A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagar): A Contribution to the History of India c19.44

c19.44

Firishtah was a great admirer of Asada Khân and supports him in all that he did.¹ Asada was a Turk, who, beginning life under the simple name of Khusrû in the service of Ismâîl Âdil Shâh, distinguished himself in his sovereign’s defence during the attack on Bîjapûr in 1511, a defence celebrated on account of the heroic conduct of the Sultan’s aunt, Dilshâd Âgha. Khusrû was rewarded by Ismâîl with the title of “Asada Khân,” a name which he bore for the rest of his life, and a grant of the jaghir of Belgaum. He rose to be chief minister and commander-in-chief of the army of his master, and died full of years and honours in A.D. 1549.