A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar c16.41

c16.41

Firuz had a vigorous body and a keen mind. Ferishta considered him the greatest of the Bāhmani kings, and the author of the *Burhan-i-Ma'asir* speaks of him as a 'good, just, and generous king who supported himself by copying the Quran, and the ladies of whose harem used to support themselves by embroidering garments and selling them'. But these are exaggerated estimates, and there is no doubt that Firuz drank hard and his character degenerated as his reign advanced; he ruined his vigorous body by excessive indulgence in the company of women. He built a new city Firuzabad on the Bhima where he set up a harem of 800 women of various nationalities; he was reputed to be a master of many languages and able to converse with each of his mistresses in her own tongue. Firuz made his brother Ahmad chief minister, and regulated the administration efficiently, not hesitating to employ Brahmins in important posts.