The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c29.81

v3.c29.81

Murtazā, by some means, persuaded Ibrāhīm Qutb Shāh to aid him in his design against Bīdar, and to send a contingent to join the small army of 20,000 horse destined for the enterprise, but 'Alī Barīd Shāh succeeded in obtaining, on humiliating conditions, the assistance of 'Alī 'Ādil Shāh. He was the owner of two handsome eunuchs, the possession of whom 'Alī 'Ādil Shāh had long coveted in vain, but their surrender was now made a condition of assistance, and he was obliged to comply. The assistance given by 'Alī to Bīdar was a violation of the treaty between Bījāpur and Ahmadnagar, but Murtazā was compelled to raise the siege and endeavoured in vain to allay his favourite's resentment of the failure to fulfil the promise made to him. Sāhib Khān left the royal army during its retreat and retired to his fief, plundering and slaying his master's subjects on his way. He issued decrees in the regal manner, but Murtazā, in his infatuation, would take no steps against him, and mourned, in seclusion, his estrangement, until it began to be rumoured that the king was dead.