History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c10.92

c10.92

‘Ali Shah had been sent by Qutlugh Khan to realise the revenues of Kulbarga. Finding the country denuded of troops, he desired to establish his own independent power. He and his brothers treacherously murdered Bhiran,⁷⁰ the Hindu chief of Kulbarga, and misappropriated the royal treasure. Emboldened by this success, they proceeded towards Bidar which they seized and put the governor to death. The Sultan directed Qutlugh Khan to proceed against the rebels at the head of a powerful force. Undismayed by the advance of the imperialists, the traitor ‘Ali Shah organised his forces and gave battle to Qutlugh Khan. The latter dealt a crushing blow in the preliminary engagement that ensued and compelled the enemy to seek refuge in the fort of Bidar. Driven to extremities, the rebel accepted the terms dictated to him by the imperial general, and under the threats of a renewed attack he and his brothers came out of the fort. Qutlugh Khan captured them and immediately dispatched them to the Sultan at Saragdwāri. They were exiled to Ghazni, but after some time two of them returned and were severely punished by the Sultan for this act of disobedience.⁷¹