Táríkh-i Sher Sháhí of 'Abbás Khán Sarwání (extracts)
Translation of The History of Shēr Shāh (Tārīkh-i Shērshāhī) (Tuḥfa-yi Akbarshāhī)
- Language
- English
- Date
- 1872 CE
- Translators
- Henry Miers Elliot, John Dowson
- Extent
- 200 passages, 44,500 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
- 1
- 2 CHAPTER I.
- 3 Account of the reign of Sher Shah Sur. — 22 parts
- 4 Conclusion of the Work. — 5 parts
Text
1
[Praise of God and the Prophet.]
The First Chapter contains the history of the reign of Sher Shah Sur. The Second relates the history of the reign of Islam Shah, son of Sher Shah Sur. The Third Chapter concerns the history of the princes who were descended from Sher Shah, and who, subsequent to Islam Khan, laid claim to the sovereignty, and struck coin and read the khutba in their own names; and who dethroned the son of Islam Shah.
I, the humble sweeper of the threshold of the dweller in the palace the Second Alexander, the author of the history of the reigns of the Afghans — 'Abbas, son of Shaikh 'Ali Sarwani — write by order of the Emperor Akbar.
2
CHAPTER I.
Account of the reign of Sher Shah Sur.
3.1.1
I derive my information from trustworthy Afghans, skilled in the science of history and in rhetoric, who accompanied the king from the beginning of his fortunes to the end of his reign, and were employed in his confidential service. I have written also what I have well ascertained from others. Whatever was opposed to the information thus acquired, and could not stand the touchstone of truth, I have rejected. When Sultan Bahlol, of the family of Sahu-khail, of the tribe of Lodi Afghan, possessed the throne of Dehli, there were many persons in the various kingdoms of Hind who struck coin, and had the khutba read in their own names, and who were hostile to him. Sultan Mahmud bin Sultan Ibrahim Sharki possessed the throne of Jaunpur, Sultan Mahmud Khilji reigned in Malwa, Sultan Kutbu-d din in Gujarat, Sultan 'Alau-d din Ahmad Shah in the Dekhin, and Sultan Zainu-l 'abidin in Kashmir; but the names of the rulers of Bengal and Tatta are not known to me. The ruler of Multan was Shaikh Yusuf, the spiritual successor of Shaikh Makhdum Bahau-d din Zakariya Kuraishi. As long as Sultan Bahlol remained within the great city of Dehli, the capital, no one of these Sultans placed the foot of presumption in the plain of opposition.
3.1.2
Rai Sihar Langah, Zamindar of Zabiri, having expelled Shaikh Yusuf from the city of Multan, himself assumed the kingdom, with the title of Sultan Kutbu-d din. Shaikh Yusuf came to Dehli and entreated the Sultan's aid. Sultan Bahlol and his veteran army having accordingly set out for Multan, in company with Shaikh Yusuf, Sultan Mahmud of Jaunpur came to Dehli and besieged it. Sultan Bahlol was at Dipalpur when he heard the distressing intelligence of the siege of Dehli, and he said to his nobles and ministers: "The countries of Hind are broad and rich, and their kings are of Indian extraction. In my own land I have many kinsmen renowned for their valour and strength, who are pressed for a livelihood. Were they here they would be relieved from the contempt of poverty, and I could grasp Hind and destroy my enemies."
3.1.3
His chiefs replied: "* * * It is expedient under present circumstances that His Majesty the Sultan should send letters to the chiefs of the tribes in the Roh country to this effect: 'God in his goodness has granted the kingdom of Dehli to the Afghans, but the other kings of Hind wish to expel them from the country. The honour of our women is concerned; the lands of Hind are broad and rich, and can afford maintenance to many. Come, then, to this country; the name indeed of sovereignty shall remain with me, but whatever countries we may conquer shall be shared between us as brothers. Sultan Mahmud of Jaunpur is now besieging Dehli, where the families of the Afghans are. If you feel disposed to assist me, you must do so now, and with a large force.'" * * The king, approving of this advice, issued farmans to the chiefs of the various Afghan tribes. On receipt of the farmans, the Afghans of Roh came, as is their wont, like ants and locusts, to enter the king's service. When they drew near to Dehli, a force was sent by Sultan Mahmud Sharki to give them battle. Fath Khan Hirawi, Sipah-salar of Sultan Mahmud, had with him a large force, and elephants like mountains; but the Afghans, in a moment, overthrew his army and levelled it with the dust. When Sultan Mahmud heard of the death of Fath Khan, he fled without fighting; and of the countries of Hind a considerable portion fell on this occasion into the possession of Sultan Bahlol.
3.1.4
Kalu Khan, chief of the Mahmud-khail, of the family of Sahu-khail Bahloli, was wounded in the engagement above mentioned, and Sultan Bahlol sent him a present of money by way of recompense; but he refused it, saying, "I did not come here to sell my wounds." At the same time, many of the chiefs of name besought the king for leave to depart. The king entreated them to remain, but they said:—"We came on this occasion to succour and assist you, to save the reputation and honour of your women. Dismiss us now we entreat of you, hereafter we will again return to your service." The king loaded them with presents of money and goods of all kinds, beyond their utmost expectations, and provided them with everything they could possibly want. Such Afghans as chose to remain in his service he ennobled, and gave them jagirs to their full content. Kalu Khan, however, said:—"Your Majesty must excuse my declining to accept anything, as I did not come to this country from any worldly motives."
3.1.5
When the chiefs of the tribes of Roh had gone, the king commanded his nobles, saying:—"Every Afghan who comes to Hind from the country of Roh to enter my service, bring him to me. I will give him a jagir more than proportioned to his deserts, and such as shall content him; but if he for reasons of kindred or friendship prefers remaining in the service of any one of you, do you provide for him to his satisfaction; for if I hear of one Afghan from Roh returning thither again for want of a livelihood or employment, I will resume the jágírs of that noble who may have refused to entertain him." When the Afghans of Roh heard of this, and saw the favour and affection of the king towards them, they began every day, every month, and every year, to arrive in Hind, and received jágírs to their heart's content. It was at the time of this bounty of Sultán Bahlol, that the grandfather of Sher Sháh, by name Ibráhím Khán Súr, with his son Hasan Khán, the father of Sher Sháh, came to Hindústán from Afghánistán, from a place which is called in the Afghán tongue "Shargarí," but in the Multán tongue "Rohrí." It is a ridge, a spur of the Sulaimán Mountains, about six or seven kos in length, situated on the banks of the Gúmal. They entered into the service of Muhabbat Khán Súr, Dáúd Sáhú-khail, to whom Sultán Bahlol had given in jágír the parganas of Hariána and Bahkala, etc., in the Panjáb, and they settled in the pargana of Bajwára.
3.1.6
Sher Sháh was born in the reign of Sultán Bahlol, and they named him Faríd Khán. After some time had elapsed, Ibráhím Khán left Muhabbat Khán, and entered the service of Jamál Khán Sárang-khání, of Hisár-Fírozah, who bestowed on him several villages in pargana Nárnaul for the maintenance of forty horsemen. And Mián Hasan Khán, the father of Faríd Khán, entered the service of Masnad-i 'álí 'Umar Khán Sarwání Kalkapúr, who bore the title of Khán-i 'azam, and was a counsellor and courtier of Sultan Bahlol. After the death of Masnad-i 'ali Tatar Khan, Bahlol gave (the government of) Lahore to this 'Umar Khan, who held as jdgirs, in the sirkdr of Sirhind, Bhatnur, Shahabad, and Paelpur; and 'Umar Khan gave several villages in the pargana of Shahabad as a jdgir to Hasan Khan.
3.1.7
After some time, Farid Khan said to his father Hasan Khan, "Take me before Masnad-i 'ali 'Umar Khan, and say for me: 'Farid Khan wishes to serve you—order him on any duty of which he is capable.'" Hasan Khan declined compliance on account of his tender age, recommending him to wait some time longer. Farid Khan then spoke to his mother, and his mother said to Hasan Khan—"Since he desires to see the Masnad-i 'dli, take him with you—perhaps he may be pleased at the request of so young a boy, and give him something." Hasan Khan, to please Farid and his mother, took him with him before Masnad-i 'ali 'Umar Khan, and said:—"Farid wishes to serve you." 'Umar Khan replied—"Farid is now a little boy; when he is fit for my service I will employ him. For the present I give him Balhu, a hamlet of the village of Mahawali." Hasan Khan and Farid Khan were exceedingly delighted, and when Farid got home he said to his mother—"My father would not take me but at your request, and Masnad-i 'dli has given me a village in pargana Shahabad."
3.1.8
Several years after this, Ibrahim Khan, the father of Hasan Khan, died at Narnaul. Hasan Khan, when he heard of his father's death, left Shahabad, and coming before 'Umar Khan, who was with Sultan Bahlol's army, requested leave of absence to condole with the members of his father's family and retainers, saying he would return with them, for that he would not quit 'Umar Khan's service for any worldly advancement. 'Umar Khan replied: "You are aware that I have already given you your share of the jdgirs which I possess, nor can I entertain more men. Your father's retainers now all look to you. You will be able to obtain your father's jágír, or even a larger one than your father's was. I am not so unjust to my own tribe as to keep you on a small jágír." Such were the Afghán nobles, and such their favour towards their own race and kindred, that if they saw their Afghans could elsewhere obtain more than they themselves were able to give, they at once sent them with recommendations in search of better employment.
3.2.1
Hasan Khan was well pleased, and the next day Masnad-i 'álí sent for Jamál Khán, and strongly recommending Hasan Khan to him, persuaded him to bestow on him his father's jágír, with several villages in addition to it, and said, "Whatever kindness you show to Hasan Khán, you will be doing a favour to me." Then giving Hasan Khan a horse and a dress of honour, he dismissed him. After this, Hasan Khan did such service for Jamál Khán as satisfied and pleased him. After Sultán Bahlol's death, Sikandar his son succeeded, and conquered Jaunpúr from his brother Bárbak, and conferred the súbah on Jamál Khán, and ordered him to keep up 12,000 horse, and to assign them jágírs. Jamál Khán, who was much pleased with Hasan Khán's good service, took him with him, and gave him in jágír the parganas of Sahsarám, Hájípúr, and Tánda, near Benares, to maintain 500 horsemen. Hasan Khan had eight sons. Faríd Khán and Nizám Khán were born of one Afghán mother; 'Alí and Yúsuf of another mother; Khurram and Shádí Khán of a third; Sulaimán and Ahmad of a fourth. Hasan Khan did not care for or love the mother of Faríd and Nizám, but was very fond of his slave-girls, and was especially attached to the mother of Sulaimán and Ahmad; and she gained such influence over Hasan Khán, that she entirely ruled him. Angry words often passed between Hasan and Faríd.
3.2.2
When he was assigned jágírs, Mián Hasan showed little partiality to Faríd, and did not give him a jágír which contented him. Faríd Khán, annoyed with his father, went to Jamál Khán at Jaunpúr. When Mián Hasan discovered that Faríd had gone there, he wrote to Jamál Khán thus : "Faríd Khán, being annoyed with me, has gone to you without sufficient cause. I trust in your kindness to appease him, and send him back; but if refusing to listen to you, he will not return, I trust you will keep him with you, for I wish him to be instructed in religious and polite learning." Jamál Khán sent for Faríd, and advised him in every possible way to return to his father ; but he refused, and said, "If my father wants me back to instruct me in learning, there are in this city many learned men : I will study here." Jamál Khán made no further objection. Faríd employed himself in studying Arabic at Jaunpúr. He also studied thoroughly the Káfia, with the commentaries of Kází Shahábu-d dín, and the biographies of most of the kings of ancient times. He had got by heart the Sikandar-náma, the Gulistán, and Bostán, etc., and was also reading the works of the philosophers. Subsequently, whenever, during his reign, learned men came to ask him for a maintenance (madad-ma'ásh), he used to ask them about the Háshia-i Hindia, and he still retained his liking for books of history and the lives of ancient kings.
3.2.3
It happened after some years, that Hasan Khán came to Jamál Khán, when all his kinsmen who were in Jaunpúr reproached him for having sent Faríd away from his presence for the sake of a slave-girl ; and they remarked that Faríd Khán, young as he was, gave promise of future greatness ; that he bore the marks of excellence on his forehead, and that in all the tribe of Súr there was none who possessed learning, talent, wisdom, and prudence like him; and he had qualified himself so well, that if Hasan Khán would entrust him with the charge of a pargana, he would discharge it excellently well, and perfectly perform all his duties. Hasan Khan assented to what his kindred said, and replied, "Pacify him and bring him to me; I will agree to whatever you say." His friends replied, "As you are generally in Jaunpur in attendance on Jamal Khan, it is advisable you should entrust the administration of your two parganas to Farid." Hasan Khan agreed to his kinsmen's request. In great glee they came to Farid, and said, "Mian Hasan has agreed to everything we have said in your behalf, and has dissented from nothing. It behoves you also to assent to what we say to you." Farid Khan replied, "I will agree to anything you may say, nor will I ever draw back from it; but as soon as Hasan Khan sees the face of the slave-girl, he will do whatever she tells him." His kinsmen rejoined: "Do you nevertheless agree; if he departs from his agreement with us, we will remonstrate with him."
3.2.4
When Farid heard these words of his kinsmen, he said, "To please you I accept the management of the two districts. I will not fail to do my duty to the best of my power." Farid Khan, much pleased, accompanied his relatives to his father's presence. His father also was much gratified, and kept him for some months with him. Afterwards, Hasan Khan wished to send Farid to the parganas; but Farid representing to Hasan Khan that he wished first to speak with him, he obtained leave to do so, and thus began: "Many soldiers and subordinates, our kinsmen, have jagirs in these parganas. I shall devote myself to increase the prosperity of the district, and that depends on a just administration; for it has been said by the learned: " * * * When Hasan Khan heard his son's speech he was much gratified, and said:—"I will give you the power both to grant and to resume the soldier's jagirs, and I will not reverse anything you may do." He accordingly sent Farid Khan to his two parganas, with every mark of favour.
3.2.5
When he got to his jagirs, he said:—"Let all the head men, (mukaddaman) and the cultivators (muzari'an) on whose labour the prosperity of the district depends, and all the village accountants (patwárís), attend my presence. When they came, he summoned also the soldiery, and thus addressed them:—"My father (ábá) has committed to me the power of appointing and dismissing you. I have set my heart on improving the prosperity of the district, in which object also your own interests are concerned; and by this means I hope to establish my reputation." * * * When he had finished exhorting the soldiery, he turned to the peasantry, and said:—"This day I give you your choice as to your mode of payment. Do whatever is most advantageous to your own interests in every possible way." Some of the head-men asked for written agreements for a fixed money rent; others preferred payment in kind (kismat-i ghalla). Accordingly he gave leases and took agreements, and fixed the payments for measuring the fields (jaríbána), and the fees for the tax-collectors and measurers (muhassilána); and he said to the Chaudharís and head-men:—"I know well that the cultivation depends on the humble peasants, for if they be ill off they will produce nothing, but if prosperous they will produce much. I know the oppressions and exactions of which you have been guilty towards the cultivators;
3.2.6
and for this reason I have fixed the payments for measurements, and the tax-gatherers' fees,—that if you exact from the cultivators more on this account than is fixed, it may not be credited to you in making up your accounts. Be it known to you, that I will take the accounts of the fees in my own presence. Whatever dues are rightly taken I will sanction, and compel the cultivators to pay them; and I will also collect the Government dues for the autumn harvest in the autumn, and for the spring harvest in the spring; for balances of Government dues are the ruin of a pargana, and the cause of quarrels between the cultivators and the Government officers. It is right for a ruler to show leniency to the cultivators at the period of measurement, and to have a regard to the actual produce; but when the time of payment comes he should show no leniency, but collect the revenue with all strictness. If he perceives the cultivators are evading payment, he should so chastise them as to be an example to others not to act in the same way." He then said to the peasantry : — " Whatever matter you have to represent, bring it always yourselves to me. I will suffer no one to oppress you." Having thus addressed them, he dismissed them with honorary dresses to carry on their cultivation. After dismissing the cultivators, he said to his father's officers : — " The cultivators are the source of prosperity.
3.2.7
I have encouraged them and sent them away, and shall always watch over their condition, that no man may oppress and injure them; for if a ruler cannot protect humble peasantry from the lawless, it is tyranny to exact revenue from them. There are certain zamíndárs who have been behaving contumaciously in these parganas, who have not presented themselves at the Governor's court (mahkama-i- hákim), do not pay their full revenue, and harass the villages in their neighbourhood — how shall I overcome and destroy them?" They replied : — "Most of the troops are with Míán Hasan ; wait a few days and they will return." Faríd said, " I cannot have patience while they refuse to come to me, and continue to oppress and injure the people of God ; do you consider what I can contrive against these rebels, and how I may chastise them." He ordered his father's nobles to saddle 200 horses, and to see how many soldiers there were in the pargana, and he sent for all the Afgháns and men of his tribe who were without jágírs, and said to them, — "I will give you subsistence and clothing till Míán Hasan returns. Whatever goods or money you may get from the plunder of these rebels is yours, nor will I ever require it of you ; and whoever among you may distinguish himself, for him I will procure a good jágír from Míán Hasan. I will myself give you horses to ride on." When they heard this they were much pleased, and said they would not fail in doing their duty under his auspices.
3.2.8
He put the men who had engaged to serve him in good humour by all sorts of favours, and by gifts of clothes, etc., and presented them also with a little money.
3.3.1
He then sent to the cultivators for horses, saying, "Bring your horses to me as a loan for a few days, as I particularly require them. When I return after finishing this business, I will give you back your horses." They willingly and cheerfully agreed to lend their horses, and from every village they brought one or two horses, and put on the saddles which they had ready in their houses, etc. Farid gave to every one of his soldiers who had not one of his own, a horse to ride, and hastened against the rebels, and plundered their villages, bringing away the women and children, cattle and property. To the soldiery he made over all the property and quadrupeds which came into their possession; but the women and children and the peasantry he kept himself in confinement, and sent to the head-men, saying:—"Pay me my rights; if not, I will sell your wives and children, and will not suffer you to settle anywhere again. Wherever you may go, thither will I pursue you; and to whatever village you may go, I will command the head men to seize and make you over to me, or else I will attack them also."
3.3.2
When the head-men heard these words, they sent to say: "Pardon our past offences, and if hereafter we do anything you do not approve, punish us in any way you choose." Farid Khán sent to say in reply, "Give security, in order that if you offend and abscond, your security may be held responsible for your appearance." So the head-men, whose wives and families he had in confinement, paid what was due from them to Government, and gave security for their appearance, and so released their wives and families. There were some zamíndárs who had committed all sorts of offences, such as theft and highway robbery, and refusing to pay revenue, never came to the Governor's presence, but were insolent from confidence in their numbers. Although these were often warned, they took no heed. Farid Khán collected his forces, and commanded that every one of his villagers who had a horse should come riding upon it, and that he who had not a horse should come on foot. And he took with him half his own soldiers, and the other half he employed in collecting revenue and other local duties.
3.3.3
When the soldiers and peasantry were assembled, he marched towards the villages of the recusants, and at a distance of a kos threw up an earthen entrenchment; and ordered them to cut down the neighbouring jungle. His horsemen he directed to patrol round the villages; to kill all the men they met, and to make prisoners of the women and children, to drive in the cattle, to permit no one to cultivate the fields, to destroy the crops already sown, and not to permit any one to bring anything in from the neighbouring parts, nor to allow any one of them to carry anything out of the village, and to watch them day and night; and he every day repeated the order to his force to invest the village, and not to permit a soul to go out. His footmen he also ordered to cut down the jungle. When the jungle was all cut down, he marched from his former position, and made another entrenchment nearer the village, and occupied it. The rebels were humbled, and sent a representative saying, that if Farid Khan would pardon their fault, they would submit. Farid Khan replied that he would not accept their submission, and that there could be nothing but hostility between him and them; to whichever God might please, he would give the victory.
3.3.4
Although the rebels humbled themselves in every way, and offered to pay a large sum of money, yet Farid Khan would not accept the money, but said to his men: — "This is the way of these rebels: first they fight and oppose their rulers; if they find him weak, they persist in their rebelliousness; but if they see that he is strong, they come to him deceitfully and humble themselves, and agree to pay a sum of money, and so they persuade their ruler to leave them alone; but as soon as they find an opportunity, they return to their evil ways. * * * Early in the morning, Farid Khan mounted and attacked the criminal zamíndárs, and put all the rebels to death, and making all their women and children prisoners, ordered his men to sell. them or keep them as slaves; and brought other people to the village and settled them there. When the other rebels heard of the death, imprisonment, and ruin of these, they listened to wisdom, repented of their contumacy, and abstained from theft and robbery. If any soldier or peasant had a complaint, Farid would examine it in person, and carefully investigate the cause, nor did he ever give way to carelessness or sloth. In a very short time, both parganas became prosperous, and the soldiery and peasantry were alike contented. When Míán Hasan heard of this, he was much pleased; and in all companies used to make mention of the prosperity of his parganas, the gallantry of his son, and the subjection of the zamíndárs.
3.3.5
The fame of Farid's wisdom was noised abroad over the kingdom of Bihár, and all the nobles of that country who heard of it praised it. He gained a reputation among men, and satisfied and pleased all his friends and others, except a few enemies, such as the mother of Sulaimán. When, after some time, Míán Hasan came to his home from attendance on Masnad-i 'álí Míán Jamál Khán, all the vassals and soldiery with one voice unanimously proclaimed their well-being, and he witnessed himself the prosperity of the country and replenishment of the treasury, and was extremely delighted with Faríd. The dislike which he formerly entertained was dispelled, and he distinguished both brothers with all kinds of favours. "I am now old," he said, "nor can I bear the labour and trouble and thought of governing the parganas and the soldiery while I live; do you manage them."
3.3.6
This speech displeased Sulaimán and his mother, and they made all kinds of lying and false complaints to Míán Hasan, and the money which Faríd had, for his sister's wedding, given to Sulaimán, they changed, and showed to Míán Hasan, declaring it was bad. Every day they complained and railed against Faríd Khán, but Míán Hasan gave ear to none of them. Sulaimán and his mother perceived that Míán Hasan was not incensed against Farid by their lying complaints, but said to them, "It is not right that you should always rail at Farid. Except you two, there is not a person among my friends, soldiers, or vassals, who complains of him; and I also am satisfied and grateful for his conduct and excellent behaviour, for both my parganas are prosperous."
3.3.7
When the mother of Sulaiman heard Mian Hasan thus speak, she was overcome with grief, and discontinued complaining to Mian Hasan, but from that day seldom held any intercourse with Mian Hasan. She publicly displayed her grief, and the love and the intimacy which Mian Hasan had previously enjoyed with her were interrupted. Mian Hasan perceived her great affliction, and one day said to her, "What is the cause of your grief? and what is the reason of your shunning me?" She replied, "I was once your humble slave, you distinguished me by your love and affection, and the rest of your family, from envy, are little affectionate towards me; nor yet, to the best of my ability, have I failed in my duty to them. He (Farid) is your eldest son, and looks to succeed to your position, and if, during your life, you do not distinguish my sons as well as Farid, nor give them the management of a pargana, I will in your presence kill myself and my sons; for in your lifetime they should acquire property. Farid and your kindred, who are my enemies, after your death will insult and turn us out of the parganas. Therefore, it is better for us to die in your presence, than to survive dishonoured among our enemies."
3.3.8
Mian Hasan, bound in the chain of her love, and helpless from the force of his affection (from which to the lover there is no escape), was persuaded by her, and withdrew his fickle affections from his eldest son, and sought to remove him from the country, and to place his other sons in his room. The mother of Sulaiman said, "I hope much from your love, but your relatives will not permit you to take away the management of the parganas from Farid." Mian Hasan, who was entangled in the noose of her love, swore a solemn oath to her and appeased her. After this Mían Hasan sought to discover some fault in Farid, and to remove him, and employed himself in examining his actions. Excessive aversion was kindled and angry words passed between Míán Hasan and Farid. When Faríd discovered that Míán Hasan had promised the mother of Sulaimán that he would give the management of both parganas to her sons, and had violated the promise which he had given to his kinsmen, Farid threw up the management of them, and sent to Mian Hasan, saying, "So long as I saw my father's affections and kindness turned towards me, I carried on the business of the parganas—now make anybody manager you like. Certain persons from envy and enmity have conveyed to your hearing reports which have grieved you. My father, inquire into them, as I shall show you how." * * *
3.4.1
Míán Hasan sent to Farid in reply, saying, "There is no reason that I should make inquiries; for while I was even absent with the army, I understood the real state of the parganas, and that you doubled the prosperity of the country. And if you have appropriated anything, well and good. It is your own property, and it is no reproach. * * * Your degenerate brothers, Sulaiman and the rest, give me daily annoyance. I do not think they are able to manage the country. However much I advise, it makes no impression on them: they have taken away my rest and peace, and their mother is interfering perpetually in my affairs on behalf of her sons. I am obliged to permit Sulaiman and Ahmad to act for a short time as shikkdárs of the parganas, that I may be freed from this daily and nightly vexation." When Farid heard these words from his father, he said, "The two parganas are my father's, let him give their management to whomsoever he will."
3.4.2
When Míán Hasan's relations heard that he had taken away the management of the two parganas from Farid, and was intending to confer it on Sulaiman and Ahmad, and that Farid was preparing to go to Ágra to gain his livelihood (for in those days Agra was the capital city), they came to Mian Hasan, and said : — "It is not right for you to take away the management of the parganas from this son, and give it to Sulaiman and Ahmad; for Farid, by his care, has doubled their prosperity, and has so established his authority in them, as no one ever before did, nor has he committed any fault for which he ought to be removed. It is not right to quarrel with such an able son in your old age; especially in these times, when the authority of Sultán Ibráhím is shaken, and every Afghan of influence is aiming at power and independence."
3.4.3
Mian Hasan replied to his relatives, "I know it is not right to grieve Farid; but what can I do? for Sulaimán and his mother have driven me into a strait, nor do they give me a moment's rest. * * * I am an old man, the time of my death is near at hand. I cannot break my promise. I give the management of the parganas to Sulaiman and Ahmad during my life. If they govern well, so that the parganas prosper, the people are happy and the soldiery content, well and good; for then during my lifetime they will acquire a good name. For thus Farid has gained a name among men, and has gladdened my heart. Wheresoever he may go, he will be able to gain his own livelihood. But if they prove unfit, they will (at any rate) be for some time during my life laying up worldly goods. Of this I am certain, that after my death the government of the parganas will be conferred on Farid, who is deserving of it." * * * When his kinsmen heard this reply of Míán Hasan, they said, "You send Farid away from you to please a slave-girl! It is wrong in these times to stir up strife for a slave-girl's sake. For from the proceedings of the Lohánís in Bihar, it appears that they will shortly throw off the king's yoke, and declare their independence. It has been said, 'it is wrong to place confidence in women,' " etc. * * * But in spite of what his relatives said, Mian Hasan, who was a captive in the bonds of his love for the slave-girl, did not assent to their representation.
3.4.4
When Farid entertained no longer any hope from Míán Hasan, he took leave of his friends, and set off for Agra, by way of Kahnpur (Cawnpore), which pargana then belonged to the jagir of 'Azim Humayun Sarwani, who there maintained a large number of followers. Most of the Sarwanis were settled in that neighbourhood. When Farid reached Kahnpur, the Sarwanis who were connected by marriage with Mian Hasan entertained Farid. Among them, one Shaikh Isma'il was present. Farid asked who he was. The Sarwanis at first said that he was a Sarwani; but afterwards that he was a Sur of Farid's own tribe, but that his mother was a Sarwani. Farid said to him, "Why did you not tell me you were a Sur?" Shaikh Isma'il said, "I did not tell you that I was a Sarwani, but if they said so, what fault is it of mine?" Farid said to Shaikh Isma'il, "Come with me." Shaikh Isma'il and Ibrahim both accompanied Farid, and in the battle in which Farid defeated Kutb Shah, King of Bengal, Isma'il greatly distinguished himself. Habib Khan Kakar, who was his sister's son and lived in his house, slew Kutb Shah with an arrow, and as Habib Khan was a follower of Shaikh Isma'il, the latter got the credit of having killed Kutb Shah. On that occasion, Farid gained the surname of Sher Shah, and he bestowed that of Shuja'at Khan on Shaikh Isma'il.
3.4.5
When Sher Shah Sur gained the kingdom of Hindustan, he bestowed the government of Mandu on him, and gave to Ibrahim Khan, who also attained to great consideration, the title of Sarmast Khan. It so happened that when Farid arrived at Agra, Daulat Khan, the son of Budhu (who had been brought up in 'Azim Humayun Sarwani's house), held the command of 12,000 horse, and was in great favour with Sultan Ibrahim. Farid Khan chose Daulat Khan for his patron, and did him such good service that Daulat Khan often said: "I am ashamed to look Farid Khan in the face; if he will only say what I can do for him, I will not fail to use my utmost endeavours to accomplish his desire, only let him say what he wants."
3.4.6
When Farid understood that Daulat Khan took an interest in his affairs, he wrote saying, "Mian Khan is old, and his senses are failing him, and he is spell-bound and infatuated with a Hindu slave-girl. Whatever she tells him he does, and has permitted her to manage his districts, and she has trampled on all his relatives, and disgusted his soldiery and the people he rules. Both parganas are falling to ruin from the folly of this slave-woman. If the king will confer on me the two parganas, I and my brother will, with 500 horse, serve him in any place or way he orders, in addition to the service Mian Hasan now renders. When Daulat Khan heard his request, he encouraged him in every possible way, and said, "Be of good heart, for I will tell the king the truth about Mian Hasan, and will get the parganas taken from your father and given to you."
3.4.7
Daulat Khan, on representing the state of Mian Hasan's case to the king, said: — "Farid is the ablest of his sons, and has long managed the parganas. The soldiery and inhabitants are content with him. If the king will bestow on him the management of the two parganas, he and his brother will do whatever duty you may command with 500 horse." The king replied, "He is a bad man who complains against and accuses his own father." Daulat Khan informed Farid, and said: — "This reply came from the king's own mouth, but do not you be cast down. God willing, I will get for you the management of these two parganas, and will, moreover, watch over your interests." When Farid heard the matter, he was grieved, but to please Daulat Khan remained with him. He assisted Farid with money, and indeed gave him such a daily allowance as to enable him to accumulate somewhat. After some time Mian Hasan died. On the third day after his death Sulaiman placed Mian Hasan's turban on his own head, and was sitting among his friends when Mian Nizam came, accompanied by his partisans, and took the turban from off Sulaiman's head, saying, "It does not become you, in the absence of your elder brother, who is celebrated for every excellent quality, and is on service with the king, to place the turban of Mian Hasan on your own head. Have a fear of God!
3.4.8
Have you no shame before the people of the Lord, that you thus act in contravention of law and custom, and create a cause of contention? During our father's life you acted ungenerously to Farid through your mother's influence; on my father's account I could say nothing. Had it been otherwise, your strength and courage should have been tried; but now such conduct is no longer right. It behoves you to act to Farid in a very different manner from what you have in times past; and abandon strife, for it is not good to contend with your elder brother. Mian Hasan in his lifetime assigned separate jágírs to his sons; be content with this, and resign your superiority; for it is your elder brother's right. If you will not give up fighting, you will become dependent on others; nor will any one speak well of you. Contention will only get you a bad name and ruin the parganas." Sulaiman said, "If my brother treats me with any kindness, I cannot choose but serve him."
3.5.1
After this Mían Nizám wrote to Farid, telling him of the death of Mian Hasan, and of the whole affair. When Farid got the news, he performed the usual mourning, and told Daulat Khán the posture of affairs as regarded Sulaiman. Daulat Khán said, "Do not be anxious. Please God, the king will give you the government of the two parganas." Daulat Khán told the king the news of Mian Hasan's death, and procuring farmáns for the two parganas, gave them to Farid, and procured him also leave to go to his jágír, that he might establish his possession and authority over them, and console his family and followers; after which he was again to present himself before the king. When Farid arrived, all his relations and all the soldiery came out to meet him, and yielded obedience to the farmán. Sulaiman, unable to oppose him, went away to Muhammad Khán Súr Daúd-Sháh-khail, governor of the pargana of Chaundh, etc., who commanded 1500 horse. As there had been some little ill-feeling between this Muhammad Khán and Hasan Khán, he desired nothing better than that the brothers should quarrel, and both become dependent on him. He said to Sulaiman, "Have patience for a short while, for Farid has got a royal farmán for the government. But Sultán Ibráhím has maltreated the nobles of Sultán Bahlol and Sultán Sikandar, and they have all retired to their own districts, and remain there.
3.5.2
And the Khán-khánán Yusuf-khail, who was governor of the Panjáb, etc., has sent his son Diláwar Khán to Kábul, to fetch the Emperor Bábar, and he is now coming back with the Mughals. There will be war between the two monarchs. If Sultán Ibráhím prevails, you must go to him, and I will write to him on your behalf, and describe Faríd as hostile to Mián Hasan, as well as yourself, and that Mián Hasan preferred you. Whatever assistance your fortune gives you, you will get; and if the Mughals conquer, I will by force take the parganas from Faríd, and give them to you." Sulaimán replied, "I have taken refuge with you from fear of Faríd. Because there is none like you in the tribe of Súr, I place myself in your hands." Shortly after Muhammad Khán sent his vakíl to Faríd with this message: "Listen to my advice, and have respect to my interference. I come to mediate between you; whichever of you declines my mediation will bring shame on his kindred." Faríd Khán wrote in reply, "You are, indeed, very great and powerful, and the Dáúd-Sháh-khail is the most exalted among the tribes of Súr; the chieftaincy of the tribe is therefore yours of right. * * The truth is not hid from you, my lord; which is, that in my father's lifetime he was always disputing with me.
3.5.3
Even after his death, I offered to give my three brothers a larger jágír than had been assigned to them during my father's lifetime, and I said to Sulaimán, 'Let us put aside the ill-feeling that existed between us during our father's life, and let us pass the rest of our lives in amity and affection.' * * * I send my brother Nizám to bring him to me, and I will give him such a jágír as will satisfy him; but let him put aside the desire of sharing as his portion in (the government of) my pargana; for while I live he shall never obtain this." When Muhammad Khán's vakíl reported what Faríd Khán had said and written, Muhammad Khan said to Sulaimdn, "Farid Khdn will not give you a share quietly. I will make him do so by force." * * * Sulaiman was much delighted; but the matter was reported to Farid Khdn, who consulted with his brother Nizdm and his other adherents, and said, "I must ally myself with some one who will be able to oppose Muhammad Khdn, and there is no one within reach except Bihdr Khan, son of Darya Khdn Lohani. However, it is best to wait a little. If Sultan Ibrahim prevails, no one will be able to say a word against me; for do I not hold the Sultan's farmdn?
3.5.4
And if (which God avert) the Mughals should defeat Sultdn Ibrahim, then indeed I must of necessity ally myself to Bihar Khan, and remain in his service." After some time news came that the two monarchs had joined battle on the field of Panipat, and that after a severe contest Sultdn Ibrdhim had been slain, and that the kingdom of Dehli had fallen into the hands of the Emperor Babar, in the year 932. * * Farid Khan, being thus compelled, went to Bihar Khan, and entered into his service, and employed himself day and night in his business; nor did he rest one moment from it, and from this good service he gained Bihdr Khdn's favour; so that he had access to him in public and in private, and became one of his most intimate friends. In consequence of his excellent arrangements, he became celebrated throughout the country of Bihar. One day he went out hunting with Bihar Khan, and a tiger [sher] having been started, Farid Khan slew it. Bihdr Khan, who on the death of Sultdn Ibrahim had assumed the title of "Sultan Muhammad," and had caused coin to be struck, and the khutba to be read in his own name throughout the country of Bihdr, gave to Farid Khdn, on account of this gallant encounter, the title of "Sher Khan," and made him the deputy to his son Jaldl Khan.
3.5.5
He performed the duties of deputy for a long time, but at length went on leave to visit his own parganas, where he delayed for some time. On account of his long absence, Sultan Muhammad used to talk reproachfully of him, and said, "Sher Khan promised to return very shortly, but has remained a long time away." Those were days of confusion, no man put entire confidence in another. Muhammad Khan Sur came to Sultan Muhammad and spoke detractingly of Sher Khan, saying, "He sees some probability of the advent of Sultan Mahmud, the son of Sultan Sikandar, to whom many of the nobles and Afghans have given in their adhesion. If Your Majesty commands me, I will contrive to bring Farid Khan here without any stir. His brother Sulaiman is an able young man, to whom Hasan Khan during his lifetime made over the management of both his parganas, when he banished Sher Khan from his districts, who even formerly preferred an accusation against his own father, and of whom the Sultan said, 'This is a bad man who complains even against his own father.' When Hasan Khan died, Farid Khan, through his patron Daulat Khan, obtained a grant of both parganas from Sultan Ibrahim. Sulaiman was also desirous of going to Sultan Ibrahim, to show the recommendatory letter which Mian Hasan when dying had written to the Sultan. But disturbances arose, and he was unable to go, and has now come to you to complain of his brother.
3.5.6
If Your Majesty will confer these parganas on Sulaiman, Farid Khan will very quickly come unto your presence again. It is now long since that Sulaiman, flying from him, sought refuge with me; and if he attains his rights, he will ever be your obliged servant." Sultan Muhammad replied, "He has done me much good service, how can I give away his jagirs to another, and that for a trifling fault, and without inquiry? However, to please you they shall both bring their cause before you. Both are similarly related to you—do you favour neither, that the right may be established, and the dust of the enmity which exists between them may be allayed." Muhammad Khan, when he was dismissed, returned to his own jagir, and sent Shadi Khan, his confidential servant, to Farid Khan with a message to this effect:—"It is not right for you to take possession of both parganas and to disinherit your brothers, and lay the foundation of strife among your own kindred. I have sent Shadi Khan to you, and I hope you will take heed to what he will say to you. Your brothers have now been a long time with me, and the laws and customs of the Afghans are no secret to you."
3.5.7
When Shadi came to Sher Khan, and delivered at full length Muhammad Khan's message, Sher Khan replied:—"Do you, Shadi Khan, tell the Khan from me, that this is not the Roh country that I should share equally with my brothers. The country of India is completely at the disposal of the king, nor has any one else any share in it, nor is there any regard to elder or younger, or to kindred. Sikandar Lodi thus decided: 'If any noble dies, whatever money or other effects he may leave should be divided among his heirs according to the laws of inheritance; but his office and his jagirs and his military retinue let him confer on whichever of the sons he thinks most able; and in these no one else has a right to share, nor is any remedy open to them.' Whatever goods and money my father left, Sulaiman with my brothers appropriated before he sought refuge with you. Hitherto, out of regard for my relationship to you, I have said nothing; but whenever he may quit you, I shall reclaim my share of my patrimonial inheritance from him. The jagir and office were conferred on me by Sultan Ibrahim; in them no one has any share. But I said to my brothers, 'The jagirs which you enjoyed in my father's lifetime I will continue, nay increase to you; but no one can participate in my office.' It does not become you to say, 'Give up Tanda and Malhu to Sulaiman.' I will not willingly yield them. If you take them by force, and give them to him, it is in your power to do so. I have not another word to say."
3.6.1
When Shadi returned from Sher Khan, and reported the whole affair to Muhammad Khan, he was much enraged, and said to Shadi, "Take all my forces with you, seize parganas Tanda, and Malhu, and make them over to Sulaiman and Ahmad. If he resists you, fight him with all your might; and if you defeat and put him to flight, make over both parganas to Sulaimán, and, leaving your army to assist him, return to me, lest when he sees Sulaimán with few followers he will attack him." When this news reached Sher Khán, he wrote to Sukha, his slave (father of Khawás Khán), the shikdár of Tánda and Malhu, near Benares, and with whom the greater part of Sher Khán's forces were, apprising him that Sulaimán, accompanied by Shádi Khán, was advancing against him, and directing him not to yield up Tánda and Malhu without resistance. When the army of Muhammad Khán approached, Sukha came out of the city to meet it. In the engagement which followed, Sukha was slain, and his army were defeated and fled to Sher Khán, at Sahsarám, nor did they even rally there. Some persons advised Sher Khán to go to Sultán Muhammad, but he did not agree to this, saying, "These are uncertain times, the Sultán will not quarrel with Muhammad Khán for my sake. He will endeavour to bring about some compromise; but it is not my interest to enter into a compromise." Míán Nizám Khán said, "If it be not your interest to make a compromise, I think it will be best to go to Patna;
3.6.2
thence, through the intervention of some proper person, to procure an interview with Sultán Junaid Birlás, at Ágra, and to offer to enter his service. Perhaps this might afford an opportunity not only of vengeance on Muhammad Khán, but even of driving him out of Chaundh." Sher Khán agreed to this, and went to Patna, and sent an agent to Sultán Junaid, at Ágra, saying, "If Sultán Junaid will give me his parole, and promise not to molest me, I will come and wait upon him, and serve him loyally with all my heart and soul." Sultán Junaid agreeing to this, Sher Khán came to him, bringing with him a very large present. Sultán Junaid was much pleased, and gave him the aid of a large force to recover his parganas. Muhammad Khán and Sulaimán, unable to resist, fled to the hill of Rohtás, and Sher Khán got possession not only of his own parganas, but also of Chaundh and of several parganas which had formerly appertained to the crown. To many of the Afgháns and his kindred who had fled to the mountains, he wrote, promising to double their former jágírs, and said, "The honour of our women is one (to us all); I have accomplished my revenge, and have regained my parganas." Consequent on the acquisition of these parganas, many Afghans came to him. When he perceived that many of the Afghans were collecting round him, he became at ease; gaining confidence, he dismissed the army which Sultán Junaid had sent to his aid with very handsome presents.
3.6.3
Sher Khán then wrote to Muhammad Khán Súr, the former ruler of Chaundh, who had fled to the hills, to this effect: "Do not let any fear find its way to your heart, but make your mind quite easy, and come and take possession of your pargana. I have acquired several parganas which formerly paid revenue to Sultán Ibráhím, and do not covet the possessions of my kindred. This is a time of sedition and misfortunes. Every Afghán who has any forces is coveting my government and country, and it therefore behoves those who have the means in such a time to collect for their aid and assistance soldiery of their own tribe, so as to preserve their own dominion, and even gain fresh territory. This, therefore, is the wisest course; let us put away our former envy and hatred, and in place of it let us plant the young tree of love and kindness in our hearts, that it may bring forth the fruit of friendship; and this may be the means of our collecting our friends, and so of attaining high station and dignity." On receiving Sher Khán's letter, Muhammad Khán came down from the hills, and again took possession of his own parganas of Chaundh, etc.; and he and Sher Khán forgave each other their previous enmity; and Muhammad Khán thus came under obligations to Sher Khán.
3.6.4
Sher Khán, being relieved from all apprehension as regarded Muhammad Khán, went to Sultán Junaid Birlás, at Agra, and thence accompanied him to the presence of the Emperor Bábar; was admitted to his Court, was present during the affair of Chanderí, and remained for some time amongst the Mughals, and acquainted himself with their military arrangements, their modes of governing, and the character of their nobles. He often said among the Afghans, "If luck aided me, and fortune stood my friend, I could easily oust the Mughals from Hindustan." When people heard him speak thus, they ridiculed him, and used to say behind his back, "What vain boasting is this of Sher Khan's; he talks about a thing far beyond his power." I, 'Abbas, the writer of the adventures of Sher Khan, have heard from the mouth of Shaikh Muhammad my own uncle, whose age was nearly eighty years, the following story: "I was at the battle of Chanderi, with the force of the victorious Emperor Babar, the second Faridun, and in attendance on the Khan Khanan Yusuf-khail, who brought the Emperor Babar from Kabul, and Shaikh Ibrahim Sarwani said to me, 'Come to Sher Khan's quarters, and hear his impossible boastings, which all men are laughing at.' And accordingly we rode over to Sher Khan's quarters.
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