The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c17.s5.449

v1.c17.s5.449

Nothing definite is known about the events of his reign from the inscriptions mentioned above. His inscriptions give dates ranging from *Śaka* 1301 to 1324 (*c.* A.D. 1379-1402). If the reading of the inscription No. 6 is correct, his reign may have extended up to about A.D. 1424. During this period there is evidence of a number of raids by Muslim rulers on Orissa. Sulṭān Fīrūz Bahmanī is said to have entered Jājnagar in A.H. 815 (A.D. 1412) and carried off a number of elephants.¹ The *Ā'īn-i-Akbarī* records a romantic account of an invasion of Jājnagar by Ḥusām ud-Dīn Hōshang, the second independent king of Malwa (*c.* 1405-35 A.D.). We are told that ‘on one occasion cunningly disguised as a merchant, he set out for Jājnagar. The ruler of that country, accompanied by a small retinue, visited the caravan. Hōshang took him prisoner and hastened back. While journeying together, Hōshang told him “that he had been induced to undertake this expedition in order to procure a supply of elephants and added that if his people attempted a rescue,” the prince’s life should pay the penalty. The prince therefore, sending for a number of valuable elephants, presented them to him and was set at liberty.² Malik Sarwar, Khwāja Jahān, the first Sharqī king of Jaunpur (*c.* 1394-1399 A.D.), may have also invaded Jājnagar, for he is reported to have compelled both Lakshaṇa-vatī and Jājnagar to pay him tribute.³