The History of Mubārak Shāh 8: Sultan Muhammad Sháh bin Faríd Sháh bin Khizr Sháh.
Táríkh-i Mubárak Sháhí (extracts) 8
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Sultan Muhammad Sháh bin Faríd Sháh bin Khizr Sháh.
8.1
A clement and generous sovereign, full of excellent qualities. * * When the august Mubárak Sháh had received his martyrdom, the vile infidels and the traitor Mírán Sadr hastened to Sarwaru-l Mulk, and informed him of the completion of their work, which filled him and them with joy and exultation. Then, with the assent of the amírs and maliks, imáms and saiyids, soldiers and civilians, on the same day, Friday, the 9th Rajab 837, the new Sultán ascended the throne. Sarwaru-l Mulk, although he gave his adhesion to the new sovereign, was still intent upon his own designs, to such an extent indeed, that he kept the treasures and stores, the horses and elephants, and the arsenal under his own command. He received the title of Khán-i Jahán, and Mírán Sadr was ennobled as Mu'ínu-l Mulk. The vile infidels (assassins) grew conceited and arrogant, and in all things they sought their own advantage; but in the end they got their deserts. Maliku-sh Shark Kamálu-l Mulk, a man versed in the business of government, was outside of the city with all the amírs and the soldiers, and the elephants, and the royal stud and servants; but he came in, and pledged his fealty to the king. Revenge was his object, for he was resolved to kill Sarwaru-l Mulk and the other conspirators, as they had slain Mubárak Sháh. But he could not get an opportunity, and so resigned his vengeance to the Lord, who in time worked such a retribution as has never been rehearsed in tale or history. * *
8.2
To return to our narrative: Next day, Sarwaru-l Mulk, under pretence of requiring the vow of allegiance, summoned several of the officials of the late king, all of whom were men of position and importance. He apprehended them all, and put Malik Sa', amir of Koh, to death on the maidan. Malik Makhdum, Malik Mukbil, Malik Kanauj, and Malik Bira he put in prison, and exerted all his powers to uproot the family of Mubarak Shah. Some of the ikta's and parganas of the country he kept for himself, and some, such as Bayana, Amroha, Narnaul, Kuhram, and some parganas in the Doab, he gave to Sidhi Pal, Sadharan, and their relations. Ranu, the black, a slave of Sidhi Pal, was sent with a numerous band of turbulent followers, and all his family, to take possession of Bayana. He approached Bayana in the month of Sha'ban, and on the 12th of that month he entered the district. Halting for the night, he wanted to get possession of the fort, and next day he went forth with all his forces in great array. Yusuf Khan Auhadi had been informed of his approach, and drawing his forces out of the town of Hindwan, he boldly marched with a strong body of horse and foot to oppose him. The opposing forces met near the khatira of the prince, and being drawn up in array the battle began. The vile infidels were unable to make a stand, but broke at the first charge. Ranu the black, and many others, were put to the sword.
8.3
His foul head was cut off and suspended over the gate, and all his family, his wives and children, fell into the hands of the army of Islam. God is the protector of the religion of Islam, and He gave the victory to Yusuf Khan, enabling him to avenge the death of Mubarak Shah on that vile heretic. The noise of the perfidy of Sarwaru-l Mulk, and of his leaguing with base infidels, spread through all the country, and many amirs and maliks who had been recipients of the bounty of the late Khizr Khan now withdrew from their obedience. Sarwaru-l Mulk being disaffected like them, strife and disturbances arose. Malik Allah-dad Kaka Lodi amir of Sambhal, and Kahu Miyan holder of Badaun and grandson of the late Khan-i Jahan, Amir 'Ali Gujarati and Amir Kambal Turk-bacha [had formed a party against Sarwaru-l Mulk who,] on being informed of their proceedings, appointed Maliku-sh Shark Kamalu-d din and Khan-i 'azam Saiyid Khan, son of Saiyid Salim, to repress their rebellion. Malik Yusuf, son of Sarwaru-l Mulk, and Sadharan Kangu, were sent along with them. In the month of Ramazan, his forces being in readiness, he (Kamalu-d din) marched out and encamped at the top of the hauz, and a few days afterwards he proceeded to the banks of the Jumna. Crossing the river at the ford of Kicha, he arrived and halted at Baran, intent upon his schemes of vengeance. On being apprised of his approach, Malik Allah-dad, desirous of avoiding an action, was about to cross the Ganges and go elsewhere;
8.4
but when he was enlightened as to Kamalu-d din's real intention of exacting a full revenge, he was re-assured, and halted at the town of Ahar. Sarwaru-l Mulk got intelligence of these proceedings, and sent his slave, Malik Hushyar, under the pretence of assisting Kamalu-d din, [but in reality, to ascertain his treachery, and watch over the safety of Yusuf.] In a short time also, Malik Chaman drew out his forces in Badaun, to assist Malik Allah-dad, and joined him at the town of Ahar. Malik Yusuf and Hushyar and Sadharan were suspicious of Kamalu-d din, and now their apprehensions grew stronger. Wavering like a ball tossed from hand to hand, their fears prevailed, and they fled to the capital. On the last day of Ramazan, Malik Allah-dad, Miyan Chaman, and the other amirs with them, joined Kamalu-l Mulk. Having thus drawn a large and imposing force around him, on the 2nd Shawwal, he crossed [the Ganges] at the ford of Kicha. On hearing of his approach, Sarwaru-l Mulk, although in a forlorn condition, made every preparation for standing a siege. * * Kamalu-l Mulk advanced and sat down against the place. The vile infidels and the wretched Hushyar sallied forth and joined fight; but they soon turned their backs, and retreated to the fortifications. Many were killed, and many were made prisoners. Next day, Kamalu-d din pressed on against the fort of Siri, and many amirs and maliks of the neighbourhood joined him.
8.5
During the month of Shawwal, the place was so closely invested that it was impossible for any one to make his way out. But although the besiegers made daily attacks upon the fortifications, and effected breaches in several places, it held out for three months. In the month of Zi-l hijja, Zirak Khan, amir of Samana, died, and his fief was granted to his eldest son Muhammad Khan. Although His Majesty was in appearance friendly to those in the fort, he was in reality desirous of taking revenge for the murder of the late Mubarak Shah, but he did not find the opportunity. They on their side were in the greatest apprehension lest the Sultan should betray them. Thus, both parties were suspicious of each other.
8.6
On the 8th of Muharram, 838 H. (14th August, 1434 A.D.), the traitor Sarwaru-l Mulk and the sons of the perfidious Miran Sadr proceeded with treacherous intentions to the residence of the Sultan. But he was ready, and on his guard. * * * Sarwaru-l Mulk was killed with blows of the sword and dagger, and the sons of Miran Sadr were taken prisoners and put to death before the darbar. The vile infidels, being informed of these events, shut themselves up in their houses and prepared for resistance. The Sultan conveyed information to Kamalu-d din, directing him to come into the city with a party of his followers. Kamalu-l Mulk entered by the gate of Baghdad, with other amirs and maliks. Sidhi Pal, the accursed, set fire to his house, making his wives and children fuel for hell. He himself came out and died fighting. Sadharan Kangu, and the band of khatris who were taken alive, were taken to the khatira of the martyred Sultan, and there put to death. Malik Hushyar and Mubarak Kotwal were taken prisoners, and were beheaded before the Red gate. Next day, Maliku-sh Shark Kamalu-l Mulk, and all the other amirs and maliks who were outside [the city,] renewed their oaths of allegiance to the Sultan, and he again, with general consent, took his seat upon the throne. Kamalu-l Mulk was made Wazir, with the title of Kamal Khan. Malik Jiman received the title of Ghazi-u-l Mulk, and the fiefs of Amroha and Badaun were confirmed to him.
8.7
Malik Allah-dad Lodi would not take any title himself, but obtained the title of Darya Khan for his brother. Malik Khunraj Mubarak Khani received the title of Ikbal Khan, and the fief of Hisar Firozah which he held was confirmed in his possession. All the amirs were favoured with great honours and rich gifts; and all men who held offices or fiefs, or villages or grants, or pensions, received confirmation, and even an increase of their possessions. The eldest son of Saiyid Salim was entitled Majlis-i 'Ali Saiyid Khan, and the younger one Shuja'u-l Mulk. Malik Madh 'Alam, his nephew, was entitled 'Alau-l Mulk, and Malik Ruknu-d din was called Nasiru-l Mulk. They also received golden girdles, and splendid head-dresses and fiefs. Maliku-sh Shark Haji Shudani was made governor of the capital. Having thus arranged for the administration of the kingdom, the Sultan determined on going to Multan. In the month of Rabi'u-l akhir, he encamped at the chautara of Mubarakabad, and gave orders to the amirs and maliks to make ready their forces and join him. Maliku-sh Shark ['Imadu-l Mulk] came and waited upon the Sultan. He received rich presents and great honours, and was confirmed in many dignities. Those amirs and maliks who delayed their coming [mis]. "Muhammad Shah, after visiting the holy men of Multan, and having left Khan-i Jahan there, returned to Dehli."
8.8
"In the year 840 H. (1436 A.D.) the Sultan himself proceeded to Samana, and sent an army against Shaikha Khokhar. The country of this chief was ravaged, and the Sultan then returned to Dehli.
8.9
"In 841 H. (1437 A.D.), intelligence arrived that anarchy prevailed in Multan, in consequence of the insubordination of the tribe of Langahs. And intelligence was also brought that Sultan Ibrahim Sharki had seized upon several parganas. The rai of Gwalior, and other rais, ceased to pay their revenue. Still, the Sultan took no measures to secure his possessions, but gave himself up to indulgence and neglect. All men's heads were crazy, and every heart was anxious. Some amirs invited Sultan Mahmud Khilji, King of Malwa, and in the year 844 H. (1440 A.D.), he proceeded towards Dehli. Muhammad Shah equipped his army, and sent it forth with his son, under the command of Bahlol Khan Lodi. On the other side, Sultan Mahmud Khilji sent his two sons Ghiyasu-d din and Kadar Khan to meet them. The battle raged from morning till night, when both sides withdrew to their respective positions. Next day Muhammad Shah made proposals of peace. Just at this time Sultan Mahmud was informed that Sultan Ahmad Gujarati was marching against Mandu, so he immediately accepted terms of peace and returned home. This peace degraded Muhammad Shah still lower in the estimation of all men. As Sultan Mahmud of Malwa was retreating, Bahlol Lodi pursued him, and carried off part of his baggage and valuable effects. This success of Bahlol Khan's delighted Sultan Muhammad; he honoured Bahlol with great distinction and favour, and called him son.
8.10
"In 845 (1441 A.D.), the Sultan went to Samana. He conferred upon Bahlol Khan the country of Dibalpur and Lahor, and sent him against Jasrath Khokhar. Then the Sultan returned to Dehli. Jasrath made peace with "Bahlol Khán, and flattered him with hopes of the throne of Dehli. Aspirations of sovereignty now inspired Bahlol Khan and he became intent on forming a party. He called together the Afghans from all parts around, and enlisted them, so that in a short time he assembled a large force. He also took possession of all the surrounding parganas. On a slight pretence he declared war against Sultan Muhammad Shah, and marched against Dehli in great force, and besieged it for some time, but was eventually obliged to fall back unsuccessful. The business of the State day by day fell into greater confusion, and affairs came to such a pass that there were amirs at twenty kos from Dehli who shook off their allegiance, and made pretensions to independence. At length, in the year 849 (1445, A.D.), Sultan Muhammad Shah died, after a reign of ten years and some months.