History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c7.s4.3

c7.s4.3

we find Shamsuddin Firoz establishing himself at Lakhnauti in the year 701 A.H. (1301—2 A.D.). In fact the history of Bengal of this period is shrouded in obscurity and it is difficult to know whether Ruknuddin died in 701 A.H. or was ousted by his brother Shamsuddin Firoz who established himself in Western Bengal.⁴² Not much is known even about Shamsuddin except that his coins which range from the year 701 to 722 A.H. (1302 to 1321 A.D.) indicate his possession of Lakhnauti during that period. His coins minted at Sunargaon establish his possession of the eastern provinces of Bengal also.⁴³ It is significant, however, that Shamsuddin felt strong enough to style himself as "Sultan" as is clearly manifest from his coins. It is quite probable that the outbreak of the various rebellions of Ikat Khan, Hāji Maula and 'Umar and Mangū, as also Sultan 'Alāūddīn's pre-occupation at Ranthambhor, might have induced Firoz to assume independence. This view is supported by an inscription on the Madrasa of Zafar Khan in Hugli District.⁴⁴ It is dated 713 A.H. (1313-14 A.D.) and mentions Shamsuddin Abul Muzaffar as the reigning monarch. 'Alāūddin could never have tolerated Bengal to become independent of the Delhi Sultanate. In fact he had an eye on Bengal even before he became king. On his return from Devagiri he had despatched Zafar Khan to make preparations for the occupation of Bengal in case he failed in his plans against Jalāluddīn.⁴⁵ Again, when Zafar Khan's popularity had excited the envy of the Sultan the latter had thought of giving the former a large force and ordering him to seize and govern Bengal.⁴⁶ Preoccupation with other affairs had left him no time to prosecute his designs. But when Firoz's conduct became intolerable, he made up his mind to send an army in 1302-3 A.D. Thus the object of the campaign was two-fold—to punish the recalcitrant Firoz,⁴⁷ and, if possible, to effect the conquest of Warangal.