The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c11.42

c11.42

Ali A'dil Sháh remained for some time at Bankápur, and from there made successive attacks on the Hindus of the south, in which Mustápha Khán, who was made the head of all departments of the state, greatly distinguished himself. The Hindu chiefs of Malabár and Kánara seem to have submitted generally and to have become tributaries.¹ The Musalmáns were much assisted in these campaigns by their Marátha allies or feudatories, but events proved that the latter were not always to be relied on. After overrunning much country south of the Tungbhadra the Bijápur king turned his arms against Venkatadri, whose capital was blockaded. The city was on the point of falling when Venkatadri managed to gain over Hundiatum Náik, the chief of the Bárgirs, whom he induced by large bribes to desert the king and harass his camp. This was done so effectually that Ali A'dil Sháh had to raise the siege and retire to his own dominions. The conduct of the Maráthás on this occasion was not forgotten or forgiven. Shortly after the Bárgirs committed excesses in their jáhgirs about Vijáyanagar, and a force had to be sent against them, which they resisted successfully for a year. Artifice at last effected what force had failed to accomplish. The insurgents were invited to court, and notwithstanding the warnings of the more prudent among them the greater number accepted the invitation. The result is concisely told, by Farishtah: For some time the king treated the Bárgirs with kindness, but at length put most of them to death.²