A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagar): A Contribution to the History of India c17.s1.41

c17.s1.41

Turning to Firishtah, I find a difference. He states that the battle of Raichûr took place in Hijra 927 (December 12, 1520, to December 1, 1521, A.D.), which, if it was fought in May, as Nuniz declares, makes the date May 1521. That he is speaking of the same affair is obvious from the details given. He mentions, for instance, the vast host constituting the Hindu army, the Shâh’s force advancing to the river Krishnâ, the too hasty crossing of the river, the gallant fight of the Muhammadans, their defeat and rout, the fact of the Âdil Shâh’s forces being driven to the river and perishing in large numbers while attempting to re-cross it, the Shâh’s narrow escape, and his dependence on Asada Khân. All this leaves no room for doubt. The only difference is that, whereas we learn from the other authorities that the fortress of Raichûr was in the hands of the Muhammadans, Firishtah states that the war arose because the Âdil Shâh “made preparations for marching to recover Mudkul and Roijore from the Roy of Beejanuggur,” as if the latter were then in possession of those places. As to Firishtah’s date, I believe it to be wrong by one year, for the reasons given above. It must be remembered that he wrote many years after the event.