11. Volume 4 — part 11

■From the M41w&. history it appears that these proceedings of Buhjat Khto oc- curred between 918 and 921 h. ; but Chanderl, though temporarily occupied during this interval, was not at that time permanently incorporated in the kingdom of iDehli.

As men live not eternally, and as no confidefloe eafl be placed in earthly possessions, at this time the Sultan fell ill. It is said the origin of his disease was this. One day Haji 'Abdu-1 Wahab said to Sultan Sikandar, " You are a Musulman monarch, and yet wear no beard ; it is contrary to the institutions of Isldm, and particularly improper in a king." Sultdn Sikandar replied, " I intend wearing one ; and if it please the Most High, I will do so." His excellency Shaikh 'Abdu-1 Wah4b said r

The Sultan said, "My beard is thin; if I allow rt to grow, it will look ill, and men will scoff at me, and will be thus guilty of sin. I do not desire that Musulmdns should com- mit sin, especially when I am the cause." Haji 'Abdu-1 Wahab answered, " I will pass my hand over your face, and if it please God, your beard will become a fine one ; all other beards will salute it, and who will dare laugh at it then ? " Sultin Sikandar hung down his head, and made no reply. The H^ji said, "0 King of the Universe,- I speak what is right in your presence, why do you not answer ? " The Sultan said, "When vaj pir, or spiritual guide, orders me, I will wear one." " Who is your pir ? " returned the Haji. " He is a man," said the Sultan, " who occasionally comes to see me. He resides in the jungle of Manga Sassu, in i\i& pargana of Jalesar." Hdji 'Abdu-1 Wahab said: " Does he wear a beard?" " No," replied the King. The Haji said, " When I see him I will con- vince him that he is in the wrong ; you pay speedy attention to this." The Sultan gave no answer, but turned away from the Hdji, and closed his lips with the seal of silence. The Haji arose and left the assembly, repeating the saldm alaik. The Sultan said, after the Hdji's departure, " The Shaikh mistakes his position in reading me lectures ; and presumes upon the favour which I show him. He thinks that the people who present themselves before him and kiss his feet do it of themselves. He

cannot understand this, that were I to cause any one of my slaves to sit down on a litter, and command all the nobles to place it on their shoulders, they would do so without hesitation." Shaikh 'Abdu-1 Jalal, the son of Saiyid Ahmad, was present when this occurred, and he reported this speech to Haji 'Abdu-l Wahab. The Hdji placed his hand on 'Abdu-1 Jalal's shoulder, and said, " This speech of his, in which he compares me, a de- scendant of the prophet, with one of his own slaves, will one day, please God, stick in his throat, rest assured of that.''^ The Hdji left Agra and went to Dehli, without taking leave of the King ; and a short time after his departure. Sultan Sikandar was taken ill with a disease of the throat, which daily became worse.

The Sultan perceived the alteration in his health, and asked Shaikh Lddan Danishmand, who acted as his imam, what was the expiation of these sins — the omission of prayer and fasting, the shaving the beard, drinking wine, and cutting off men's noses and ears, and requested him to write his opinion and send it. Shaikh Ladan wrote it in detail, and sent it to the Sult4n, who commanded the historiographers (wdM'-navis) to search in the histories of his reign, from its very commencement, for any record of the commission by His Majesty of any sins of these descriptions, and after taking an account of their fre- quency and degree, to draw up, with Shaikh Ladan's assistance, a careful estimate as to how much gold he was required to give in order to make proper atonement for these transgressions. Shaikh Ladan made the necessary researches, and informed the Sultdn, who ordered the treasurer to give to the "'Ulamd such gold as did not belong to the public treasury. The 'Ulamd were astonished, and said to the treasurer, " How was this sura, kept apart from the public treasury, acquired ? " The treasurer replied, " The neighbouring sovereigns were in the habit of send- ing rarities to the Sultan, and some of the nobles used to send

' Eizlcu-Ua Musht&ki (MS., p. 53) and Ahmad Yi.igkv (MS., p. 108), who report the same aneedote, make the meaning plainer than it is in the Tdrihh-i Ddiuii, which is obscure in thia passage.

presents along with their petitions. An account of these was made yearly, and presented to the King, who directed that the sums realized by them should be kept separate, in order that the money might be made use of at his pleasure. This day he has commanded these reserved funds to be expended." Fpon hearing this, the whole of the ' JJlamd began to praise and extol hia virtues. 1 t

Sultan Sikandar became weaker every day, but his zeal stimu- lated him to continue the discharge of the duties of the empire. However, by degrees, his illness arrived at such a pitch that his throat would allow him neither to swallow food nor to drink, and the passage of his breath was stopped. His death took place on Sunday, the 7th Zi-1 ka'da, a.h. 923 ^ (November, 1517 a.d.).

" Sikandar, King of the seven climes, has ceased to exist, And no one resembling Sikandar has survived him."

The length of the reign of that illustrious monarch was twenty-eight years and five months.

" The world belongs to God, who is One and Almighty."

An account of certain of Sikandar' s chief nobles?

There were many of the chiefs of Sultdn Sikandar whose history is worthy of being written, such as Asad Khdn, the son of Mubarak Khdn Ytisuf-khail, who was endowed with the most exalted notions of generosity. Whenever the cloth was spread before him at meal-times he first filled large china plates with food, on which he placed great quantities of bread and pickles of every description, and on them a betel leaf, and on that a gold mohur, all of which he gave to beggars, and then began to eat himself. He addressed every one as a noble, even

' This is related in almost tbe same words by Eizku-Ua Musht&kl and Ahmad Ya.dg&r.

• The Tdrikh-i XMn-Jahin Lodi (MS., p. 124) informs us that his coffin was removed to Dehli and deposited there, together with that of his father, in a garden which Isl§.m Sha,h Siir had inclosed and prepared for that purpose.

' An account of some others of his nobles will be found among the Extracts from the WdM'dt-i Mushtdki.

if he happened to be a servant of his own ; if he chanced to be a stranger, he presented him with a lac of tankas. One day a person related to the Khan that Shaikh Muhammad Farmuli, the vakil, from the badness of the times, had been unable to marry his daughter. Asad Khan sent for him into his presence, and ordered a young slave to fill both his hands with gold pieces, and cast them into the Shaikh's skirt. The slave did as the Khdn commanded, and then took him to the diwdn, to see how much money he had received. After counting it, they found it amounted to 70,000 tankas. This was related to Asad Kh4n, and he commanded the same slave to give him as many more gold pieces as were required to make up the sum to 100,000 tankas?-

One day, whilst the Kh4n was hunting, a person brought curdled milk to him, prepared after the fashion of the villagers. Asad Khan ordered the dish in which he had brought it to be filled with gold pieces. One day a woman, a dweller of Chanderi, brought some nim leaves on a plate to Asad Khan, who saw that they were very green and fresh, and said to the woman, "What is the good of bringing nim leaves ? " She replied, " I have cooked them as vegetables in such a manner that while they have not changed their appearance, they have all the flavour the best garden products can boast of." Asad Khdn directed one of his companions to taste a small quantity, who perceived it was so tasty and well-cooked that it no longer retained the least flavour of nim leaves. Her plate was likewise filled with gold pieces, and returned to her.*

One day, some horses were being shown to Asad Khan. Sadr Khdn Sarsi, who was one of the chief nobles and his intimate friend, was seated. When the first horse was shown to the Khan, he

' By Ahmad Tidgir (MS., p. 103) this silly profusion is ascribed to Bhfkan Kh&n Saft-hazdri, who is said also to have built forty mosques, to which he appointed readers and preachers, and to have distributed every day, when he went out riding, 600 tanlcas amongst /afoVs.

• Ahmad Tidg4r relates this anecdote also of Bhitan Eh^n, and adds that he had the wisdom to tell one of his own attendants to learn from the woman how to dress nim leaves in a similar fashion (MS., p. 104). The Wdki'dt-i Mushtdki (MS., p. 67) ascribes all these absurdities to the son of Mubarak Khin, but caUs him Saiyid TSiika..

asked Sadr Khdn what sort of an animal it was. Sadr Kh^n expa- tiated upon the excellences of the horse, and praised it exceedingly. Asad Khdn said, "Give this horse in charge to Sadr Khdn's men." A second horse came, and he again asked Sadr Kh4n what he thought of it. Sadr Khan again spoke well of the horse. Asad Khdn said, " Give this horse also to Sadr Khdn's people." He gave no less than eight horses to Sadr Khdn in this way. When the ninth arrived, he again said to Sadr Kh4n, "What kind of a horse is this ? " Sadr Khan remained silent. On Asad Khan's inquiring the reason, Sadr Khdn replied, "Your generosity has exceeded all bounds." Asad Khan smiled, and asked the man who was the stable-accountant, "How many horses had that day been brought for inspection ? " He answered, " One hundred and eight are present." The Khan said to Sadr Khdn, " Has taking one horse at a time distressed you ? Lo ! I have given all the horses brought for me to look at to Sadr Khkn." In this manner he actually presented 108 horses on one day to the same individual.^

One day, three jewels had been brought for him to look at. The price of one was 700,000 tankas, the second 600,000, the third 300,000. Asad Khdn said to one of his associates, who happened to be present at the time, " Tell me truly which of these three precious stones have you selected as that which you expect to receive from me ? " He answered, " In truth, I never thought of such a thing." The Kh4n said, " Make up your mind then on the subject now." He said, " The jewel which is worth 300,000." Asad Khan smiled, and said, "You pass over the stones of great value, and choose the smallest. You have pre- ferred the least expensive one, and I have chosen the most valuable one. The third alone remains. I give all these to you." ^

' This still more nonsensical prodigality, so calculated to attract Oriental admiration, is attributed by Ahmad T&dg&r (MS., p. 106) to Danlat Khln Lodl ; but he reduces the donation to the more reasonable number of nine horses. The WdMdt-i MushtdJci (MS., p. 68) ascribes it to Saiyid Kh5.n, but raises the number to 120 horses.

2 This foUy is also ascribed in the WdM&t-i Mushtdkl (MS., p. 68) to Saiyid Kh&n, but to Daulat Kh&n Lodi by Ahmad T&dg&r (MS., p. 107) ; only the value is reduced to five, three, and two lacs respectively. He adds that some enemy, who

Once on a time Sultdn Sikandar appointed Asad Khka for the performance of a particular service, and he proceeded by uninter- rupted marches into the district of Ohanderi. The backs of all the baggage-animals carrying the treasure were galled. The chiefs informed him of this, saying, " If you give the order, we will distribute the treasure amongst the troops, and afterwards deduct it from theiv jdgirs, and make it over to the government." He approved of this proposal, and seven lacs of tankas were thus distributed, and their receipts shown to the Khan. Asad Khdn said, " Have I become a sardf, that I should lend and then take back ? " He tore up the documents with his own hands, and said, " I have given this trifle to the army." May the Most High God shield and cover him with his mercy !

Another of the nobles of Sikandar was the Khan-i 'azam Lad Khdn, the son of Ahmad Khan. He was a youth of high courage. To every one whom he wished to reward, he presented as much gold and silver as his shield would hold; he never mentioned a tolcha or a dirham, and could only count as far as ten. He knew not what even one and a half was, or two and a half; 1 and it was his custom to make over the presents which were brought to him to the officers on duty at the time. Thus, it is said, that on a Friday he was inspecting the armoury. At that time the Raja of Bhata sent him an elephant, and some presents of merchandize : he gave all these to Shaikh Muhammad, the keeper of the armoury. And so, if anything came whilst he was drinking water, the dhddr received it. During the winter- witnessed this scene, went and reported the circumstance to the SultS.n, representing that Danlat Khin was squandering the royal treasure. The Sult&n replied, " You should congratulate me rather on having such generous nobles in my time." Then summoning Daulat Kh&n, he invested him with a robe of honour, increased his rank by 1000, and gave him the parganas of Nagina and Ch&ndptir injagir.

' It is evident from the WdM&.t-i MushtdM (MS., p. 72) that this applies only to his ignorance of the Hindi language, in which he did not know the words for those fractions. He was a Persian scholar, and fond of having the Shdh-ndma and Sikandar- ndma read out to him. Eizku-lla, who was for a long time his imdm or private chaplain, expatiates at greater length upon his ostentatious prodigality, which cannot be read without disgust, when we consider the plunder and devastation which must have been its source.

time he daily wore two outer garments, which he gave away on the second day, and was in the habit of supplying every soldier with four or five dresses every winter. Whenever he went out to the game of chaugdn, or was on a journey, if he supplied any person with a horse as a beast of burden or to ride on, he never again permitted it to be fastened in his stable, but still gave the animals their daily food at his own expense. If the person sold the horse, the daily allowance was not withdrawn, although the beast was no longer in his possession. If travellers arrived at his darhdr, he gave each man one tanka, and a buffalo was daily slaughtered for their use ; and they received the above-mentioned provision so long as they stayed in the Khan's darhdr; on leaving, 200 tonkas were given to them, and then they received permission to depart. Many of the nobles of Sultan Sikandar spent vast sums of money. Dilawar Khan, the son of Midn BhuwS,, daily purchased 500 tankas worth of roses for his harem} To what extent could I not write the praises of Sikandar's chiefs ? But these few instances must suffice.

It was a wonderful age ! All enjoyed peace.

In every house was pleasure and festivity.

There was no thief to twist the noose round your neck.

No one saw rebellion, even in his dreams.

The Musuhnans were dominant, the Hindus depressed,

And no one knew the tribe of Mughals even by name.

He was a king, who protected Islam like Alexander,

And therefore he has obtained the title of Sikandar Sani.'

Abundance during the reign of Sultdn IbrdUm? One of the most extraordinary phenomena of Sultan Ibrahim's

' The WdU'dt-i MushtdU (MS., p. 66) gives tke still more extravagant amount of 2500 tankas daily, and remarks that DilS-war Khta, Jal&l Kh&u Lodi, and KhSji Jahan TokhanI were celebrated for the number of women in their households.

' These lines are taken from a Masnmi of Khw&ja Hasan.

^ The following Extract is found in precisely the same terms in the Zubdatu-t Tawdrihh of Hriru-1 Hakk.

time was, that corn, clothes, and every kind of merchandize were cheaper than they had ever been known to be in any other reign, except perhaps in the time of Sultdn 'Al^u-d din Khilji ; but even that is doubtful. Moreover, in the time of the latter, the cheapness was occasioned by every kind of disgusting interference and oppression, and by a hundred thousand enforcements and punishments ; whereas the cheapness of this reign was occasioned by abundant harvests. In the time of Sikandar, also, the markets were very cheap, but still not so much so as in the time of Ibrahim. Ten mans of corn could be purchased for one bahloli ; five sirs of clarified butter, and ten yards of cloth, could be pur- chased for the same coin. Everything else was in the same exuberance ; the reason of all which was, that rain fell in the exact quantity which was needed, and the crops were consequently luxuriant, and produce increased ten-fold beyond the usual pro- portion. The Sultan had likewise issued an edict that his chiefs and nobles of every degree should take nothing but corn in pay- ment of rent, and no money was to be taken from the cultivators on any account. The consequence was, that countless quantities of grain accumulated in the several jdglrs, and as ready money only was necessary for maintaining the personal expenses of the nobles, they were eager to sell their grain at any price which was procurable. The abundance of God's blessings reached such a height, that ten mans of corn would sell for a hahloli. Gold and silver were only procurable with the greatest difficulty. A respec- table man with a family dependent on him might obtain wages at the rate of five tankas a month. A horseman received from twenty to thirty as his monthly pay. If a traveller wished to proceed from Dehli to Agra, one hahloli would, with the greatest ease, suffice for the expenses of himself, his horse, and escort.

The foundation of 8her-garh. — Extermination of the Gujars. After the conquest of Multan by Haibat Kh^n, Sher Shah

went (from j^gra) to Dehli in the year 947 h. (1540 a.d.) ; and actuated by unworthy feelings he destroyed the fort of 'Alau-d din, which stood in Siri, conspicuous for its strength and loftiness, and built on the bank of the Jun, between Firozabad and Kilu Khari, in the village of Indrapat, a new city, about two or three Tcos distant from the old one. He filled it with inhabitants, as it remains to this day. He also laid the founda- tions of a magnificent masjid, which was very quickly completed. The name of this fort he called " Sher-garh," and the walls of it were of great breadth, length, and height ; but on account of the shortness of his reign, he did not live to complete it. Within the fort was a small palace, also left incomplete, which he called " Sher-mandal."

Whilst he was so occupied in building Dehli, the thieves of Pali and P4hal, who are of the Grujar tribe, began to be exceed- ingly audacious in their depredations ; insomuch that Sher Sh^h himself marched towards the hills occupied by that tribe. The Grujars were completely reduced to subjection, and he left orders that they should be expelled from that country. Consequently, not a vestige of their habitations was left.

Foundation of the Fort of Patna. Sher Shdh, on his return from Bengal (in 948 H., 1541 a.d.), came to Patna, then a small town dependent on Bihar, which was the seat of the local government. He was standing on the bank of the Ganges, when, after much sohd reflection and sage determination, he said to those who were standing by, " If a fort were to be built in this place, the waters of the Ganges could never flow far from it, and Patna would become one of the great towns of this country ; because this place is situated to the west, on the banks of the Ganges which flows from the north. The strength of the stream is broken, and it cannot advance towards the north." He therefore ordered skilful carpenters and bricklayers to make out immediately an estimate for building a

fort, where he then stood. These experienced workmen submitted an estimate of five lacs, which on the spur of the moment was made over to trustworthy persons. The fort was completed, and was considered to be exceedingly strong. Bih4r from that time was deserted, and fell to ruin ; while Patna became one of the largest cities of the province.

We have now come to the history of the sons of Sher Shah, the enthronement of Jalal Khan, the younger son of Sher Shah, and the account of his reign, under the title of Islam Shah. It is related in the Akhar ShdJii, that when Sher Shah rendered up his life to the angel of death in Kalinjar, Jalal Khan, his youngest son, was in the town of Rewan, in the province of Bhata, and his eldest son 'Adil Khan, the heir-apparent, in the fort of Eunthur (Rantambhor). The nobles perceived that ''KAW Khan would be unable to arrive with speed, and as the State required a head, they despatched a person to summon Jaldl Khan who was nearer. He reached Kalinjar in five days, and by the assistance of 'tsk Hajjab and other grandees,^ was raised to the throne near the fort of Kalinjar, on the 15th* of the month Rabi'u-1 awwal, 952 a.h. (25th May, 1545 a.d.). He assumed the title of Isldm ShAh, and this verse was engraved on his seal : ^

" The world, through the favour of the Almighty, has been rendered happy, Since Islam Shah, the son of Sher Shah Sur, has become

' The Malihion-i Afghdni mates Tsi ascribe to Sher Sh&h the opinion that neither of his sons -was fit to sway the sceptre ; but that of the two he destined 'Adil Kh4n for his successor. According to this work, there was a great deal of silly palaver amongst the chiefs preceding IslEim Sh&h's accession, but nothing of it is worth recording, and it will all be found in Dorn's History of the Afghans.

2 The Tdrikk-i Khdn-Jahdn Lodi (MS., p. 197) says the 19th, but all others concur in the 16th.

3 The Makhzan-i Afghdni sa.j&'hiB original name was 'AMu-1 Jalll.

The common people call him Salim Shah.^ After ascending the throne, and inquiring concerning the ordinances of Sher Shah, he left some as they were, and changed others to suit his own ideas.

On the day of his accession to the throne, he ordered two months' pay to be distributed in ready money to the army : one month of this he gave them as a present ; the other as subsistence money. Moreover, he resumed all the jdgirs in the provinces of his government, and allowed their holders a stipend in money from his treasury instead. He entirely abolished, with one stroke of the pen, all former regulations respecting jdgirs. After his accession, he ordered the Raja of Kalinjar, who had been captured with seventy of his adherents, to be put to death, and directed that not one of them should be spared. Isldm Shah resembled his father in his pomp and splendour, and in his desire of dominion and conquest. He possessed great power, ability, and good fortune, and he had an immense number of horses and elephants, and a numerous artillery, together with a multi- tude of horse and foot soldiers beyond all calculation. He settled the wazifas and the aima villages and lands. His father had erected sardis at a distance of one kos ^ one from the other. Isl^m Sh4h built others between them, so that there was a sardi at every half kos. He caused two horses and some footmen to be stationed at each sardi, for the purpose of acting as posts, and bringing him every day the news from Bengal, after the manner of ddk-chaukis.^ During the time of Sher Shah a place had always been established in the royal camp for the distribution of alms to the poor. Instead of this, Islam Shah directed that arrangements for the giving of alms should be made at each of the sardis, and

^ 'AMu-l EWir, Firishta, Ab(i-1 Fazl, and most of the Timdrian authors, call him Salim Sh4h or Khka. His fort at Dehli is now called Salim-garh, and on his coins he is Isl&m Shkh. [See Thomas's Ohronicles of the Pathdn Kings, p. 410.]

• He has before said this at p. 224, MS., but ' AbbSs Sarw^ni and most other autho- rities say every two has. The Tdrikh-i Sadiikni also says every Ao*, and so do the Nawddiru-l Rikdydt, the WdW M-i Mushtdki, and the Tdrikh-i Khdn-Jahdn.

s The Tdrikh-i Khdn-Jahdn. (MS., p. 207) says, that in order to insure regularity of despatch, every day a turban of Sunarg&on and a handful of fresh rice were delivered to the King, wherever he might be, by the (?aA-oAa«Aj establishment.

that indigent travellers should be supplied with whatever they needed, and that mendicants should receive a daily pittance, in order that they might be contented and at ease. In certain dis- tricts he issued entirely new ordinances, and allowed stipends of fifty, two hundred, two hundred and fifty, five hundred, and a thousand. (In each of these districts) he appointed Persian and Hindi writers.^ He portioned his troops into divisions of five, ten, and twenty thousand men, to each of which he allotted one sarddr, one Afghdn munsif, one Hindustani judge, and two eunuchs of the palace. To those who had received stipends during the reign of Sher Shah he gave lands and parganas?

From the borders of Sunargdon to those of Bengal, and from Bengal to Kabul, he garrisoned the entire country with his troops. He had, whilst Prince, 6000 horsemen with him, and he now promoted all of them, each according to his deserts. He made privates [fard) officers [girohddr), and officers nobles. These regulations of Islam Shdh caused those of Sher Shah to fall into disuse. Many of Sher Shah's principal nobles were disgusted at what they regarded as acts tending to dishonour them, and became ill-disposed towards Islam Shah. He, in his turn, was likewise suspicious of these grandees, and thus the relations which existed between the great chiefs and the King were changed in their nature.

When Islam Shdh received intimation of the secret disposition of the nobles, he marched from Kalinjar towards iigra. Whilst he was on the road, Khawas Khdn also came from hmjdgir to

^ The MS. is mutilated and doubtful in this passage. The Wdhi^dt-i Mushtdici is preferable ; " He also made some new regulations in Ms army, by dividing it into separate troops and cohorts. He formed bodies of 50, 200, 250, and 500. To every fifty there was a Turki and a Hinduwi writer attached." — MS., p. 140.

^ A few more of his regulations will be found among the Extracts from the Tdrikh-i Badaunl. They seem all sUly and nonsensical, devised chiefly with the object of reversing his father's policy, and establishing a name for himself as a legislator. In the first sentence of this paragraph, we find land-grants converted into money-pensions ; and in the last, money-pensions converted into land-grants ; merely because in both instances Sher Sh&,h had enacted otherwise, and Islim Sh&h was desirous of showing the world that he also had " his own thunder." In one of his first speeches in the Mahhzan-i Afghani, he says that he intends to uphold in every respect the institutions of Sher Sh&h.

pay his respects. A grand festival was given to celebrate Isldm Shdh's accession to the throne ; after which he proceeded by un- interrupted marches to Kgra,, the seat of government, and took possession of the throne.

Isl4m ShS.h, being a monarch of vindictive disposition, wrote to his elder brother, saying, " Because I was near, and you were distant, to prevent disorder in the affairs of the State, 1 have taken charge of the army until your arrival. I have nothing to do but obey you, and attend to your orders." He feigned to wish to gratify his affection by a personal interview with his brother, '^dil Khdn wrote in reply to Islam Shah, saying, " If these four persons, viz. Kutb Kh&n the ndib, 'ts& Khan Niazi,i Jalal Khan Jalii, and Khawas Khdn, come and insure my safety, I will proceed to visit you." 'iiidil Khan wrote thus to these four nobles, " I leave myself to your guidance. What is your advice ? Ought I to go, or remain ? " Islam Shdh sent all of these nobles to his brother ; and after removing his fears for his safety by oaths and protestations, they promised him that he should be permitted to depart after the first interview, and that he should be allowed to choose any j'dgir in Hindustan which suited him. 'ji^dil Khcin went, accompanied by the nobles, to see his brother. When he reached Fathpur SikrI, Isldm Shah came forth to meet him in the village of Singarpur, the place prepared for the meeting of the two brothers, and they had an interview there. They made professions of affection one to the other, and after sitting together for a short time, set off for Agra. Islam Shdh, intending treachery towards his brother,^ had given directions that only two or three persons were to be allowed to enter the fort with 'Adil Khan. When they arrived at the gate of the fort- of j^gra, Isldm Shah's men forbade their entry ; to this

• It is necessary to remember the distinction between these two ' Tsk Eh&ns. The rebel was a Nf&zi. The Hujjdb, Mir Bdjih, or Tamhkl-Mr (which latter, betel- carrier, was one of the highest offices in the royal establishment of the Afgh&ns), was of the tribe of Stir.

2 The Makhzan-i Afghdni says the assassination both of him and his son.

'i^dil Khan's people paid no attention, and a great number of them went in with 'iidil Khan.^

When Isl4m Shah saw that his plot against his brother had been unsuccessful, he was obliged to speak courteously to him. He said, " I have a number of Afghans in my service, who are very unruly, and whom I will now make over to you." After which, Islam Shah seated his brother on the throne, and treated him with all possible civility. 'Adil Khdn was a man who loved ease and comfort. He was aware of the deceit and cunning of Isldm Shah, and would not consent to this. He rose up, and after causing Isl4m Sh4h to seat himself on the throne, he first of all made him an obeisance and did homage, and congratulated him on his accession to the throne. The chief nobles, after paying their customary compliments, retired to their appropriate places. The four nobles before mentioned then informed the King that an oath and a promise had been made that 'Adil Khan should be allowed to depart after the first interview, and that ajdgir should be allotted to him.

Islam Shah ordered this to be done, and 'fsa Khan and Khawas Khan were directed to accompany 'Adil Khan to Bayana.^ Two months afterwards, IsMm Sli&h sent Ghazi Mahali, one of his attendants, with golden chains, and ordered him to seize 'Adil Khdn.5 'Adil Khan, hearing this ill-news, fled to Khawds Khan in Mewdt, before Grh^zi Mahali arrived, and informed him of the perjury of IsMm Shah. In the mean time, Grhazi Mahali reached that place. Khawas Khan was enraged. He sent for Ghazi Mahali, and caused the fetters to be fastened on his own legs,

1 Ahmad T&dgir (MS., p. 322) says five or six thousand of 'Adil Khta's men, armed -with swords, forced their way into the fort in defiance of all attempts to exclude them. ' Which the MaTchzcm-i Afghani informs us had heen fixed on as )i\sj(igir, ' The Makhmn-i Afghani charges him mth this childish message, " That it would afford an indelihle proof of his submission and loyalty, if he for some days would allow himself to be put in chains and repair to Court, where His Majesty would take off the fetters again, and, after many favours, allow him to depart again for Baytaa." Such nonsense would not be tolerable even in ^sop's Pablea or Little Red Eiding Hood.

and thus raised the standard of rehelliort. He wrote in private to the chiefs who were with Islam Shah in Xgra, and gained them over to his party, and then marched towards Agra at the head of a powerful force. Kutb Khdn and 'tsk Khan, who had been concerned with him in the business of the oath, stimulated him to advance, and advised him to manage so that 'iiidil Khan should reach iiigra a little before daybreak, in order that the people might, without feeling ashamed, forsake IslSm Sh4h and join him.i

When 'j^dil Khan and Khaw4s Khan reached Pathpur Sikri, they went to visit Shaikh Salim, one of the holy men of the age. By chance, that night happened to be the Shab-i Bardt, and the performance of the prayers appointed for that occasion delayed Khawas Khan. They did not, therefore, arrive in the neighbour- hood of Kgvz, until the forenoon. IsMm Shdh, having learnt their arrival, and being informed of the evil disposition of the nobles, was sorely distressed, and said to Kutb Khan, " If I have ill- treated 'i^dil Kh4n, why did not Khawas Kh4n write to me on the subject, that I might give up my intention." Kutb Kh^n, perceiving the King's distress, said, " Be not cast down, the business is not yet irremediable. I will undertake to suppress this disturbance." ls\km Shah sent away Kutb Kh^n, and other chiefs who inclined to the side of 'i^dil Khan, and told them to go to 'Adil Khdn. His design was to place these people at a distance from himself, and then to proceed towards the fort of Ohunar, where he might collect his treasures, and afterwards, after having made new arrangements, advance to the attack of his enemies, 'rsa Kh^n endeavoured to dissuade him from doing this, and said, " If you place no confidence in the nobles of your father and others, you ought at least to trust those 5000 men who have served the King since he was a Prince. Possessing

' This ridiculous false modesty of the traitors is represented by Ahmad Tadg&r (MS., p. 322) as being felt, or professed, only by the instigators themselres. He reasonably concluded that such notions are foreign to the sentiments of obtuse artisans and phlegmatic shopboys, and could only be entertained by sensitive and delicate jdgirddrs.

such a force as you do, it would be madness to shrink from the contest which is before you ; and although certain of the nobles have secret ill-will towards you, yet it shows a want of caution to send them to the enemy. Your best course will be to lead the army into battle in person, and to show yourself foremost in the field. In this way no one will desert to the foe." Isldm Shah's heart was strengthened, and he determined to remain where he was. He sent for Kutb Kh6.n and the other chiefs, to whom he had granted permission to depart, and said to them, " Why should I make you over to the enemy with my own hands ? Perhaps they are ill-disposed towards you." After this he prepared for war, and posted himself on the field of battle. When those who intended to join '^dil Kh4n saw Islam Shkh. fully prepared for action, they refrained from going. The two armies met face to face, and a battle took place in the neighbour- hood of Agra.^ The decree of the Almighty granted victory to Islam Shkh, and the army of 'Adil Khdn was defeated. 'Adil Khdn fled alone and unaccompanied towards the hills of Bhata,* and no one knew what had become of him. Khawas Khan and 'tsi Khan Nidzi went to Mewdt. Isldm Shah despatched a powerful force in pursuit of Khawds Khan,^ and a second battle took place at Firozpur i^Jharka), near Mew4t. Islam Shah's troops were routed ; but Khaw4s Khdn, perceiving his inability to continue the war, went to the skirts of the Kamdun hills, and for a long time devastated the territories of Islam Shdh in their vicinity.

After these events, Islam Sh4h became mistrustful of all his father's nobles, and took measures to overthrow them. He put some of them in prison, and deprived others of all their posses-

• At M^hikar, a small town to the west of Agra. Dora calls it Mundagur.

2 The original reads " Pita." Ahmad Ykigkc says " P&ya." Dom says " Patna." The Makhzcm-i Afghdni says, " Crossing the Jumna, he arrived at Chandw&r, and thence fled through the jungle tract into the country of Thatta." The Tdrikh-i Khdn-Jahdn has " Pata." Briggs, " Patna,"

' The Makhmn-i Afghhni says that after this battle the title of Khaw&s Kh&n was bestowed upon Tsi Khin Hujjib.

sions. He also placed his own nephew, Mahmud Kh4n, the son of 'i^dil Khan, under surveillance,^ and ruined ^ first Kutb KhAn Sur, then Barmazfd Sur, Jaldl Khan Sur, and Zain Khdn Nidzi. He slew Jalal Khan Sur, as well as his brother, by binding them to the feet of an elephant, after which he caused the afore- said nobles to be placed on the elephant, and paraded through the camp. The hearts of the nobles of Sher Shdh were filled with terror and consternation. After this he put many others to death, amongst whom was Khawas Khdn, who bore the title of Masnad 'Kli, who was impaled on some frivolous pretext.' He continued for a long time to distress the whole of his subjects, and to make God's servants miserable ; but towards the end of his reign he behaved towards the people with liberality and generosity. He gained the good-will of the poor by granting them pensions and stipends. Bent upon destroying his father's nobles, he went towards OhunAr, and on the road put Jalal Khan, who was a friend of 'Adil Khdn, to death. He removed all the treasure from Chundr, and sent it to Gwalior.* He then returned to Agra, and remained there.

When some time had elapsed, many of Sher Shah's nobles became convinced that Isldm Sh4h intended to ruin them. Sa'id Khan, the brother of Haibat Khan NIdzi, fled from j^gra to Haibat Khdn, and induced him to rebel against Isl&m ShAh. Kutb Kh4n, one of the great chiefs and a principal grandee, who had been concerned in 'Adil Khan's first sedition, escaped in the greatest alarm, and joined 'Azam Humayiin Niazi at Lahore.

' Ahmad T&dgSx (MS., p. 326) says he killed his nephew, hut gives no name. [The original words are " ear si kard.""}

• [The words of the MS. in hoth these sentences are Itohndri sdTcM, an expres- sive phrase signifying that he squeezed them as poppy heads are squeezed. Firishta says they were sent into confinement at Gw^lior ; but see Dom, p. 1S7.]

3 One could scarcely suppose, from the mode in which this name is here introduced, that he is the same Khaw^ Eh&n who is mentioned in the preceding paragraph, or that he is to appear again shortly afterwards, acting a most conspicuous part in the battle of AmbS.Ia. His death js too summarily passed over by most authors who treat of this period, and I have, therefore, added a few particulars in an Appendij^. [See Appendix B.]

• "Gw&lSr" [or Gw&liyar] in the original throughout.

Islam Shdh wrote z,farmdn to 'Azam Humdyun, demanding the surrender of Kutb Kh^n. 'Azam Hum4yun, by deceitful repre- sentations, contrived to send him to Isldm Sh^li, who imprisoned him, with fourteen other chiefs, such as Shdhbaz Ehan Lohanl the son-in-law of Sher Khdn, Barmazld Sdr, and other persons. He then sent them to Gwalior, after which he took measures for the seizure of 'Azam Humayun and Shuja' Khan,^ and sent these two grandees a summons to appear before him. 'Azam Hum4yun wrote from Lahore, to excuse himself from coming ; and Shujd' Khan came from Malwd and paid his respects to Isldm Shah ; but as Isl4m Shah desired to obtain possession of the persons of these two chiefs at the same time, he allowed Shuja' Khan to return to his jag'ir. He went back to his fief in Malwa, and Islam Shdh turned his face towards Rohtds and Chunar.

On the road, 'Azam Hum4yun's brother, who had always been an attendant at Court, fled to Lahore. On account of his flight, Islam Shah went back to Agra, where he collected his troops and marched thence towards Dehli. When Shujd' Khan re- ceived intelligence of these occurrences, he hastened to Dehli with all possible speed, without being summoned by Islam Sh4h. The King gratified him by treating him with distinction, and after arranging his army, and halting some days at Dehli, he proceeded in the direction of Lahore. 'Azam Humayun and the whole of the King's enemies had an interview with Khawas Khan and his friends, and despatched a powerfiil force from the Panjab to encounter His Majesty. They came up with each other near Am- bala ; and as Isldm Sh6,h was encamped very near the NiazI troops, a fight was imminent. On the night preceding the day of battle, 'Azam Humayun and his brothers met in Khawds Khdn's tent, and consulted together concerning the appointment of another Sovereign, Khaw4s Khdn said, that the best course would be to raise 'Adil Khdn, the eldest son of Sher Shdh, to the throne, as he was the rightful heir. Upon Ij^is all the Niazis said

• He is styled " Shujk'at Kh&n " throughout the previous reign. The Tdrikh-i Khdn-Jahdn calls him " Shujk'al." [See Appendix F.]

unanimously, " What advice is this ? No one obtains a kingdom by inheritance j it belongs to whoever can gain it by the sword." Khawds Khdn was vexed at their intentions, and on the same night he secretly sent a verbal message to one of the confi- dential servants of Isldm Sh&.h, requesting him to inform the King, that although His Majesty looked on him (Khawas Khan) as an unfaithfiil servant, yet that his heart had always inclined towards Sher Shah's family and offspring ; and that although he had sided with 'j^dil Khdn, who were the Nlazis that he should be guilty of disloyalty to his benefactor on their account, and for the sake of their alliance ? That his wish to be of service should, with the consent of the Almighty, be made manifest on the day of battle.

When Islam Sh4h became aware of the disagreement which had taken place amongst the chiefs of the enemy, and of the friendly feeling of Khawas Khan, he rejoiced exceedingly, and became confident of success. Meanwhile, news was brought that the Niazi troops had advanced to within a very short distance of the royal camp.^ Islam Shah said : " The Afghans have no sense." He made an inclosure with all his wheeled carriages, like a for- tress, into which he caused the whole of his army to enter, and then went in person to reconnoitre the Nldzis from an elevated position. When he beheld the foe, he said, " I shall be disgraced if I do not fight the rebel troops," and ordered the chains, with which the carriages were fastened together to be removed. At that moment, he ranged his troops in battle array, and made ready for the fight. The war drums were beaten on both sides. Khawas Khan sent to tell 'Azam Humdyun and his brothers to advance when they saw him do so on his elephant with his standard dis- played, and not to forsake him. With this intention they turned their faces towards the field. Khawds Kh^n started from his post, but attacked no one, and succeeded in making his way into the

' Ahmad YkSgax (MS., p. 328) says, that while they were forming for action, a thunderstorm came on, and 'Azam Humaylin's elephant was struck dead by lightning, which was considered ominous of defeat.

open country. The Nidzis fought to the best of their ability, but as no benefit is ever derived from disloyalty, and as it always occasions distress and regret, they were routed, and the victory remained with Isldm Sh4h.

" Who can resist him whom fortune assists ? "

Whilst these events were occurring, Sa'id Khan, the brother of 'Azam Humayun, came armed to the teeth, under the pre- text of congratulating the King ; hoping, as no one knew him, to find an opportunity of slaying His Majesty .^ He mixed with the royal guards. Islam Shah was at the time stand- ing surrounded by a circle of war elephants, and Sa'id Khdn was, consequently, unable to reach him immediately. He was shortly afterwards recognized by one of the elephant- drivers, who gave the alarm, and was slain by a thrust of Sa'id's spear.^ Sa'Id's valour and strength enabled him to make good his escape from the place where the royal guards were. The Nidzis fled to Dinkot, which is near Roh. After their de- feat, they were hindered in their flight by the marshy ground in the neighbourhood of Ambala,* which prevented their horses from proceeding, and consequently Islam Shah's troops who were in pursuit coming up with them, made a great slaughter of the Niazis. Islam Sh4h followed them in person as far as New Eohtas, and there appointed Khwdja Wais Sarw5,ni, with an im- mense army, to prosecute the war with the NIdzis, after which he turned back towards Agra and Gwalior. He proceeded by uninterrupted marches from Rohtas to Agra,* where he halted two or three days, and then went on to Gwdlior, and remained there.

' The Makhzan-i Afghani says he had been sent for that purpose by his brother, and that an elephant-driver struck him so violently, that his helmet dropped from his head. The Tdrlleh-i Khdn-Jahdn also says an elephant-driver aimed a spear at him.

2 Ahmad Tidg&r (MS., p. 331} says he was slain by the spear of Ahmad Kh&n Siir.

3 It must be remembered there had been a storm in the morning, and the stream to the west of AmbUa, though ordinarily dry, soon flows like a torrent during an inundation.

• The Mahhian-i Afghdni says he remained three months at Dehll, after this victory, during which period Khaw&s Kh&n was murdered ; and that he then went to Gw&lior, which he had established as the seat of the government.

At this time many of his father's nobles, who had been ap- pointed to different districts, came into the presence. Although Isldm Shah had secretly an ill-feeling towards Shujd' Kh^n, yet as Daulat Khdn "Dji414, the adopted son of Shujd' Khdn, was much beloved by the King, for whom he had done good service, on his account he behaved outwardly with great kind- ness to Shujd' Khdn, and treated him with honour and con- sideration. He gave him the government of the entire province of Mdlwd. One day an Afghan, named 'Fsm^n Khdn, came intoxicated into the diwdn-Mmd of Shuja' Khdn, and spat repeatedly on the carpet. When forbidden to do this by the fardshes, he arose and struck them with his fist. There was a great outcry, and the fardshes informed Shuja' Khdn of what had taken place. Shuja' Khdn said, "He has been guilty of three offences : firstly, he has drunk wine ; secondly, he has entered the diwdn-khdnd ; thirdly, he has beaten the fardshes!''' He then ordered both 'Usman Khan's hands to be cut off. 'Usmdn Khan went to Grwdlior, and complained to the King, who said nothing, on account of the high rank which Shuja' Khan had held in Sher Shdh's time, and of the faithful services of Daulafc Khdn.

After some time, Shuja' Khdn came to Gwdlior, and one day 'Usmdn Khdn again petitioned Isldm Shah concerning the injury which he had suffered. The King, becoming angry with the petitioner, said, " You also are an Afghdn, go and revenge yourself on him." When 'Usmdn Khdn heard this, he began to take measures to accomplish his wishes. Shuja' Khdn was vexed when he heard what the King had said, and made use of unbecoming language. As both 'Usmdn Khdn's hands had been amputated, he had a hand made of iron. One day, an attendant of Shujd' Khdn's told him that 'Usmdn Khdn was seated in a cutler's shop, causing a knife to be sharpened, and speaking in a violent manner. Shujd' Khan's courage prevented this information from making any impression on him, until one day, as he was going in a litter to pay his respects to the King in

the castle of Gwdlior, and had reached the Hathyapul gate, he saw 'Usman Khan seated in a shop with one hand concealed in his dopatta. Shujd' Khan desired to inquire something con- cerning him, when 'TJsmdn Kh4n suddenly rose up, and running from the shop, wounded ShujA' Khdn. He was instantly seized by the armed men who surrounded the litter, who then perceived that he had an iron hand fastened to the stump, by means of which he had inflicted a slight wound in Shuja' Khan's left side, only grazing the skin. He was slain immediately, and they then took Shujd' Khan's litter back to his house. After Shuj4' Khdn had been wounded, and when 'Usmdn Kh4n had met with his reward, an uproar and disturbance arose amongst the people. When news of this event reached the King, he sent some of his courtiers and men of note to Shuja' Kh4n, to inquire how he fared, and intended likewise to go in person.

Shuj4' Khan being aware that his own friends and con- nexions were of opinion that 'Usmdn Khan had attacked him at the instigation of Isldm Shah, and seeing their hostile dis- position, he thought it better to oppose the King's coming, in order to prevent them from acting rashly. He sent, therefore, a message to say, "Your servant was the dependent of Your Majesty's father, and never shrank from performing any service he required of him, although by so doing he placed his life in danger. Your servant is one of those thirty-five persons who were appointed by your father, and who were bound to him by the ties of affection, as all men know. I have this time escaped with life, and shall yet be able to do you service. Do not trouble yourself to come on your slave's account. It is sufficient that I should have been honoured by your kind inquiries after my health." When this was told to Isldm Sh4h, he understood his reasons for what he said. Nevertheless, as Shuj4' Khdn was one of the pillars of the State, and deserved well of his sovereign on account of his great services, after waiting for one day, Islam Sh4h went to visit him in person. Fath Khan, the

son of Shuj^' Khan, whose strength was remarkable, and against whom no person could contend, saw Isldm Shdh entering ShujA' Khan's tent alone, and wished to stay him. Midn Bayazld, another son of Shujd,' Khan, perceived his brother's intention, and felt certain that he would commit some act of violence ; he therefore sent Fath Khkn to prepare the customary presents. Isldm Shdh honoured Shujd' Khdn's abode by entering it. They remained together for a short time; and when Islam Shdh was about to depart, Shuj^' Khd.n said, " May the King prosper ! I entreat you not to take the trouble of coming again. Tour slave is afraid that if you do, the remembrance of his past services will be eflfaced, and that the banner of the King and the dignity which I have raised with so much trouble will be over- thrown in an instant. Your Majesty knows better than any other how rude and intemperate the Afghans are." Islam Shah returned thence to the royal dwelling, and became ten times as ill-disposed towards Shujd' Khan as he had been before.

Shuja' Khdu recovered from his wound in a short time, and after performing his ablutions, and giving alms to the poor, went one day to pay his respects to Islam Shah, who presented him with 101 horses and 101 bales of merchandize of Bengal, and treated him with great favour and kindness in a right royal manner. Shuja' Khan was convinced that the King's exces- sive politeness only concealed a wish to injure him. He passed that day without taking any particular steps, and returned home. Next day he ordered his servants to place his camp equipage on beasts of burden. The people of the city thought that he was going to a fresh encamping ground, on account of the filthy state of that in which he then was. When the property of all his men had been laden, and his troops were armed and equipped, he ordered the drum to beat for the march, and departed towards Sarangpur.^ When Islam Shah learnt this circumstance, he was very angry, and sent a body of troops in pursuit ; and after

1 Pirislita, the Tdrikli-i Khdn-Jahdn, and the Makhzan-i Afghdni say that this occurred in 954 h. It is rare to get any precise date throughout the reign.

arranging his army, set off himself in the direction of Sdrangplir, Shuj4' Khdn reached S^rangptir, and began to look after the equipments of his soldiery, who, when they heard that Islam Shah was coming, incited Shuj^' Khdn to give him battle. He said, " Isldm Sh4h is my benefactor, and the son of my patron. I will never fight against him. Whoever thinks that I have any such intention had better leave off doing so, and quit my service."

When Isldm ShS,h arrived in the vicinity of Sdrangpur,' Shujd' Khdn left the city, after sending his family on a-head, and went in the direction of Bdnswara. Islam Shah resumed Mdlwd, and after leaving 'fsa Khdn Sur in the district of Ujjain, with 22,000 horsemen, went himself to Gwdlior. Shuja' Ehdn, notwithstanding his power, and the means which he had at his disposal, made no attempts on Mdlwd.^ Islkm Sh4h was at this time engaged in checking the rebellion of the Nidzis. As he had hitherto been unsuccessftil, he marched a second time towards Lahore, for the purpose of punishing that tribe. Daulat Khdn TJjldla, the adopted son of Shuj4' Khdn, who was one of the select associates of Islam Sh4h, entreated him to pardon the transgressions of Shujd' Kh^n. There was no person in whom the King placed so much confidence or liked so well as Daulat Khdn; for this reason his petition was successful, and Shuja' Khan was enabled to come with the speed of the wind into the presence of Isl4m Shdh, who pardoned his faults and granted him Sarangpiir, the country of E^sin, and several other dis- tricts ; he, moreover, presented him a gold ewer and a basin of the same material, and then gave him permission to depart. Daulat Khdn FjidlA remained with His Majesty. He was called Ujidla,^ because at night time torches were always placed on both sides of the road between his dwelling and that of the King.

^ It is strange that this author tells us nothing of his subsequent fate. — See Appendix F. ' [Hind, ujdld hrightness, light.]

He was one of the most celebrated meu of his time, on account of his family, his courage, and his liberality.

We have now come to the remainder of the history of the NiAzis. 'Azam Hum^ytin and Khwaja Wais fought together on several occasions. In the last action 'Azam Humdyun defeated the Khwaja, and turned his face towards Sirhind. When Isldm Shah heard this news, he raised a large force, and sent it against the Niazis, on which 'Azam Humayun retraced his steps and went to Mdnkot. Islam Shah's troops came up with him near Sambhal, and a battle took place, in which the Niazis were again routed. The children and mother of 'Azam Humaydn were made captive, and brought before Isldm Sh^h.^

After their defeat, the Niazis took refiige with the Grhakkars, in the hill-country bordering on Kashmir. Isldm Sh^h advanced in person with a large army for the purpose of quelling the Nidzi rebellion,^ and during the space of two years was engaged in con- stant conflicts with the Ghakkars, whom he desired to subdue. He strove by every means in his power to gain possession of the person of Sultan Adam Ghakkar, who had been a faithful friend of the Emperor Humayun, without success ; but he caught Strang Sultan Ghakkar, who was one of the most noted men of his tribe, and caused him to be flayed alive, and confined his son, Kamdl Khdn, in the fort of Gwalior. When Islam Shdh had thus taken a proper revenge of Sultan Adam Ghakkar, and de- stroyed many of his tribe, many of the zaminddrs whose possessions were at the foot of the hills submitted themselves to him. Skirting the hills, he went thence towards Murin, and all

' The Mahhmn-i Afghani tells us that the unfortunate females on the establish- ment of 'Azam Humlytin, Sa'id Kh&n, and Ts^i Kh&n Ni&zi were ignominiously exposed once a week, during two years, in the Common Hall of Audience, and the three chiefs were proclaimed aloud as rehels. In the end they were assassinated, — a wanton crime, which, to the credit of Daulat Kh&.n Uji5I&, seems to have excited his indignation, and caused his temporary retirement from Court.

2 The Tdrikh-i Khdn-Jahdn (MS., p. 205) ascribes this expedition to the year 955 H. The TdriM-i Badduni says Wais's defeat at Dinkot occurred either in 954 or 955 H. (God knows which !). Elphinstoue [History of India, vol. ii., p. 153) makes the Nl&zi insurrection last for two years till 954 h., but this is obviously too early. Vigorous measures of suppression did not commence till that period. •

the Eajds of the Siwalik presented themselves, and expressed their intention of being obedient and faithful in their allegiance to him. Parsuram, the E,4j4 of Gwdlior, became a staunch servant of the King, and was treated with a degree of considera- tion which far exceeded that shown to the other zaminddrs. Gwdlior ^ is a hill, which is on the right hand towards the south amongst the hills, as you go to Kangra and Nagarkot. Islam Shah erected some buildings there. The inhabitants of Grwdlior are not particularly good-looking, and Islam Sh&h composed these lines in jest:

" How can I sing the praises of the beloved ones of Gwalior ? I could never do so properly if I tried in a thousand ways 1 I do not know how to salute Parsuram, When I behold him, I am distracted, and exclaim, Earn ! Earn ! "

T4j Khan Kirani, one of the King's attendants and companions, wrote and presented this verse :

" I style myself your slave I What better employment can I find than your service ? "

Isldm Shah stayed some time at Gwalior, and then set about building the fort of Mdnkot. He went thither and caused five forts to be erected : one of which he named Shergarh, a second Islamgarh, a third Eashidgarh, a fourth Firozgarh, the fifth retained its original names of Mankot and Mangarh. The per- formances of Islam Sh4h at this period can only be compared with the works done by the genii, by order of Hazrat Sulaiman (on whom be peace !). Those who have beheld these forts know better than any other how miraculously they have been con- structed.2

But Isldm Shah at this time behaved harshly towards the people, and gave no money to the nobles and the army for three years. Certain nobles agreed together to act treacherously,

' "Without paying the workmen, as appears from the Tdrikh-i Baddiml. The statement respecting the forts is copied from the Wdki'dt-i MusMdki (MS., p. 15i).

and instructed a certain individual, who was careless of his life, thus, " The King will go forth to-day from the red tents for the purpose of inspecting the fort of Mankot; approach him, where the path is narrow, under the pretext of demanding justice, and then kill him ! " This person went to the summit of a hill, and posted himself in a place where only one man could pass at a time. When Islkm Shkh reached that narrow passage, he was preceded by some of his attendants and followed by others. The aforesaid assassin approached the King, demanding a hear- ing. As he did so, and when he was close to him, he drew a short sword which he had kept concealed, and struck at Islam Shdh, who was slightly wounded in the neck and fingers. Isldm Shdh's extraordinary valour induced him to spring from his horse, and grapple with his assailant, whom he threw down, and then wrested his weapon from him. Daulat Kh4n Ujiald beheld all that took place from the rear, and came as swift as the wind to the assistance of His Majesty. He took the man out of the King's hands, saying, " If you will allow me, I will take charge of this person." Islam Shdh replied, " He will be the cause of the ruin of many. Put him quickly to death. He is sure to accuse many people falsely of having instigated him to act thus. There is no benefit to be derived from keeping him." Daulat Khdn accordingly killed him on the spot.

There arose a great disturbance amongst the troops on account of the wound which the King had received, and the people said amongst themselves, " The King has been killed by a paik." Islam Shah returned immediately to his camp, and remained seated for some time on the throne. He sent for the sword with which the man had wounded him, and threw it down before the nobles. They all, as well as the King, perceived that the weapon was one which he had himself given to Ikbdl Khan. This Ikbdl Kbdn was called Karamu-lla, and had served in the King's in- fantry. Islam Shah had patronized him and promoted him to the rank of a noble. The King summoned him, and thus addressed him, "I raised you to your present station^ because I believed

you to be faithful and trustworthy ; and I made you extremely wealthy. I am ashamed to put you to death, because you are a person whom I have raised and treated kindly. Thus I punish you. I degrade you from your dignity and position as a noble, and send you back to the salary which you formerly received as a foot soldier. Take your old place again." The King then repeated this verse :

" I am BO vexed with my friends, I will never take one even to save myself from ruin ! "

Certain nobles desired to place Mubariz Kh4n, who possessed the title of ' Adali, on the throne. The King summoned him to the presence, but said nothing to him, for the sake of BibI B4i. From that date, the suspicions which he entertained of his nobles led him to treat them with open enmity, and to take measures to overthrow them. He directed that the war elephants and those nobles in whom he placed confidence should keep watch and ward over his tent.

He then set seriously to work to exterminate the Niazis. When the Grhakkars had been rendered powerless, 'Azam Humayun went into the hill-country of Kashmir. Islam Shah encamped beneath Kaitdli-shahr, and designed to pursue the Nidzls into Kashmir; while Mirza Haidar, the Grovernor of Kashmir, in order to gain Isldm Shah's good-will, blocked up the road against the Niazis.i 'Azam Humayun perceived that the King was coming in his rear, and that the Governor of Kashmir had closed the path on ahead ; being, therefore, unable to effect anything, he went to EAjauri. Islam Shah pursued the Nidzis with the choicest of his troops as far as the village of Madad, in the territory of Naushahra, where he was terrified by the dangers and difficulties of the mountain passes, and thought that his best

' It must be remembered that the NI&zIs are pure Afgh&ns, from whom are descended the Mfis^-khail, 'rsa,-khail, Sambhal, and Sah&rang, all congregated now between the towns of Makhad and Dera Isma'il Khan on the Sind. The Khulasdtu-l Amah, Firishta, and some later writers seem rather disposed to regard them as a religious sect.

plan would be to make peace. With this view he sent Saiyid Khdn and 'Abdu-l Malik, who were two of his most trusted and confidential courtiers, with a letter to 'Azam Hum^yun and the other Nidzis, counselling them to take a course by which their interests would be best benefited. 'Azam Humdyun's son and mother were then surrendered as hostages to Isl4m Shdh, and he, taking them with him, quitted the defiles of the hills, and en- camped at Ban, a village near Si5.1kot.

Muhammad Nazr and Sabr 'All, the King of Kashmir's governors in Rajauri, plotted to carry 'Azam Humdyun into Kashmir, and expel Mirza Haidar thence. 'Azam Humdyun consulted the Afghans who had accompanied him with reference to the propriety of this proceeding, and the greater portion of them counselled him to consent to what was evidently a decree of the Almighty. 'Azam Humaydn, however, refused to agree to this arrangement, and sent a brahman to Mirza Haidar, with proposals for accommodation, at the same time begging for assistance, and giving an account of his distressed condition. Mirz4 Haidar, who was a youth of a magnanimous disposition, sent a large sum of money to 'Azam Humaydn, with a civil message. 'Azam Humaydn marched from his encampment to the village of Buzurs. When the faithless Kashmiris saw that 'Azam Humdydn was unsuccessful, they turned against him and deserted him. Some of them went over to Isldm Sh4h. Ghdzi Kh4n Ohak went to Mirz4 Haidar and told him that 'Azam Humdyun was coming with a body of Afghans for the purpose of seizing Kashmir, and had reached the pargana ofBAnihdl, and the hills of Lohkot and Malwakot. 'fdi Eatna, Husain Makari, Bahram Chak, and Ydsuf Ohak, were ordered to attack the Niazis with a force of Kashmiris. Both sides prepared for action, and a fierce contest took place. Bibi Rabfa, the wife of 'Azam Humaydn, fought like a man, and smote Ldli Chak with her sword. The Kashmiris were very numerous, and were victorious over the discomfited Afghans. 'Azam HumAyun, Sa'id Kh4n, and Bibi Rabi'a were killed in the battle, and the men of Kashmir

returned successful to Sirinagar. Mirz4 Haidar sent the heads of the Afghdus, by the hand of Ya'kub Mir, to Isldm Shdh, who was in the village of Ban, near the river Ohin&b, and who, well pleased at the termination of the Ni4zl rebellion, marched back homewards.

About this time Mirzd Kdmrdn fled from King Humdyun's Court, and sought refuge with Islam Sh4h. K4mran Mirz4 was an excellent poet, and this fact had repeatedly been a subject of conversation in Islam Shah''s presence. At their first interview, Islam Shdh, with the view of testing Kamran's skill, repeated three couplets : one composed by a poet of 'Irdk, the second by one of the learned of Hindustan, the third was an Afghan production. He then asked for an explanation of them, K4mran Mirza said, " Do you question me concerning the beauties of the poetry, or do you wish to know who the poets are ? " After this Kamran Mirza said " The first couplet which you recited was written by a Mughal of 'Irak ; the second by a poet of Hind ; the third is by an Afghan poet." Islam Shdh praised the excellence of Mirzd Kamran's knowledge and understanding before all that assembly. After this occurrence, Islam Sh4h, although he meant him no good, by the advice of certain nobles, continued to treat that prince with fitting distinction. Nevertheless, the Mirz4 fled from Islam Shdh's presence into the Siwdlik hills, and from thence went into the Ghakkar country. All this is related in detail in the histories of King Humdyun's reign.

Isldm Shdh proceeded by uninterrupted marches from the village of Ban to Dehli, where he remained for some months.^ One day when in Dehli Islam Sh4h had applied leeches to his neck, when intelligence reached him that Humayun had crossed

' Wlule here upon this occasion the Tdrtkh-i Khdn-JaMn (MS., p. 204) says that he set about building the fort of Salimgarh, on the banks of the Jumna, opposite Dinpan^h, which had been erected by Hum&ylin ; and that in the time of the author Salimgarh was occupied by Shaikh FarJd Bukhirl. He ordered a wall to be built round Hum4y(in's Dehli; which is likewise mentioned by Firishta. That Emperor, on his restoration, made but an ungrateful return, by proscribing the name of Salimgarh, and substituting that of Ndrgarh, as more euphonious to his royal ears. We have rarely occasion to accuse this mild Emperor of yindictiyeness.

the "Eilkh and entered Hindnstan. At this moment an Afgh&n musician was singing this verse, and accompanying himself on the rubdb :

" When the whole universe is inimical to me. If you befriend me, why should I be afraid ?'"

Isldm Shah said to those who were present, " This good newsy which my guardian angel has sent me, is the best omen of success I can have." He paid no attention to the selection^ of an au- spicious moment for departure, nor did he consult the astrologers, but immediately freed his neck from the leeches, and mounted his horse, and determined to sustain the royal honour. Om the first day he made a march of three kos. He was always accompanied by his artillery ; but on account of the haste with which he started on this expedition, oxen were- not procurable in the villages near D'ehll. He did not, however, wait for their arrival, but directed that the common people should pull the gun car- riages. He bad 300,000 of these individuals employed- on this service; 150^000 of whom were provided with mattocks for the purpose of entrenching the camp. Each gun was pulled by 2000' men on foot.^ He went in person, with great speed, to Lahore ; but King HumS,yun had, previous to Islam Shah's arrival, re- ceived his brother Kamran Mirza from Sultan Adam Grhakkar, and returned with him to Kabul.

Islam Sh4h advanced as far as Lahore, and returned from that place to Gwalior, where he amused himself with hunting.* He

'The MaMzan-i AfgMni says there were sixty large guns ; that each gun was drawn by 1000 men ; and that he marched twelve ^os a day, the artillery always reaching the ground before anything else came up. The Tdrihh-i Khdn-Ja,hdn says there wer« 60,000 draught-men, and that each gim required from 1000 to 2000 men. [See Brskine, vol. ii., p. 469.]

• Ahmad TadgSj: (MS., p. 343) says plainly, that Isl^m Sh&h remained two years at Lahore, and that when the rumours of HumSySn's approach had died away, he came to Dehli, where he built " Isiamgarh, opposite to Dinpanih, in the middle of the waters of the Jumna, so that no fort should be so strong in all Hindust5,n, for it looks as if it was cut out of one stone." After remaining some months at Agra, he returned to Gwllior. The Makhmn-i Afghani says that on his return to Gw&lior, which followed immediately on his arrival from LiidiSina, he ordered the arrears of pay for two whole years to be disbursed.

was one day hunting in the district of Antri, when certain Afghdn nobles, who were ill-disposed towards him, laid an am- buscade on his road, with the intention of injuring him ; but as his life was not destined to close so soon, he went back by another route, and was informed the same evening of the meditated treachery. He caused Bah4u-d din, Mahmud, and Madaka, the chiefs of the conspirators, to be seized and punished. After this Islam Shdh became more mistrustful than ever of his nobles, and seized and imprisoned or put to death all those whom he chiefly suspected. One day he said to his wife Blbi Bai, " I have cleared the road for your son, but your brother Mubariz Khan is still a thorn in his way. If you wish for your son's life, say that you desire your brother to be put out of the way." Bibl Bai answered, " My brother is a man who loves his pleasure and dissipation, and has always passed his life in looking after musical instruments, a,nd listening to tunes ; he has no head for government."^ Isldm Shah endeavoured with great skill and ability, by adducing strong proofs, and by beneficial advice, to induce her to be of his opinion ; but this ignorant woman refused to consent to what Islam Shah said, although it was all for her benefit.*

When Isl4m Shah saw that his wife had followed her own foolish opinion, he despaired, and said, " You know best- Your son is in great danger from Mubciriz Khan, and you will in the end understand what I have just said." Saying this, he left the apartment, and ordered the GwMior captives to be punished in the following way. He directed them to be placed in a building filled with gunpowder, which was then to be fired. This was done in the manner commanded by His Majesty. All the

1 Ahmad Ykigkc (MS., p. 344) calls Mm Mamrez KhSrn, and says that lie feigned madness, in order to avoid the death or Mnding which would otherwise necessarily have been his lot. It was for this reason only that, lite Hamlet, "he put an antic disposition on."

' Admirable moralist! thus to censure a sister for not murdering her brother. Subsequent events, however, showed that ' such a fate would not have been un- deserved.

prisoners were blown into the air, and their limbs scattered, with the exception of Kamdl Khan Ghakkar, who was seated in a corner of the dwelling, and who was preserved by the favour of the Almighty. When Islam Shah was told of this wonderful circumstance, Kam^l Kh4n was brought from that place into the presence by the royal command, and an oath was administered to him that he would in future be a loyal subject, and only think how he could best benefit His Majesty's service. Kamal Khan consented to everything that Is! dm Sh4h said, and was set at liberty. After this, IslSm Sh4h advanced Kamdl Kh&n Ghakkar, and in a short time made him one of the chief grandees, appointed him to perform special and important services, and exalted and made him joyM by heaping royal favours on his head. His prosperity and dignity were vastly increased.

Nearly at the same time he sent one of his courtiers, who was in an indigent condition, to perform a certain service, in the hope that his circumstances would thus be bettered. This person acted throughout the business with conscientious integrity, and after transacting it, returned. On another occa- sion he told the King how honestly he had behaved. Isl&m Shah was at that time severely disposed towards every one, and only repeated the following verse in reply :

" When you bestrode the horse of good fortune, If you did not put him: to his speed, what can a man do for you ? " '

They say that, during Islam Shah's reign a darwesh. Shaikh 'Alai by name, created a great disturbance by openly professing the religion of the Mahdi, and led many people astray. He collected an innumerable host oi fakirs and darweshes about him, and was in the habit of traversing the bazars, and forbidding by every means in his power all acts contrary to the precepts of the Kur'an. His sect had its bead-quarters at Bayana. At length,

^ Admirable morality again ! A king blaming one of his provincial officers for not plundering the poor people, and feathering his own nest.

by the advice of his murshid, he set forth, accompanied by six or seven thousand followers, with the intention of performing the pilgrimage to Mecca. When he arrived at Khawaspiir, which is in the Judhpur territory, Khawds Khdn, who has before Been mentioned, came forth to meet him, and joined him. When Islam Shah heard of these events, he summoned him to the pre- sence. The Shaikh perceived that the King was attended by a select party of his nobles ; nevertheless, he did not behave as it is becoming to do in the presence of royalty. He merely made the customary salutation, at which the King was displeased, and showed his disgust by the manner in which he answered " 'Alaiku-s Saldm." The courtiers were very wroth at this conduct. MuUa 'Abdu-lla Sultdnpuri, who was entitled Makhdiimu-l Mulk, opposed the doctrines of Shaikh 'Alai, and decreed that he should be imprisoned.^ Islam Shah assembled a great number tit the learned, and directed them to inquire into the matter. Shaikh 'Alai's great eloquence enabled him to overcome all his opponents in argument. Islam Shah said, " 0 Shaikh, fersake this mode of procedure, in order that I may appoint you censor (muhtasib) of all my dominions. Up to the present time you have taken upon yourself to forbid without my authority ; henceforth you will do so with my consent." Shaikh 'Alal would not agree to this ; and Isl4m Shah, refusing to listen to the suggestions of Makhdumu-1 Mulk with reference to the Shaikh's punishment, sent him to Hindia.

Bih^r Khd,n Sarwani, who governed that district, embraced, with all his troops. Shaikh 'Al^'e views. Makhdiimu-l Mulk

' This decree appears to have been given in the year 956 h., according to the TdriJch^i Khdn-Jahdm (MS., p. 207). Some additional particulars -wiU be found in that work and in JFirishta ; but by others it is cursorily noticed, or not at all, though it must have created great agitation, as all such ferments do in India. Witness that of Saiyid Ahmad, from the expiring embers of which some northern zealots still manage to kindle the flame of fanaticism. These sectaries vrere commonly known as the " Ghdzi MaMis." They threw their property into a common stock, and many deserted their families. Some of them even went so far as to kill any one whom they considered to be engaged in the commission of sin. They had made so many magis- trates and chiefs converts .to their doctrines, that for a long time they committed their atrocities with impunity. £See Erskine, vol. ii., p. 480.]

related this circumstance in his most urgent manner, and gave the King intimation of the disturbances which were taking place. Isl4m Sh&h again summoned the Shaikh from Hindia, and this time ordered a larger assembly of MuUds than the former to meet and investigate his doctrines. Makhdumu-1 Mulk said, " This man desires to rule the country, he wishes to attain the rankofMahdi, and the Mahdi is to govern the whole world. The entire army of His Majesty has taken part with him ; it is very likely that in a short time this country will be much injured."

Isldm Shah, for the second time, paid no attention to what Makhdumu-1 Mulk said, and sent Shaikh 'Alai into Bihar, to Shaikh Badh, a learned physician, in whom Sher Shah had placed much confidence, and respected him so much that he always as- sisted him in putting on his shoes by placing them before him. Islkm Shah did this with the intention of acting according to what- ever decree Shaikh Badh might give. At this time Islam Shdh was in the Panjab, busied with the erection of the fort of Mankot, ' Shaikh Badh gave a decision similar to that of Makhdumu-1 Mulk, and made it over to the King's messengers. Whilst this was transpiring. Shaikh 'Al&i was seized by the pestilence which then prevailed, and his throat became ulcerated to such an extent that the instrument used for applying the salve penetrated the abscess to the depth of a finger. When they brought him before Isldm Sh3,h, he was too weak to speak. Islim Shdh whispered in his ear, and advised him to confess that he was not the Mahdi in order that he might be pardoned ; but Shaikh 'Alai would not listen to what the King said. His Majesty, losing all hope of persuading him, ordered him to be scourged, and he rendered up his soul to the angel of death at the third blow, in the year 956 [1549 A.D.], as is shown by the chronogram '■'■ Zikru-l Allah." ^ It is commonly reported that Shaikh 'Alai repeated a stanza in the presence of Isldm Shdh, and said, " If you desire to com-

prehend my motives for these actions, meditate on this verse of

I have one soul, and a thousand bodies 1 But both soul and bodies belong entirely to me. It is strange I have made myself another." » «» « o

Isldm Shah was at this time so desirous of overthrowing the great chiefs, that he thought of nothing else even for a single moment.'^ Some of the great nobles conspired together, with the intention of dethroning Islam Sh4h, and raising Mubariz Khdn to the government. Islam Shah was informed of the treason of these people, and immediately endeavoured to assemble them in one place, and there punish them. The aforesaid chiefs, being warned of his intention, met together, and entered into an agree- ment not to present themselves at the darhdr all at once, but to go one by one. They thus contrived to go there without danger. Isldm Shdh was day and night thinking and planning how he might best put them to death. But the decrees of Providence do not change to suit human wishes and counsels, and he was taken suddenly ill and confined to his bed in the fort of Grwalior, by a painful retention of urine, and a disease of the bladder. People say that he was afflicted by an imposthume in his privy parts. He never mentioned this circumstance to any one, and cauterized it with his own hand ; but by doing this, he injured his health, and brought on great suffering and weakness. While in this state Islam Shd,h abused and spoke harshly to some of his most intimate friends and companions ; and when the King came to his senses, Taj Kh4n Kirani, one of his principal nobles, said to him, " May the King prosper ; this day I have heard words issue from his lips which he has not been accustomed to use." Islam Shdh said, " 0 T4j Khdn, I had great confidence in my own strength,

' The WdM'dt-i Muahtdhi (MS., p. 141) says that during two or three years he never presented any of them with an elephant. He seems, indeed, to have been particularly jealous of this royalty. It will be seen from the Extracts from the Tdrlkh-i Baddimi, that each nobleman was only allowed to retain a single baggage- elephant.

and I have subdued all men ; but this thing is stronger than I am, and I find myself weaker and more helpless than the ant. I now know myself ! " After this he summoned Bibi B&i, and said, " I have the reins still in my hand, and have as yet lost nothing. If you desire your son to reign after me, tell me to do it, and I will cause your brother Mub4riz Khdn to be removed." On this Bibi Bki began to weep. Islam Shdh said, " You know best." And then suddenly, as he was speaking, he gave up the ghost in the twinkling of an eye, and departed to the next world in the year 961 h.^ Many of the troops who were not aware of the King's illness, on receiving the unexpected intelligence of his decease, were much perturbed and distressed, as it threw their affairs into confusion. In the same year Sultdn Mahmud GujaritI and Niz4mu-1 Mulk, of the Dekhin, also died, and the chronogram " Zawdl-i Khusrawdn " gives the date of the deaths of these three sovereigns, viz. a.h. 961.

Death vanquished three kings like Khusru in one year,

Through whose justice the land of Hind was the abode of security.

Who was during his life-time a Sdhib-Kiran ;

The second, Mahmiid Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat,

Who was a reigning sovereign in the Dekhin.

If you ask for the date of the deaths of these princes,

You will find it in the words " Euin of Sovereigns." ''■

Sher Shah and Isldm Shdh together reigned fifteen years and some months, and then quitted the world.^

1 26th Zi-1 hijja, 961 a.h. (November, 1654 A.D.). This is the date of the Makhxan-i AfgMnl and Tdrikh-i Ehdn-Jahdn. The latter informs us that hia body was taken from GwSKor, and deposited at Sahsarim, near that of his father.

'^ Zaw&l-i Khusrawdn. Firishta says his father wrote this chronogram.

' This is rery inexact. The Mahhzan-i Afghani fixes the period of IsUm Sh&h's reign at eight years, nine months, and seven days ; and gives the date of his death as quoted in the note above.

Tdj Khan's flight.— Ek Defeat hy Iddali.Sis Defeat by Simii. — Himii's star in the ascendant.

On Tdj Khdn's hasty departure from the council at Gwalior 'Adall despatched an army in pursuit of him, and prepared to follow it in person. 'Adali came up with him at Chhabrd- man, forty hos from Agra,^ and gave him a defeat, which compelled him to fly towards Chundr. On his way thither, he had seized various provincial oflScers of 'Adali, and obtained from them whatever he could, either in money or goods. He also obtained 100 of the public elephants which he had found foraging in the parganas near the river. Tdj Khan then went to 'Imad and Sulaimdn and Khwdja Ilyds, his brothers, who governed in Khawdsptir Tunda, and o^qv parganas on the banks of the Ganges, and who were encouraged in their disafiection by all the Afghdns of the neighbourhood,^ 'Adali also went to Chundr, with the view of bringing away his treasure, and despatching an army against the revolted Kirdnis. Himu desired that a large body of elephants might be attached to him during these operations, in order that he might at once cross the river and punish the rebels. Accordingly, a large number of these animals were left at his disposal, as well as a powerful force placed under his absolute command. Himu drew out his troops in battle array, and through the effect of some skyey influences, gave a complete defeat to the Kirdnis, and returned glorious and triumphant to his master, who received him with great honour, bestowing upon him the title of Rdjd Bikramajit. From that period, the whole management of the State devolved upon him, and so entirely did he assume the mastery, that no public order emanated from 'Adali, who, however, remained free to regulate his own bread and water, and retained still the treasury and elephants in his own charge.*

' All this is confirmed by the T&rikh-i KMn-Jahdn (MS., p. 224).

' Here follows an account of Ibr&Mm Khin Siir's defection.

Himiis two victories over Ibrahim Khan Siir near Agra. — Sis Defeat of Muhammad Khan Gauria.

Ibrdhim on his flight to Sambhal, after his defeat by Sikandar near Agra, organized a new force, and again put himself in motion towards K&lpi. 'Adali, when he heard of Ibrahim's arrival at Kalpi, sent HImu his minister, who had been a corn- chandler, at the head of 500 elephants and an immense park of artillery, towards Agra and Dehli, with directions that he should first punish Ibrahim, and then advance subsequently to Agra. Himti met Ibr&him at Agra ; a severe battle ensued, in which the former was again victorious, and Ibrahim fled to his father at Baydna. Thither he was pursued by HImu, who invested Bayana for a period of three months.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Khan Stir, ruler of Bengal, raised the standard of opposition, and at the head of a large army advanced with the intention of conquering Jaunpur, Kalpi, and Agra. 'Adali, on being informed of this, ordered Himu to raise the siege of Bayana, and return to his presence. When he had reached Marhakhar, six kos from Agra, Ibrahim came up and forced him to action, but was again put to flight, and being ashamed to return to his father, went to Patna, where he fought with Bdmchand, Baja of that place, and was taken prisoner. His captor seated him on a throne, and appeared in attendance upon him as a menial servant, with joined hands.^ Ibrahim remained there a long time, and then went to Orissa, which is on the extreme borders of Bengal, where he was treacherously put to death by Mian Sulaimdn Kiranl, who had sworn before God to protect him.

HImu, after his victory over Ibrdhim, returned to 'Adali, who fought a severe action with Muhammad Khan Gauria, ruler of Bengal, at Ohapparghatta, eleven kos from KdlpI ; ^ who being

' This deference, the reason of which is not very evident, is also vouched for hy the MahhzoM-i Afghdni and Tdrikh-i KMn-Jahdn.

2 It is not quite plain from this passage, but it appears from the corresponding statement iu the Makhzan-i Afghdni and Tdrikh-i Xhdn-Jahdn, that Himfi had his full share of this victory also, though it vras not a very glorious one.

deserted by his troops, was left to maintain the conquest alone, and, consequently, soon fell a victim to their treachery.

Surrender and Death of Sikandar Khan 8ur. — Death of 'Adali- — Defeat of his son hy the Mughals of Jaunpiir, and his subsequent seclusion. — Mian Sulaimdn. — Bdyazid. — DdM Shdh. — Sis murder of Lodi. — His flight from Patna, — Death of Muri'im Khan and of Ddiid Shdh. — Conclusion.

Sikandar Khdn being reduced to great extremities, sent his son 'Abdu-r Eahman from Mdnkot in the Siwalik hills, to Akbar BMshah, representing that he had committed many oflFences, on account of which he dared not present himself at Court, that he sent the few rarities he had with him as a peace- offering, and requested leave to be allowed to retire to Bengal and pass the remainder of his life in retirement. Akbar assented to all his solicitations, and gave him leave to depart to Bengal. Sikandar died three years after this surrender.

As for 'Adali, at the time of Himu's death he was at Chunar, and at that juncture the son of Muhammad Khan, by name Khizr Kh4n, ruler of Bengal, who had assumed the name of Sultan Bahadur, advanced with a large army to avenge the blood of his father ; and 'Adali proceeded into Bihar to meet him as far as Mungir. Meanwhile, after leaving Patna, the river Panpan, which is in M41urusa (?), flows with so tortuous a course that it became necessary to cross it several times. The sun had not yet risen when Sultan Bahddur, with his army in array, made an attack upon 'Adali, and sounded the kettle-drums of war. 'Adali had only a few men with him, but behaved with considerable gallantry. The action was fought at the stream of Surajgarh, about one kos, more or less, from Mungir, and about twelve kos from Patna, and there 'Adali was defeated and slain, in consequence of the paucity of his numbers, in the year 968 h. (1560 a.d.), after a reign of eight years.

When the news of this calamity reached his son at Chunar,

the Afghan nobles unanimously seated him on the Masnad. He assumed the title of Sher Shah, and all the sipdhis and nobles renewed their oaths of allegiance. They represented that if they were now to go out and demand vengeance for the death of 'Adali, the Mughals would spread over Hindustan, and subjugate the whole country. They should first of all conquer Jaunpur, and having repulsed the Mughal armies from that quarter, after that, please God ! they would inflict condign punishment upon Sultan Bahddur. With this intent, having first read the fdtiha, the son of 'Adali set forth, with 20,000 cavalry, 50,000 infantry, and 500 elephants, to capture Jaunpur. At that time Khan Zaman held the government of that place under Akbar Badshah, and conceiving himself quite unable to cope in the open field with so large a force, he collected all the means necessary for defensive operations, and suffered himself to be invested without opposition. The Afghans, seeing the distress of the Mughals, crossed the river Sye, on which Jaunpur is built, in full force. Hasan Khan Baohgoti and Rukn Khan Lohani leading the advance, made an immediate attack upon Khdn Zaman ; who, putting his trust solely on Him who could defend him in the hour of need, sallied from the fort, with 4000 cavalry, and fell upon the Afghans, Fortune had so far entirely deserted the latter, that their splendid army of 20,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry fled before the 4000 Mughals in such a crippled state that not a vestige of them remained. Immense booty fell into the hands of Khan Zaman. The son of 'Adali adopted the life of a recluse after this signal calamity, and no one knew anything fiirther about him.

The tribe of Afghans was dispersed — some became /a^irs, and some attached themselves to Mian Sulaimdn Kirdni. The Mian styled himself Hazrat 'All, and brought the greater portion of Bengal under his sway. Kings and other chiefs sent offerings to him, and Akbar Badshah offered no opposition to his claims. On the death of Sulaimdn, his eldest son Bdyazid succeeded his father. This prince, being of a haughty disposition,

Hot only neglected to imitate his father in his kindly method of treating his self-sufficient Afghans, but did his best to distress and humiliate them. He showed a desire of getting rid of his father's courtiers. On this account, several of the nobles joined themselves with the son-in-law and nephew of Hazrat '^11, the latter of whom, by name Hasu, was of weak intellect, and put Mian B3,yazid to death, Mian Lodi, a grandee of Midn Sulaimdn, who held the chief authority in the State, gained over the Afghans, and raised D^tid, the youngest son of Hazrat 'Jili, to the throne, with the title of D4ud. Dddd Shah, having opened the door of enjoyment, indulged in intoxicating drinks, and thus sowed the seeds of dissension. He would often repeat this verse :

" If my father is dead, I am the guardian of the world I I am the inheritor of the crown of Sulaiman,

He then proceeded to attack Jaunpur with his Afghans, and despatched Lodi before him with an innumerable force. LodI first attacked Zamania, which had been built by Khan Zaman. It was reduced to a desert, and no signs of cultivation remained. Mun'im Khin quitted Jaunpur, and when he saw that the Afghan army was large, and the Mughals few in number, he opened, by way of augury, the Biwdn of Khwaja Hafiz, who is called the Lisdnu-l Ghaib, or " tongue of the inscrutable," and found this verse :

" 0 King, amongst the beautiful, render justice to the grief of my loneliness, My heart is sorely distressed through your absence, it is time that you should return."

Mun'im Khan^ sent this couplet, together with an account of what had occurred, to King Akbar, who despatched an immense army to Mun'im Khdn's assistance, and also followed it in person. Ddtid Shah arrived in Mungir from Bengal, and there he allowed

' He was general of the Imperialists, and his title was Khdn-M&ndn.

unjustifiable suspicions to enter his head. Many persons en- deavoured to impress on him that Lodi would certainly try to make Tdj, the nephew of Hazrat '^li, king, because Lodi had been long attached to that family, and had, moreover, betrothed his own daughter to him. Dkni Shdh caused his own cousin Yusuf to be slain at Mungir, and became very suspicious of Lodi.

When Lodi perceived the evil disposition of Ddud, he made peace with Mun'im Khan, and expressed a wish to be taken to King Akbar. Jaldl Khan Sadhauri, and RSju, surnamed the "Black Mountain," deserted Lodi, presented themselves before D4ud, and related what had happened. Daiid Sh4h then opened his father's treasury to the army, and, by the advice of Gujar Khdn, addressed a farmdn to Lodi, in which he said, " You are in the place of my father Micin Sulaimcin. All my power depends on your wisdom and valour. My army, treasury, and artillery are all at your command. Endeavour by all the means in your power to put this race of Mughals to shame." When Lodi learned the contents of this farmdn, his heart was moved by the soft and flattering words of Ddud, and he again joined his party. Thus deceived Lodi left the Mughals, and allied himself to Ddud, who being a young and hasty man, possessed of but little sense, desired to kill him, and thought that his doing so would be beneficial to the State. After a short time, Datid wrote to Lodi, and told him that he required his presence imme- diately, as he wished to consult him on some important business, and that he must come quickly, accompanied only by his two vakils. On receiving this letter, Lodi said to his friends, " I perceive an odour in this summons which portends no good to me." Having said this, he went to D4ud, who at first treated him with great respect, but afterwards determined to imprison him, which he effected by treachery. * * * D4ud Shdh thoughtlessly listened to the advice of Katlu, who recommended the death of Lodi, and causing that pillar of the State to be put to death, he thus destroyed his empire with his own hands.

A still greater dispersion of the Afghans took place after the murder of Lodl, and Mun'im Khdn took advantage of the opportunity to advance against the Suba of Bihar. Shah Akbar proceeded from Agra to Patna, the inhabitants of which place he put to the sword. Shdh Daud remained a few days in the fort of Patna. At last Katlu gave him some narcotic draught,^ put him into a boat, and then escaped with him on the river Ganges. At this period Akbar captured many elephants. Many Afghdns, who were with Gujar Khdn, were drowned in the Panpan river, about two kos from Patna. Akbar pursued Daud as far as Darydpur, and returned from thence, having first laid the foundation of a mosq^ue in that place; whilst Mun'im Khan, accompanied by the best officers, continued the pursuit of Daud. Several encounters took place between Shdh Daud and Mun'im Khdn. My heart urges me to give a detailed relation of these events, but I must be brief. At last Ddud and Mun'im Khdn made peace, and met at Mun'im Khan's tents, confirming the truce by the grasping of hands.

The changeful climate of Bengal caused the plague to break out in the Mughal army which remained at Gaur; many distinguished officers gave up their lives into the hands of the angel of death. Mun'im Khdn also died of that epidemic.^ Shdh Ddud again issued forth after the death of Mun'im Khdn, in whose place Khdn Jahdn Khdn was appointed governor. War again broke out between these two chiefs ; and on the 15th day of the month Eabi'u-s sdni, in the year of the Hijra 988,* the army of the Mughals being firmly determined either to slay Ddud or fall themselves, met him in the battle-field ; where, after many valiant rencontres, the Kdld Pahdr, or " Black Mountain," who led the advanced guard of the Afghdns, was repulsed and

' This was, as we learn from the Makhzan-i Afghdni and Tdrikh-i Khdn-Jahdn, because he was opposed to his nobles, with respect to the necessity either of imme- diate flight or surrender.

' Pirishta, following Abtl-1 Fazl, dates Mun'im KhSji's death on the 9th of Eajab, 983 A.H. (12th October, 1675 a.d.).

' [Sic. ; but see the chronogram in the next page, which mates it 983, with which Firishta agrees.]

slain. The Afghans were then put to flight.^ Daud Shkh. Kirani was brought in a prisoner, his horse having fallen with him. Khdn Jahan, seeing Ddtid in this condition, asked him if he called himself a Musulman, and why he had broken the oaths which he had taken on the Kur'an and before God. Daiid answered that he had made the peace with Mun'im Khdn personally ; and that if he had now gained the victory, he would have been ready to renew it. Khan Jahdn ordered them to relieve his body from the weight of his head, which he sent to Akbar the King.*

The date of this transaction may be learnt from this verse. — Mulk i Sulaimdn zi Baud raft (983 h., 1575 a.d.).