the king such a blow upon the head with his sword, that his life's blood flowed upon the ground. Rúnti the black, and the other conspirators, then rushed out with loud hellish cries, and despatched that righteous sovereign. * * Mubarak Sháh reigned thirteen years, three months, and sixteen days.