The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c15.s2.t5.47

v2.c15.s2.t5.47

Pratāparudra, however, was not allowed to rule his kingdom long in peace. Within a year of their return from Warangal the Muslim armies were again on the move. Malik Ek-Lakhy, whom Sulṭān Quṭb-ud-Dīn had appointed as the governor of Mahārāṣṭra, rose in revolt and proclaimed his independence; he assumed the insignia of royalty, adopted the title of Shams-ud-Din, and minted coinage in his own name. The Sulṭān, on getting news of this rebellion, sent Khusrau Khān out again with an army, and commissioned him not only to put down Ek-Lakhy and to restore the royal authority in Mahārāṣṭra, but also to reduce Ma'bar to subjection. The presence of the Delhi forces on his frontiers must have caused much anxiety to Pratāparudra, but the storm passed away without affecting his territories. Khusrau Khān defeated Ek-Lakhy quite easily and sent him as a prisoner to Delhi. He restored order in the country and put in force measures for carrying on the administration. Next he proceeded to Ma'bar and had reached its capital Paṭṭan, when he was taken back to Delhi as a prisoner by his mutinous followers, who suspected his loyalty to the imperial government. The Sulṭān, who was infatuated with him, set him at liberty and restored him to favour. Then followed a series of events which shook the Muslim empire of Delhi to its foundations. Khusrau Khān basely murdered his sovereign and benefactor and usurped the throne; but the Turkish nobles, who resented his usurpation, conspired against him and put him to death. Ghiyāṣ-ud-Dīn Tughluq, their leader, then ascended the throne and proclaimed himself Sulṭān in A.D. 1320. During the first three years of his rule he was engaged in establishing his authority over Hindustan, and when that business had been successfully accomplished, he turned his attention to the South and, in A.D. 1323, sent an expedition against Telingāṇa under his son Ulugh Khān.