A History of the Mahrattas v1.c24.56

v1.c24.56

Nizam Ool Moolk, according to his custom, had cantoned his troops for the rains; a part at Aurungabad, and the rest at different towns in the neighbourhood. Futih Yab Khan suggested to Nasir Jung that they must first seize some strong fort, and undertook to surprise Molheir, of which Mutuwussil Khan, Nasir Jung’s brother-in-law, was governor. Futih Yab Khan succeeded in the enterprise, and Nasir Jung immediately joined him. Nizam Ool Moolk did not expect this attempt, but made no preparation in consequence. Apprised of his supineness, Futih Yab Khan proposed to surprise him in Aurungabad. Nasir Jung advanced from Molheir with seven thousand horse, reached Doulutabad before intelligence of his march had been received, and had he pushed on would probably have succeeded in taking his father prisoner. He seems, however, to have been seized with some compunction for the part he was acting, and passed the day in prayer at the shrine of a celebrated Saint; whilst Nizam Ool Moolk, apparently serene, but much alarmed, was calling in his detachments; his gun bullocks were all at a distance grazing, and very few men were in readiness; but he immediately pitched his tents and moved out from the city. Before next morning, which was the 23d July, he had a respectable force drawn up, with which he coolly awaited the approach of his son, who advanced at the head of his followers and was repulsed. Finding his troops giving way, Nasir Jung impetuously charged his father’s standard, pushed on towards his elephant, and slew three of his bravest attendants, one after the other. The driver of his own elephant being killed, Nasir Jung sprang into his place; when his brother-in-law, Mutuwussil Khan, approaching him, drew an arrow to the head, which must have transfixed him, had not his son Heedayet Moideen Khan, who sat on the same elephant, stayed his hand and saved his uncle’s life: at that moment Syud Lushkur Khan, an officer of experience, who knew Nasir Jung, and the pride as well as the generosity of his disposition, pushed his elephant close by the side of his, saluted him and respectfully made room on the seat of his elephant; when, overcome by this act of courtesy, Nasir Jung took the place and was thus carried prisoner to Aurangabad. Shah Nuwaz Khan, who, as well as Sur Lushkur Khan, was destined to act a conspicuous part in Deccan affairs, had embarked with his friend Nasir Jung in this desperate enterprise, stood by him to the last, and must have been cut down, but one of his friends in the army of Nizam Ool Moolk, after Nasir Jung was taken, opening a way by which he might escape, called to him to desist and save himself. He followed this advice, and to the concealment and obscurity in which he was for seven years obliged to live, Indian history is indebted for his valuable biography, the Muasir Ool Oomrah.