History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c11.134

c11.134

About this time Malik Maqbūl, the deputy Wazir of Gujarat, probably thinking that the atmosphere was charged with the spirit of sedition, wanted to convey the royal treasure which had accumulated in his province to Dihli. He started for Dihli by way of Dabhoi⁶¹ and Baroda, but on his way the 'Centurions' made a surprise attack upon the party in the night and carried off the royal horses and treasure. This led to further acts of brigandage and lawlessness, and the merchants of Gujarat, who were going with their goods and merchandise with him, were harassed by them and their valuable articles were forcibly seized. Thus was the progress of the imperial deputy impeded, and he was obliged to fall back upon Nehrwala, and his following was considerably diminished. The plunder of the royal horses and treasure together with the seizure of the goods of the merchants furnished them with the sinews of war and stimulated their ambition. With their position strengthened beyond their expectations, the ‘Centurions’ broke out into open rebellion, and having collected a large force, marched towards Cambay. Past favours availed naught, and the Sultan’s authority was defied in all quarters.⁶² The administration was thrown out of gear and in the state of confusion that followed, the turbid elements of society rose to the surface and made it difficult to restore peace and order in the country. No succour was available from the imperial headquarters. The Dhar Bartholomew proved a folly as well as a crime and lit up the smouldering embers of discontent everywhere. When the Sultan heard of the disaster that had befallen his deputy towards the close of Ramzan 745 A.H. (February, 1345 A.D.) he became very anxious and commenced preparations to march in person to Gujarat to deal with the insurgents.