The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.337

v3.c20.337

Khusrav Khān was meanwhile active in the south. Having collected much booty in the Madura district he returned to Telingāna, where he was detained by the rainy season and beguiled the tedium of inaction with ambitious dreams. He discussed with his intimates the possibility of establishing himself as an independent ruler in the south, and would have put the design into execution had not some of the officers of the army reported it to the king and compelled him to lead them back to Delhi. Mubārak ignored the report and, in his impatience to embrace his favourite, ordered him to travel from Deogīr to the capital in a litter and by posting relays of bearers on the road enabled him to perform the journey of nearly 700 miles in seven days. Khusrav Khān at once resumed his former ascendency and persuaded his master that the reports sent from the camp were false and malicious. When his accusers reached Delhi, prepared to substantiate their charges and expecting at least commendation for their fidelity, they were dismissed from their posts and fordidden the court, and one of them, Malik Talbagha of Kara, was thrown into prison.