History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c20.s3.31

c20.s3.31

After such a quick fall of his enemies the work of the Vazir became easy. The cruel treatment meted out to Maliks Tamar and Talbagha and the ascendancy of Khusrau had induced many a selfish noble to side with him.⁹⁶ Many other victims of the Sultan's licence or wrath also clung to him. Bahāuddin Dabir, who had been ordered to send his wife to the royal *haram* sought the protection of Khusrau and became one of his best supporters.⁹⁷ One day Khusrau pleaded to the king that while he was so kind to him as to send him on distant expeditions, the officers accompanying him did not obey him. They had large forces at their command and since he had none of his people with him they could overlook his orders with impunity. If, therefore, he could call some relations and friends from Gujarat⁸⁸ he could be very successful in future campaigns. The request was granted and a large number of Khusrau's friends and relatives arrived in Delhi. On their arrival he took them into his confidence and gave them horses and robes and wealth. Thus, according to Ferishtah, he was enabled to marshall a corps of 40,000⁸⁹ Barvaris, all his loyal supporters. He used to consult the leaders of these Barvaris and some other trusted adherents such as Yūsuf Sūfī and the sons of Qīrat Qīmar about his intended revolt. About this time the sultan went to Sarsava⁹⁰ and the Barvaris decided to kill him while he was busy in sport. But Yūsuf Sūfī and some others warned Khusrau that if they attacked the king so openly, the royal army would fall upon them and cut them down. On the contrary if the king was killed in his own palace, and the antagonistic nobles imprisoned, the way to the throne would be rendered very easy. At last it was unanimously decided to finish the king in the palace of Hazār Sitūn.⁹¹ In the meantime the sultan returned from Sarsava and the crafty Vazīr begged for another favour from him. He left the palace so very late every night, said he, that he was deprived of the company of his relations who had left their native place only for his sake. If, therefore, they could be allowed to enter the palace at night they could come and see him there. Qutbuddīn ordered that the keys of the palace gates should be left with Khusrau's men so that they could enter the palace any time they liked. This is Baranī's version. Ibn Baṭṭūṭah, however, says that it was customary in those days that when a Hindu accepted Islam, the sultan used to present him with a robe of honour and a gold ornament. According to his narrative Khusrau Khan informed the sultan that some of his relations wanted to embrace Islam but felt shy in waiting upon him in the day time. The king allowed them to come and pay respects at night.⁹² Whatever the pretence, Khusrau was successful in securing entrance for his men into the palace at night.