A History of the Mahrattas v1.c4.13

v1.c4.13

Five independent states arise from the dismembered monarchy, which afterwards form the three kingdoms of Ahmednugur, Beejapoor, and Golcondah.—The term Deccan as now used.—Review of events during the sixteenth century.—Forts garrisoned by Mahrattas.—Portuguese appear on the Malabar coast—on the shores of Maharashtra—they take Goa.—The King of Ahmednugur appoints a Bramin his Peishwa, or prime minister.—The king of Beejapoor likewise shows a preference for the natives of Maharashtra.—Cavalry.—Sillidars and Bargeers.—Portuguese ravage the coast, and levy contributions.—Battle of Telikotta.—Beejanugur state subverted.—The kings of Beejapoor and Ahmednugur attack the Portuguese without success.—Maharashtra, A.D. 1573, possessed, with some exceptions, by Beejapoor and Ahmednugur.—Extent of the kingdoms of Beejapoor, Ahmednugur, and Golcondah.—Internal administration.—The Mahrattas under these states frequently opposed to each other.—The principal Mahratta families under Beejapoor and Ahmednugur—some account of each family—particularly that of Bhonslay.—The Moghul invasions, for the purpose of subjugating the Deccan states, had great influence on the rise of the Mahrattas.—State of the Deccan when the Emperor Akber projected its conquest—at his death, A.D. 1605, in possession of a part of the territory of Nizam Shah.—Mullik Umber—his regency.—Lookhjee Jadow Rao.—Death of Mullik Umber, and of Ibrahim Adil Shah.—Shahjee Bhonslay.—Mahrattas fast rising into consequence.—Accession of Mohummud Adil Shah.—Futih Khan succeeds his father.—Mullik Umber is confined by Mortiza Nizam Shah.—Murder of Lookhjee Jadow Rao.—Death of the Emperor Jehangeer, and accession of his son, Shah Jehan.—Khan Jehan Lodi, his rebellion and death.—Shahjee Bhonslay enters the Moghul service.—Alliance betwixt Mortiza Nizam Shah and the king of Beejapoor.—Army of Beejapoor defeated by the Moghuls.—Futih Khan murders Mortiza Nizam Shah—negotiates with the Emperor—obtains some districts previously promised to Shahjee.—Shahjee in disgust joins the army of Beejapoor.—Futih Khan treacherously breaks with the Moghuls.—Siege and surrender of Doulutabad.—Moghuls repulsed before Purinda, and compelled to retreat to Burhanpoor—Shahjee’s regency.—Shah Jehan’s policy.—War with Beejapoor—peace concluded—terms.—Shahjee maintains a desultory warfare—is at last compelled to yield, and enter the service of Beejapoor.—End of the Byheree dynasty . . . . . pp. 57–93