A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagar): A Contribution to the History of India c15.46

c15.46

By "Meliktuchar" is probably meant the celebrated minister Mahmud Gawân, who in 1457 A.D. received the title "Mallik-al-Tîjar," a title which was borne by the chief amongst the nobility at the Bâhmanî court. It meant literally "chief of the merchants." The "Kofars" are, of course, the Kaffirs or Hindus. Firishtah tells us of fighting having taken place in 1469 between the Mallik-al-Tîjar and "the roies of Songeer, Khalneh, and rebels in Kokun," when the troops of Junîr were under the Mallik's command. During the war he captured Goa, as already stated. There were campaigns also against the Hindus of Rajahmundry, Vinukonda, and other places, and in 1472 one against Belgaum, which has been already described. Firishtah tells us that the Daulatâbâd and Junîr troops were sent against the powerful Hindu Râja Narasimha on the east coast.¹ As to Kulbarga and his experiences there, Nikitin writes as follows :—