Twilight of the Sultanate c12.s1.38

c12.s1.38

From the character of Muhammad as it unfolds itself and which runs counter to the encomiums showered upon him by the author of the *Tarīkh-i-Mubārak Shāhī*,³¹ it becomes patent enough that he abused the confidence of those who had saved him from his enemies. At the capital the reckless behaviour of the Sultan in destroying a loyal Vazīr shook the confidence of the nobles in him. Besides, his indolence and carelessness were encouraging ambitious elements to defy his authority. The Doab, always refractory, once again got out of control. In the south Gwalior ceased to pay even the periodical tribute³² and the turbulent Mewatīs began to plunder the country within a short distance of the city-wall. In the east Ibrāhīm Sharqī took possession of many royal parganas. Beyond Panipat, to the north and west, Bahlūl Lodi was gathering strength day by day. In Multan the Langāhs,³³ an Afghan tribe recently settled there, rebelled against the royal governor in A. D. 1437 (841 H).³⁴