History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c18.26

c18.26

Alp Khān's death cleared the way for Malik Nāib's unchallenged ascendancy—his position had been unassailable even before. The king was now seriously ill and Nāib Kāfūr himself transacted all business of the state in the king's name. Prince Khizr Khān was the next victim of Malik Kāfūr's maliciousness. The critical condition of the king had alarmed everybody in the palace. In spite of proper and regular treatment he was not showing any signs of improvement. Fervent prayers were offered for his recovery and his loving son Khizr Khān took a vow to go on foot on pilgrimage to the shrines of the saints at Hastanāpur when his father recovered from his malady. Curiously enough 'Alāuddīn showed some signs of recovery and the prince in fulfilment of his promise went on foot to Hastinapur. In his great joy he went to the place of pilgrimage accompanied by a troupe of musicians and dancers. Malik Kāfūr, who was in the look out for a pretext, cunningly misrepresented the intentions of the prince and told the king that while he was lying ill Khizr Khān was going on pleasure trips.¹⁶ He forthwith wrote a royal *firmān* in the name of the king saying therein that since Khizr Khān would surely have been troubled at the death of his maternal uncle and father-in-law, it would be better for him to go out for sport in place of returning to the capital. It was, therefore, ordered that Khizr Khān should proceed to Amroha and should not return to Delhi until he was asked to do so. In the mean time he should send without any objection all the insignia of royalty.