Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/bibliographicaliOOellirich ADVERTISEMENT. The compiler regrets that his departure from Calcutta obliges him to bring out this work m so incomplete a form, — the part now printed comprising only portions of the first and foiulh volumes. On his return to the Presidency, he hopes to bring out the remainder, as fast as his little leisure will permit. Umbala, Dec. 1848, '/■ ERRATA. Page Line 31 5— for Kaj, read Gaj. 74 25—311 80 23 82 20 - In all these places, fo 89 27 92 32 140 6 — insert " or" between Deilimites and Buyides. 313 22— for Kal, read Gul. I EIBLIOGEAPHICAL INDEX TO THE HISTORIANS MUHAMMEDAN INDIA. BY SIR HENRY M. ELLIOT, K. C. B. M Foreign Secretary to (he Government of India. IN FOUR VOLUMES. Vol. I. GENERAL HISTORIES. And now stand forth, ye giant forms,— shades of theearliest chieftains,— ye long rows of famous men, — ye dynasties, — ye venerable councillors of kings and warriors on the car of victory,— stand forth, and let us survey you; and say— were ye the greatest of mankind ? How few of you can claim that title ! Or best of men? Still fewer of you have that praise. The originators or inspiring movers of great things done? Rather, the wheels whereon the Invisible Ruler has driven the wonderous machinery of His universal government across the ocean of time. J. UVL1.KSL, TJe^^rei on Vnivental History. 111. 422. CALCUTTA : PRINTED BY J. THOMAS, BAPTIST MISSION PRESS. 1850. ^ e> JX' :j ■^^ • •••«•.• •• « From J. THORNTON, Esq. Secretary to Government N, W. P. To H. M. ELLIOT, Esq, Secretary and Officiating Member, Sadder Board of Revenue, Sir, — I am directed to acknowledge the re- ceipt of your letter of the 15th ultimo, trans- mitting an " Index to the Native Historians of India," and to express the great satisfaction with which the Honorable the Lieutenant-Go- vernor has received the above compilation. 2. — His Honor desires that the work may be immediately printed imder your superinten- dence. The Government will print 200 copies for their own use ; but you can have as many more copies printed, on your own account, as may be required for circulation in India and England. I have the honor, &c. &c. (Signed) J.THORNTON, Secy, to Govt. N. W. P. Lieut. -Governors Camp,^ Feb. 11, 1847. S J" ^32107 P E E F A C E, A few months since, the Compiler of this Catalogue was engaged in a correspondence with the Principal of the College at Delhi, on the subject of lithographing an uniform edition of the Native Historians of India. On refer- rino; the matter to His Honor the Lieutenant Governor N. W. P., it was replied that the Education Funds at the disposal of the Go- vernment were not sufficient to warrant the outlay of so large a sum as the scheme re- quired, and without which it would have been impossible to complete so expensive an un- dertaking. At the same time it was inti- mated, that, as few people were acquainted with the particular works which should be selected to form such a series, it would be very desirable that an Index of them should be drawn up, in order that the Manuscripts might be sought for, and deposited in one of our College Libraries, to be printed or litho- graphed hereafter, should circumstances ren- VI PREFACE. der it expedient^ and should the pubhc taste, at present lamentably indifferent, show any inclination for greater famiharity with the true sources of the Muhammedan History of India. The author willingly undertook this task, as it did not appear one of much difficulty ; but in endeavouring to accomplish it, the mere Nominal Index which he was invited to compile, has insensibly expanded into several Volumes ; for, encouraged not only by finding that no work had ever been written specially on this matter, but also by receiving from many distinguished Orientalists, both Euro- pean and Native, their confessions of entire ig- norance on the subject of his enquiries, he was persuaded that it w^ould be useful to append, as far as his knowledge would permit, a few notes to each History as it came under consi- deration, illustrative of the matter it compre- hends, the style, position, and prejudices of the several authors, and the merits or defici- encies of their execution. Brief extracts from the several works have been given in the fourth Volume, in order to show the style of each author. Some of these have been translated in the three first Volumes ; of some, where the text is of no interest, the translation has been omitted; PREFACE. Vll but in most instances, the English translations exceed the Persian text. As the transla- tion and the printing of the Persian text occurred at different periods, the translation will be found occasionally to vary from the text, having been executed probably from a different Manuscript, and the preferable read- ing taken for the fourth Volume. The versions are inelegant, as, in order to show the nature of the original, they keep as close to it as possible ; and no freedom has been indulged in with the object of improving the style, sentiments, connexion, or metaphors of the several passages which have been quoted. The author has been very particular in noticing every translation known to him, in order that students, into whose hands this Index may fall, may be saved the useless trouble, which he in his ignorance has more than once entailed upon himself — of under- taking a translation which had already been executed by others. He had hoped to be able to add to this Index an account of the historians of the indepen- dent Muhammedan monarchies, such as of Gujnit, Bengal, Cashmir and others ; but the work, as it is, has already extended to a length beyond what either its name or the Vlll PREFACE. interest of the subject warrants, and sufficient information is given respecting their annals in many of the General Histories. For the same reason he must forego an intended notice of the various collections of private letters relating to the history of India, and the mat- ters which chiefly interested the generation of the writers. The historians of the Delhi Emperors have been noticed down to the reign of Shah Alam, when new actors appear upon the stage ; when a more stirring and eventful period of India's History commences ; and when the full Hght of European truth and discernment begins to shed its beams upon the obscurity of the past, and to relieve us from the neces- sity of appealing to the Native Chroniclers of the time, who are, for the most part, dull, prejudiced, ignorant, and superficial. If it be doubted whether it is worth while to trouble ourselves about collecting such works as are here noticed, it is sufficient to reply that other countries have benefited by similar labours — exemplified in the Scriptores Rerum Italicarum, the Auctores Veteres His- toriee Ecclesiasticae, the Monumenta Boica, the Recueil des Historiens des Gaules, and a hundred other collections of the same PREFACE. IX kind — but no objection is urged against them on the ground that each chronicler, taken individually, is not of any conspicuous merit. They are universally considered as useful depositories of know^ledge, from which the labour and diligence of succeeding scholars may extract materials for the erection of a better and more solid structure. This coun- try offers some peculiar facilities for such a collection, which it would be vain to look for elsewhere; — since the number of available persons, sufficiently educated for the purpose of transcribing, collating, and indexing, is very large, and they would be content with a small remuneration. Another urgent reason for undertaking such a work in this country, is the incessant depredation which insects, moths, dust, moisture, and vermin are committing upon the small store of Manuscripts which is now extant. Every day is of importance in res- cuing the remnant from still further damage, as was too painfully evident a short time ago, from a report presented to the Asiatic Society of Bengal, respecting the injury which has already been sustained by their collection. On the other hand, it must not be conceal- ed, that in India, independent of the want of standard books of reference, great difficulties X PREFACE. beset the enquirer in this path of hterature, arising chiefly from one of the defects in the national character, viz. : the intense desire for parade and ostentation, which induces authors to quote works they have never seen, and to lay claim to an erudition which the limited extent of their knowledge does not justify. For instance, not many years ago there was published at Agra an useful set of chronologi- cal tables of the Moghul dynasty, said to be founded on the authority of several excellent works named by the author. Having been long in search of many of these works, I requested from the author a more particular account of them. He replied, that some had been once in his possession and had been given away ; some he had borrowed ; and some were lost or mislaid ; but the parties to whom he had given, and from whom he had borrowed, denied all knowledge of the works, or even of their titles. Indeed, most of them contained nothing on the subject which they were in- tended to illustrate, and they were evidently mentioned by the author for the mere object of acquiring credit for the accuracy and extent of his researches. Again, a native gentleman furnished a cata- logue of the manuscripts said to compose the PREFACE. XI historical collection of His Highness the Ni- zam ; but on close examination I found that, from beginning to end, it was a complete fabrication, the names of the works being taken from the prefaces of standard histories, in which it is usual to quote the authorities, — the very identical sequence of names, and even the errors of the originals, being impli- citly followed. Against these impudent and interested frauds we must consequently be on our guard, not less than against the blunders arising from negligence and ignorance ; — the misquoting of titles, dates, and names ; — the ascription to wrong authors; — the absence of beginnings and endings ; — the arbitrary substitution of new ones to complete a muti- lated manuscript ; — the mistakes of copyists ; — the exercise of ingenuity in their correc- tions, and of fancy in their additions ; — all these, added to the ordinary sources of error attributable to the well known difficulty of deciphering Oriental Manuscripts, present many obstacles sufficient to damp even the ardour of an enthusiast. Besides which, we have to lament the entire absence of literary history and biography, which in India is devoted only to Saints and Poets. Where X PREFACE. beset the enquirer in this path of Kterature, arising chiefly from one of the defects in the national character, viz. : the intense desire for parade and ostentation, which induces authors to quote works they have never seen, and to lay claim to an erudition which the limited extent of their knowledge does not justify. For instance, not many 3^ears ago there was published at Agra an useful set of chronologi- cal tables of the Moghul dynasty, said to be founded on the authority of several excellent works named by the author. Having been long in search of many of these works, I requested from the author a more particular account of them. He replied, that some had been once in his possession and had been given away ; some he had borrowed ; and some were lost or mislaid ; but the parties to whom he had given, and from whom he had borrowed, denied all knowledge of the works, or even of their titles. Indeed, most of them contained nothing on the subject which they were in- tended to illustrate, and they were evidently mentioned by the author for the mere object of acquiring credit for the accuracy and extent of his researches. Again, a native gentleman furnished a cata- logue of the manuscripts said to compose the PREFACE. XI historical collection of His Highness the Ni- zam ; but on close examination I found that, from beginning to end, it was a complete fabrication, the names of the works being taken from the prefaces of standard histories, in which it is usual to quote the authorities, — the very identical sequence of names, and even the errors of the originals, being impli- citly followed. Against these impudent and interested frauds we must consequently be on our guard, not less than against the blunders arising from negligence and ignorance ; — the misquoting of titles, dates, and names ; — the ascription to wrong authors ; — the absence of beginnings and endings ; — the arbitrary substitution of new ones to complete a muti- lated manuscript ; — the mistakes of copyists ; — the exercise of ingenuity in their correc- tions, and of fancy in their additions ; — all these, added to the ordinary sources of error attributable to the well known difficulty of deciphering Oriental Manuscripts, present many obstacles sufficient to damp even the ardour of an enthusiast. Besides which, we have to lament the entire absence of literary history and biography, which in India is devoted only to Saints and Poets. Where XU PREFACE. fairy tales and fictions are included under the general name of History, we cannot expect to learn much respecting the character, pursuits, motives, and actions of historians, unless they are pleased to reveal them to us them- selves, and to entrust us with their familiar confidences ; or unless they happen to have enacted a conspicuous part in the scenes which they describe.* Even in Europef this deficiency has been complained of; how much more, therefore, is it likely to be a subject of regret, where despotism is triumphant ; where the active elements of life are few ; and where * Neque enira sufficere, ut Codicura inscriptiones legantur, qui saepe aut falsos aut truncates titulos prajferant, saepe etiam plane desideren- tur; sed prsefationes immo totos libros pereurrendos esse, ut de singu- lorum argumento, forma, ratione pronunties : de auctorum rebus in Historiae literariae libris inquirendum, aut si horum destituaraur auxilio, ex ipsis operibus de seriptorum aetate conjecturam esse faci- endam. Hunc igitur non aliquot mensium, nee unius anni laborem, sed talem, in quo rite perficiendo facile majorem aetatis partem consumas, eo usque seponendum esse decrevi, donee doctior omnibusque auxiliis paratior ad eum profligandura possem accedere. H. A. Hamaker, Specimen Catalogi, p. iv. t I know not by what means it comes to pass, that historians, who give immortality to others, are so ill requited by posterity, that their actions and their fortunes are usually forgotten ; neither themselves encouraged while they live, nor their memory preserved entire to future ages. It is the ingratitude of mankind to their wisest benefactors, that they who teach us wisdom by the surest ways, should generally live poor and unregarded ; as if they were born only for the public, and had no interest in their own well-being, but were to be lighted up like tapers, and to waste themselves for the benefit of others. — Dryden. PREFACE. Xlll individual character, trammelled by so many restraining influences, has no opportunity of development. It must be understood, then, that this Index has not been constructed on account of any intrinsic value in the Histories themselves. Indeed, it is almost a misnomer to style them Histories. They can scarcely claim to rank higher than Annals. " Erat enim historia nihil aliud, nisi annalium confectio. * * * * Hanc similitudinemscribendimulti secuti sunt, qui, sine uUis ornamentis, monimenta solum temporum, hominum, locorum, gestarumque rerum reUquerunt. * * * Non exomatores rerum, sed tantummodo narratores fuerunt." (^De Orat, II. 12). They comprise, for the most part, nothing but a mere narration of events, conducted with reference to chrono- logical sequence; without speculation on causes or eff^ects ; without a reflection or sugges- tion which is not of the most puerile and contemptible kind ; and without any observa- tions calculated to interrupt the monotony of successive conspiracies, revolts, intrigues, murders, and fratricides, so common in Asia- tic Monarchies, and to which India unhappily forms no exception. If we are somewhat relieved from the contemplation of such scenes XIV PREFACE. when we come to the accounts of the eariier Moghul Emperors, we have what is Httle more inviting in the records of the stately magnificence and ceremonious observances of the Court, and the titles, jewels, swords, drums, standards, elephants, and horses be- stowed upon the dignitaries of the Empire. If the artificial definition of Dionysius be correct, that " History is Philosophy teaching by examples," then there is no Native Indian Historian ; and 'few have even approached to so high a standard. Of examples, and very bad ones, we have ample store ; though even in them the radical truth is obscured by the hereditary, official, and sectarian preposses- sions of the narrator; — but of philosophy, which deduces conclusions calculated to bene- fit us by the lessons and experience of the past, and ofi^ers sage counsel for the future, we search in vain for any sign or symptom. Of domestic history also we have in our In- dian Annalists absolutely nothing, and the same may be remarked of nearly all Muham- medan historians, except Ibn Khaldiin. By them Society is never contemplated either in its constituent elements or mutual relations ; in its established classes or popular institu- tions; in its private recesses or habitual PREFACE. XT intercourses. A fact, an anecdote, a speech, a remark, which would illustrate the condi- tion of the common people, or of any rank subordinate to the highest, is considered too insignificant to be suffered to intrude upon a relation which concerns only Grandees and Ministers, " Thrones and Imperial Powers." Hence it is that these works may be said to be deficient in some of the most essential requisites of History, — for " its great object," says Dr. Arnold, " is that which most nearly touches the inner life of civilized man, namely, the vicissitudes of institutions, social, politi- cal, and religious. This is the TEXaorarov rkXoQ of historical enquiry." (Lectures on Mod. Hist, p. 123.) In Indian Histories there is little which enables us to penetrate below the glittering surface, and observe the practical operation of a despotic Government and ri- gorous and sanguinary laws, or the effect upon the great body of the nation of these injurious influences and agencies. If, however, we turn our eyes to the pre- sent Muhammedan kingdoms of India, and examine the character of the princes, and the condition of the people subject to their sway, we may fairly draw a parallel between anci- ent and modern times, under circumstances XVI PREFACE. and relations nearly similar. We behold Kings, even of our own creation, sunk in sloth and debauchery, and emulating the vices of a Caligula or a Commodus. Under such rulers, we cannot wonder that the foun- tains of justice are corrupted; that the state- revenues are never collected without violence and outrage ; that villages are burnt, and their inhabitants mutilated or sold into slavery ; that the oiBScials, so far from affording pro- tection, are themselves the chief robbers and usurpers ; that parasites and eunuchs revel in the spoil of plundered provinces ; and that the poor find no redress against the oppres- sor's wrong and proud man's contumely. When we witness these scenes under our own eyes, where the supremacy of the British Government, the benefit of its example, and the dread of its interference might be expect- ed to operate as a check upon the progress of misrule, can we be surprised that former princes, when free from such restraints, should have studied even less to preserve the people committed to their charge in wealth, peace, and prosperity ? Had the authors, whom we are compelled to consult, pour- trayed their Ceesars with the fidelity of Sue- tonius, instead of the more congenial syco- PREFACE XVll phancy of Paterculus, we should not, as now, have to extort from unwilling witnesses tes- timony to the truth of these assertions. From them, nevertheless, we can gather, that the common people must have been plunged into the lowest depth of wretchedness and despondency. The few glimpses we have — even among the short Extracts in this single Volume — of Hindus slain for disputing with Muhammedans,* of general prohibitions against processions, worship, and ablutions, and of other intolerant measures,^ of idols mutilated,* of temples razed,* of forcible con- versions and marriages,"* of proscriptions and confiscations,^ of murders and massacres,^ and of the sensuality and drunkenness of the tyrants who enjoined them,® show us that this picture is not overcharged ; — and it is much to be regretted that we are left to draw it for ourselves from out the mass of ordinary oc- currences, recorded by writers who seem to sympathize with no virtues, and to abhor no 1 See pp. 264, 291, 336. 2 See pp. 197, 235, 241, 243, 245, 247, 249, 251, 257, 292. 3 See pp, 236, 286, 333, 344. 4 See pp. 228, 229, 292. 5 See pp. 196, 287, 335. 6 See pp. 289, 330, 332, 333. 7 See pp. 127, 158, 160, 286, 289, 333, 334, 335. S See pp. 112, 284, 285, 288, 290, 381, 390. XVlll PREFACE. vices. Whenever, therefore, in the course of this Index a work is characterized as excellent, admirable, or valuable, it must be remembered that these terms are used relatively to the narrative only ; and it is but reasonable to expect that the force of these epithets will be qualified by constant advertence to the deficiencies just commented on. These deficiencies are more to be lamented, where, as sometimes happens, a Hindu is the author. From one of that nation we might have expected to learn whatw^ere the feelings, hopes, faiths, fears, and yearnings of his subject race ; — ^but unfortunately he rarely writes unless ac- cording to order or dictation, and every phrase is studiously and servilely turned to flatter the vanity of an imperious Muhammedan patron. There is nothing to betray his religion or his nation, except perhaps a certain stifl^ness and affectation of style, which show how ill the foreign garb befits him. With him, a Hindu is " an infidel," and a Muhammedan " one of the true faith,'' and of the holy Saints of the Calendar he writes with all the fervor of a bigot. With him, when Hindus are killed, " their souls are despatched to hell,'^ and when a Muhammedan sufi^ers the same fate, " he drinks the cup of martyrdom." He PREFACE. XIX is SO far wedded to the set phrases and in- flated language of his conquerors, that he speaks " of the Hght of Islam shedding its refulgence on the world," "of the blessed Muharram,'' and " of the illustrious Book." He usually opens with a " Bismillah," and the ordinary profession of faith in the unity of the Godhead, followed by laudations of the holy prophet, his disciples and descen- dants, and indulges in all the most devout and orthodox attestations of Muhammedans. One of the Hindu authors here noticed, speaks of standing in his old age " at the head of his bier and on the brink of his grave," though he must have been fully aware that, before long, his remains would be burnt, and his ashes cast into the Ganges. Even at a later period, when no longer '' Tiberii ac Neronis res ob metum falsae,"* there is not one of this slavish crew who treats the history of his na- tive country subjectively, or presents us with the thoughts, emotions, and raptures which a long oppressed race might be supposed to give vent to, when freed from the tyranny of its former masters, and allowed to express itself in the natural language of the heart, without constraint and without adulation. * Tacitus, Annal, I. 1. XX PREFACE. But, though the intrinsic value of these works may be small, they will still yield much that is worth observation to any one who will attentively examine them. They will serve to dispel the mists of ignorance by which the knowledge of India is too much obscured, and show that the history of the Muhammedan period remains yet to be written. They will make our native subjects more sensible of the immense advantages accruing to them under the mildness and equity of our rule. If instruction were sought for from them, we should be spared the rash declarations respecting Muhammedan India, which are frequently made by persons not otherwise ignorant. Characters now renowned only for the splendor of their achievements and a succession of victories, would, when we withdraw the veil of flattery and divest them of rhetorical flourishes, be set forth in a truer Ught, and probably be held up to the execration of mankind. We should no longer hear bombastic Baboos, enjoying under our Government the highest degree of personal liberty, and many more poHtical privileges than were ever conceded to a con- quered nation, rant about patriotism and the degradation of their present position. If they PREFACE. XXI would dive into any of the volumes mentioned herein, it v^ould take these young Brutuses and Phocions a very short time to learn, that, in the days of that dark period for whose return they sigh, even the bare utterance of their ridi- culous fantasies would have been attended, not with silence and contempt, but with the severer discipline of molten lead or empalement. From them too these idle vaporers would learn, that the sacred spark of patriotism is exotic here, and can never fall on a mine that will explode ; for history will show them, that certain peculiarities of physical as well as moral organization, neither to be strengthened by diet nor improved by education, have hitherto prevented their even attempting a national independence, — which will continue to exist to them but as a name, and as an ofFscouring of college declamations. We should be compelled to listen no more to the clamours against resumption of rent-free tenures, when almost every page will show, that there was no tenure, whatever its desig- nation, which was not open to resumption in the theory of the law, and which was not repeatedly resumed in practice. Should any ambitious functionary entertain the desire of emulating the " exceeding magnificar' struc- XXU PREFACE. turesof hisMoghul predecessors,* it will check his aspirations to learn, that, beyond palaces and porticos, temples and tombs, there is little worthy of emulation. He will find that, if we omit only three names in the long line of Dehli Emperors, the comfort and happiness of the people were never contemplated by them; and with the exception of a few saraisf and bridges — and these only on roads traversed by the imperial camps, — ^he will see nothing in which purely selfish considerations did not prevail.:}: The extreme beauty and elegance of many of their structures it is not * This was the grandiloquent declaration of a late Governor General, at a farewell banquet given to him by the Court of Directors. But when his head became turned by the laurels which the victories of others placed upon his brow, these professions were forgotten ; and the only monument remaining of his peaceful aspirations is a tank under the palace walls of Dehli, which, as it remains empty one part of the year, and exhales noxious vapours during the other, has been voted a nuisance by the inhabitants of the imperial city, who have actually petitioned that it may be filled up again. t The present dilapidation of these buildings is sometimes adduced as a proof of our indiflference to the comforts of the people. It is not considered, that where they do exist in good repair, they are but little used, and that the present system of Government no longer renders it necessary that travellers should seek protection within fortified en- closures. If they are to be considered proofs of the solicitude of for- mer monarchs for their subjects' welfare, they are also standing memo- rials of the weakness and inefliciency of their administration. Add to which, that many of the extant serais were the offspring, not of impe- rial, but of private, liberahty. X See p. 242. PREFACE. XXIU attempted to deny ; but personal vanity was the main cause of their erection, and with the small exception noted above, there is not one which subserves any purpose of general utility. His romantic sentiments may have been excited by the glowing imagery of Lalla Rookh, and he may have indulged himself with visions of Jehangir's broad highway from one distant Capital to the other, shaded throughout the whole length by stately ave- nues of trees, and accommodated at short distances with sarais and tanks; — ^but the scale of that Emperor's munificence will pro- bably be reduced in his eyes, when he sees it written, that the same work had already been in great measure accomplished by Sher Sh4h, and that the same merit is also ascribed to a still earlier predecessor : nor will it be an un- reasonable reflection, when he finds, except a ruined mile-stone here and there, no vestige extant of this magnificent highway, and this " delectable alley of trees," that, after all, that can have been no very stupendous work, which the resources of three successive Emperors have failed to render a more lasting monument. When he reads of the canals of Firoz Shah and All Mardan Khan intersecting the country, he will find on further examination that, even if XXIV PREFACE. the former was ever open, it was used only for the palace and hunting park of that mon- arch : but when he ascertains that no men- tion is made of it by any of the historians of Timur, who are very minute in their topo- graphical details, and that Baber exclaims in his Memoirs, that in none of the Hindustani Provinces are there any canals, (and both these conquerors must have passed over these canals, had they been flowing in their time,) he may perhaps be disposed to doubt if any thing was proceeded with beyond the mere excavation. With respect to Ali Mardan Khan, his merits will be less extolled, when it is learnt that his canals were made, not with any view to benefit the public, but for an ostentatious display of his profusion, in order that the hoards of his ill-gotten wealth might not be appropriated by the monarch to whom he betrayed his trust. When he reads that in some of the reigns of these kings, security of person and property was so great, that any traveller might go where he listed, and that a bag of gold might be exposed on the highways, and no one dare touch it,* he will learn to exercise a wise * It is worth while to read the comment of the wayfaring European on this pet phrase. Bernier, describing his situation when he arrived PREFACE. XXV scepticism, on ascertaining that in one of the most vigorous reigns, in which internal tranquiUity w^as more than ever secured, a caravan was obUged to remain six weeks at Muttra, before the parties who accompanied it thought themselves strong enough to pro- ceed to Dehli ; that the walls of Agra w^ere too weak to save the city from frequent attacks of marauders ; that Canauj was a favorite beat for tiger-shooting, and wild elephants plenti- ful at Karra and Calpi ; that the depopulation of towns and cities, which many weak contro- versialists have ascribed to our measures of policy, had already commenced before we entered on possession ; and that we found, to use the words of the Prophet, "the country de- solate, the cities burnt, when the sons of stran- gers came to build up the walls, and their kings to minister." If we pay attention to more general consi- derations, and wish to compare the relative merits of European and Asiatic Monarchies, we shall find that a perusal of these books will convey many an useful lesson, calculated to foster in us a love and admiration of our country and its venerable institutions. at the Court of Shahjehan, speaks of " le peu d'argent qui me restoit de diverses rencontres de voleurs." — Hist, des Estats du Grand Mogol, p. 5. XXVi PREFACE. When we see the withering effects of the tyranny and capriciousness of a despot, w^e shall learn to estimate more fully the value of a balanced constitution. When w^e see the miseries which are entailed on present and future generations by disputed claims to the crown, we shall more than ever value the principle of a regulated succession, subject to no challenge or controversy. In no coun- try have these miseries been greater than in India. In no country has the recurrence been more frequent, and the claimants more numerous. Prom the death of Akber to the British conquest of Dehli — a period of two hundred years — there has been only one undisputed succession to the throne of the Moghul Empire, and even that exceptional instance arose from its not being worth a contest — at that calamitous time, when the memory of the ravages committed by Nadir Shah was fresh in the minds of men, and the active hostility of the Abdali seemed to threaten a new visitation. Even now, as experience has shown, we should not be with- out claimants to the pageant throne, were it not disposed of at the sovereign will and plea- sure of the British Government, expressed before the question can give rise to dispute^ PREFACE. XXVll or encourage those hopes and expectations, which on each occasion sacrificed the Uves of so many members of the Royal Family at the shrine of a vain and reckless ambition. It is this want of a fixed rule of succession to the throne, which has contributed more than any thing else to maintain the kingdom in a constant ferment, and retard the progress of improvement. It was not that the reigning monarch's choice of his successor was not promulgated ; but in a pure despotism, though the will of a livino; autocrat carries with it the force of law, the injunctions of a dead one avail little against the " lang claymore" or the ^'persuasive gloss" of a gallant or an intriguing competitor. The very law of primogeniture, which seems to carry with it the strongest sanctions, is only more cal- culated to excite and foment these disturb- ances, where regal descent is not avowedly based on that rule, and especially in a coun- try where polygamy prevails ; for the eldest prince is he who has been longest absent from the Court, whose sympathies have been ear- liest withdrawn from the influence of his own home, whose position in charge of an inde- pendent government inspires most alarm and mistrust in the reignins: monarch, and whose XXVlll PREFACE. interests are the first to be sacrificed, to please some young and favorite queen, ambi- tious of seeing the crown on the head of her own child. In such a state of society, the princes themselves are naturally brought up, always as rivals, sometimes as adventurers and robbers ; — the chiefs espouse the cause of one or the other pretender, not for the main- tenance of any principle or right, but with the prospect of early advantage or to gratify a personal predilection ; and probably end in themselves aspiring to be usurpers on their own account ; — the people, thoroughly indif- ferent to the success of either candidate, await with anxiety the issue, which shall enable them to pursue for a short time the path of industry and peace, till it shall again be inter- rupted by new contests ; — in short, all classes, interests, and institutions are more or less aff^ected by the general want of stability, which is the necessary result of such unceas- ing turmoil and agitation. These considerations, and many more which will offer themselves to any diligent and careful peruser of the volumes here noticed, will serve to dissipate the gorgeous illusions which are commonly entertained regarding the dy- nasties which have passed, and show him PREFACE. XXix that, — notwithstanding a civil poHcy and an ungenial chmate, which forbid our making this country a permanent home, and deriving per- sonal gratification or profit from its advance- ment, — notwithstanding the many defects necessarily inherent in a system of foreign administration, in which language, colour, re- ligion, customs, and laws preclude all natural sympathy between sovereign and subject, — we have already, within the half century of our dominion, done more for the substantial benefit of the people, than our predecessors, in the country of their own adoption, were able to accomplish in more than ten times that period ;* and, drawing auguries from the * I speak only with reference to my own Presidency — the North Western Provinces. Bengal is said to be a quarter of a century behind it in every symptom of improvement, except mere English education. To the North Western Provinces, at least, cannot be apphed the taunt, that we have done nothing, compared with the Muhammedan Emperors, with respect to roads, bridges, and canals. Even here, in the very seat of their supremacy, we have hundreds of good district road^ where one never existed before ; besides the 400 miles of trunk-road, which is better than any mail-road of similar extent in Europe, and to which the Emperors never had anything in the remotest degree to be compared. The bridge at Jaunpur is the only one that can enter into competition with our bridge over the Hindun, and would suflFer greatly by the comparison ; — to say nothing of those over the Jiia, the Khanaut, and the Kali-nadi. In canals we have been fifty times more effective. Instead of wasting our supply of water on the frivolities of fountains, we have fertilized whole Provinces, which had been barren from time immemorial ; — and this even on the lines of which much was marked out by them- selves; — leaving out of consideration the magnificent works in progress XXX PREFACE. past, he will derive hope for the future, that, inspired by the success which has hitherto attended our endeavours, we shall follow them up by continuous efforts to fulfil our high destiny as the Rulers of India. in the Doab and Rohilkhand. The scientific survey alone of the North Western Provinces is sufficient to proclaim our superiority ; in which every field throughout an area of 52,000 square miles is mapped, and every man's possession recorded. It altogether eclipses the boasted measurement of Akber, and is as magnificent a monument of civiliza- tion as any country in the world can produce. Finally, be it remem- bered that six centuries more have to elapse, before any thing like a comparison can be fairly instituted. It is to be hoped we shall not be idle during that long period. Selected works for deposit in our College Libraries, exhibiting a series necessary for a full understanding of the history of Muhammedan India. Tdrikh-i-Ferishta. Khulasatu-t-Tawarikli. Chachnama. Tdnkh-i-Sind. Tarjuma Yemini. Tabakdt-i-Ndsiri, (in part.) Tdrikh-i-FirozsMhi by Zia Barni. Zafarn^ma, (in part.) Makhzan-i- Afghani. Muntakhabu-1-Lub^b . Tarikh-i-Chaghatdi. Autobiography of B^ber. Autobiography of Humaiyuii. Akbem^ma. Siwdna-i-Akberi. Parts of Tdrikh-i-Badduni, Zubdatu-t-Tawririkh, and Mdsir-i- Raliimi. Jehdngirndma, all three volumes. ♦ Autobiography of Jehangir. Badshdhnama, with continuation. Masir-i-Alamgiri, both books. Parts of Hadikatu-s-Safd. Tdrikh-i-Iradat Khan. Tdrikh-i-Nadim-z-Zamani. Ibratndma. Siyaru-l- Mutakharin. Parts of Tdrikh-i-MuzafFari and Muntakhabu-t-Tawdrikh. Parts of Hadikatu-l-Akdlim, BIBLIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. The following are the names of the works noticed in this Index. VOLUME I. General Histories. I. — Jdmiu-t-Tawdrikh Rashidi. II.— T^rikh-i-Bindkiti. III.— T^rikh-i-Guzida. IV.— Tdrikh-i-Hafiz Abrii. v.— Zainu-l-Akhb&r. VI.— T^rikh-i-Hmd. - VII.— Rauzatu-s-Safa. VIII.— Khuldsatu-1-Akhb6r. IX. — Dastuni-l-Vuzr^. X. — Habibu-s-Siyar. XL— Tdrikh-i-Ibrdhimi. XIL— Lubbu-t-Tawarikh. XIIL— Tdrikh-i-Padshdhdn-i-Hind. XIV.— T4rikh-i-Padshdhdn-i-Humaiydn. XV.— Nusakh-i-Jehdn-Ara. XVL— Tdrikh-al-Janndbi. XVIL— Akhbaru-d-Dawal. XVIIL— Tarikh-i-Hajl Muhammed Candahdrf. XIX,— Tdrikh-i-Alfi. XX,— Futuhu-s-Saldtin. £ ADVERTISEMENT. XXL— Khaz^inu-1-Futuh. XXII.— Tabakat-i-Akberi. XXIII.— Tarikh-i-Badadm. XXIV.— Tarikh-i-Hakki. XXV.— Zubdatu-t-Tawarikh. XXVI.— Rauzatu-t-Tahirin. XXVII.— Muntakhabu-t-Tawarikh. XXVIII.— Tarikh-i-Ferisbta. XXIX.— Tarikh-i-Hakiman-i-Hind. XXX. — Masir-i-Rahimi. XXXI.— Anfau-1-Akbbar. XXXII.— Tarikh-i-Haider Razf. XXXIII.— Subb-i-Sddik. XXXIV.— Mujmal Mufassal. XXXV.— Lubbu-t-Tawarikh-i-Hind. XXXVI.— Tarikh-i-Mufazzili. XXXVII.— Mirat-i-Alam. XXXVIII.— Mirat-i-Jehan-numa. XXXIX.— Haft Gulsban. XL . — Kbulasatu-t-Tawarikh , XLL— Miftahu-t-Tawarikh. XLIL— Sbahnama. XLIIL— Tarikh-i-Kipchakkhaiii. XLIV.— Tarikh-i-Nadim-z-Zamani. XLV. — Tarikh-i-Munawwar Khan. XLVL— Hadfkatu-s-Safa. XLVIL— Sa'dat-i-Jdved. XLVIIL— Tarlkh-i-Rustam Ali. XLIX.— Tarikh-i-Hindi . L. — Chahar Gulsban. LI. — Majma'u-l-Muliik. . LIL — Siyam-1-Mutakharin, 1st Vol. LIII . — Majmuau-1-Akhbar. LIV.— Chabar Gulzar Sbuja'i. LV. — ^Lubbu-s-Siyar. LVL— Sahihu-1-Akbbar. LVIL— Tarikb-i-Muzaffarl. LVIIL— Muntakhabu-t-Tawarikh, by Sadasuk. LIX. — Jamiu-t-Tawarikh. ADVERTISEMENT. LX. — Bostan-i-Khaial. l.XI.— Mukhtasiru-t-Tawarikh. LXIL— Zubdatu-1-Akhbar. LXIII. — Jiuanu-l-Firdiis. LXIV.— Zubdatu-l-Gharaib. LXV.— Ashrafu-t-Tawarikh. LXVL— Tarikh-i-Henry. LXVII. — Jam-i-Jam. VOLUME II. Particular Histories. Conquest of Sind by the Arabs. LXVIII.— Futuhu-1-Buldan, Biladori. LXIX.— Tarikhu-s-Sind. LXX.— Khulasatu-1-Hikaiyat. LXXI.— Tohfatu-1-Kir^m. LXXII.— Tarikh-i-Tahiri. LXXIIL— Chach-n^ma. LXXIV.— Jabbar-nama. LXXV.— Bailar-ndma. LXXVI.— Arghun-ndma. LXXVIL— Tdrikh-i-Hind wa Sind. Ghaznevide Dynasty. LXXVIII.— Tarikh-i-Yemini. LXXIX. — Wassaya, Nizamu-1-mulk . LXXX.— Shara Yemini. LXXXL— Tarjuma Yemini. LXXXIL— Nigarist^n. LXXXIIL— Jamiu-1-Hikaiydt. LXXXIV.— Bahman-Nama. LXXXV.— Tarikh-i-Sabuktigin. LXXXVI.— Masiru-1-Maluk. LXXXVIL— Fatdhu-l-Balad. LXXXVIIL— Masir-i Abu-1-Nasr Maskati. LXXXIX.— Masir-i Abu4-Fazil. ADVERTISEMENT. XC— Nizamu-t-Tawarikh. XCL—Zainu-l-Masir. XCII.— Matlau-l-Anwar. XCIII.— Tarikh-i-lbn-i-Asir Jazari . XCIV.— Riazu-l-Muhahbat. XCV.— Zinatu-t-Tawarikh. XCVI.— Tarikh-i-Hdfiz Khdn. XCVII.— Tarikh-i-Ibn-i-Kasir. XCVIII.— Tdrikh-i-Ibn Shohna. Ghorian and Slave Dynasties, XCIX.— Taju-1-Masir. C— Tabakat-i-Nasiri. CI.— Tawarikh-i-Ghori. CII.— Khulasatu-1-Ansab. cm.— Jehan-kusha. CIV.— Tdrikh-i-Shah^bu-d-dm Ghorl. The Khilji and Tughlak Dynasties. CV.— Tarikh-i-Wassaf. CVI.— Tarikh-i-Sadr Jehan Gujrati. CVII.— Mulbikat-i-Sheikh Ein-u-din Bljapuri. CVIII. — Fatehnama Alau-d-din. CIX.— Tarikh-i-Alau-d-din Khilji. ex.— Tughlaknama. CXI . — Farbatu-n-Nazirin. CXII.— Tarikb-i-Firdz-shahi of Zia Bami. CXIII.— Tarikh-i-Tughlak Shah. CXIV.— Fatuhat-i-Firoz-shahi. CXV.— Tarikh-i-Fir6z-shahi of Shams-i-Siraj. Irruption of Timur, CXVI . — Zafaraama . CXVII.— Timumama. CXVIII.— Ajaibu-1-Mukddr fi Nawaib Timdr. CXIX.— Matlau-s-Sa'dain. CXX.— Malfdzat-i-Timuri. CXXI.— Fatehnama Sahib Kirani. The Sayid or Khizr Khdni Dynasty, CXXII.— Tarlkh-i-Mubdrak Shah. CXXIII.— Jawahiru-1-Akhbdr. ADVERTISEMENT. Afghan By nasty » CXXIV.— Wakiat-i-Musht^ki. CXXV.— Makhzan-i-Afghani. CXXVL— Makhzan-i-Afghani of Niamat Ulldh. CXXVII.— Tarikh-i-Ibrahim Shahi. CXXVIII.— T^rikh-i-Shdr Shlh. CXXIX.— Ma'dan-i-Akhbar-i-Ahmedi. CXXX.— Tarikh-i-Faizbakhsh. CXXXI.— Tarikh-i-Sheikh Alkambaiti. CXXXIL— T^rikh-i-Afaghana. CXXXIIL— Tarikh-i-Daudi. CXXXIV.— Shdr Sh^h-nama. VOLUME III. General Histories of the House of Timur, CXXXV.— Muntakhabu-1-Lubdb. CXXXVL— Mirdt-i-Aftdbnum^. CXXXVII.— Mirdtu-l-VTariddt. CXXXVIII.— T^rfkh-i-Jogal Kishor. CXXXIX.— Tazkiratu-l-Umri. CXL.— Mdsiru-l-Umra. CXLI.— Tarikh-i-Chaghatdi. CXLIL— Tabakat-i-Sbdhjehani. CXLIIL— Ibratnama. CXLIV. — Ashobnama. B&ber. CXLV.— Wdki^t-i-Bdberf. CXLVI.— Tilrikh-i-Bdberi. CXLVII.— Tabakat-i-Bdberf. Humaiyun, CXLVIIL— Tazkiratu-l-Wdkidt. CXLIX. — Tdrikh-i-Humaiyiini. CL.— Wakiat-i-Humaiyum. Akber, CLI. — Akbemdma. CLIL— Wakiat Akberi. CLIII. — Takmila Akbernama. 6 ADVERTISEMENT. CLIV.— Akbernama Sheikh Farid. CLV. — Ikbalnama Fatehullah Shirazi. CLVI.— Tarikh-i-Akber Shahi. CLVII.— Tarikh-i-Ilahi. CLVIII — Akbarnama Jehani. CLIX.— Tohfat-i-Akbershahi. CLX.— Wakiat-i-Sheikh Faizi. CLXL— Wikaya Asad Beg. CLXII. — Siwana-i-Akberi. CLXIII.— Tarikh-i-Ilhidad Faizi. CLXIV.— Tarikh-i-Akberi by Ma'arif Caiidahari. Jehimgir. CLXV.— Tuzak-i-Jehangiri. CLXVI.— Wdkiat-i-Jehangtri. CLXVII.— Masir-i-Jehangtri. CLXVIII.— Ikbalnama Jehangfri. CLXIX. — Bayaz-i-Jehangir. CLXX.— Haft Fateh Kangra. CLXXI.— Tohfat-i-Shah-Jehangirf. Shdhjehdn, CLXXII. — Shahjehannama. CLXXIII.— Badshahnama. CLXXIV.— Amal Salih. CLXXV.— Mutkadma Badshahnama. CLXXVI.— Lataifu-1-Akhbar. CLXXVII.— Tarikh-i-Shah Shuja'. CLXXVIII.— Shahjehannama Tahb Kalim. CLXXIX.— Masir-i-Shahjehan. CLXXX.— Tarikh-i-Shahjehani Dehsala. Aurangzeh. CLXXXI.— Maktalu-s-Salatin. CLXXXII.— Roznama Alamgirf. CLXXXIII.— Alamgimama by Akil Khan. CLXXXIV. — Alamgirnama by Muhammed Kasim. CLXXXV.— Tarikh-i-Alamgir by Mir Hashim. CLXXXVI.— Masir-i-Alamgiri. CLXXXVII.^Tarikh-i-Alamgir by Abdu-1-Hadi. ADVERTISEMENT. 7 CLXXXVIII.— Fatuhdt-i-Alamgiri . CLXXXIX.— Wikaya Niamat Khan Ah. CXC— Tarikh-i-Bindrdhaii. CXCI.— Ruka'dt-i-Alamgir. CXCII.— Tarikh-i-DUkushai. CXCIII.— Tdrikh-i-Mulk Asham. CXCI v.— W^kiat-i-Alamgiri . CXCV.— 'Azamu-1-flarab. Bahadar Sh/th. CXCVI.— Tarikh-i-Bahadar SMh. CXC VII. —Bahadar Shah-ndma. CXCVIII.— Azim Shah-n^ma. CXCIX.— Tarlkh-i-MuazzamBahadarshjihi. CC— Tarikh-i-Iradat KMn. CCI.— Fateh Ibria. Farrukh Siyar. ecu. — Farrukh Siyar-ndma. CCIII.— Tarikh-i-Farrukh Siyar. CCIV.— Ibratndma. CCV.— Sahifa Ikbil. CCVI.— Aj^ibu-1-Afak. CCVII.— T^rikh-i-Shahddat Farrukh Siyar wa Jalus-i- Muhammed Shdh. Muhammed SMh. CCVIII.— Tarikh-i-Muhammed-shdhi by Khushdlchand. CCIX. — Muhammed-n^ma. CCX.— Tdrikh-i-Muhammed-shdhi by Yusuf Muliam- med Khdn. CCXI.— N^dir-n^ma. CCXII .— Tahmdsp-nama. CCXIII.— Baydn-i-Wakia. CCXIV. — Jauliar-i-Samsdm. CCXV.— Manzalu-1-Futuh. Shah Alam. CCXVI.— Shah Alam-nima by Ghulam Ah' Khan. CCXVIL— T^rikh-i-Shah Alam by Saiyid Raza Khan. CCXVIII.— Tarikh-i-Sh^h Alam by Mannu Lai. 8 ADVERTISEMENT. CCXIX.—Siyam-l-Mutakharin, 2nd Vol, CCXX.— Mulakhkhasu-t-Tawarikh. CCXXI.— Zubdatu-t-Tawarikh. CCXXII.— Hadfkatu-1-Akdlim. CCXXIIL— Imadu-s-S'^dat. CCXXI V.—Ausaf-i-Asaf. CCXXV. — Khazana Amira. CCXXVI.—Gulistan-i-Rahmat. CCXXVII. — Balwantnama. CCXXVIIL— Wakiat-i-Azfari. CCXXIX.— Tarikii-i-Ibrahim Khan. CCXXX. — Nigarndma-i-Hind. CCXXXL— Tarikh-i-Faiz-Bakhsh. VOLUME IV. Original Extracts. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL INDEX TO THE HISTORIANS OF MUHAMMEDAN INDIA, GENERAL HISTORIES. JAMIU-T-TAWARI'KH RASHror. The Jamiu-t-Taw^rikh Rashidi was comple- ted in A. H. 710— A. D. 1310— and although earlier works, such as the K4milu-t-Tawiirikh of Ibnu-1-Athir, and the Nizamu-t-Tawarikh of Baizawi, will be brought under review when we come to the consideration of particular Dynas- ties, yet this is, in the order of date, the first General History which takes any notice of India, subsequent to the establishment of the throne of Dehli. Fazlullah Rashid, or Rashidu-d-Din Ibn Ima- du-d-Daulah Ab61 Khair Ibn Muwafika-d-Dau- lah, was born in A. H. 645— A. D. 1247— in the city of Hamaddn. His practice of the medical art brought him into notice at the court of the Mongol Sultans of Persia. He passed part of 2 GENERAL HISTORIES. his life in the service of Abaka Khan, the Tartar king of Persia, and one of the descendants of Halaku Khan. At a subsequent period, Ghazan Khan, who was a friend to literature and the sciences, and who appreciated the merits of Rashidu-d-Din at their proper value, appointed him to the post of Wazir in A. H. 697 — A. D. 1297 — in conjunction with Saadu-d-Din. Rashid- ud-Din was maintained in his office by Olja- itu, surnamed Khodabandah, the brother and successor of Ghazan Khan, and was treated by him with great consideration and rewarded with the utmost liberality. The author himself ad- mits that no sovereign ever lavished upon a subject such enormous sums as he had received from Oljaitu Khan. Rashidu-d-Din and his successive colleagues did not manage to conduct the administra- tion with unanimity ; but this seems to have arisen less from any infirmity of our author's temper, than from the envy and malice which actuated his enemies. In his first rupture with Saadu-d-Din he was compelled in self-defence to denounce him, and to cause him to be put to death. All Shah Jabalan, a person of low ori- gin, who had managed by his talents and in- trigues to raise himself into consideration, was appointed Saadu-d-Din's successor at Rashid- ud-Din's request, but with him he had shortly so serious a misunderstanding, that the Sultan was compelled to divide their jurisdiction, assigning the care of the Western provinces to Ali Shah, and the Eastern to Rashidu-d-Din. GENERAL HISTORIES. 3 Notwithstanding this arrangement, the two Wazirs continued at enmity, and shortly after the death of 01jait6, who was succeeded by his son Ab(i Said, Ali Shah so far succeeded in pre- judicing the Sultan against the old Minister, that he was, after many years' faithful service, removed from the Wazarat in A. H. 717 — A. D. 1317. A short time afterwards he was recalled, in order to remedy the mal-administration which was occasioned by his absence, but it was not long before he again lost favor at court, and was accused of causing the death of his patron Oljaitfi Khan. It was charged against him that he had recommended a purgative medicine to be administered to the deceased chief, in op- position to the advice of another physician, and that under its effects the King had expired. Rashidu-d-Dln was condemned to death, and his family were, after the usual Asiatic fashion, involved in his destruction. His son Ibrahim, the chief butler, who was only sixteen years old, and by whose hands the potion was said to have been given to the chief, was put to death before the eyes of his parent, who was imme- diately afterwards cloven in twain by the execu- tioner. Rashidu-d-Din was 73 years* old when he died, and his death occurred in A. H. 718 — A. D. 1318. His head was borne through the streets of Tabriz, and proclaimed by the public crier as the head of a Jew, his children and relatives * This is the age assigned by M. Quatrem^re {Coll: Orient ale, Tom. I. p. xliv.) but these must have been Uinar years, if he was born iu A. D. 1247. — Ham mer-Furgstall says, Rashld-ud-Din was 80 years old wiien he died. {Geschichte der Ilchane, Vol. II. p. 260.) B 2 4 GENERAL HISTORIES. had their property confiscated, and the Raba Rashidi, a suburb which he had built at an enormous expense, was given up to pillage. The body of the murdered Wazir was buried near the mosque which he had constructed in Tabriz, but it was not destined to repose quietly in its last asylum. Nearly a century after his death, the government of Tabriz, together with that of the whole province of Azarbaljan, was given by Tim6r Lang to his son Miran Shah. This young Prince, naturally of a mild disposi- tion, had become partially deranged, in conse- quence of an injury of the head occasioned by a fall from his horse, and one day, during a temporary access of madness, he caused the bones of Rashidu-d-Din to be exhumed, and they were finally deposited in the cemetery of the Jews, — a renewal of the insult offered by his enemies at the time of his death, in order to render his name odious amongst Musalmans. His eldest son, Ghaiasu-d-Din, was subsequently raised to the same dignities as his father, and met with an equally tragical death. Almost all those who had conspired to ruin Rashidu-d-Din, perished in the course of the following year. Ali Shah, the one most deserv- ing of punishment, alone survived to enjoy the fruits of his crime. He continued by his address to maintain his high honors and the favor of his master, for the space of six years, when he died ; being the only Wazir, since the establishment of the Mongol monarchy, who had not met with a violent death. GENERAL HISTORIES. 5 Rashid-ud-Din was endowed with a wonder- ful degree of ability and industry. Few men, even of those who have devoted their lives to research, could hope to attain the knoM^ledge acquired by him, and when we recollect, that from his youth upwards he was involved in the intrigues and tumults of the court, and that he bore the principal weight of the ad- ministration of an immense empire under three successive Sultans, we cannot but feel the high- est respect for his talents. Besides Medicine, together with those sciences which are imme- diately connected with it, he had cultivated with success. Agriculture, Architecture, and Metaphy- sics, and had rendered himself conversant with the most abstruse points of Musalman contro- versy and doctrine. He was also an accomplish- ed linguist, being acquainted with the Persian, Arabic, Mongolian, Turkish, and Hebrew lan- guages, and, as it seems from his works, with the Cliinese also. Amongst his great natural pow ers, we may reckon as the most important, the talent of writing with extreme facility ; this is attested by the voluminousness of his works, and by a passage in one of his writings, in which he asserts that he composed three of his greatest works, viz. : — the Kitabu-t-Tawzihat, the Miftahu-t-Tafasir, and the Risalatu-s-Sul- taniat, in the short space of eleven months, and this not by giving up his whole time to his literary labours, but in the midst of the cares of government, and without reckoning numerous other treatises on various intricate subjects, 6 GENERAL HISTORIES. which were written by him during the same period, such as a book on Rural Economy, and works on Theology, Medicine, and Musalman Theology. It was not till somewhat late in life that Rashidu-d-Din turned his thoughts to author- ship, and until his master, Ghazan Khan, or- dered him to compose a history of the Mongols, he had not ventured to commit the results of his learning and meditations to the judgment of the world. This history occupies the first volume of the Jamiu-t-Tawarikh, and has received the highest commendation from European scholars. The work was on the point of completion, when Ghazan Khan died, A. H. 703— A. D. 1303. Oljaitu Khan, his successor, not only ap- proved of the plan which our author had fol- lowed, and the manner in which he had execut- ed his task, but enjoined him to complete it, and to add thereto a general account of all the people known to the Mongols, and a description of all the countries of the globe. Rashidu-d- Din undertook this laborious work, and a few years sufficed for its accomplishment, for we find that in A. H. 710— A. D. 1310— the entire history was written, bound, and de- posited in the mosque constructed by the author at Tabriz. It is true that the author of the Tarikh-i Wassaf affirms, that Rashidu-d- Din continued his work till A. H. 712, but this, probably, only applies to that portion of it w^hich gives the history of Oljaitu. Haidar Razi, in his General History says, that the por- GENERAL HISTORIES. 7 tion relating to India was completed in A. H. 703, the period when our author received orders to commence his researches. The entire work when completed, received from its author the title of Jamiu-t-Tawarikh, and the first volume, which may be considered as a history by itself, continued to be called the Tarikh-i Ghazani, after the Prince by whose orders it was composed and to whom it was dedicated. A portion of the Tarikh-i Ghazani has been admirably translated by M. Quatre- mere in the first volume of the Collection Ori- entale, and we are indebted to him for a full account of our Author's Biography and his liter- ary merits. Mr. William Morley has not only undertaken to bring out an edition of the ori- ginal work relating to the History of India, but to translate the whole of the lately discover- ed manuscript in the Library of the East India Company. I am not aware that any part of this task is yet performed. M. Erdmann has also promised an edition of the original. — (Journal Asiatique, 2nd Series, Tom. I. p. 322.) In inquiries after this work care must be taken not to confound Jamiu-r-Rashidi with the Tarikh-i Rashidi, which is common in Hin- dustan, and derives its name of Rashidi chiefly (though other reasons are assigned) from being dedicated to the reigning Khan of Moghuls, Abdu-r-Rashid Khan, by its author, Mirza Hai- dar Dughlat Gurgan. It contains nothing re- specting the History of India. There is also a Turkish work of the name of Jamiu-t-Tawarikh, 8 GENERAL HISTORIES. of which there is an account in Von Hammer's Gescltichte der Osmanischen Reiches (Vol. ix. p. 180,) and which the same author quotes as one of his authorities in his Geschichte der Assassinen. — It was composed A. D. 1574, and is said to be compiled chiefly from the Nizamu-t-Tawa- rikh of Baizawi, and the Bohjatu-t-Tawarikh of Shukrulla. There is also an Arabic History which, from similarity of name, may be mis- taken for it, the Mukhtasir Jamiu-t-Tawarikh, by Ibn al Wardi, a valuable General History from 1097 to 1543 A. D. The following account of the contents of the entire Jamiu-t-Tawarikh, is taken from a notice in Arabic, by Rashidu-d-Din himself, prefixed to a MS. of his theological works, in the Royal Library at Paris. " The book called the Jamiu-t-Tawarikh, comprises four volumes, the first of which contains a preface, an account of the origin of the nations of the Turks, the number of their tribes, and an account of the Kings, Khans, Amirs, and great men who have sprung from each tribe ; also of the ancestors of Changez Khan, the history of that monarch's actions, and of his children and descendants, who have occupied the throne down to the time of Oljaitu Sultan. To the life of each prince is added his genea- logy, an account of his character, and of his wives and children, a notice of the Khalifahs, Kings, Sultans, and Atabeks, who were contemporary with him, and a history of the remarkable events that occurred during his reign. ** The second volume contains an introduction and a history of the hfe of Oljaitu from the time of his birth to the present day ; to this portion of the second volume will be added a supplement, comprising an account of the daily actions of this prince, written by me, and afterwards conthiued by the court historians. This second volume also contains a concise history of the Prophets, Sultans, and Kings of the universe, from the days of Adam to the present time, together with a detailed account of many people, of whom historians have, till now, given little or no description. All that I have said respecting them, I have taken from their own bookS; and from the mouths of the learned men of each GENERAL HISTORIES. 9 nation ; it also gives the history of the people of the book, viz. the Jews and the Christians, and the histories of the Sultans and most celebrated Princes of each country ; also an account of the Ismailis, and many curious and instructive particulars. " The third volume gives, after the preface, a detailed account of the descent of the Prophets, Kings, Khalifahs, the Arab tribes, the companions of the Prophet, Muhammed, &c., from the time of Adam to the end of the dynasty of the Bani Abbas ; the genealogy of the ancestors of Muhammed, and of the tribes descended from them ; the series of Prophets who have appeared amongst the Bani Isriil, the Kings of the latter, and an enumer- ation of their different tribes ; the genealogies of the Kaisars and others of the Christian princes, with their names and the number of years of their respective reigns. All these details have been faithfully extracted from the chronicles of these people, and arranged in a systematic order, *• The fourth volume comprises a preface and a circumstantial account of the hmits of each of the seven climates, the division and extent of the vast countries of the globe, the geographical position and description of the greater part of the cities, seas, lakes, valleys, and mountains, with their longitudes, and latitudes. In writing this portion of our work, we have not been satisfied merely with extracts from the most esteemed geographical works, but we have, besides, made inquiries from the most learned men and those who have themselves visited the countries described ; we have inserted in our relation, particulars obtained from the learned. men of Hind, Chin, Michin, the countries of the Franks, &c., and others which have been faithfully extracted from works written in the languages of those different countries.'* This is the account given by our author him- self of his work ; it must, however, be remarked, that in the preface to the Tarikh-i Ghazani, and in many other passages, he speaks of three volumes only, writing under the head of the second, the matters which here form the con- tents of the second and third. The easiest way of accounting for this contradiction is to suppose that he subsequently divided this second volume into two portions, on account of its great bulk and disproportion in size to the others. In the preface to the Tarikh-i Ghazani, the work is divided, as mentioned above, into three 10 GENERAL HISTORIES. volumes, according to the following distribu- tion :■ — The contents of the first volume are the same as given in the preceding description, and it is dedicated to Ghazan Khan. It comprises two books and several sections. The second volume contains the history of Oljaitvi Sultan, (to whom it was dedicated,) from his birth to the time when our author wrote ; this forms the first division of the volume. Tlie second division comprises two parts, the first of which is again sub-divided into two sections. The first section contains an abridged history of all the Prophets, Khalifahsj and of the differ- ent races of men, to the year of the Flight, 700. The second section comprises a detailed chronicle of all the inhabitants of the earth, according to their races, extracted from their various writings, and from the mouths of natives of the different coun- tries. The second part is filled with the remaining portion of the history of Oljaitu, " the Sultan of Islamism," as he is styled, and was destined to be continued in chronological order to the time of his death. " The historians who are, or may be, servants of the court, will take care to write this, and add it as a supple- ment to this second volume.'* The third volume comprises the description of the geographi- cal charts, and the various routes from one place to another, taken from the sources already mentioned. ** The author has, as far as was in his power, multiplied and verified his researches from all that was previously known on the subject in this country, whether described in books or drawn in charts. To this he has added all that during this fortunate epoch the philosophers and wise men of Hind, Chin, Machin, Farang, and other countries have written, and has entered it all in this third volume, after having fully ascertained its authenticity." The extended notice which is here given to Rashidu-d-Din and the Jamiu-t-Tawarikh, is not only due to his merits as an historian, and to the curious sources of his information on Indian subjects, but to the interest which has been excited within the last ten years by the discovery, under very peculiar circumstances, of the largest portion of the work, which was sup- posed to have been lost. GENERAL HISTORIES. 11 A full account of this extraordinary discovery is given in the sixth volume of the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, and the following extract from the letter of Professor Forbes, com- prises some of the most interesting particulars of the circumstances with which it was attended. Mr W. Morley has kindly presented to me a copy of his inter- esting letter addressed to Major General Briggs, respecting the portion of the Jdmiu-t-Taw^rikh, now in the Society's Library. About the time when Mr. Morley's communication was passing through the press, I accidentally fell in with a much larger por- tion of the J^miu-t-Taw^rikh. comprising one half the original volume, of which the Society's fragment forms about one-fifth. The two fragments have been clearly proved (as you will perceive hereafter) to be parts of the same grand original ; and it is curi- ous enough that after many years, perhaps centuries, of separa- tion, they should have at last met in a portion of the earth so remote from their native city. That portion of the Jdmiu-t-Tawdrikh which forms the subject of the present hasty and imperfect communication, belonged to the late Colonel John Baillie, a distinguished member of the Asiatic Society. Shortly after the death of that eminent Orien- talist, his house in town was let, and his books and manuscripts were temporarily removed to the house of a friend in Soho Square, previous to their being conveyed to the family estate in Inverness- shire. They have remained however undisturbed in Soho Square ever since. A fews weeks ago I happened to have a pupil who lived in the same house, and from his description of some of the MSS I felt and expressed my wishes to see them, in which request I was most readily indulged. The first, indeed I may say the only, work that caught my attention was a large Arabic manuscript of an historical nature, written in a beautiful and very old Naskhi hand, with many pi(;tures very creditably executed, all things considered. On the back of this rare volume is written in a distinct Persian hand, **Tcirikh-i-Tabari," and as if this were not sufficient, there is a note written in Persian, on a blank page, folio 154, of which the following is a Uteral translation. " The name of this book is The Tiirikh-i-Taban, (the History or Chronicle of Tabari,) the author's autograph. The whole number of leaves when complete, amounted to 303 ; now however, some one has stolen and car- ried off one half of it, or about l.")0 leaves. It was written by the author's own hand, in the year of the Hegira 706 (A. D. 1300-7)." f •> 12 GENERAL HISTORIES. The information intended to be conveyed in this note, is, unfortunately, rendered very suspicious, by the date given in the conclusion ; as Tabari had flourished some 450 lunar years earlier. On examining the work itself, I found that the Muhammedan history came down to the last of the Khalifas of Bagdad ; hence it could not be the original Tabari. As D'Herbelot, however, has mentioned two writers who have continued the history of Tabari down to their own times, I thought this might possibly be one of them, and in order to verify the circumstance, I took the Persian version with me next day to compare them ; but after making the most liberal allowance for the freedom generally used by Oriental translators, I found that the two could never have been intended for the same work. Resolved, if possible, to arrive at some satisfactory conclusion respecting the MS,, I requested a very intelligent native of India to accompany me to see it. The moment this gentleman looked at it, he told me that whether it was Tabari or not, he had seen the identical book some months back in a house where he visited. On further enquiry, I learned that the book to which he alluded, belonged to the Asiatic Society. Next day I examined the Society's MS. and found, as I had concluded, that it forms part of the haJf that is missing in Colonel Baillie's MS. In proof of this, I may mention that the ink and the handwriting are the same in both. The length and breadth and number of lines in each page are the same, and the paintings are in the same style in both. The work had been numbered originally by leaves or folios, as is usual in Oriental MS. ; these numbers still remain on the second page of each leaf, and every leaf of the Society's fragment is missing in Colonel Baillie's work. There is no ques- tion then, that as Sadi hath it, " they are limbs of one another," for assuredly they originally consisted of but one work. A copy of this letter was forwarded to the Asiatic Society of Bengal, and a request was made that the Society would interest itself in searching for manuscripts of the work. A Cir- cular was in consequence issued to many of the native chiefs and literati of India, but no satis- factory reply was received. Upon that occasion I pointed out to the Society that the work was probably in their own Library, for that an ano- nymous volume, purporting to contain precisely the same matter, was brought by Sir J. Malcolm GENERAL HISTORIES. 13 from Persia, and presented to the College of Fort William, as appeared from a notice at the end of Stewart's Catalogue of Tipu Sultan's Library. The work was searched for and dis- covered, in consequence of this information, among those which were transferred from the College of the Asiatic Society. (See Journal Asiatic Society, Bengal, Vol. X. p. 934.) It was not till some years afterwards that I had the satisfaction of reading the superb French publication, entitled Collection Orientate, in the preface to the first Volume of which I found that the very same enquiry had been suggested by M. Quatrem^re, in the following passage : " au nombre des MSS. apportes de Perse par le Major Malcolm et offerts par lui au College du Fort William, je trouve un ouvrage ayant pour titre Djami-altawarikh-kadim. Ce livre ferait-il partie du travail de Rashideldin ? C'est ce que je n'ai pu verifier." (Vie et les ouv- ra^es de Rashideldin, seconde Partie, p. Ixxxv.) Had this enquiry then attracted the attention of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, it would have resulted in an earlier discovery of the missing volume ; but when at last it was drawn forth from their Library, it had become of compara- tively little importance, for, in the meantime, a manuscript of the Persian original had been found in the Library of the East India House, of which a full description was shortly after given in the seventh volume of the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, from which the fol- lowing extract is taken. 14 GENERAL HISTORIES. The MS. in question is of a large folio size, and contains in all 1189 pages ; but as numerous spaces have been left for the insertion of paintings, the actual volume of the work is not equal to its apparent extent ; the character is a small and tolerably clear Nastalik ; the transcriber was evidently both careless and igno- rant, and the text abounds with errors — this is particularly con- spicuous in the spelling of the names of places and individuals, the same name being frequently written in two or three different ways in the same page ; many considerable omissions also occur in the body of the work, the original from which our MS. was transcribed being, in all probability, damaged or defective in those parts. The Jamiu-1-Tawarikh consists of a collection of histories, (as its name imports,) each distinct from the others and complete in itself. Those contained in our MS. occur in the following order. I. A general history of Persia and Arabia, from the earliest times to the fall of the Khilafat : this history comprises a preface and two sections. The preface contains an account of Adam and his children, of Nuh and his posterity, of the reign of Kaiomars, the first of the kings of Fars, and of the tribes of the Arabs, to the time of the prophet Muhammed. This preface mentions that the history was composed in the year of the Flight 700, from various traditional and written authorities. Section 1 contains a history of the kings of Fars, and of the events that occurred in their respective reigns ; also accounts of the prophets from the time of Kaiomars until that of Yazdajird, fhe last of the kings of Ajam. Section 2 contains a copious and detailed history of the pro- phet Muhammed and his Khalifahs to the time of Al Mustasim Billah. This history, which in our MS. comprises 364 pages, was transcribed in the month of Shawwal, in the year of the Flight 1081. It is contained entire in the MS. of Colonel Baillie, with the absence of forty-six leaves, seven of which are, however, to be found in the MS. of the Royal Asiatic Society. II. A concise history of the Sultan Mahmud Sobaktagin, the Ghaznavides, the Samanides, the Buyides, and some others, to the time of Abiia-l-Fath Modiid Ben Masaud, and the year of his death, viz., the 547th of the Flight. This history comprises fifty-six pages, and was transcribed in the month Zi'l Hijjah, and the 1081st year of the Flight. This is also in Colonel Baillie's MS., of which it forms the third portion. III. A history of the Saljuki kings and of the Atabeks, to the time of Toghrul Ben Muhammed Ben Molik Shah, the last of the Saljuks, who was slain in the year of the Flight 589. It comprises forty-two pages. To this history is added a supplement, composed by Abu Hamid Ibn Ibrahim, in the year of the Flight 599 ; it contains GENERAL HISTORIES. 15 an account of the fall of the Salji'iks, and the history of the kings of Kliarizm, to the time of Jalala-1-Din, the last of that dynasty. This supplement comprises twenty-five pages, and ap})arent*ly formed part of the original Jamiu-l-Tawarikh, as Professor Forbes mentions two leaves existing at the end of Colonel Baillie's MS., which are occupied with the history of Kharism. IV. A history of Oghuz, and of the other Sultdns and Kings of the Turks ; it comprises twenty-two pages. At the end, it is stated that this history is to be followed by that of the Khans of Chin and Mdchin. V. A history of Khita, and of the Kings of Chin and Machin, to the time of the conquest by the Mongols. It comprises forty- six pages. At the end it is stated that this history is to be suc- ceeded by that of the Bani Israil. The concluding part of this account of Khit^ is contained in the MS. of the Royal Asiatic Society. VI. A history of the children of Israel, comprising forty-eight pages. At the end it is stated that this history is to be followed by that of the Franks, and the date of transcription is said to be the month Safar, in the year of the Fhght 1082. The first portion of this history occurs in the MS. of the Royal Asiatic Society. VII. A history of the Franks, from the creation of Adam to the time when the author wrote, viz , JOitih year of the Flight, giving a short account of the various Emperors and Popes, amount- ing to little more than a list of mis-spelt names. It comprises 1 22 pages, and bears the date of Rabiu-1-Awwal, in the year of the Flight 1082. VIII. A history of the Sultdns of Hind and of the Hindus. It comprises fifty-eight pages. This history exists in the MS. of the Royal Asiatic Society, supplying the lacuna in that MS., where about six pages are wanting. IX. A treatise on metempsychosis, extracted from the Tauzi- hati Rashidi by Rashidu-l-Din. This treatise comprises twelve pages. The date of transcription is Rabiu-1-Awwfil, in the 1082 year of the Flight ; the name of the scribe is also here given, viz., Tiihir Ibn Al Bdki Alayi. X. The general preface and contents of the whole volume, headed, *' This is the book of the collection of histories.'* This preface comprises eight pages. It has been published, with a translation by M. Quatrem^re, in the first volume of the Collection Orientale, XI. The first volume of the Jamiu-1-Tawarikh, entitled, the Tarikhi Ghazani, and containing an account of the Turks and Mongols to the time of Oljaitu Khodabandah, who reigned when the author completed his work. This history comprises 386 pages, and was transcribed in the month Shaban, and the year of the Flight 1082. ]6 GENERAL HISTORIES. By comparing this Table of Contents with the one above given by Rashidu-d-Din himself, it will be seen that the India-House Manuscript does not contain the entire work ; the parts deficient being, the first division of the second volume, containing the life of Oljaitu Sultan, with the supplementary journal, and the whole of the third volume, containing the Geography. It is, however, very probable that the last volume was never written, for we nowhere find any mention amongst Eastern authors of Rashidu-d-Din as a writer on Geogra- phy ; and what gives greater colour to this pro- bability is, that he intersperses some of his narratives with geographical details, which in many instances might be considered to super- sede the necessity of any further notice in a separate volume. This may be observed in the case of the Geography of India, which will short- ly have to be noticed. He exhausts in that brief account all that was then known to the Western Asiatics of the Geography of India, and he could therefore merely have repeated in the third, what he had already given in the second volume. It does not appear that these successive dis- coveries of the Jamiu-t-Tawarikh in English collections have been followed by others on the Continent of Europe. None have been announ- ced from Paris, or Leyden, and two passages in the Preface to the Geschichte der Goldenen Horde, (p. xv. and xxi.) show that, up to 1840, no copy had been discovered in Germany. GENERAL HISTORIES. 17 Mr. Morley perhaps attached a little too much importance to the discovery, for he entertained the same opinion as M. Quatremere, that the second portion of the Jamiu-t-Tawarikh was altogether lost. To him is certainly due the credit of having rescued it from oblivion, but the work is by no means so much unknown as they had been led to suppose. Not only do Mirkhond and the author of the Kimya-i-Saa- dat, notice it, as observed by Professor Forbes, but Sadik Isfahani quotes it under the article " Machin" in his Tahkiku-1-Irab, Muslihu-d- din-al-Lari quotes it in his Miratu-1-Adwar, Hamdulla Mustaufi in his Tarikh-i Guzida, Ahmed-al-Ghaffari in his Nigaristan, and Hai- dar Razi confesses to have extracted from it no less than 40,000 lines, if bait may be so translated, when referring to an historical work in prose. It seems to have been doubted whether the Jamiu-t-Tawarikh was originally written in Arabic or Persian. Most authors who have mentioned the work consider it to have been written in Persian, and translated under the author's direction into Arabic ; but it is certain that no Persian copies were very generally available in Akbar's time, for Abdu-1-Kadir Badaiini states, under the transactions of A. H. 1000, that he was directed by the Emperor to translate the Jamiu-t-Tawarikh from Arabic into Persian. It does not exactly appear from the text whether this was an abridgment or a translation, but the portion which was completed 18 GENERAL HISTORIES. by Abdu-1-Kadir is distinctly said to have been translated from the Arabic. It is curious that the translation of a part of the modern history, executed under the orders of Colonel Franklin, and presented by him to the Royal Asiatic So- ciety, should also bear the name of Abdu-1-Ka- dir, who thus appears to have executed a second time what his namesake had done before him more than two hundred and fifty years ago. In the library of the British Museum there is a very valuable copy of the Persian original, (No. 7628, Addit.) written by different transcrib- ers, as early as A. D. 1314, four years before the author's death. This copy was noticed by Dr. Bernhard Dorn in the preface to his *' History of the Afghans," before the appearance of the articles above mentioned. It is supposed to have belonged to Oljaitu Khan, and to have come subsequently into the possession of Shah Rukh, the son of Timiir. It would indeed have been surprising had the work been so little known as is supposed, for we are informed in the Tarikh-i Wassaf and Rauzatu-s-Safa, that the author expended no less than 60,000 dinars in the transcription and binding of his own writings. Every precaution was taken by him to secure his labours from destruction, and con- siderable revenues were set aside for the purpose of copying and disseminating them, both in Ara- bic and Persian, throughout the most considera- ble cities of the Muhammedan world. I know of no copy in India except the Asiatic Society's volume,which will shortly receive more GENERAL HISTORIES. 19 particular notice ; but an exceedingly valuable portion of the work, comprising the account of India, exists in the Royal Library at Lakhnau, under the wrong title of Tarikh-i Sabuktigin. It includes portions of three different Books, for it begins with the history of Mahmud Sabuk- tigin and the dynasty of the Ghaznavides, and contains the history of the Kings of Khwarazm, the Saljiikians, the Buyides, and part of the his- tory of Khalifs. It is embellished with paintings which are beyond the average degree of Asiatic merit, and the text is written in a clear naskh character, comprising one hundred and five folios, with thirty-five lines to a page. It would be use- ful for the purpose of collation, although in many parts it is written very incorrectly, especi- ally in the names of places, where accuracy is particularly desirable. I know of two copies of the T4rikh-i Ghaz4ni, but they contain no portion which has not already been made fami-* liar to the public by the French edition of M. Quatrem^re noticed above.* * I will now proceed to describe the volume in the Asiatic Society's Library, — premising that it was copied A. H. 1098, and is written in a clear nastalik character. * Compare Fundgruben des Orients, Vol. V. pp. 265 — 2/2. Journal des Savans, 1838. pp. 601—514. Klaproth, Mem. Tom. I. p. 293. Von Hammer, Geschichte der schbnen Redekiinste Persiens, pp. 12, 242. Dr. Bernhard Dom, Hist, of the Afghans, p. xv. Wilken, Hist. Ghaznevidarum, p. xii. Journal of the Asiatic Soc. Bengal, Vol. IX. p. 1131 ; Vol. X. p. 934. Sddik Isfahdm, p. 45. Journal Asiatique, 2nd Series, Tom. I. p. 322 ; 3rd Series, No. 36, pp. 571—589. Collection Orientale, Vol. 1. pp. 1 — 1/5. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Soc. Vol. VI. pp. 11—41 ; Vol. VII. pp. 267—272. Geschichte der Ilchane, Vol. II. pp. 150, 219, 243, 269—262. M. Abel Remusat, Nouveaux Melan- ges Asiatiques, Tom : I. 138 — 441. D 2 20 GENERAL HISTORIES. I. A history of the Saljuki kings, to the last of the dynasty, Abu Talib Tughril, son of Arslan. This extends to p. 44, where a continuation by Abii Hamid Muhammed, son of Ibrahim, com- mences, comprising also the history of the Sultans of Khwarazm, extending from pp. 44 to 64. II. A history of Oghuz and the Turks. From pp. 65 to 11. The epigraph states that it is followed by a history of China. III. A history of the khans and kings of Chin and Machin, and of the capital called Khita. The portraits in this book al- most all represent the kings with two tails below their caps. At the end it is stated that this chapter is followed by an account of the Bani Israil. This history extends from pp. 78 to 114. IV. A history of the children of Israil, said to be succeeded by a history of the Franks and Caesars. From pp. 115 to 156. V. This book is divided into two chapters and several sec- tions. Chapter 1st. Adam and his descendants. — Nuh and his de- scendants. — Ibrdhim and his descendants, to the Virgin Mary. — Moses. — The kings of Persia. — The Greeks. — The Arabs. — Mu- hammed. — The Moghuls. — The Khalifas to the close of the Ab- baside dynasty. Chapter 2nd. On the belief of Christians. — The country of Armenia. — The country, seas and islands of the Franks. — The birth of the Messiah. — The Emperors of Rum. — The Popes and Caesars, with fancy portraits intended to represent each of these two last. The proper sequence is interrupted by some mistake of the binder, but the whole of this unconnected book extends from pp. 157 to 467. VI. A history of Sultan Mahmud Sabuktigin. — The Ghazna- vides. — Samanides, and the Buyides. The subdivisions of this book are as follows : — Respecting the victory of Bust. — The victory of Kasdar. — Ac- count of Sistan. — Regarding Kabus and Fakhru-d-Daulah. — Con- cerning the restoration of Fakhru-d-Daulah to his government, and his friendship with Hisamu-d-Daulah Tash. — Respecting Abu-1 Hasan, son of Simhur, and his administration in Khorasan, to the time of his death, and the succession of his son Ubu Ali. — Regarding Faik and his condition after his defeat at Marv. — Re- tirement of Nuh, son of Mansilr, from Bokhara, and the arrival of Bughra Khan at Bokhara. — Regarding Abii-l Kasim, son of Simhur and brother of Abu Ali, and his condition after his separation from his brother. — The Amiru-1 Muminin Alkadir Billah confers a robe of honour on Sultan Yeminu-d-Daulah. — The return of Abdu-1 Malik. — Abu Ibrahim Ismail and the occur- rences between him, Eibak Khan and Amir Nasr, son of Nasiru- d-Din. — Regarding the Samani Amirs, and the occurrences of their reigns. — Relating to the friendship and enmity between GENERAL HISTORIES. 21 Nasiru-d-Din, Sabuktigm and Khalaf, son of Ahmad, and the as. sumption of the reins of government by the Sultan. — Respecting Shamsu-1-Maali Kabus, and his return to his country. — The friendship and subsequent enmity between the Sultan and Eibak Khdn. — Relating to the sacred war of Bhatiah. — Repecting the capture of the fort of Bhim. — Regarding the family of the khalif Alkddir Billah, and his government. — His attachment to the Sul- tdn and Bahdu-d-Daulah, son of Uzdu-d-Daulah. — An account of Bahau-d-Daulah. — Respecting the aifair at Narain. — Relating to the sacred war of Ghor. — Regarding the traitors after their return from Mdwarau-n-Nahr. — Relating to the retirement of Bughrd Khdn from Bokhara, and the return of Nuh, son of Man- stir, to his home. — Respecting the Afghans. — Amir Nasr, son of N&siru-d-Din Sabuktigin. — The reign of Muhammed, son of Mahmud. — The reign of Abu-1 Fateh Maudud, son of Masaud, son of Mahmud. From pp. 468 to 523. VII. On Hind and Sind and Shakmuni, divided into the fol- lowing chapters and sections : — Chapter 1st. On eras and revolutions. — ^The measurement of the earth. — On the four jiigas. — The hills and waters of Hind. — On its countries, cities and towns. — On the islands. — The Sul- tdns of Dehli. — The birth of Basdeo, and the kings of India pre- ceding Mahmud. — On Cashmir, its hills, waters and cities. — An account of the kings of the Trita jug. — The kings of the Dwapar jug. — The kings of the Kal jug. Chapter 2nd. An account of the prophets of the Hindus, of whom there are six of the highest class, Shdkmuni being the sixth. — On the birth of Sh^kmuni. — On the properties and signs of a perfect man. — On the character, conduct, and sayings of Shdkmiini. — On the austerities of Shdkmuni, and his incorpora- tion with the divine essence. — Further proceedings of Shakmunf. — On his appearance in various forms. — On the knowledge of cer- tain prayers addressed to God. — On the different degrees of me- tempsychosis, and the number of hells. — How a man can become a god. — How a man can escape from the form of a beast. — How a man can escape from the form of another man. — On the differ- ence between men and angels. — On the questions put to Sh^k- muni by the angels. — On the information given by Shdkmimi respecting another prophet. — On the rewards of paradise and the punishments of hell, and the injunctions and prohibitions of Shdkmuni. — On the establishment of his religion in Hind and Cashmir. — On the death of Sh^muni, and the events which fol- lowed. From pp. 524 to 572. VIII. An essay in refutation of the doctrine of transmigra- tion, extracted from the Tauzih^t-i-Rashidi. From pp. 572 to 581 . Size — Large Folio, containing 581 pages, of 30 lines to a page. 22 GENERAL HISTORIES. It appears, therefore, that this volume com- prises the same matter as the East India House MS., with the exception of the Tarikh-i Gha- zani, of which that MS. contains the first portion. The arrangement, however, of the several books is very different, as will be evident to any one who feels disposed to com- pare them. The following extract is taken from the con- tinuation of the History of the Saljukian sove- reigns, and recounts one of the most interesting events in Indian History. Other historians have narrated the same circumstances without much variation, except in the minor details. (Compare Mirkhond, Rauzatu-s-Safd, Book iv. Ferishta, Book ix. History of Sind, Abu-1-feda, Annales Muslemici, Vol. IV. p. 382. M. Petis de la Croix, Senior, Histoire de Genghizcan, Ch. xxxiv. D'Herbelot, Bihliothhque Orientale, Art. Gelaladdin ; and De Guignes, Histoire Gmerale des Huns, Tom. II. p. 281.) These four last chiefly derive their accounts from Muhammed- bin-Ahmed Nasawi, the friend of Jalalu-d-Din, and the companion of his journies and expedi- tions. This work, entitled Seirat-i Jaldlu-d-Din Mankherni, is in the Royal Library of Paris, No. 845. It is in eight chapters, and the histo- ry is brought down to Jalalu-d-Din's death, A. D. 1231. It was composed in 1241. (See Remusat, Nouv : MSI: As : Tom. I. p. 435.) The passage here selected will show in what imminent danger India was then placed of sus- taining an invasion of the Moghuls, headed by GENERAL HISTORIES. 23 Changez Khan in person. Some of the autho- rities above quoted mention that several bodies did cross over the Indus in pursuit, and that Prince Chaghatai Khan headed an attack against Multan, and captured it. At nightfall every one retired to his tent, and in the morning hoth armies were again drawn up in battle array. This day Sultdn Jalalu-d-Din marched on foot at the head of his army, and all at once made a charge upon the Moghuls, and put them to flight. The kettle-drums were beaten in triumph by order of the Sultan, and his whole army pursued the Moghuls on horse- back at full speed. At one time the defeated Moghuls rallied, but the Sultan rushed upon them, like a lion or crocodile upon its prey, and put many to death. Changez Khan shortly after- wards being reinforced with a small body of men, moved Hke destructive lightning or a rapid torrent against the Sultan. In the meantime, a dispute arising between Saifu-d-Din Ighrak and Amin Malik, (Governor of Herat) on account of the distri- bution of booty,* and especially respecting the right to a parti- cular horse, the latter struck the former on the head with a whip. The king called upon Amin Malik to give an explanation of his conduct, but he replied that it was not the custom of Kat- kali troops to be held responsible for their proceedings. Upon learning this, Saifu-d-Dhi deserted the Sultan under cover of night, and went oif with his troops to the hills of Herman and Sankuran. The alienation of Saifu-d-Din IghrCik materially affected the power of the Sultan, and diminished his chance of success. He immediately made towards Ghazni, with the object of crossing the Indus, and for that purpose ordered boats to be kept in readiness. This circumstance coming to the knowledge of Changez Khan, the latter hastened in pursuit of the Sultan, and surrounded him. At daybreak, the Sultan finding himself placed in a position between water and fire, with the Indus on the one side and the fiery enemy on the other, was prepared to give battle. Changez Khan fell upon the right wing command- ed by Amin Malik, like a fierce lion upon a lame leopard, and drove it back with great slaughter. Amin Malik being thus defeated, fled towards Pershawar ; but as the Moghul army was in possession of the road, he was slain, in the endeavour to effect his escape. Changez Khan compelled the left wing also to give way, but the Sultan firmly maintained his ground in the centre with seven hundred men, and opposed the enemy from the * This booty was chiefly captured at the battle of Biruan, within a short distance of Ghazni, and which is erroneously supposed by Dr. Lee to be the Badaun of Dow and Ferishta. — Ibn Batuta, p. 9/. 24 GENERAL HISTORIES. morning to mid-day, moving now to right now to left, sustaining every attack, and on each occasion slaying a number of the enemy. Meantime, the army of Changez Khan came pressing forward, and surrounding the position occupied by the Sultan. At last Ajash Malik, son of the king's maternal uncle, seeing the dangerous position of his Majesty, seized the bridle of his charger, and persuaded him to leave the field. The Sultan bade adieu to his sons and female relatives, with a heavy heart and burning tears, and ordering his favorite horse to be prepared, he sprung on it, and rushed again into the torrent of conflict, like a crocodile into a river, and charged the enemy with irresistible force. Hav- ing succeeded in driving them back, he turned his horse's head, threw oif on the way his coat of mail and shield ; and urging his horse, plunged into the river, though the bank was upwards of thirty feet above the stream. He then swam* across like a noble lion, and reached the opposite bank in safety. Changez Khan witnessed the gallant exploit, and hastening to the bank prohibited the Moghuls from attempting to follow. The very heavens exclaimed in surprise *' They never saw in the world any man equal to him, nor did they ever hear of one like him among the celebrated heroes of antiquity."-]* Changez Khan and all the Moghul nobles were astonished to find that the Sultan crossed the river in safety, and sat watching him as he wiped the water off his scabbard.^ Changez Kh^n turning round to the Sultan's sons,§ addressed them in words expressive of his admira- tion. * The original distinctly says " swam across the Jih6n" — whether intentionally, or by error of the copyist, is doubtful. Eastern authors for a long time considered, either that the source of the Mehran (Indus) was the river Jihun (Oxus), or that the sources of the two rivers were in the same mountain. (Uylenbroek, Iracce Persicce Descriptio, p. 54; Gildemeister, de rebus Indicis, pp. 179, 205; Ouseley, Oriental Geography, p. 155 ; M&saxLdi, Meadows of Gold,^. 38). A similar perverse use of the Sihun (Jaxartes) also occurs in the Tarikhi Yemin-i, where it is used to signify the Indus, and can be applicable to no other river ; and again in Abii-l-feda {Annal : Muslem: Vol : III. p. 113) where Reiske observes, " In Arabieo legitur Sihunum, quod aperte mendosum est." t Four years before, Shamsu-d-Din, the king of Dehli, had done the same thing, when in pursuit of Nasiru-d-Din Kabacha, and though he succeeded in reaching the opposite bank with a few followers, many were drowned in the attempt. Maharaja Ranjit Singh has gained fame by his accomplishment of the same feat. X The Rauzatu-s-Safa and Ferishta represent Jalalu-d-Din as hav- ing carried his canopy with him, and seating himself under it when he had attained the opposite bank. The former also mentions that Changez Khan killed all the males in the Sultan's camp, and ordered his servants to search for the jewels which the Sultan had thrown into the Indus before his escape. § The Habibu-s-Siyar differs from other authorities in saying he turned round, and addressed his own sons. GENERAL HISTORIES. 25 After his escape, the Sultdn was joined by about ten persons who had also succeeded in crossing the river. They all concealed themselves in the woods, where, before long, fifty other persons joined their number. "When the Sultan received intelhgence that a number of Hindus, consisting of cavalry and infantry, were lying within two parasangs of him, and had given themselves up to pleasure, he ordered his followers to provide themselves with clubs. Thus armed, they made a sudden night-attack upon the Hindu force, put many to death, and plundered their cattle and weapons. Upon this, several other people, some on mules and some on horned cattle, came over, and declared for the Sultdn. Information being afterwards received that there were in the neighbourhood two or three thousand men of the Hindu force, he attacked them with one hundred and twenty men, put a number of them to the sword, and equipped his fol- lowers with the arms taken from the vanquished. When the report of the success and power of the Sultan was spread through- out India, a number of men from the hills of Bal&id* and Nekila assembled, and in a body of about five or six thousand horse, attacked the Sultan, who, drawing up in array five hundred horse, dispersed them. The Sultin afterwards received aid from several other bodies of men, so that there now flocked round his standard not less than three or four thousand men. All this came to the knowledge of the world-conquering king (of Delhi) who had already raised an army to oppose him, while he was within the limits of the Ghaznin territory — but when the Sult4n first crossed the river, he was not able to cope with these troops, and there- fore passed on as a fugitive towards Dehh. The Moghuls, on hearing that he had taken that coarse, re- turned, and pillaged the confines of Ghor. The Sultdn, on reach- ing the vicinity of Dehli, deputed messengers to king Shamsu-d- Din to communicate his arrival, and to prefer a request to reside temporarily in some village near Dehh. The King after mature reflection deputed a messengerf on his part with presents to the Sultan, but objected to comply with his demand for a place of residence, on the ground that the chmate of India would not suit the constitution of the Sultan. On receiving this reply, the Sultin returned to Balald and Nek^l^. Those who had efifected their escape joined him, and he had now about ten thousand men under him. He deputed T4ju-d-Din MaUk Khilj, accompanied by a force, to Rai Kukir^ Saknin, in the hills of Judi,§ with a request * All who record these events concur in reading the first word as Balala. The second may be either BankUa or Mankala. t Mirkhond and Ferishta mention that the Sultan's ambassador or messenger was secretly poisoned, the object of which is not very appa- rent. X Other authorities read Ghakar. § Amongst Oriental Geographers this is the name of mount Ararat in Armenia, on which Noah's ark is said to have rested, [q the Pau- ]kh it applies to the salt range. 26 GENERAL HISTORIES. for the hand of his daughter, which request Rai Kukar complied with, and sent his son with a number of troops to wait upon the Sultin, who gave the name of Kutlagh Khan to the son, and sent an armyunder the commandof Uzbek Pai against Nasiru-d-Din Kaba- cha,* who was at enmity with Rai Kukar. Kabacha, though he wasau Amir under the Ghorian Kings, and governor of the country of Sind, yet was presumptuous enough to aspire to independence. When this chief and twenty thousand of his followers were encamped on the banks of the Indus within one parasang of ITch, Jchau Pah- luwan Uzbek, with seven thousand men, suddenly fell upon them at night, defeated, and dispersed them. Kabdcha embarked in a boat for Akar and Bakar (two island forts in his possession), while the Uzbek returned to his camp, taking possession of whatever fell in his way. He sent the news of this victory to the Sultan, who marched out, and with the army, which was under the command of the Uzbek, reached the palace of Kabdcha. The latter being defeated fled from Akar and Bakar to Multan, where the Sultan sent an ambassador to him with a demand for money, and for the surrender of the son and daughter of Amir Khan, who had taken shelter at Multan, having fled from the battle which took place on the banks of the Indus. Kabacha sent the son and daughter of Amir Khan with a large contribution in money, soliciting at the same time that his territories might not be despoiled. The wea- ther, however, growing hot, the Sultdn determined to proceed from U'ch to the Judi hills, and on his way besieged the fort of Bisr^m, where in an engagement he was wounded in the hand by an arrow. In the end, the Sultan captured the fort, and put all who were in it to the sword. At this place he received intelli- gence of the movement of the Moghul troops, who were endea- voring to effect his capture. He sent an ambassador to Kabacha to intimate his return, and to demand the tribute due by him. Ka- bacha however, refused and took up arms against him. The Sul* tan did not consider it expedient to remain at Uch, and as the inha- bitants of that place had revolted, he set fire to the city and march- ed upon Sadusdn, where Fakhru-d-Din had been the Governor be- fore the estabhshment of Kabacha's power. Lachin of Khita, the commander of the troops, marched to oppose him. The latter was slain in the conflict, but the former, upon the Sult-^n's arrival at the place, with tears supplicated for pardon, and presented his sword in token of submission, The Sultan remained there for one month, and then conferred an honorary dress upon Fakhru- d-Din, and making over to him the government of Sadusan, marched towards Dewal (Daibal) and Damrila. Hasrar, who was the ruler of this territory, took to flight and embarked on a boat. The Sultan on reaching the borders of Dewal and Damrila deputed Khas Khan with a force to Nahrwala, from which place he brought away much spoil and many prisoners. Shortly after, * Kabajah is the common spelling. GENERAL HISTORIES. 27 the Sultan entered Dewal and Damrila, and erected a great mosque in the former place, opposite the temple of an idol.* In the meantime, intelligence was received from Irik that Ghaiisu- d-Din Sultdn had settled himself in Ir^k ; that most of the troops of that country professed their attachment to Sultdn Jalilu-d-Din, and felt anxious for his presence. Upon this the Sult6n prepared to join them, but on learning that Bir^k H^jib was with hostile intentions fortifying the strong post of Budsir in Kirm^, he determined on proceeding to Ir^k by way of Mekr^n. The next extract relates to the Geography of India. It is taken almost entirely from the work of Abu Rihan al-Bir6ni, composed in the early part of the eleventh century, and there- fore represents the knowledge of India which was attained by the Mahometan invaders three hundred years before our author wrote. We are fortunately able to compare a great part of this passage with the original Arabic which has lately been published by M Reinaud, and it will be seen how few additions have been made by Rashidu-d-Din, and how scrupulously he follows his predecessor, even in his errors. M. Reinaud is mistaken (Fragments, p. xv.) in supposing that our author did not make use of the published chapters of Bir6ni. For the pur- pose of comparison, a Notef is appended, show- ing what was the knowledge attained of India by eastern Geographers before the time of Al Bir6ni ; from which it will be evident that the whole of upper India was a perfect terra incog- nita, and that the Arabians knew much less of it than Pliny and Ptolemy, Even Abu-1-feda, who * Ferishta says that the name of the chief of Daibal, or Thatta, was Jaishi, and that the Sultkn demohshed the temples of the idols at that place. t See Note A. E 2 28 GENERAL HISTORIES. wrote more than three centuries later, and quotes the works of Edrisi and Yac^it, and most of the other geographical treatises written during that interval, gives us less information about India than is contained in the following pxtract. This consideration, therefore, will be a sufficient apology for its length. Section hi. On the hills and rivers of Hind and Sind. Philosophers and Geometricians have divided the land of Hind into three equal* parts, giving to each part a separate name, as appears from the book called Patanjali. It resembles the back of a crab on the surface of the water, as is seen in the annexed plate.f The mountains and plains in these three parts of India are extensive, and occur one after the other in successive order. The mountains appear to stand near each other like the joints of the spine, and extend through the inhabited world from east to west, i. e. from the eastern extremity of China through Tibet, the country of the Turks, Cabul, Badakhshan, Tukharist^n, Bdmidn, Khurasan, Gilan, Azarbaijan, Armenia, Rum, to the country of the Franks and Galicia on the west. Their faces are varied, embracing between their projections plains and inhabited spots. Rivers flow at their base. Hind is surrounded on the south by the sea,^ and on the north by the lofty mountains and * See Ritter, ErdTc. IV., 2, 495, and Lassen, Ind. Alterthums I. 92. t This may perhaps be translated "just as we see it at this day." X The original Arabic says : " India is bounded on all other sides by lofty mountains," and after this follows a curious passage omitted from the Jamiu-t-Tawarikh. " If you examine the country of Hind, and consider well the round stones which are found below the soil, at what- ever depth you may dig, you will find that they are large near the mountains where the current of water is impetuous, and smaller as you depart from the mountains, the strength of the current being also diminished, and that they become like sand, where the water is stag- nant and in the vicinity of the sea. Hence you cannot but conclude that this country was once merely a sea, and that the continent has been formed by successive increments of alluvion brought down by the rivers." GENERAL HISTORIES. 29 plains which contain the sources of these rivers ; on the east by Chin and Michin, and on the west by Cabul. On the north lie Cashmir, Turkistdn and the mountain of Meru, which is extreme- ly high, and stands opposite to the southern pole. The heavenly bodies perform their revolutions round it, rising and setting on each side of it. A day and a night of this place is each equal to six of our months.* In a different direction from this hill stands another, not cir- cular, and which is said to be composed of gold and silver. The Himma mountains lie on the north of Kanauj, and on account of snow and cold form the extreme point of the habitation of man. This range has Cashmir in its centre and runs by Tibet, Turk, Khazar,t and Sakalia to the sea of Jurjan and Khw^razm, The northern mountains have connection with mount Meru, which lies south of them. The rivers of the entire country of Hind which flow from the northern mountains amount to eleven. Those which flow from the eastern mountains amount to the same number. Their sources are very distant, towards the far- thest south-east quarter of the earth. They discharge them- selves into the sea. Those, however, which rise in the extreme south do not discharge themselves into the sea. Besides this there is another lofty ridge of mountains interven- ing between Turkistdn and Tibet on the one side, and India on the other, which is not exceeded in height by any of the moun- tain chains of Hindustan. Its ascent is eighty parasangs. From its summit India looks black, and the passes and rugged declivi- ties at its foot look like little hillocks, while Tibet and China appear red. The descent from its lowest eminence to Tibet is one parasang. This mountain is so high that Firdusi probably meant the following verse to apply to it : — " It is so low and so high, so soft and so hard, that you can see from it the belly of a fish as wel^ as the back of the moon." Some other mountains are called Harmakut, in which the Ganges has its source. These are impassable, and beyond them lies Mdhachin. To these mountains most of the rivers which lave the cities of India owe their origin. Besides these moun- Strabo and Arrian have also expressed this opinion, and modem Geologists are fond of indulging in the same speculation. The very latest writer on this subject observes : " Throughout the whole plain of India, from Bengal to the bottom of the deep wells in Jesselmere, and under the mica and hornblende schist of Ajmere, the same kind of very fine hard-grained blue granite is found in round and rolled mas- ses.'* Journal Asiatic Society Bengal, No. clxxxviii. p. 140. * Compare Strabo II. 1—19. Plin. N. H. VI. 22. 6 and Solinus 52. 13. t The original has Khuz. Khazar appears correct ; it is the name of a son of Noah, after whom Dasht-i- Khazar, a region of the sixth climate, is called. (Sddik Isfahdnt, p. 23.) 30 GENERAL HISTORIES. tains there are others called Kalarchal. They resemble crystal balls, and are always covered with snow, like those of Dam^vend. They can be seen from Takas and Lah§,war. There are certain other mountains called Bilor, in the country of the tribe of Turks denominated Hamilan. In two days' journey you arrive at another part of Turkistan where the Bhotyas and Dyan dwell. Their king is called Bhot Shah, and their cities are Gilgit, Asurah, Salsas,* &c., and their language is Turki. The inhabitants of Cashmir suffer greatly from their encroachments and depreda- tions. The mountains which are noticed in this version of Abii Rihan can be distinguished from each other as easily as a tortoise from the water, by attending to the enumeration above given. The stream which flows by Cabul has its source in the moun- tains of the country of Cabiis, and is called the Ghurrur. It passes by Biriidn, Absaprohit, Saka and Lamghan, near which it combines with the Sanya Gharak at the fort of Diruna. It then falls into the Nurukerat, and the united rivers form a large stream opposite Pershawarf which is known as the Labaru.J They fall into the Sind near the fort of Tankur, a city dependent on the city of Candahar,§ which is in Hind. After that, comes * Gilgit retains its name to the present day ; Asurah is the same as the Astor, or Hasora, of our maps, and Salsas or Salsahi is perhaps Chelas on the Indus. M. Reinaud reads Schaltas. t As some interesting speculations depend upon the mode of spell- ing the name of this town, it may be as well to remark that all ancient authorities, even down to the historians of the sixteenth century, con- cur in spelling it Pershawar. Hence the Chinese divide the first syllable into Poo-loo-sha, the capital of the kingdom of Purusha. See the Foe-koue-ki, as well as the translation of Ma-twan-lin, by M. Remu- sat. — Nouv : Melanges Asiat : Tom. I. p. 196. X This is perhaps meant for Al-Bara, but the entire passage is very doubtful in the original, and much has been translated conjecturally. § The proper name is Gandhara, almost always converted by Musul- man writers into Candahar, but we must take care not to confound it with the more noted Candahar of the west. The Gandharas on the Indus are well known to the Sanscrit writers, and there is a learned note on them in Troyer's Raj Tarangini, Tom. II. pp. 316 — 321. It is not improbable that we have their descendants in the Gangarias of the Indus, one of the most turbulent tribes of the Hazara country. The name given to them by Dionysius, in his Periegesis, resembles this modern name more than the Sanscrit one. He says, Aiuvvaov Bepdirovres TapyapiSai vaiovffiv. He places them more to the east, but Salmasius and M. Lassen consider that we should read TavZapi^ai. Herodotus calls them Vavhapioi. The Vopvavhis of Nonnus, which M. Troyer thinks points to the abode of the Gandharas, is probably to be looked for elsewhere. See also Mannert, Geographie der Greichen und Romen, Vol. V. pp. 5, 30, 107. Asiatic Researches, Vol. XV. Lassen, De Pentap. Ind. p. 15 — 17. Ritter, Die Erdkunde von Asien^ Vol. IV. Pt. 1. 1^. 453. Ersch and Gruber*s Encyc : Art. Indien, p. 2. GENERAL HISTORIES. 31 the river of Tibet, called the Jailam. The waters of the Chandra combine with it, and fifty miles below the junction, the united stream flows to the west of Mult^n. The Biah joins it from the east. It also receives the waters of the Irawa (Ravi) fed by the stream of Kaj, besides that of Koh, which both flow from the hills of Bhatel.* They all combine with the Sutlej below Multdn, at a place called Panjnad, on account of the junction of the five rivers. They form a very wide stream, which, at the time it attains its extreme breadth, extends ten parasangs, sub- merging trees of the forest, and carrying them off like so many nests of birds. This stream, when it passes Alorf and enters Sind under the name of Mihr^n, flows with a slower current, and forms several islands as far as Mansura, which city it also en- closes within two of its arms. From this place, the river flowing by two streams empties itself into the sea, one in the neighbour- hood of the city of Lah^r^ni, J and the other, under the name of Sind Sagar, that is, the river of Sind, after a winding course towards the east, enters the sea on the borders of the territory of Cach. In the same way as these rivers, when united, derive their name from the number five, so the seven river?, flowing from the northern side of these same mountains, and falUng above Termez into the river of Balkh, are called by the fire-worship- pers of Soghd the Saba Sind, or seven Sinds. The river Sarsut falls into the sea to the east of Sumndth. The Jumna falls into the Ganga, which flows to the east of Canauj. After uniting they fall into the sea near Gang^ S^gar. The river Nermad (Nerbadda) lies between the mouths of the Sarsuti and Gang&. Its source is in the eastern hills, and it has a south westerly course, till it falls into the sea near Bahruch,§ * There is some confusion here, which cannot be resolved by any interpretation of the original. t This is no doubt the proper reading, though it assumes various forms in different works. Ibn Haukal calls it Alruz. The Geogra- phia Nubiensis gives it as Dur, In the Jamiu-t-Ta\varikh it resembles Alruz. The ruins of Alore are between Bakar and Khairpur, on the eastern bank of the Indus. X This is the Larry Bunder of Major Rennell, {Memoir, p. 285) Lahariah of M. Kosegarteu (De Mohammede, Comment : Acad:) and the Lohari of Dr. Lee, (Ibn Batuta, p. 102J. Ibn Batuta remarks of it, " It has a large harbour into which ships from Persia, Yemen, and other places put. At the distance of a few miles from this city are the ruins of another, in which stones, the shapes of men and beasts almost innumerable, are to be found. The people of this place think that there was a city formerly in this place, the greater part of the inhabitants of which were so base, that God transformed them, their beasts, their herbs, even to the very seeds, into stones ; and indeed stones in the shape of seeds are here almost innumerable." § This is spelt by various authors Baruj, Barus, Bahruj and Bahrlich. It is the Baroach of the present day, the Bapiya^a ffiTr6piov of Ptolemy 32 GENERAL HISTORIES. about sixty Yojanas to the east of Sumn^th. On the other side of the Ganga, the Rahet, the Gomatj, and the Sarjd unite* near the city of Bari. The Hindus beheve that the Ganga has its source in paradise, from whence it is precipitated on the earth in seven streams, the centre being denominated the Ganga. The three eastern streams are the P^lan, the Ladi and Nahn. The three western streams are the Sit, the Chakas and Sind.f When the Sit leaves the snowy mountains it flows through the countries of Silk, Karsib, Chin, Barbar, Jir, Sankurkiet, Mankilkgor and Sakrit, and falls into the western ocean. On the south of it is the river Chakas, which flows by the countries of Damru, Kalifc, Dholak, Nijar, Barbar, Raj, Salkubar, and Ijat. The Sind has its course through the country of that name and — (here follow thirteen illegible names). The Ganga after flowing through Bargund- and Arrian, and the Bhrigukacha of the Sanscrit authorities. See Ptol. Geo^f. Lib. VII. Cap. 1, Tab. 10; Mannert, Geographie der Gr. and Rom. Vol. V. p. 127. Ritter, Erdkunde, Vol. IV. Pt. II. p. 626, Bohlen, das alte Indien, Vol. I. p. 18. Lassen, Alterthumskunde, Vol. I. p. 107. * M. Reinaud (p. 100) gives the first as Rahab. A river of this name, or Rahet, is often mentioned by early Mahometan authors, and appears generally to indicate the Ramganga. The union of the Sarjti with the Gomati, which M. Reinaud reads Kubin, is a fable. There is no confluence of three rivers at Bari, but not far ofl^ from it the Jamnuari and the Katheni unite with the Gomati. The map of Gude which is given in the " Agra Guide," calls these rivers the Saraen and Perhi, names which conform pretty well with the <-**) andjJ^ of M. Reinaud's manuscript. t These are evidently the Sita and Chackshu of Bhaskara Acharya. Mr. Colebrooke gives us the following passage from that astronomer : — " The holy stream which escapes from the foot of Vishnu descends on mount Meru, whence it divides into four currents, and passing through the air it reaches the lakes on the summit of the mountains which sustain them. Under the name of Sita this river joins the Bhadraswa ; as the Alakananda it enters Bharatavarsha ; as the Chacksa it proceeds to Retumala, and as the Bhadra it goes to the Kuru of the north." Siddhdnta Sirdmani; Bhavana KoshaySJ B.ud 3S. See also Vishnu Purdna, p. 171- Prof. Wilson observes, " The Hindus say that the Ganges falls from heaven on the summit of Meru, and thence descends in four currents ; the southern branch is the Ganges of India, the northern branch which flows into Turkey, is the Bhadrasama, the eastern branch is the Sita, and the western is the Chakshu or Oxus." Sanscrit Did. Art. Meru. But the Ramayana mentions seven streams, and from that work Birdni evidently copied his statement. The true Sanscrit names are almost identical with those given in the text. The eastern streams are Hladani, Pavani and Nalini, the western are Sita, Suchakshu and Sindhu. In the centre flows the Bhagirathi. The Matsya and Pad- ma Puranas give the same account. See Rdmdyana, Lib. I. XLIV. 14. 16. Ed. Schlegel. GENERAL HISTORIES. 33 hart (and four other illegible* names), and other cities, arrives at the defiles of the hills of Band, where are many elephants, and then discharges itself into the southern ocean. Among the eastern streams is L^wan, which flows through seven kingdoms, whose inhabitants have lips hke inverted ears. Thence it flows to three other countries, of which the people are * For the purpose of comparison I subjoin the passage as it is given in the Calcutta and Lucnow (Lakhnau) copies. As the copyists were evidently ignorant of what they were writing, they have for the most part omitted, or guessed, the diacritical poiuts. The first Extract is from the Calcutta copy. ^^^jif^J'^jy^ cir^ Jir^' sjSjI*^ lJ^ ^jiS}]jy^ «3;*^ sj^*^) y. '—^^ The following is from the Lucnow copy, «3; jJo cJJL tJ5U-« y JaT yi))j^. cJk-^ft :1 y^y^ f^^ j^ c:^JbjJ^^j ^jisL^ j4^ kkM^l ^y^ y v->XJi^i ^ ^^L?"^ j*^./!/^ 34 GENERAL HISTORIES. exceedingly black : whence it runs through other countries, and falls into the eastern sea in eight different channels. The river Mawan runs by Katah, and falls into the Barna. It flows through several countries, and then arrives at a country where they drink an electuary of hemp. The Brahmans also drink it. Thence it flows through Biman, and thence falls into the sea of Jaj. The river Makan flows through Namran and other countries, where people have their habitations in the hills. They are called Harkaran Barabaran, that is, their ears descend to their shoulders.* Thence it runs to Asmuk,f where men's faces are like those of animals, and then falls into the sea. The Lashan is a very large stream. Section iv. Relatmg to the Countries of Hind, the Cities, some Islands, and their Inhabitants, It has been mentioned in the beginning of this work that the country of Hind is divided into three parts. The Indians are of opinion that it is nine times larger than Tran, and is included within three Aklims (climates) in the following manner, viz. the western portion is in the third climate, and the eastern in the first, but the chief portion of Hind is included in the second climate. Its central territory is called Madhyades, which means " the middle land." The Persians call it Canauj. It is called the Madhyades, because it lies between the seas and moun- tains, between hot and cold countries, and between the two ex- tremities of west and east. Its capital was the residence of the all-powerful and independent kings of India. Sind lies on * These remind us of some of the tribes enumerated in the Rama- yana, the Karna-pravaranas " those who wrap themselves up in their ears," Ashtakarnakas, " the eight-eared," or, as Wilson suggests, Ash- tha-Karnakas, " having lips extending to their ears." See Asiatic Researches, Vol. XVII. p. 456. Robertson, Ancient India, p. 34. t This is evidently meant for the Sanscrit word Aswamukha, the " horse-faced." They are noticed also in the Sequel of the Periplus. They are the attendants of Indra and Kuvera. The tales of these demi- gods and other monsters, such as the Cynocephali of ^Elianand Ctesias are all derived from native originals. See ^lian, Nat : Animal. IV. 46. CtesicB Operum Reliquice, ed : Bayer, p. 320. Wilson, Notes on Ctesias, p. 36. Plin : Histor. Nat. VII. 2. Vincent, Comm. and Nav. of the An- cients, Vol. II. p. 524. Asiatic Researches, Vol. VIII. p. 338, and Vol. IX. p. 68. GENERAL HISTORIES. 35 the west of this territory, and if any one wishes to come from Nimroz or Fran to this country, he will have to pass through C^bul. The city of Canauj stands on the western bank of the Ganges. It was formerly the chief city of India, but in conse- quence of its being deserted by its ruler, it has now fallen to ruin, and Bdri, which is three days journey from it on the eastern side of the Ganges, has now succeeded as the capital. Canauj is as celebrated for beiug the capital of the Pandu kings, as Ma- thura (Muttra) is on account of its being the abode of Basdeo, or Krishna. This city lies on the eastern bank of the Jamna, at the distance of twenty-seven farsangs from Canauj. The city of Thanesar is situated between the rivers, nearly seventy farsangs north of Canauj, and within fifty farsangs of Mathilra. The Ganges issues from a source styled Gangdwir, and waters most of the cities of India. Those who have not personally ascertained the relative dis- tances of the cities of Hind from each other, must be dependent on the information derived from others. In stating these distances we will begin from Canauj. In going towards the south, between the rivers Jumna and Ganges, you arrive at a place called Jajmau,* at a distance of 12 farsangs, each farsang being equal to four miles ; 8 farsangs from that is Karwah ; — from Karwah to Brahmashk, 8 ; — thence to Abh^puri 8 ; — thence to the treef of Prdg, 12. This is at the confluence of the Jumna and Ganges. From the confluence to the embouchure of the Ganges, is twelve^ farsangs. From the same confluence, in directing your course towards the south, a road leads along the bank of the river to Arak Tirat,§ which is dis- tant 12 farsangs; — to the country ofl/rih^r,!] 40; — to Urda- * M. Reinaud reads Haddjamava. There can be little doubt that Jajmau, close to Kanhpdr, (Cawnpoor) is meant. t The mention of the iree is important, as showing that at that time there was no city on the site of Allahabad, but merely a tree at the confluence ; which is described in a subsequent passage as being of large dimensions, with two main boughs, one withered, the other flourishing, and as the Indians are represented as mounting on the tree to enable them to precipitate themselves into the Ganges, the river must have then flowed under it. The trunk of the tree still exists, and is as holy as ever, but is almost excluded from, view by being enclosed in a subterraneous dwelling, called Patalpuri, evidently of great antiquity, within the walls of the fort of Allahabad (Ilhabad). X This accords with the original Arabic, but there is some unac- countable error. § Perhaps the island of Karan Tirat, now abbreviated into Kantit, near Mirzapur. II M. Reinaud reads Oubarhar. Perhaps Behar is meant, though the direction is too easterly. It is to be observed, however, of Al Birliui's bearings, that they are generally much more incorrect than his distances, as may be seen by comparing the relative position of F 2 36 GENERAL HISTORIES. bisk,* on the borders of the sea, 50 ; — thence you go to Sam, on the shore of the sea, towards the east. The first of its provinces is Durf and it adjoins Jun, 40 ; — to Ranji, 30 ; — to Malea, 40 ; — to Ni'mab, 30 ; — which is the remotest point. If you go from Bari to the Ganges, in an easterly direction, you come to Ajodhya, at the distance of 25 farsangs ; — thence to the great Benares, 20. In taking a south-easterly course from that, you come, at the distance of 35 farsangs, to Sarwara ;% — thence to Patalipura, 20 ; — thence to Mungiri, 1 5 ; thence to Champa, 30 ; — thence Dukanpur, 50 ;— thence to the conflu- ence at Ganga Sagar, 30. In going from Canauj to the east you come to Mali§ B^ri, at the distance of 10 farsangs; — thence to Dukam, 45; — thence to Silhet,|l 10 ;— thence to Bhet, 12 ;— thence you go to Tilut, any two places, of which the identification, is unquestionable, — as between Dhar and U'jain. He makes the former lie due east from the latter, whereas in reality it is even more than north-east. Vidarbha, or Berar, may possibly be meant, in which case there would be no correction on account of the bearing. * M. Reinaud reads Ourdabysehan. Perhaps Urya Des, Odra Des, or Orissa, is meant. See Lassen, Ind : Alterthumskunde, I. 186. t This is very obscure. M. Reinaud translates it thus : en suivant les bords de la mer et en se dirigeant vers I'Orient, atravers les pro- vinces auxquelles confinent maintenant les etats du roi Djour ; la premiere de ces provinces est Dravida. X This may, perhaps, mean the country beyond Sarj(i, the name by which Gorakhpur is now locally known to the people about Bena- res, and hence the name of one of the most populous tribes of Brah- mans. Sarwar is an abbreviation of Sarjupar, " the other side of the Sarju." So Paradas is used in the Puranic lists to represent people who live beyond the Indus, just as t^ irepa is used in the Periplus of the Erythrean sea to signify the ports beyond the straits. In Plutarch [Camillus, C. 21,) an expression exactly equivalent occurs, vaph Thu TTOTa/jLhv " the other side of the river." § This is the name by which Bari is called in this passage. As there are several other towns of the same name in the neighbourhood, this may have been a distinctive title given to the new Capital. The combi- nation is by no means improbable, for as Bari means " a garden," and Mali, " a gardener," the words are frequently coupled together. The following lines, for instance, in which the two names occur in con- junction, is a common charm for the bite of a wasp : — '^^ ^^t wfT ^^ XtiUi) t^UjI ^»3 aS jjtij jj^ (^^ xjjJlLuo ^lUxii o^mjJ ^j^ *^!y^ ^ *-^^ tdy^ Lu«)^ ^) ^Aj jJJi \jL^]j^ * This is also mentioned in the Mongul work called Bodimer. See Pallas, Sammlungen historischer Nachrichten, T. I. p. 19. The country of Karajang and its borders are again noticed by our author in his account of China, and its position is laid down by M. Quatremere, Hist, dcs Mongols, p. xciv. At p. 40 this name, differently accented, is ascribed to the Sind, in conformity with the original ; but from this passage it is evident that Candahar, not the Sind, was called Karajang. 48 GENERAL HISTORIES. Note A. India, as known to the Arabs during the first four Centuries of the Hijri Era, The first extracts are taken from the And- ennes Relations des Indes et de la Chine, trans- lated from the Arabic by M. Renaudot, A. D. 1718. The Jesuits endeavoured to throw dis- credit upon this work, and declared that it was a fiction of the translator. This assertion gained considerable credit, when it was ascertained that the original manuscript, from which M. Renaudot was said to have translated his work, was nowhere to be found. It was at last for- tunately discovered by M. de Guignes, who has bestowed an article upon it in the Notices et Extracts, Tom. I. 156—161. See also M^m: de VAcad: des Inscriptions, Xom. XXXVII. 477. An edition of the Arabic and a new French translation was given by M. Langles in the beginning of the present century, but his trans- lation is little known. In 1845, M. Reinaud published the Arabic text of M. Langles, with a new translation and valuable notes. He tells us that the first part of the work com- prises the statement of a voyager named Sulai- man, whose " relations" were taken down A. D. 851, and that the second part was completed GENERAL HISTORIES. 49 towards the close of the century by Abu Zaid, of Siraf, from verbal information and from read- ing, and that he had communication with Mas'6di, whom M. Quatremere at one time con- sidered to be the Editor of these Relations. (See Asiatic Journal, Vol. XXXIII. p. 234 ; Journal Asiatique, 4th series, Tom. VIII. p. 16J , and M. Reinaud, Discours preliminaire, pp. ii. — xxviii.) Some particulars relating to the Ifidies and to the kings of the same countries. Both the Indians and Chinese agree, that there are four great or principal kings in the world ; they alldw the king of the Arabs to be the first, and to be, without dispute, the most powerful of kings, the most wealthy, and the most excellent every way ; be- cause he is the prince and head of a great religion, and because no other surpasses him in greatness or power. The emperor of China reckons himself next after the king of the Arabs, and after him the king of the Greeks ; and lastly, the Balhara. :«: * * 4: * He is surrounded by the dominions of many kings, who are at war with him, and yet he never marches against them. One of these is king of Ilaraz, who has very numerous forces, and is stronger in horse than all the other princes of the Indies, but is an enemy to the Arabs, though he at the same time confesses their king to be the greatest of kings ; nor is there a prince in the Indies who has a greater aversion to Muhammedanism. His dominions are upon a promontory, where are much riches, many camels, and other cattle. The inhabitants here traffic with silver they wash for ; and they say there are mines of the same on the continent. There is no talk of robbers in this country, no more than in the rest of the Indies. On one side of this kingdom lies that of Tafek, which is not of very great extent ; this king has the finest white women in all the Indies ; but he is subject to the kings about him, his army being but small. He has a great affection for the Arabs, as well as the Balhara. These kingdoms border upon the lands of a king called Rahmi, who is at war with the king of Haraz, and with the Balhara also. This prince is not much considered either for his birth or the antiquity of his kingdom ; but his forces are more numerous than those of the Balhara and even than those of the kings of 50 GENERAL HISTORIES. Haraz and Tafek. They say that when he takes the field, he appears at the head of fifty thousand elephants ; and that he commonly marches in the winter season, because the elephants not being able to bear with thirst, he can move at no other time. They say also that in his army there are commonly from ten to fifteen thousand tents. In this same country they make cotton garments, in so extraordinary a manner, that no where else are like to be seen. These garments are for the most part round, and wove to that degree of fineness, that they may be drawn through a ring of a middling size. Shells are current in this country, and serve for small money, notwithstanding that they have gold and silver, wood-aloes and sable-skins of which they make the furniture of saddles and housings. In this same country is the famous Karkandan or unicorn, which has but one horn upon its forehead, and thereon a round spot with the representation of a man. The whole horn is black, except the spot in the middle, which is white. The unicorn is much smaller than the elephant ; from the neck down- wards he pretty much resembles the buffalo ; for strength he is extraordinary, therein surpassing all other creatures ; his hoof is not cloven, and from his foot to his shoulder he is all of a piece. The elephant flies from the unicorn, whose lowing is like that of an ox, with something of the cry of a camel. His flesh is not forbidden, and we have eaten of it. There are great numbers of this creature in the fens of this kingdom, as also in all the other provinces of the Indies ; but the horns of these are the most esteemed, and upon them are generally seen the figures of men, peacocks, fishes and other resemblances. The Chinese adorn their girdles with these sorts of figures ; so that some of these girdles are worth two or three thousand pieces of gold in China, and sometimes more, the price augmenting with the beauty of the figure. All the things we have here enumerated, are to be purchased in the kingdom of Rahmi for shells, which are the current money. After this kingdom there is another which is an inland state, distant from the coast, and called Kaschbin. The inhabitants are white, and bore their ears : they have camels, and their coun- try is a desert, and full of mountains. Farther on, upon the coast, there is a small kingdom called Hitrange, which is very poor ; but it has a bay, where the sea throws up great lumps of ambergris. They have also elephants' teeth and pepper ; but the inhabitants eat it green, because of the smallness of the quantity they gather. »i: 4: * ^ H: The island of Sarandip is the last of the islands of the Indies. When they burn a king it is usual for his wives to jump into the fire, and to burn with him, but this they are not constrained to do if they are not willing. GENERAL HISTORIES. 51 In the Indies there are men who profess to live in the woods and mountains, and to despise what other men most value. These abstain from every thing but such wild herbs and fruits as spring forth in the woods. I formerly saw one in the posture I have described, and returning to the Indies about sixteen years after- wards, I found him in the very same attitude, and was astonished he had not lost his eyesight by the heat of the sun. In all these kingdoms the sovereign power resides in the royal family, and never departs from it ; and those of this family suc- ceed each other. In like manner there are families of learned men, of physicians, and of all Ihe artificers concerned in archi- tecture, and none of these ever mix with a family of a profession different from their own. The several states of the Indies are not subject to one and the same king, but each province has its own king ; nevertheless the Balhara is, in the Indies, as king of kings. We will now begin to speak of the province of Zapage, which is opposite to China, and a month's sail distant therefrom by sea, or less, if the wind be fair. The king of this country is called Mehrage, and they say it is nine hundred leagues in circumfer- ence, and that this king is master of many islands which lie round about ; thus this kingdom is above a thousand leagues in extent. Among these islands there is one called Serbeza, which is said to be four hundred leagues in circuit, and that also of Rahmi, which is eight hundred leagues in compass, and produces red-wood, camphire, and many other commodities. The Meh- rage is sovereign over all these islands, and that which he makes his abode is extremely fertile, and so very populous that the towns almost crowd one upon the other. A person of great pro- bity relates, that when the cocks here crow at their accustomed hours, just as with us, at roost upon trees, they answer each other a hundred leagues around and more, because of the proxi- mity of the villages which almost touch each other. Next in order is Ibn Khordadbeh, who died about A. D. 912, and from whose work the following extract is translated. M. M. Uyl- enbroeck, Hamaker, and WUstenfeld consi- der that Ibn Khordadbeh, is the real author of the " Oriental Geography," translated by Sir W. Ouseley, and ascribed by him to H 2 52 GENERAL HISTORIES. Ibn Haukal, but the extract given below does not correspond with the " Oriental Geogra- phy." M. Uylenbroeck has also entered into a long argument to prove that Ibn Khordad- beh is the same as Abii-l-Kasim Istakhri, who composed his work between A. D. 900 and 925. But this opinion is by no means concur- red in by M. M. Frahn and Gildemeister. It is probable that this doubtful point has been finally set at rest by the Editor of Istakhri's work, which has lately been translated by Dr. Mordtmann, as well as edited in original by Dr. Moller, neither of which I have had an opportunity of seeing. M. Gildemeister consi- ders there can be no question that Istakhri was the author of the work translated by Ouseley, but denies his identity with Ibn Khordadbeh. (Compare De Sacy, Magas : EncyclopM : Tom. VI. Wiistenfeld, Ahulfeda, Tab: Geogr. p. 75. Uylenbroeck, Iracce Persic^ Descr : pp. 9, 57 — Q^, 72. Frahn, Ibn Foszlan ueber die Russeriy pp. xxii. 257. Gildemeister, Script : Arab, de reb : Indie: pp. 76, 124. Jahresbericht der Deutschen Morgenl'dnd : Ges : fiir 1846, p. 78. NicoU and Fusey, Bibliothe : Bodl : Codd : MSS, Or: Catal: p. 534.) The kings and people of Hind regard fornication as lawful and wine as unlawful. This opinion prevails throughout Hind, except at Kamar, the inhabitants of which hold both fornication and the use of wine as unlawful. The people of Sarandip con- vey wine from Irak for consumption in their own country. The kings of Hind take great delight in having elephants of lofty stature, and pay largely for them in gold. The elephants are, generally, about 9 cubits high, except those of Atab, which are 10 and U cubits. GENERAL HISTORIES. 53 The greatest king of India is Balhara, whose name imports *' king of kings." He wears a ring in which is inscribed the following sentence : ** Whoever values you merely for your good offices, remains no longer your friend when his wishes are gratified." The next eminent king is he of Taffa ; the third is king of Jabba ; the fourth, that of Hazar ; the coins of Tartary are in use in his dominions. The fifth is king of Abba ; the sixth, that of Rahmi, and between him and the other kings, a commu- nication is kept up by sea. It is stated that he has in his possession five thousand elephants ; that his apparel is of manu- factured cotton cloths ; and that his country produces an odorifer- ous wood called " Aggar." The seventh is the king of Kamriin, which is contiguous to China. There is plenty of gold in this country. There is a road through the city of Karkiiz, leading to the eastern countries from Persia. The island of Kh^rak lies fifty parasangs from Ibla, and has cultivated lands, trees, and vines. The island of Labin is at the distance of eighty parasangs from that of Kharak, and has cultivated lands and trees. This parasang is equal to two para- sangs of the usual measure. From Labin to the island of Abriiii are seven parasangs ; it has trees and cultivated fields ; and from Abrun to the island of Chin, .ire seven parasangs, equal to one half of the usual measure. This island is uninhabited. From Chin to the island of Kasir are seven parasangs, equal to four common parasangs. In this island are cultivated lands, trees and the hke, and the inhabitants dive for pearls, which are here of excellent quality. From Kasir to Abarkawan are eighteen parasangs, equal to three of the usual measure. The inhabitants are of a fair complexion. From Abarkawan to Armun are seven parasangs. From Armun to N^rmasaira is seven days' journey, and the latter lies between Persia and Sind. From Narma- saira to Daibal is eight days* journey, and from Daibal to the junction of the river Mihran with the sea is two parasangs. From Sind are brought the costus, canes, and bamboos. From the Mihran to Bagar, which is reckoned the first place on the borders of Hind, is four days' journey. The country abounds with canes in the hilly tracts, but in the plains there are culti- vated fields. The people are Buddhists and robbers. From this place to Almez are two parasangs, where also robbers are to be met with. From Almez to Cole* are two parasangs, and from * This is the first indication we have of the Coles in this neigh- bourhood ; if we except the KwAts of Dionysius {Perieg : 1148) which must be looked for in another direction. The Geographia Nubiensis also notices this place : — " Ab hac ad insulam Mond sex millia passu- um : et ab hac ad Coli passus totidem : et a Coli, secCis littus, ad urbem Labara, quinque fere stationes." p. 60. 54 GENERAL HISTORIES. Cole to Sindan are eighteen parasangs. In the latter grow the ebony and canes. From Sindan to Mallay, is five days' journey ; in the latter black pepper is to be found, also the bamboo. From Mallay to Balbun, is two days' journey, and from Balbun to Lujja Azjma, is two days' journey. There are routes by sea from Balbun. If you sail close to the shore it takes you two days to reach Bas, which is a large place where you can take passage to Sarandip. From Bas to Saji and Uscan, is two days' journey, in which latter place rice is cultivated. From Uscan to Kaura is half a parasang, which is more than three of the usual size. From Kaura to Kancan, Malwa and Kanja, is two days' journey, in all which wheat and rice are cultivated, and into which the wood of aloes is imported from Kamul and other neighbouring places by the sea route in fifteen days. From Samunder to TJrisser are twelve parasangs ; this is a great country, where are elephants, buffaloes, and other cattle and various merchantable commodities. This place is held in much renown. From U'risser to Aina is four days' journey, where elephants and asses are met with. [After this follows the description of Pic d' Adam. In ano- ther place the author continues his account of India in these words : — ] There are seven classes of Hindus, viz., 1st, Sabkufria, among whom are men of high caste, and from among whom kings are chosen. The people of the other six classes do the men of this class homage, and them only. 2nd, Brahma, who totally abstain from wine, also from the juice of the date and palm tree. 3rd, Kattaria, who drink not more than three cups of wine, and the daughters of the class of Brahma are not given in marriage to the sons of this class, but the Brahma take their daughters. 4th, Suduria, who are by profession husbandm.en. The 5th, Bai- surah, are artificers and domestics. The 6th, Sandalia, who perform menial offices. 7th, Lahud, their women are fond of adorning themselves with gaudy apparrel, and jewellery, and their men are noted for their unbounded love of amusements and all sorts of diversions.* In Hind there are forty-two religious * None of the early Arabian Geographers notice this division into tribes. The Grecian Authors, on the authority of Megasthenes, divide the tribes into seven, and attribute the following offices to them, which are very different from those assigned by Ibn Khordadbeh. Strabo. Diodoriis. Arrian. 1st Class. Philosophers * Philosophers Sophists 2nd „ Husbandmen Husbandmen Husbandmen 3rd „ Sheplierds and Cowherds and Cowherds and shepherds hunters shepherds 4th „ Artificers and Artificers Artificers, merchants and merchants boatmen 6th „ Warriors Warriors Warriors 6th „ Inspectors Inspectors Inspectors 7th „ Counsellors and Counsellors and Assessors assessors assessors GENERAL HISTORIES. 55 sects ;='= part of them believe in a creator and prophet — the bless- ing of God be upon them ! ; part deny the mission of a prophet, and part are atheists. We will now quote the famous Mas'udi, who visited India, Ceylon, and the coast of China, in A. H. 303. The following extracts are from his work entitled, " Meadows of Gold and Mines of Gems," of which the first part has been well translated by Dr. A. Sprenger. He was an acute observer, and deservedly continues one of the most admired writers in the Arabic lan- guage. His travels extended over nearly all the countries subject to Muhammedan sway. He says of himself that he travelled so far to the West (Morocco and Spain) that he forgot the East, and so far to the West (China) that he forgot the West. He died A. D. 956. India is a vast country, having many seas and mountains, and borders on the empire ot ez-Zanij, which is the kingdom of the Maharaj, the King of the islands, whose dominions form the fron- tier between India and China, and are considered as part of India. The Hindu nation extends from the mountains of Khorasan and of es-Sind as far as et-Tubbet. But there prevails a great difference of feelings, language, and rehgion, in these empires ; and they are frequently at war with each other. The most of them believe on the metempsychosis, or the transmigration of the soul. The Hindus are distinct from other black nations, as the Zanj ed-Demadem and others, in point of intellect, govern- (Vid. Strab. Geogr : lib: xv. 703 — 707- Arrian : Indica 11. 12. Diodor : Sic : lib: ii. 40, 41. and Megasthenis Fragmenta, E. A. Schwanbeek, pp. 42, 121—127.) It is not easy to identify the names given by Ibn Khordadbeh. The 1st is unintelligible — the 2nd is evident — the 3rd seems to indicate the Khattris — the 4th the Sudras — the 5th the Vaisava — the 6th the Chandals — the 7th the Bazigars and itinerant jugglers. * This is the number ascribed by the indignant Frenchman to England — '* Forty-two religions ! and only one sauce ! !" ^, 56 GENERAL HISTORIES. ment, philosophy, colour, appearance, good constitution, talent, and intelligence. * * * * No king can succeed to the throne, according to Hindu laws, before he is forty years of age, nor appears their sovereign ever before the public, except at certain times, which are fixed at long intervals, and then it is only for the inspection of state affairs ; for, in their opinion, the kings lose their respect and give away their privileges if the public gazes at them. The measures of government must be carried by mildness in India, and by degra- dation from a higher rank. The royalty is limited upon the descendants of one family, and never goes to another. The same is the case with the families of the Vazier, Kadhi, and other high officers. They are all (he- reditary and) never changed nor altered. The Hindus abstain from (spirituous) liquors, not in obedience to some religious precept, but because they do not choose to take a thing which overwhelms their reason, and makes cease the dominion which this faculty is to exercise over men. If it can be proved of one of their kings, that he has drunk (wine), he forfeits the crown ; for he is (not considered to be) able to rule and govern (the empire) if he is given to such habits. * * * * * El-Jahit supposes that the river Mihran in es-Sind is the Nile, alleging as a proof that crocodiles live in it. I cannot understand how this proof can be conclusive. This he states in His book *' On the leading cities and the wonders of the countries," It is an excellent work, but as he has never made a voyage and few journies and travels through kingdoms and cities, he did not know that the Mihran of es-Sind comes from the well- known sources of the highland of es-Sind, from the country belonging to Kinnauj, in the kingdom of Budah, and of Kashmir el-Kandahar, and et-Takin ; the tributaries which rise in these countries run to el-Multan and from thence the united river re- ceives the name Mihran. El-Multan means meadows of gold. The king of el-Miiltan is a Koraishite, and of the children of Osamah Ben Lawi Ben Ghalib. His dominion extends as far as the frontier of Khorasan. The lord of the kingdom of el-Man- siirah is a Koraishite, who is descended from Habbar Ben el- Aswad, who has been one of their kings. The crown of el-Mul- tan has been hereditary, in the family which rules at present, since ancient times, and nearly from the beginning of the Islam, From el-Miiltan the river Mihran takes its course to the coun- try of el-Mansurah, and falls about ed-Daibol into the Indian ocean. In this sea are many crocodiles, for it has several estu- aries and gulfs, as the estuary of Sindabiir in the kingdom of Baghar, in India ; the estuary of ez-Zanj in the dominions of GENERAL HISTORIES. 67 the Maharaj, and the gulfs of el-A'nab (grapes,) which extend towards the island Serendib (Ceylon). The crocodiles live par- ticularly in sweet water, and, as we said, in the estuaries of India, the water of which is for the most part sweet, on account of the streams which arise from rain and fall in them. ***** The king of India is the Ballahra ; the king of Kinnauj, who is one of the kings of es-Sind is Budah ; this is a title general to all kings of el-Kinnauj ; at present this city is under the sceptre of the Islam, for it forms a province of el-Mult^n. Through this town passes one of the (five) rivers, which form together the river Mihran in es-Sind, which is considered by el- Jahit as the Nile, and by others as the Jaihun of Khoi'as^n. This Budah, who is the king of el-Kinnauj, is an enemy of the Ballahra, the king of India. The king of el- Kandahar, who is one of the kings of es-Sind ruUng over this country, is called Jahaj ; this name is common to all sovereigns of that country. From his dominions comes the river Rayid, one of the five rivers which form the Mihrdn of es-Sind. Kandahar is called the country of the Kah- but (Rajbut) ; another river of the Panjab is called Hatil, it comes also from the mountains of es-Sind, and runs through the coun- try of er-Rahbiit, which is the country of el-Kandahar: the fourth river of the Panjab comes from the country of Kabul, and its mountains, which forms the frontier of es-Sind towards Bost, Ghaznah, Nafsh, (?) er-Rokh-khaj, and the country of er-Rawan, which is the frontier of Sijistan. One of the five rivers comes from the country of Kashmir. The king of Kashmir has the name of er-Rania, which is a general title for all kings. ***** When all the rivers which we have enumerated have passed the golden temple, which is the meaning of the name of el-Multan, they unite at about three days' journey below this city and above el-Mansurah, at a place called Dush§,b, into one stream, which proceeds to the town of er-Ri'id, which lies on its western bank and belongs to el-Mansurah, where it receives the name Mihrdn. There it is divided into two branches, both of which fall at the town of Shdkirah, which belongs also to one of the districts of el-Mansurah, into the Indian sea, under the name of Mihran of es-Sind, about two days' journey from the town of ed-Daibol. El-Multdn is seventy-five Sindian farsangs from el-Mansurah. Each farsang has eight miles, as stated above. All the estates (»nd villages under the dependency of el-Mansurah amount to three hundred thousand. The whole country is well cultivated, and covered with trees and fields. They are at constant war with a nation called the Mind, who are a race of the Sind, and with other nations on the frontiers of es-Sind. El-Mdlt^n is equally on the frontier of es-Sind, and so are the towns and vil- lages belonging to it. £1-Mansurah has its name from Mansiir I 58 GENERAL HISTORIES. Ben Jambiir, governor of the Omaiyides. The king of el-Man- siirah has eighty war elephants, every one of which is supported by five hundred infantry in battle, as we have already remarked ; and these elephants can oppose thousands of horses. Let us now resume our short account of the kings of es-Sind and India. The language of es-Sind is different from that of India. Es-Sind is the country which is nearer the dominions of the Moslems, and India that which is farther from them. The inhabitants of el-Mankir, which is the residence of the Ballahra, speak the Kiriyah language, which has this name from the places where it is spoken. On the coast, as in Saimiir (?) Snbarah, Tanah, and other towns on the coast of the Ladiwa sea, a lan- guage is spoken which has its name from the sea which washes these countries ; and this is the Ladiwa sea, which has been described above. On this coast are many rivers, which run from the south, whilst all other rivers of the world flow from north to south, excepting the Nile, of Egypt, and the Mihran, of es-Sind. Next to the country of Ballahra is the kingdom of et-Takin. The king is on friendly terms with the neighbouring sove- reigns and with the Moslems ; his mihtary forces are less con- siderable than those of the kings whom we have named. Be- yond this kingdom is that of Rahma, which is the title for their kings, and generally at the same time their name. His dominions border on those of the king of the Khazars ; and, on one side, on those of el-Ballahra, with whom he is frequently at war. llahma has more troops, elephants, and horses, than the Ballah- ra, the king of el-Khazar and of et-Takin. When he takes the field, he has no less than five thousand elephants. He never goes to war but in winter, because the elephants cannot bear thirst. His forces are generally exaggerated ; some believe that the number of fullers and washers in his camp, is from ten to fifteen thousand. The following extract is from the " Oriental Geography,'* translated by Sir W. Ouseley, the author of which, though proved to be neither Ibn Khordadbeh, nor Ibn Haukal, is generally acknowledged to have written at the early part of the 10th Century of the Christian Era, and is now by almost common consent considered to be Istakhri. GENERAL HISTORIES. 59 Besmeid is a small town. Besmeid, and Moultan, and Chend- var, are situated on the eastern side of the river of Moultan, each at the distance of one farsang from the bank of the river. The water used in these towns is well water. Daubul is situated on the eastern side of the river Mihran, on the sea coast ; it is the port of this country. In the culti- vation of their lands, the inhabitants do not use water. It is a barren place ; but people dwell there for the convenience of transacting mercantile business. Bileroun is a town between Daubul and Mansoureh, on the west of the river Mihran ; and Beherje. and Mesouai, and Sedou- san, and Iledlech, are situated on the western side of the river Mihran. Andi and Daloui are both on the eastern side of it, at a distance from the river, in going from Mansoureh to Moultan. Baloui is situated on the banks of the river Mihran, near a bay, formed by that river behind Mansoureh. Famhel is a town on the first borders of Hindoostan. Manah is a small town, built by Abdalaziz Hebareh, the ances- tor of that race which took Mansourah. Nedeheh is a tract of flat land between Touran, and Mekrau, and Moultan, and the towns of Mansoureh. This t^ritory lies on the west of the river Mihran. It is a place remarkable for camels. The chief town of this district is a place of much com- merce; it is called Kandabil. The men of this town resemble those of the desert; they have houses constructed of reeds, along the banks of the river Mihran, as far as the borders of Moultan, and to the sea side ; and between Mihran and Famhel they have pasture lands and meadows. They are a numerous tribe. Famhel, and Sedousan, and Meimoun, and Keviabeh ; all four have mosques, in which the religious ceremonies of Islam are publicly performed : there are great quantities of the Indian wall-nut, and of the fruit called Mouz, with various kinds of herbs, and much honey. Rahouk and Kelwan are two districts between Armaiel and Kair ; both these arc without water ; they abound in cattle. Touran is a little district, with many small villages and hamlets belonging to it. Ahmed ben Maamr possesses them, and the Khutbah is read in the Khalif s name. The town in which he resides is a considerable place, well supplied with provisions, and abounding in i'ruits ; it is never subject to cold weather. Between Maniah and Famhel there is a desert : also between Famhel and Keniabah. . Tasimoun is a populous district, in which the Mussulmans and Indians are intermixed. In this place the only garment they "wear is the azar, or sash round the middle, as the heat renders all others unnecessary : it is also the custom at Moultan. In I 2 ^ GENERAL HISTORIES. the province of Makran they speak the Persian and Makrani languages. The merchants wear the cloak and turban. Makran is an extensive country, but liable to scarcity and want of provisions. Hosein ben Isa ben Maadan took possession of the district called Mihra, and dwelt in the town of Kair, which is as large as Moultan, and a good harbour ; it has many date trees ; in the territory of it is a well called the " well of Makran." It is the largest town in Makran. There is a district called Kherouje, the capital of which is Rasek, and there is a village belonging to it called Herman ; these places belong to Zefer ben Reja, and the Khutbah is read in the name of the Khahf. His territory extends near three merhileh ; it affords some hundred of date trees and furnishes Faneid (a kind of sweet paste or candied cakes), to all quarters ; its villages border on those of the province of Kirman, at the place called Meskeni. Resasil and Kanteli are two large towns within two menzils : from Resasil to the sea is half a farsang. Kandabil is a considerable city situated in the desert. Kirka- ran is another large town in the desert. In the district of Azend the Mussulmans and infidels are all intermixed. Here they have cattle and gardens. The name of a man who- took this place was Naiel (or Nabal), and it is called after him. Distances of places in Sind. From Bein to Kebr, five merhileh ; from Kebr to Fetrioun, ' two merhileh ; and if one goes from the road of Fetrioun, by the road of Makran, it is the same distance ; from Fetrioun to Derek, three merhileh ; from that to Asofkah, two merhileh ; from that to Med, one merhileh ; from Med to Kesr, one mer- hileh ; from Kebr to Armaiel, six merhileh ; from Mansoureh to Touran, fifteen merhileh ; from Kesdan to Moultan, twenty mer- hileh. Kesdan is the chief town of Touran. From Mansoureh to the borders of Nedeheh, five merhileh ; and from Kebr, which is the residence of Isa ben Maadan, to Nedeheh, ten merhileh ; from Nedeheh to Bein, fifteen merhileh ; from Bein to Kesdan, twelve merhileh ; from Nedeheh of Moultan, to the extremity of the borders of Tetar, which they call Bales, ten merhileh ; and when one goes from Mansoureh towards Nedeheh, to Sedousan, the way is by the bank of the river Mihran. From Kandabil to Mesbah, in the territory of Bein, four merhileh ; from Kesdan to Kandabil, five farsang ; from Kandabil to Mansoureh, about eight merhileh ; and from Kandabil to Moultan, ten merhileh of desert ; from Mansoureh to Famhel, twenty merhileh ; from Famhel to Keniabah four merhileh. Sourbah is near the sea ; from Suidan to Sourbah, is five mer- hileh ; from Moultan to Besmeid, two merhileh ; from Besmeid GENERAL HISTORIES. 61 to Rud (or the river), three merhileh ; from that to Aberi, four merhileh ; from Aberi to Feldi, four merhileh ; from Feldi to Mansoureh, one merhileh ; from Daubul to Pirouz, four merhi- leh ; from Pirouz to Mehaberi, two merhileh ; from Faloni to Beldon, four farsang. Of the Rivers in this country. Of the Mihran it is said that the source is the river Jihoun ; it comes out at Moultan, and passes on to the borders of Bes- meid, and by Mansourah, and falls into the sea on the east of Daubul. The waters of the river Mihran are pleasant and whole- some ; and they say it is liable to tides, or flux and reflux, like the Nile, and that it is infested by crocodiles. The Sind Rud, at three merhileh from Moultan, is of pleasant water, and joins the river Mihran. Water is very scarce throughout the land of Makran ; there is some near Mansoureh, Many of the inhabitants of Makran resemble the Arabs ; they eat fowl and fish : others of them are like the Curds. Here is the extreme boundary of the land of Islam in this direction. In one of the Royal Libraries of Lucnow there is a very old Arabic manuscript, written A.H. 589, and entitled '*Ashkalu-l-Bilad," con- taining maps and a geographical description of several countries. It is not quite perfect. On comparing this work with Ibn Haukal, I find it almost verbatim the same, so much so, as to leave no doubt that it is a copy of Ibn Haukal's work under an unusual name. As there are only two copies in Europe, one of which is very bad, this MS. is of considerable value. The follow- ing extract is translated from the Ashkalu-1- Bilad, followed by a passage from Ibn Haukal, in the part where the Lucnow manuscript was deficient, or which probably the transcriber neg- lected to copy. Ibn Haukal wrote his work about A. D. 977. A. H. 367, and is the last author on Geography whom we have to consider. (Vid. Uylenbroek, 62 GENERAL HISTORIES. Descr. Irac. Pers. p. 57. Uri, Bodl Codd. MSS. Cat. p. 209.) From the sea to Tibet is four months' journey, and from the sea of Fars to the country of Canauj is three months' journey. I have placed the country of Sind and its dependencies in one map, which exhibits the entire country of Sind, part of Hind, and Turan, and Bodh.* On the entire east of this tract there lies the sea of Fars, and on the west, Kirman and the desert of Sejes- tan, and the countries subject to it. To the north are the coun- tries of Hind, and to the south is the desert lying between Me- kran and Kufs, beyond which is the sea of Fars. This sea is to the east of the above-mentioned territories, and to the south of the said desert, and extending from Saimiir on the east to Taiz of Mekran, it encircles Kirman and Fars like a bow. The chief cities of this tract are the following : In Mekran, — Taiz,f Kabar, Kabryun, Darak, Rasil, the city of schismatics, * Gildemeister, in bis edition of Ibn Haukal, reads this Bodha, (p. 163); so does Abulfeda (p. 261), Ousely, in his Oriental Geography, reads it Nedeheh (p. 146.) The question will be considered in a subse- quent note. t As these names differ in Ibn Haukal and other authors, it may be as well to subjoin the different passages for comparison. Ibn Haukal says : — " In Mekran there are Taiz, Kaunazbur, Darek, Rivsek, Neh, Kasrfand. Adhafa, Tahalfahara, Mashka, Kambala, Ar- mail. In Thuran, Magak, Kigkanan, Shura, Kazdar. In Bodha, Kandabil. In Sind Mansura, Daibal, Birun, Vulara, Ayara, Baha, Masvahi, Fahrag, Bania, Manhatara, Sadustan, Ruz, Gaiidaiuz. In Ilind, Kamuhul, Kambaya, Subara, Asavil, Ilanavil, Sindan, Saimur, Bani Battan, Gandaruz, Sandaruz. (i)e rebus Indicis. p. 164.) Ouseley gives them thus : Alis, Kusr, Fermosin, Derek, Rasek, Kesrbund, Kelaaherek, Meski, Meil, Armaiel, Mehali, Kibrkaman, Soreh, Kandabil, Mansourah, or Sindiah, Daubal, Meroui, Manoui, Airi, Baloni, Mesonahi, Behcrje, Maseh, Meshari, Sedusan. {Oriental Geo- graphy, p. 147.) The Nubian Geographer gives a more copious list, of which some can be identified with those above given : — Kia Kir, Erniail, Band, Casr-band, Lizabar, Haur, Carabele, Manhabere, Dabil, Nirun, Fai- ruza, Mansura, Kandan, Asfaca, Daree, Masurgian, Fardan, Kircaian, Cadera, Basma, Tuberan, Moltan, Giandur, Sandur, Dur, Atre, Calere, Baseera, Mesuam, Sadusan, Bania, Mamchal, Kambaia, Subara, San- dan, Saimur, Fahalfahera, Rasee, Sarusan, Kusa, Kased, Sura, Nodha, Mehyae, Falon, Caliron and Belin. {Geographia Nubiensis, pp. 66, 5/.) M. Jaubert, in his translation of Edrisi, gives the names as Kia, Kir, Ermail, Casri-bundi, Firabouz, Khour, Canbely, Menhabery, Dibal, Niroun, Mansouria, Wandan, Asfaca, Darek, Masourdjan, Fardau, Kirkaian, Cadira, Besmek, Touberan, Moultan, Djoudour, Sandour, Dour, Atry, Calery, Nira, Masouam, Charonsan, Bania, Maniehel, Kanbaia, Soubara, Sebdan and Seimour. {Geographie d' Edrisi, Tom. I. p. 160.) GENERAL HISTORIES. 63 Beh, Nand, Kasirkand, Asfaka, Fahalfahara, Musli, Kusli, Ar- mail. In Turan, — Mahali, Kanikanan, Saura and Kasdar. In Bodha, — Kandabil. InSiud, — Mansura, which, in the Sind lan- guage, is called Blmiwan, Daibal, Nirun,* F^lid, Ibri, Ayari Balzi, Misrahi, Harnj, Barua, Manjabari, Sadusan, Dur. In Hind, — Famhal, Cambaya, Sanbarah, Sabdan, Saimur, Malean,t Hadarpoor, and Basmat. The country from Cambaya to Saimur belongs to Balhara, one of the kings of Hind.J The inhabitants are infidels, although the places are ofMuhammedan origin, as their kings before Balha- ra were Muhammedans.§ There are many mosques to be met with in these places, where Muhammedans assemble to pray. The city in which Balhara resides is Mangir,|l which has an extensive territory attached to it. Mansura is a mile long and a mile broad, surrounded by a branch of the Mihran. It is like an island, and the inhabitants are Musulmans. The king of the country is one of the tribe of Koreish, named Ladbah, the son of Hobad, the son of Aswad. — Lad bah and his predecessors, who were of the same family, held possession of this island, and maintain it to this day, but the Khutba is read in the name of the Khalifa. The climate is hot, and the date tree grows here ; but there is neither grape, nor aj)ple, nor walnut, nor guava in it. There is a species of cane to be met with, producing sugar. The land also produces a fruit of the size of the apple. It is called Lemun, and is exceedingly acid. The place also yields a fruit called Ambaj (mangoe) re- sembling the peach in appearance and flavour. It is plentiful and cheap. Prices are low and there is an abundance of food. The current coin of the country is stamped at Candah^r ; one of the pieces is equivalent to five Dirhems. The Tatar^ coin * In the Ashkalu-1-Bilad this is plainly either Birdn, or Nirun, as suggested by M. GiUlemeister. The original text which he has given of Ibn Ilaukal has no resemblance to either name. t M. Gildemeisier suggests that this may be Panipat, as he reads it in the original as Bani Battan. X The printed text here adds, " to whom the Book of Fables is dedicated.*' There is no mention of this in the Ashkahi-1 Biliid. § This is a very different statement from the printed text, which says that the Muhammedans had a prefect of their own persuasion, and that the author had observed the same practice in several other cities of which the Rulers were Infidels. The curious statement here made gives some colour to Tod's assertion about the Muhamraedan king of Cambay in the time of Bappa {Annals of Raj. I. 247) which M. Gil- demeister (p. 31) has declared to be " prorsus futile." !| There is notlung like this in the printed text, but the assertion corresponds with the statement of Mas'udi, (Meadows of Gold, pp. 175, 193, and 383.) H Remusat and Mas'udi have the same. It is difficult to say what is meant by the expression. 64 GENERAL HISTORIES. also is current, each being in amount equal to a Dirhem and a half. They likewise use Dinars. The dress of the people of the place is the same as that worn by the inhabitants of Irak, except that the dress of the sovereigns of the country resembles in the shirt and tunic that worn by the kings of Hind. Multan is about half the size of Mansura, and is called ** the boundary* of the house of gold." There is an idol in the place held in great veneration by the Hindus, and people from distant parts undertake a yearly pilgrimage to its temple and there ex- pend vast sums of money. Many take up their residence at the shrine to lead there a life of devotion. Multan derives its name from this idol. The temple is situ- ated on an elevation in a populous part of the city, in the midst of a bazar, near which mechanics and the dealers in ivory pursue their trade. The idol is placed immediately in the centre of the temple, around which the priests and the pilgrims take up their residence, and no other man in Multan, either of Hind or Sind. is allowed to remain in the temple except the ministrants above mentioned. The idol has a human shape, and is seated with its legs bent in a quadrangular posture, on a pedestal made of brick and mor- tar. Its whole body is covered with a red skin like Morocco leather, but its eyes are open. Some say that the body of the idol is made of wood ; some deny this ; but it is not possible to ascertain this point with certainty, by reason of the skin which covers the body. The hands rest upon the knees, with the fin- gers closed, f so that only four can be counted. The eyes of the idol are of some precious gem, and its head is covered with a crown of gold. The sums collected from the offerings of the pilgrims at the shrine are taken by the Amir of Multan, and distributed amongst the servants of the temple. As often as the Indians make war upon them and endeavour to seize the idol, they bring it out, pretending that they will break it and burn it. Upon which the assailants return, otherwise they would destroy MuMn. There is a strong fort in Multan. Prices are low, but Man- sura is more fertile and populous. The reason why Multan is de- * The Ashkalu-1-Bilad says " burj," or bastion, which at first sight would seem a more probable reading ; but the reasons assigned for reading the word " farj" are so strong, as set forth by M. Hamaker, in his note to the Descriptio IractB Persicce (p. 67) that we are not entitled to consider " burj" as the correct reading. t Ibn Haukal says, " with expanded fingers." Zakariya Cazvini, following Istakhri, says " closed hands." The Ashkalu-1 Bilad con- curs with Istakhri, as quoted by M. Kosegarten De Mohammede Ibn Batuta, p. 27. Edrisi speaks of four hands, instead of four fingers, and a very slight change in the original would authorize that reading, {Geographic, par M. Jaubert, Tom. I. p. 167.) GENERAL HISTORIES. 65 signaled " the house of gold'* is, that the Muhaimnedans, though poor at the time they conquered the place, enriched themselves by the gold which they found in it. About half a farsaug from Multan are several edifices called Chandr^wir,* the cantonment of the chief, who never enters Multan, except on Fridays, and then on the back of an elephant, in order to join in the prayers enjoined for that day. The Governor is of the tribe of Koreish, of the sons of Samah, the son of Lawi, wlio first occupied the place. He owes no allegiance to the chief of Mausura. He, however, always reads the Khutba in the name of the Khalifa. Basmad is a small city, situated like Miilt^n and Chandrawar, on the east of the river Mihran. This river is at the distance of a parasang from each of the places mentioned. The inha- bitants use well-water for drink. Basmad has a fort. TJie country of Abrurf is as extensive as Multan. It has two walls, is situated near the Mihran, and is on the borders of Mansiira. The city of Daibal is to the west| of the Mihran, towards the sea. It is a large mart, and the port not only of this but neigh- bouring regions. Daibal is remarkable for the richness of its grain cultivation, but it is not over-abundant in large trees or the date tree. It is famous for the manufacture of swords. § The inhabitants generally maintain themselves by their commerce. The country of Nirun is between Daibal and Mansura, but rather nearer to the latter. Manjabarijl is to the west of the * This most resembles the word in the Ashkalu-1-BiIad. Gilde- nieister gives it as Jandrdr and Gdndar. The Nubian Geographer says, Jandiir, and Abu-l-feda, Ganddwar. t Ibn Haukal says AbrOz. Abu-l-feda says, Azur. The Nubian Geographer says Aldaur, as does the Ashkalu-1-Biiad, in a different part of this chapter. X Ibn Uaukal says to the east. The text of the Ashkalu-l-Bilad is plain on this point, and the Map also represents Daibal to the west. § M. Gildemeister translates this " locus sterilis est," which is scarcely consistent with the previous assertion about the cultivation, ia which also his copy does not concur — " Agros non habet irriguos." II This name is read very difl'erently by different Geographers. Vin- cent thinks that it is the same town as the Minnagara of Ptolemy, and of the Periplus usually ascribed to Arrian. D'Anville supposes Min- nagara to be the same as Mausura. C. Ritter says it is Tatta, so does Alex. Burnes, because Tatta is now called Sa-Minagur, and Mannert says, Binagara should be read for Minnagara. These high authorities place it on the Indus. But although goods were landed at Barbarice, the port of the Indus, and conveyed to Minnagara " by the river," there is no reason why Minnagara should have been on that river. The Periplus merely says, " Minnagara is inland," fifaSyeios fi nerp6^ iro\is auT^s T^s "iKvdias Miifvaydp. Again, the Periplus says, the " Me- tropolis of the whole country, is Minnagara, whence great quantities of cotton goods are carried down to Barygaza," or Baroach, which could scarcely have been the place of export, if Minnagara had been on the 66 GENERAL HISTORIES. Mihraii, and there any one who proceeds from Daibal to Man- siira will have to pass the river, the latter place being opposite to Manjabari. Maswahi, Harj and Sadusan,* are also situated to the west of the Mihran. On the road between Mansura and Multan, and on the east of the Mihran, but distant from it, are two places called Ibri and Labi. Indus. But even allowing it to have been on the Indus, there is every reason to suppose it was on the eastern bank, whereas Manjabari is plainly stated to be on the western. Lassen derives the name of this capital of Indo-Scythia from the Sanskrit Nagara, a town, and Min, which he shows from Isidorus Characenus to be the name of a Scythian city. The Sindomana of Arrian may, therefore, owe its origin to this source. C. Ritter saysMm is a name of the Sacas ; if so, there can be little doubt that we have their representatives in the wild Minas of Rajputana, who have been driven but little to the eastward of their former haunts. Minnagara is, according to Ptolemy, in Long. 115. 15. Lat. 19. 20, and he places it on the Nerbadda, so that his Minnagara, as well as that of the second quotation from the Periplus, may possibly be the famous Mandugarh, (not far from that river,) and the Mankir which the early Arab Geographers represent as the capital of the Ballahra. The fact appears to be that there were two Minnagaras — One on, or near, the Indus ; another on the Nerbadda (Narmada). Ptolemy's assertion cannot be gainsaid, and establishes the existence of the lat- ter on the Nerbadda. The one on, or near, the Indus, was the capital of Indo-Scythia, and the Binagara, or Agrinagara, of Ptolemy. We learn from the Tohfatu-1-Kiram that in the twelfth century Minagar was one of the cities dependent on Mfaltan, and was in the possession of a chief, by caste an Agri, descended from Alexander. When we re- member that Arrian informs us that Alexander left some of his troops, (including, no doubt, Agrians,) as a garrison for the town at the junction of the Indus and Acesines, this affords a highly curious coincidence, which cannot, however, be further dilated upon in this place. (Compare Ritter, Die Erdkunde von Asien, Vol. IV. part I. p. 475, and Vol. V. p. 181. Ptol Geogr. Lib. VII. C. I. Tab. 10. Vincent, Periplus of the Erythraean sea, p. 349. D'Anville, Antiq. d' rinde, p. 34. Mannert, Geographic der Griechen and Romer, Vol. V. pp. 107, 130, 136. Hudson, Geogr aph. Vet. Scriptores Greed Min. Vol. I. Buraes' Travels into Bokhara, Vol. III. p. 79. Journal of the Royal As. Soc. Vol. I. p. 31. C. Lassen, De Pentapotamia Ind. p. 56. AllgC' meine Encyclop : Art. Indien, p. 91. Arriani De Expedit : Alex : Lib, VI. 15.) * The Tarikh-i Alfi, in a passage relating to Sultan Jalalu-d-Din's proceedings on the Indus, mentions that Sadusan was subsequently called Sistan. Though the writer here commits the common error of confounding Sistan with Sehwan, or Sehwestan, on the Indus, yet he leaves us in no doubt what correction to apply, and we thus derive from him an interesting piece of information; for the position of Sadusan, which is so frequently mentioned in the Arab accounts of Sind, has not hitherto been ascertained. GENERAL HISTORIES. 67 Maildi is also near the Mihran, and on the western bank, near the branch which issues from the river and encircles Mansura. Bilha is a small city, the residence of Omar, the son of Abdu- 1-Azziz Habbari, of the tribe of Koreish, and the ancestor of those who reduced Mansura. The city of Famhal* is on the borders of Hind, towards Saimur, and the country between those two places belongs to Hind. The country between Famhal and Mekran, and Bodha, and beyond it as far as the borders of Miiltan, are all the dependencies ot Siud. The infidels who inhabit Sind are called Bodhaf and Mand. They reside in the tract between Tiiran, Multan and Mansura, to the west of the Mihran. They breed camels, which are sought after in Khor^sdn and elsewhere, for the purpose of having crosses from those of Bactria. The city where the Bodhites carry on their trade is Candabil, and they resemble men of the desert. They live in houses made of reeds and grass. The Mauds dwell on the banks of the Mih- ran, from the boundary of Multdn to the sea, and in the desert between Mekran and Famhal. They have many cattle sheds and pasturages, and form a large population. There are Jama Masjids at Famhal, Sindan, Saimur and Cam- baya, all which are strong and great cities, and the Muhammedan precepts are openly observed. They produce mangoes, cocoanuts, lemons, and rice in great abundance, also great quantities of honey, but there are no date trees to be found in them, * Ibn Ilaukal has, Kdmuhul. Ouseley, Famhel. The Nubian Geo- grapher, Mdmehel. Ab(i-l-feda, Kamhal. Edrisi, Mamehel. They all concur in making it the border town between Hind and Sind. EJrisi implies that it is not far from the coast, and that it is five days' jour- ney from Cambay (Tom. I. pp. 163 and 171.) The Nubian Geographer places it to the east of the Indus, before that river divides into two branches. Ibn Haukal says it is four days' journey from Cambay, and that there is a desert between the two towns. Zakariya Cazvini does not notice it. t The passage is difficult. Gildemeister says, " Gentiles, qui in Sindia degunt, sunt Bodhita;, et gens qua? Mund vocatur. Bodha nomen est variarura tribuum," &c. (p. 1 7-), where see also the note in which he adduces a passage from Ibn Ilaukal, showing that there was a class of Jats known by the name of Nodha, in the neighbourhood of Multan, and therefore the passage may be translated " Nodhites and Mands." Edrisi says, the country from Multan to Mansura is occupied by Nedha, (Tom. I. 169,) and Cazvini and the Nubian Geographer call this tract Nodha, and not Bodha, as Ibn Haukal does, though one copy even of that author give Nodha, If this should be the correct reading it lends an interest to a passage in Dionysius, who says in his Periegesis, Iv^hv irdp voTafxhy vSrioi ^KvOai ^vvaiovaiv — v. 1088. Ni^Ttot may have been meant for " the Nodhites," instead of " south- cm," as usually translated ; or the Arabs may have converted the ** southern" into a separate class with a distinctive name. K 2 68 GENERAL HISTORIES. The villages of Dahiik and Kalwan are contiguous to each other, situated between Labi and Armail. Kalwan is a depen- dency of Mekran, and Dahuk that of Mansura. In these last mentioned places fruit is scarce, but crops grow without irriga- tion, and cattle are abundant. Turan* is a town. Kasddr is a city with dependent towns and villages. The governor is Muin bin Ahmad, but the Khutba is read in the name of the Khalifa only, and the place of his residence is at the city of Kabar-Kanan. This is a cheap place, where pomegranates, grapes, and other pleasant fruits are met with in abundance ; but there are no date trees in this district. ***** (Here ends the extract from the Ashkalu-1-Bilad ; that which follows is from Ibn Haukal, as edited by M. Gildemeister.) There is a desert between Bania, Kamuhul and Kambaya. From Kambaya to Saimur the villages lie close to one another, and there is much land under cultivation. The moslems and infidels in this tract wear the same dresses, and let their beards grow in the same fashion. They use fine muslin garments on account of the extreme heat. The men of Multan dress in the same way. The language of Mansura, Multan and those parts is Arabic and Sindian. In Mekran they use Persian and Mek- r^nic. All wear short tunics except the merchants, who wear shirts and cloaks, like the men of Irak and Persia. ******** , From Mansura to Daibal is six days' journey — from Mansura to Miiltan, twelve — from Mansura to Tiiran, about fifteen — from Kasdar, the chief city of Tiiran, to Multan, twenty. From Mansura to the nearest boundary of Bodha, fifteen. The whole length of the jurisdiction of Mekran, from Taiz to Kasdar, is about fifteen. From Multdn to the nearest border of Tiiran is about ten. He who travels from Mansura to Bodha must go along the banks of the Mihrdn, as far as the city of Sadustan. From Kandabil to Mansura is about eight days' journey. From Kandabil to Multan, by the desert, ten. From Mansura to Ka- muhul, eight ; — from Kamuhul to Kambaya, four. Kambaya is one parasang distant from the sea, and about four from Siibara, which is about half a parasang from the sea. From Subara to Sindan, which is the same distance from the sea, is about five days' journey ; — from Sindan to Simiir about five ; — from Simur to Sarandip, about fifteen ; — from Multan to Basmad, two ; — from Basmad to Abrtiz, three ; — from Abruz to Ayara, four ; — from Ayara to Valara, two ; — from Valara to Mansura, one ; — from Daibal to Kannazbur, fourteen ; — from Daibal to Manhatara (Man- * The printed text says " Turan is a valley, with a city of the same name, in the centre of which is a citadel. GENERAL HISTORIES. 69 jdbari) two, and that is on the road to Kannazbur ; — Kamuhul from Mansura is two days' journey,* and Bania intervenes. The Mihran is the chief river of those parts. Its source is in a moun- tain, from which also some of the feeders of the Jihun flow. Many great rivers increase its volume, and it appears like the sea in the n^ghbourhood of Multan. It then flows by Basmad, Abruz and Mansura, and falls into the sea, to the east of Daibal. Its water is very sweet, and there are crocodiles in it like those of Egypt. It equals the Nile in volume and strength of current. It inundates the land during the summer rains, and on its subsidence pro- motes the growth of crops, as in Egypt. The river Sandaruz is three days' journey distant from Miiltan. Its waters are abundant and sweet. I was told that its conflu- ence with the Mihran is above Basmad, but below Multan. Gandaruz is also a great and sweet river, on whose bank is the city of Gandaruz. It falls into the Mihran below the Sandaruz, towards the country of Mansura. Mekr&n contains chiefly pasturages and fields, which cannot be irrigated on account of the deficiency of water. Between Mansura and Mekran the waters form lakes, and the inhabitants of the country are the Indian races called Zut. Those who are near the river dwell in houses formed of reeds, like the Berbers, and eat fish and aquatic birds. Another clan of them, who live remote from the banks, are like the Kurds, and feed on milk, cheese, and bread made of millet. We iiave now reached the extreme eastern border of the domi- nions of Islam. The revenue of the kings and governors is small, and not more than to satisfy their actud needs. Some, no doubt, have less than they wish. * He has just said, only a few lines before, that the distance between these two towns is eight days' journey ; and that is doubtless the cor- rect distance ; otherwise, we should have only six days' journey be- tween Mansura and Cambay, which is obviously incorrect. Abd-I- feda, moreover, gives the distance as eight days' journey. 70 GENERAL HISTORIES. II. TARFKH-I-BINAKITr. This is the same work as is called Bina-Gety by Mr. James Fraser, in his " Catalogue of Oriental Manuscripts ;" and Bina-i-Gety, by General Briggs, in his translation of the Pre- face of Ferishta — which would seem to imply that the title was considered by them to bear the meaning of " History of the foundation of the world." It certainly is so understood by native transcribers, for I have seen no copy of Ferish- ta, not even the lithograph edition, in which it is not so written, and it has been so translated by some continental scholars. Its correct name at full length is, " Rauza liluu-l-albab fi Tawarikhu- 1-Akabir wal-Ansab," " the Garden of the learn- ed in the histories of great men and genealogies." It is chiefly an abridgment, as the author him- self states, of the Jamiu-r-Rashidi, and was compiled only seven years after that work, in A. H. 717— A. D. 1317— by Abu-Sulaiman Daud, bin Abu-1-Fazl, bin Muhammed Fakhr* Binaki- ti, so called from his having been born at Binakit, or Finakit, a town in Transoxiana, afterwards called Shahrukhia. He copies Rashidu-d-din * This is the name he g:ives in his own Preface. European Orien- talists generally call him Fakhru-d-Din. GENERAL HISTORIES. 71 closely, without, however, adopting his arrange- ment, and dedicates his work to Sultan Abu Said, the ninth Mongol king of Persia. The author was a Poet as well as an Histo- rian, and was appointed by Sultan Ghazan, poet laureate of his Court. Till the discovery of the lost portions of the Jamiu-t-Tawarikh, Binakiti's work ranked very high both in Eu- rope and Asia, but it must now take its place as a mere abridgment, and can be considered of no value as an original composition. Several good copies of the work exist in European Libraries, as in the Rich collection, Nos. 7626, 7627 of the British Museum ; in the Leyden Library; and in Hammer-Purgstall's private collection. The work is not common in India. The best copy I know is in the possession of a native gentleman at Lucnow. The 8th Book of this work is already known to the European public, though ascribed to a different author. In the year 1677 Andre Mid- ler published at Berlin a small work in Persian with a Latin translation, under the title of Abdallce l^eidavcBi Historia Sinensis^ ascribing the original to the Nizamu-t-Tawarikh of Baizawi. It was reprinted by his son in 1689, andBrunet tells us that Stephen Weston publish- ed 50 copies of an English translation in 1820. M. Quatrem^re had the ingenuity to guess, for several reasons which he states in detail, that this was in reality an extract from the History of Binakiti, and not from Baizawi ; and by comparing the passage he has given from Mill- 72 GENERAL HISTORIES. ler's printed work with Binakiti, of which a copy was not available to M. Quatremere, it proves to be verbatim the 2nd Chapter of the 8th Book of Binakiti : and as the same result has been obtained by comparing it with the copy in the British Museum, there can no longer be any doubt on this point, and the Historia Si- nensis must henceforth be attributed to Bina- kiti. Contents. Book I. — The Genealogy and History of the Prophets and Patriarchs from the time of Adam to Abraham ; comprising a period of 4838 years. (The use of the word Ausyd shows the writer to be a Shia Muhamraedan ;) — from p. 2 to 25. Book II. — The kings of Persia, from Kaiumurs to Yezdegird, together with the celebrated Prophets and Philosophers who were their contemporaries ; 4322 years ; — from p. 25 to 59. Book III. — History of Muhammed ; the four first Khalifs ; twelve Imams, and later Khalifs, down to Mustasim billah, the last of the Abbdsides; 626 years ; — from p. 60 to 186. Book IV. — The Sultans and kings who in the time of the Abbaside Khalifs rose to power in the kingdom of Iran, includ- ing the dynasties of SaiFarians, Samanians, Dyalima, Ghaznevides, Saljukians, Khwdrazmians, and the kings of the Forest, or Here- tics, (Assassins ;) 400 years ; — from p. 186 to 208. Book V. — The History of the Jews, their Kings and Prophets, from Moses to Mutina, (Zedekiah, See 2. Kings xxiv. 17,) who was slain by Bakhtnassar ; 941 years ; — from p. 208 to 230. Book VI. — The History of the Christians and Franks ; the descent of the Virgin Mary from David ; the kings of the Franks, the Csesars and Popes ; 1337 years ; — from p. 231 to 260. Book VII. — The Hindus; an account of the country and kings of India from Basdeo to Ala-u-d-din, and an account of Shdkmuni ; 1200 years;— from p. 260 to 281. Book VIII. — History of Khita. The government lasted, ac« cording to local historians, 42,875 years; — from p. 281 to 299. Book IX. — History of the Moghuls ; the origin of Changez Khan, and his conquest of Persia, &c. with an account of his sons and successors ; 101 years ; — from p. 299 to 402. Size. — Small Folio, containing 402 pages, of 21 lines. GENERAL HISTORIES. 73 A fuller detail is given in the Vienna year-book for 1835 by Hammer- Purgstall, who states that our author composed his work in A. H. 718 — not 717 — thoughthe latter date is expressly mention- ed not only in the Preface, but in other parts of the work. The same author gives the year of his death as A. H. 730, and reads his name Binakati. It will be observed that the seventh Book is devoted to India. Throughout the whole of it Binakiti follows Rashidu-d-din impli- citly, copying him even with all his errors, just as Rashidu-d-din follows Biruni. No- thing shows more completely the ignorance of the western Asiatics with respect to the state of India since Mahmud's time, than to find these two authors, 300 years afterwards, men- tioning that Bari is the capital of the province of Canauj, of which the kings are the most po- tent in India ; that Thanesar is in the Duab, and Muttra on the east bank of the Jumna. All this is taken from Abu Rihan, as may be seen by re- ferring to the extracts in the preceding article. It is needless to translate any passage from this work, but it may be as well to mention, as the Calcutta copy of Rashidi, as well as that of the India House, is deficient in that respect, that the succession of the Cabul kings, who pre- ceded the Ghaznevides, occurs in nearly the same order as in M. Reinaud's Edition of Biruni, and with nearly the same names, but the last of the Turk dynasty, whom M. Reinaud calls Laktouzeman, is here under the more pro- 74 GENERAL HISTORIES. bable shape of Katoran ** king of the Katores," and in closer resemblance to the Kutaurman mentioned in Mr. E. Thomas' able paper which lately appeared in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society. It is worthy of remark that the present chief of Chitral is called Shah Ka- tore, and claims descent from the Macedonians. Kalar, the first of the Brahman dynasty, is omitted by Binakiti. Anandpal is converted into Andapal, and the nearest approach toM. Rei- naud's doubtful name of Nardanjanpala (cor- rectly perhaps Niranjanp^l) is Tasdar JaipaL* The Tarikh-i Binakiti begins thus :— *uil^ eJu*^ ^.1 jxi; JJjiy ^j J^ J^ ^^ ^ ^) and concludes with these words : — ^liyb J f^j^ ^iJj] ,^srH * Compare, Recueil des Voyages, Tom II. p. 369. Fundgruben des Orients, Tom III. p. 330. Gesch. der Ilchane, Vol. II. p. 267. Coll. Or. Tom I. pp. lxxxv — ci. 424. Yahrbiicher, No. 69. Anz. Blatt, p. 33. Gesch. d. schon. Red. Pers. p. 241. Elphinstone, Kingdom of ba- bul, App. C. p. 619. Burnes' Bokhara, Vol. II. p. 209. Journ. R. A. S. Vol. IX. p. 194. C. Ritter, Erd. von. As. Vol. V. p. 207. Gemdl- desaal der Lebensb. Vol. IV. p. 35. Zenker, Bibliotheca Or. 857, 858. Gesch. d. G. Horde, pp. xxxi. 343. Jenisch, Hist, prioruni Regum Persarum. p. 142. — Yahrbb, No, 73, p. 26. GENERAL HISTORIES. 75 J III. TARrKH-I.GUZfDA. This work was composed in A. H. 730 — A. D. 1329— by Hamdulla bin Abibakr bin Hamd bin Nasr Mustaufi* Kazvini, and dedicated to the minister Ghaiasu-d-din, the son of Rashidu- d-din, to both of whom our author had been Secretary. It ranks among the best General Histories of the East. Hammer- Purgstall calls it in dif- ferent passages of his works the best, the most faithful, and the most brilliant of all the histo- ries which were composed about that period. He remarks that it contains much matter not found elsewhere, and concurs in the praise be- stowed upon it by Haji Khalfa, that implicit confidence is to be placed in its assertions. It is a pity, therefore, that the work is in so abridged a form as to be more useful for its dates than for its details of facts. The authors of the Universal History frequently quote it, under the name of Tarik Cozidih. Eleven years after the completion of this His- * " President of the Exchequer." It is somewhat doubtful whether this is a family designation, or one derived from actual occupation of office. 76 GENERAL HISTORIES. tory, the author composed his celebrated work on Geography and Natural History, entitled Nuzhatu-1-Kulub, " the delight of hearts," which is in high repute with oriental scholars, and which has obtained for him from D'Herbelot the title of " /e Geographe Persan." The author states that he had undertaken to write in verse an universal History from the time of Muhammed, and had already written five or six thousand lines, and hoped to complete it in seventy-five thousand ; but being anxious to bring out a work in prose also, in order that he might have the satisfaction of presenting it as soon as possible to his excellent patron, Ghaias-u-din, whose praises extend throughout two pages, he compiled the present work, under the name of Tarikh-i-Guzida, " Selected History," having abstracted it from twenty-four different works, of which he gives the names, and amongst them, the history of Tabari, of Ibnu-1-Athir Jazari, the Nizamu-t-Tawarikh of Baizawi, the Zubdatu-t- Tawarikh of Jamalu-d-din Kashi, and the Jahan- kushai of Juwaini. Besides these twenty-four, he quotes occasionally several other valuable works, many of which are now quite unknown. The Tarikh-i-Guzida contains a Preface, six Books and an Appendix. The only Books useful for the illustration of Indian History are the third and fourth, in which are comprised the account of the early attempts of the Arabs on the Indian frontier and the History of the Ghaznevide and Ghorian monarchs. GENERAL HISTORIES. 77 Contents. The Preface contains an account of the creation of the world ; from p. 1 to p. 8. Book I. — An account of the Patriarchs, Prophets, and Philo- sophers ; in two sections and two subsections ; — from p. 8 to 67. Book II. — The Peshdadians, Kaianians, Ashkanians, (Arsacidse and Muluki Tawaif) and Sassanians ; — in four sections ; from p. 68 to 109. Book III. — Muhammed, the Khalifas and Imams ; in an In- troduction and six sections; — from p. 109 to 311. Book IV. — The eastern monarchies, from the beginning of Muhammedanism to A. H. 730 — A. D. 1329 — in twelve sections and several subsections, devoted to the following Dynasties : — Bin-i-Lais Saffar, S^mlnians, Ghaznevides, Ghorians, Buyides or Dyalima, Saljukians, Khwarazmians, Atabaks, (2 Sections,) Ism^dians, Karakhitais, and Moghuls ; — from p. 311 to 477. Book V. — The Saints and Elders of the Muhammedan faith. Philosophers and Poets ; in six sections ; — from p. 477 to 557. Book VI. — An account of the author's native place, Cazvin, and its celebrated characters ; in eight sections ; — from p. 557 to 603. The Appendix contains Genealogical Trees of Prophets, Prin- ces, Philosophers and others ; — from p. 603 to 618. Size — 8vo. containing 618 pages of 14 lines. A work in so abridged a form can scarcely be expected to present any passages worthy of extract, but the following are selected as com- prising a few anecdotes which have escaped the notice of some more ponderous chroniclers : — The Tarikh-i Yemini, Makamat Abii Nasr Mask^ti, and the volumes of Abu-1-Fazl Baihaki, have recounted the actions of Mahmud of Ghazni. He was a friend to learned men and poets, on whom he be- stowed munificent presents, insomuch that every year he expended upon them more than 400,000 Dinars. His features were very ugly. One day regarding his own face in a mirror, he became thoughtful and depressed. His Wazir inquired as to the cause of his sorrow, to which he replied, " It is generally understood that the sight of kings adds vigour to the eye, but the form with which I am endowed is calculated to strike the beholder blind.'* The Wazir replied, " Scarcely one man in a million looks on your 78 GENERAL HISTORIES* face, but the qualities of your mind shed their influence on every one. Study, therefore, to maintain an unimpeachable character, that you may be loved by all your subjects." Yeminu-d-daulah Mahmud was pleased with this admonition, and since that period he paid so much attention to the cultivation of his mental endow- ments, that he surpassed all other kings in that respect.* In the first year of his accession to the throne a mine of gold was discovered in Sistan in the shape of a tree, and the lower the miners dug the richer and purer it became, till one of the veins attained the circumference of three yards. It disappeared in the time of Sultan Mas'ud, on the occurrence of an earth- quake. ***** In the year 394 he set out on an expedition to Sistan against Khalaff the son of Ahmad, because Khalaf, on returning from his pilgrimage, had appointed his son Tahir as his successor, and himself retired from the world and devoted himself to the worship of God ; but being again prompted by ambition and desirous of the crown, he put his son to death by treachery. Yeminu-d-daulah, in order to avenge this perfidy, attacked Kha- laf, who took shelter in the fort of Tak. Yeminu-d-daulah be- sieged the fort, Khalaf capitulated, and visited Mahmud under promise of a pardon, and had no sooner entered his presence than he addressed him as *' Sultan." Yeminu-d-daulah, being pleased with this show of humiliation, freely pardoned Khalaf, and reinstated him in the government of Sistan, and from that period assumed the title of Sultan. Khalaf, son of Ahmad, after a while rebelled against Sultan Mahmud, and sought the protection of riak Khan. Sultan Mahmild, on hearing this, dethroned him from Sistan, and sent him to Jurjan, where he remained till the day of his death. Sultan Mahmiid having conquered Bhatea and Multan to the frontiers of Cashmir, made peace with Ilak Khan, who sometime after broke faith with him, and advanced to battle against him ; but he was defeated, and took to flight. Many beautiful children fell into the hands of the Zawaleans, who were delighted with their booty. Ilak Khan then sought the assistance of the Ghazz and the Turks of Chin, the descendants of Afrdsiab, but was * This anecdote is given in the Gemdldesaal d. Lebensb : but Ferishta merely says Mahmud was marked with the small-pox. In the reign of Mas'ud, that Historian ascribes a statement to the Guzida which is at variance with the MSS. I have consulted. He says that according to the Guzida, Mas'ud reigned nine years and nine months, whereas the Guzida distinctly says that monarch reigned thirteen years. It may be as well to mention here that Briggs in his translation of Ferishta, has, by some oversight entered the History of HamduUa Mustaufi and the Tarikh-i-Guzida, as two different works. t See Jenisch, Histor, Reg, Pers. p. 46. GENERAL HISTORIES. 79 again defeated in an action near Balkh, and took a second time to flight. He again made peace with the Sultan, and went to reside in Mawarau-n-nahr. Sultan Mahmud then made war with Nawasa, (the grandson of?) the ruler of Multan ; conquered that country ; converted the people to Islam ; put to death the ruler of Multan, and entrusted the government of that country to another chief. Sultan Mahmud now went to fight with the Ghorians, who were infidels at that time, and Suri, their chief, was killed in this battle, and his son was taken prisoner ; but dreading the Sultan's vengeance, he killed himself by sucking a ring in which there was poison concealed. The country of Ghor was annexed to that of the Sultan, and the population thereof converted to Islam. He now attacked the fort of Blum, where was a famous temple of the Hindus, was victorious, and obtained much wealth, including about a hundred idols of gold and silver. One of the latter, which weighed above several thousand miskals, the Sultan appropriated to the decoration of the Mosque of Ghazni, so that the ornaments of the doors were of gold instead of iron. The rulers of Ghurjistan were at this time called Shar ; Abii Nasr Shdr Ghurjis, was at enmity with Sultan Mahmud, who sent his army against him, and having taken him prisoner, the Sultan concluded peace with him, and purchased his property. From that time he entered the service of the Sultan and continu- ed in it to the day of his death. The ruler of Mardain* having likewise rebelled against the Sultan, withheld the payment of revenue. The Sultan deputed Abii Said Tai with an army to make war with him, and he him- self followed afterwards, and a battle ensuing, the chief of Mar- dain took refuge in a fort. The Sultan destroyed its walls by means of elephants, and thus gained possession of the fort. He there perceived some inscriptions on a stone bearing the date of the erection of the fort, which purported to be 40,000 years old. Upon this they were all convinced of the folly of the idolaters, as from the creation of Adam the age of the world did not (as it is generally understood) exceed 7,000 years, nor was it probable, according to the opinion of the learned, that a building could remain in a state of repair so long ; but as their ignorance is carried to such a degree that they worship idols instead of the Supreme Being, it is not improbable that they really did enter- tain such a belief. This History, though often quoted by oriental writers, is rare in India. The best copy I know * Other authorities usually say Nardain, but these differences will be noticed more opportunely hereafter. 80 GENERAL HISTORIES. is in the Library of the Bengal Asiatic Society, No 493, but it is unfortunately defective both in the beginning and end. Yar Ali Khan, chief native Judge of Jaunpur, has a good copy, and there is one also in the king of Lucnow's Li- brary. In Europe the most celebrated are those of Stockholm, Paris, the British Museum, the Bodleian Library, Hammer-Purgstall and Sir W. Ouseley.* The Tarikh-i Guzida opens thus : — The conclusion, as given below, is obviously incorrect, and after a comparison of two copies, the sentence is still left doubtful. * Compare Wiener Yahrbb. No. Ixix. p. 10, and Anzgbl. p. 31. Brigijrs' Ferishta, Vol. I. p. 1. Fundgr. d. Or. Vol. III. p. 331. Gesch. der Gold. Horde, pp. xvi, xxii. Coll. Or. Tom. I. p. liv. Gesch. der Ilchane. Vol. II. pp. 268, 320. Gesch. d. sch. red. Pers. p. 12. Journ. Asiatique, III. Ser. Tom. I. p. 581. M. Petis de la Croix, Hist, de Genghiz Can, p. 541. D'llerbelot, Bibl. Or. Art. Tdrikh Khozideh. GENERAL HISTORIES. 81 IV. j^jI ksi^ .^p TARrKH-I HAFIZ ABRIT. Nuru-d-Din bin Lutf-ullah, better known as Hafiz Abra, was born in the city of Herat, but passed his infancy and youth in Hamadan, where he received his education. He attained by his writings a distinguished rank among contemporary authors, and was fortunate enough to secure the esteem of Timur, who gave him numerous proofs of his consideration, admitted liim to his intimacy, and sought every occasion of doing him service. After the death of that tyrant, he attended the court of Shah Rukh, and received from the young prince Mirza Baisengar every demonstration of kindness and regard. To him he dedicated his great work, un- der the name of Zubdatu-t-Tawarikh Baisen- gari, which contains a complete history of the world, and an account of the institutions and religions of different people down to A. H. 829* * The editor of a " Critical Essay on various Manuscript works," says that he has examined a copy of this History dated A. H. 81/. He also observes that as Hafiz Abru had travelled in many parts of Asia, his geographical statements, which are numerous, are well worthy of consideration. The Vienna Yahrbiicher says, the history is carried down to A. H. 825. These different statements cannot be reconciled, and there must be error somewhere. M 82 GENERAL HISTORIES. — A. D. 1425. The author died five years af- terwards in the city of Zanjan.* The work is more generally known as Tarikh- i-Hafiz Abru, and under that name it is quoted by Haidar Razi, Mirkhond, D'Herbelot, Khonde- mlr, and the Tarikh-i-Alfi. Sir W. Ouseley frequently quotes it in his travels as abounding in geographical details. I have never seen the work, nor am I aware that a copy exists in India, but it is frequently quoted as an authority on subjects connected with Indian History. The only copies in Eu- rope which are spoken of, are those in the Imperial Library of St. Petersburgh, and in Sir W. Ouseley 's Collection.! * For its position see Index to Wilken's Historia Samanidarum, p. 222. V. Zendschan. t Compare Coll. Or. Tom I. p. ciii, and II. p. Iv. Wilken, Histor. Ghaznevidarum, pp. xiv, 212, 227, 244. Gesch. d. Gold. Horde, pp. xvi. and xxii. Wien Yahrbb. No. Ixxiii. pp. 21, 25. D'Herbelot, Bibl. Or. Tom. III. p. 426. Critical Essay, p. 34. Mirkhond, Uauzatu-s-Safd, Vol. I. p. 8. Fraehn, Indications Bibliographiques, No. 188. GENERAL HISTOEIES. 83 V. ZAINU-L-AKHBAR. This work is quoted in the Histories of Fe- rishta and Nizamu-d-Din Ahmad Bakhshi as one of the authorities on which their statements are founded ; but it does not appear for what particular period of Indian History they are indebted to it for information. The only knowledge I have of it is derived from the account of Sir W, Ouseley, who describes it thus : — " The Zainu-1-Akhbar is a very curious and extraordinary work ; containing the ancient his- tory of Persia, of the Jewish, Christian, Magian and Hindu religious fasts and ceremonies. Annals of the Muhammedan kings and Khalifas, Geo- graphical notices, anecdotes, and chronological tables," &c. " A most valuable work in illustrating the his- tory and antiquities of Asia. Of this excellent Avork I have never seen another copy."* Size — small Folio — containing 527 pages. * See Sir W. Ouseley's Oriental Manuscripts, No. 704, and Epitome of the Aug. Hist, nf Persia, p. xii. M 2 84 GENERAL HISTORIES. VI. TiSCRrKH-I HIND. Haji Khalfa mentions (No. 2340) a work under this title, composed by Muhammed bin Yusuf Hirwi. He says that it contains an ac- count of the notable things in the country of Hind, and he adds — " to this Title are to be referred the histories of New West India, which a late author has translated into Turki from the lingua franca, with additions. In it he has given a full account of the country known by the name of Yangi Dunya, " the new^ world." The Tarikh-i Hind is no doubt the same work as "Risala-i-Ajaib wa Gharaib-i-Hindustan," since the author of that treatise also bears the name of Muhammed Yusuf Hirwi. It is probably the same Tarikh-i-Hind which is quoted in the T^rikh-i-Alfi, the Habibu-s- Siyar, and the Nafahatu-1-Ins. As the two last in their quotation from the Tarikh-i-Hind show the author to have been contemporary with, and to have conversed with, Khwaja Hasan Dehlivi, who was a disciple of Nizamu-Din Ahmad, he must have flourished about the be- ginning of the eighth century of the Hijri, for Nizamu-Din died A. H. 725. GENERAL HISTORIES. 85 VII. RAUZATU-S-SAFA. The full title of this work is " Rauzatu-s-Safa fi Sairatu-1-Ambia wau-1-Miiluk waii-l Khul- fa, *' the garden of purity, containing the history of Prophets, Kings, and Khalifs." It was compo- sed by Mirkhond, or more correctly Mir Khaw- end, whose true name at length is Muhammed bin Khawend Shah bin Mahmfid. He was born towards the close of the year 836 H., or the be- ginning of 837— A. D. 1432, 33. We gather some few particulars of him and of his family from the account of his patron, the minister All Sher and of his son Khondemir. The father of Mirkhond was Sayad Burhanu-din Khawend Shah, a native of Mawarau-n-nahar, who traced his pedigree to Hasan, the son of Ali. When his father died, Khawend Shah was young, and being compelled by circum- stances to abandon his country, he fixed his residence in the town of Balkh, where he in- dulged himself in the study of literature and science, and after an intermediate residence at Herat, returned to Balkh and died there. Of Mirkhond himself very little is known. When he was only thirteen years of age he accompanied his father on a political embassy, 86 GENERAL HISTORIES. which was not only entirely unsuccessful, but the negotiators were unfortunately pillaged by the Turks and deprived of every thing they took with them. On another occasion, he tells us, that he was on a hunting expedition, when for leaving his post to join in mid-day prayer, he was reprimanded by some of the royal servants, and was so much alarmed at the re- proaches and at the extortions to which he was exposed in consequence, that he fell ill and remained in a bad state for seven days. " Frightful dreams troubled him during the night, and before his departure the humble author of this history took God to witness, and vowed that on no account would he ever be induced to join another hunting expedition." These luckless adventures seemed to have indisposed him towards an active and public life, and he devoted himself early to literature. His son tells us, that Mlrkhond having employed his early life in acquiring all that was attain- able in Eastern science, in which he soon out- stripped all his contemporaries, he applied himself with equal assiduity and success to the study of history. " Through the seductions of a convivial disposition, however, and too unre- strained an intercourse with the votaries of pleasure, it never occurred to him to engage in the labours of composition, until by the good- ness of Providence and the influence of his bet- ter destiny, he found means to be introduced to the excellent All Sher, from whom he immedi- ately experienced every mark of kindness and GENERAL HISTORIES. 87 encouragement." He assigned to Mirkliond apartments in the Khankah Akhlasia, a building erected by him ** to serve as a retreat and asy- lum to men of merit distinguished by their attainments," and cheered him with intellectual converse when exhausted with the labours of composition. All Sher himself, in the biographical article which he devotes to Mirkhond, vaunts in pomp- ous terms the distinguished talents of the his- torian, and greatly applauds himself for having by his counsels and urgent remonstrances over- come the modesty of this honorable man, and for having thus contributed to enrich Persian Literature with a production so remarkable as the Rauzatu-s-Sala. A great portion of this work was composed on a bed of sickness, and the author has himself given a painful account of the circumstances under which he was compelled to write. It is fortunate that writing was found rather to re- lieve than aggravate his disease. " I wrote all, chapter by chapter, lying on my right side, and because of the violent pains I felt in my loins, I was not able to write a single page sit- ting down. Clever physicians assured me that this occupation would relieve me of the malady, or at least prevent its becoming worse. If on any night I happened to neglect my usual labour, and wished to abandon myself to re- pose, I had troublesome dreams, woke up in af- fright, or an excessive heat came over me which prevented my sleeping. If, on the con- 88 GENERAL HISTORIES. trary, I set myself to write as usual, I had a good sleep and agreeable dreams." For a whole twelve month before his death he gave himself up entirely to religious duties, while his malady increased upon him every day, and after a lingering illness he expired in the month Zilk'ad, 903, corresponding with June 1498 — aged sixty-six years. There is no Oriental work that stands higher in public estimation than the Rauzatu-s-Safa. The author has availed himself of no less than nineteen Arabic, and twenty-two Persian His- tories, besides others which he occasionally quotes. His work forms the basis of many other compilations, and the greater portion of Haji Khalfa's History may be considered to be founded upon it. It must be confessed, however, that the Rauzatu-s-Safa is very unequal in its execution, some portions being composed in great detail, and others more compendiously. It is most copious in what concerns the kings of Persia. Contents. Introduction. On the study of History in general, and its advantages, especially to Rulers. Book I.— Gives an account of the Creation of the world, and of the Deluge ; details the lives of the Patriarchs and Prophets ; and contains the ancient History of Persia, to the conquest of that country hy the Muhammedans, A. D. 636, the Hfe of Alex- ander and several Grecian Philosophers.--339 pages. Book II.— Details the History of Muhammad and the four first Khalifs, Abubakr, Omar, Osman and AYi, with a particular account of their conquests to A. D. 664.-368 pages. Book III.— Contains the lives of the twelve Imams. This section comprises also the History of the Ummayide and Abbaside Khalifs. — 232 pages. GENERAL HISTORIES. 89 Book IV. — Includes Memoirs of the Dynasties of Tahirides, Saifarides, Samanides,Buyides, Saljiikides, Ghaznevides, Ghorians Atabaks, &c. who reigned over Persia, Transoxiana, Irak, &c. from about the year 800 to 1263 A. D.— pages 293. Book V. — Presents the History of the celebrated conqueror Changez Khan, who was born A. D. 1154, and died at the age of 73 : also Memoirs of his descendants, who reigned over Iran and Turan till A. D. 1335.— pages 253. Book VI. — Exhibits the History of Timur ; also of his sons and successors to the year 1426. — pages 408. Book VII. — In this section are preserved the Memoirs of Sultan Ilusain Mirza Abu-1-Ghazi Bah^dar, fourth in descent from Timi'ir, who reigned with great repute over Khorasan for thirty-four years and died A. D. 1505. — pages 166. Conclusion. — Contains a description of the city of Herat (then the capital of Khorasan) and of several other places of that king- dom. — pages 7o. Size — Folio, 2 Vols, containing respectively 939 and 1195 pages, of 29 lines each. This accords with the Table of Contents given by the author himself, and copied by Stewart in his " Catalogue ofTipu Sultans Library ,*" but differs from the Latin Catalogue of the MSS. of Erpenius, at p. 27 of the Appendix to * * Hot tingeri Promptuarhim . ' ' A very full list of Contents will be found in the " Vienna Yalirbiicher' Nos. Ixix. and Ixx. Anzeige-Blatt, where the Rubrics of the entire work are given. M. Jourdain, in his elaborate article in the ixth Vol. of ** Notices et ex traits des MSS.'' ob- serves that additions were subsequently made to the seventh book by the author's son Khondemir, because the author died A. H. 903, and events are recorded in it of A. H. 911. He conse- quently is disposed to ascribe the whole book to another hand; but Sir W. Ouseley {Travels^ II. 397) is of opinion that Mirkhond wrote at N 90 GENERAL HISTORIES. least the first part of that book. His son Khondemir distinctly observes, that of his fa- ther's work the seventh book remained incom- plete for want of materials, or, as has been suggested, more probably through the delicacy of engaging in a narrative of the passing events of the reign of Abu-1-Ghazi. This omission he pledged himself at a future period to supply, should the requisite materials be procurable, and heaven be propitious to his hopes. This he accordingly did, and the seventh book is composed of extracts taken from the Habibu-s- Siyar, and contains the biography of Mirkhond. The preface leaves it very doubtful whether any portion of the seventh book was written by Mirkhond, for the names of both father and son occur in it in a very strange combination. The Conclusion, or Geographical Appendix, is more rarely to be found than the other por- tions. In this also there are several interpola- tions by Khondemir. There is an excellent copy of it in the Asiatic Society's Library. We have no entire translation of this work, but at different times and in different languages several portions of the History have been made available to the European reader. The early vo- lumes of the " Modern Universal History ' derive the history of Persia from the Rauzatu-s-Safa, — a portion of the work which has been attribu- ted by some to Dr. Hunt, by others to George Psalmanazar. Major Price has used the Rauzatu-s-Safa more copiously than any other work in his *' Re- GENERAL HISTORIES. 91 tr aspect o/Mahom : History,'' and in his " Hist, of Arabia.'' The substance of a great portion of the history has been presented by Pedro Tex- eira, a learned Spaniard, in his " Relacionde los Reyes de Persia,'' and more accurately in a French work entitled " Les Etats, Empires, et P?'incipautis da Blonde." Paris 1662. A trans- lation was published at Paris subsequently by Cotolendi, in 1681, which is characterized in the *' Biogiaphie Universelle" as " assez rnauvaise." It was translated into Italian by Alfonso Lasor, and into English by Capt. J. Stevens, in 1715. A portion of Book iv. was edited at Vienna in 1782 by M. Jenisch, with a Latin Translation, under the title of " His tor ia prior um Regum Persarum post Jirmatum in Regno Islamismum, Persice et Latine, cum notis geographicis et litter- ariis." Some copious extracts are given in the " Ori- gines Russes," St. Petersburg, 1 825. M. de Sacy has translated the History of the S^ssaniaus. M. Wilken that of the Samanides in Latin, and that of the Buides or Deilemites in German, besides several extracts in his *' Chrestomathia Persica." M Jourdain that of the Ismailites, or Assassins. M. Mitscher- lich that of the Taherides. Mr. David Shea that of the Peshdadians and early kings of Persia, down to Alexander the Great. Dr. Vul- lers has published a German translation of that of the Saljuks, as well as an edition of the original. Some of these translations, and one or two others, receive a more detailed notice at 92 GENERAL HISTORIES. p. 105 of the '' Bihliotheca Orientalis'' of Zenker, Leipzig, 1840. The portion of this History relating to the Ghaznevides and Ghorians is all that demands here our more particular notice. The former has been well edited, with a Latin Translation, by Wilken in one Vol. 4to. Berlin 1832. He has given various readings, and enriched his translation with notes, in which he has com- pared the narrative of his authors with that of Ferishta, and the chronicle of Haidar Razi, still leaving however much to be explained re- specting the marches and expeditions of Mah- mvid. The History of the Ghorians was translated into Latin by Dr. Mitscherlich, 1818, 8vo. under the title of " Mirchondi Historia Ghuri- darumy A great part of it has also been trans- lated by Dr. Bernhard Dorn, in his annotations to the " History of the Afghans r AndM. Dufre- mary has lately given us a French translation in the *' Journal Asiatique,''^ Extract. Sultan Mas'ud having reached Ghazni in a state of great dis- traction and embarrassment, imprisoned certain of the chief officers of the state, and put some of them to death under tlie suspicion of their having misconducted themselves in the war * Compare Silvestre de Sacy, Mem. sur div. Antiq. &e.; Wilken, Instit. ad fund. ling. Pers. j Chrestomath. Notices et Extr. des MSS. Tom.v.pp. 192—229. ix. pp. 117—274 ; Price, Retrosp.o/Muham. His- tory, Vol. iv. p. 656. Journ. d. Savants, 1837, pp. 719—729, 1843, pp. 170—185 and 385— 403, 1845, p 383, 1847, pp. 162—180. Wien Yahr- hueher. No. Ixxvi ; p. 227 iNouv. J. As. Tom. xi.y)p. 179— 182. J. Asia- tique, 4th series, Tom. iii. pp. 258 — 291. Fundgruben d. Or. Vol. iii. p. 330. vi. 269. As. Journal, Vol. xxvi. pp. 228—237, Casiri, Bibl Arab. Hist. Vol. ii. p. 68. Gesch. d. Gold, Horde, p. xxiv. GENERAL HISTORIES. 93 with the Salji'iki's, and despatched towards Balkli his son, named Maudud, at tlie head of a detachment of his army, accompanied by Wazir Abu Nasr Ahmad, son of Muhammed, son of Abdu-s- samad, while he liimself attended by his brother Muliammed Makhul,* and the sons of the Litter, named Ahmad Abdu-r-rah- man, and Abdu-r rahim, as well as by all his relatives, proceeded to Hindustan with a view to pass the cold season there ; and at the commencement of spring, to march with a large army on Klior^san, for the purpose of expelling the Saljukis. After Sultan Mas'ud had crossed the Indus, the royal treasure, wliich was in his rear on the other side of the river, was plundered by Noshtigin, and the household troops of the Sultan, who afterwards waited upon Muhammed Makhul, and did him homage as their Sovereign. On his refusing to comply with their request to ascend the throne, they said that with a view to the advancement of his interests they had committed a crime in plundering the treasure, and threatened at the same time, that in the event of his non- compliance, they would put him to death, and enter into an understanding with some other chief. Muhammed Makhul was thus compelled to agree to their demands, and crossing the river with him, they fought a battle against Mas'ud. The army of Mas'ud, which was very small, was defeated, and he was compel- led to take shelter in a neighbouring Sarai. He was at length ap- prehended, and brought into the presence of his brother, who assured him that he had no intention to take his life, but on the contrary, to assign him any place which he might select to reside in with his family. Mas'ud chose the Fort of Kari,t to which place Muhammed sent him and all his family, and set a guard over them. It is said that when Mas'ud was about to set out for that fort, he begged of Muhammed a certain sum to meet his expenses. The parsimonious;^ Muhammed sent him only .500 Dirhams, on the receipt of which Mas'ud wept and exclaimed, *' Yesterday I could command three thousand loads of treasure, but to-day 1 have not a single Dirham which I can call my own." Upon this, the bearer of the 500 Dirhams gave to Mas'ud 1000 Dinars out of his own private resources. This liberal act led to the prosperity of the donor, who met with his reward in the reign of Maudud, son of Mas'ud. * MakhGl means " deprived of his eyesight," for he had been blind- ed by order of Mas'ud. — The only meaning which Richardson gives to this word is, " Anointed with collyrium." t AbCi-1-feda reads Kendi and Kaidi (Reiske, iii. 669) HaidarRazi has Bakar, Wilken's printed edition and the Bombay lithographed edition may be read either Kabri or Kubra. X Wilken translates " mera ex negligentia." 94 GENERAL HISTORIES. As Muliammed had been deprived of the blessing of sight, he left the administration of the country to his son Ahmad, and reserved for himself merely* the name of king. Ahmad, whose mind was somewhat deranged, in concert with the son of Yusuf Sabnktigin, and with the son of Ali Kheshawand, went to the fort of Kan, and without the consent of Muhammed, put Mas'ud to death, which circumstance afflicted Muhammed very much. Some say that Ahmad instigated his father to procure the death of Mas'ud. Mas'ud reigned 9 years and 11 months. He was brave, affable, generous, and fond of the company of the learned, whom he placed under manifold obligations to him ; on which account many authors dedicated their works to him. The names of these authors are not given by Mirkhond, but two are named in the Habibu-s- Siyar and Ferishta. One of them is the fam- ous Abfi Rihan al Biruni. Briggs (Ferishta^ I. 113) has strangely perverted the name, trans- lating it as Anvury Khan, but the Persian original, lithographed at Bombay, gives it cor- rectly. As this author is so frequently men- tioned in the first portion of this volume, a short notice of him is appended. f There are several Manuscripts of the Rauza- tu-s-Safa in India and in Europe, but few are perfect. M. Jourdain, in his article in Tom. IX. of Notices et extraits des MSS. quotes no less than eight different copies, and the pre- faces to the several translations noticed above give an account of several valuable MSS. * Wilken translates " neque regiac dignitatis nomen retinuit." He reads ^Jmaj instead of jjSiAj which latter reading is shown to be correct by the word j$,iljj in his MS, marked D. t See Note B. GENERAL HISTORIES. 95 which contain portions of the Rauzatu-s-Safa in the different Libraries of Europe. The one lithographed at Bombay in 1848, in two Folio Volumes, is the most perfect copy known to me. It contains the seventh Book and the Conclu- sion. The execution of so laborious and ex- pensive an undertaking reflects great credit on the Native Press of Bombay, but it is to be regretted that the work was not critically edited, with notices of the Variants. The initial words are : — and the final words are : — 96 GENERAL HISTORIES. Note B. Abu Rihciri al 13iruni, Abii Rihan* Muhammed bin Ahmad al Biriini al Khawarazmi, was bornt about A. H. 360, A. D. 970-1. He was an Astronomer, Geome- trician, Historian, Scholar and Logician. He was so studious that Shamsu-d-din Muhammed Shahrazuri, his earliest biographer, tells us '' he never had a pen out of his hand, nor his eye ever off a book, and his thoughts were always directed to his studies, with the exception of * Raihan would be more correct, according to the Kamfis. t The place of his birth is very doubtful. His earliest biographer is Shahrazuri, who in his Tawarikh-i Hukama, written shortly after Biruni's death, says that he was born at Birun, in Sind, " a beautiful city full of excellent and marvellous things." He has been followed by Haji Khalfa, by Ibn Abi Ossaibi'ah, and by Abii-l-feda, on the autho- rity of Ibn Said. M. Reinaud also states that he was a Sindian. Yet, where is this city of Birun in Sind? There is a Niriin, or Niriin Kot, near the site of the prejcut city of Haidarabad, corresponding in posi- tion with the Biriin ind-:aied by Ab(i-l-feda, which probably has had its first letter altered by a transposition of the vowel point. But M. Reinaud (p. 195) is distinct in condemning Capt. MacMurdo and other English writers who, following Edrisi, read Nirun for Birun. Abu-1- feda's reading cannot be disputed, for he not only gives, but describes the nature of, the diacritical point, and all that can be said against him is that he never was in India, and derived his information from others. (See Geographie d' Ahoulfeda, texte Arabe, p. 318.) In the Kitabu-1-Ansab by Sam'ani, a book of very great authority, written A. H. 562, A. D. 1166, Biruni is derived from the Persian, and made to apply to any one born out of Khawarazm. Some authorities distinctly assert that he was born at Birun, a town of Khawarazm, but I know not if the existence of such a town has been established. If Biruni was really born in Sind, it is curious that in his Indian Geography he takes so little notice of his native country, and omits all mention of the town of his birth. Thus, though there is much improbablity in his being a Sindian, it is difficult to dispute the authorities on which he is stated to be one. GENERAL HISTORIES. 97 two days in the year, namely Nauroz and Mihr- jan, when he was occupied, according to the command of the Prophet, in procuring the necessaries of life on such a moderate scale as to afford him bare sustenance and clothing." He travelled into different countries to im- prove his knowledge, and is said to have staid forty years in India ; but if we may judge from some errors which he has committed in his geographical description of the country, such as placing Muttra to the east of the Jumna, and Thanesar in the D6ab, as already noticed in the Article Bina'kiti', it would appear that he never travelled to the east of Lahore. He was indebted to the Sultan of Khawarazm for the opportunity of visiting India, for he was ap- pointed by him to accompany the embassies which he sent to Mahmtid and Mas'6d, kings of Ghazni and Lahore. Al-far4bi and Abti-1- khair joined one of these embassies, but the famous Avicenna, who was invited to accom- pany them, refused to go, being, as it is said, averse to enter into controversy with Abu Rihan, with whom he differed on many points of science, and whose logical powers he feared to encounter. Ab6 Rihan died in A. H. 430, A. D. 1038-9. He wrote many works, and is said to have executed several translations from the Greek, and epitomised the Almagest of Ptolemy. His works are said to have exceeded a camel-load, insomuch that it was supposed by devout Mu- hammedans that he received divine aid in his 98 GENERAL HISTORIES. compositions. Those most spoken of are astro- nomical tables, a treatise on precious stones; an introduction to astrology, treatise on chronolo- gy, and the famous Canun-i Mas udi, a geogra- phical work frequently cited by Abu-l-fed4, especially in his tables of Lat. and Long. For this last work he received from the Em- peror Mas'ud an elephant-load of silver which, however, he returned to the Royal Treasury, *' a proceeding contrary to human nature," according to the testimony of Shahrazuri. Reiske in the Supplement to the Bibl. Or. gives the names of his works on the authority of Abi Ossaibi'ah. It will be seen hereafter that Abu-1-Fazl Baihaki attributes to him another work, noticed by M. Fraehn {Indie. Bibl. p. 28) namely, a ** history of Khawarazm," and there is a manuscript of some portions of his works noticed by M. Hoenel, as existing in the Library of the Arsenal in Paris, which has not, as far as I am aware of, yet attracted any attention. It would appear to be the same as the one noticed by D'Herbelot, in the Article Athdr. See Hoenel, Catalogi Libroriim MSS. &c. p. 325. But to the cultivator of Indian History the most valuable of all his works is the Tarikhu- 1-Hind, an Arabic manuscript in the Royal Li- brary, Paris. (FondsDucaurroy, No. 22.) Two chapters have been given from this work by M. Reinaud, in his " Fragments Arabes et Per- sans inSdits relatifs a V Inde, anttrieurement an xi"^'- sihcle de Fere Chretienne.'' It is evident GENERAL HISTORIES. 99 from the references made to other portions of the work that the learned professor of Arabic could not have done a more acceptable service to oriental literature than by persuading M. Munk, an able Arabic and Sanscrit scholar, to publish and translate the entire work, which we are informed is now in the press. It is not known at all in India, and M. Reinaud states that it is not mentioned in any of the bibliogra- phical works in Arabic which have come under his observation. The work treats of the literature and science of the Indians at the commencement of the eleventh century. It does not bear the name of the author, but we learn from it, that he accom- panied Mahmud of Ghazni ; that he resided many years in India, chiefly in all probability in the Panjab, studied the Sanscrit language, translated into it some works from the Ara- bic, and translated from it two treatises into Arabic. This statement is confirmed by Abu-1- faraj, in his " Catalogue of Ancient and Modern authors." One of the treatises translated by him has the title of Patanjali. He says, towards the end of his preface, " I have translated into Arabic two Indian works, one discusses the origin and quality of things which exist, and is entitled Sankya, the other is known under the title of Patanjali, which treats of the deli- verance of the soul from the trammels of the body. These two works contain the chief principles of the Indian creed." Neither the original nor the translation of o 2 100 GENERAL HISTORIES. Patanjali has descended to us ; but, as M. Rei- naud observes, the declaration quoted in the pre- ceding paragraph serves to indicate the author of the Tarikhu-1-Hind, which other circumstances would have rendered extremely probable. It so happens that in the lately discovered frag- ments of Rashidu-d-din's history he quotes as one of the works to which he is indebted for his information, an Arabic version of Patanjali made by al-Biriini. Binakiti also not only mentions this translation of the work, which he calls Patanjal, but says that Biruni included the translation in the Canun-i-Mas udl, which would make it appear that the Tarikhu-1-Hind originally formed part of that work.* The two chapters of his work, edited by M. Reinaud, relate to the Eras and Geography of India. Like the Chinese travels of Fa-hian, they establish another fixed epoch to which we can refer for the determination of several points relating to the chronology of this coun- try. We learn from them that the Harivansa Purana, which the most accomplished oriental- ist's have hitherto ascribed to a period not * M. Reinaud (p. 97) says of this work that "unfortunately it has not come down to us." It appears to have escaped him that nearly the entire first volume exists in the Bodleian Library, collated with the autograph of the author, and dated as far back as A. D. 1083. The contents of that volume are given in Drs. NicoU's and Pusey's Cata- logue, and they seem to confirm the probability that the " Tarikhu-1- Hind" is only a portion of the " Cantin-i Mas'udi. In the notes to that article the learned Doctors have surely taken very unnecessary trouble to write elaborate remarks upon Arin, {jij\, which can be no other place than Ujain, in Malwa, which by the first Arabic authors was most pro- bably written ^jiji, as being more in conformity with Ptolemy, who calls it by the name of 'O^-fjur), GENERAL HISTORIES. 101 anterior to the eleventh century, was already quoted in Biruni's time as a standard authority, and that the epoch of the composition of the five Siddhdntas no longer admits of question, and thus the theories of Anquetil du Perron and Bentley are demolished for ever.* The extract from Tarikhu-1-Hind given below is of great historical interest. The succession of the last princes of Cabul given there, though not in accordance with the statements of Mir- khond and other Persian historians, yet being de- pendent on the contemporary testimony of Biruni, is of course more trustworthy than that of sub- sequent compilers, and is moreover confirmed by the Jamiu-t Tawarikh. With respect to this table of succession, the ingenuity of the French Editor induced him to surniise that it probably represented a series of Brahman princes who succeeded in subverting a Buddhist dynasty of Turks, and to whom should be attributed certain coins of a peculiar type which Numismatists had previously some difficulty in assigning to their true masters. M.A. Longperier has confirmed this opinion by certain arguments which have been printed as an Appendix to M. Reinaud's work, and he has been ably followed by Mr. E. Thomas, B. C. S., who has published a paper in the'' Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society ' (Vol. * Compare Sprenger's Mas^udi, p. 154. Casiri, Biblioth. Arabico- Hispana, Tom. i. p. 322. D'Herbelot, Bibl, Or. Tom. i. pp. 45, 407, 496, and Tom. iv. pp. 697, 722. Greg. Abulfaragii Hist. Dynast. p. 229. Wiistenfeld, Abulfedcs Tab. Geogr. p. ^7. Biographic Univ. s. v. De Rossi, Dizionario Storico degli Autori Arabi, s. v. NicoU and Pusey, Bodl. Cod. MSS. Or. Cat. Arab. pp. 263, 360—363, 552. FUigel, De Interpretibus, No. 1^- Wiistenfeld, Arabische Aerzte, No. 129.^ 102 GENERAL HISTORIES. ix. p. 194) respecting the proper attribution of this series. The result is that we are able to trace Brahman kings of Cabul to the beginning of the tenth century, about A. D. 920, and thus clear up the mist which enveloped a whole cen- tury of the Indian annals previous to Mahmtid's invasion. In the same paper Mr. Thomas observes that the word Hamira, so long supposed to be a proper name, and so eagerly sought for among the Hindu kings of India, proves to be an ab- breviation of the full title of the Khalif of Baghdad, — Amir-ul'Mumenin, — continued by the Muhammedans in this curtailed form from the Arabic reverses of their own Ghazni money, when they adopted the style of coin found cur- rent in the countries they had subdued. " The abbreviation of the full titles of the Khalif into Sri Hamira will be seen," says Mr. Thomas, ** to be necessary, as the space occupied by the device did not admit of the introduction of many more Hindi letters of the size it was the custom to employ." But this supposed abbre- viation is disproved by examining the gold coins of Muhammed Ghori, on one of which, in possession of Capt. A. Cunningham, Sri Hamir is ascribed as the title of the king, not of the Khalif. The legend on one side only (not on two sides) is Sri Hamir Muhammed Sdmi. On the copper coins Sri Hamir is on the reverse, but the purport of the expression is fully shown by the position it occupies on the gold coins. The legend of Sri Samant Deo on many of this GENERAL HISTORIES. 103 series of coins, upon which so much stress is laid, as indicative of Samant's power as one of the chief founders of the dynasty, does not seem to have reference to that prince, but to be an honorary title assumed by the reigning prince, meaning the " fortunate warrior ;" otherwise it certainly would not have been stamped on the coins of Prithi Raj, who lived 250 years later, and was not, like Samant, a Brahman, but a Chauhan Rajput, and proud of his lineage. Extract. Cdbul was formerly governed by Princes of the Turkish race. It is said that they were originally from Tibet. The first of them, who was named Barkatziir, dwelt, when he arrived at C^bul, in a cave, in which no one could enter except by crawling on all fours. The cave contained a spring, and he provided him- self therein with food for some days. This cave is now well known by the name of Bakar, and is entered by those persons who wish to obtain the blessing which a visit to it is supposed to confer, and bring out some of the water, not without much diffi- culty. Groups of peasants used to labour near the entrance of the cave. Such a thing (as remaining in the cave without food) could not be practised without the connivance of some one. The people who were in league with Barkatzur, engaged the peasants to labour without ceasing, relieving each other night and day, by which it happened that the place was constantly surrounded. After some days, Barkatzur came all of a sudden out of the cave,* and the men who were near the entrance saw him appear as one just born, clothed as a Turk, with a tunic, cap, boots, and armed from head to foot. He was looked upon as a wondrous person, and destined for empire. So he rendered himself master of the * He seems to have imposed upon the credulous people by the same means which are even now practised in the west of India. Lieut. Boileau in his " Personal narrative of a tour in Rajwarra," a.nd Capt. Osborne in his " Court and Camp of Runjeet Sing," give an account of a man who allowed himself to be interred for a month. The former is circum- stantial in his account, and seems to yield faith to the statement of his narrators. It is not improbable that the ancients alluded to this prac- tice when they spoke of Indians who lived without food, and in caves. Aulus GelUus speaks of them as " gentem, apud extrema Indiae nullo cibatu vescentem." Noct. Att. ix. 4. See also Philostratus, Vit. Apoll, iii. 45. Ctesise. Indie. Excerpt, xxiii. 104 GENERAL HISTORIES. kingdom of Cabul, which continued in his family for sixty gener- ations. The Indians attach httle importance to the sequence of events, and neglect to record the dates of the reigns of their kings. When they are embarrassed, they are silent. I will here men- tion what I have heard some people of the country say. It is true, according to what I have heard, that the succession of these reigns was written on a piece of silk, which was found in the fortress of Nagarkote. I vehemently desired to read this writing, but different circumstances prevented me. Among the number of these kings was Kanak,* who founded the Vihar at Peshawar, which bears his name. It is said that the Rai of Canauj offered to this prince, among other presents, a piece of cloth of excellent texture, and of a new kind, of which Kanak wished to make a dress. But the tailor refused to make up the garment, saying, " I see the figure of a human foot, and notwithstanding all my endeavours, still the foot will come be- tween the shoulders." This bears a relation to the story which I have elsewhere narrated in the legend of Bal. Kanak understood that the Rai of Canauj intended to insult him, and to evince the small estimation in which he held him, so Kanak departed quickly with his army towards Canauj. At this news the Rai of Canauj was greatly embarrassed, not finding himself in a position to contend with the king of Cabul. He consulted with his minister, who said, *' you have roused a man who was peaceably disposed, and an * untoward act' has beea committed. Now cut ofp my nose and lips, and mutilate me, that I may search out a way of practising some artifice, since there are no means of open resistance." The Rai did as his minister advised, and allowed him to depart to the frontier. When the army of Cabul met the minister, he made himself known, and was conducted to the presence of Kanak, who demanded of him how he was reduced to that (piti- able) condition. He replied, *' I endeavoured to dissuade the Rai from contending with you, and recommended him to make his submission, but, charging me with collusion, he mutilated me. If you march by the road which lies before you, you will find it long. You will more easily arrive at your destination by encountering the difficulties of the desert between him and us, provided you can carry with you a supply of water for a few days.'* Kanak said, *' this is easy." So he took with him water, as recommended, and was guided on his way by the minister, who preceded him when he entered the boundless desert. When some days had elapsed, and the king knew not his way, he en- * Capt. A. Cunningham states in a private communication that he hopes to be able to prove this Kanak of Birtini to be identical with the Kanishka of the Bactrian coins, the Kani-kia of the Chinese, and the Kanaksen, from whom many R^jpdt families trace their lineage. GENERAL HISTORIES, 105 quired of the minister, who replied, " No rebuke can attach to me for seeking to secure the safety of my master, and the destruction of his enemy. The nearest way to escape from the desert is that by which you entered it. Do to me as you wish, but none of you can escape aUve from this desert.'* At these words Kanak mounted his horse, and urged it towards some low ground, in the midst of which he dug his spear, and water gushed out from it, which sufficed for the present and future wants of the whole army. Then the minister said to the king, ** I did not intend to practice deceit upon powerful angels, but only upon weak men; and since things have so turned out, accept my intercession, and pardon my gracious master.'* Kanak replied, " I now retrace my way, and grant your solicitation. Your master has already received the punishment due to him." Upon this the king returned to his country, and the minister to his master the Rai. But on his arrival, be found that the llai had been deprived of the use of his feet and hands, on the self-same day that Kanak had planted his spear in the ground. The last of these kings was Laktuzaman, and his minister was Kalar, a Brahman. * * * Laktuzamdn's thoughts and actions were evil, so that many complaints reached the minister, who loaded him with chains and imprisoned him for his correction. * * * So he established himself on the throne, and was succeeded by the Brahman Samand, whose suc- cessor was Kamlua, whose successor was Bhim, whose successor was Jaipal, whose successor was Anand Pal, whose successor was Naradjanpal, who ascended the throne A. H. 412. His son, Bhim Pal, succeeded him after the lapse of five years, and under him the sovereignty of India became extinct, and no descendant remained to light a fire on the hearth. These princes, notwith- standing the extent of their dominions, were endowed with excel- lent quahties, faithful to their engagements, and gracious towards their inferiors. The letter which Anand Pal wrote to Amir Mahmud, at the time enmity existed between them, is much to be admired. " I have heard that the Turks have invaded your dominions : if you desire it, I will join you with 5,000 Cavalry, 10,000 Infantry, and 100 Elephants ; but if you prefer it, I will send my son with twice the number. In making this proposal, I do not wish to ingratiate myself with you. Though I have vanquished you, I do not desire that any one else but myself should obtain the ascendancy."* This prince was a determined enemy of the Musulmans from the time that his son Naradjanpal was taken prisoner, but his son was, on the contrary, well disposed towards them. * This is translated somewhat differently by M. Reinaud, but the version here given seems more in conformity with the original Arabic. 106 GENERAL HISTORIES. VIII. KHULASATU-L-AKHBAR. This work may be considered an abridgment of the Rauzatu-s-Safa. It was written by Mirk- hond's son, Khondemir, whose full name is Ghaiasu-d-Din Muhammed bin Humamu-d- Din.* Khondemir was born at Herat about the year 880 H. for he states in the Preface to the Habibu-s-Siyar, that wHen he commenced it in the year 927 H. he had advanced through seven or eight stages beyond the fortieth year of his life. From his early youth he showed a predilec- tion for history, and perused with indefatigable ardour books which treated of that science ; and guided by the example and advice of his illustrious father, he prepared himself for the composition of some work by which he might attain equal celebrity. In this purpose he was assisted by the learned minister All Sher,t who, having collected a valuable library of the most esteemed works, placed our author * I am not aware that Mirkhond was ever called by the name of Humamu-d-Din during his life time. It might have been an honorific title given after his death. It is perhaps the use of this name which has made some authors suppose that Khondemir was not a son, but a nephew, of Mirkhond. t See note C. GENERAL HISTORIES. 107 in charge of it. According to Haji Khalfa, it was about the year 900* H. that Khondemir completed the Khulasatu-1-Akhbar, and at the close of it he gratefully acknowledges that, had it not been for Ali Sher's considerate kindness in placing him in charge of the library, he could not have completed in six years a tenth part of what he had concluded in as many months, and to that excellent minister he gratefully dedicated his work. Khondemir was occasionally employed in a public capacity. In the year 909 H. when Sultan Badi'u-z-Zaman, resolved on repelling the Uzbeks, who were preparing to make an attack upon Khorasan, under the command of Muham- med Shaibani Khan, he despatched an embassy to Khusru Shdh, the chief of Kunduz, in order to invite him to join the common cause, and to second the preparations which were making for the destruction of this formidable enemy. Our author joined this embassy, and was deputed by the head of the mission to convey certain important intelligence to the Sultan. Under the reign of this Sultan, the last of the descendants of Timur who sat on the throne of Persia, we find Khondemir appointed to the of- fice of Sadr, or judge of the ecclesiastical court, a post which had been held by his uncle Nizamu- d-Din Sultan Ahmad ; and shortly after he was commissioned by the Sultan to proceed to Can- dahar, to induce its ruler to join the general * But the author himself quotes A. H. 904.— A. D. 1498— in his Preface, as the time when Ali Slier's Library was placed at his disposal. p 2 108 GENERAL HISTORIES. league ; but the death of one of the Sultau's daughters at that time put a stop to his journey. Khorasan was soon invaded by the Uzbeks, and in the year 913, the capital itself, not being able to make any effectual resistance, offered terms of submission. Khondemir drew up the conditions, and his nephew was commissioned to negotiate the surrender. Under the rule of the Uzbeks our author had to submit to great indignities, and he was not sorry to see it overthrown by the victorious arms of Shah Ism'il in 916, H. During the troubles of this period he went to reside at Basht, a village in Georgia, and there devoted his leisure to liter- ary pursuits. While in this retreat he seems to have composed the Masiru-1-Maluk, the Akh- baru-1-Akhyar, the Dasturu-1-Vuzra,* the Ma- karimu-1-Akhlak and the Muntakhab Tarikh-i- Wassaf.t After the death of this monarch A. H. 932, Khondemir seems to have found little inducement to reside in Persia, for in the year 935 H, he was introduced to the emperor Baber at Agra, and that monarch and our author concur in * This is not an uncommon work in India, forming a 4to Volume containing 234 pages of 19 lines each. Another of the same nature, en- titled Irshadu-1-Vuzra, is by Sadru-d-din Muhammed, written in India in the reign of Muharamed Shah. t These works are mentioned as the author's in the Preface to the Habibu-s-Siyar. The Akhbaru-1-Akhyar, which is also the name of a work on the Saints by Abdu-1-Hakk Dehlivi, is in the copy consulted by M. Quatremere, and in one I obtained from Haiderabad, but omitted from three other copies which I have examined, and in which the two last works mentioned in the text are added. I have seen also another work ascribed to Khondemir, called the Gharaibu-1-Asrar. These, toge- ther with the Jawahiru-1-Akhbar and the Habibu-s- Siyar, which are noticed in the two succeeding Articles, are a sufficient evidence of our author's industry, as well as of the versatility of his talents. GENERAL HISTORIES. 109 mentioning the very day of the interview. At the conclusion of the first volume of the Habibu-s- Siyar he tells us, *' Under the unavoidable law of destiny, the writer was compelled in the middle of Shawal 933, H. to leave Herat, his dear home (may it ever be protected from dan- ger!) and bend his steps towards Candahar. On the 10th of Jamadu- s -sani, 934 H. he under- took a hazardous journey to Hindustan, which, in consequence of the great distance, the heat of the weather, the setting in of the rainy sea- son, and the broad and rapid rivers which intervened, it took him seven months to com- plete. On Saturday, the 4th of Muharram, 935 H. he reached the metropolis of Agra, and on that day had the good fortune to strengthen his weak eyes with the antimonial dust of the high threshold of the Emperor, the mention of whose name in so humble a page as this would not be in conformity with the principles of respect. He was allowed without delay to kiss the celes- tial throne, which circumstance exalted him so much, that it placed the very foot of his dignity over the heads of the Great and Little Bears in the Heavens." He accompanied the Emperor on his expedi- tion to Bengal, and upon his death attached himself to Humayun, in whose name he wrote the Kanun-i Humayuni, which is quoted by Abu-1 Fazl in the Akbernama. He accompanied that monarch to Guzerat, and died in his camp in the year 941 H. aged 61 or 62 years. At his own desire his body was conveyed to Dehli, and he 110 GENERAL HISTORIES. was buried by the side of Nizamu-d-Din Aulya and Amir Khusru.* For the saint and the poet he entertained a high veneration, and of both he speaks in most eulogistic terms in the Habib- u-s-Siyar. The Khulasatu-1-Akhbar is a most able com- pendium of Asiatic History, brought down to A. H. 875 — ^A. D. 1471 — ^but events are record- ed in it as late as A. D. 1528. It is held in high repute both in Asia and Europe. A por- tion of the first book has been translated in the first volume of the Asiatic Miscellany, and the history of the Saljukians has been given in original, with a French translation, by M. Dumo- ret, in the Nouv. J. As. xiii. pp. 240 — 256. Ma- jor Price is largely indebted to it, in his Retro- spect of Muhammedan History and his History of Arabia, and D'Herbelot'st obligations to it are still greater. The Chapters relating to the Ghaznevides, the Ghorians, and the kings of Dehli, are con- tained in the viii^^ Book, and the Indian occur- rences are narrated down to A. H. 717 — A. D. 1317. But we derive no information from his short abstract, he himself referring for fuller accounts to the Tabakat-i-Nasiri, the Tarikh-i-Wassaf, and the Rauzatu-s-Safa. The Khulasatu-1-Akhbar comprises an Intro- duction, ten Books, and a Conclusion. * See Journal des Savants, 1843, p. 386—393. t This author commits the error of attributing the work to Mir- khond, in which he has been blindly followed by several others. GENERAL HISTORIES. Ill Contents. Introduction — Gives an account of the creation of the world, the deluge. Jinn, Iblis, &c. pages 5 — 13. Book I. — The "History of the Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 13 —116. Book II. — Of Philosophers and illustrious personages, pp. 117 —123. Book III. — Of the ancient kings of Iran and adjacent countries, pp. 123—212. Book IV. — Of Muhammed and his conquests, pp. 212 — 285. Book V. — Of the twelve Imams and the descendants of AH, pp. 285—346. Book VI.— Of the Umraayide Khalifs, pp. 347—399. Book VII.— Of the Abbaside Khalifs, pp. 390—460. Book VIII. — Of the kings who were contemporary with the Abbasides, and of a few subsequent to them, pp. 460 — 579. Book IX. — Of the posterity of Japhet, the life of Changez Khan and his successors, pp. 579 — 624. Book X. — The history of Timiir, and of his descendants who reigned in Khorasanto A. D. 1471, pp. 624—680. Conclusion. — Description of Herat — Memoirs of its celebrated inhabitants, pp. 680 — 743. Size — Large Svo. — 743 pp. of 19 lines each. Extract Regarding the slaves of the Ghorian Kings, who attained regal dignity. Sultan Shahdbu-d-din took considerable delight in purchasing Turkish slaves and educating them. He bestowed the Govern- ment of the territories of Kerm^n and Turan, dependencies of Sind, upon one of his slaves named Taju-d-din Yelduz, who, upon the death of Sultan Shahabu-d-din, ascended the throne of Ghazni. He reigned a short time, and in a war with Sultan Shamsu-d-din Iltmish,* King of Dehli, was taken prisoner and put to death. Kutbu-d-din Eibek was likewise one of the slaves of Shaha- bu-d-din. He was distinguished for his great courage and liber- ality. Having had the reins of the Government of Dehli en- trusted to him by the Sultan, he prosecuted many religious wars in India, the particulars of some of which are recorded in the Taju-1-Masir. Kutbu-d-din Eibek ruled twenty years, during fourteen years of which period he was completely independent of the Sultan, and had the Khutba read in his own name. * Ritter and Briggs read Altmish, V. Hammer IHlmish. 112 GENERAL HISTORIES. Upon his death, his son Aram Shah ascended the throne, but owing to his want of ability he was deposed after a few days, and was succeeded by Sultan Shamsu-d-din Eibek. Malik Nasiru-d-din Kabach, after the death of his master Sultan Shahabu-d-din, took possession of l/ch, Multan, and several towns in Sind. When Changez Khan committed great depredations and mas- sacres in Persia, the people of Khorasan sought refuge in great numbers in the territories of Nasiru-d-din, under whose protection they were treated with great munificence and consideration. Malik Nasiru-d-din, in the latter years of his reign, assumed a hostile attitude towards Sultan Shamsu-d-din Iltmish. The latter marched his army towards U'ch and Multan. Nasiru-d- din was defeated and fled to the Fort of Bakar, whence, on receiv- ing intelligence of the intended attempt on that Fort by the Wazir of Shamsu-d-din, named Nizamu-1-Mulk Muhammed, son of Abii Said, he tried to effect his escape in a boat, and thus emerge from that whirlpool to the shore of safety, but he was nevertheless drowned in the sea of mortality, i. e. died in the attempt. Some say Sultan Shamsu-d-din was one of the slaves of Sultan Shahabu-d-din ; others again say he was one of Kutbu-d-din Eibek's slaves. However this may be, it is certain that, after the death of Kutbu-d-dln Eibek, the kingdom devolved upon Shams- u-d-din, who administered even-handed justice for twenty-six years, conquered a great number of forts and territories in India, and died in 633 A. H. The Jamiu-1-Hikaiat, which was dedicated to Wazir Nizam- u-l-Mulk Muhammed, son of Abu Said, was composed during the reign of this king. Sultan Ruknu-d-din Feroze Shah, son of Shamsu-d-din Iltmish, ascended the throne, and was exceedingly liberal in his largesses and donations, but in consequence of his inordinate addiction to wine, he altogether disgusted and alienated the nobles and ministers of the state. They were at length compelled to seize and put him in prison. He reigned only seven months. In Europe there are several good copies of this work, of which the best known are those of St. Petersburgh, Vienna, the British Museum and Sir W. Ouseley.* The work is common in India. In the Asiatic Society's Library there * Von Ilaramcr-Purgstall, in noticing these in the Gesch. d. Gold. Horde in Russland, p. xxiv. has failed to observe his usual accuracy. GENERAL HISTORIES. 113 is an excellent Manuscript, but by far the most beautiful copy I have seen is in the possession of Muhammed Raziu-d-din, chief native Judge of Ilhabad, though a little defective at the end. The Khulasatu-1-Akhbar opens thus, accord- ing to all the copies examined. J^)j o^ ^jUi^^ltXa^lc ^Uxil J ^U^l J^^j^j oUI^ a^TLL. ^^J^ Cxte ]j ^\li^ Ch-^j] L^ijib IaLL ^ Ji ^ and concludes thus, according to two perfect Manuscripts. f)J] ^ J^ U5^s- ols^^-l ^U£J1 L:U ^ L:l«J| iU^ ^1^ ^J^^s^ C^U ^^^ ^ ^Uxol ^UaSl^ ^lo^l ^ ^^ ^1,1, 114 GENERAL HISTORIES. Note C. Mir All Sher, Mir Ali Sher, or AH Sher Amir, the enlight- ened minister of Sultan Husain of Persia, was born about A. H. 844.— A. D. 1440. Mir Ali Sher was of an illustrious family of the Chagatai tribe. His father, Bahadar, who was a man of deep learning and science, and whose chief pride it was to give a finished education to his children, held one of the principal offices of government during the reign of Sultan Abu-1- Kasim Baber, son of Timur, and Ali Sher was himself employed at court, having ingratiated himself with this prince so much, as to obtain from him the title of son. He was admitted to this favor by means of his literary accomplishments, and especially by the display of his talent as a composer of Turkish and Persian verse. When this prince died, Mir Ali Sher retired to Meshed, and subsequently to Samarcand, where he de- voted himself to study. Sometime afterwards. Sultan Husain Bahadar Khan, having made himself master of Khorasan, invited Mir Ali Sher, with whom he had been educated, and for whom he entertained a great affection, for the purpose of entrusting to him the administration of the Government. GENERAL HISTORIES. 115 After being employed in the capacity of Di- w4n and Minister for some time, love of study induced him to resign, but Husain prevailed upon him to accept the government of Astera- bad, which also proving too busy an occupa- tion for one of his literary tastes, he resigned it after a short period, and bidding a final adieu to public life, passed the remainder of his days in composing Turkish and Persian works, of which Sam Mirza recounts the names of no less than twenty-one. Though himself an ambitious author, he was far from being jealous of the ac- complishments of others, and proved himself one of the most eminent patrons of literature. Dau- lat Shah, the biographer, Mirkhond and Khon- demir, the historians, dedicated their works to him, and amongst other men of genius who were cherished by his liberality, may be men- tioned the celebrated poet Jami. He patronized also sculpture and architecture, and several edifices dedicated to religion and humanity were raised at his sole expense. He was also very partial to music, and himself composed several pieces of merit, which are said still to maintain their credit. His collection of Odes in the Chagatai, or pure Turkish dialect, which he wrote under the poetical title of Nuai, amounts to ten thou- sand couplets, and his parody of Nizami's five poems, containing nearly thirty thousand cou- plets, is universally admired by the cultivators of Turkish poetry, in which he is considered to be without a rival. 2 Q 116 GENERAL HISTORIES. In the Persian language also he wrote a col- lection of Odes, under the poetical title of Fanai, from which Haji Lutf Ali, in his Atish-kadah, has selected the following as a beautiful speci- men. '' O you who say ' dont curse Yezid, for possi- bly the Almighty may have had mercy on him.' I say, if the Lord pardoneth all the evil which Yezid did to the Prophet's descendants. He will also pardon you, who may have cursed him." Ali Sher died A. H. 906— A. D. 1500,— five years before his royal friend and master, Sul- tan Husain Mirza, and Khondemir has recorded the date in an affectionate chronogram : — " His highness, the Amir, the asylum of divine guidance, in whom all the marks of mercy were conspicuous, has quitted the thorny brake of the world, and fled to the rose-garden of pity. Since the * light of mercy' has descended on his soul, those words represent the day of his departure."* * Compare S. de Sacy, M6n sur div. antiq. de la Perse. M. Qua- tremere, Journ, des Savants, 1843, p. 387. GescJi. d. sch. Red. Pers, p. 310. Notices et extraits des MSS. Tom. iv. 246, 290. ix. 121. Biographical Diet. L. U. K. s. v. Journ. Asiatique, Jan. 1842, p. 70; , Sir G. Ouseley, Notices of Persian Poets, pp. 60 — 53. GENERAL HISTORIES. 117 IX. DASTtTRU-L-WUZRA'. This biographical account of famous Asiatic Ministers is by the same author, and may fairly claim a place among the General Histories. There is a later and shorter work on the same subject, by Sadru-d-din Muhammed, son of Zabardast Kh4n, written in Muhammed Shah's reign, under the name of Irshadu-1-wuzra. Both works are to be found in the Farah-bakhsh Library at Lakhnau. Extracts. There were ten Wazirs of note during the reigns of the Ghaz- nevides. Ahu-W Ahhds Fazl bin Ahmed Isfardini. In the beginning of his career he was secretary to Faik, one of the nobles of the S^mdni court, and upon his death, attached himself to Amir Nasir-u-din Sabuktigin ; and when that king went to Paradise, his son Mahmud appointed Abu-1-' Abbas Fazl to the post of Wazir. It is related in the Jamiu-t-Tawarikh that Abu-1-Fazl was neither a man of learning, nor of good manners : that he was ignorant of the Arabic language, but was a good practical officer, and in administrative capacity had not his equal. God had given him a son called Hajjaj, who was blessed with such an excellent disposition and endowed with such extraordin- ary mental faculties, that he surpassed all his contemporaries. He composed most excellent Arabic verses, and was a perfect master of the traditionary sayings of the prophet, and many people have quoted his authority as unexceptionable. When Abu-1-' Abbas had been minister for ten years, the star of his destiny fell from the finnament of prosperity to the pit of 118 GENERAL HISTORIES, adversity. Some historians have thus related the cause of his dismissal : — Sultan Mahmiid had an intense love for slaves (possessing faces as fair as that of the planet Jupiter.) Fazl bin Ahmed followed his example, which accords with the saying, that "men follow the opinion of their master." Fazl, on hearing the reputation of the beauty of a boy in Turkistan, deputed a confidential person to purchase that boy (whose countenance was beautiful as that of the planet Venus), and bring him to Ghaznin, according to the mode of conveyance usually adopted for a female. When an informer represented to the king these circumstances, as well as the successful issue of the deputation, his most august Majesty demanded that slave (whose colour was as white as silver) from the minister (whose glory and dignity were raised as high as the planet Mercury.) The minister made evasive replies and perti- naciously refused to part with the slave, notwithstanding His Majesty's absolute power. The king one night visited the minis- ter at his house, where the minister did him homage and treated him with a hospitality due to the dignity of a sovereign. When at length the slave (who looked as beautiful as a virgin of paradise,) came into the presence of the king, high words passed between him and his minister, and so greatly was the king's anger kindled, that he issued orders to seize the minister and plunder his house. After the king's departure for Hindustan, certain evil-disposed Amirs tortured the minister so severely with a rack that he lost his hfe. No individual can rescue his " life from the oppression of fate. Fate cannot be regarded as uniform in the dispensation of her favors." Ahmed hin Hasan Maimandi. He was a foster-brother and a fellow-student of Sultan Mah- mud. His father Hasan Maimandi, during the life time of Amir Nasiru-d-din Sabaktigin, was employed as Diwan at Kasbah Bust, but Amir Nasiru-d-din was led by the secret machinations of his enemies to entertain an unfavorable opinion of him. Hasan however did not live long. It is recorded by some that he was one of the ministers of Sultan Mahmud. This state- ment is altogether incorrect and unfounded, as it is not main- tained by any great historian. Ahmed bin Hasan, in consequence of his beautiful handwrit^ ing, excellent qualities, proficiency in eloquence and great wis- dom, became the most conspicuous man of his time and was regarded with aifection by several eminent persons. The king, taking him into favor, appointed him secretary, and continued to promote hin\, time after time, to higher dignities, till at last he was nominated the chief legal authority of the state, as well as invested with the superintendence of the concerns of the army. GENERAL HISTORIES. 119 A short time after, he was entrusted with the additional duty of conducting the affairs of Khorasan. All these offices he dis- charged in such a satisfactory manner, that no one could exceed his capacity for administrative duties. At length the king con- ferred on him the office of minister, when Abil-l-' Abbas Isfaraiui incurred his displeasure. He held the office of minister without any control for a period of eighteen years, when a number of Amirs, such as Altiitiash, the chamberlain. Amir Ali Khesha- wand and others, brought before the court of the king false charges against him, during his absence, which according to the saying that " whatever is listened to will make an impression on the mind," did not fail to have its due effect on the heart of the king ; so that the minister in consequence was deposed, and imprisoned in one of the forts of Hind, from which he was released by Sultan Mas'ud, on his ascending the throne of Ghaznin after the death of his father Sultan Mahmud, and re-instated in the responsible office of minister, which he held again for a long period. He died in the year 444 A. H. "It is finally ordained as the lot of all creatures, that nobody should live for ever -in this world.*' Abu Ali Husain bin Muhammed, alias Hasnak Mekdl. From his early youth he was in the service of Sultan Mahmiid. He was very agreeable in his conversation, well-behaved, energetic and quick in apprehension, but he was not a good writer, nor was he well versed in arithmetic and accounts. It is recorded in the Rauzatu-s-safa, that when Sultdn Mah- miid, in accordance with the solicitation of Nuh bin Mansiir S^mani, was on his march to Khorasan against Abii Ali Samjiir, it was represented to him, that there was, in the neighbourhood of the place where he was then encamped, a Darvesh distinguish- ed for abstinence and devotion, as well as for the performance of miracles and supernatural deeds, and called " Zdhid Ahuposh" (a devotee wearing a deer-skin.) The king, as he had a firm belief in the power of Darveshes, felt most anxious to pay him a visit, and expressed a desire that Hasnak Mekdl should follow him, though the king was aware that he had no faith in that class. Hasnak Mekal however placed the finger of compliance upon his eye, and accompanied him. The king, on his visit to the Dervesh, heard him speak on the mysteries of divinity, and then offered to bestow money upon him or any other article of which he might stand in need. The devout man stretched forth his arm, uttering the mystic syllable ** Hu," and placed a handful of coins in the palm of the king, with the remark that whoever could draw such wealth from an invisible treasury had no need of the treasure of this world. The king handed those coins to 120 GENERAL HISTORIES. Hasnak, who found that they were struck in the name of Abii All Samjur. The king on his way back asked Hasnak how he could refuse to accord his belief in such miracles as this. Has- nak answered, that whatever the king observed in respect to mira- cles was very correct and proper, but at the same time he would suggest that His Majesty should not venture to contend against a man in whose name the coins had been struck in an invisible world. The king asking him whether indeed the coins were struck in the name of Abu Ali, he showed them to him ; upon which the king was astonished and put to the blush. In fact, Hasnak was a constant attendant of the king, whether on journeys or at home. The circumstances which led to his appointment to the office of chief minister are as follows : On the dismissal of Ahmed bin Hasan from the post, the king issued orders to the other ministers for the nomination of some great man to fill up that office. The ministers accordingly nominated Abu-1-Kasim, Abii-l-Husain Akbali, Ahmed bin ' Abdu- s-Samad and Hasnak Mekal, and sent their names to the king to make his selection. The king in reply observed that the appoint- ment of Abu-1-Kasim to the office of minister would interfere with his present duty of 'Ariz ; that it would be impolitic to confer this office on Abu-1-Husain Akbali, as he was too avari- cious ; that Ahmed bin ' Abdu-s-Samad was indeed fit for this post, but he had been entrusted with the duty of arranging the impor- tant affairs of Khwarazm ; and that Hasnak, though he was of a good family and had a quicker apprehension than the rest, yet his youthful age offered an obstacle to his appointment. The Amirs, on weighing these sentiments of His Majesty, concluded that he was inclined to nominate Hasnak his minister. They therefore unanimously represented to the king that preference should be given to Hasnak Mekal. The king, in compliance with their recommendation, appointed Hasnak to the office of minister. This post he held during the reigns of the king and his son Sultan Muhammed, who did not interrupt his enjoyment of all the powers delegated to him by his father. Hasnak, with the view of ingra- tiating himself with Sultan Muhammed, frequently made use of disrespectful language, in speaking of Sultan Mas'ud, who was then in Irak ; insomuch, that one day in full court he expressed his apprehensions that when Sultan Mas'ud ascended the throne he would empale him (Hasnak). Accordingly, when Sultan Mas'ud came to Khorasan, and took possession of the dominions of Sultan Muhammed, he summoned Hasnak, (and inflicted condign punish- ment on him.) Size — 4 to: — 234 pages, each containing 19 lines. GENERAL HISTORIES. 121 X. HABrBU-S-SIYAR. This famous history is also by Khondemir, and was written subsequent to the Khulasatu- l-Akhbar, and in a much more extended form, though Stewart {Descriptive Catalogue, p. 4) strangely characterizes it as an abridgment of that work. . The Habibu-s-Siyar was written at the desire of Muhammed al Husaini, who wished to have the facts of universal history collected into one volume. He died shortly after the work was begun, and the troubles which ensued induced our author for some time to suspend his labours, until an introduction to Karimu-d-Din Habib- uUah, a native of Ardebil, encouraged him to prosecute them again with ardour. Habib-ullah was a great cultivator of knowledge ; all his leisure hours were devoted to its acquisition, and he was particularly partial to history. It was after the name of this new patron that he entitled his work Habibu-s-Siyar. It may be supposed that, as he travels over nearly the same gi-ound as his father, he has made great use of the Rauzatu-s-Safa, of which in 122 GENERAL HISTORIES. many parts he offers a mere abridgment, but he has added the history of many Dynasties omitted in that work, and the narrative is ge- nerally more lively and interesting. He has added, moreover, the lives of the celebrated men who flourished during each period that he brings under review. The Habibu-s-Siyar was commenced in A. H. 927, when the author was about 48 years of age. It is not known in what year it was completed, but M. Quatremere {Journ. d. Savans, 1843, p. 393) has noticed that the year 930 is mentioned in it, and that the occurrences of Persian His- tory are brought down to that time ; — but Khondemir perhaps continued his labours long after that period, even down to 935 H., because in an interesting passage at the close of the first volume, of which part has already been quoted in a preceding article, he says, " Be it known unto the intelligent and enlightened minds of readers that the writing of these histories which form the first volume of Habibu-s-Siyar, has been completed for the third time by the move- ment of the fingers of the composer, according to the saying that ** a thing attaineth per- fection on its third revisal." The compiler, while on his travels in Hindustan, finished this volume to the entire satisfaction of all his friends, " stopping every day and every night at a different place." The pen, whose production is as sweet as a parrot's imitation of human speech, and which, by dipping into the ink like a diver into the sea, brings forth to light GENERAL HISTORIES. 123 different narratives as precious gems from the dark caves of the deep, and displays them to the world, threads certain remarkable incidents as valuable pearls in the following manner. '* The writer had not been long in Hindustan when he fell sick, and became weaker day by day. The regimen which he underwent for three or four months, with respect to drink and light food, as well as medicines, proved ineffec- tual, so that he was reduced to so slender a skele- ton, that even the morning breeze was capable of wafting him to a different country. Heat con- sumed his body as easily as flame melts a can- dle. At length Providence bestowed upon him a potion for the restoration of his health from that dispensary, where " When thou fallest sick, it is he that cureth thee." The compi- ler lifted up his head from his sick bed, as the disposer of all things opened the doors of con- valescence towards his life. At this time under the shadow of the victorious standard of his august Majesty, Baber, (may God maintain his kingdom till the day of judgment !) the com- piler had occasion to proceed to Bengal, and at every march where there was the least delay, he devoted his time to the completion of this volume, which was finished at Tirmuhana, near the con- fluence of the Sarjii and Ganges.* * This, therefore, must have been written about May 1529, shortly after the dispersion of the army of Kherid, the position of which tract is correctly given by Mr. Erskine, though with a slight error as to the limits. Mr. Caldecott, his epitomator, makes Kherid a General, and speaks of the army under Kherid. (See Leyden and Erskine's Memoirs of Baber, p. 411, and Caldecott's Life of Baber, p. 230.) R 2 124 GENERAL HISTORIES. This passage is taken from a copy written A. H. 1019, but I cannot trace it in any other, all of which end with the verses which precede this Conclusion ; and it was most probably not in the copy consulted by Mr. Quatremere, or it could scarcely have escaped the penetration of that learned scholar. It seems, therefore, to have been a postscript written for his Indian friends, and the work which he imposed upon himself may, after all, have been the mere copying, for the third time, of that which he had already composed. It has been hitherto customary to translate the name of this History as the " Friend of Travelling,"* under the impression that the name of the original is Hahibu-s-Sair, but it has been shown by M. Von Hammer and Baron de Sacy {Not. et Extr. IX. ii. 269) that Siyar is the word, signifying " biographies, lives." The reason advanced for this is, that the clause, *' fi akhbar-i-afradu-1-bashar," follows immediately after the title; and rythmical propriety, so much studied amongst Orientals, demands that the word should therefore be Siyar, rather than Sair. Further confirmation of the correctness of this view will be found in the third line of the conclusion given below, where " Habibu-s- Siyar" follows immediately after " Arjimandu- 1-asar," showing that two syllables are necessary to compose the word Siyar. The entire name signifies, **The Friend of Biographies, com- * D'Herbelot says, " c'est ce que nous appellons dans I'usage du vulgaire un Veni mecum." — Bibl : Orient, v. Habib al Seir. GENERAL HISTORIES. 125 prising the history of persons distinguished among men." The Habibu-s-Siyar contains an Introduction (Iftitah), three Books (Mujellad), each subdivid- ed into four Chapters (Juzv), and a Conclusion (Ikhtitam). Contents. The Introduction contains the history of the creation of heaven and of earth, as well as of its inhabitants. Book I. — Contains the history of the Prophets, Philosophers, and Kings who existed before the dawn of Islamism, with some account of Muhammed and the first Khalifs. — 860 pages. Chapter 1 . — The history of the Prophets and Philosophers. Chapter 2. — The history of the kings of Persia and Arabia. Chapter 3. — An account of Muhammed. Chapter 4. — The events which occurred in the time of the four first Khahfs. Book II. — Contains the history of the twelve Im6ms, the Ummayides, Abbdsides, and those Kings who were contemporary with the Abb^sides — 710 pages. Chapter 1 . — An account of the twelve Imams. Chapter 2. — The events which occurred in the time of the Ummayides. Chapter 3. — An account of the events which occurred in the time of the Abbasides. Chapter 4. — Gives an account of several Kings who were con- temporary with the Abb^ides. Book III. — Contains the history of several other dynasties — 784 pages. Chapter 1. — An account of the kings of Turkist^n, and of the reigns of Changez Khan and his descendants. Chapter 2. — The history of the Kings contemporary with Changez Khan. Chapter 3. — Gives an account of Timur and his descendants, down to the time of the author. Chapter 4. — An account of his patron, the reigning monarch. The Conclusion mentions the wonders of the world, with a brief account of learned and holy men, poets, &c. Size — Small Folio, of 2318 pages, with 20 Hues to a page. The parts relating to India are the sections on the Ghaznevides, the Ghorians, and the kings of Dehli down to the death of Alau-d-Din. 126 GENERAL HISTORIES. Timiir's invasion is described at great length, but the Tughlak dynasty is not mentioned. The work is very rarely met with in a per- fect state, but single Books and Chapters abound every where. Extracts. The three cities of Dehli, viz. Sirri, Jahanpanah and old Dehli, which were contiguous to one another, having been all equally- sacked, and the circumstance communicated to His Majesty (Timiir,) orders, worthy of all obedience, were issued to the effect, that all the artificers and designers, that were to be found among the prisoners, should be liberated and distributed among the princes, for employment by them in their respective territories, and the stone-cutters reserved for the private service of the king, in order that, accompanying him in his royal progress to Samar- kand, they might be employed there in building a Jama Masjid. On the subject of certain other victories gained hy Aynir Timur, Gurgdn, and his return to Samar- kand. After the world- enlightening standards of Amir Timur had halted fifteen days at Dehli, they left that city on the 24th Rabiu- 1-akhir to proceed to other places in India, and the news of his departure was spread abroad throughout the world. When he was encamped at Wazirabad, a mission from Baha- dar Nahar, the ruler of Lahawar, waited upon His Majesty, and offered him* two parrots, which had amused the Courts of the Kings of India, from the reign of Sultan Tughlak Shah, by their wonderful imitation of human speech. The king was pleased to accept this handsome present. He then crossed the Jumna, and arrived at Kanah, where Bahadar Nahar, accompanied by his son Kaltash, did him homage, and having offered a suitable pre- sent, was treated with every courtesy and kindness. The Amir Timiir, Gurgan, afterwards proceeded from Kanah to Daulatabad, the most populous city of India, and after a stay of two days at that place, marched against the Fort of Mirat, which is one of the most celebrated in India. Maula Ahmad, Bahar Sabzi and Safi Gabrf had possession of the Fort at the time. As * In the original, Timur is designated in this passage, " the falcon of the hill of intelligence." t The Rauzatu-s-Safa gives these names as Ilyas Ughani, and the son of Maulana Ahmad of Thanesar, and Safi Gabr, or Kabir. GENERAL HISTORIES. 127 they had become refractory, His Majesty, when he reached the place at the end of Rabiu-l-akhir, gave them battle, took the city of Mirat by storm, and putting Safi Gabr to the sword, despatched him to hell, and ordered his son to be burned in the fire which he worshipped. *• Though a fire- worshipper kindle fire and adore the element for a hundred years, yet if he fall into it, it will consume him in a moment." On the 1st of Jamadu-1-awwal, the greater part of the fire-wor- shippers who were in the Fort, were slain by the hands of the Muhammedans, and on the Fort being razed to the ground, the Emperor proceeded to the banks of the Ganges, to wage a reli- gious war against the Infidels. Several battles were fought here, and many Infidels were slain and despatched to hell on the banks of that river, and at the pass of Kopila (Goumukha ?), to which places Timur advanced the standard of Islam. The Habibu-s-Siyar has not met with so many translators as the Rauzatu-s-Sala. Major Price has abstracted a portion of it in his ** Chronological Retrospect," and the tragic events of Karbala have been translated in the " Oriental Quarterly Review." The History of the Mongols has been translated by M. Grigo- riefF. St. Petersburg, 1834, 8vo. Five good copies concur in giving the open- ing lines of the Habibu-s-Siyar thus : — IJuoj LL/c) ^ L^J h^^j lSI^ ^ Uj) Uoj The third volume, like the other two, with the single exception noted above, concludes with poetry, of which the last lines are : — 128 GENERAL HISTORIES, XL TARrKH-I-IBRAHrMr. A work under this title is described by Major Charles Stewart, as an abridged history of India from the earliest times to the conquest of that country by Sultan Baber. It is mentioned as a quarto volume in the collection of Tipii Sultan. The author's name is given as Ibrahim bin Harire, and the work was dedicated to Sultan Baber, A. D. 1528. (See Stewart's Descriptive Catalogue, &c. p. 13.) Under this name the more famous history of Ferishta is frequently quoted by native histo- rians, inconsequence of its having been compi- led under the patronage of Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur, but I have never met the work quoted by Stewart, nor heard of its existence in any library in India. GENERAL HISTORIES. 129 ^jy XII. LUBBU-T-TAWARrKH. This " Marrow of History" is a general Asia- tic Chronicle of considerable repute in Europe and Asia. It has been translated into Latin by MM. Gaulmin and Galland, and Pietro de la Valle declared his intention of translating it into Italian. Whether he ever executed his task I know not, but in one of his letters, dated 1621, he says " Di tradur da Persiano in Toscano un libro che chiamano Midolla delle Historie, et e un breve compendio della historia di tutti i Re della Persia da Adam inlin' a Sciah Tah- masp." It is also frequently quoted by the authors of the Universal History, and by D'Herbelot, as Leh Tank. The author of this work was Yahia bin Abd- u-1 Latif al Husaini of Kazwin, who composed it in A. D. 1541. Haji Khalfa gives his name as Ism'il bin Abdu-1-Latif ; and in the Masiru- l-Umra, he is called Mir Yahya Husaini Saifi. The author of that excellent work describes him as a well known theologian and philosopher, who had acquired such extraordinary profici- ^7«Sv. 130 GENERAL HISTORIES. ency in the knowledge of history, that he was fully acquainted with the date of every event which had occurred from the establishment of the Muhammedan religion to his own time. In the opening of his career he was patro- nized by Shah Tahmasp SafFavi, by whom he was called Yahya M'sum, and was treated by the king with such distinction, that his enemies, envious of his good fortune, endeavoured to poi- son his patron's mind against him, by repre- senting that he and his son, Mir Abdu-1-Latif, were the leading men among the Sunnis of Cazvin. They at last prevailed so far as to induce the king, when he was on the borders of Azarbaijan, to order Mir Yahya and his son, together with their families, to be imprisoned at Ispahan. At that time, his second son, Alau-d-Daulah, known by the name of Kami, the author of the work called Nafaisu-1-Masir, was in Azarbaijan, and sent off a special messenger to convey this in- telligence to his father. Mir Yahya, being too old and infirm to fly, accompanied the king's messenger to Ispahan, and died after one year and nine months, in A. H. 962,* at the age of 77 years. Mir Abdu-1-Latif, however, immediately on receipt of his brother's communication, fled to Gilan ; and afterwards, at the invitation of the Emperor Humaiyun, went to Hindustan ; but, intermediately, that Emperor had departed this * This is the date according to the Masiru-1-Urara ; other authori- ties fix it two years earlier, A. H. 960— A. D. 1552-3. GENERAL HISTORIES. 131 life, SO that he arrived at Court with his family, after Akbar had ascended the throne. By him he was received with great kindness and consideration, and was appointed, in the second year of the reign, as his preceptor. At that time the prince knew not how to read and write, but shortly afterwards he was able to repeat some odes of Hafiz. The Mir, says his biogra- pher, was a man of great eloquence and of excel- lent disposition, and so moderate in his religious sentiments, that each party used to revile him for his indifference. When Bairam Khan had incurred the dis- pleasure of the Emperor, and had left Agra, and proceeded to Alwar, with the intention, as it was supposed, of exciting a rebellion in the Panjab, the Emperor sent the Mir to him, in order to dissuade him from such an open breach of fidelity to his sovereign. The Mir died at Sikri in A. H. 971. As he bore the same name as his grandfather, another source of confusion has arisen respecting the name of our author. His eldest son, Mir Ghaiasu-d-Din All, was also endowed with an excellent disposition, and served Akbar for a long period. In the 19*^ year of the reign, he accompanied the Emperor to Patna, and in the 2P\ was appointed to command an expedition against the Zemindar of I'dar. In the same year, Abd- u-1-Kadir recounts a sad accident which befell Ghaiasu-d-Din at a game of Chaugan, in which he and his brother, Mir Sharifu-d-Din, when s 2 132 GENERAL HISTORIES. opposed, charged each other with such force, that the latter was killed by the concussion. When Akbar dismounted to ascertain what had occurred, and it was observed that his saddle was empty, several disaffected persons spread abroad a report that he had met with a severe accident ; and so rapidly did the intelligence gain ground, that he was compelled to write circular letters to his nobles informing them of the real circumstances, and calling upon them to frustrate the designs of his enemies. In the 26^^* year of the reign, he was honored with the title of Nakib Khan, by which he is now best known. In the 40^ year, he attained the Mansab of 1000, and two of his cousins mar- ried into the royal family, the king himself es- pousing one of them. In the time of Jahangir he attained still further honors, and in the 9th year of the reign — A. H. 1023 — died at Ajmir, and was buried in a marble tomb within the area of Muinu-d-Din Chishti's Mausoleum, where his wife lies buried by his side. Nakib Khan inherited his grandfather's de- votion to the study of history, and it is said that he knew the entire contents of the seven volumes of the Rauzatu-s-Safa. He was one of the com- pilers of the first portion of the Tarikh-i-Alfi, and the translator of the Mahabharata.t He was also expert in Geomancy and mental Arithmetic. The royal autobiographer, Jahangir, records an * Kewal Ram says, in the Tazkiratu-1-Umra, that this occurred in 25th year, and that he obtained the title for his gallant conduct in repeUing a night attack made by M'sCim Khan upon the royal camp. t This honor is usually ascribed to Faizi, but I doubt if he had any concern in it beyond the mere general superintendence. GENERAL HISTORIES. 133 instance of it in his Memoirs, where he relates that Nakib Khan, on being asked how many pigeons there were in a particular flock then flying, responded instantly, without making a mistake of even one. The Mir attained a good old age, and left a son, who bore the name of his grandfather, Mir Abdu-1-Latif, in the same way as his grand- father had done before him. He was a person of great worth and ability, and attained high honors, but died insane. Contents. The Lubbu-t-Tawarikh is divided into three* Books. Book I. — On Muhammed and the Im^ms. As all notice of Abubekr, Omar, and Othman is excluded, D'Herbelot considers our author to be a Shia. This contains two sections ; from page 2 to 13. Book II. — On the kings who reigned before the advent of Mu- hammed — the Peshdadians — Kaianians — the Muluku-t-Tawaif, from the time of Alexander to Ardshir Babegan — the Sasanians, or Kaiasara. In four sections ; from p. 14 to 35. Book III. — On the kings who reigned since the time of Mu- hammed. In three Chapters (Makala) and six sections (Bib) ; from pp. 35 to 164. Chapter 1 . — Regarding the holy men, companions of the Pro- phet ; 1 . p. Chapter 2.— The Ummayide Khalifas ; 4 pp. Chapter 3.— The Abbaside Khalifas ; 8 pp. Section. — I. The Sultans of Iran — in eleven subsections (Fasl) comprising theTahirians ; 2 pp. Saffarians ; 2 pp. Samani- ans ; 2 pp. Ghazuevides ; 3 pp. Ghorians ; 1 p. Buyides ; 5 pp. Saljukians ; 8 pp. Khwdrasmshahis ; 3 pp. Atabeks ; 5 pp. Ismai- Uans ; 6 pp. Karakhitais of Kirman ; 2 pp. Section 2.— The Moghuls; 13 pp. Section 3. — The successors of Sultan Abii Said in Tran. In five subsections ; 25 pp. * In the Preface of the copy before me it is stated that the work is divided into /our Books, but the details oi three books only are given. D'Herbelot says, the fourth book contains the dynasties subsequent to Muhammed, and Hamaker says that the Ley den copy has as the fourth book, that which D'Herbelot gives as the contents of the third, viz. the reigning family of Persia. 134 GENERAL HISTORIES. Section 4. — The descendants of Amir Tim6r ; 19 pp. Section 5. — The Karakuinlii and Akkiiink'i Turks. In two subsections ; 1 7 pp. Section 6. — The descendants of Tiishi Khan, son of Changez Khan, in Khorasan and Transoxiana ; 2 pp. Size — Folio — pp. 164, of 19 lines. The work is in too abridged a form to ren- der any passage worth translating, but an ex- tract from the original will be found in the last Volume. Copies of the Lubbu-t-Tawarikh are rare in India, and I know of no good Manuscript. The most celebrated of Europe are those of Paris, Vienna, the Vatican, Bodleian, and Sir. W. Ouseley. Hamaker also notices one in the Leyden Library, No. 1738, written A. D. 1645-6, but ascribed to Mas'udi by some extra- ordinary mistake.* Beginning. u^^ i^u jij}iu^ ^)j>^ ^i/:y^^J^^j^ytJ^) u^^y^ i Ending. * Compare Hamaker, Specimen Catalogi cod. MSS. pp. 48, 242. Fundgr. d. Or. Vol. II. p. 299. Wien Jahrbb. No. Ixix p. 10. D'Her- belot, Bibl. Or. Art. Lahb al Taouarikh. Busching's, Mag.f. d. neu Hist, und Geog. No. xvii. Petis de la Croix, Abrege de la vie des auteurs Sfc. Sfc. p. 629, Ouseley, Epitome of Anc, Hist, of Persia, pp. v, xxxi. GENERAL HISTORIES. 135 XIII— XIV. TARrKH-I-PA'DSHAHAN-I-HlND. TARrKH-I-PADSHAHAN-I-HUMAIYlTN. The first work is described in Stewart's Cata- logue (p. 17) as an abridged history of theMu- hammedan kings of Hindustan till the accession of the Emperor Akbar. It is probably the same as the work of that name noticed by James Fraser, (Catalogue of Manuscripts collected in the East, 1742,) as well as by Von Hammer, {Gesch. d. red. Pers. p. 411.) The second is the title of a work in the Cata- logue of Capt. Jonathan Scott's Library, (Ouse- ley, Oriental Collections, Vol. I. p, 370.) 136 GENERAL HISTORIES. XV. NUSAKH-I JAHAN-ARA. This "world-adorning history" is a useful compendium, containing a brief account, not only of all the dynasties usually treated of, but several of less note. The author is Cazi Ahmed bin Muhammed al-Ghaffari al-Kazwini, to whom we are also indebted for the better known work entitled Nigaristan, which will be treated of under the Ghaznevide dynasty.* From the short account given of him, amongst the biographies in the Tarikh-i-Badauni, we learn that, having resigned his employment in Persia, he went, towards the close of his life, on a pilgrimage to Mecca, and that landing at Daibal in Sind, for the purpose of paying a visit to Hindustan, he died at that port, A. H. 975— A. D. 1567. The Jahan-ara carries the History of Asia down to A. H. 972, of which number the au- thor tells us that the title forms the Chrono- gram. One section of the work was extracted by Sir W Ouseley, and published in 1799, * M. Rousseau attributes a Persian anthology to him, but this appears to be an error. GENERAL HISTORIES. 137 under the title of *' Epitome of the ancient His- tory of Persia." India is noticed in several sections of the work, but they are not in suffi- cient detail to be of any value. The Books and Chapters of the Jahan-ara are most fancifully divided, and subdivided, into Leaves, Pages, Paragraphs, Clauses, Lines, Letters, &c. Contents. The Introduction treats of Chronology and of the Prophetical office ; pp. 4 — 9. Book I. — The Prophets — Muhammed — the twelve Imdms. — pp. 9—39. Book II. — Chapter 1st. — The kings who preceded Muham- med. The Peshdadians. — Kaianians. — Ashganians. — Sasanians. — Kings of Babylon. — Syria. — Greece. — Yemen. — Ghassan. — Khakaus of Turks. Chapter 2nd. — Kings subsequent to Muhammed. — Abbaside Khalifs. — Tahirians. — Arab Kings of Spain — Sharifs of Mecca. — Ismailians. — Sultans of Gildn and Mazanderan. — Saffarians. — Buyides. — Ghaznevides.— Saljiikians. — Khwarazm-shahis. — Ka- rdkhitais. — Atdbaks. — Ghorians. — Chiefs of Arabia. — The Cae- sars of Rum — The Sultans of Hind. — Guzerat. — Deccan. — Chiefs of Lar and Hormuz. — the Kh^kdns of Moghuls. — Sul- tans of Mdwarau-n-Nahr. — Amir Timur. — Shah Rukh — Sons of Omar Sheikh. — Descendants of Miran'Shah. — The family of Othmdn.— The Sultans of K^ra-kunilu^of Ak-kiinilu.*— pp. 39 —433. Book III.— The Saffavian dynasty.— pp. 434—578. Size — Small Folio — 578 pp, of 18 lines each. The subdivisions are given in greater detail in the Jahrbiicher, and in exacter correspon- dence vrith the original ; but it is strange that all notice of Book iii. is omitted. I have seen copies in this country also, in which there is no mention of that Book. * This is the usual reading in works written, or copied, in India. The meaning of the words is " the black sheep,'* and " the white sheep." Malcolm {Hist, of Persia I. 323.) gives it as Koinloo; Von Hammer- Purgstall {Jahrb. No. Ixix,) as Kojunlu. T 138 GENERAL HISTORIES. Von-Hammer Pursgtall observes that the work is not common in Europe, but notices three copies in London, and one in his own col- lection. M. Fraehn also notices it among his desiderata. I know of three copies in India, at Dehli, at Lakhnau, and at Haiderabad, none of which are of conspicuous merit.* A comparison of three copies gives the initial lines as : — cfl>il ^J^kjj ^^ ^ ^Jt^ ci-l;! e;W f^^ij"^ ^^5^ l/^!;^ The words at the conclusion are : — * Compare Rousseau, Parnasse Oriental, p. 96. Gesch. d. Gold. Horde, p. xxiv. Gesch. d. sch. Red. Pers. pp. 13, 307, 350. Wien Jahrb. Anzgh. p. 35. Ouseley, Epitome of Anc. Hist, of Persia, p. xxxvi. Fraehn, Indications Bibliogroph. No 215. GENERAL HISTORIES. 139 XVI— XVII. TARfKH-AL-JANNABr. AKHBARU-D-DAWAL. The first work, of which the correct name is supposed to beBahru-z-zakhkhar, " the swelling sea," comprises a general history from the be- ginning of the world to A H. 997— A. D. 1589. D'Herbelot quotes the author of the Kashfu- 1-zanun as saying that this history is called by some Ilmu-z-zakhkhar, " superabundant knowledge," and that it is the most copious history which the Muhammedans have. Ha- ji Khalfa says it has no known title, but that the author of Akhbaru-d-dawal mentions it un- der the name of Bahr, and that some learned men call it, Ailemu-z-zakhir fi ahwalu-1-a- wail wau-1-awakhir, " an overflowing well in the transactions of ancients and moderns." It gives an account of the creation of the world, the Prophets, Syrians, Sabians, Jews, Christians, the four ancient Persian dynasties, the Kings of the Greeks, of the Israelites, Sul- T 2 140 GENERAL HISTORIES. t^ns of Egypt, the Arab tribes, Muhammed, the four first Khalifs, and those of the Umma- yide and Abbaside dynasties, the Mamluks who ruled over Syria, the several dynasties of the Saffarians, Samanians, Ghorians, Ghaz- nevides, Deilimites, Buy ides, Saljukians, Khwarazm-shahis, Changez Khan, Timur, and their descendants, the Ottoman Emperors, and others. The work was originally written in Arabic, and translated by the author into Turkish, and abridged by him also in that language. Hence some confusion has arisen in describing it, and a second source of error arises from there being another author of this name, who wrote a history of Timur. It is divided into 82 sections, each contain- ing a different dynasty ; and, although Haji Khalfa notices that several dynasties are omit- ted which are mentioned in the Jehan Ara, yet he states that he knew no work equally copious as a compendium. He therefore abstracted the greater part into his own historical work, en- titled Fazlaka, but increased the number of the different dynasties to 150. He states also that the Akhbaru-d-dawal wa asaru-1-awwal, ** the annals of dynasties and the monuments of ancient things," in 380 folios, written A. H. 1008, by Ahmed bin Yusuf bin Ahmed, is an abridgment of Jannabis history, to which the epitomator adds a little of his own, omitting at the same time many dynasties given by Jan- nabi. GENERAL HISTORIES. 141 D'Herbelot varies in giving the name of this author. Under the article " Gianabi," he gives it as, Abou Mohammed Mosthafa ben Seid bin Saiyd Hassan al Hosseini, and under " Tarikh al Gianabi," he calls him, al Gianabi ben Seid Hassan al Roumi. Uri gives his full name as, Abu Muhammed Mustafa ben al-Said al-Ha- san ben al-Said Senan ben al-Said Ahmed al- Hosaini al-Hashemi al-Carshi. He died A. H. 999— A. D. 1591. I know of no Manuscript of this work in In- dia, but the name of Bahru-1-Zakhkhar is fami- liar, as being the title of a ponderous work de- voted to the lives of Muhammedan Saints. It is also the name of the first volume of a modern compilation, called Majmau-1-Muluk. The Arabic history exists at Oxford and St. Petersburg, and the Turkish is in the Royal Library of Vienna. The Bodleian has two copies, both in two volumes ; one copy is in folio, comprising 553 leaves, but there are only 76 sections included in it ; another is in 4to. com- prising 880 leaves.* * Compare Uri, Bibl Bodl. Codd. MSS. Or. pp. 150, 170, 173, Nicoll and Pusey, ib. pp. 590, 695. Fraehn, Indications Bibliograph, No. 221. Koehler, Eichh. Repert. Vol. iv. p. 274. Gesch. des Osman. Reiches, Vol. iv. p. 235. Haji Khalfa, Lex. Bibl. et. Enc. Vol. ii. p. 124. Gesch, d.\Gold. Horde, p. xxviii. Wien Jahrbb, No. Ixix. pp. 11, 13. Fundg. d. Or. Vol. iv. p. 329. Vol. vi. p. 370. 142 GENERAL HISTORIES, XVIII. TARrKH-I HA'jr MUHAMMED CANDAHARF. This work is very frequently quoted by Fe- rishta, both in the General History, as well as in the Histories of Bengal, Sind, and Guzerat, and throughout a period extending from Mah- mud of Ghazni to the accession of Akbar. It is, therefore, evidently a General History. In the Sahihu-1-Akhbar, Sarup Chand quotes as one of the authorities to which he is indebt- ed, Tarikh-i-Sadr Jahan by Haji Muhammed Candahari, in which he has confounded two names together, and rendered himself open to the suspicion of quoting works which he never saw, — a practice by no means uncommon with our modern historiographers. I cannot learn that there is any copy of this work extant. (See Brigg's Ferishta, Vol. I. pp. 52, 408, Vol. IV. pp. 48, 345, 401 ) GENERAL HISTORIES. 143 XIX. TARtKH-I-ALFr. This work comprehends a History of Mu- hammedan nations up to the thousandth year of the Hijri Era. It is from this circumstance that it obtains its name, Alf, signifying in the Arabic language, one thousand. The Emperor Akbar directed its compilation by several learned men,* and may have perhaps fixed upon this particular period of one thousand years, in conformity M^th a notion he is said to have entertained and expressed, that the Mu- hammedan religion would be abolished, after lasting that period. t At the commencement of the work, many different authors were employed, but, subse- quently, the chief labour devolved upon Mullana Ahmed, the son of the Cazi of Thatta,]: and the author of Khulasatu-1-Haiat, *' the Essence of Life." An interesting account of the different * Two hundrerl years before a similar scheme was executed by Guthrie and Grey. See Gesch d. sch. redek. Persiens, p 353. t Troyer and Shea, Dabistan, Vol. III. p. 98. X His birthplace is differently given by others. Dr. Bird calls him son of Nasrallah of Nineveh. General Briggs calls him MuUa Ahmed of Nineveh. See History of Guzerat, p. 88. Ferishta, Vol. I p. xUx. Dabistan, Vol. II. p. 160. 144 GENERAL HISTORIES. parties engaged on it is given by Abdu-1-Kadir Badauni in the following passage from his Muntakhabu-t-Tawarikh. "About this time (A. H. 990) Mulla Ahmed of Thatta, a bigot who had the impertinence* to call himself a physician, came from the Dec- can, and was presented at Court. His ancestors, who resided in Sind, were Farukis of the Hani- fah sect, and Mulla Ahmed used, in consequence of his apostacy, to shower anathemas upon those unfortunate persons. * * * In the time of Shah Tahmasp he associated in Irak with some here- tic Iranians, but he even exceeded them, not- withstanding their notorious heresy. When Shah Ismail II. deserted the faith of his father, and became a Sunni, and persecuted the heretic Shias, Mulla Ahmed accompanied Makhdiim Sharki, (an uncompromising Sunni, who wrote the Kitabu-n-nawafiz,) on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Thence he proceeded to the Deccan, and afterwards to Hindustan, and finding no opposition to the prosecution of his designs, he began to teach his absurd doctrines, f and invite converts to the Shia persuasion ; but in a short time he met the penalty of his evils deeds. He had as yet had no interview with Shaikh Faizi, and had not yet assumed that air of confidence, with which his intimacy with that minister * The author of the Masir-1-Urara, who was himself a Shia, speaks more tenderly of these absurdities. He says the Mulla was partial to religious controversy, and rarely missed an opportunity of indulging his propensity even in mixed societies. t The Masir-1-Umra does not give so sorry an account of his claim to be a physician, as will be seen below. GENERAL HISTORIES. 145 inspired him, when I saw him one day in the Bazdr, where some Irakis took the opportunity of mentioning my name to him in terms of praise. Upon this, he addressed me, and said, " I see the mark of a Shia stamped on your forehead.'* " Just as much," I replied, " as I see Sunni stamped upon your's." The bystanders laugh- ed, and were much gratified at the retort. I shall, please God ! notice the close of his life in the proper place." "The year one thousand of the Hijri Era, which is in general use, being now completed* the Emperor Akbar ordered a history to be written of all the Muhammadan kings, and directed that such a name should be given to the work, as to denote the year of its composi- tion. It was for this reason that the work was entitled Alfi." ** He further ordered the word Rihlat (death) to be substituted for Hijrat (flight) in the dif- ferent dates, and employed seven persons to undertake the compilation from the date of the decease of the Prophet to the present day, and to mention therein the events of the whole world." " He assigned the first year to Nakib Khan, the second to Shah Fateh-ullah, and so on to Hakim Humam, Hakim All, Haji Ibrahim Sarhindi (who had just then arrived from * This is said in the paulo-post future sense, because the order for the composition of the Tarikhi-l-Alfi is recorded as one of the events of 990 H, and we find Abdu-1-Kadir going to Lahore to revise it in 1000 H. The translation of the Mahabharata was also ordered in 990 H. U 146 GENERAL HISTORIES. Guzerat) Mirza Nizamu-d-Din and myself; so that by such distribution thirty-five years were finished in the course of a week." *' During the period that I was compiling the events of the seventh year, and was engaged on the life of Khalif Omar, the model of purity, (may God be propitious to him !) I had just completed an account of the foundation of K6fa, and the destruction of Madain, from the ruins of which the new city was embellished, and the marriage of Ammi Kulsum the daughter of All, (may God be propitious to him !) as well as the institution of five stated times for prayer, the fall of the city of Nasibin, and the large black scorpions which were made use of to effect its capture, when, one night, Mirza Jafar Asaf Khan thought proper to dispute the correctness of these facts.* Notwithstand- ing this, Shaik Abii-l-Fazl and Ghazi Khan Badakhshi confirmed my assertions. Shortly af- terwards, when I was asked whence I got this information, I replied that I had seen it in books, and had written accordingly, and that it was not my own invention. Immediately the Rauzatu-1-Ahb4b and other historical books were called for from the library, and given to Nakib Khan to verify the accuracy of the state- ment, which, by God's grace, being found cor- rect, I was relieved from the charge of inven- tion." "At the recommendation of Hakim Abu-1- Fateh, the compilation of the work from the * See Note D. GENERAL HISTORIES. 147 thirty-sixth year was entrusted solely to Mul- la Ahmed of Thatta, who, however, wrote whatever coincided with his sectarian prejudices — a fact which is well known." ** The compilation of two volumes was finished up to the time of Changhez Khan, when Mirza Faulad, one night, pretending that the king had sent for MuUa Ahmed, summoned him from his house, and murdered him in a street of Lahore, in revenge for ^ome injury which he had suffer- ed at his hands, as well as because he was violently opposed to him in matters of religion. For this act he was sentenced to death." " The remainder of the work was written by Asaf Khan, up to the year 997* H. In the year lOOOt H. I was ordered to proceed to Lahore, to revise the composition, to compare it with other histories, and to arrange the dates in their proper sequence." " I compared the two first volumes in one year, and entrusted the third to Asaf Khan." * Not having seen the last part of the History, I am not able to ascertain whether it extends only to 997 H. The Masiru-l-Unira uses the same expression. t In another portion of his History he says, that he presented the first volume of the edition, which had been revised by him, in the 39th year of the reign, corresponding with A. H. 1003, in which labour, his friend, Mulla Mustafa, a famous copyist of Lahore, had been associated with him. He was then asked by Akbar to revise the second, as it was full of the religious opinions of Mulla Ahmed, but he excused himself from doing more than merely revising the style, without altering the sense, or correcting the dates ; in order that his enemies might not say he had been introducing his own sentiments instead of those of the author, and substituting one set of prejudices for another. As the Tarikh-i-Alfi is quoted in the Tabakat-i-Akbari, which is brought down only to the end of the 38th year of the reign, corresponding with 1002 H. it is evident it must have been available before Abdu-1- Kadir had revised it. u 2 148 GENERAL HISTORIES. In another part of his History (A. H. 1003) Abdu-1-Kadir again speaks of the Tarikh-i-Alfi being divided into three books, two composed by Mulla Ahmed, " the heretic, may he meet with his deserts !" and the third by Asaf Khan (J afar Beg). Major C. Stewart, however, in his Catalogue of Tipu Sultan's Library, says, it is divided into five Books, and that it extends from A. D. 622 to 1592. The error of making it commence from A. D. 622 g-rises from his supposing that its dates refer to the flight, in- stead of the death, of Muhammed. This alter- ation of an universal Era, and the substitution of one especially for this work, is a very objec- tionable feature of the Tarikh-i-Alfi, excellent as it is in many other respects. It will be observed that Abdu-1-Kadir pro- mised to relate further particulars of Mulla Ahmed in their proper place, and he fulfils that promise in the following passage, which affords as amusing an instance of odium theolo- gicum, as is to be met with in any country. " During this month (Safar, 996 A. H.) Mirza Faulad Birlas persuaded the heretic Mulla Ahmed, who W9,s always openly reviling the first Khalifs, to leave his own house at midnight under some pretence, and then assassinated him. The chronograms of which event are. '' Bravo ! Faulad's stiletto !" and " Hellish hog!" and indeed when I saw that dog in the agonies of death, I observed his countenance to be exactly like that of a hog : others also GENERAL HISTORIES. 149 observed the same, May God protect me from such a dreadful fate !"* ** Mirza Faulad was bound alive to the leg of an elephant in the city of Lahore, and thus attained martyrdom." "When Hakim Abu-1-Fateh sent some one to enquire of him, whether sectarian prejudices had induced him to kill Mulla Ahmed, he replied that had that been the reason, he would have selected a more noble victim than the Mulla. The Hakim reported this speech to the king, who remarked that Mirza Faulad was an im- placable villain, and ought to suffer death. He therefore ordered him to be drawn, while yet living, by an elephant, although he was very near- ly obtaining a pardon through the intercession of the ladiest of the royal household. The Mulla expired three or four days after the Mirza." " It is said, that when the Shias were bathing him previous to burial, they fixed, according to the observances of their religion, a tent peg in his back, and dipped him several times in the river, and that when he was buried. Sheikh Faizi and Sheikh Abu-1-Fazl appointed watch- men to guard his tomb ; notwithstanding which, when the Court departed for Cashmir, the * A Shia, who marked the rubrics on the margin of the copy I have used, takes a most summary revenge, by heading this passage thus. ** The assassination of the blessed Mulla Ahmed by the ruthless dag- ger of an accursed son of a pig." t The Masiru-1-Umra says " by the nobles of the state." The determination to carry the sentence into eflfect shows the stern justice of the Emperor. The Birlas family had served his for eight genera- tions, and Mirza Faulad had himself been selected by Akbar to accom- pany an embassy to Abdullah Khan Uzbek, in the 22nd year of the reign. 150 GENERAL HISTORIES. people of Lahore exhumated his vile carcase, and burnt it." The author of the Masiru-1-Umra adds a few particulars respecting Mulla Ahmed, in his biography of Faulad Khan. He says that the accomplice of Mirza Faulad personated one of the royal messengers, and summoned the Mulla to the king's presence, that when the Mulla had left his house, he was attacked, and had one of his hands cut off by a sword ; that the assassins, mistaking it for his head, ran off, satisfied that their work was accomplished ; that he fell from his horse, and when he had recovered a little, picked up his own hand, and went to the house of Hakim Hasan for succour ; that w hen Faulad Khan was seized, he confessed the crime before Abu-1-Fazl, Khan Khanan, and Asaf Khan. He says also that Mulla Ahmed went in his 22nd year to Mashed, and thence to Yezd and Shiraz, where, under the instructions of the physicians Kamalu-din Husain and Mulla Mirza Jan, he entered on a course of medical study, and read the Kulyat-i-Canim of Avicenna, and the Sharh-i-Tajrid, with all the commentaries. He then went to Cazwin, where he had an in- terview with Shah Tahmasp, and when Shah Is- mail, the second, was converted to the Sunni doc- trine, he went to Irak-i-Arab and Mecca, and after mixing with several celebrated scholars in those parts, proceeded to the Deccan, to the Court of Kutb Shah of Golconda, and in the 27th year of Akbar's reign came to Futehpur GENERAL HISTORIES. 151 Sikri, where he received orders to compile the Tarikh-i-Alfi. He used to read out his composition to Ak- bar, who asked him upon one occasion, why he had dwelt so long upon Khalifa Othman's reign. He replied openly, says the Masiru-1-Umra, before all the Turani nobles, who were Sunnis, that that period is the " Rauzatu-s-Shuhada"* of the Sunnis, and to abridge it would give offence. The inconvenience respecting the introduc- tion of a novel era in the Tarikh-i-Alfi has already been noticed Another were serious accusation has been laid against this work, of leaving out several important events during the period it embraces ; and especially the omission of the decisive battle of Cadesiah in A. D. 636, which preceded the final subjugation of Persia, has been commented on as a proof of careless- ness. But a much greater objection to be made to the Tarikh-i-Alfi is the plan of the work — being constructed in the form of Annals, like the tedious Historical Library of Diodorus ; and thus we are compelled to turn over page after page of this voluminous history, before we can trace the connection of events in any particular country which may happen to be the subject of our investigation. Nothing but an excellent Index could remedy such a defect. The Compilers appear to have availed them- * The Rauzatu-s-Shuhada " the garden of martyrs" is the name usually given to works recounting the tragical fate of the sons of AH. The author evidently considers the remark of the MuUa to be witty and severe. He also quotes the retort, of which Abdu-1-Kadir boasts above, at p. 145, the point of which is not very evident. 152 GENERAL HISTORIES. selves of all the best sources of information open to them ; for there is no historical work, Arabic or Persian, of any celebrity amongst modern European Scholars, which they do not quote — often applying a very judicious critic- ism in selecting the most trust-worthy records, and rejecting the fabulous legends, with which so many of them abound. The authorities quoted on Indian affairs are few, but more may be mentioned in the Preface, which is said to have been written by Abii-l-Fazl. Extracts. Anno 68 cifter the death of 3Iuhammed, When Abdullah, the son of Abubakr, arrived at Nimroz, Hajjaj sent a message, requesting him not to Unger at Sejest^n, but to march without delay towards Cabul, as signs of rebelHon and disaifection had exhibited themselves in the chief, Raibal, for he had entered into a treaty with the Muhammedans, and agreed to pay a tribute annually into the treasury, and as long as he found the Muhammedans powerful, he paid the tribute, but whenever they were found to be engaged in other affairs, or had encountered any disaster, he withheld it. Abdullah, in obedience to the commands of Hajjaj, turned towards Cabul with the armies of Basra and Kufa, and as fast as the Muhammadans advanced, Raibal retreated towards Hindustan. Baud Shureih, one of the officers of Abdullah, pursued Raibal seventeen para- sangs. At this time, the ruler of Cabul sent persons to some of the dignitaries and well-wishers of the state, desiring them to secure those roads, by which the Muhammadans had entered the country, in such a manner that they should neither obtain any supplies, nor have the opportunity of retracing their steps. The consequence was, that after a few days such a famine broke out in the Muhammadan camp, that every one despaired of life. Upon this, Abdullah, the son of Shureih Hani, said " it is advis- able for us to treat with the infidels, and to offer 70,000* dirhems, in order that we may prevail upon them to remove the obstacles they have set in our way, and thus betake ourselves to a place * In another passage this is 700,000 in the original. GENERAL HISTORIES. 1*53 of security." Shureih replied, "whatever amount you offer to the infidels, the Diwaa will place to your individual account.'* Abdullah rejoined, " such a demand even would be preferable to the dreadful alternative of starvation." Shureih said, " my age exceeds a hundred years, and I never expected to arrive at this period of existence. It has always been my prayer before the throne of God that I might suffer martyrdom, and the time for its accomplishment has now arrived." Saying this, he mounted his horse, and exclaimed, ** O, ye Musulmans, who have a desire to be martyrs, follow me !" Upon which, a few men came for- ward, and joined him, and with boldness rushing to the battle field, they charged the infidels, and kept on fighting till they were slain. Abdullah, after paying 70,000 dirhems to the enemy, return- ed with his followers. When they arrived at the Muhammedan frontier, food was served out to them ; and so famished were they, that those who satisfied their appetite died immediately. When this was known, they appeased their hunger more moder- ately, and were thus by degrees restored to their former strength. Anno 377 after the death of Muhammed. It appears from authentic history that the following circum- stances led to the first conquest of India by Amir Nasiru-d-din Sabuktigin. There was a town, called Kusddr, near the dominions of Amir Nasiru-d-din, The ruler of this place prided himself much on the strength of his forts, and was elated at the wealth and re- sources of his kingdom. Amir Nasiru-d-dfn invaded this chiers country, and took him prisoner, but ultimately restored him to his possessions on these conditions, that henceforth the coin should be struck, and the Khutba be read, in the Amir's name, and that a fixed sum out of the revenue of the country should be annually remitted to his treasury. After the termination of the campaign of Kusd^r,* Amir Ndsiru-d-din meditating a religious war against the infidels, marched towards India, and conquered several forts and towns where the Muhammedan flag had never before waved. This encroachment on the part of the Muhammedans was the cause of much disquietude to the mind of Jaipal, the ruler of India, who apprehended that his ancestral dominions would in consequence be wrested from his hands. Accordingly, adopting the only remedy available, he collected his army, and marched towards the Muhammedan territories. Amir Nasiru-d-din, on the receipt of this intelligence, assembled * See Note E. X 154 GENERAL HISTORIES. such a considerable force to put down his opponent, as made the very hills and plains groan under their weight. In short, king Jaipal and Amir Nasiru-d-din marched against each other from opposite directions, and the two armies met on the fron- tiers of India, where a battle was fought with such slaughter, that the earth was incarnadined with human blood, and the warriors of both armies, and the combatants of both countries, were wounded, and in despair. In this battle Sultan Mahmiid, notwithstanding ' his tender age, displayed such courage and intrepidity, that the very heavens gazed upon his exploits with wonder. After the adverse armies had been engaged in repeated con- flicts. Amir Nasiru-d-din was apprized by some of his adherents that there was a spring in the vicinity of the camp of Jaipal, which, on some filthy substance being thrown into it, would raise such a storm accompanied by lightning, thunder and cold, that no one could endure it. Amir Nasiru-d-din, accordingly, ordered some ordure to be thrown into the spring. This being done, the skies were instantly overcast with clouds, attended with lightning and thunder ; the bright day became dark as night, and the cold was so intense, that the blood congealed in the warriors' veins. The Indians were so filled with consternation, that they could no longer make a stand against their victorious foes. When king Jaipal saw this, he was in the utmost dismay and grief, and, determining upon submission, he despatched a messenger to Nasiru-d-din with overtures of peace, engaging to pay annually a heavy tribute to the conqueror, to present him with a number of elphants, and to comply with any other demand which Amir Nasiru-d-din might exact from him. He also agreed to acknowledge the Amir's supremacy in the provinces of Hindustan. Amir Nasiru-d-din, with his accustomed humanity and bene- volence, readily accepted the terms proposed by king Jaipal, Anno 388 after the death of Muhammed. It is related in the history of Ibn Kathir of Syria, that, when Sultdn Mahmud, after several severe actions with Jaipal, the king of Hindustan, had at last taken him prisoner, he tore from the neck of his captive a string of splendid jewels, of the value of 80,000 dinars, and, after a time, ordered him to be re- leased from prison, and restored to his own country, in order that he might convey to his subjects the impression he has re- ceived of the pomp and power of the Muhammedans ; but that when king Jaipal reached his own country, he was so overwhelmed GENERAL HISTORIES. J 55 with shame, that he forthwith threw himself on a funeral pyre, and perished in the flames. Anno 426 after the death of MuJiammed. One of the events of this year was, that three of the principal Rajas of Hind, having formed a confederacy, with an intent to de- liver Lahore from the Muhammedans who had risen up in rebel- lion against Maudud, son of Mas'ud, laid siege to the city. Upon this, the leader of the Muhammedan army again made sub- mission to Maudud, and collected together the entire Muhammed- an force. When the Raja knew that the Muhammedans had again submitted to Maudud, son of Mas'ud, two of them withdrew to their country, but the third, whose name was Deopal Harna- ma, delayed his retreat, in order to try his strength with the Muhammedans. The latter, when satisfied of their superiority, made a sally, compelled the Rdja to fly before them, and killed many infidels in the pursuit. The Raja retired within a stronghold, which the Muhammed- ans invested. The fort being a small one, and the troops which accompanied the Rdja to that place amounting to five thousand horsemen and seventy thousand foot soldiers, the infidels found themselves on the verge of destruction, and sent deputies to the Muhammedans begging for quarter ; but the Muhammed- ans would not consent, unless the infidels surrendered every one of their fortresses. At length, when the infidels had no other alternative than to yield, they accepted the conditions, and saved their lives. The property and treasure of all their forts fell into the hands of the Muhammedans, together with five thousand Muhammedan slaves, who were imprisoned in them. These having been set free, joined the victorious army. When the Muhammedan army had settled affairs with Raja Deopal, who was superior to all the kings of Hind in power and grandeur, they directed their attention to another Raja, named Mab Balri, who, when he received the intelligence thereof, set his troops in order, and advanced with a determination to fight with the Muhammedans. Upon the meeting of the two armies the fire of battle was kindled, and notwithstanding the inferiority of the Muhammedan forces, which did not amount to one-tenth of those opposed to them, they, by the help of providence and the influence of their victorious banners, attacked the enemy with such fury, that the Raja was sent to perdition, and five thousand of his army fell on X 2 156 GENERAL HISTORIES. the field of battle. The Muhammedans obtained considerable booty, and when the chiefs of Hind were informed of these cir- cumstances, they gave in their submission, and by the ofier of tribute, kept themselves free from the destructive swords of the Muhammedans, Anno 482 after the death of Muhammed, When Ibrahim, son of Mas'ud, was satisfied that there was no apprehension of any opposition from the Saljukians, he dispatch- ed an army towards Hindustan, and conquered several places that had not been captured by his predecessors, notwithstanding their power and resources. One of the places which submitted to the conqueror, was a fort of Jud, which surpassed all others in strength and extent. It was situated 120 parasangs distant from Lahdwar, and at the time when Ibrahim commenced oper- ations against the fort, there was a garrison in it of ten thousand men, who fought several times against the invader. Finding Ibrahim's efforts and resources to capture the fort very great, the garrison became dispirited, and although they had sufficient supplies and plenty of water, they nevertheless surrendered on condition that their lives should be spared. After capturing this fort, Ibrahim directed his attention towards another, called Damal,* which was situated on the summit of a high hill on the borders of Hindustan ; on one side of this fort there was a large river, reported to be almost impassable by human beings, and on the other, a large thorny jungle, into which nothing but the rays of the sun could penetrate. The jungle was, moreover, said to be infested by venemous serpents, flies, ^c. One part of the jungle abounded with elephants as huge as jnountains, and it was inhabited by a race of Hindus of an enor- mous strength and stature. Of all the places in Hindustan Ibrahim found this the most inaccessible. At the foot of the hill there was no level ground suited for his operations. Ibrahim, nevertheless, with his usual courage, made an attempt to take the fort, and through the aid of God, soon captured it. He took possession of an immense quantity of property and jewels, the like of which had never been seen. Ibrahim next marched towards Derapur, in Hindustan, a place which many great emperors found it impracticable to con- * Probably the place subsequently called^ Nurpur, which has a fort built of stones and mud on an eminence about two hundred feet high, at the base of which flows a small river, a feeder of the Ravi, which it joins about thirty miles lower down. — Thornton's Gazetteer, Vol. U, p. 33, GENERAL HISTORIES. 157 quer. Several histories state that this place was inhabited by the descendants of the people of Khorasan, who for their disloyal and rebellious conduct had been long before banished the country by Afrasiab, emperor of Turan. This place was densely po- pulated, and was of considerable strength. There was a large reservoir of water in it, the diameter of which was half a pa- rasang, and though both men and beasts used to drink of it, yet it was always full throughout the year. During the time the tribe alluded to dwelt in this place, the rulers of Hindustan never dared to attack it, from a conviction of its impregnable strength. Anno 547 after the death of Muhammed, When Alau-d-Din received intelligence of what had happened to his brother, he collected a large army, and proceeded to Ghaznin, with a view to avenge his cause. It is alleged by some historians that before the arrival of Alau-d-Din at Ghaznin, Bah- ram Shah died, and that his son succeeded him ; but later autho- rities being aware that this assertion was not correct, have stated in their histories that Bahram Shah, having been informed of the approach of Alau-d-Din, levied forces from every part of his own country, and came out of Ghaznin to engage Alau-d-Din. Bahram at first sent a message to Alau-d-Din to the effect that it was advisable for him to abandon his groundless hope, and to return before he incurred disgrace. It is related that there were two heroes of Ghor, called Sirfil,* who were of incomparable strength and valour among Ghorians, and when the ambas- sador of Bahram Shah returned, Sultan Alau-d-Din, having called these heroes, addressed them in these words. " In answer to Bahram Shdh 1 have told him, that if he has Fil (elephants), I have Sirfil (the chief of elephants). Be on your guard therefore, and take care that you overpower the elephants opposed to you." Both these heroes, after kissing the earth, replied, " As long as life remains, we shall be firm to our duty, and will not spare our- selves." In short, when the two armies came in contact with each other, and the flame of battle was kindled,f the Ghorian heroes, with daggers in their hands, crouched beneath the bellies of the elephants, and ripped them open. One of the two heroes perished on the field, and the other survived the battle. * This appears the correct reading. Briggs {Ferishta, I. 154) reads Khurmil, and adds a note expressing his doubts if Firmil be not meant. The witticism which follows is not mentioned hy Ferishta, and the Rauzatu-s-Safa omits all notice of these two heroes. t This is a phrase that the compiler is remarkably fond of, the de- scription of an action in the field rarely occurs without it. j^ 158 GENERAL HISTORIES. It is said that the Sultan covered his coat of mail on the day of battle with a red silk vest, and when some one enquired the cause, he replied, "if I am shot by an arrow, and the blood gush out of the wound, my army will not be discouraged." During the heat of battle, Daulat Shah, son of Bahram Shah, a prince of incomparable bravery, collected together a few vaHant men, and with the entire body of his elephants made a simultane- ous attack upon the Ghorian army. Ala-u-d-Din ordered his infantry in the front line to retire, and open a passage for them. Daulat Shah, thinking that the Ghorian army was broken, advanced with a chosen body of men, who were imme- diately surrounded by the Ghorians, for the infantry of Al^u-d- Din returned to their former position on a signal given by the king, and cut off the retreat of Daulat Shah, who after displaying many acts of personal prowess, was put to the sword with all those who followed him. Bahram Shah, on perceiving this, took alarm, and fled away with precipitation. The Ghorians pursued the men of Ghaznin, till Bahram Shah reached a distance of one parasang from Ghaznin, where he halted, in order to allow his dispersed troops to join him. In this place he rallied, and made another stand, but being unsuccessful, was again com- pelled to fly. The Sultan pressed on to Ghaznin, and there, while engaged in drinking wine on the top of the citadel, he ordered his soldiers to plunder and massacre the inhabitants of Ghaznin without mercy. In the execution of these cruel orders, in which his army was engaged for seven days, so utterly was Ghaznin destroyed, that there remained not a trace of its buildings. Anno 592 after the death of Muhammed. It is mentioned in authentic Histories that when Shahabu-d- Din was defeated by the Turks of Khitd, on his return from Khwarazm, as has been already related, it was currently reported throughout the kingdom, that Shahabu-d-Din had been missed in the field of battle, and there was no certainty whether he had perished or escaped. Consequently, enemies rose up on all sides, and every one encroached upon a portion of his kingdom. Among other enemies, one named Rasal, who lived in the mountains between Lahore, Cabul, and the sandy desert, having united with a number of Kokars, who dwelt in those parts and paid tribute to the treasury of Shahdbu-d-Din, excited a rebellion, began to plun- der that tract, and intercept the communications between Lahore Ghaznin, so that no one could pass from one to the other. Upon the return of Shahabu-d-Din to Ghaznin in safety, as before mentioned, he was informed of these transactions, and GENERAL HISTORIES. 159 consequently resolved to proceed to Hindustan, and punish the rebellious spirits of that country. For this purpose, he sent an order to Amir Muhammed, son of Abi All, whom he had appointed Governor of Lahore and Miiltan, desiring them to despatch the tribute of the year 601 H. as soon as possible, as it was necessary to make preparations for an expedition to Khita. Muhammed, son of All, wrote in answer, that the tribute of the year had been col- lected and was ready, but that the Kokars and Rasal, who were in possession of the Hills of Judi, had stopped the communication between Lahore and Ghaznin, in such a manner that no body could travel on the road. When this account reached the ears of Shahdbu-d-Din, he wrote to Kutbu-d-Din, his slave, who was the commander of the army of Hind, to send some person to the Kokars, and dissuade them from persisting in such evil courses, and to inform them, that if they repented and came again under allegiance, he would pardon their past offences. When Kutbu-d-Din Eibek, according to the order of Shahabu- d-Din, sent a person to the Kokars, desiring them to submit them- selves to the pleasure of the Sultan, the son of Kokar replied, that Kutbu-d-Din had no authority to issue such a mandate, that Sultdn Shahabu-d-Din should have sent a special messenger of his own, and further, that if he had been really alive, he should have sent direct for the tribute, when the Kokars would have despatched it to him. The ambassador replied, *• You are not of sufficient consequence for Sultan Shahdbu-d-Din to send any messenger to you ; it is great honor to you that he has sent even me, who am his slave's slave.'* The son of Kokar replied, " This is a mere fable, Shahdbu-d-Din no longer lives to issue any orders.'* The ambassador rejoined, " It may easily be ascertained by your sending any one^of your confidential servants who can go, and convince his own eyes, whether Shahdbu-d-Din be alive or not." In short, the son of Kokar being determined not to listen to the ambassador, remained firm in his rebellious disposition. When the ambassador of Kutbu-d-DIn returned, and gave an account of what he had seen and heard, Kutbu-d-Din related the circum- stances to Sultan Shahabu-d-Din, who ordered him to collect the several armies of Hindustan, to proceed against the Kokars, and to exterminate them from the face of the earth. When this man- date reached Kutbu-d-Din, he was already making preparations to inarch against that nation. In the meantime, Shahabu-d-Din deferred his expedition to Khita, and caused his army to return, as complaints of the violence and oppression of the Kokars were frequently coming in, accompanied with accounts of their great and increasing power ; so that he considered it his duty, first to repulse these people and punish them severely, before detaching his forces to any other quarter. For this reason Shahabu-d-Din gave up for the present the idea of proceeding to Khita. On the 5th of Rabiu-1-awwal of the same year. Sultan Shahab- 160 GENERAL HISTORIES. u-d-Din returned towards Ghaznin, and when after some days he arrived at Pershawar, he learned that the Kokars had taken up a position between the Jailam and Sudrah, with a large army. Having marched from Pershawar on Thursday the 25th of the said month, he attacked them unexpectedly, and the battle lasted from morning till the afternoon of that day. The Kokara fought so valiantly, that the Sultan, with all his kingly power and resources, was very near being compelled to retreat ; but, in the meantime, Kutbu-d-Din Eibek, arriving with the army of Hindustan, began to make havoc among the Kokars ; and as his forces were fresh and vigorous, the Kokars were soon over- powered, and had recourse to flight. The Muhammedans pur- suing, dealt slaughter among them in a manner which defies all description. Those who escaped the sword fled to the woods and jungles. The Muhammedans set fire to their retreat on all sides, and the infidels, entering into a solemn covenant not to surrender themselves into the hands of the Muhammedans, threw themselves into the fire. In this manner all of them, who had taken refuge in the woods, perished. When the attention of the Sultan was relieved of the anxiety occasioned by these trans- actions, he marched towards Lahore, and gave leave to his sol- diers to return to their homes, ordering them to march towards Khita after a few days' repose.* Anno 698 after the death of Muhammed, In this year. Sultan Alau-d-Din, King of Hindustan, pro- ceeded to Siwana on a hunting expedition, when the chief of that place took to his fort and off'ered opposition. "Hie fort was soon captured, and this was the first occasion that it had been taken. Sumer Deo, the chief (Mukaddam), perished with several thou- sands of Hindus. In the same year, the fort of Kalwar came into the possession of Alau-d-Din's army. The detail of the case is this : — Kathar Deo, Governor of the fort of Kalwar, had upon one occasion gone to the Sultan to pay his respects, when * This tribe is variously denominated by Muhammedan authors, Kukar, Kokar, Gakkar, Ghikar, Ghakar. The last appears to be the most correct. Shortly after this expedition they were converted to Islam, their chieftain having obtainad his release from captivity by be- coming a proselyte, and promising to use his endeavours to convert his tribe. They often appear subsequently upon the stage of Indian his- tory, and rarely but as turbulent and rapacious marauders. Their descendants have somewhat receded from their old haunts, and now occupy the country to the south and east of the upper course of the Behat. They call themselves descendants of the Kaianians, but poly- andry and some other of their customs would seem to indicate a Tartar origin. GENERAL HISTORIES. 161 the Sultan boasted that there was no Zemindar at that time in Hindustan who had power to withstand his troops. Upon this, K^thar Deo, with exceeding folly replied, that he would die rather than submit tacitly to such an assumption. The Sultan being en- raged at this, dismissed him, and he returned to his own country. The Sultdn then sent a female slave, named Gul Behisht, against him. Gul Behisht had a son called Malik Shahin, who accom- panied her on the expedition against Kathar Deo. Just as the garrison were beginning to despair, Gul Behisht happened to die, and Kathar Deo, sallying from the fort, attacked Malik Shahin and killed him. Upon the death of both the son and mother, the command of the army devolved on Kamalu-d-Diu, who took the fort, and put Kathar Deo to death. I have seen no notice of the existence of this work in European libraries. Parts of it are to be met with in India, but not one library, which I know of, contains a perfect copy. It is a work of great size. The portion I have seen was a Folio of 1646 pages, with 40 lines to a page, and it was very incomplete. At Haiderabad there is a copy in two volumes, which, though imper- fect, contains, in the first Vol, 1336 pages of 19 lines each, and, in the second, 2066 pages of 31 lines each. One of the best Manuscripts is in the possession of the Nuwab of Murshedabad, which is thus described : The 2nd Vol. consist of 976 pages of 20 lines, and contains the events from the year 127 to 500, after the death of Muhammed. The 3rd Vol. consists of 640 pages of 20 lines, and contains the events from the year 501 to 672. The 4th Vol. consists of 1092 pages of 21 lines, and contains the events from the year 673 to 974. Two more Volumes therefore are required to make this work complete. I was anxious to Y 162 GENERAL HISTORIES. make further enquiries about the Nuwab's copy, but the librarian seemed indisposed to fur- nish any more information respecting it, and gave evasive answers; evincing thereby a suspicion, which, if anywhere, is certainly excusable in the neighbourhood of Calcutta, where commer- cial profligacy has brought the European cha- racter into very low repute.* * It will be observed at p. 150 that the author, Mulla Ahmed, was inveigled out of his house by a man who personated one of the Royal messengers. This official is called in the original by the Turkish word Chdus, which was, and is, except metaphorically, rarely used in India. Chdits, or Chdwush, signities a Lictor, a king's Serjeant, an Officer of the Court. His proceedings upon this occasion confirm the bad reputa- tion of a class, from which, only a few years afterwards, we were enabled to coin our expressive word chouse. In A. D. 1609, a Chdus from the Grand Signior committed a gross fraud upon the Turkish and Persian merchants resident in England, by cheating them out of j^4000. (Gif- ford's Ben Jonson, iv. 27) Hence, from the notoriety of the circum- stance, came the expression to chouse, just as within the last twenty years we have got to burke, and some other very significant terms. The authors of the period caught gladly at the expression, and fami- liarized it to after ages by making frequent use of it. Richardson gives the following instances : — Gul, or Mogul, Tag rag, or other hogen-mogen, varden. Ship-jacks, or chouses. Ford, Lady's Trial II. 2.. Dap. What do you think of me, that I am a Chiaus ? Face. What's that ? Dap, The Turk was here. As one would say, do you think I am a Turk. Face. Come, noble doctor, pray thee^ let's prevail ; this is the gentleman, and he is no Chiaus. Ben Jonson, Alchemist, I. 1. He stole your cloak and pick'd your pocket, Chous'd and caldes'd ye like a blockhead. Butler, Hudibras, II. 3. It is obvious to reipark, that if, in the age of our forefathers, cheat- ing to the extent of only ^4000 was sufficient to consign a whole class to an immortality of infamy, how many more expressive words, dis- syllables as well as monosyllables, might not the transactions of 1847-48 encourage us to add to our vocabulary, since even ^40000 is not suf- ftcieut to satiate the voracity of a Calcutta Chdus, GENERAL HISTORIES. 163 Note D. On the capture of Nasibin by means of Scorpions, The Nasibin,* mentioned in the text, is the Nisibis of classical authors, the position of which on the frontier of the Persian and Roman Em- pires, made its occupation of so much importance in the estimation of the contending parties, from the time that Lucullus plundered it, till its capture by the Arabs. It was surrounded by a treble inclosure of brick walls defended by a deep ditch, and was considered so impregna- ble, that Asiatics, as will be presently seen, are fond of resorting to supernatural means to ac- count for its capture. Sapor made three separate attacks upon the town A D. 338, 346, 350, and the disappointed monarch, after urging his at- tacks above sixty, eighty, and an hundred days, was repulsed each time with loss and igno- miny ;t but it was at last ceded to him by Jo- vianj in 363, and it remained henceforth with * See above p. 146. Mannert says the town is called Nisibin, or Nissabin, but neither mode of orthography is consistent with Abu-1- feda. Vide Geogr. d. Aboulf, texte Arabe, p. 283. t Gibbon, Decline and Fall, Vol. III. p. 139. X In speaking of this humiliating treaty, Eutropius gives us a good notion of the political honesty of the Romans, by censuring Jovian for not immediately breaking the treaty, and renewing the war, as the Ro- mans had done in all former occasions, immediately he had escaped from the dangerous position which had compelled him to conclude it. — Histor. Rom. Breviar. X. 17. The capitulation of Closter-Seven, Y 2 164 GENERAL HISTORIES. the Persians, (if we except two short intervals,) as it had remained for the two previous centuries with the Romans, a strong bulwark against hostile encroachments. On the third occasion of Sapor's attack, unu- sual means were resorted to to obtain possession of the place. At the stated season of the melting of the snows in Armenia, the course of the river Mygdonius was, by the labour of the Persians, stopped below the town, and the waters were confined on every side by solid mounds of earth. On this artificial lake, a fleet of armed vessels, filled with soldiers and heavy engines of war, was launched, and the accumulated pressure of the waters made a portion of the walls give way. Nevertheless, the monarch failed of success, and Nisibis retained its character as an in- expugnable stronghold,* . Under one of his predecessors, Sapor I., the Shahpur of the Persians, Mirkhond informs us that a miracle placed the town in the hands of the Persian Monarch. Wearied with the siege, Shahpur commanded his army to unite in sup- plication to the Supreme Being for its conquest, and while they were imploring the aid of hea- ven, the wall fell down before them, and their faith and devotion received a signal reward. f during the seven years' war, for a suspension of arms in the north of Germany, and the convention of El-Arish in 1800, for the evacuation of Egypt by the French armies, have called forth the opinion of modern jurists on the general question. See Wheaton's Elements oflnterna' tional Law. Vol. II. pp. 120 — 122, and Flassan's, Histoire de la Diplo- matie Frangaise, Tom. VI. pp. 97 — 107. * Gibbon, Decline and Fall, Vol. III. p. 141. t Malcolm, History of Persia, Vol. I. p. 77 * GENERAL HISTORIES. 165 Nisibis is now but a small and insignificant place, with scarcely more than one hundred houses, but it is surrounded with ruins which attest its former magnificence.* The facts above related, with reference to the many obstinate defences of Nasibin, show how natural it was that a credulous oriental writer should resort to the marvellous to ac- count for such unusual success as attended the arms of the Arabs in the seventeenth year of the Hijri. The passage against which the captious op- ponent of Abdu-1-Kadir took exception, runs thus in the Tarikh-i-Alfi, in the Annals of the seventh year after the death of Muhammed. Very few of the Arabic historians notice the circumstance recorded in it, nor do Ockley, Price, Gibbon, or Marigny mention it. "The army of Islam sat eight months before the fort of Nasibin. Now, in and around that city, there were exceedingly large black scor- pions, and no man who was bitten by them escaped with his life. The Arab General con- sequently gave orders that a thousand small jars should be filled with these reptiles, enclosed in loose mould around them, and that they should be thrown at night into the city by the engines. As the jars broke when they fell on the ground, the scorpions crawled out, and killed every one whom they stung. In the morning the garrison * Jahan-numd, p. 438. Niebuhr. Voyages, YoL II. pp. 300 — 309. Compare also Mannert, Geographic d. Greich. und Rom. Vol. V. ii. pp. 216—219. Ritter, Erdkunde von Asien, Vol. VII. i. pp. 128— 166 GENERAL HISTORIES. were so dispirited, and found themselves reduced to such extremities, that they could no longer hold the fort. The Musulmans taking advan- tage of their consternation, made a sudden assault, broke open the gates, and slew several who had escaped the venom of the scorpions. It is said that in the time of Noshirwan the fort of Nasibin was captured in precisely the same way." If we concur with the objector, and hesitate to receive this narrative as true, we may perhaps be able to explain it in some other more rational manner. In the first place, it may occur to us as not altogether improbable, that this story owes its origin to the use of the propelling machine called the "Scorpion," which we learn from Vegetius,* was so called, because it threw small javelins with fine points which occasioned death. Others say because the darts were poisoned. f Later writers may have copied the statement, and put an interpretation upon it suited to their own comprehensions. It is to be observed that the Scorpion was used, even in Europe, as late as 1428 A. D.J: There seems to be another way of accounting for this improbable story, if we reject the literal meaning of the words, by supposing that a combustible composition, formed of some bitu- minous substances, was used upon the occasion. We know from several excellent authorities, * De re militari, IV. 32. t Eschenburg, Manual, p. 544. X Muratori, Script. Ital. Tom. XXI, 215. GENERAL HISTORIES. 167 that for many years before the invention of gunpowder, such substances were used in war- fare, and, what is still more remarkable, that the cases in which they were enveloped were known by the name of Scorpions. Casiri* gives us the following extract from an Egyptian Geo- grapher, called Shahabu-d-Din,t who flourished about A. D. 1250. ** Bodies, in the form of Scorpions, bound round, and filled with nitrous powder, glide along, making a gentle noise, then they explode, and throw out flames. But there are others which, cast into the air, stretch along like a cloud, roaring horribly as thunder roars, and on all sides vomiting out flames, they burst, and burn, and reduce to cinders whatever comes in their way." It is also a very curious coincidence, that the ancient In- dian weapon, or rocket, called Satagni, with the etymological meaning of the hundred-slayer, should also signify a Scorpion^ As there will be occasion again to allude to the early use of gunpowder in the East, there is no need to dwell upon this passage from the Egyptian author with any reference to that subject. It is merely adduced here, to show the undoubted use at an early period of a com- bustible, called a Scorpion. Now, it is remarkable that Dion Cassius, in speaking of the expedition of Alexander Se- * Bihlioth. Arab. Hisp. Vol. II. p. 7- ^ t Berington gives his name as Ebn Fadhl, but that only shows his parentage. — Literary History of the middle ages, p. 438. X See Wilson's Sanscrit Dictionary, v. mn(\, and Halhed's Code of Gentoo Laws, p. lii. 168 GENERAL HISTORIES. verus against Atra, which was close to Nisibis, says that, in the last extremity, the Atreni defended themselves by throwing Naphtha* both upon the besiegers and upon their engines, by which they were burnt and destroyed. Three hundred years before this, the same author tells us, that when Lucullus was besieg- ing Tigranocerta, not fifty milesf from Nisibis, " the barbarians" defended themselves by throwing Naphtha balls against the engines. *' This substance is bituminous, and so inflam- mable that it burns to ashes every thing on which it impinges, nor is it easily extinguished by any thing wet."| Nor can we wonder that these noxious imple- ments '* fed with naphtha and asphaltus" should have been so frequently and so early used in Mesopotamia ; for from the Persian Gulf to the Euxine, from the Dead Sea, where asphaltum floats on the water, to Baku on the Caspian, where naphtha streams spontaneously through the surface of the soil, and where a boiling lake emits constant flames, the whole country is impregnated with bituminous matter, which is especially abundant on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates^ — so that if the Scorpions * rh vdS€S (Dionis Hist. Rom. Ixxv. 11.) "of which," he adds, " I have already written" — alluding probably to the passage mentioned in the next paragraph of the text. t Tacitus says thirty-seven miles. Annal. xv. 4. X Dionis Fragmenta 178, ex Xiphilino. The same author, in his life of Caligula, tells us of that Emperor's having a machine, which projected a stone, accompanied with thunderings and lightnings. § Rich, Fundgruben des Orients^ Vol. III. p. 161.;; See also re- specting the immortal fire in Lycia, Plin. Nat. Hist. II. 106. Sal- masius, Exercitdat. Plinian, pp. 244, 245, and Beckmann's notes to the treatise De Mirabilibus Auscultationibus, attributed to Aristotle, p. 283. GENERAL HISTORIES. 169 alluded to by Abdu-1-Kadir were combustible, there M^ould be no great improbability in the narrative. But if we reject these solutions as too elabo- rate and remote, we must fall back upon the literal interpretation, and, improbable as it is, there are many reasons to encourage us to main- tain that it is strictly true. In the first place, the application of living scorpions to such an improbable purpose would not be altogether a novel stratagem. The Tarikh-i-Yemini tells us, that Khalaf defended himself in the fort of Ark, by throwing from his Catapults snakes upon the besieging army. The following occurs at p. 37 of the litho- graphed edition : — *» ^ y\ yr>y , "* yy** 9 9^**^^ ^ '^, o/ I o JJoU^I ilyf^j/ ^U5)) u^GjJ^d^^Wlv^y U ^ M. de Sacy,* in abstracting this passage from the translation of Jerbadkhani, says '* ils lan- ^oient sur les troupes de Hossain des cruches remplies de scorpions et de reptiles venimeux." For this there is no authority in the original ; but Rashidu-d-din also says in his Jamiu-t- * Notices €t Extraits, Tom. IV. p. 339. Z 17CI[. GENERAL HISTORIES. Tawarikh, that scorpions, as well as snakes, were used upon the occasion. At fol. 8 of his History of Sultan Mahmud we read :— Abu-1-feda, Mirkhond, and the Tabakat-i- Nasiri have nothing on the subject. Cornelius Nepos and Justin inform us, that by means precisely similar Hannibal dispersed the superior fleet of Eumenes. " Imperavit (Hannibal) quam plurimas vene- natas serpentes vivas colligi, easque in vasa fictilia conjici. Harum cum confecisset mag- nam multitudinem, die ipso, quo facturus erat navale prselium, classiarios convocat, hi^que praecipit, omnes ut in unam Eumenis regis con- currant navem, a cseteris tantum satis habeant se defendere ; id facile illos serpentium multi- tudine consecuturos."* 1 Then again we find the Atreni, noticed above, making use of this very mode of defence against the troops of the Roman Emperor. Herodian says,t (and Gibbonf has declared his account of this reign to be rational and moderate, and consistent with the general his- * Cornel. Nep. Hannibal, 10. See also,Justin Hist. Philipp. XXXII. 4. t This passage and the one given from Dion Cassius refer to the same expedition. We need not stay to enquire whether the difference of the accounts arises from omission or contradiction. X See Decline and Fall, Vol. I. p. 267. GENERAL HISTORIES. J 71 tory of the age,) '*They cast upon them large birds and poisonous animals* which fluttered before their eyes, and penetrated every part of their bodies that was exposed," * * * " so that more perished by these means than by direct attacks of the enemy/'t Frontinus also speaks of this mode of war- fare ill his book of stratagems ; J and we read of something like it being practised by the Soanes, a people of Colchis, near Caucasus, who en- deavoured to suffocate, with poisonous exhala- tions, those enemies, with whom they could not contend in close combat ;§ as well as at the sieges of Jotopata and Jerusalem, when dead bodies of men and horses were thrown by the war-machines on the besieged. || Moreover, we know from unquestionable tes- timony, that scorpions abound so much in the neighbourhood of Nasibin, as to be the object of special remark by Oriental Geographers. Istakhri, or the author translated by Ouseley, speaking of Kurdan, close to Nasibin, says — ** It produces deadly scorpions ; and the hill on which it stands abounds in serpents, whose stings occasion death. "^ Abd-l-feda, quoting Azizi, says, " At Nasi- bin there is an abundance of white roses, but a * The l6fio\uv Brjpiwv refers most probably to scorpions, and though it must be confessed the use of l6fio\S>v is ambiguous, yet when coupled with e-npicov, the poisonous nature of the missile is evident. t Herodiani Histor. Roman, Lib. III. c. 9. X Sex. Jul. Frontini Stratagematic, Lib. IV. c. /. § Strabo, Geograph. Lib. XI. c. 2. II Josephus, Bell. Jud, Lib. III. c. 7—9. II Ouseley's Oriental Geography, p. 56. z 2 172 GENERAL HISTORIES. red rose is not to be seen. There are also deadly scorpions."* Edrisi also notices, in his geographical work, the deadly scorpions of Nasibinf. Taking, therefore, into consideration these concurrent testimonies to the fact of venomous reptiles being sometimes used in warfare, and to their abundance in the vicinity of Nasibin, we may pronounce in favor of Abu-l-Kadir and his Arab authorities, and declare him justified in exclaiming, " that he had not been guilty of any fabrication, that he had seen the anecdote in books, and had written accordingly ; and that, as the accuracy of his statement has been fully verified, he is, by God's grace, relieved from the charge of invention." * Geographic d Aboulfeda, p. 283. t Ueoueil d. Voy. et d. Mem. Tom. VI. p. 150. GENERAL HISTORIES 173 Note E. On Kusddr, The passage in the text, (p. 153) would seem to imply that Kusdar was a city of India, and it is so called by Abii-l-feda and Cazvini. The compiler of the Tarikh-i-Alfi copies the whole of his narrative, with only a few verbal altera- tions, from the Rauzatu-s-Safa, but the first clause is an addition of his own, from which it appears that Kusdar was by him thought to be the first city conquered in India ; but as it was so remote from Jaipal's possessions, it does not seem probable that its capture could have in- spired him with such fear for his own safety as the text represents, nor is it proper at any period to place the borders of India so far to the west. The name of this town is so differently spelt by different authors, that it is not often easy to recognize it in its various disguises. Its position is sufficiently indicated by the Tarikh-i-Yemini,* which, speaking of a period subsequent to that noticed in the text, tells us that when Mahmtid thought it necessary to chastise the Governor of Kusdar, because he would not pay his tribute, he gave out that he * See also Tdrikh-i-Yemini, Lith. Ed. p. 316. 174 GENERAL HISTORIES. was going on an expedition to Herat, and had marched as far as Bust on that route, in order to disguise his intention, when he suddenly turned off towards Kusdar, and came so unex- pectedly upon it, that the rebellious Governor came out and supplicated for pardon, and was reinstated after paying a considerable line, as a penalty for his disobedience. Kusdar lies to the south of Bust, and is the present Khozdar of our maps, the capital of Jhalawan in Beluchistan.* It is spelt both j\dy and ^IcUw, according to Abu-1-feda, but both he and Sadik Isfahan! prefer the former. The latter however is the most usual mode of spell- ing it. Von Hammert says that Wilken is correct in writing it Kasdar, but this is by no means authorized by either of the two Geographers mentioned above. Sadik IsfahaniJ spells it Kisdar, and Abu-l-feda§ Kusdar, and to his au- thority we must defer, as he is so very careful in specifying the vowel-points. Briggs calls it in one place Kandahar, in another Khoozdar.|| The Nubian Geographer calls it Kardan Fardan,^ and Cazvini, Kasran Kasran.** M. Petis de la Croix calls it Custar, and M. Silvestre de Sacy Cosdar.ft * Masson, Balochistan, Afghanistan, and Panjab, Vol. II. p. 41, t Gemdldesaal der Lebensbeschreibungen, Vol. IV. p. 106. X Takwimu-l-BulddnyYi. \22. § Geographie d. Aboufeda, Texte Arabe, pp. 348, 349. II Briggs' Ferishta, Vol. I. pp. 15, 123. 1[ Geographia Nubiensis, pp. 64, 67, 68. ** Gildemeister, De rebus Indicis, p. 174. tt Notices et Extr. d. MSS., Tom. IV. pp. 332, 391. GENERAL HISTORIES. J 75 When Ibn Haukal visited the valley of Sind, he found Kusdar under a separate government, and during the whole period of Arab occupa- tion it was considered a place of importance. He describes it as a city and district between Turan and Sind. Kusdar is frequently men- tioned by Biladori, as will be noticed here- after, when we come to the period of the Arab conquest of Sind. He quotes an Arabic poet, who thus rapturously speaks of its merits. '■ "Almonder has descended into his tomb at Kusdar, deprived of all commerce with people endowed with reason." • "What a beautiful country is Kusdar ! how distinguished its inhabitants ! and how illustri- ous both for his worldly policy as well as his religious ' duties was the man who now lies buried in its soil !"* * Reinaud, Fragments Arabes et Persans, p. 188. Compare also Pottinger, Travels in Belochistan, p. 36. C. Ritter, Erdk. von Asien, Vol. VI. Part I. pp. 714, 715. Gildemeister, De rebus Indicis, pp. 25, 209. Wien Jahrbiicher, No. Ixxiii. p. 31. Mirchoudi Historia Gas- nevidaruniy p. 146. 176 GENERAL HISTORIES. XX. FUTirHU-S-SALATIN. The "Victories of the Sultans" would seem, if we may judge by the title, to be a General History. It is quoted in the preface of the Tabakat-i-Akberi as one of the authorities on which that history is founded. Ferishta, under the reign of Ghaiasu-d-Din Tughlak, quotes this anecdote from it. " As the king was near the hills of Tirhut, the Raja appeared in arms, but was pursued into the woods. Finding his army could not penetrate them, the king alighted from his horse, called for a hatchet, and cut down one of the trees with his own hand. The troops, on seeing this, applied themselves to work with such spirit, that the forest seemed to vanish before them. They arrived at length at the fort, surrounded by seven ditches full of water, and defended by a high wall. The king invested the place, filled up the ditches, and destroyed the wall in three weeks. The Raja and his family were taken, and great booty was obtained, and the government of Tirhut was conferred upon Ahmed Khan." Briggs observes in a note, " I understand this is a compilation of little authority, and may be ranked with the Jamiu-1-Hikaiat, or other collections of historical romances." GENERAL HISTORIES. 177 XXI. KHAZAINU-L-FUTITH. The " Treasuries of Victories," is also one of the authorities quoted in the preface to the Tabakat-i-Akberi. It does not appear to what particular reigns this work is devoted, but its name would seem to show that it is a General History. Amir Khusru, of Dehli, wrote a prose work, to which he gave this name, — without any rea- son apparently, for it contains nothing histori- cal, and is filled with poetical fancies. It is the same as is mentioned in the Mirat-i-Aftab- num^ and in the other biographies of that poet, under the name of Tarikh-i-Alai. Another work of this name has been written by a more modern author of Dehli, a Hindu — in which the victories of Lord Lake are celebrated in grandiloquent and verbose, but not very elegant, Persian. 2 A 178 GENERAL HISTORIES. XXII. TABAKAT-I-AKBERI'. This is one of the most celebrated histories^ of India, and is the first that was composed up- on a new model, in which India alone forms the subject matter of the work, to the exclusion of the histories of other Asiatic countries. Notwithstanding that Ferishta pronounces this work defective, he has borrowed from it very freely, and has forr^ed his own history of Hindustan and the Deccan entirely on the same plan. It has been of great service also to other compilers, who have followed in the same track. To this work the author of the Muntakhabu-t- Tawarikh confesses himself chiefly indebted for the relation of all events down to A. H. 1002, styling the work as the author himself does, Tabakat-i-Akbershahi. It is also known as the Tarikh-i-Nizami, under which name it is also quoted in the Muntakhabu-t-Tawarikh, as well as in the Makhzan-i- Afghani, and the author himself observes it as a fortunate coinci- dence, that the word Nizami represents the date of composition. In the Rauzatu-t-Tahirin GENERAL HISTORIES. 179 it appears to be called the Tarikh-i-Sultan Nizarai. But the name by which it is best known in literary circles is the Tabakat-i-Ak- beri. The compiler of the Sahihu-1-Akhbar attributes another work on Indian History, un- der the name of Tarikh-i-rrich, to the author of the Tabakat-i-Akberi, but I am not aware that there is any good authority for the statement. Nizamu-d-din Ahmed, the author of the Taba- kat-i-Akberi, assigns as the reason for composing his work, that there was no history extant which comprehended the transactions of the whole of India, " which is understood to be one-fourth part of the whole world," and that all the minor kingdoms, of which there were separate histo- ries, had lately been absorbed into the domi- nions of his Majesty, "who I trust may live till he is master of the seven climes !" He quotes twenty-nine different works as his standard authorities, and states in his preface that he brings down the history till the S?'** year of Akber's reign, or A. H. 1001, — but in the body of the work he records the events of another year, and expresses a hope that he may live to carry on the work to a later period. Contents. This work contains an Introduction, nine Books, and a Con- clusion. The Introduction consists of some general remarks on the ancient History of India and the Hindus. Book I. — The History of the first invasion of India by the Muhammedans, and Memoirs of the Ghaznevide dynasty, from A. D. 975 to 1186; pp. 6—36. Book II. — The History of the Kings of Dehli, from the con- quest of that city by the Muhammedans, to A. D. 1593, being •2 A 2 180 GENERAL HISTORIES. the thirty-eighth year of the reign of the Emperor Akber ; pp. 36—780. Book III. — The History of the Deccan, or Memoirs of the Kings of Golconda and Bijapiir, from the estabhshment of the Muhammedans in that country, to A. D. 1593 ; pp. 780 — 876. Book IV. — The History of the Princes of Gujrat, till the subjection of that country by x\kber, A. D. 1572 ; pp. 877 — 1090. Book v.— The History of Bengal, from A. D. 1243 to 1522, when it was annexed to the empire of Dehli, by the arms of Baber;pp. 1090—1101. Book VI. — Memoirs of the Princes of Malwa, from A. D. 1436 to 1559, when it was reduced by Akber ; pp. 1101 — 1191. Book VII.— The History of the Province of Sind, for a period of 236 years,till reduced by Akber in A.D. 1572 ; pp. 1191—1202. Book VIII. — Memoirs of the Princes of Jauiipur from A. D. 1465 to 1559, when restored to the empire of Dehli by Akber; pp. 1202—1216. Book IX. — The History of the Province of Multan, for a period of 245 years, till reduced by Akber, A. D. 1572 ; pp. 12S0 —1298. Conclusion. — On the Geography, Topography, and Climate of India. Size — Folio, containing 1298 pages, of 21 lines to a page.* The Masiru-1-Umra gives the following ac- count of our author. Khwajah Nizamii-d-din Ahmed was the son of Khwajah Mukim Harvi, who was one of the dependants of His Majesty Baber, and who at the latter part of that king's reign, was raised to the office of Diwan of the Household. After the death of Baber, when Gujrat was conquered by Humaiyun, and the province of Ahmedabad was entrusted to Mirza Askeri, * This is the division of the work according to Stewart's " Catalogue of Tipu Sultan's Library," but it contains both more and less than I have seen in other copies. In them, as in the author's own preface, the History of the Ghaznevides forms the Introduction, and one of the Books is devoted to a History of Cashmir, comprised in 64 pages. The author says, that the conclusion is devoted to the description of certain remarkable peculiarities of Hindustan, and various wise saws and modern instances. I have not seen this portion. If we allow 20 pages for this, the entire work would amount to 1318 pages. GENERAL HISTORIES. 181 Khwajah Mukim was appointed Wazir to the Mirza. He accompanied Humaiyun to Agra, when that monarch fled with precipitation after his defeat by Sher Khan Sur at Chaunsa. The Khwajah subsequently served under Akber. His son, Nizamu-d-din, was incomparably upright, and excelled all his contemporaries in administrative knowledge, as well as in the clearness of his intellect. It is stated in the Zakhiratu-l-Kliawanin, that, at the opening of his career, he was appointed Diwan of the Household by Akber, but this statement has not been found in any other work. In the 29*^ year of Akber's reign, when the Government of Gujrat was entrusted to I'timad Khan, the Khwajah was appointed to the office of Bakhshi of that province, and when Sultan Muzaffar of Gujrat engaged in hostilities, I'timad Khan left the Khwaj all's son, together with his own, to protect the city, he himself with the Khwajah having quitted it, with the object of bringing over Shahabu-d-din Ahmed Khan from Kathri, which is situated at the distance of 40 miles from Ahmedabad ; but during theirabsence the city fell into the hands of the insurgents, and the house of the Khwajah was plundered. After this, in a battle which was fought with those turbulent people, the Khwajah used his best exertions to quell the insurrection with his small body of troops, in conjunction with Shaha- bu-d-din Khan and I'timad Khan, but without success ; and he therefore retreated to Pattan. On the occasion of the Khan Khanan's 182 GENERAL HISTORIES. attack upon MuzafFar Gujrati, at Bir Ganj, about six miles from Ahmedabad, the Khwajah was appointed at the head of a detachment to attack the enemy from the rear, but in this action he again did not achieve any success, though he used his best exertions. Nizamu-d-din continued for a long timeBakh- shi of the province of Gujrat. In 998 A. H., and the 34*^ year of the reign, when the government of Gujrat was entrusted to Khan Azam, Silbahdar of Malwa, and Jaun- pur was bestowed upon Khan Khanan, in lieu of his Jagir of Gujrat, Nizamu-d-din Ahmed was summoned to the king's presence; upon which occasion, with a number of camel-riders, he accomplished 1200 miles by forced marches, and arrived at Lahore* on the festival of the 35*^ anniversary of the coronation. His camel-riders and retinue being an object of great attraction and wonderment, the king expressed a desire to inspect them, and as he was much gratified at this exhibition of the Khwajah's taste and ingenuity, he conferred great honors upon him. In the year 37^^ of the reign, when Asaf Khan Mirza Ja'far Bakhshi Begi was ordered to de- stroy Jalala Raushani, the Khwajah was ap- pointed to the post of Bakhshi. In the 39^^ year of the reign, corresponding with 1003 H., when the king was out on a hunt- * The Wakiat-i-Mushtaki (MS. fol. 204 v.) says, that the party completed tliis distaacc of 600 coss in 12 days, i. e. at the rate of 100 miles a day. GENERAL ^HISTORIES. 1 83 ing excursion, the Khwaj ah was attacked with a severe fever at Shaham Ali, which reduced him very much. His sons obtained permission from the king to convey him to Lahore, but as soon as they arrived at the banks of the Ravi, the Khwajah expired, and " the crocodile of death dragged him into the sea of annihila- tion." Nizamu-d-din is the compiler of the Tabakat- i-Akberi. * * * * ** Since this work cost the author much care and reflection in ascertaining facts and collecting materials, and as Mir Ma'sum Bhakari and other persons of note afforded their assistance in the compilation, it is entitled to much credit. It is the first history which contains a detailed account of all the Mu- hammedan princes of Hindustan. * * * From this work Muhammed Kasim Ferishta and others have copiously extracted, and it forms the basis of their histories, deficiencies being supplied by additions of their own ; but the Ta- bakat occasionally seems at variance with the accounts given by the celebrated Abu-1-Fazl. It is therefore left to the reader to decide which of the two authors is the most entitled to credit." Abid Khan, one of his sons, was favoured with frequent marks of distinction by His Majesty Jehangir, and was employed by him in various capacities. The office of Bakhshi of the Siibah of Guj- rat, which devolved on him by hereditary right, was resigned, owing to a disagreement between him and Abdullah Khan Firoz Jang, Gover- 184 GENERAL HISTORIES. nor of that province, by whom he was most shamefully treated. After resigning the appointment, he took only two sheets, the one wrapped round his waist, and the other round his head, as if prepared for burial, and went thus before Jehangir ac- companied by several Takiya Moghuls. This mark of his humiliation was approved of by the king, and he was pardoned. He was afterwards appointed an immediate attendant of the king, through the recom- mendation of the heir apparent, and was sub- sequently promoted to the office of Diwan of that prince. While holding this employment, he, with Sherif Khan Bakhshi and several others of the body-guard, was killed at Ak- bernagar in Bengal, in a battle fought by the prince on the burial ground, where the body of the son of Ibrahim Khan Fateh Jang was in- terred. Abid Khan had no son. His son-in-law, Muhammed Sherif, was for a short time Gover- nor of a strong fortress in the Deccan, and was afterwards appointed Hajib (chamberlain) of Haiderabad, in which capacity he passed the remainder of his days till his death.* Abdu-1-Kadir, who, like many others, was as staunch a friend, as he was a bitter foe, gives a very favorable account of Nizamu-d-din. He says that in carrying into effect his projects of economy, Nizamu-d-din gave offence to Kalich Khan, but that he received such unqualified * Mdsiru-l'Umrd %. v. Khwajah Nizamu-d-din. GENERAL HISTORIES. J 85 support from the Emperor, who entertained the highest opinion of his zeal and integrity, that his opponent, together with his adherents, were soon provided for in distant posts, instead of being kept at Court, to frustrate the endeavours of Nizamu-d-din to introduce reform into the de- partments under his control. " Nizamu-d-din," continues Abdu-1-Kadir, ** left a good name behind him. I was especially attached to him by the ties both of religion and friendship. Tears of sorrow fell from my eyes, and I beat my breast with the stone of despair. After a short time, I bowed in resignation to the heavenly decree, but was so much afflicted by the bereavement, that I vowed I would never thereafter cultivate a new friendship with any other man." "He died on the 23rd of Safar, 1003, and was buried in his own garden at Lahore. There was not a dry eye at his death, and there was no person who did not, on the day of his funeral, call to mind his excellent qualities, and who did not hold between his teeth the back of the hand of the grief." " The following Chronogram records the date of his death : — " Mirza Nizamu-d-din has departed ; in haste, but with honor, has he gone to his final doom. His sublime soul has fled to the celestial regions, and Kadiri has found the date of his death in these words, ' A jewel without price has left this world.'* " * Muntakhabu't'Tawdnkh, (MS. fol. 199 r.) 2 B IS6 GENERAL HISTORIES. Extracts. Upon the death of Sabuktigin, his eldest son, Amh* Ismail, placed himself on the throne of his deceased father, and deter- mined on depriving Amir Mahmiid of his heritage. Amir Mah- mud overcame him in fight, and ascended the throne of his fa- ther. He marched his army tov^rards Balkh, and took possession of Khorasan. He expelled his contemptible enemies from that country, and on the report of his conquests spreading far and wide, the Khalif of Baghdad, named Alkader billah Abbas, sent him a valuable Khilat of such distinction as no Khahf had ever before presented to any King. The Khalif was also pleased to bestow upon him the titles of Aminu-l-Millat and Yeminu-d- Daulah. At the end of Zi-1-k'ad, A. H. 390, Sultan Mahmud proceeded from Balkh to Herat, whence marching on Sistan, he reduced to subjection the ruler of that place, named Khalaf Bin Ahmed, and after visiting Ghazni, proceeded to Hindustan. There he captured several forts, and on returning to Ghazni, contracted a nuptial alliance with Tlak Khan, and settled on him the forts in question. In the month of Shawwal, A. H. 391 , Sultan Mahmtjd march- ing again towards Hindustan, reached Pershawar (Peshawar) with ten thousand horse. Raja Jaipal opposed him with ten thou- sand horse, a considerable body of foot, and three hundred ele- phants. The two adverse armies displayed much valour, but Sultan Mahmud at length was victorious. He took Raja Jaipal pri- soner, together vvith fifteen of his adherents, consisting of his sons and relatives. Five thousand infidels fell on the field of battle. It is said that there was a necklace of precious stones (called Mala, in Hindi) around the neck of Jaipal, valued by those who saw it at one hundred and eighty thousand dinars. His relatives also had around their necks very valuable necklaces. This victory was achieved on Saturday, 8^^ Muharram, A. H. 392. The victor afterwards marched against the Fort of Hind, in which Jaipal resided, which he succeeded in capturing. At the commencement of spring he returned to Ghazni. In the month of Muharram A. H. 393, he proceeded again to Sistan, reduced Khalaf to obedience, and after bringing him to Ghazni, marched back to Hindustan, with the intention of attack- ing Bhatia, at which place he arrived by way of Multan. The Rajd of this place, named Bajjar, boasted much of the great number of his soldiers, of his elephants, and of the strength of his forts, and leaving his army to oppose the Sultan, he himself fled with a small number of his followers to the banks of the GENERAL HISTORIES 187 Indus. The Sultan, on the receipt of this information, detached a body of troops against the Raja, who on finding he was sur- rounded, killed himself with a poniard. His head was brought to the Sultan, who afterwards put many dependants of the vanquish- ed Raja to the sword, and carrying with him considerable booty in slaves, elephants and precious articles, the produce of India, returned to Ghazni. * H: )<: * * 4: In A. H. 423, Khwajah Ahmed, son of Hasan, obtained the kingdom, and Khwdjah Abu Nasr Ahmed, son of Muhammed Abdu-s-Samad, who was celebrated for his wisdom and intellect, having been appointed Wazir under him, he went to Khwarazm, repeopled that country, and returned to the court of Amir Mas'ud at Ghazni. In the year 424, he proceeded to Hin- dustan, and laid siege to the fort of Sarsi, which is situated near a pass which leads to Cashmir, captured that fort, obtained much booty, and then returned to Ghazni. In 42.5, he marched to Asal and Sari. The natives first attempted to oppose him, but were soon brought to obedience by the valiant army of Ghazni, and Ama-Kalikha, chief of Tibristan, acknowledged sub- mission by agreeing to read the Khutba in the name of Amir Mas'ud, and sent his son Bahman and his nephew Sharvin, son of Surkh^b, to Kariikan. Amir Mas'ud now arrived at Naishdpur on his way to Ghazni, the natives of which place complained to him of the grievous oppression they had suffered at the hands of the Turkomans. ^ :i: ^ Hfi ^: it: In A. H. 426, Amir Mas'ud had no sooner reached Ghazni, than he was informed that Ahmed, son of Bin^ltigin had rebelled ; he therefore sent Batha, son of Muhammed Lalli, an officer of the Hindu troops, against him, and upon the meeting of the contending parties, a battle ensued, in which Batha fell, and his forces were dispersed ; Amir Mas'ud, upon hearing this, sent Tilak, son of Jaisen, Commander-in-chief of the Hindus, against him. He defeated Ahmed, and cut off the noses and ears of all those who fell into his hands. Ahmed fled to Mansura in Sind, and, while crossing the river, was drowned in the foaming stream. When the current carried his body to the bank, his head was cut off, and taken to Tilak, who sent it to Amir Mas'ud at Ghazni. In 427 H. the new palace was completed, and in it a throne was placed, over which a crown, set with precious stones, and weighing seventy maunds, was suspended by golden chains. When the king sat on the throne, he put the suspended crown over his head, and held a public Darbar. In this same year, he granted a Drum and Banner to Maudud, sent him to Balkh, and himself marched at the head of his army towards Hindustan. On his arrival at Hansi, he captured that fort, and obtained con- 2 B 2 188 GENERAL HISTORIES. siderable booty. He afterwards went to Sunpat, upon which Dipal Ilarnam, the commander of that fort, fled away to the woods, and concealed himself. The Muhammedans took that fort, razed the Hindu temples to the ground, and carried away much spoil. They next pursued Dipal, who deserted his own army, and all his troops were either killed or taken prisoners. Amir Mas'ud now marched towards the pass which led to the territory of Ram, who hearing of the Amir's approach, sent a large tribute for his acceptance, saying that he was too old and weak, and could not consequently attend the Amir in person. The Amir accepted his excuse, and did not molest him. He then bestowed a Drum and Banner upon Amir AbiVl-Muhammed, son of Mas'ud, sent him to Lahore, and he himself returned to Ghazni. 4: >is * H: ^ * :(: On the 22nd of Shawwal, 650 A. H. Nasiru-d-Din Mahmud went to LTch and Multan, by way of Lahore. In this expedition, Katlak Khan and Kushlii Khan, the former from Sahaswan, and the latter from Badaun, accompanied the Sultan with their re- spective armies as far as the Biah. In 651 A. H. the Sultan permitted Alaf Khdn to proceed to his Jaghir at Sawalik and Hansi, and conferred the post of vizarat on Muhammed Juneidi, with the title of Ainu-1-Mulk. He appointed Malik Azzu-d-din Kashlii Khan, chief Chamberlain, and bestowed the country of Karrah on Eibek, brother of A'zam Khan. He appointed Imamu-d-din Khan his lieutenant, and afterw^ards returned to Dehli. In the beginning of Shawwal of this year he marched towards the Biah, sent his troops to Tiber- hinda, l/ch, and Multan, which places had been deserted by Shere Khan, who had been defeated by the Sindians, and had fled to Turkistan. The Sultan having obtained possession of these places, entrusted them to Arslan Khan, and then returned to his capital. 3JC ^ *lC ^ •{• 3|C Ibrahim, the son of Mas'iid, was a just and pious king, cele- brated for the excellence of his judgment, and the correctness of his principles. He wrote an excellent hand, and every year sent to Mecca a copy of the Koran written with his own hand, accom- panied with costly presents. When, through the peace which was estabUshed with the Saljiikis, his mind had been set at rest, he turned his face towards Hindustan, and conquered many towns and forts, and amongst them was a city exceedingly popu- lous, inhabited by a tribe of Khorasani descent, whom Afrasiab had expelled from their native country. In that city there was ^ lake, of which the diameter was half a parasang, which never diminished in si?:e, though men and beasts were always consum- ing it, In consequence of the extensive jungle which surrovinded that fort,* there was no access to it — but so completely was it * fhi* is the only passage in which Nizamu-d-din calls it a fort. GENERAL HISTORIES. 189 reduced by the power and perseverance of the Sultan, that he took away no less than 100,000 captives, from which circumstance the value of the other booty may be conceived.* He died in the year 481 H. and reigned thirty years, though Binakati assigns to him forty -two years.f ****** Sultan Alau-d-Din acting with the co-operation of his advisers, resumed every village which was held in Wakf, in In' am, or in Milk, and resorted to every kind of subterfuge to possess himself of all the money which his subjects had acquired, and to throw it into the Royal Treasury. The people were consequently reduced to the greatest distress, and were in want even of daily sustenance. They were unable to utter even the names of oppo- sition and rebellion, for spies were in every district, every street, and every house, and to such an extent was this system of es- pionage carried, that even the chiefs and nobles were unable to meet and converse with one another, for fear of having their words misrepresented. ****** Sultdn Muhammed again resorted to Sargdwari,^ and tried to populate the country, and increase the cultivation. He esta- blished several new rules of administration, to which he gave the name of Uslub, and appointed an officer to superintend their execution, who had the title of Dewan Amargoi, but not one of these could ever be carried into effect. One of his schemes was to measure off a space of thirty coss square, and direct that, whether at that time under cultivation, or not, nothing but first-class crops should be grown within it, and one hundred revenue collectors were directed to mature the project. Some, naked and destitute, and others actuated by the spirit of avarice, undertook to cultivate upon this principle, on the promise of receiving advances in seed and money from the Royal Treasury, all of which was expended to satisfy the neces- sities of the day, while the recipients calmly awaited the punish- ment which they knew must befall them. Within two years, seventy odd lack of Tankas were advanced from the Treasury, Had the Sultan ever returned alive from his last expedition, he would infallibly have slain every factor and cultivator employed in this business. * See note F. t So does the Tarikh-i-Guzida. The Rauzatu-s-Safa gives thirty- one years ; Ferishta leaves it doubtful. This uncertainty shows how defective the annals of this period are, which is deeply to be regretted, as Ibrahim and his successor are said to have extended the Muham- jnedan conquests in India further than any of their predecessors. X This place is near Kampil and Patiali, on the right bank of the Ganges. It was here this madman made two or three abortive at- tempts to establish something hke a new Capital. 190 GENERAL HISTORIES Another new scheme of his at Sargdwaii was the peremptory dismissal of all the provincial governors and accountants. ****** The last ridiculous project of Muhammed Tughlak Shah was to add to his kingdom the mountains which intervene between Hind and Chin, for which purpose he sent thither large armies accompanied by his chief nobles and most experienced com- manders, with orders to use their utmost endeavours to conquer every part of the hills. When the armies had advanced well into the heart of the mountains, the Hindus of those parts closed up the roads with rocks, and put almost all their invaders to the sword. The few who survived were summarily punished by Sultan Muhammed. ****** In 794 A. H., Narsing, Sar, Dadharan, and Birbhan, Zemindars in the Duab, rose in rebellion against the Sultan, who despatched Islam Khan to quell it. Narsing in a contest with Islam Khan was defeated, and many of the infidels were killed. The victo- rious army then pursued Narsing, till he begged for mercy, and was carried as a prisoner by Islam Khan to Dehli. In the meantime, intelligence being received that Sar and Dad- haran had plundered Kasbah Talgram, the Sultan went there in person, and when they heard that the king had approached the Black river (Kalinaddi) they took shelter in the fort of Etawah. On his arrival at Etawah, the infidels, having committed their families and efiects to the flames, deserted the fort during that night and escaped. Next day, the king ordered the fort to be demolished, and directed his course towards Canauj, and after punishing the infidels of that place, as well as the Rais of Dal- mau, he went to Jalesar, where he built a fortress and gave it the name of Muhammedabad. In the month of Rajab of the same year, Khwajah Jahan, his vicegerent at the capital, wrote to him to say that Islam Khan was preparing to enter the Panjab with the design of creating disturbances ; the Sultan therefore returned to the capital with his army, and ordered Islam Khan to be brought into his pre- sence to answer the charge laid against him. Islam Khan denied the charge, but his nephew, a Hindu named Jaju, being at enmity with him, gave a false deposition, whereupon the Sultan ordered Islam Khan to be punished, and conferred upon Khan Jahan the oifice of Wazir. The king also despatched Malik Mukarrab- u-l-Mulk with an army to Muhammedabad. In 795 A. H. being informed that Sar, Dadharan, Jit Sing Rathore, and Birbhan, Mukaddam of Bhiiiganw, had risen in rebellion, the Sultan deputed Mukarrabu-1-Mulk to repress it. After terms of peace had been agreed upon by the con- tending parties, Mukarrabu-1-Mulk took the Rais along with him to Canauj and treacherously murdered them. Rai Sar GENERAL HISTORIES. 191 escaped and fled to Etawah, and Malik Mukarrabu-1-Mulk pro- ceeded to Muhammedabad. In the month of Shawwal, the Sultdn proceeded to Mewat, and plundered it, and then returned to Muhammedabad Jalesar, where he fell sick. In the meanwhile, hearing that Bahadar Nahir had plundered some of the villages in the neighbourhood of Delhi, the Sultan directed his course to Mewat, notwithstand- ing the infirm state of his health. On his arrival at Kotilah, Bahadar Nahir came out to oppose him, but, being defeated, sought shelter within the fort. As he had there no hope of safety, he escaped to Jhirrii. The Sultan then returned to Muhammedabad in order to superintend the building of a palace which he had ordered to be erected, and at this place his sickness increased. In the month of Rabiu-1-Awwal, he ordered prince Humaiyun to march against Sarsuti Kokhar, who had revolted and taken possession of the fort of Lahore. The Prince was about to set out for Lahore, when he was informed of the Sultan's demise, which occurred on the 1 7th of Rabiu-1- Awwal. He therefore gave up his intention, and remained in the city. Sultan Muhammed Shah reigned six years and seven months. ****** The reign of Khizr Khan* It is related that Malik Mardan Daulat, one of the Amirs of Sultan Firoz Shah, had adopted Malik Sulaimdn, the father of Khizr Khan when he was an infant, and that one day, in giving an entertainment to Amir Saiyid Jalal Bukhdri (may God sanctify his tomb !) Malik Mardin Daulat ordered Malik Sulaimdn to wash the hands of the assembly, and when he readily got up to perform that office, Saiyid Jaldl told Malik Mardan Daulat that the young man was descended from a Saiyid, and that therefore it would be unbecoming that he should be ordered to perform so menial a service. Khizr Khdn was a virtuous man, of excellent character, and of unimpeachable veracity. The greatness of his character was a sufficient proof of his noble origin, ** Although good actions may be occasionally performed, yet the habitual exercise of virtue depends upon noble origin." In the time of Sultan Firoz Shah, Multan was under the government of Malik Mardan Daulat, and after his death Malik Sheikh succeeded to it, but shortly after died. After this, the government of that country was bestowed by Sultan Firoz Shdh upon Khizr Khan, and from that time Khizr Khan was consi- dered one of the most eminent dignitaries of the state, and, as * This and the preceding Extract give us a good idea of the disaf- fection and anarchy which prevailed, in the neighbourhood of the Ca- pital, about the period of Timur's invasion. 192 GENERAL HISTORIES. already related, had fotight many severe battles, in all of which victory was on his side, before he took Dehli on the 15th of Rabiu-1-Awwal 817 A. H. Notwithstanding his possessing the substantial power and authority of a king, he never assumed the title, but called him- self Amir Ala. He allowed the coin to be stamped, and the Khutba to be read, in the name of Amir Timiir, and subsequently in that of Mirza Shah Rukh, but at last the people used to read the Khutba in Khizr Khdn's name and to include him also in their blessings. He appointed Malik Tajd to the office of Wazir^ and bestowed on him the title of Taju-1-Mulk ; Saiyid Salim was appointed to Saharanp6r, and the provinces of Multdn and Fateh- pur were bestowed on Abdu-r-Rahim, the adopted son of Mahk Sulaiman, who was also honored with the title of Alau-1-Mulk. Malik Sarwar was nominated to the office of governor of the city ; Malik Khairu-d-Din Khdn to the office of Arizi Mamalik ; Malik Kallu to the charge of the elephants ; Malik Daud, was appointed Chief Secretary ; Ikhtiar Khan was sent to administer the affiiirs of the Duab. He also allowed the slaves and dependants of Sul- tan Mahmud Shah to continue to draw their pensions and other allowances, and permitted them to reside at their respective Jagirs. In this same year he sent Tdju-1-Mulk with a strong force to Badailn and Katehar,* in order to put down the turbulent spirits of those provinces. Taju-1-Mulk, crossing the rivers Jumna and Ganges, arrived in Katehar, and punished the Zemindars of that country. Rai Narsing fled to the jungles of Aunlah, but being at last reduced to extremities, he agreed to pay the revenue demanded from him. Mahabat Khan, Governor of Badaun, also offered his submis- sion, and after this, Taju-d-Din, marching from Badaun along the banks of the Rahab, arrived at the ford of Sargdwari, and crossing the Ganges there, reached Khor, now called Shamssi- bad, and punished the infidels of that place, as well as of Kam- pilah, and then, passing through Sakit, reached Kasbah Padham, where Hasan Khan, governor of Rapri and Hamzah, his brother, came to visit him ; Rai Sar also came to profess his obedience, and the Rajas of Gwaliar, Raprif and Chandwar also offered to pay * Two copies have Kaithal, but Katehar is meant, — the Hindu name of the present province of Rohilkhand. At first, the Muhammedan conquerors called all the country to the east of the Ganges, Katehar ; but subsequently, when Sambhal and Badaun were made separate governments, the country beyond the Ramganga only was called by that name. t It appears therefore that there was a Raja, as well as a Governor, of Rapri, unless we choose to read Sipri, which no copy authorizes. Rapri, or Rapri, and Chandwar are on the Jumna, a few miles below Agra, in a country full of ravines, and well capable of being defended by a few men against thousands. GENERAL HISTORIES. 193 the revenue demanded from them. He took the Kasbah of Jalesar from the Rajputs of Chandwar, and intrustmg it to the former Musulman chiefs of that Kasbah, appointed Shikdars. Thence he proceeded to Gwah^r, and after plundering and deso- lating it, took the annual tribute from the Rai of that place, and then went to Chandwar, and after exacting revenue from Bansing, Zemindar of Chandwar, and the Zemindars of Kampil and Patiali, he returned to Dehli, crossing the Jumna near Chandwar. In Jamadiu-1-awwal it was reported that some Turkomans of the tribe of Bairam Khan Turkija had treacherously put to death Malik Sadhu Nahir, appointed by prince Mubarak Khan to the government of Sirhind, and had also taken possession of the fort of Sirhind. Upon this, Khizr Khan directed Zirak Khan to proceed against them with a large army. The Turks fled to the mountains, retreating across the river Satlej. Zirak Kh^n pursued them, but being unable to do any thing effective, he returned after two months. In the month of Rajab of the same year, hearing that Sultan Ahmed of Gujrat had besieged the fort of Nagore, Khizr Khan, for the purpose of settling this matter, marched in that direction by way of Tiidah, and Sultan Ahmed having returned to his country without venturing an action, Khizr Khdn directed his course to the city of Nau Uriis* Jhayin, one of the towns built by Sultan Alau-d-din Khilji. Ilias, the Governor, came to pay his respects, and Khizr Khan, after punishing the insurgents of that district, directed his course to Gwali^r ; but as it was difficult to take the fort, he contented himself with receiving the fixed revenue from the Rai of Gwdliar, and repaired to Biana, and having levied tribute from Shams Kh^n Ujadi, the ruler of that place, returned to Delhi. in the year 820 H. intelligence was received of the rebeUious proceedings of Tiighdn, with whom some of the Turks who had killed MaUk Sadhu, were implicated. Zirak Khan, the ruler of S^m§,na, was sent to overawe them. Upon his approach to Sam^na the rebels left the fort of Sirhind, and retired towards the mountains. Malik Kamdl Badhan, who was imprisoned in the fort, being thus set at liberty, came to pay his respects. Zirak Khan pursued the enemy to Babal, and Tiighan, the chief of the Turks, came forward to offer his submission, agreed to pay tribute, and delivered up his son as a hostage to maintain peace, and as he expelled from his presence the Turks who had assassinated Malik Sadhu, Zirak Khan returned towards Samana, and sent the son and property of Tughan to Khizr Khan. In the year 821, Khizr Kh^n sent Tlju-l-Mulk against Narsing, the Rdja of Katehar, and when his army crossed the Ganges, Narsing abandoned the open country, and took shelter in the jun- gles of Aunlah ; but Taju-1-Mulk having discovered his retreat after * Literally, the young bride. This was a title occasionally bestowed about this time upon a fort which had never been captured. 2 c 194 GENERAL HISTORIES. a little search, defeated him, and took possession of his horses, magazine, and all his property, and the troops of Taju-1-Mulk, having pursued Narsing to the Kamaiin hills, obtained large booty, and returned to their camp after five days. After this, Taju-1-Mulk marched towards the banks of the Ganges, by way of Badaun, and having crossed it at Pachlana, despatched Mahabat Khan, ruler of Badaun, to take charge of his own government. He then proceeded to Etawah, where Rai Sar had fortified himself, and after ravaging the country, accepted the terms solicited by the Rai, and returned to the city in the month of Rabiu-1- akhir. In the very same year, Khizr Khan set out with the design of punishing his rebellious subjects in Katehar. He first made an example of the insurgents of Col, and crossing the Rahab,* ravaged the district of Sambhal. In the month of Zi-1-k'adah of the same year, he went to Badaun, crossing the Ganges near Patiali, whereupon Mahabat Khan being under apprehension for his own safety, fled to Badaun. In Zi-1-hijjah of the same year, Mahabat Khan fortified himself within Badaun, where he was engaged for six months in perpetual struggles to maintain himself against his opponent. Meanwhile, having ascertained that certain Umras, such as Kawdm Khan and Ikhtiyar Khan, and all the slaves of Mahmud Shah, who had deserted Daulat Khan and joined his standard, were engaged in a conspiracy against him, Khizr Khan thought proper to raise the siege, and retire towards Dehli. And on the 20th Jamadiu-1-awwal, while encamped on the bank of the Ganges, he put the whole of the conspirators to death, and then pro- ceeded on his route to Dehli. After a few days, news arrived that an impostor, assuming the name of Sarang Khan, had collected a force in the hills of Baj- wara. Malik Sultan Shah Bairam Lodi was sent against him, and appointed Governor of Sirhind ; where he arrived in the month of Rajab. Sarang left the hills, and on reaching the Sutlej, was joined by the men of Rupar, but coming to action near Sirhind, he was defeated, and fled to Lahuri, one of the depen- dencies of Sirhind. Khwajah Ali Indrani, Zirak Khan, Governor of Samana, and Tughan Turkija, Governor of Jalandhar, went to the assistance of Sultan Shah at Sirhind. Sarang fled to Rupar, and when pursued by the Shah's army, retired again to the hills. The army encamped at Rupar, and Malik Khairu-d-Din having been directed to join the army with his own troops, arrived at Rupar during Ramzan of this year, and remained for some time encamped at the foot of the hills. When the forces of Sa- * Throughout the Tabakat-i-Akberi the Rahab is evidently the Sote, or Yar-wafadar, of the present day. The origin of the latter name will be found in the extract from the Tawarikh-i-Muhammed- Shahi, given at p. 304 of the Supplemental Glossary, published at Agra in 1845. Respecting the Rahab, v. supra, p. 32. GENERAL HISTORIES. 195 rang were entirely dispersed, and many had fled for safety to the hills in disguise, the main body of the army went into quarters. Malik Khairu-d-Din returned to the capital, Zirak Khan to Samana, and Sultan Shah remained encamped at Rupar. Shortly after, Sarang, escaping from the hills, joined Tiighan in the Muharram of the year 833, and was treacherously murdered by him. During this period, Khizr Khan, passing his time luxuriously in his Palace, appointed Taju-1-Mulk to suppress a rebellion of the Zemindars of Etawah. Tajul-mulk passing through Baran (Bulandshahar) arrived at Kol, where he punished the refrac- tory, and then went to Deoli Jakhan, which is a strong place, and after plundering it, arrived at Etawah. Rai Sar retired within the fort of Etawah, and after entering into terms, agreed to pay the revenue assessed upon him. Taju-1-Mulk returning by Chandwar, which he ravaged, went towards Katehar, and after taking tribute from Rai Narsiug, returned to the city. In the month of Rajab of the same year, news arrived that Tug- han Turkija had again rebelled, and invested the fort of Sir- hind, and ravaged the districts of Mansi'irpiir and Pabal. Khizr Khan directed Khairu-d-Din to proceed against him, who, when he arrived at Samana, was joined by Zirak Khan, when they pursued Tiighan with their combined forces. Tughan, after passing the Sutlej near Liidhiana, sought asylum with Jasrat Khokhar, and his Jagirs were bestowed upon Zirak Khan. Malik Khairu. d-Din returned to Dehli. In the year 824, Khizr Khan marched towards Mewat, for the purpose of punishing the disaffected inhabitants of that tract, who had fortified themselves in the stronghold of Kotilah, be- longing to Bahddar Nahir. Upon the very first assault they evacuated the fort, when it was taken possession of by Khizr Khan. The Mewdtis fled to the hills, and Khizr Khan, after plundering and dismantling the fort, went towards Gwaliar. On the 8th of Muharram, Taju-1-Mulk died, and his eldest son, Sikander, succeeded to the Wizarat, under the title of Maliku-s- Shark. After taking tribute from the Rajd of Gwaliar, whose country was laid waste, Khizr Khan went to Etawah. Rai Sar had, in the meantime, died, and his son, professing obedience, declared himself ready to pay the stipulated revenue. At this time, Khizr Khan fell ill, and returned to Dehli, and departed to the mercy of God on the 7th of Jamadiu-1-awwal, A. H. 824. His reign lasted seven years, two months, and two days. ****** Dariya Khdn, the son of Mubarak Khan, Lohdni, obtained the government of Behar. At this time the scarcity of grain became so great, that in order to afford relief to the people the corn-tax was remitted, and orders to this effect were despatched to all parts of the kingdom, and the aboUtion has continued from that 2 c 2 196 GENERAL HISTORIES. day to this. At this time the Sultan (Sikander) came to Saran, and transferred some of the Pergunahs which were in its neighbourhood, and in possession of the Zemindars, in Jagir to his own adherents. Thence he proceeded by way of Machligarh to Jaunpur, where he sojourned six months, and then went to Patna.* It is said that the Sultan demanded of Salbahan, the Rai of Patna, his daughter in marriage, and upon his refusal, set out to chastise his impertinence, in the year 904. When he reached Patna, he laid waste the whole country, and did not leave the sign of a dwelling standing. But when he arrived before Bandu- garh, which is the strongest fort in the country, and the residence of a Governor, the garrison exhibited such gallantry and deter- mination, that he was compelled to return to Jaunpur without accomplishing his purpose. ****** On the 28th of Zi-1-hijjah A. H. 1000, His Majesty, Akber, owing to the weakness of Prince Khusru, directed Prince Danial to remain in charge of the standing camp, while he himself advanced rapidly towards Cashmir, taking the compiler of this work, Niza- mu-d-din Ahmed, in company with him, and directing the Prince to move on by easy marches with the ladies of the family, and take up his quarters at Rohtas. He reached Cashmir on the 8th of Maharram, 1001, and spent there 28 days in amusing him- self with bunting excursions. He again entrusted the govern- ment of Cashmir to Mirza Yusuf, and leaving there a party com- posed of Khwajah Ashraf, Mir Murad Dakhui, together with the son of Fateh Khan and the son of Sheikh Ibrdhim, he embarked on the 8th of Safar for Barah Mulah, which lies on the confines of Cashmir and on the road leading to Pukhli. In his way he visited the remarkable lake which is surrounded by mountains on the Northern, Southern, and Western sides, and extends 60 miles in circumference. From this lake flows a river, the water of which is remarkably clear. Sultan Zainu-1-Abidin had filled up the middle part of this lake with stones to the height of one jarib above the level of the water and raised a magnificent structure upon it. Indeed, no lake in Hindustan has been found to equal this. After visiting this, the king went to Barah Mulah, and thence proceeded by land towards Pukhli, on his arrival at which place there fell a shower of rain and hail. The king next proceeded by forced marches to Rohtas, ordering the compiler, Khwajah Nazir Daulat, and Khwajaki Fateh-uUah, to follow with the females and household estabUshment. A strange coinci- dence occurred upon this expedition. When the king returned from Cashmir, he remarked that it was about forty years since he * There is some reason to suppose Panna in Bundelkhand is meant ; but all copies concur in reading Patna. GENERAL HISTORIES. 197 had seen snow, and as most of the men in his train, who were brought up in Hind, had Hkewise never seen any, he declared that it would be an exhibition of God's mercy, if it should so happen that snow should fall, after he had passed through the narrow defiles in the neighbourhood of Pukhli, to satisfy their cu- riosity, and it turned out according to his desires. On the appearance of the new moon of Rabi'u-1-awwal, he arrived at the fort of Rohtas ; and on the loth of the same month, he marched towards the capital, Lahore, where he arrived on the 6th of Rabi'u-s-sani of the same year, after a journey of 20 days, amusing himself occasionally with hunting on the road. In the meantime, intelligence was brought that a battle had taken place between Mansing and the son and brothers of Kat- lu Afghan, upon whose death the province of Orissa had come into their possession, and that the Royal party having been vic- torious, ]the extensive province of Orissa, which lies on the confines of Bengal, had been absorbed into his Majesty's possessions. ;K ;|c ;(: * 9t: * Husain Khdn Tukriya. — He was called Tukriyay from the fact of his having issued an order, when he was Governor of Lahore, to the effect that Hindus should bear on their shoulders a dis- criminating mark, which being called in Hindi, Tukri, obtained for him the nicname of Tukriya. He was nephew and son-in-law of Imam Mehdi Kdsim Khan, and was a mansabdar of 2000. He died A. H. 983.* Amir Fateh-ullah Shirdzi. — In the year 990 H. corresponding with the 26th Ilahi, the Amir arrived at Court from the Deccan, and was received with royal favour. He was directed, in con- junction with the ministers, to examine the returns of the col- lectors, and to revise the system of accounts. On this duty he was engaged for many years, and, in token of the king's satisfac- tion, was honoured with the title of Uzdu-1-daulah. He was a very learned man, and was better versed in every kind of knowledge, practical and theoretical, than any man in Khorasan, Irak, or Hindustan. In short, in the whole world he was without a rival. He was also an adept in the secret arts of magic and enchant- ment. For instance, he placed a mill -stone on a carriage, which produced flour by a self-generated movement, and he manufac- * Some of the proceedings of this enthusiast will be noticed in a succeeding article. The Masirw-Z- t/mrd tells us that this order was issued itt consequence of his having one day saluted a Hindu, who passed by with a long beard, the distinctive mark of a Musulman. We do not learn whether this edict was approved or annulled. In the decline of the republic, when a similar measure was proposed at Rome with respect to the slaves, a wise man exclaimed, " quantum periculum iraraineret, si servi nostri numerare nos coepissent !" Seneca, De Clemen' Ha, I. 24. 198 GENERAL HISTORIES. tured a gun, which fired twelve balls at a time. In Cashmir, he departed for the land of eternity in the year 997 H.* ^ ^ «lC ^ ^ ^ A few days after, Sultan Mahmild assembled an army, and marched on Shor,f when Jam Bayezid and Alam Khan, with their followers, advanced to the distance of twenty miles from Shor to oppose him. Their troops were drawn up facing the Ravi, and a letter was despatched to Daulat Khan Lodi, acquainting him with the particulars of their movement. Upon receipt of this intelligence, Daulat Khan Lodi, at the head of the Panjab forces, came to their assistance before the conflict was at an end, and dispatched a confidential person to Sultan Mahmud to enter into a negociation for peace ; and it was at last through his mediation that the king took his departure for Multan, and that Jam Bayezid returned to Shor ; after which, he himself proceeded to Lahore. Notwithstanding that the terms of peace had been adjusted by so wise a man as Daulat Khan, yet it did not endure long. In the interim, Mir Jakar Zand,:[; with his two sons, named Mir Ilahdad and Shahdad, came to Multan from Mavi. It was Mir Shahdad that introduced the principles of the Shia creed into Multan. As the Langah family had great respect for Malik Sohrab Dudari, Mir Jakar Zand could not acquire any influence in Multan. He therefore sought the protection of Jam Bayezid, who treated him with respect, and was pleased to grant a portion of his pri- vate domain for the support of the Mir's family. Jam Bayezid was a man of obliging character and of generous spirit, and was particularly anxious to promote the interests of the learned and virtuous. He is said to have sent money and other necessary provisions to Multan from Shor, for their especial use, even during the period of actual hostilities. His generosity towards men of talent was so notorious, that many persons of distinction quitted their homes, took up their abode at Shor, and encouraged many others to resort to that place. * These are among the biographies of contemporary nobles, philo- sophers, and poets, which are inserted at the close of the reign of Akber. t Shor, or Shorkote, is twenty-six miles north of Tulamba, and on the road from that place to Jhang. Among the extensive ruins of this place, the most remarkable is a mound of earth, surrounded by a brick wall, and high enough to be seen from a circuit of six or eight miles. Native tradition represents it to be the capital of a Raja of the name of Shor, who was conquered by a king from the West. — Burnes' Bokhara, Vol. III. p. 131. X This agrees with the name as given by Briggs, but in the original of Ferishta it is Mir Imad Gurdezt. In many other respects there is a great difference between the original and translation, and it is evident that the translator must have used a different Manuscript in this por- tion of his work. GENERAL HISTORIES. 199 Amongst other persons, Maulana Aziz-uUah, pupil of Maulana Fateh-uUah, was invited by Jam Bayezid with many entreaties. On his approach to Shor, Jam Bayezid received him with much honor, conducted him to his private apartments, and ordered his servants to pour water over the Maulanas hands, and then by way of a blessing to sprinkle the same water on the four corners of his house. There is a curious anecdote concerning the Maulana and Sheikh Jalalu-d-din Kureishi, Vakil of Jam Bayezid which, though not much to the purpose of this history, is yet here recorded for an example, and as an awakening from the sleep of neglect. It is this — When the Jam received the Mauldna with unusual dis- tinction, the Sheikh went to the Maulana and told him, that Jam Bayezid had given him his compliments, and desired that the Maul&na should select for himself one of the slave girls who had been ordered to attend him. The Maulana sent one of his own servants to J^m Bayezid and said in reply, " God forbid that a man should ever look upon the women of his friend ; moreover such sentiments are unworthy of my advanced age." Jam Bayezid replied that he had no knowledge of the imputed message. The Maulana being much embarrassed at this, cursed the per- son that communicated the message to him, saying, " May his neck be broken !'* and returned to his home without even seeing Jam Bayezid, who was not informed of his departure, until he had actually left his dominions. It so happened that the curse of the Mauland took effect ; for after Sheikh Jalalu-d-din came to Shor, having deserted the service of Sultdn Sikauder, he chanced one night to miss his footing, when he fell from an upper story with his head down- wards, and literally broke his neck. After the conquest of the Panj^b in 930 H. by Firdiis Makani Zahiru-d-din Muhammed Baber Badshah Gh^zi, that monarch at the time of his return to Dehli, sent a commission to Mirzd Shah Ilusain Arghiin, Governor of Thatta, ordering him to take charge of Multan and its neighbouring districts. He accordingly crossed the river at Bhakkar, and marched towards Multan with a large army. Sultan Mahmud now collected all his forces, advanced to the distance of two days journey from the city of Multan, and sent Sheikh Bah^u-d-din Kureishi, successor to the celebrated Sheikh Bahau-d-din Zakariya (may God sanctify his sepulchre !) as an ambassador to Mirza Shah Husain, and appointed Mauldn^ Behlol, who was noted for the fluency of his eloquence, as well as the purity of his language, to accompany the Sheikh. The Mirza received them with much honor, and said that he had come with the view of chastising Sultan Mahmud, and of visiting Sheikh Bahau-d-din Zakariya s tomb. The Maulana stated that it would suffice if Sultan Mahmud 200 GENERAL HISTORIES. were to effect his communications at a distance, in the same manner as the Prophet had guided Wais Kami while they were absent from each other, and that Sheikh Behau-d-din was already come to his presence, inasmuch as he himself was the repre- sentative of Zakariya, and that there was therefore no need of his troubling himself to proceed any further. They were, however, unsuccessful in accomplishing the objects of their interview, and returned to the Sultan, who died suddenly in the same night, poisoned, it is said, by Lashkar Khan, one of his slaves. He died A. H. 931, after a reign of 27 years. Respecting Sultan Husain, son of Sultan Mah- mud. After the death of Sultan Mahmud, Kawam Khan Langah and Langar Khan, who were the commanders of Sultan Mahmud' s army, deserted their king, and joined Mirza Shah Husain Ar- ghun, and having met with a kind reception from him, they sub- sequently took possession of the different towns of Multau in the name of the Mirza, while the remaining Langah Chiefs, con- founded at this intelligence, hastened to Multan, and proclaimed the son of Sultan Mahmud as king, under the title of Sultan Shah Husain, and read the Khutbah in his name — though he was but a child. But he was king only in name, for Sheikh Shuja'u-1-Mulk Bukhari, son-in-law of Sultan Mahmud, assuming the office of Vazir, secured to. himself all the regal power. By the advice of this inexperienced man, the adherents of the Langah family took refuge in the fort, which had scarcely one day's provision in it ; while Mirza Shah Husain, deeming the death of Sultan Mahmud a most convenient opportunity for the conquest of the country, immediately laid siege to the fort. After a few days, the garrison finding the provisions of the fort were consumed, and that they were about to perish, came to Sheikh Shuja'u-1-Mulk, who was the cause of his country's disasters, and sohcited his permission to give the enemy battle, representing at the same time that they had still some vigour left, that their horses were fresh, and that it was not improbable that the gale of victory might incline to their side ; and that to remain inactive and beleaguered as they were, was expedient only when there was any hope of receiving succour from without, — which was not at all a probable contingency in their case. The Sheikh did not make any reply, but retiring to a private apartment, he invited the attendance of some of the Chiefs, and said that as the sovereignty of Shah Husain Langah had not as yet been well established, he was afraid, lest most of their men on making a sally from the fort, should take the opportunity to desert, and join Mirza Shah Husain, in hope of receiving some GENERAL HISTORIES. 201 reward for their treachery, and that the small remnant who had any regard for their reputation might fall into the hands of the enemy. Maulana Sa'dullah of Lahore, a learned man of that time, who was confined in the fort of Multan on this occasion, relates that a few months after the siege had commenced, when all the ave- nues of the fort were closed by the enemy, and no one was able to enter for the purpose of rendering assistance, or go out for the purpose of escaping his doom, (for the attempt was attended with certain destruction,) the garrison were at last reduced to such extremities, as to be compelled to consume dogs and cats, which were partaken of with as much avidity as if they had been the choicest goats and lambs. The protection of the fort was committed by Sheikh Shuja'u-I- Mulk to the charge of a vagabond, named Jadii, who had three thousand militia of the country under him. That wretch entered all the houses wherever he had the least expectation of finding grain, and plundered them so unscrupulously, that the people earnestly desired Sheikh Shuja'u-1-Mulk's destruction. At last, the besieged were reduced to so desperate a condition, that they preferred being killed by the Mirza to a slow death by famine, and they accordingly threw themselves down from the walls of the fort ; but Mirza Shah Husain, being aware of their distress, allowed them a free passage. After a siege of one year and several months, his men, one night, entered the fort, and put the besieged to the sword, sparing no one between the age of seven and seventy. They next treated most oppressively all the citizens on whom there was the least suspicion of possessing wealth, and treated them with various kinds of indignity. This took place at the close of A. H. 932. Maulana Sa'dullah gives an account of those transactions in the following words. " When the fort was captured by the Arghiins, a party of them entered my house, seized on my father, Maulana Ibrahim J^ma, who, in studying and teaching the whole circle of sciences for 65 years, had lost the use of his sight, and treated him with the grossest insult. Another person came and bound me, and sent me as a present to the Vazir of the Mirza. The Vazir was sitting on a wooden platform in the open area, when I reached his house, and he ordered me to be bound with a chain, of which one end was tied to one of the feet of the platform. I did not, however, grieve for myself, but I could not help shed- ing tears, when I recollected my father's sad condition. After a while, he called for his escrutoire, mended his pen, and then rose up with the intention of washing his hands and feet and praying, before he sat down to write. There was no one left within the house but myself, so I approached the platform, and 2 D 202 GENERAL HISTORIES. wrote, on the very paper on which the A^azir had intended to write, the following verse of the work Bardah — " Do not your eyes see how I am weeping, and do you never say, * AVeep no more,' and does your heart never suggest to you that you should have pity upon me ?" After which, I immediately resumed my place, and began to weep. After his return, when he was just beginning to write, he saw the lines and began to look round to see who might have written them, but finding that there was no body except myself, he wished me to declare if I had written it, and on my confessing to have done so, he enquired more about my affairs, and on hearing my father's name, he immediately got up, released me from my fetters, and having clothed me with a garment of his own, proceeded immediately to the Diw^n Khana of the Mirza, and introduced me to him. The Mirza sent some one to search after my father, and to bring him to the presence. The people around the Mirz^ were talking upon religious sub- jects, when my father was admitted to that assembly, and the Mirza after bestowing Khilats, the one on my father, the other on myself, encouraged my father to relate to him the circum- stances of his life, and he accordingly related them, notwithstand- ing the agitation of his mind. He recounted them with so much pathos and eloquence, that the auditors were charmed with him, and the Mirza requested the pleasure of his company, on his return to his own country. The Mirza ordered all of my father's plundered property to be restored, and that a compensation in money should be given for that which could not be recovered, but my father begged to be excused from accompanying him, saying that he was too old to undertake such a journey, when the time of his preparing for his last pilgrimage was so near ; and accordingly he did die only two months after this occurrence." In short, when the fort was captured, the Mirza committed Sultan Husain to the custody of an officer, and treated Sheikh Shuja'u-1-Mulk Bukh^ri with various indignities, and a large sum of money was daily exacted from him. The country of Mul- tan had by this time been much devastated, so that there was no hope of its attaining its former degree of prosperity, but the Mirza, nevertheless, not thinking its restoration so very difficult, left the country in charge of Kb waj ah Shamsu-d-din, with Langar Khan to assist him, and he himself returned to Thatta. Under the judicious management of Langar Khan, the country was again populated, and he subsequently turned out the Khwajah, with the assistance of the people, and made himself master of the country. After the death of Baber, Humaiyun succeeded to the throne of Hindustan, and bestowed the Panjab in Jagir upon Mirza Kimr^n, who sent a message to Langar Khan requesting his attendance. GENERAL HISTORIES 203 and on the Khan's waiting upon him at Lahore, he was pleased to confer on him the country of Pabal in exchange for Multan. Towards the close of the Khan's life, the king assigned as his residence a place at Lahore, now known by the name of Daira Langar Khan, which is one of the most celebrated quarters of Lahore. From this time forward Multan again came under the dominion of the kings of Dehli. After the death of Mirza Kamran, it passed to Shir Khan, from Shir Khan to Selim Khan, and from him to the officers of His Majesty x\kber, all which changes have been mentioned in their respective places. The Tabakat-i-Akberi is one of the common- est histories procurable in India, but I have met with no remarkably good copy. In the Bodleian Library it is the only work on Indian History noticed by Uri, except an imperfect one on the reigns of Humaiyun, Akber, and Jehdngir.* The Tabakat-i-Akberi commences with : — .Uai txSr ^ J^a. iS ^jM ]j ^jAjkAa. lil^jb i^L-l [j^^j ^^Iju** j^Lj iji^^fo,^^ SJiJd^] ij^si^ jj^ltJiJ C^SJu^j A.i'Lo c^(S»yo and ends with a promise, which does not ap- pear to have been fulfilled. As several copies, procured from distant places, concur in this reading, and as the author continued almost till the day of his death the history of Akber's reign, it seems probable that he never wrote the Conclusion which he promised in his Pre- * Uri, Bibl. Bodl. Codd. MSS, Orient Catal.^Codd. MSS. Pers. xh. hi. liv. 2 D 2 204 GENERAL HISTORIES face, and which now is comprised in ten lines. It gives merely the computed area, populousness, and revenue of Hindustan, respecting which the author observes : " Be it not concealed, that the country of Hindustan is comprised within four climates, and is now included in the dominions of the Emperor Akber. Its length from Hindu Koh, on the borders of Badakhshan, to the coun- try of Orissa, which is on the borders of Bengal, from West to East, is 1 680 legal coss. Its breadth from 'Cashmir to the hills of Barujh, which is on the borders of S6rat and Gujrat, is 800 coss Ilahi. Another mode is to take the breadth from the hills of Kamaiin to the borders of the Deccan, which amounts to 1000 Ilahi coss. The soil is well adapted for cultivation, and within each coss are several inhabited villages. At the present time, namely A. H. 1002, Hin- dustan contains 3200 towns (including 120 large cities) and 500,000 villages, and yields a revenue of 64,00,000,000 Tankas." He then finishes with these words : — Jjk-»aftj LH^^^ioJ ^^^Ass^ j^s^ ij^ ]j cijU^ii [Si^^^ d^^-? tXa. jJtl^ ilXyi ic^sv^ •— ^AT^ *»T^i^ ^ ^»^^«^ ^ rv* GENERAL HISTORIES. 205 Note F. On Fire-worship in Upper India. Nizamu-d-din Ahmed mentions no other event of Ibrahim's reign but this respecting the Kho- rasanis.* Abii-l-feda and the Tabakat-i-Nasiri are silent. What the Tarikh-i-Alfi says may be seen at p. 157. The Muntakhabu-1-Tawa- rikh has nothing more on the subject than is contained in the Tabakat-i-Akberi. The Rau- zatu-s-Safd is the same as the Tarikh-i-Alfi, ex- cept that the former omits the name of the place. Ferishta adds a few particulars not to be found in the others. He says : — "The king marched from thence to another town in the neigh- bourhood, called Dera, the inhabitants of which came originally from Khoras^n ; and were banished thither with their families by Afrasi^b, for frequent rebellions. Here they liad formed themselves into a small independent state, and being cut off from intercourse with their neighbours by a belt of mountains nearly impassable, had preserved their ancient customs and rites, by not intermarrying with any other people. The king, having with infinite labor cleared a road for his army over the mountains, advanced towards Dera, which was well fortified. This place was remarkable for a fine lake of water about one parasang and a half in circumference ; the waters of which did not apparently diminish, either from the heat of the weather or from being used by the army. At this place the king was overtaken by the rainy season ; and his army, though greatly distressed, was compelled to remain before it for three months. But as soon as the rains abated, he summoned the town to surrender and acknowledge the faith. * Vide p. 189. 206 GENERAL HISTORIES. Sultan Ibrahim's proposal being rejected, he renewed the siege, which continued some weeks, with great slaughter on both sides. The town, at length, was taken by assault, and the Mu- hammedans found in it much wealth, and 100,000 persons, whom they carried in bonds to Ghazni. Some time after, the king accidentally saw one of those unhappy men carrying a heavy stone, with great difficulty and labour, to a palace which he was then building. This exciting his pity, he commanded the pri- soner to throw it down and leave it there, at the same time giv- ing him his liberty. This stone happened to be on the public road, and proved troublesome to passengers, but as the king's rigid enforcement of his commands was universally known, no one attempted to touch it. A courtier one day having stumbled with his horse over the stone, took occasion to mention it to the king, intimating, that he thought it would be advisable to have it removed. To which the king repHed, '* I commanded it to be thrown down and left there ; and there it must remain as a monument of the calamities of war, and to commemorate my sense of its evils. It is better for a king to be pertinacious in the support even of an inadvertent command than that he should depart from his royal word." The stone accordingly remained where it was ; and was shown as a curiosity in the reign of Sultan Bairam several years afterwards." The position of this place is very difficult to fix. Ferishta says that in the year 472 H. Ibrahim marched in person to India, and con- quered portions if it never before visited by the Musulmans. He extended his conquests to Ajudhan, now called Pattan Sheikh Farid Shakr Ganj. He then went to Rudpal, situated on the summit of a steep hill, which a river em- braced on three sides, and which was protected by an impervious wood, infested by serpents. He then marched to Dera, which Briggs seems to place in the valley of the Indus, because he adds in a note, " Dera seems a common name in the vicinity of Multan for a town." The rea- ding of the Tarikh-i-Alfi with respect to the two first places is much the most probable, GENERAL HISTORIES. 207 — namely, a fort in the country of J ud* and Damal. The Rauzatu-s-Safa does not mention the first place, and speaks of the second as if it were on the sea shore. The third place he does not name. In Ferishta it is Dera, and in the Tarikh-i-Alfi, Derapur. It is possible that the Dehra of Dehra Dan may be meant ; but, though the belt of mountains, the inaccessible' jungle, the seclusion of the inhabitants, and the identity of name, are in favor of this supposi- tion, we at a loss for the inexhaustible lake and the impregnability of the position. All the authors, however, who mention the circumstance, whether they give the name or not, notice that the inhabitants were banished by Afrasiab ; and this concurrent tradition res- pecting their expulsion from Khorasan seems to indicate the existence of a colony of Fire- worshippers in these hills, who preserved their peculiar rites and customs, notwithstanding the time which had elapsed since their departure from their native country. Putting aside the probability, which has fre- quently been speculated upon, of an original connection between the Hindii religion and the worship of fire, and the derivation of the name * This country is noticed above at pp. 25 and 159. It lies between the Indus and the Jailam, and is the Ayud of the old travellers. It is the old Sanscrit name, and occurs in the Puranic lists, and on the Allahabad pillar, under the name of Yaudheya. Wilford says it is the Hud of the Book of Esther. It occurs also in the marginal legend of the reverse of the Bactro-Pehlevi Coins. See Journal A. S. Beny. Vol. VI. p. 973 ; As. Researches, Vol. VIII. p. 349. Lassen, Zeitschrtft f. d. K. d. Morgenlandes, Vol. III. p. 196. 208 GENERAL HISTORIES. of Magadha from the Magi, there is much in the practical worship of the Hindus, such as the horn, the gaiatri, the address to the sun"^ at the time of ablution, the prohibition against insulting that luminary by indecent gestures,t — all which would lead an inattentive observer to conclude the two religions to bear a very close re- semblance to one another. It is this considera- tion which should make us very careful in re- ceiving the statements of the early Muhammedan writers on this subject; and the use of the word Gabr, to signify not only, especially, a Fire- worshipper, but, generally, an Infidel of any denomination, adds to the probability of confu- sion and inaccuracy. European scholars have not been sufficiently attentive to this double use of the word, and all those who have relied upon M. Petis de la Croix's translation of Sherifu-d-din, have con- sidered that, at the period of Timur's invasion, fire-worship prevailed most extensively in upper India, because Gabr is used throughout by the historians of that invasion, to represent the holders of a creed opposed to his own, and against which his rancour and cruelty were un- sparingly directed. * See Lucian's description of the circular dance peculiar to Indian priests, in which they worship the sun, standing with their faces to- wards the east. — De Saltatione. See also Bohlen, das alte Indien, Vol. I. pp. 137, 146, Ersch and Gruber, Encyclopddie der Wissenschaften und Kiinste, Art. Indien, pp. 166, 172. t Hesiod enables us to disguise it in a learned language. Op. et Di. V. 672. See also Menu, iv. 52. Rdmdyana II, 59. Bohlen. d, alt. Ind. Vol. I. p. 139. GENERAL HISTORIES. 209 But though the word is used indiscriminately, there are certain passages, in which it is im- possible to consider that any other class but Fire-worshippers is meant. Thus, it is distinctly said that the people of Tughlakpur* believed in the two principles of good and evil in the universe^ and acknowledged Ahrimdn and Yezdan (Ormuzd). The captives massacred at Lonif are said to have been Magians, as ivell as Hindus, and in the passage quoted in the article Habib- u-s-siYAR, it is stated that the son of Safi Gabr threw himself into the fire, which he worshipped. We cannot refuse our assent to this distinct evidence of the existence of Fire-worshippers in upper India as late as the invasion of Timiir, A. D. 1398-9. There is, therefore, no impro- bability that the independent tribe which had been expelled by Afrasiab, and practised their own peculiar rites, and whom Ibrahim, the Ghaznevide, attacked in A. D. 1079, were a co- lony of Fire- worshippers from Fran, who, if the date assigned be true, must have left their native country before the reforms effected in the na- tional creed by Zoroaster. Indeed, when we consider the constant inter- course which had prevailed from the oldest time between Persia and India,J it is surprising that we do not find more unquestionable instances of the persecuted Fire-worshippers seeking an asylum in Northern India, as well as Guzerat. * CheriflFeddin, Hist, de Timur, Tom. III. p. 81. t Price's Chronological Retrosp. of Mah. Hist. Vol. III. p. 264. X Troyer, Raja Tarangini, Vol. II. p. 441. 2 E 210 GENERAL HISTORIES. The instances in which they are alluded to before this invasion of Timur are very rare, and almost always so obscurely mentioned, as to leave some doubt in the mind, whether foreign ignorance of native customs and religious rites may not have given a colour to the narrative. The evidence of the Chinese traveller, Hiuen- thsang, to the existence of sun-worship at Mul- tdn in 640 A. D. is very decisive. He found there a " temple of the sun, and an idol erected to represent that grand luminary," with dwell- ings for the priests and reservoirs for ablution ;* yet he says the city was inhabited chiefly by men of the Brahminical religion. A few centuries before, if Philostratus is to be believed, Apollonius, after crossing the In- dus, visited the temple of the sun at Taxila, and Phraotes, the chief of the country, describes the Indians, as in a moment of joy '* snatching torches from the altar of the sun," and men- tions that he himself never drank wine, except "when sacrificing to the sun." After crossing the Hyphasis, Apollonius goes to a place, which would seem to represent Jwala Mukhi, where they "worship fire" and "sing hymns in honor of the'sun."t When the Arabs arrived in the valley of the Indus, they found the same temple, the same idol, the same dwellings, the same reservoirs, * Journal Asiatique, 4th series, Tom. VIII. p. 298, and Foe Koue Ki, p. 393. t Philostrati Vita Apollonii, Lib. II. Capp. 24, 32, Lib. III. Cap. 14. GENERAL HISTORIES. 211 as had struck the Chinese, but their descrip- tion of the idol would lead us to suppose that it was a representation of Budh. Biruni, how- ever, whose testimony is more valuable than that of all other Muhammedans, as he was fully acquainted with the religious system of the Hindus, plainly tells us* that the idol of Mul- tan was called Aditya,'\ because it was conse- crated to the suHy and that Muhammed bin Kassam, the first invader, suspended a piece of cow's flesh from its neck, in order to show his contempt of the superstition of the Indians, and to disgust them with this double insult to the dearest objects of their veneration.^ Shortly before Biruni wrote, we have another instance of this tendency to combine the two worships. In the message which Jaipal sent to Nasiru-d-din, in order to dissuade him from driving the Indians to desperation, he is repre- sented to say, according to the Tarikh-i-Alfi. *' The Indians are accustomed to pile their pro- perty, wealth, and precious jewels in one heap, and to kindle it with the fire, which they worship. They then kill their women and children, and with nothing left in the world they rush to their last onslaught, and die in the field of battle, so that for their victorious enemies the only spoil * M. Reinaud, Fragments Arabes et Persans, p. 141. t See Lassen, Indische Alterthumskunde, Vol. I. p. 761. Antholo- gia Sanscritica, p. 172. As. Res. Vol. I. p. 263. Vans Kennedy, Ancient and Hindu Mythology, p. 349. ;}; There is nothing in the various origins ascrjbed to the name of Multan which gives any colour to the supposition that the city was devoted to the worship of the sun. See Lassen, Indische Alterthum- skunde, Vol. I. p. 99. Zeitschrift /. d. K, d. Morg. Vol. III. p. 196. 2 E 2 212 GENERAL HISTORIES. is dust and ashes." The declaration is a curi- ous one in the mouth of a Hindu, but may per- haps be considered to indicate the existence of a modified form of pyrolatry in the beginning of the eleventh century. The practice alluded to is nothing more than the Johar, which is so frequently practised by Hindus in despair, as at p. 190, and was not unknown to the nations of antiquity. Sardana- palus performed it, on the capture of Babylon. '' He raised a large pyre in his palace, threw upon it all his wealth in gold, silver, and royal robes, and then placing his concubines and eunuchs on it, he, they, and the entire palace were consumed in the flames."* The Saguntines did the same, when their city was taken by Hannibal, t and Arrian gives us an account of one performed by the Brahmins, without noticing it as a practice exclusively observed by that class. J The peculiarity of the relation con- sists in Jaipal's declaration that the Indians worshipped the fire, not in the fact of their throwing their property and valuables into it. The practice of self-cremation also appears to have been common at an earlier period ; and there were conspicuous instances of it when foreign nations first became acquainted with India. One occurs above, at p. 155, where this very Jaipal, having no opportunity of dy- ing in the field of battle, committed himself to » * Diodorus Siculas, II. 2/. t Polybius, III. 17. Livy, XXI. 14. X De ExpediU Alex. VI. 7. GENERAL HISTORIES. 213 the flames. Other histories tell us that it was then a custom amongst the Hindus that a king- who had been twice defeated was disqualified to reign, and that Jaipal, in compliance with this custom, resigned his crown to his son, light- ed his funeral pyre with his own hands, and perished in the flames. The Greeks and Romans were struck with the instances which they witnessed of the same practice. Calanus, who followed the Macedo- nian army from Taxila, solemnly burnt himself in their presence at Pasargadse, being old and tired of his life.* Zarmanochegas, who accom- panied the Indian ambassadors sent by a chief, called Porus, to Augustus, burnt himself at Athens, and directed the following inscription to be engraved on his sepulchral monument : — " Here lies Zarmanochegas, the Indian of Bar- gosa, who deprived himself of life, according to a custom prevailing among his countrymen.'' '\ Strabo correctly observes, on the authority of Megasthenes, that suicide is not one of the dogmas of Indian philosophy, indeed, it is attended by many spiritual penalties,}: and even penance which endangers life is prohibited. § There is a kind of exception, however, in favor of suicide by lire and water, || but then only * Diodorus Sic. XVII. 107- Valerius Max. I. viii. Extern. 10. Cicero, Tusc. II. 22. t Suetonius, Augustus, 21. Strabo, Geograph. XV. 1. X Rhode, Religiose Bildung der Hindus, Vol. I. p. 451, Bohlen, das alte Indien, Vol. I. pp. 286—290. § See Wilson's note to Mill's British India, Vol. II. p. 417. II Colebrooke, Asiatic Researches, Vol. VII. p. 266 ; where an in stance is adduced from the Baghuvansa and Rdmdyana, 214 GENERAL HISTORIES. when age, or infirmity, makes life grievous and burdensome. The former has of late years gone quite out of fashion, but it is evident that in ancient times there were many devotees ready to sacrifice themselves in that mode. Quique suas struxere pyras, vivique calentes Conscendere rogos. Proh ! quanta est gloria genti Injecisse manum fatis, vitaque repletos Quod superest, donasse Diis.— — Pharsalia iii. 240 It was, therefore, a habit sufficiently common amongst the Indians of that early period, to make Lucan remark upon it as a peculiar glory of that nation. All this, however, may have occurred without any reference to fire as an object of worship ; but the speech of Jaipal, if not attributed to him merely through Muhammedan ignorance, shows an unquestionable devotion to that worship. But to continue, Istakhri, writing a century earlier than this transaction, says, " some parts of Hind and Sind belong to Gahrs, but a greater portion to Kafirs and idolaters ; a minute de- scription of these places would, therefore, be unnecessary and unprofitable."* ' Here, evidently, the Fire-worshippers are alluded to as a distinct class ; and these state- ments, written at different periods respecting the religious creeds of the Indians, seem calcu- lated to impart a further degree of credibility to the specific assertions of Sherifu-d-din, Khond- emir, and the other historians of Timur's ex- pedition to India. * Ouseley's Oriental Geography, p. 146. GENERAL HISTORIES. 215 But the people alluded to by them need not have been colonies of refugees, fleeing from Muhammedan bigotry and persecution. There are other modes of accounting for their exist- ence in these parts. They may have been Indian converts to the doctrine of Zoroaster, for we read that not only had he secret com- munication with the Brahmins of India,* but when his religion was fully established, he endeavoured to gain proselytes in India, and succeeded in converting a learned Brahmin, called Tchengri-ghatchah by Anquetil du Perron,! who returned to his native country with a great number of priests. Firdusi tells us that Isfandiar|: induced the monarch of India to renounce idolatry and adopt fire-worship, inso- much that not a Brahmin remained in the idol- temples. A few centuries afterwards, we have indisputable testimony to the general spread of these doctrines in Cabul, and the Panjdb. The emblems of the Mithraic§ worship so predomin- * Bactrianus Zoroastres, cum superioris Indiae secreta fidentius penetraret, ad nemorosara quamdam venerat solitudinem, cujus tranquillis silentiis prsecelsa Braohmanorum ingenia potiuntur : eo- rumque monitu rationes mundani motus et siderum, purosque sacro- riim ritus, quantum colligere potuit, eruditus, ex his, quae didicit, aliqua sensibus Magorum infudit. Ammian. Marcell. Julianus, XXIII. 6. 33. t Zendavesta, Vol, I. Ch. ii. p. 70. X He is said, according to the Zinatu-t-Tawarikh, to have been the first convert made by Zoroaster, and Gashtasp, his father, was persuad- ed by the eloquence of the prince to follow his example. The king ordered twelve thousand cow-hides to be tanned fine, in order that the precepts of his new faith might be engrossed upon them. In this respect what a contrast is there to Hindu exclusiveness ! The Pan- dits withheld their sacred books from Col. Polier, for fear that he should bind them in calf-skin. Poher, Mythologie des Indous, Tom. II. p. 224. § Using this word in its usual, though not proper, acceptation. The 216 GENERAL HISTORIES. ate on the coins of the Kanerkis, as to leave no doubt upon the mind that it was the state- religion of that dynasty.* Ritter entertains the supposition, that as the Khilji family came from the highlands which afforded a shelter to this persecuted race, they may have had a leaning to these doctrines, and he offers a suggestion, that the new religion which Alau-d-din wished to promulgate, may have been that of Zoroaster,t and that this will account for the Panjab and the Diiab being full of his votaries at the time of Timtir's invasion. But this is a very improbable supposition, and he has laid too much stress upon the use of the word Gahr, which, if taken in the exclusive sense adopted by him, would show not only that these tracts were entirely occupied by Fire- worshippers, but that Hindus were to be found in very few places in either of them. After this time, we find no notice whatever of the prevalence of fire-worship in Northern India, and its observers must then have been exterminated, or they must have shortly after been absorbed into some of the lower Hind 6 communities. It may not be foreign to this part of the enquiry to remark, that on the re- motest borders of Rohilkhand, just under the real Mithraic worship was a fusion of Zoroastrianism and Chaldaism or the Syrian worship of the sun. See the authorities quoted in Guizot's and Milman's notes to Gibbon's Decline and Fall, Vol. I. p. 340. * Lassen, Journal As. Soc. Bengal, Vol. IX. p. 456, and H. T. Prinsep, Note on the Histor. Results from Bactrian Coins, p. 106. t See Ritter, Erdkunde von Asien, Vol. IV. Part i. pp. 677—79. GENERAL HISTORIES 217 hilJs, there is a tribe called Gohri, who retain some peculiar customs, which seem to have no connection with Hindu superstition. They are said to have preceded the present occupants of the more cultivated lands to the south of the Tarai, and may possibly be the descendants of some of the Gabrs who found a refuge in upper India. The name of Gobri would certainly seem to encourage the notion of identity, for the difference of the first vowel, and the addition of a final one, offer no obstacle, any more than they do in the name of Gobri/as* who gave information to Socrates on the subject of the Persian religion, and is expressly declared by Plato to be an hv^ptidyos. There is another inferior Hindu tribe, to the west of the upper Jumna, and in the neigh- bourhood of the Tughlakpur mentioned above, who having the name of Magh,'\ and proclaim- ing themselves of foreign extraction (inasmuch as they are descendants of Raja Mukhtesar, a Sarsuti Brahmin, king of Mecca, and maternal * Plato, Axiochus, Tauchnitz, Vol. VIII. p. 204. The same uame is common in Herodotus, Xenophon, Justin, and other authors, who deal in Persian History. The warmth of an Irish imagination as- cribes to the Greeks a still greater perversion of the original word. " Hyde," says the enthusiastic O'Brien, "was the only one who had any idea of the composition of Cabiri, when he declared it was a Persian word somewhat altered from Gabri or Guebri, and signify- ing lire-worshippers. It is true that Gabri now stands for fire-wor- shippers, but that is only because they assumed to themselves this title which belonged to another order of their ancestors. The word is derived from gabh, a smith, and ir, sacred, meaning the sacred smiths, and Cabiri being only a perversion of it, is of course in substance of the very same import. * * * * Gobhan Saer means the sacred poet, or the Freemason Sage, one of the Guebhres, or Cabiri." Round Towers of Ireland, pp. 354, 386. t Journal As. Soc. Bengal, Vol. VH. p. 754. 2 F 218 GENERAL HISTORIES. grandfather of Muhammed ! !)* would seem to invite the attention of any inquirer after the remnant of the stock of Magians ; but all their customs, both religious and social, are of the Hindu stamp, and their only peculiarity con- sists in being the sole caste employed in the cultivation oimendhi (Lawsonia inermis.)t * This is not at all an uncommon paternity for the lower tribes ta assume. There is nothing in which Hindu ignorance is more betrayed, than in these silly attempts to enrol the false prophet amongst theit native heroes. See especially Wilford's absurd and dirty story, show- ing how Muhammed was of Brahminical descent. {As. Res. IX. 160.) Wilson considers that the story was manufactured especially for Wil- ford, but it is traditionally current among the ignorant in some parts of Upper India. {Note to MilVs India, II. 176.) The reputed Brah- minical origin of Akber is more reasonable, inasmuch as it can be attributed to gratitude, and is not opposed to the doctrine of transmi- gration ; but why Muhammed should also be chosen, whose votaries have proved the most unrelenting persecutors of Hindus, can only be ascribed to the marvellous assimilating powers of their mental digestion, fostered by the grossest credulity and ignorance of past events, which can, as Milton says, " corporeal to incorporeal turn," and to that indiscriminate craving after adaptation, which induce* them even now to present their offerings at the shrines of Muhammed- ans, whose only title to saint is derived from the fact of their having despatched hundreds of infidel and accursed Hindus to the nethermost pit of Hell. t See also Shea and Troyer, Dabistan, Vol. I. pp. c. cxxv. Asiatie Researches, Vol. IX. pp. 74, 81, 212. Vol. XI. p. 76. Vol. XVI. p. 15. Dr. Bird, Journal As. Soc. Bombay, No. ix. p. 186. Rammohun Roy, Translation of the Veds,ip]). 29, 73, 109—118. Malcolm, His^ tory of Persia, Vol. I. pp. 488 — 494. Wilson, Vishnu Purana, pp. xl. 84, 397. North British Review, No. ii. p. 376. Klaproth, Me- moirs Relatifs a VAsie, Tom. II. p. 81. Ouseley, Travels in Persia. Vol. I. pp. 102—146. Ritter, Erdkunde von Asien, Vol. IV. Pt. I. pp. 674, 614 — 619. Rhode, Religiose Bildung der Hindus, Vol. I. p. 42 ; Vol. II. p. 290. Moor*s Hindu Pantheon, pp. 295—302. Colebrooke, Miscellaneous Essays, Vol. I. pp. 30, 149, 153, 188, 217. F. Creuzer, Symbolic und Mythologie, Vol. I. pp. 51S — 524. GENERAL HISTORIES. 219 XXIII. TARFKH-I-BADAirNr. This history, by MuUa Abdu-1-Kadir Maluk Shah of Badaun, is called by the author, Mun- takhabu-t-Tawarikh ; but as many others have compiled works under that title, I have thought it better to distinguish it by the name most frequently given to it in Hindustan. It is a general history of India from the time of the Ghaznevides to the fortieth year of Akber ; and, in the reign of the latter, is espe- cially useful, as correcting by its prevalent tone of censure and disparagement the fulsome eulogium of the Akbernama. Despite this sys- tematic depreciation, it has been observed* that Abdu-1-Kadir's narrative conveys a more favor- able impression of the character of Akber than the rhetorical flourishes of the Court Journalist. It concludes with lives of the Saints, Philoso- phers, Physicians, and Poets, of Akber's reign. The author, who died at the close of the six- teenth century, was a very learned man, and * Elphinstone, History of India, Vol. II. p. 209. Biographical Dictionary, L. U, K. Vol. I. p. 683. 2 F 2 220 GENERAL HISTORIES. frequently employed by the Emperor to make translations into Persian from the Arabic and Sanscrit, as in the case of the Muajjamu-1- Buldan, Jamiu-r-Rashidi, and the Ramayana ; yet, notwithstanding this employment, for which he acknowledges he received, in one present only, one hundred and fifty gold Mohurs and ten thousand Rupees, besides a grant of rent- free land, his distinguished patron receives no favor at his hands. He composed a moral and religious work, entitled Nijatu-r-Rashid,. which he wrote at the suggestion of his friend Nizam- u-d-din Ahmed, the historian, and which he must have completed very late in life, because the Muntakhabu-t-Tawarikh is mentioned in it. He also informs us that he translated two out of the eighteen Sections of the Mahabharata, and abridged a History of Cashmir, which, under the annals of A. H. 998, is said to have been trans- lated from the original Hindi by Mulla Shah Muhammed Shahabadi, — but apparently not the Raj Tarangini, for the translation of that work is usually attributed to Maulana Imadu-d-din. According to Professor H. H.Wilson* there were frequent remodellings or translations of the same work, but amongst those which he notices he does not mention one by Mulla Shah Muhammed Shahabadi. Many of the translations from the Sanscrit which were made about this period, and those of Abdu-1-Kadir, probably, among the rest, appear to have been executed under the superintendence * Asiatic Researches, Vol, XV. p. 2. GENERAL HISTORIES. 221 of Faizi, the brother of the minister Abii-l-Fazl, and he is usually supposed to have been the first Musulman who applied himself to the lan- guage and literature of the Brahmins ; but this seems to be a mistake.* The aversion with which Abdu-1-Kadir Ba- da6ni regarded the Emperor and his able min- isters, arose entirely, as he himself frankly confesses, from his own bigoted attachment to the most bigoted of religions, in which it was apprehended that Akber, with their aid and countenance, was about to introduce some dan- gerous innovations. He acknowledges, however, that he temporised, and never hesitated to make his own religious views subordinate to the primary consideration of self-interest. Though the author of the Tarikh-i-Badauni professes to derive his information chiefly from the Tarikh-i-Mubarak-shahi, and the Tabakat- i-Akberi, indeed, in a passage in the Nijatu-r- Rashid,t he calls his work a mere abridgment of the Tabakat; — yet, contrary to the usual Indian practice, there is much more original matter in it than such a declaration would lead us to suppose, and the whole narrative, even when avowedly taken from his predecessors, is tinged with his peculiar prejudices, of which many traits will be found even in the brief Extracts which are subjoined. The author gives the following account of his own work, which was completed A. H. 1004— A. D. 1595-6. * See Note G. t MS. (Fol. 26, v.) 222 GENERAL HISTORIES, '' The writer, Abdu-l-Kadir Malak Shah Ba- dauni, in obedience to the orders of his Majesty king Akber, finished the abstract of the history of Cashmir in the year A. H. 999, which, at the request of the same monarch, was translated from Hindi into Persian by one of the learned men of his time ; but as I cherished a great love for history from my very childhood, and as it was very seldom that my hours were not employed either in the reading or writing some history, I often thought of compiling a brief account of the kings of Dehli, beginning from the commencement of the Muhammedan rule in India to the present time * * * *. But circumstances gave me little opportunity of executing my design, and day after day I encountered numerous obstacles. Moreover, the scantiness of the means of subsistence obliged me to leave my country and friends, and thus the performance of the work was for a time suspended, until my excellent and be- loved friend* Nizamu-d-din Ahmed Bakhshi, went to Paradise. Excellent as is the history composed by this individual, yet I reflected that some additions could possibly be made to it ; and I accordingly commenced to abstract briefly the accounts of some ofthegreatkings of India, from the historical works called Mubarak-shahi and Nizamu-t-Tawarikh Nizami, sometimes ad- * His warm friendship for Nizamu-d-din has already been shown at p. 185, and it appears to have been reciprocated by Nizamu-d-din ; for m a passage in the Muntakhabu-t-Tawarikh (MS. Fol. 174 r.) we find that the Bakhshi liad no scruple about giving in false returns, concealing the real cauge of the absence of Abdu-l-Kadir. GENERAL HISTORIES. 223 ding my own observations. Great brevity has been observed in the style, and the use of figura- tive and flowery language throughout avoided. I have named this work Muntakhabu-t-Tawarikh. It is hoped that this history, the object of which has been to place upon record the deeds of the great Muhammedan kings, and to furnish the means of transmitting my own reputation to posterity, will rather prove a source of my lasting happiness, than tend to aggravate my misfortunes. ** As it is my intention to write only what i& true, I hope that God will forgive me, if I should ever allow myself to descend to the relation of minute and trivial particulars." At the conclusion, he says that it was at one time his intention to have added a history of Cashmir, Guzerat, Bengal, and Sind, and an account of the wonders of India, but as they had no necessary connection with the history of the Dehli Emperors, he changed his deter- mination, and concluded his labours, in the year of the Hijri 1004, and as Nizamu-d-din died in 1003, it would appear that he was only one year employed upon this history. But the preface is not very explicit upon this point, and the meaning must be conjectured. This is one of the few works which would well repay the labour of translation ; but it would require a person to bring to the task a greater degree of knowledge of the Persian language than most Indian Histories demand, as • well as a thorough acquaintance with con- 224 GENERAL HISTORIES. temporary historians ; for the author not only uses some uncommon words, but indulges in religious controversies, invectives, eulogiums, dreams, biographies, and details of personal and family history, which interrupt the unity of the narrative, and often render it a difficult matter to restore the broken links of connection. Never- theless, it must be confessed, that these digres- sions are the most interesting portion of his work, so rarely do the other obsequious annalists dare to utter their own sentiments, especially such as would be ungrateful to a royal ear, or to confess their own errors and foibles, as Abdu-1-Kadir does with so much complacency and indiffer- ence. His own knowledge also of contemporary history is so great, that it induces him very often to presume that his reader cannot be ignorant of that with which he himself is so intimately acquainted. He consequently slurs over many facts, or indicates them so obscurely, as frequent- ly to compel a translator to supply the omissions from his own resources and conjectures. The abstract of Indian History, from the Ghaznevide Emperors to Akber — Akber's history — and the Biographies of holy and wise men, physicians, and poets — each occupy about one-third of the volume, as will be seen from the subjoined abstract. Almost all the headings have been added on the margin by a copyist, the author giving very few, except the names of kings and others whose lives he records ; yet these must be of some antiquity, as many copies concur in giving them in the same language and form. GENERAL HISTORIES. 225 Contents. Reigns of the Ghaznevide Monarchs, pp. 4 — 21. Reigns of the DehH Monarchs, pp. 21 — 133. From Zahiru-d-din Muhammed Baber to Akber,. . pp. 134 — 199. Jalalu-d-din Muhammed Akber, pp. 200 — 403. Details of Akber' s Reign. Mirz^ Sulaiman Kazi Nizam Badakhshi, alias Kazi Khan, deputed to negoeiate peace. — Death of Hemun, the grocer, by the hand of the emperor. — Khan Zaman's action with Hasan Kh^n Bachgoti. — Displeasure of Bairam Khan with Pir Muhammed. — Conquest of Gwaliar. — An account of Sheikh Muhammed Ghaus of GwaHar. — Serious complaints to the emperor against Khan Khanan. — An account of Ram Das, the second Tansen, and his receiving a present of a lakh of rupees from Khan Khdndn. — Birth place of Amir Khusru. — Pir Muhammed Kh^n drowned. — Arrival of an ambassador from Shah Tahmasp Safvi. — Death of Maluk Sh^h, father of the author. — Maulana Alau-d-din L^ri. — Mirza Muhammed Hakim, son of Humaiyun Bddsh^h. — Murder of the mother of Mirza Muhammed Hakim. — Marriage of the emperor with the widow of Abdu-l-Wasa' . — Death of Shah Abu-1-M'dli.— Death of Sheikh Muhammed Ghaus.— Capital punishment of Kazi Lai. — Fort of Agra built. — The bard Mahdpatr. — The fort of Rohtas. — Mu'izzu-1-mulk and Raja Todar Mai put to flight by Khan Zaman and Bahadar Khan. — Khdn Za- m^n and Bah&dar Kh^n slain by the hands of the emperor Akber. — Capture of the fort of Chitor. — Mir Alau-d-daulah Cazvini, author of " Biographies of the poets." — Death of Sheikh Abdu-1-aziz of Dehli. — Reduction of the fort of Rantanbhor. — Fatehpiir. — Saiyid Mus^ falls in love with Mohani, a jeweller's daughter. — Death of Sheikh Gadai. — Birth of the emperor Jehangir. — Capital punishment of Mirza Mukim Isfahdni. — Death of Sheikh Selim Chishti. — Conquest of Gujrat. — Birth of prince Daniel. — Death of Sultan Muzaffar Gujrdti. — Erection of the fort of Surat, in defiance of the infidels of Faringistan. — Ibrahim Husain Mirza killed. — Cap- ture of the fort ofNagarkot. — BirhamDas, alias BirBar. — Forced march of the emperor towards Gujrat. — Muhammed Husain Mirzd killed. — Abu-l-fazl's first introduction to the emperor Akber. — Building of the fort of Pidg, and the name of Ilhabas given to it. — Capture of the forts of Hajipur and Patna. — Singhasan Batisi. — The emperor goes on foot to visit the sacred sepulchre at Ajmir. — Jalal Khan killed. — Death of Khwajah Amind. — Fight of Khan Khanan with Daiid AfgMn, ruler of the territories of Orissa. — Abu-l-fazl's second introduction to the emperor Akber. — Opinions promulgated by Sheikh Abu-1-fazl. — Performance of the pilgrim- age to Mecca prohibited. — Translation of the Haiatu-l-haiwan. — Respecting the legality of temporary marriages. — Mulla Muham- med Yezdi arrives in India. — Translation of the Atharvana Veda. — Fight with Ran^ Sangd — Khanjeh^n fights. — Daud Khan 2 G 226 GENERAL HISTORIES. seized and killed. — Death of Shah Tahmasp king of Persia. — Death of Sh^h Isma'il the second, and accession of Sultan Mu- hammed, son of Shah Tahmasp. — Fight of Asaf Khan with the Rajah of fdar. — The emperor's indifference to the Muhammedan faith. — The ceremony of kissing the ground established as a mode of obeisance. — Abii-l-fazl translates the gospel. — Bir Bar. — ^Worship of the sun. — Abu-1-fazl appointed as superintendent of the temples of fire-worshippers. — Altercation between iVbu-1-fazl and the com- piler of this work. — Mean Tansen. — Arrival of an ambassador from Abdullah Khan Uzbek. — The presentment made by the learned. — Muzaffar Khan killed in Bengal. — Death of Hakim Nuru-d-din. — Arrival of Sheikh Muthi Afghan. — Khwajah Maula- na Shirazi, the heretic, who knew the art of making amulets. — The author of this book, which is full of malignity, abuses Kazi Ali, of Baghdad. — Account of an organ. — Murder of Shah Mansiir. — Controversy between Muhammedans and Christians. — A tavern built at the gate of the palace, and orders issued respecting the purchase of wine, and unlawful acts not prohibited. — Regarding certain jocular sayings. — Orders issued prohibiting the teaching of the commentaries and traditions. — Death of Makhdumu-1-mulk and Sheikh Abdu-n-nabi. — Deathof Ghaiasu-d-din Ali, Asaf Khan and Sheikh Jalal Thanesari. — Arrival of Mir Fateh-ullah Shirazi from the Deccan. — Orders issued for the compilation of the Tarikh-i-Alfi. — Translation of the Mahabharat. — Mian Tansen. — A brief account of Ram and his wife Sita. — Marriage of a daughter of Rajah Bhagwant with prince Selim. — Commencement of the second Karan. — Death of Mirza Muhammed Hakim, son of the emperor Humaiydn. — Bir Bar killed. — Fight with the Roshanai Afghans. — Death of Abu-1-ghais Bukhari. — Assassination of the blessed Mulla Ahmed Thattavi by the merciless sword of an accursed pigling. — Translation of the Ramayana. — Death of Shah Fateh-ullah Shirazi. — Death of Hakim Abu-1-fateh. — Death of Todar Mai and Bhagwan Das. — Death of Sheikh Wajihu-d-din. — Date of the death of Shahabu-d-din Khan. — Death of Sheikh Ibrahim Chishti. — Death of Urfi Shirazi. — Death of Kazi Ali, of Baghdad, grandson of Kazi Ilusain. — Fight of Zain Khan with the Roshanai Afghans. — Death of Sheikh Mubarak Nagori. — Religious precepts. — Administrative orders. — Death of Nizamu-d-din Ah- med. — Death of Sheikh Ya'kub Cashmiri. — Death of Hakim Ainu-1-mulk and Hakim Hasan Gilani. — The Shahnamah turned into prose. — Death of Sheikh Faizi, son of Mubarak Nagori. — Death of Hakim Humam. Sheikhs and holy men, 38 persons, pp. 403 — 434. Learned men, 69 persons, pp. 434 — 477- Physicians, 15 persons, pp. 477 — 480. Poets, 153 persons, pp. 480—557. Conclusion, pp. 557 — 562. Size — Folio — containing 562 pages, of 23 lines to a page. GENERAL HISTORIES. 227 Extracts. Upon the death of Abii Ishak, son of Alaptigin, in A. H. 367, Mamluk Sabuktigin, who was a slave of Amir Mansiir, son of Niih Samani, ascended the throne, with the unanimous concurrence of the army, the people, and nobles, and hoisted the standard of conquest. With the view of prosecuting a religious war, he invaded India, and fought a great battle, on the confines of the country of Koh Jiid, with Raja Jaipal, the ruler of India. Peace was, however, concluded with Jaipal ; but the Hindu monarch having afterwards violated the conditions of the treaty imposed upon him, the king marched against him a second time with a disciplined force, con- sisting of one hundred thousand horse, and a great number of immense elephants. An obstinate battle was fought in the neigh- bourhood of Lamghdnat between the hostile armies ; but the zephyr of victory breathing on Amir Nasiru-d-din's banner, the hosts of Jaipal were totally defeated, and he fled towards India. The country as far as Lamghanat fell into Amir Nasiru- -d-din's hands, and the Khutbah was ordered to be read, and coins struck and circulated, in his name. Amir Nasiru-d-din, in co-operation with Amir Niih, son of Mansiir Sdmani, likewise achieved brilliant victories in Khorasdn and Mawarau-n-nahr. Sabuktigin died in the month of Sha'ban 387, A. H., on his "way to Ghaznin, having appointed his son Isma'il as his successor. Mahmiid, the eldest son of Sabuktigin, on receiving intelligence of his father's death, addressed a friendly letter to his brother, in which he expressed his wish for a peaceful settlement of affairs, and proposed that Isma'il should make over Ghaznin to him, and receive Balkh instead. Isma'il did not accede to his proposal, and a conflict ensuing between the brothers in consequence, Mah- miid overcame Isma'il, and after his defeat besieged him in Ghaz- nin, for a period of six months. The friends of the two brothers at length, interposing their good oflfices, succeeded in effecting a reconciliation between them. Isma'il paid a visit to Mahmiid, who henceforward was invested with sovereign authority in the kingdom. About this period, Mahmiid encountered Mahmiid Mansiir, son of Niih Samani, and the brother of the latter, named Abdu-1 Malik, and overcame both. He also vanquished Abdu-1-Malik's officers, by name Faik and Maktiiriin, who had likewise taken the field against him. Thus the territories of Khorasan, Ghaznin and the frontiers of India, fell under the sway of Mahmiid. Mahmiid' 8 mother being the daughter of the chief of Zabul, he was called *' Mahmiid Zabuli ;" as Firdausi says, " The auspi- cious court of Mahmiid Zabuli is a boundless ocean. I dived 2 G 2 228 GENERAL HISTORIES. into this ocean in search of gems, but found none. My ill-suc- cess is to be ascribed to my misfortune, and not to the ocean." As a complimentary correspondence was carried on between Mahmiid and Al-kadir-billah Abbasi, the Khalifa of Baghdad, the Khalifa sent to Mahmiid a handsome honorary dress, with a present of many costly articles, conferring on him at the same time the titles of Aminu-1-millat and Yeminu-d-daulah. Mahmiid having marched from Ghaznin to Balkh, and thence to Herat, and having captured both these countries in 387, A. H., returned to Ghaznin. In A. H. 729, Buzmasherin, the Moghul, brother of the king of Khorasan, and who had on a previous occasion invaded Hin- dustan, advanced with a large army to the province of Dehli, captured several forts, and committed ravages and massacres from Lahore, Samana, and Indri to the confines of Badaiin, and did not retreat till the victorious arms of Islam were arrayed against him. The Sultan pursued him as far as Kalanor, and leaving Fakhru-d-din Anwar Kh^n to dismantle that fortress, he returned towards Dehli. At this juncture, it occurred to the Sultan to double the taxes of the inhabitants of the Diiab, as they had shown themselves refractory. He instituted also a cattle-tax, and a house-tax, and several other imposts of an oppressive nature, which so depopu- lated that country, as to reduce it almost to a desert. ****** Sultan Sekandar, when on his march back to Agra, where he passed the rainy season, invested Sarang Deo with the command of the fortress of Dholpiir. In the year 910 A. H. after the star Canopus had begun to ap- pear, he commenced his march against the fort of Mandrail, which capitulated to him, on his promising to spare the hfe of the Rai of that place. He afterwards demolished the temples and fire- altars in that direction, and on his way back to Agra repaired the fort of Dholpiir. After his arrival at Agra, he granted permission to the nobles, who were in attendance on him, to return to their respective Jdgirs. On the 3rd of Safar 911 A. H. a severe shock of an earthquake was felt throughout the whole of India ; the very hills shook ; edi- fices of even the firmest foundation were thrown down ; the earth clave asunder, and left fissures indifferent places; villages and trees are said to have been transported, together with the ground upon which they stood, from their original sites, so that the people con- cluded that these horrors were the harbinger of the day of judg- ment. The Wakiat-i-Baberi and certain other histories state that this violent shock was not confined to India ; it was felt also in foreign countries. The date of this event is represented by the letters constituting the word Kazi, and is recorded in the following GENERAL HISTORIES. 229 distich; — "The earthquake which occurred in the year 911 A. H. shook the soil of Agra with such violence, that the loftiest buildings became Ukesomany humble inns." Indeed, no records tell of so terrible an earthquake since the time of Adam. In the year 912 A. H. on the appearance of the star Canopus, Sultan Sekandar marched towards the fort of Udantgir. He laid siege to it, and ultimately effected its reduction, though it was attended with great loss on his side. He put most of the infidel garrison to the sword, consigned the rest, with their families, to the fire, razed the temples, and erected large mosques on their ruins. Relating to Sultan Ibrahim, son of Sekander Lodi. Rai Bikramdjit, who succeeded his father Rai Man Sing, in the possession of Gw^Udr, found himself unable to withstand the royal troops, and was obhged to surrender Badalgarh,* one of the forts dependent on Gwaliir, and built by Man Sing. On this occasion, a brazen idol of the Hindus fell into the hands of the Musulmans, which they sent to Agra. Sultan Ibrahim forwarded it to Dehli, and placed it before one of the gates of the city, whence it was removed to Fatehpiir in the year 902, where the compiler of this history saw it. Plates, and bells, and every kind of instruments, were subsequently manufactured from the metal of which it was composed. In those days. Sultan Ibrahim, entertaining suspicions against his nobles, fettered and imprisoned most of them, and transported others to various distant places. * * * Hf * * Selim Shah,t in the beginning of his reign, issued orders that as the Sardis of Sher Sh^h were two miles distant from one ano- ther, one should be built between them for the convenience of the public ; that a mosque and a burial-ground should be attached to them, and that water and victuals, cooked and uncooked, should be always kept in readiness for the entertainment of Hindu, as well as Muhammedan, travellers. In one of his orders he directed that all theMadad-m'ish and Aima tenures, on which Sher Shah had erected * This was the name of the old fort at Agra, which was evidently within the area of the present one, because Jehangir at the opening of his memoirs, says, " my father demolished the old fort on the banks of the Jumna, and built a new one." It must, however, have been pretty nearly destroyed before Akber's time, by the explosion mention- ed in one of the following extracts. t The correct name is Islam Shah, but some historians style him Selim, and most copies of the Tarikh-i-Badauni pervert it still more by giving the name as Islim. 230 GENERAL HISTORIES. Sarais and laid out gardens, should not be alienated, and that no change should be made in their limits. He took into his pay all the estabUshments kept up by the nobles, according to the com- mon practice of India, for catching elephants, and let none of them retain even any of the animals already caught, with the exception of one sorry female, adapted only for carrying baggage. It was enacted that red tents should be in the exclusive use of the sovereign. He resumed, and placed under the immediate management of the state, the lands enjoyed by the troops, esta- blishing pecuniary payment in lieu, according to the rates fixed by Sher Shah. Circular orders were issued through the proper channels to every district, touching on matters reUgious, political, or revenue, in all their most minute bearings, and containing rules and regulations, which concerned not only the army, but cultiva- tors, merchants, and persons of other professions, and which served as a guide to the officials of the state ; — a measure which obviated the necessity of referring to a Cazi or Mufti any case, relating to matters which hitherto had been settled according to the principles and precepts of Muhammedan law. In order that these circular instructions might be fully compre- hended, the nobles in command often, eight, or five thousand horse, were ordered to assemble every Friday in a large tent, vrithin which was placed, on an elevated chair, a pair of Selim Shah's slip- pers, and a quiver full of arrows. They then bowed down before the chair, one by one, according to their respective ranks ; first of all the officer in command of the troops, and then the Munsif, or Amin, and so on ; after which, with due respect and obeisance, they took their respective seats, when a Munshi coming forward commenced reading to them the circular instructions above re- ferred to, which filled eighty sheets of paper, and every difficult point then at issue within the province was decided according to their purport. If any of the nobles committed an act in contra- vention of these orders, it was reported to the king, who forthvsith passed orders directing proper punishment to be inflicted on the offender, as well as on his family. These rules were in force till the end of the reign of Sehm Shah, and the compiler of this history vdtnessed the scene above described, when he was young, that is, in the year 955 A. H. when he accompanied his maternal grandfather (may God extend his grace to him !) to the camp of Farid Taran, commander of 5000 horse, which was then pitched in the district of Bajwara, a de- pendency of Biana. In the year 954 or 955 A. H. (God knows which year is cor- rect) Khwajah Wais Sarwdni, who was appointed to command the expedition against A'zam Humaiyiin, fought with the Nidzis on the confines of Dhankot, and was defeated. A'zam Humaiyun, flushed with this success, pursued the Khwajah as far as Sir- hind. Selim Shah dispatched a large force against the rebels, and a GENERAL HISTORIES. 231 battle ensued, in which the Niazis were defeated, and some of their women were made captives and sent prisoners to Gwahar. Se- lim Shah violated their chastity, and distributed among his troops the tents, standards, and other spoil of the Niazis which had fallen into his hands, bestowing upon them the titles which were com- mon among the Niazis ; such as Saiyid Khan, A'zara Humaiyun, Shahbaz, &c. He granted them kettle drums, which were beaten at their respective gates at the stated times. These low persons, being suddenly invested with aristocratic privileges, exalted them- selves to the dignity of the dogs of the celestial sphere. In conformity with the practice of making rounds, which is occasionally observed among the prostitutes of India, they went every Friday night to do homage to Selim Shah, instead of say- ing their prayers. On their arrival at the palace, the heralds exclaimed, *' Oh king, be gracious enough to cast your Majesty's eyes upon such and such Khans, who have come to do homage to your Majesty, and are offering up prayers for your health and welfare." This proceeding exceedingly disgusted the Afghans, who were of the same tribe as the king. The Niazi titles, and the standards and drums, which were granted to them by Selim Shah, are said by some historians to have been bestowed on them after the first battle. God knows whether they are correct or not. Some, again, say that Azam Humaiyun was defeated in both bat- tles, and was never able again to take the field. The ranks of the Niazis began to be thinned day by day, and were soon dispersed. In the first instance they took refuge with the Ghakars, in the neighbourhood of Rohtds, and then settled themselves in the hills in the vicinity of Cashmir. Selim Shah, with the view of suppressing for the future the disturbances excited by these insurgents, moved with an overwhelming force, and took up a strong position within the hills to the north of the Panjab, where for the purpose of stationing thanas, he built five fortresses, called Mdnkot, Rashidkot, &c. As he had no friendly disposition towards the Afghans, he forced them, for a period of two years, to bring stones and wood for the building of those fortresses, without paying them a single falus, or jital. Those who were exempted from this labour were employed against the Ghakars, who gave them no rest, more especially the Ghakars of Adalsu and Shekal, with whom they had skirmishes every day. At night the Ghakars prowled about like thieves, and carried away whomsoever they could lay hands on, without distinction of sex and rank, put them in the most rigorous confinement, and then sold them into slavery. These circumstances sorely afflicted the Afghans, who felt that they were exposed to every kind of insult, but it was not in the power of any individual to lay their grievances before Selim Shah ; until one day, when Shah Muhammed Firmali, a noble noted for his hilarity and jocular speeches, and a presumptuous companion of 232 GENERAL HISTORIES. the king, exclaimed, "O my liege! last night I dreamt that three bags descended from heaven ; one containing ashes ; another, gold ; and the third, papers ; the ashes fell upon the heads of the troops ; the gold upon the houses of Hindus ; and the papers fell to the lot of the royal treasury.'* Selim Shah did not take the allusion ill, and it had the effect of inducing him to promise that he would, on his return to Gwaliar, order his accountants to disburse two years pay to the troops, but his death prevented the fulfilment of this promise. ****** Ibrahim Khan, after an unsuccessful action at Khanwa, fled to Biana, which is a strong fort and in a commanding position. Hemiin immediately invested it, and skirmishes were of daily occurrence between the contending parties. The fort was well supplied with guns and ammunition, and Ghazi Khan, Ibrahim's father, who was in Hindaun, used to throw supplies into it by way of the hills to the west of Biana. Hemiin invested the fort for three months, and devastated the whole of the country in the neighbourhood, and my father's library in Basawar was utterly destroyed. Account of a famine. At this time, a dr#idful famine raged in the eastern provinces, especially in Agra, Biana and Dehli, so that one seer of Juwar sold for two and a half Tankas, and even at that price was ob- tained with difficulty. Many of the faithful closed their doors, and died by ten and twenties, without either coffin or grave. Hin- dus perished in the same numbers. The common people fed upon the seeds of the Babiil and dry grass, and on the hides of the cattle which the wealthy slaughtered and sold. After a few days, mor- tification ensued on their hands and feet, so that they died, and the date is represented by the " Wrath of God." The author himself witnessed the fact, that men eat their own kind, and the appearance of the famished suiferers was so hideous, one could scarcely look upon them. What with the scarcity of rain, famine, and uninterrupted warfare for two years, the whole country was a desert, and no husbandmen remained to till the ground. Insur- gents also plundered the cities of the Musulmans. Amongst the other incidents of the year 962, was the explosion in the fort of Agra, of which the following is a brief account. When the army of A'dal Khan had left Agra, Ghazi Khan sent his own officers with a garrison to protect the property, to keep the fort in a state of preparation, and to lay in provisions, for which purpose they had to examine the several storerooms and workshops. By chance, when some man early in the morning went with a lamp into one of the rooms, a spark fell upon some gunpowder. As GENERAL HISTORIES 233 the room communicated with the Magazine, the whole was instantly ignited. The flames reached up to heaven, and the earth quaked, so that the inhabitants of the city thought that the day of Judgment had come, and prayed devoutly when they were roused thus suddenly from their slumbers. Enormous stones and columns were sent flying several coss to the other side of the Jum- na, many people were destroyed, and the limbs of men and of animals were blown away, full ten or twelve miles from the Maga- zine. As the whole fort was called Badalgarh, the date was found in the words — "The fire of Badal." While Hemiin was encamped before Biana, the people died with the word ** bread" upon their lips, and while he valued the hves of an hundred thousand men at no more than a barley corn, he fed his five hundred elephants upon rice, sugar, and butter. The whole world were astounded and disgusted at his cruelty and indiff'er- ence. Hemun, once every day, eat with his own followers in public, and calling the Afghans to his own table, he would invite them to eat, teUing them to take up large handfuls, and he would abuse any one whom he saw eating slowly, and say " how can you with such a slender appetite expect to fight with any rascatiy Moghul.'* As the Afghans had now nearly lost the empire, and were completely subdued and powerless, they could not muster spirit enough to reply to the infidel ; and laying aside their valour and impetuosity, for which they are so celebrated, they consented, whether from fear of consequences or hope of reward, to swallow his foul language like so many sweetmeats, adopting the following verses as their maxim. " In hope of a blessing, you place your hands on my feet ; Give rae only bread, and you may lay your slipper on my head." In A. H. 966, after I had left Bas^war, and gone to reside with Mihr Ali Beg at Agra, for the purpose of completing my education, the Beg pressed most earnestly upon Sheikh Mubdrak Ndgori, my tutor, and Maluk Shdh,* my father (God sanctify his tomb !) his desire that I should accompany him on his projected expedition, and threatened that he would not depart, miless this request was conceded. These two dear guardians being at last persuaded that it was to my advantage to go, consented to the arrangement, and to please them, though an inexperienced traveller, and though compelled for the time to relinquish my usual studies, I started, in the height of the rains, on this perilous journey. Passing through Canauj, Lakhnau, Jaunpur, and Benares, and seeing all that was to be seen, and holding interviews with several holy and learned personages, I crossed the river Ganges, and arrived at Chunar in the month of Zi-1-k'adah, A. H. 966. * In another passage he tells us, that his father, Maluk Shali^ died at Agra A. H. 969 (MS, fol. 1 10 r.) 2 n 234 GENERAL HISTORIES. Jamdl Khdn sent some of his dependants to meet Mihr Ali Beg, and they conducted him to Jamal Khan's house. The palaces of Sher Shah and Selim Shah, and all the ammunition and re- sources of the fort were shown to him, and he was apparently received with the utmost hospitality and kindness. When the Firman was read, which was intended to conciKate Jamal Khan, by conferring upon him five Perganahs of Jaun- pur in In' am tenure, in lieu of the fort of Chunar, Jamal Khan, thinking it possible that still further favours might be conferred upon him, again addressed a remonstrance to the king, filled with solicitations which it was out of the question could ever be grant- ed, and sought to delay resigning his charge to Mihr Ali, until an answer was received from Court. He wrote also, at the same time, communications both to Khan Zaman and to Fateh Khdn Afghan, governor of Rohtas, in which he concealed and grossly misrepresented the circumstances of the case. When Mihr Ali was fully aware of the perfidy practised by Jamal Khan, and being not without suspicions of the fidelity of Fateh Khan, he left the fort under pretence of taking an airing, and crossing the river in considerable alarm, proceeded direct to Agra, leaving me in the fort alone. As I thought it best to temporise with Jamal Khan by way of making my own escape, I proposed to him that I should try and bring back Mihr Ali, and effect a reconciliation. To this he acceded, and in the evening I got into a boat with the intention of crossing the river. It so happened, that a storm arose at the time, and a furious wind carried the frail and trembling boat right under the hill of Utaru, which is near the wall of the fort ; and if the mercy of God, the ruler of earth and water, had not acted as my steerer, the bark of my life would have been dashed to atoms by the whirlpool of calamity against the hill of death. In the jungle which lies at the foot of the Chunar hills, Sheikh Muham- med Ghaus, one of the greatest saints of India, had resided for twelve years in the practice of asceticism, consuming the leaves and fruits of the forest as his sole food ; and so celebrated was he for the fulfilment of his blessings and predictions, that even powerful kings used to come and visit him, and pay their respects. At his hermitage I arrived after my wreck, and had an interview with one of his dependants. He himself was not there, for in this very year he had proceeded from Gujrat to Agra, where he arrived in great pomp and circumstance, accompanied by several disciples, and gave considerable satisfaction to the Emperor by the principles and faith which he professed. Sheikh Gadai, with that spirit of jealousy, spite, and avarice, which is a peculiar failing of the saints of Hindustan, was vexed at this intrusion of a rival, and looked upon him, as one shopman does on another, who commences the same trade, in the story directly over his head. Wise men know well the truth of the GENERAL HISTORIES. 235 adage, "Two of a trade never agree." Khan KMnan, who was much attached to Sheikh Gadai, did not receive Sheikh Muham- med with that degree of respect and favour which was his due. On the contrary, he assembled divines and learned men, in order to ridicule the treatise of the Sheikh, in which he had said that he had ascended into heaven, and had an interview vnih God, who assigned him a superiority over the prophet Muhammed, and had written other nonsense equally pernicious and blasphemous. He sent also for the Sheikh, and made him the butt of his con- tumely — so that the Sheikh, much chagrined, retired to Gwaliar, where he engaged himself in the pursuits of his holy calling, and in making proselytes ; and managed to content himself with the pro- ceeds of a Jagir, which yielded a crore of taukas. ****** At the time when the compiler of this work resided at Agra, for the purpose of finishing his education. Sheikh Muhammed Ghaus one day passed by in great state, and accompanied by a dense crowd, who rent the air with their acclamations. He was clothed in the garb of a Fakir. I was at first anxious to pay my respects to him, but when I learnt that he was in the habit of rising to receive the salutations of Hindus, that desire vanished, and I was deprived of the satisfaction I had anticipated. Ano- ther day, I saw him in the Baz^r at Agra, with multitudes of people thronging before and behmd him, and he was so con- stantly occupied in returning the salutations of the people on all sides of him, that he could not sit up erect during the whole time of his airing. Although he was eighty years old, his coun- tenance was wonderfully fresh, and his whole appearance betokened any thing but old age and debility. The mercy of God be upon him!* On the 20th of the blessed month Ramazan of this year (969 H.) I heard at Sahasw^ of the death of my maternal grandfather. He had taught me several sciences, and I was much attached to him. The date of his death is represented by the letters com- posing the words, " The excellent of his time.'* ****** In A. H. 977, the Perganah of Lakhnor (on the Ramgangi) was transferred from the possession of Husain Khan Cashmiri to that of Mehdi Kasim Khan, who had just returned from Mecca, and had paid his respects to the Emperor at Rantanbhor. Husain * Among the biographies which are given at the close of the work, one is devoted to the Sheikh, in which the author says, that there was so little pride and self-sufficiency in the Sheikh's composition, that he was never known to utter the monosyllable mun, I. The instance he adduces to prove the assertion is, by the studied attempt to avoid the use of that word, more offensive than the most rampant egotism. 2 H 2 236 GENERAL HISTORIES. Khan* was highly indignant at this, and exclaimed " our friend- ship is broken, we shall meet no more till the day of judgment.'* Then sending away his wife, who was the daughter of Mehdi Kasim, to his relations at Khair^bad, he himself started on a wild expedition towards the Sewalik hills,f where he arrived at last, load- ed with spoils, consisting chiefly of idols, of which he had plunder- ed the people on his way, and of which the pieces were falsely re- ported to be composed entirely ofgold and silver. The hill-men, as is their custom, abandoned the lower hills after a slight resistance, and fled for security to higher elevations, of which the ascent was very dangerous. Husain Khdn arrived at last at the place where Sultan Mahmud, nephew of Pir Muhammed Khan, was slain. He read the fateha for the pure spirits of the martyrs who fell there, and repaired their dilapidated tombs. He then ravaged the whole country as far as the Kasbah of Wajrail, in the country of R^ja Eanka, a powerful Zemindar, and from that town to Ajmir, which is his capital. In that place are to be found mines of gold and silver, silks, musk, and other merchandize peculiar to Tibet, from which country he was only distant two days' journey ; — ^when, on a sudden, as has been frequently observed in those mountains, the neighing of the horses, and the sound of the kettle-drums, as well as the voices of his followers, caused the clouds to collect, and so much rain fell, that neither corn nor grass was to be procured. f Famine stared the army in the face, and although Husain Khan, with the most undaunted intrepidity encouraged his men, by representing the wealth of the city and * This man, of whom some notice has already been taken in the Art. Tabaka't-i-akberi', appears to have been an enthusiast, or a mad man, who could not get over the persuasion that inexhaustible wealth was to be procured, from possessing himself of the mines in the hills. Five or six years afterwards, he plundered the DGab, and then made an attack on Basantpur in the hills, where there was a royal gar- rison, and died from the effect of a gun-shot wound received there. Abdu-1-Kadir, who declares himself a devoted friend and admirer of Husain Khan, says that, though to all appearance he was a fool, he was in reality a very intelligent man. An impression of the great wealth of Kamaun was generally preva- lent about this time. Ferishta at the conclusion of his work, in speak- ing of the native Rajas of Hindustan, says: — "The Raja of Kamaun possesses extensive dominions. A considerable quantity of gold is procured by washing, and copper mines are to be found in the coun- try. The treasures, too, are vast. It is a rule among the Rajas not to encroach upon the hoards of their ancestors ; for it is a saying among them, that whoever applies his father's treasures to his own use, will become mean and beggarly in spirit, so that, at the present day, fifty- six distinct treasures exist, which have been left by the Rajas of Kamadn, each with the owner's seal upon it." t This story reminds us of the succour which was so opportunely offered to the army of Marcus Aurelius, when it was engaged in a GENERAL HISTORIES. 237 the country, in gold, jewels and treasure, they were too much dis- heartened to second his resolution. On their retreat, the Kafirs, who were in possession of the passes, showered down stones and poisoned arrows upon them, and most of the bravest of his warriors drank the cup of martyrdom, and many of those, who escaped at the time, died five or six months afterwards from the effects of the poison. Husain Khan returned to Court, and requested that Kant Gola* might be conferred upon him in Jagir, in lieu of the one he held before. This was graciously acceded to, and several times he made incursions to the foot of the hills with various success, but he was never able to penetrate into the interior. Many fine fellows, who had escaped half-dead from his first expedition, now felt the malarious influence of the climate, and died off, but not in battle. After some years, Husain Kh^n, contrary to the advice and re- monstrances of his friends, mustered his forces for a final struggle to get possession of the hills, and perished in the attempt, as, please God, will be mentioned in its proper place. About this time I went from Lakhnau to Badaiin, where I formed a suitable nuptial alliance for my brother. Sheikh Muham- med, whom I loved from my very soul, nay, better than my own soul, for he was endowed with every excellent and angelic quality. Three months did not elapse before he died, he, as well as Abdu- 1-latif, the light of my eyes, the earliest fruits of the garden of my life (my first born), who, when time cast an evil eye upon him, was carried off, in the twinkling of an eye,t from the cradle to the tomb, and I was suddenly reduced from the happiest to the saddest of men. God created me, and to God shall I return ! hopeless conflict with the Marcomanni, in the barren mountains be- yond the Danube. Oh nimium dilecte Deo ! cui fundit ab antris iEolus armatas hieraes ; cui militat aether, Et conjurati veniunt ad classica venti. Claudian, De tert. Cons. Honor, v, 98. Tertullian, Eusebius, Jerome, and other Christian authors ascribe the miraculous shower to the prayers of the Christian soldiers in the army. Suidas and Dio Cassias to a magician. The fact is indisputable ; tlie cause is more probably explained by our oriental writer. In modern days, it has frequently been observed that severe actions have been followed by rain, and philosophical reasons have been assigned for this curious effect. * This district, which pretty nearly corresponds with Shahjehanpur, in Rohilkhand, is sometiomes styled Kant and Gola. For the position and varying extent of this tract, see Supplemental Glossary, Art. Gola. t This triple repetition of the word eye is intended for a witticism —frigid enough, and in a most inappropriate place. 238 GENERAL HISTORIES. Death of Sheikh Selim Chishti. In the year 979 H. the palace at Agra and the palace at Fateh- pur were completed * * *. At the close of the month of Rama- zan of this year, Sheikh Selim Chishti, of Fatehpur, died. He was one of the chief saints of Hindustan, and his sayings are worthy of commemoration. I will hereafter give a notice of him, please God ! in this history. During this year an unfortunate accident befell the author, of which the following are the particulars. At the period when Kant Gola was held in Jagir by Muhammed Husain Khan, and when it pleased fate to associate me with him for some time, as I was appointed Judge of that district, I went on a pilgrimage to Makanpiir, where is the tomb of the holy Sheikh, Badi'u-d-din Sh^h Madar, Cmay God sanctify his secrets !) and I arrived there by way of Canauj. This son of man, — according to the disposition which he inherited from his sinful and ignorant nature, which he imbibed with his mother's crude milk, which is the cause of shame and reproach, and of impudent presumption and final destruction, which descended to him from Adam, which covered the eyes of his wisdom with a film of lust, and enclosed him in the net of lasciviousness, — committed all of a sudden, as was of old forewilled by providence, a gross impropriety within that shrine. Since the chastisement as well as the mercy of God was upon me, I received upon earth the punishment of my sin, by his ordaining that several attendants of the girl whom I fell in love with should inflict nine sword wounds upon my head, hands, and shoulders. They were all slight, except two, one exposed the veins of one of the fingers of my left hand, the other penetrated the bone of my skull, and reached to the brain. I was thus exposed as a brainless fellow, and fainted away, and appeared to be travelhng in another world. May God bless my resurrection ! I met with an excellent surgeon in Bangar-mau, who closed my wounds within a week, and in the midst of my pain, I made a vow, that if I recovered I would go to Mecca — a vow which I have not yet been able to perform, but which I hope, God willing ! to do before I die, and before some opposing cause inter- venes to prevent the execution of that excellent resolve. The rest is with God ! Afterwards, I arrived at Kant Gola, and had no sooner bathed after my recovery, than I was again laid on my bed by sickness, my body having become scabious from the effect of excessive cold. Husain Khan (may God bless him with eternal Paradise ! for he showed himself more than a father to me !) admhiistered some medicine, in the shape of a plaster and electuary, both made from the wood of the tamarisk, and enabled me to proceed on my journey to Badaiin, where another surgeon took off the dressings, GENERAL HISTORIES. 239 and re-opened the wound on my head. I was nearly expiring from the intensity of the pain. * * * During this year a dreadful fire broke out at Badaun, and an immense number of Musulmans and Hindus perished in the flames ; carriages, conveying the remains of those who were biu*nt, were driven down to the river, and no one could tell who was a behever and who an infidel. Many who escaped being burnt, rushed to the ramparts, and were so scorched by the flames, that men and women precipitated themselves from the wall in despair. Some had their skins burnt, and were otherwise injured. Water seemed only to add fuel to the flames. All this I witnessed with my own eyes, and heard the noise of the flames with my own ears. A short time before this, a half-witted soothsayer from the Dudb, who had put up with me in Badaun, said to me one day in private, that I ought to flee out of that city, as some infliction of Providence was about to befall it. But I paid no attention to his vaticinations, as I considered him a mere frequenter of taverns and unworthy of behef. ****** Erection of the fort of Siirat, in defiance of the Portuguese infidels. One day during the year 980, the king went to look at the fort of Siirat, and gave orders to repair the portions that had been battered and destroyed. During his inspection he saw the large mortars, which had been despatched with a powerful fleet and army by Sulaiman Sultan, the Turkish Emperor, to assist in cap- turing the harbours of Gujrat, and had been left on the sea shore, covered with rust, because Sulaiman A'ga, the admiral, had aban- doned the enterprise for some reason or another.* There they * Muhammedan authors slur over the precipitate retreat, but Sheikh Zainu-d-din confesses to a panic. — See Rowlaudson, Tohfut-ul-mujahi deen, p. 143. Maifei — who styles the admiral Sulaiman, " Solimanus Peloponnesius, vir enormi non minus adipe, quam avaritia et crudelitate notissimus," — tells us, that the Turks were so terrified by the four lan- terns, which the Portuguese hung out from some of the ships of the Goa fleet, that they set sail for Arabia in the utmost alarm, leaving behind them five hundred wounded and a great portion of their ord- nance. Nonnius, (Nuno de Cunha) dum ad subsidium inclusis ferendum reliquam ornat classem, celeriter prsemissae liburnica; sexdecim ad Madrafabam accesserant noctu, quaternis in singulas puppes luminibus ad speciem augendam baud frustra sublatis : eo quippe terrore Turcae perculsi, tribus jam millibus suarum amissis, * * * uoctis intempestae silentio conscendunt naves, duobus circiter raensibus in obsidione con- sumptis ; ac vela dant in Arabiam tanta cum trepidatione, ut saucios quingentos et magnara tormentorum partem f;ede reliquerint. Maffei, Hist. Indie. Lib. xi. Vol. IL p. 503. 240 GENERAL HISTORIES. remained, until Khudawand Khan had them carried into the fort of Surat, at the time it was building. The few which remained had been taken to Junagarh* by the Governor. The king gave orders that some of them, which suited his purpose, should be sent to Agra.f The reason assigned for Khudawand Khan's^ building the fort of Surat is, that the Feringis used to oppress the Musulmans in every kind of manner, devastating the country and imprison- ing God's servants. At the time of laying the foundations of the fort, they tried to throw every obstacle in the way, by firing can- non from their boats, but all without effect. That expert engineer laid the foundations of one side within the sea, dug a deep ditch round the two sides which faced the land, and built the walls with stones and burnt bricks. The wall was fifteen yards broad and twenty yards high, and the breadth of the ditch was twenty yards. The stones at the four gates were riveted together by iron grapples, and cemented by molten lead. The work of the stone-masons was so exquisitely finished, that every one was astonished at beholding it, and on the bastion which projected into the sea was erected a gallery with windows, which the Por- tuguese profess to say is an invention of their own. When the Musulmans began to erect this Chaukandi,§ the Feringis exerted Diogo de Couto says that the stratagem was rendered more effectual by the coincidence of an eclipse of the moon. — Asia, Dec. v. Lib. v. Cap. 4. See also Faria-e-Souza, Tom. I. Part iv. Cap. 9. " Solyman, the Bassa," says Knolles, " a most famous Pyrat, assault- ed (in September 1838) Dium, a castle of the Portugals, situate upon the mouth of that great river (Indus), but, in conclusion, after he had many days besieged the castle both by sea and land, and tried the uttermost of his strength, he was so repulsed by the Portugals, that he was glad to forsake the siege, and leaving his great ordnance be- hind him for haste, returned back again to Aden, a city of great trade in Arabia Felix." — Turkish History, Vol. I. p. 451. * Ferishta, in his reign of Mahmud Shah III. of Guzerat, says that they were brought /rom Junagarh for the defence of Surat; and this is the most probable, as the ordnance was abandoned at Di6. t The Mirat-i-Ahmedi says there was only one Sulaimani gun which the king wished to transfer to Agra, but could not find the means of transport for so heavy apiece. — See Bird, History of Guzerat, p. 322. X This is the same chief that we read of in Sidi Ali's journal. — See Diez, Denkwiirdigkeiten von Asien, Vol. II. p. 180. § It is quite incomprehensible why this building, whatever it was, should have excited so much rancour on both sides. One might sup- pose it was rather a battery, than a small palace. Literally, it may be said to mean " a four-cornered room." Briggs calls it a four-storied palace. He translates the passage thus : — " Within the town is a beautiful building, four stories high, which the Hindus call Chowkunda, and the Europeans compare it to a Por- GENERAL HISTORIES. 241 every kind of opposition to obstruct it, and when they found they could not prevail by force, they oifered large sums of money to prevent its being built, but Khudawand Khan, through the re- gard which he bore to his own religion, sternly refused, and plied the work till it was finished, in contemptuous defiance of the Christians. ****** In 980 A. H. Husain Mehdi Kasim Khan, Jagirdar of Kant and Gola, had gone off to quell the insurgents of Badaun and Pati^li, before he heard of Ibrahim Husain Mirza's arrival in the neigh- bourhood of Dehli. In the meantime, Makhdumu-1-mulk Maulana Abdullah Sultanpiiri and Raja Pahar Mai, who were entrusted with the chief direction of affairs, during the king's absence in Gujrat, wrote to Husain Khan from Fatehpur to inform him that Ibi'ahim Husain Mirza had experienced two defeats, and was then in the vicinity ofUehli, and that as no person of importance was now present to defend the capital, he ought to hasten to Fatehpur without delay. He accordingly prepared to obey their summons, and was well on his road, having arrived at Udah, in Jalesar, when he learnt that the Raja of Awesa (Awa Misa?) still continued the de- predations which he had practised since the accession of the king, and had carried his ravages even to the very walls of Agra ; that, associated with some powerful nobles, he had been engaged in several hard conflicts, and slain many excellent men, and that at that time he was concealed in the jungle of Mauza Naur^i, in the Perganah of Jalesar. We had scarcely time to ponder on this intelligence, when all of a sudden, while we were marching on the 1 5th of Ramazan, the men being not on their guard, and going on in separate parties, most of them, also, being wearied with the protracted annual fast, tuguese palace. Finding they could not prevent by force the con- struction of the fort, tlie Portuguese offered large sums of money to induce Khoodabunda Khan not to fortify Surat, but their gold was rejected." This differs much from the original, which runs thus : — " The Feringis said, ' If you will not abstain from building the fort, do not, at any rate, build the Cliaukandi after the model of Portugal ; and to secure that, we will pay as much money as we offered to pre- vent your building the fort.* Ghazanfar A'kai Turk, surnamed Khu- dawand Khan, replied, " Througli the liberality of the Sultan I am in need of nothing, and to show my detestation of you, I shall build this kind of Chaukandi, and secure for myself the peculiar blessings which attend good works." He then sent for the ordnance and other stores, which were called Sulaimiini on account of the Turks' having abandon- ed them, and which were then in Juukgarh, and placed them in differ- ent parts of the fort of Surat, and strengthened it." History of Guzerat, Mahmud Shah III. I cannot find mention of the transaction in any European author. 2 I 242 GENERAL HISTORIES. ^n attack was made upon us at mid-day, with matchlocks and ar- rows. The Raja of Awesa and his villagers had suspended planks from the houghs of trees, and killed and wounded several of our men from this secure position. At the very commencement of the attack, a ball struck Husain Khdn below the knee, and grazed his thigh. He was very nearly fainting and falling from his saddle, but his self-possession enabled him to keep his seat. I threw water on his face, and his immediate attendants, not aware of the accident, at first thought that his fasting had worn him out. I then seized hold of his bridle, for the purpose of carrying him for safety behind a tree, when he opened his eyes, and, con- trary to his usual habit, looked sternly at me, and made signs that he was anxious we should dismount and join in the fray, leav- ing him there to take care of himself. The contest then raged with fury, and many were killed on both sides. At last, victory inclined towards our party, which was the smallest, and the infidels were put to flight like so many sheep, but not before our sepahis were so tired, that they could scarcely wield a sword. We had all been so jammed toge- ther in the forest, that we could with difficulty tell friend from foe. Some of our men had strength of mind and body enough, to deserve the reward, both of engaging in holy war, and of maintaining a strict fast. I, on the contrary, in my weakness, took a cup of water to moisten my throat, for the want of which some poor fellows died. Several excellent friends of mine attained martyr- dom in repelling this attack. After this victory, Husain Khan returned by rapid marches to Kant and Gola, and strengthened those places. Shortly after, Ibrahim arrived in the Perganah of Lakhnor, fifteen coss from Sambhal.* As Husain Khan was still suffering from the effects of his wound, he was obliged to be carried on a htter, but nevertheless advanced to Bans Bareilli, in order to force Ibrahim to action, and from Bareilli he made Sambhal in one day by a forced march. Ibrahim, alarmed at this exhibition of confidence and courage, thought it better to decline an action, and retreated by way of Amroha, leaving a distance of seven coss between him and his opponent. Had Husain Khan been compelled to fight, in his then wounded state, God knows what would have happened ! ****** About this time. Sheikh Abu-1-fazl, son of Sheikh Mubarak N^gori, arrived at Court. In the same year, the lofty buildings and spacious palaces on the road to Ajmir were brought to- completion. The reason of their erection was, that as His Ma- jesty looked upon it as a religious duty to go every year to Ajmir, * Sambhal was the paternal estate of Ibrahim Husain Mirza. Gul- rukh Begam, his wife, was a daughter of Kararan Mirza, and, conse- quently, Akbef's first cousin. GENERAL HISTORIES. 243 he constructed a building at each stage on the road to that place^ and at every coss he erected a pillar and dug a well. On every pillar he fixed, at small intervals from one another, the horns of the antelopes which he had slaughtered during his career. The horns amounted to several hundreds of thousands, and they were j)laced there as a memorial throughout the world.* The date is represented by the words, " Horn-league," i. e. 981. ****** Building of the fort of Pidg. On the 23rd of Safar A. H. 982, His Majesty arrived at Piag (Praydga) which is commonly called Ilhabas, where the waters of the Ganges and Jumna unite. The infidels consider this a holy place, and with the object of obtaining the rewards which are promised in their creed, of which transmigration is one of the most prominent features, they submit themselves to all kinds of punishments and penances. Some place their heads and feet under saws, others spht their tongues in two, others enter hell by casting themselves down into the deep river from the top of a high tree.f His Majesty laid the foundations of the imperial city, which he called Ilhabas, and on the 2nd of Rabi'u-s-sani, he ordered the Prince's boats to proceed to Jaunpiir, from Bijipur, at the conflu- ence of the Gomati and Ganges ; embarking upon them the ladies of the household, the judges, and magistrates. * * * * * * AbU'l-fazVs second introductiofi to Akher. In 982 A. H. Abu-1-fazl, whom people choose to call AUdmi^ or a very learned man, one who, at least, managed to set the world in flames, * * * came a second time to Court. * * * Be- tween him and me there was a mutual aversion, on the following account. At the time of the persecution and massacre of the Shias, Mir Habshi and others unanimously represented that Sheikh Mubarak Nagori, his father, was a Shia, and that he led peo- ple astray by his heretical preaching. Some messengers were des- patched to bring him to Court, but as the Sheikh had absconded * The pillar which is in the best state of preservation, is to be seen at Fatehpur Sikri, where the garrulous Cieeroue gives a very different account of its origin. It is called the Mran mindr, or " pillar of the antelope." t See above, p. 35. Here is still further testimony to this tree's be- ing in the open air, at the point of the confluence, to a very late period. It is the celebrated Akhai Bar, or immortal tig-tree. See Wilson, Specimens of Hindu Tfieatre, Vol. I. p. 302« 2 I 2 244 GENERAL HISTORIES. with his sons, they broke the pulpit of his mosque. He then sought the protection of the shrine of Selim Chishti in Fatehpur. Sheikhu-1-Islam, the superintendent, sent him something for his expenses by the way, and recommended him to leave the country, and fly to Gujrat. As he obtained nothing by going to Fateh- pur, he went to Mirza Aziz Koka, who represented to the king, that Sheikh Mubarak was a good and pious man, that he held no land in In' am, and enquired what was the advantage of perse- cuting him. This saved the Sheikh further trouble, and a revo- lution in his fortune shortly took place. Sheikh Abu-1-fazl ingra- tiated himself with His Majesty by his unremitting devotion to the king's service, by his temporising disposition, which could reconcile him even to the commission of falsehood to serve his own inter- ests, by his study of the king's temper and sentiments, and by his boundless flattery. When he at last obtained the opportu- nity, he took his revenge upon the sect which had injured him, by adopting every kind of vile expedient to reduce them to disgrace and infamy. He was the cause not only of the destruction of the men who formerly persecuted his family, but of the grievous disasters which fell upon all God's wise and holy servants, upon the infirm and upon orphans, by the resumption of their allow- ances in money and rent-free lands. * * * When opposition and remonstrance began to be raised against these harsh proceed- ings, he used ironically to quote this quatrain, in allusion to his enemies having brought their misfortunes upon their own heads : — " I have set fire to my barn with my own hands. As I am the incendiary, how can I complain of my enemy ? No one is my enemy but myself. Woe is me ! I have torn my garment with my own hands." If any one, at any time, represented that his conduct was op- posed to the precept of some learned or religious man, he would say in reply, that the precept quoted was the composition of such and such a grocer, such and such a cobler, such and such a cur- rier, for he thought proper to reject all the wise sayings of Mu- hammedan Sheikhs and Doctors. ****** Prohibition against Pilgrimages. One night, during the year 982, Khan Jehan mentioned that Makhdiimu-l-mulk Abdullah Sultanpiiri had decided that it was not proper to go on a pilgrimage, and that it was even sinful to do so. When he was asked his reasons, he replied, that there were only two ways to Mecca, one by Irak, the other by Gujrat. By the former, a man would incur the chance of hearing abusive language from the Kazilbashes, by the latter, he must, before he embarks at sea, suffer the indignity of entering into an engage- GENERAL HISTORIES. 245 ment with the Feringis, which engagement was headed and stamped with portraits of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.* So that both ways should he prohibited. Another edict of Makhdumu-1-mulk's, which was ridiculed in this assembly, was the prohibition of alms-taking, under the pretence that the surplus of his treasury used to be bestowed at the close of the year upon his wives ; yet it was asserted that he took good care to recover it again from them before the year came round. It was said that he adduced some other reasons, of which even the Israelites would have been ashamed, but which in reality, according to these Doctors, all resolved themselves into his avarice, perfidy, fraud, vice, and oppression, all which vices were exhibited towards holy men and fakirs, especially those of the Panjab. They reported also many other stories to his disparagement, ascribing them to his villainy, his sordid dis- position, his contemptible conduct, and ended by deciding that he ought to be shipped off by force to Mecca. * * * About this time, Makhdiimu-l-mulk began to fall into discredit, and Sheikh Abdu-n-nabif succeeded him in the good graces of the king, in which he managed to maintain himself, until his real ignorance was betrayed. * * * * MafFei mentions a toll, and Osorius tells us that the Portuguese allowed no one to sail without one of their passports. Faria-e-Souza says that these passports were not unfrequently mere "letters of Bellerophon,'* to the eflFect that " The owner of this ship is a very wicked Moor ; I desire that the first Portuguese captain to whom this is shown, may make a prize of her !'*. — See Rowlandson, Tohfut- ul'Mujahideen, pp. 90, 104. t An account of each of these ecclesiastical judges is given among the Biographies of learned men at the end of the work. That of Abdu-n-nabi will be found among these Extracts. Respecting Makhdurau-1-mulk, an inteUigent author, who has written on the subject of Akber's deflections from the path of the Muhamme- dan religion, observes : — " A learned and pious \vi*iter, MakhdGmu-l-mulk, published about this time a tract injurious to Sheikh Abdu-n-nabi. He accused that teacher of having been wrongfully instrumental to the deaths of Khizr Khan Shirwani, who had been condemned for revihng the Prophet and Ali Ilabsh, who had been charged with heresy. He added also, that the Sheikh was unworthy to mount the pulpit, both because he was subject to a bodily infirmity, and because he had been disavowed by his own father for his perverse and undutiful conduct when a youth. To these attacks Sheikh Abdu-n-nabi replied by calling Makhdumu-1- mulk, a heretic and a fool. Opinions were divided, some of the reli- gious men sided with one, and some with another ; the dispute ran high, and a complete schism ensued. The enemies of Islam took this opportunity to augment the king's disgust and dissatisfaction, and those impressions becoming progressively more intense, he lost in the course of five or six years every particle of his original belief." Orient- al Quarterly Magasine, Vol. I. p. 51. 246 GENERAL HISTORIES. This year, the king gave orders that the rent-free land through- out his dominions, whether in the shape of Ayma, Madad-m'asli, Wakf or Pensions, should not be considered vaUd, and that the revenue-officers should not exclude them from the rent roll, imtil the Sadar had registered and signed the grants. The conse- quence was, that the people whose rights were assailed flocked from the farthest east, even to Bhakhar in the west, to represent their grievances. Whoever could manage to procure letters of recommendation from the nobles and people at Court, secured his wishes, and whoever could not obtain a similar introduction, had to give large bribes to Saiyid Abu-r-rasiil, and all the subordin- ates of the Sheikh, even to the farashes, door-keepers, grooms and sweepers, and by these means contrived at last to " save his blanket from the whirlpool." He who could not succeed in procur- ing either of these passports, was well thrashed by the staves of the attendants ; besides which, many perished from the efi'ect of the hot air in that immense crowd. Although the king knew all these particulars, yet such was his regard for the Sadar, that he could not be persuaded to remonstrate against his proceedings. Whenever the Sadar sat upon his tribunal in the Diwan-khana, and held public audience, the nobles would, now and then, taking forward some learned and respectable man, represent his case for consideration. But he used to receive them with little respect, and after much entreaty and importunity, some able man, who could explain the Hidaya or any equally abstruse book, would get a paltry 100 Bighas, more or less, restored to him, and the rest, of which he might have been in possession for many years, would be resumed. But the ordinary run of ignorant and blear- eyed fellows, even down to Hindus, would get as much land as they asked for, without question. From these proceedings we may judge of his regard for learning and its professors, and how much its value declined in estimation every day. Even in the middle of the assemblage, while seated " aloft in awful state," if the time for midday prayers came, he would wash his hands, and care not how much water he sprinkled on the faces and clothes of the surrounding nobles. They meekly submitted to the indig- nity, because they knew it was to the advantage of their clients, and would bestow upon the Sadar every kind of eulogium, com- phment, and flattery, to his heart's content, in the hope by this means to secure at last some compensation for the insult. In the time of no former king had any Sadar such extensive powers and * jurisdiction. About this time, the king appointed me a preacher, and directed me also to undertake the office of marking the royal horses with a stamp. I had no fixed salary, but I was told to content myself for the present with this inferior occupation. Sheikh Abu-1-fazl, arrived at court about the same time, and received the same appointment, so that we are loaves out of the same oven. Yet he GENERAL HISTORIES. 247 managed by his intelligence and time-serving qualities to raise himself to a Mansab of 2000, while poor I, from my inexperience and folly, could not manage to advance myself. I reflected within myself that there were still hopes of securing contentment, that best of possessions ! by means of a Madad-m'ash, which would enable me to retire from the world, and devote myself to study, while free from the cares of the world. But even in this I was doomed to be disappointed. In the month of Shawwal 983, on my applying for leave of absence, it was refused, but I received a horse with suitable trap- pings and a Madad-m'ash of 1000 Bighas, which was a mere nothing, but was equal to my poor maintenance, and in accord- ance with the unfriendly disposition of the Sadar and my unlucky fate. I represented that vnth this small tenure I could not aiford to be constantly in attendance at Court, to which the king replied, that he would give me presents also during the marches. Sheikh Abdu-n-nabi too observed, that no person of my quality had re- ceived from him so large a quantity of land. As for the presents which I was promised, though twenty-two years have elapsed since my hopes were raised, I have received them but once or twice, and the rest have been concealed behind the veil of night. I continue like a tree stripped of leaves, and these fine promises prove a baseless mirage. I have had to perform ser^'ices without reward, and to undergo restraints, from which I can now be re- lieved only by the goodness of God. In A. H. 985, the king, after visiting the shrines of the holy saints in the neighbourhood of Dehh, went towards Palam on a shooting excursion. At the close of the blessed month Ramazan, news reached me at Rewari, that at Basdwar* a son had been bom to me, for which happiness I had been a long time m ex- pectation. On this occasion, I presented an offering of a gold moliur to the king, and requested he would be good enough to name the child. After reading a prayer, he enquired the name of my father and grandfather. I replied, " Maliik Shah was my father, and he was the son of Jdh." He said, " I call your son Abdu-l-hadi," — a name which at that time he had, night and day, upon his lips. Notwithstanding that Hafiz Muhammed Amin, the preacher, was constantly urging me not to commit this absurdity, and to invite some learned men to my house to read the whole Kurdn, in order to secure a long life to my son, he could not prevail, and at the end of six months my sou died. * This place, which is so frequently mentioned in the course of this history, is within the territory of Bharatpur, on the road from Agra to Jaipur. It is situated on the side of a rocky eminence, with a ruin- ous palace on its summit. Heber calls it Peshawar. See Narrative of a Journey f Vol, II, p. 385. 248 GENERAL HISTORIES. May God be pleased on his account to pardon me in the day of judgment ! From Rewari I took five months' leave, and went to Basawar, but on account of sundry aifairs of consequence, I unavoidably extend- ed my absence to the period of a year. This unwarranted neglect of duty made me fall in the king's estimation, and by degrees I was comparatively forgotten. To this day even, although eighteen years have since elapsed, I still perform my duty, but am not honored with an interview ; and I can neither go in search of other employ, nor maintain a firm footing in my present position. * * * * * * Kazi All Baghdad!, grandson ofMirKazi Husain Mashedi, was deputed to the Panjab to make inquiries respecting the lands held in rent-free tenure, under the name of Madad-m'ash and Ayma. He was directed to resume the old detached tenures, and to include the new grants in one circuit. The grossest frauds had been perpetrated in this department, which were all to be attributed to the dishonesty of Sheikh Abdu-n-nabi and his sub- ordinates. Shortly after, the king returned towards Fatehpur and reached Khizrabad Sadhaura on the 3rd of Jamadiu-s-sani, A. H. 986. He there embarked on a boat accompanied by the nobles of the state, but the establishments and camp-followers marched by land to Dehli, at which place his Majesty arrived on the 29th of the same month. In A. H. 986, the missionaries of Europe, who are called Pa- dris, and whose chief Pontiff, called Papa (Pope), promulgates his interpretations for the use of the people, and who issues mandates that even kings dare not disobey, brought their gospel to the king's notice, advanced proofs of the Trinity, and spread abroad the knowledge of the religion of Jesus. The king ordered Prince Murad to learn a few lessons from the gospel, and to treat it with all due respect, and Sheikh Abii-l-fazl was directed to translate it. Instead of the inceptive " Bismillah" the following ejacula- tion was enjoined: "In nomine Jesu Christi,"* that is, *' Oh ! thou whose name is merciful and bountiful." Sheikh Faizi added to this, " Praise be to God ! there is no one like thee — thou art he !'* The attributes of the abhorred Anti-Christ were ascribed to our holy prophet by these lying imposters. * The original has in Persian ^yoti^l, which can scarcely be said to bear any meaning. Besides, the translation, vile as it is, shows that a foreign language must have been dealt with. It is not difficult to make " in nomine" out of the two Persian words. GENERAL HISTORIES. 249 Worship of the Sun, The accursed Bir Bal* tried to persuade the king, that since the sun gives Hght to all, and ripens all fruits and products of the earth, that luminary should be the object of his worship and veneration ; that the face should be turned towards the rising, not toward the setting, sun ; that he should venerate fire, water, stones and trees, and all natural objects, even down to cow-dung ; that he should adopt the frontal mark and the Brahminical cord. Several wise men confirmed what he said, by representing that the sun was the chief light of the world, and the benefactor of its inhabitants, that it was a friend to kings, and that kings esta- bhshed periods and eras in conformity with its motions. This was the cause of the worship paid to the sun on the Nau-roz Jalali, and of his being induced to adopt that festival for the celebration of his accession to the throne, and to put on clothes of that particular colour, which is sacred to the regent-planet of the day, on which the new year might happen to commence. f He be- gan also, at midnight and at early dawn, to mutter the spells, which the Hindus taught him, for the purpose of subduing the sun to his wishes. He prohibited the slaughter of cows, because the Hindus devoutly worship them, esteeming their dung as pure, considering that the eating of their flesh is unlawful, and sacrific- ing men instead of them. The reason was also assigned, that phy- sicians have represented their flesh to be productive of sundry kinds of sickness, and to be difficult of digestion. Abu'l-fazl appointed superintendent of fire- temples, Fire-worhippers also came from Nausari in Gujrat, proclaimed the religion of Zerdusht as the true one, and declared reverence to the sun to be superior to every other kind of worship. They also attracted the king's regard, and taught him the peculiar terms, the ordinances, the rites and ceremonies of the Kaidnians ; and at last he directed that the sacred fire should be made over to * This is the epithet by which he is usually characterized by this bitter enemy. Respecting his death in the Yusufzei country, he says, *'Bir Balked for fear of his life, and being slain, was included amongst the dogs of hell, and met with punishment, slight when compared with his evil deserts. Akber regretted his loss more than that of any other of his chiefs, exclaiming, '* why did they not, at least, rescue his body, that it might have been burnt ?" Afterwards, he derived conso- lation from reflecting, that as Bir Bal was pure and undefiled, the rays of the grand luminary were sufficient for his funeral pyre." t This passage may be interpreted in another way ; — that for seven days he wore every day a new dress of the colour sacred to one of the seven planets. 2 K 250 GENERAL HISTORIES. the charge of Abii-l-fazl, and that after the manner of the kings of Persia, in whose temples blazed perpetual fires, he should take care it was never extinguished either by night or day, — for that it is one of the signs of God, and one light from among the many lights of his creation. From his earliest youth, in compliment to his wives, the daugh- ters of the Rajas of Hind, he had within the female apartments continued to burn the horn, which is a ceremony derived from fire-worship ; but on the new-year festival of the 25th year after his accession, he prostrated himself before the fire in public, and in the evening the whole Court rose up respectfully, when the lamps and candles were lighted. On the eighth day after the sun's entering Virgo in this year, he came forth to the pubHc audience-chamber with his forehead marked like a Hindu, and he had jewelled strings tied on his wrist by Brahmins, by way of a blessing. The chiefs and nobles adopt- ed the same practice in imitation of him, and presented on that day pearls and precious stones, suitable to their respective wealth and station. It became the current custom also to wear the Rakhi on the wrist, which means an amulet formed out df twisted linen rags. In defiance and contempt of the true faith, every precept which was enjoined by the doctors of other religions, he treated as a revelation. Those of Islam, on the contrary, were esteemed follies, innovations, inventions of indigent beggars, of rebels, and of highway robbers, and those who professed that religion were set down as contemptible idiots. These senti- ments had been long growing up in his mind, and ripened gra- dually into a firm conviction of their truth. ****** Account of an organ. In A. H. 988, Haji Habib-uUah exhibited an organ, which he had brought from Europe, and which was certainly one of the wonders of the world. It was like a large box, and the size of a man. A Feringi sat inside, and struck the wires with the end of a peacock's feather,* producing all kinds of sounds ; and although the box was closely watched, yet Feringis, some of a red, some of a yellow colour, kept coming out of it and retiring within it. The people who witnessed this marvel were thun- derstruck, and to describe and belaud it as it deserves, would be impossible. * The original of this clause is very doubtful, and the meaning is rendered conjecturally. GENERAL HISTORIES. 251 Translation of the Mahabhdrat. One night during the year 990, the king sent for me, and desired me to translate the Mahabharat, in conjunction with Nakib Khan. The consequence was that in four months I translated two out of the eighteen sections, at the puerile absur- dities of which, the eighteen thousand creations may well be con- founded. Fancy such injunctions, as how you are to sit, what to eat, and a prohibition against turnips ! But such is my fate, to be employed on such works. Nevertheless, I console myself with the reflection, that what is predestined must come to pass ! After this, Mulla Shabri and Nakib Khan together accom- plished a portion, and another was completed by Sultan Haji Thanesari by himself. The Sheikh (Faizi) was then directed to convert the rough translation into elegant prose and verse, but he did not complete more than two sections. The Hdji having com- mitted errors in his first translation, was ordered to revise it, under the injunction that he was to leave out nothing of consequence, and he had revised an hundred sheets, when the order was re- ceived for his dismissal, and he was sent to Bhakar. He now resides in his native city of Thanesar. Most of the scholars who were employed upon this translation are now said to be likely to accompany the Kauravas and Pandavas in the day of resurrection. May the rest, for their sincere penitence, be spared, by the mercy of God! The translation was called Razmnama, and when fairly en- grossed and embeUished with pictures, the nobles had orders to take copies, and thus secure themselves a blessing. Sheikh Abu- I-fazl, who had already written against our religion, wrote the Preface, extending to two sheets. God defend me from his infi- delities and absurdities ! In A. H. 991, the king erected two buildings outside the city where he might feed fakirs, both Musulman and Hindu ; one he called Khairpura, the other Dharmpura. Some of Abu-l-fazl's people had the charge, and used to spend the king's money in pro- curing food. As the Jogis also used to flock there in great numbers, a separate receiving-house was built for them, and called Jogipiira. Nightly meetings were held in private with some of these men, and they used to employ themselves in various follies and extra- vagancies, in contemplations, gestures, addresses, abstractions and reveries, and in alchemy, fascination and magic. The king him- self was an adept in alchemy, and used to exhibit the gold which he made. One night in the year, called Shiv-rat, was appointed for a grand assembly of Jogis from all parts of the country, on which occasion he would eat and drink with them promiscuously. 2 K 252 GENERAL HISTORIES. In A. H. 994, the king held the festival of the anniversary of his coronation, according to the practice established in olden time, during which, every one had free access to the shops, having no- thing to pay, and the king himself received the usual presents from the nobles and others, so that even food, scents, and the profits of dancers and fiddlers were carried away into the treasury. From a Mansabdar of 5000 to a humble footman, all had to pre- sent oiferings ; and even I, this powerless atom, who was held in no account at all, except that I used to be styled Hazari, from holding one thousand Bighas rent-free, and was accustomed to liken myself to the old woman in the story of Joseph (God's blessing on him !), had to present my forty Rupees, which received the honor of being accepted. I do not like my position, and should be glad to be in any other ! During this festival the king's eldest son received a Mansab of 12,000 ; the second, one of 9000 ; and the third, one of 7000. S|C 5|C ^ 3|C ^ ^ In A. H. 996, the king called to mind something about the book which I was then translating, and directed Hakim Abii-l- fateh to give me a horse, a shawl, and some other presents, and pointing me out to Shah Fateh-uUah Uzdu-d-daulah, who was invested with the charge of the Ayma lands, he observed that I was an inhabitant of Badaun, and that as the Shah had found a flaw in the title of my Madad-m'ash land in Basawar, his Majesty had conferred upon me some in Badaun, in lieu of it. Sh^ Fateh- ullah then presented in a bag an offering of 1000 Rupees, which, by exactions and other most oppressive means, his agents had recovered from the wretched widows and orphans of Basawar ; and upon his representing that his officers had collected this surplus from the Ayma lands fraudulently alienated from the pubHc rent-roll, the king told him to retain the money for himself. Three months after this, the Shah died, and when my Firman was engrossed, I took leave for a year, went first to Basawar, and then to Badaun, from which place I wished to make a journey to Gujrat, to see Mirza Nizamu-d-din Ahmed, but delays occurred to prevent my carrying this intention into effect. ****** In A. H. 996, the son of the Raja of Kamaun arrived at La- hore from the Sewalik hills, for the purpose of paying his re- spects. Neither he, nor his ancestors (the curse of God on them !) could ever have expected to speak face to face with an Emperor. He brought several rare presents, and amongst them a Tibet cow, and a musk-deer, which latter died on the road from the effect of the heat. I saw it with my own eyes, and it had the appearance of a fox. Two small tusks projected from the mouth, and, instead of horns, it had a slight elevation, or bump. As the hind-quarters of the animal were enveloped in a cloth, I could not examine the whole body. They said that there were men in those hills, all GENERAL HISTORIES. 253 hairy, and men who fly with wings, and they pointed out a tree which yields fruit all the year round. God knows whether all this is true ! Sheikh Ahdu-n-nahi. Sheikh Abdu-n-nabi, Sadaru-s-sadiir, was son of Sheikh Ahmed, son of Sheikh Abdu-1-kudus, of Gangoh. He went several times to Mecca and Medina. * * * He put on the appearance of great piety. When he was appointed to the Sadarat, he distributed among the people an immense quantity of Madad-m'ash, Wakf, and Pensions. No Sadar during any former reign had so much power, and no one gave away one-tenth of the Wakf which he did.* The king was for some time so ultimate and unceremoni- ous with him, that he would rise to adjust the Sheikh's slippers when he took his leave. At last, through the enmity of Makh- dumu-1-mulk and some other ill-disposed and deceitful doctors, he fell in the king's estimation, and began to be treated very dif- ferently. The chief reason of the change was this : — At the time that the king arrived at Fatehpiir from Banswara, Kilzi Abdu-r-raliim, of Muttra, complained to the Sheikh that a rich Brahmin had taken all the materials, which he had collected for the building of a mosque, and applied them to his own pur- poses in building a temple for an idol, and that when he remon- strated with him, the Brahmm, in the presence of a multitude of * It is quite impossible to reconcile this eulogy with the taunting and acrimonious tone adopted at p. 246 ; nor does any conceivable varie- ty in the reading of the two texts admit of any essential difference of sentiment ; unless indeed, we consider that the grasping Sadar was MakhdCimu-l-mulk, and not Sheikh Abdu-n-nabi ; which appears op- posed to the whole tenor of the text, and especially to Abdu-n-nabi*8 declaration at the close of the extract. It is scarcely permitted us to imagine that so grave an author might possibly be indulging in a little playful irony. The duties and responsibilities of the Sadar resembled those of a Chancellor, or an Ecclesiastical Registrar ; the chief difference being, that when the Sadar, as we have seen to be frequently the case, plun- dered the property of helpless widows and orphans, he was flayed alive, or trodden to death by elephants. As such punishments would be esteemed barbarous in modern times, and as our tortuous system of law generally delights to exercise its sophistries and subtilties in behalf of notorious criminals, there can be little doubt that, if any Sadar were in these days to prostitute the sacred obligations of his office to such infernal purposes, he would escape with impunity : — at least upon earth. CommiUunt eadem diverse crimina fato ; lUe crucem pretium sceleris tulit, hie diadcma. 254 GENERAL HISTORIES. people (may his mouth be crammed with mud !) applied foul and abusive language to the Prophet (the peace of God rest with him !) and grossly reviled all Musulmans. When the Brahmin was summoned before the Sheikh, he refused to come, so Sheikh Abii-l-fazl was sent to bring him. Sheikh Abu-1-fazl on his return represented what he had heard from the people of Muttra ; — namely, that the Brahmin certainly had used foul language. Upon this, the learned in the law decided, some of them for death, some for public exposure and fine. They were consequently divided into two parties, and held many disputations on the sub- ject. Although the Sheikh went to ask for leave to punish him capitally, the king would give no distinct reply, but said vaguely, that the Sheikh was himself responsible for carrying into execu- tion the sentence of the law, and enquired why he consulted him. During this long suspense the Brahmin continued in pri- son, and notwithstanding that the ladies of the royal household used their exertions to get him released, yet, out of regard to the Sheikh, the king would not give his consent. The Sheikh continued to importune the king for a reply, but all he could get was, that he had already passed his orders, and the Sheikh knew what they were. When the Sheikh returned to his home, he immediately issued orders for the Brahmin's death. When the king learnt this, he was very angry. The ladies vdthin, and the Hindus without, the palace, exclaimed, " Is this the faithless man whom you have promoted and favored, and has he reached to such a pitch of insolence as not to regard your wishes, and to put an innocent man to death, for the mere purpose of displaying his power and authority?" They conti- nued to pour such-like complaints into the ears of the king, so that he could no longer restrain his indignation. * * * One night, at xlmip-talao, a conclave of divines assembled, from whom he enquired their opinions on the subject. * * The king at last singled me out, and said, ** When ninety and nine opinions are in favor of one course of proceeding, and a hundredth in favor of another, do you think it right that the Muftis should act upon the latter. What is your opinion?" I replied, that it was a legal maxim that punishment should not be inflicted where there was any doubt. The king was sorrowful, and said, *' Was not Sheikh Abdu-n-nabi aware of this maxim, that he killed that unfortunate Brahmin?" I replied, that the Sheikh was certainly a wise man, and that he no doubt had acted in direct contraven- tion of the law, but that he might possibly have adopted that course, to restrain turbulence, and to strike at the root of the people's insolence. * * * The king's agitation was so great that his hair stood on end, like that of a lion, and some people behind me whispered that I should not carry the controversy any further. All of a sudden, he exclaimed in anger, "You are not at all right." Upon which GENERAL HISTORIES. 255 I made a low bow, and retired to a little distance. From that day I have abandoned my presumptuous and controversial man- ner, and take my place apart from the groups which surround the throne. It is only now and then that I venture to advance, and make my obeisance at a respectful distance. It was on this account that Sheikh Abdu-n-nabi's prosperity declined. * * * He died in the year 991. Sheikh Faizi. He is commonly called the " chief of Poets," but he was in fact a mere Poetaster. He excelled in the minor arts of versifi- cation, enigmatic lines and rhyming. In history, in philology, in medicine, in letter-writing, and in composition, he was without a rival. His earlier compositions in verse bear his titular name of Faizi, which he subsequently dignified into Faiazi, in order that it might correspond with the grammatical amplification of AUami, by which his younger brother, Abii-l-fazl, was known, but the change was ill-omened, for he sur^dved to enjoy his last title only one or two months, and then met his death with great alarm and inquietude. He was an idle and vain talker, a hypocrite, and a haughty, malicious, dishonest, envious, perfidious, and ambitious man. He reviled the three first Khalifas and disciples, the ancestors and descendants of the Prophet, the wise and the excellent, the pious and the saintly, and, in short all Musulmans in general, and ridi- culed the principles of their faith, privately and publicly, by night and by day. His conduct was so abominable, that even Jews, Christians, Hindus, Sabians and Guebres are considered a thousand times less odious. He acted entirely against the tenets of the Muhammedan religion. What was forbidden in that, Was law- ful to him, and vice versa. He composed a Commentary upon the Kuran, consisting entirely of letters without diacritical points, in order to obhterate the spots of his infamy, but the waters of a hundred oceans will never cleanse the stain he has contracted, until the day of judgment. He compos- ed it in the very height of his perfidy and drunkenness, and dogs were allowed to tread on every letter of it. In the same spirit of pride, stubbornness, and infidehty, he met his final doom, and in a manner which I trust no one may agam see, or hear of ; for when the king paid him a visit on his death-bed, he barked at his face hke a dog, as the king himself acknowledged in public ; his whole face was swollen, and his lips appeared black, as if soiled with dentifrice, insomuch that the king observed to Abii-l-fazl, *' surely the Sheikh has been rubbing dentifrice on his teeth, according to the Indian fashion." "No," replied Abii-l-fazl, "it is the stain of the clot- 256 GENERAL HISTORIES. ted blood which he has been spitting."* In truth, even this scene was but a small retribution for the blasphemies of which he had been guilty, and for the contumelies which he had uttered against the Prophet, the last of the apostles, (the peace of God be upon him, and all his family!). Several abusive chronograms were written on the occasion, of which the following are only a TpTxr T* •P •!* n* He had composed poetry for forty years, correct enough in point of versification and language, but utterly destitute of beauty, either in sentiment or religion. f He has joined the dry bones together pretty well, but the skeleton has no brains. The condi- ments of verse are sufficiently abundant, but quite tasteless, * * * as is proved by no one remembering his lines, although the very vilest poets meet with some quoters and admirers. Neverthe- less, he wrote, what with Diwans and Masnavis, more than twenty thousand lines ; and, notwithstanding that he expended the rich revenues of his jagir upon their transcription, and in sending copies to his friends, far and near, not one of them ever read his poems twice. The following verses of his own selection were given by him to Nizamu-d-din Ahmed as a memento. ******** Pray, tell me what beauty is there in them ! At the time that Sheikh Faizi was proceeding to take charge of his office of the deputyship of the Deccan, I wrote him two letters from the foot of the Cashmir hills, and informed him of the cause of the king's displeasure and his refusal to allow me to pay my respects. Upon this he wrote to the king a letter of recommendation, which was couched in the following words, and despatched it, on the tenth of Jamadiu-1-awwal A. H. 1000, from Ahmednagar to Lahore, and orders were given to Abii-l-fazl to place it among the records of the reign : — " May it please your Majesty ! Two friends of Mulla Abdu-I- Kadir have arrived from Badaun in great distress and sorrow, representing that the Mulla has been for some time ill, and that in consequence of his failing to perform the promise which he made respecting his return, the servants of the government have treated him with great severity, and that there is no knowing what the result of it may be. They enquired also if the prolonged illness of the Mulla was unknown to your Majesty. " Healer of the broken-hearted ! Mulla Abdu-1-Kadir is a very able man, and is well acquainted with all the sciences usually cul- tivated by the MuUas of Hindustan, and he was also a pupil of my * At the close of the historical narrative, the author tells us that Faizi had been spitting blood for six months before his death, and that his barking like a dog was the consequence of his making those animals his constant companions night and day, to insult the Musulmans, to whom they are an abomination. t This is by no means the general estimate of his poetry, which is greatly admired in India, even to this day. GENERAL HISTORIES. 257 father's. Your slave has been acquainted with him for nearly thirty-seven years. Besides being a person of deep learning, he is a poet, and composes elegantly in Arabic and Persian. He is not a mere imitator, but an original thinker. He also knows a little of Hindu Astrology and accounts, and is not at a loss in any field of knowledge. He is acquainted with foreign, as well as with native, music, and can play at both the small and big games of chess ; moreover, he writes a pretty good hand. Not- withstanding that he possesses all these accomplishments, he is content and entirely divested of avarice, of equable temperament, and a person of excellent morals and maimers, but poor, and with no fixed income. He is sincere and warm-hearted, and has every confidence in your Majesty's kindness. " At the time that the army was before Kiimbalmir, he volun- teered to join it. There he did the state good service, and received a donation for his wounds. Jalal Khan Korchi, when he first introduced him at Court, said, * I have brought a preacher to present to your Majesty,' at which your Majesty was gratified. Mir Fateh-uUah also represented something respecting the Mul- la's circumstances, and my worthy brother, Abii-l-fazl, also knows him well. But according to the proverb, *A grain of good luck is better than a sack full of skill.' " As the Court is the abode of the virtuous, I have taken the liberty to bring this destitute person to notice, and to place him before the foot of the throne, as if I was myself present. Did I not advocate his claims at this time, I should consider myself guilty of an offence against the cause of truth and justice. " May God, the omnipotent, place the slaves of the Court under the heavenly shadow of your royal Majesty ! and may he merci- fully make their feet firm in pursuing the path of rectitude, and justice, and in acquiring the knowledge of truth ! May he preserve your Majesty as the protector and nourisher of the helpless, the bestower of mercy, the pardoner of errors, throughout the world and all worlds, and bless you with thousands upon thousands of sources of wealth, abundance, grandeur and felicity, upon earth and in heaven ! I hnplore all this for the sake of the pure spirits who surround the throne of grace, and the saints upon earth who join in the matutinal chorus of prayer. Amen, Amen, Amen." Should any one, upon perusing this, observe, that Sheikh Faizi's regard and affection for me, which is evidenced by this let- ter, is but ill requited by the harshness and severity with which I have spoken of him, especially after his death, when the precept of '* speak not ill of the dead" should be strictly observed, I have only to reply, that the observation is perfectly just, but under the circumstances, I enquire, what could I do ? seeing that the truth of rehgion and the maintenance of one's faith are para- mount to all other obligations, and that the maxim I never deviate from is, that my love and hatred should be subservient to •2 L 258 GENERAL HISTORIES. God's cause. Although I was Sheikh Faizi's companion for forty years, nevertheless, after he apostatized from his religion, changed his manners, and entered on vain controversies, I became gradu- ally estranged from him, and, especially after what occurred at his death, I hold myself no longer his friend. When we are all sum- moned before the throne of God, we shall receive sentence accord- ing to our deserts ! Sheikh Faizileft a library of four thousand six hundred volumes, some of them exquisitely copied with, what may be said to be, even unnecessary care and expense. Most of them were auto- graphs of the respective authors, or at least copied by their con- temporaries. They were all transferred to the king's library, after being catalogued and numbered in three different sections. The first included Poetry, Medicine, Astrology, and Music ; the second. Philosophy, Siifyism, Astronomy, and Geometry ; and the third, or lowest, grade, included Commentaries, Traditions, Theology, and Law. There were also one hundred and one differ- ent copies of his poem, "Nal-Daman." The Tarikh-i-Badauni is one of the common- est histories to be met with in India. One of the best copies is in the Asiatic Society's Li- brary. Other good ones are to be found in Banda, Lakhnau, Kole, and Patna. Seven copies concur in giving the following as the initial verses, with the exception of a variety in the first word of the second line : — — Us^ jjUxj Jo U>j^ ci5;t>^^^*^ TT^^J y /•^J V'*^'^ ^^^' ^^ The work concludes with a date : — GENERAL HISTORIES. 259 Note G. On the knoivledge of Sanscrit by Mukammedans, It is a common error to suppose that Faizi (v. p. 221) was the first* Muhammedan who mastered the difficulties of the Sanscrit, — that language, ** of wonderful structure, more perfect than Greek, more copious than Latin, and more exquisitely refined than either." Akber's freedom from religious bigotry, his ardent desire for the cultivation of knowledge, and his encouragement of every kind of learn- ing, and especially his regard for his Hindu subjects, imparted a stimulus to the cultivation of Indian literature, such as had never prevail- ed under any of his predecessors. Hence, besides Faizi, we have amongst the Sanscrit translators of his reign Abdu-1-Kadir, Nakib Khan, Mulla Shah Muhammed, Mulla Shabri, Sultan Haji, Haji Ibrahim and others. In some instances it may admit of doubt, whether the translations may not have been made from versions previously done into Hindi, oral or written. The word Hindi is ambiguous when used by a Muhammedan of that period. Nizainu-d-din Ahmed, for instance, says that Abdu-1-Kadir translated several works from the * Elpliinstone's History of India, Vol. II. p. 281. Biographical Dictionary, L. U. K. Vol. I. p. 583. 2 L 2 260 GENERAL HISTORIES. Hiiidi. Now, we know that -he translated, amongst other works, the Ramayana and the Singhasan Batisi. It is much more probable that these were in the original Sanscrit, than in Hindi. Abdu-1-Kadir and Ferishta tell us that the Mahabharata was translated into Per- sian from the Hindi, the former* ascribing the work chiefly to Nakib Khan, the latter to Faizi. Here again there is every probability of the San- scrit being meant. In another instance, Abdu-1- Kadir tells us that he was called upon to trans- late the Atharvana Veda from the Hindi, which he excused himself from doing, on account of the exceeding difficulty of the style and ab- struseness of meaning, upon which the task devolved upon Hajilbrahim Sirhindi, who ac- complished it satisfactorily. Here it is evident that nothing but Sanscrit could have been meant. But though the knowledge of Sanscrit ap- pears to have been more generally diffused at this time, it was by no means the first occasion that Muhammedans had become acquainted with that language. Even if we allow that they obtained the abridgment of the Pancha Tantra, under the name of fables of Bidpai, or Hitopadesa, through the medium of the Peh- livi,t there are other facts which make it equal ly certain that the Muhammedans had attained * His account, which will be seen at p. 251, is very confused, and it is not easy to gather from it what share each of the coadjutors had in the translation. The same names are given in the Ayin-i-Akberi. t See Meraoire prefixed to S. de Sacy's Edition of Calilah wa Dim- nah, Paris, 1816. See also Biographie Universelle, Tom. XXI. p. 471. GENERAL HISTORIES. 261 a correct knowledge of the Sanscrit not long- after the establishment of their religion ; even admitting, as was probably the case, that most of the Arabic translations were made by Indian foreigners resident at Baghdad. In the Khalifate of Al-Mamun, the Augustan age of Arabian literature, the treatise* of Mu- hammed bin M6sa on Algebra, which was translated by Dr. Rosen in 1831, and the medi- cal treatises of Mikah and Ibn Dahan, who are represented to be Indians,t show that Sanscrit must have been well known at that time ; and even before that, the compilations of Charaka and SusrutaJ had been translated, and had dif- fused a general knowledge of Indian medicine amongst the Arabs. From the very first, we find them paying particular attention to this branch of science, and encouraging the profes- sion of it so much, that two Indians, of the name Manka and Saleh, the former of whom translated a treatise on poison into Persian, held appointments as body- physicians at the Court of Haric * * * « History of the kingdom of Cashmir and Hal. It is said that Hal was the descendant of Sanjwarah, son of Jandrat, and of the daughter of Dahrat. Having inherited in Hindustan the territories which had been occupied by Jandrat and Dassal, who were members of a powerful clan, (?) his autho- * This is no doubt the Ashkandra of Pottmger and others, which, as it is called by Biladori Askalandusah, is not improbably the Alexan- dria Oxydrace of the Greeks. 272 GENERAL HISTORIES. rity was very great. He built several cities and places of note. His country was remarkable for the superior quality of the cloth that was manufactured there. The exportation of this fabric, without the stamp of the king, was prohibited. This stamp was an impression of his foot with saifron. It happened that the wife of the king of Cashmir bought some of the cloth bearing the stamp of Hal,* and having made up a dress of the same, she appeared before her husband, who at the sight of the stamp got jealous, and asked her whence she got the cloth, and what stamp was on it. His wife replied that she had bought it from a merchant. The merchant was sent for, and the king made enquiries about it. The merchant said that the stamp on the cloth was an impression of king Hal's foot. On hearing this the king of Cashmir swore he would go and cut off the leg of king Hal. His Wazir observed, that there were " great many Brahmins in that country who would oppose him, and that he would not be successful." The king of Cashmir did not heed this advice, but marched out with his army. When Hal heard of the king of Cashmir' s intentions, he was much alarmed; he sent information to the Brahmins and told them of the king of Cash- mir' s threat, and said it behoved them therefore to throw obsta- cles in his way. The Brahmins offered up their prayers, and counselled him to have an elephant made of clay, and to have it placed in front of the battle field. Hal did so, and as soon as the king of Cashmir' s force, that marched in advance under their commander-in-chief, had come near the elephant, the elephant burst, and the flames it threw out destroyed a great part of the invading force. The king of Cashmir was then compelled to sue for peace, at the conclusion of which, Hal sent many presents to him ; and the king in order to fulfil his oath, cut off the leg of an image made of wax, and returned by water. He was advised not to proceed by water on account of the depth and strong current of the river. In compliance with this advice he disembarked. At every day's journey the river fell, till its breadth was diminished by several parasangs. In that country he built many houses and villages. The sea in Hindi is called Savandar (Samudr), Hence the chief town was called Savandi, and it exists to this day. He also built several temples and superb cities. Soon after, he was informed of the approach of an enemy, which obliged him to return to his country, whence he expelled the invaders. The government remained for a length of time in the hands of his descendants, and all the Hindus were obedient to them. * This is the same legend as that of Mihirakula in the Raja Tarin- gini, (II. 32 ;) and the foot plays an important part in several other Indian stories. One will be found above, at p. 104. See also Spren* ger's El-Mas'udt, p. 318. GENERAL HISTORIES. 273 XXIV. TARfKH-I-HAKKr. This work contains a brief general history of Muhammedan India, from the time of the slave- kings of Dehli to that of Akber, in the forty- second year of whose reign it was composed, i. e. A. H. 1005— A. D. 1596—7. The name of the author is Sheikh Abdu-1-Hakk bin Saifu-d- din of Dehli. From a quatrain in the preface of his history, it would appear that Hakki, " the true," while it contains a play upon his own name, is a mere literary appellation, assumed according to a practice common in the east, and by which name he seems to wish that his history should be known, though it is most fre- quently styled Tarikh-i-Abdu-1-Hakk. Abdu-1-Hakk was a descendant of one of Timur's followers, who remained behind, it is said, together with some other foreign chiefs, at Dehli, after the return of that conqueror to his native land. The Sheikh early appli- ed himself to the cultivation of knowledge, and at twenty years of age had mastered most 2 N 274 GENERAL HISTORIES. of the customary branches of education, and learnt the whole of the Kuran by heart.* At the time he was prosecuting his studies, the authort tells us that he used to go twice a day to college, morning and evening, during the heat of one season and the cold of another, re- turning for a short time for a meal to his own house. As he informs us that his dwelling was two miles from the college, this state- ment, if true, shows that he travelled eight miles a day, which, it must be confessed, exhi- bited unusual ardour in the acquisition of know- ledge. His father observed that he did not enjoy pastimes like other boys, and endeavoured to dissuade him from his intense application. Upon leaving Dehli, he associated for a long time with Abdu-1-Kadir, Sheikh Faizi and Nizamu-d-din Ahmed at Fatehpur,J but left them upon some slight misunderstand- ing. Nevertheless, through the interest of the latter, he obtained a passage on a vessel pro- ceeding to Arabia, whither he went on a pil- grimage. He dwelt for a long time in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and derived much instruction from the learned men of those cities. He wrote works upon many subjects — commen- taries, travels, Sufi doctrines, religion and his- tory, and his different treatises amount altoge- ther to more than one hundred. The best known are the Medina Sakina, the Madariju-n- * Bddshdh-ndma of Abdu-1-Hamid Lahori, (MS. fol. .451 v.) t Akhbdru-l-Akhydr, (MS. fol. 354 v.) X TanM-j-Badiwm' of Abdu-1-Kadir, (MS. fol. 228 r.) GENERAL HISTORIES. 275 Nubuwat, the Jazbu-1-Kulub,*and the Akhbaru- 1-Akhyar. In the year 1047 H. although he was then ninety years old, he is saidf to have been in full possession of his faculties, and to have employed himself in religious duties, in instruction, and composition, as vigorously as if he had been still a young man. The author, who now holds a high rank among the saints of Hindustan, informs us that his desire to write history arose from a perusal of theTarikh-i-Firoz-shahi, by which he alludes to that of Ziyau-d-din Barni, as he mentions that the lives of several kings are contained in it, which is not the case with the other histories of that name. But as that work concludes with the beginning of Firoz Shah's reign, he sought to obtain information respecting the kings who succeeded him, and lighted upon the Tarikh-i-Bahadar-shahi, written by Sam Sultan Bahadar Gujrati, from which he has extracted down to the reign of Behlole Lodi. He then thought it would be advisable to complete the reigns previous to those noticed in the Tarikh-i- Firoz-shahi, and therefore abstracted from the Tabakat-i-Nasiri the reigns from Mu'izzu-d-din Sam (Muhammed Ghori) to Nasiru-d-din Mah- mud bin Sultan Shamsu-d-din. He has been judicious in his small selection, as these three are the best authorities for their respective periods. From Behlole Lodi to his own time he has * This is a history of Medina, which was commenced in that city in A. H. 998, and has lately been very well prmted in Calcutta, t Bddshdh-ndma, ut supra. 2 N 2 276 GENERAL HISTORIES. depended on verbal information, and upon what came under his own observation, all the rest of his work being taken, as he candidly confesses, verbatim from the three authors above quoted. After carrying, in the first chapter, the general history of Dehli down to Akber's time, he gives, in the second, a compendious account of the rulers of Bengal, Jaunpur, Mandu, Deccan, Mul- tan, Sind and Cashmir, but the narrative is much too brief to be of any use. Extract. Shortly after ascending the throne, Firoz Shah was murdered by his maternal uncle Mubariz Khan. Selim Shah had antici- pated this, and had therefore asked his wife's consent to kill her brother, saying that if she did not accede to his proposal, she would not long see her son alive. The senseless woman, not think- ing her brother capable of such an act, would not give her consent, and accordingly Firoz Shah was soon after murdered, as Selim Shah had predicted. Firoz Shah reigned not more than three days and 5 hours. After his murder, all his Afghan relations claimed the throne. One assumed the title of Sekander, ano- ther of Sultan Ibrahim, and a third of Sultan Muhammed Adil. The rivals contested the point amongst themselves most pertina- ciously for three or four years, when at length, in the month of Shawwal in the year 963, the Humai of Humaiyiin again spread the wings of its prosperity and good luck upon the kingdom of Hindustan. The dust of distress which had obscured the beau- tiful face of the kingdom was washed away by the water of peace and union, and the heart of the country was invigorated by a new infusion of life. Joy and gladness, gratitude and boundless hope were diffused among all people, both high and low, rich and poor. Within six months of his second reign, Hum^iyun, while stand- ing one evening enjoying the fresh air on the top of the red palace in the Fort of Dehli, heard the '* Azan" called, and sitting down out of respect to the summons to evening prayer, his foot slipped by accident, and he fell to the ground. He died on the spot, or at least a few days afterwards, and the bird of his victorious soul fled to the nest of Paradise. From God we proceed^ to God shall we return ! He was succeeded by his son Sultan Abu-1-fateh Jalalu-d-din Muhammed Akber Badshah Ghazi, of super-eminent dignity, &c. GENERAL HISTORIES. 277 &c. He ascended the throne in his youth, and though more than forty years have elapsed since his reign began, he is still in the very bloom of his dominion, and in the commencement of his power, for every day brings accounts of new victories and new conquests, so that by the blessing of God his kingdom extends over the whole of Hindustan, (which is called " Chahardang,'* that is a quarter of the world,) including all its forts and territo- ries, without any one being associated with him in power, and without any one daring to oifer opposition. This country is bounded on three sides by the sea, and all the kings and their descendants, chiefs, nobles and Rajas, and all people, of every degree throughout the whole country, pay allegiance to him, willingly acknowledge him as their sovereign, and place the head of abject submission on the ground in his presence. Territories, treasures, elephants, horses, armies and all other things, suitable to the state and dignity of Emperors, came into his possession in such abundance, that they are beyond all calculation, and are of a value far exceeding any thing which has ever yet been in the possession of other Emper- ors. " This monarch, at the very commencement of his reign, eflPected that which kings who have reigned many years have not been able to accomplish ; God can place the whole world in the hands of one person !" The kings and Sultdns, who have been spoken of in this book, are not worthy of those titles in the presence of the exalted majesty of Akber, with the exception, perhaps, of one or two individuals ; but to call even them kings, in comparison, requires no small degree of courage and resolution. In short, it is difficult to describe the victories of the Emperor Akber, and the mode in which he captured countries, his regula- tions, his principles of government, his extraordinarj^ orders, hi» courteous and engaging manners, and the many innovations which he introduced. Entire volumes and registers would be requisite for such a purpose. If I be blessed with a long life, and if I receive the aid of God, I shall attempt to the utmost of my power to write the history of the Emperor. May it be the will of God that, through the aid of this omnipotent Emperor of Emperors, the Muhammedan law and religion may be established for ever and ever ! O God of the worlds, accept this prayer !" Size. — Small 8vo. containing 142 pages of 18 hues each. As this time-serving saint was prepared to speak of his reforming patron in such apropos- 278 GENERAL HISTORIES. terous strain of adulation, we have little reason to regret that he never fulfilled the purpose of writing an account of his reign. The best copy of this little history, which I have seen, belongs to Nawwab Nasiru-d-din Ahmed of Panipat, in whose collection it is im- properly called Tarikh-i-Salatin Ghori. Nizam- u-d-din, a physician resident at Banda, also possesses a good copy. In a Manuscript belonging to a native gen- tleman at Dehli, the first chapter closes with these words, " thus ends the first chapter of the Tazkiratu-s-Sal4tin," which would imply that this work is known by that name ; but, if so, it cannot be the work generally known as the Tazkiratu-s-Salatin, for that is devoted to au account of the Hindu dynasties, and upon that compilation Colonel Wilford, in his essay on Vicramaditya and Salivahana, makes the follow- ing just observations : — "This treatise is a most perfect specimen of the manner of writing history in India; for, excepting the above list, almost every thing else is the production of the fertile genius of the compiler. In all these lists the compilers and revisers seem to have had no other object in view, but to adjust a certain number of re- markable epochs. This being once effected, the intermediate spaces are filled up with names of kings not to be found any where else, and most probably fanciful. Otherwise they leave out the names of those kings of whom nothing is recorded, and attribute the years of their GENERAL HISTORIES. 279 reign to some among them better known, and of greater fame. They often do not scruple to transpose some of those kings, and even whole dynasties ; either in consequence of some pre- conceived opinion, or owing to their mistaking a famous king for another of the same name. It was not uncommon with ancient writers, to pass from a remote ancestor to a remote des- cendant; or from a remote predecessor to a remote successor, by leaving out the interme- diate generations or successions, and sometimes ascribing the years of their reigns to a remote successor or predecessor. In this manner the lists of the ancient kings of Persia, both by oriental writers, and others in the west, have been compiled : and some instances of this na- ture might be produced from Scripture. I was acquainted lately, at Benares, with a chronicler of that sort, and in the several conversations I had with him, he candidly acknowledged, that . he filled up the intermediate spaces between the reigns of famous kings, with names at a venture ; that he shortened or lengthened their reigns at pleasure ; and that it was understood, that his predecessors had taken the same liber- ties. Through their emendations and correc- tions, you see plainly a total want of historical knowledge and criticism ; and sometimes some disingenuity is but too obvious. This is, how- ever, the case with the sections on futurity in the Bhagavat, Vayu, Vishnu, and Brahmanda Puranas ; which with the above lists constitute the whole stock of historical knowledge among 280 GENERAL HISTORIES. the Hindus ; and the whole might be comprised in a few quarto pages of print."* The Tarikh-i-Hakki opens with a passage from the Kuran. vJlJI 2>5J^ ^^ ^^^ ^U ^^y aw] J^U. I ^^lal^^Jj ^^^ Ji j^lr ^Ifjj^AJly j.;:^ mc^ Jo. jMl^lr jlko^Jl L-CUJl vj5U <)L$ The conclusion varies. Three copies end with cU*-ww^s^, which precedes the passage given below. A fourth copy ends with l::^*;^*^^. The most perfect closes with a chronogram, which if written by the author, would seem to show that he wished his work to be styled Zikr-i-Muluk. The preface, as before observed, authorizes the name of Tarikh-i-Hakkl. jVjSti iS ^j^jsH] ^^ JU IS JU« ^-1 jju ^ cU^ J'j^^ c^jLc ^jTJi^ cuL^ &i chU^ *^ j«^ t5^ '^^ o^yi^^ c^*«i ^^^ * Asiatic ResearcheSy Vol. IX. pp. 132, 133. GENERAL HISTORIES. 281 '^y^ XXV. ZUBDATU-T-TAWARfKH. This is a general history, composed by Sheikh Nuru-1-Hakk, al-Mashraki, al-Dehlivi, al-Bo- khari, the son of Abdu-1-Hakk, noticed in the preceding article. The addition of al-Mashraki would imply that his family had changed their abode from Dehli to some district of Jaunpur. Niiru-l-Hakk's work is an enlarged edition of his father's history, and was composed, as the author informs us, in order that by improv- ing the style, and supplying omissions, he might render it worthy the acceptance of his patron, Sheikh Faridu-d-din Bokhari, with whom he was connected by marriage, and who suggested the undertaking. It is for this reason that a large space is devoted to an account of Sheikh Faridu-d-din's expeditions during the time of Akber, and an interesting detail is given of his proceedings in Cashmir, the Khyber hills, Jammu, Jasrauta, Ramgarh, and other places in the Sewalik hills. The same officer was sub- sequently appointed to the pursuit of Khusrd in the early part of Jehangir's reign, in which expedition he acquired credit for considerable 282 GENERAL HISTORIES. gallantry, and under the title of Murtaza Khan, managed for some time the affairs of the empire. The work commences with the reign of Kutb- u-d-din, and ends with the close of Akber's reign, which is copiously abstracted from the Akbernama, and comprises one half of the entire history of the Dehli emperors. This is by far the most valuable part of the work, for be- sides what he copies from Abu-1-fazl, the author writes much from his own knowledge of con- temporary events. A hope is held out that the author may be able to continue the work, and detail some of the events of Jehangir's reign, of whom he was a contemporary. Contents. History of the kings of Dehli, from p. 13 to 369. History of the kings of Malwa, from p. 369 to 418. History of the kings of Guzerat, from p. 418 to 458. History of the kings of the Deccan, from p. 458 to 482. History of the kings of Cashmir, from p. 482 to 506. History of the kings of Sind and Thatta, from p. 507 to 514. History of the kings of MuMn, from p. 514 to 516. History of the kings of Bengal, from p. 517 to 532. History of the kings of Jamipur, from p. 532 to 542. Size — Large 8vo. comprising 542 pages, of 16 lines to a page. By Muhammed Hashim, the author of the Muntakhabu-1-lubab, this history is styled the Tarikh-i-zubda. The name of Zubdatu-t-tawa- rikh is very common, and besides the history of this name, which will be noticed in another part of this work, there are two which have a clas- sical reputation both in the east and west ; one by Hafiz Abrii, noticed above, (Art : IV.) the other by Jamalu-d-din Ab6-l-kasim Kashi. GENERAL HISTORIES. 283 There i^ one also of a later date by Kama! Khan bin Jalal Munajjim. It is a general history, but chiefly devoted to Persia, the history of which it brings down to the close of the six- teenth century. Extracts. Sultana Razia, Sultana Razia was the daughter of Sultan Shamsu-ddm, and was a wise, just, merciful, aifable, beneficent, and fortunate sove- reign, possessing all the best qualifications which become a ruler, except that she was not endowed with the form of a man. She was appointed regent in the time of her father, and conducted herself with remarkable propriety. Her mother was the chief begum of the haram, and the daughter therefore was bred up with princely notions becoming her station. It is said that Sultdn Shamsu-d-din nominated her as his suc- cessor towards the close of his reign, and upon some of his rela- tions observing that it was not proper in him to select a daughter, when he had sons living, he replied, " my sons are immersed in youthful pleasures, and are by no means qualified to govern a king- dom, as you will yourselves observe when I am no more." When Sultana Razia ascended the throne, all business was again regulated according to the system established by her father, and which had been suspended during the late short reign ; but some of the ministers and chiefs raised the standard of rebellion against her, and it was only after much resistance, contention, and slaughter, that her authority was confirmed. She bestowed honors and lands upon her nobles, led her own troops to battle, and achieved victories at their head. After a short time, she discarded her female apparel and veil, wore a tunic and cap like a man, gave public audience, and rode on an elephant without any attempt at concealment. One of the most remarkable incidents which occurred at the beginning of her reign, was that, at the instigation of a person called Nur Turk, several Carmathians, and heretics of Hindustan assembled at Dehli from various quarters of Hind, Gujrat, Sind, the banks of the Jumna and Ganges, and the environs of the capital, and entering into a bond of fidelity to one another, de- clared open hostility against Islam. Wherever this Nur Turk preached, the vagabonds used to collect, and call the Sunnis fools and idiots, inflaming the minds of the common people against the wise men who followed the doctrines of Abu Hanifa and Shafa'i. This insolence reached to such a pitch, that on Friday, the 6th 2 o 2 284 GENERAL HISTORIES. of Rajab A. H. 634, about a thousand of these Carmathians, armed with swords and shields, came in two bodies to the mosque, and attacked the Muhammedans. Many were slain by the sword, and many were trampled to death by the crowd. Upon hearing the clamour, the royal troops seized their arms, and accompanied by several citizens, rushed towards the scene of the encounter, and making an attack upon the heretics and Carmathians, des- patched them all to hell, and thus at last the tumult was allayed.* Sultan Muizzu'd-din Kaikobad. Sultan Mu'izzu-d-din was seventeen years old when he ascended the throne. He was of a mild disposition, and courteous in his demeanour. It is said that Sultan Balban made his sons over to the care of tutors, and would not allow them any pleasure or recreation. If any one of them was not present at the stated times of prayer, the Sultan would not speak to him for a whole Week, or even a whole month, and would conduct himself toward the offender with great sternness and severity. Mu'izzu-d-din, after he became king, opened for himself the door of pleasure, and indulged in all kinds of debauchery, frivo- lity, and drunkenness. He built a new city and palace within the area of Kilukheri, on the banks of the Jumna, and collected there, from the countries round Dehli, a band of buffoons, jesters, players and singers, and surrounded himself with beauty and pleasure. All the people, on the principle of '^ like master, like * This curious anecdote is omitted by almost all the general histo- rians. It is here given by Nuru-l-Hakk nearly verbatim from the Tabakat-i-Nasiri. The Carmathians were the followers of a famous impostor, named Carmath, who in A. H. 278 was the author of a sect which subvert- ed all the principles of Muhammedanism. He was a person of great austerity, and asserted that God had commanded him to pray fifty times a day ; whereas Muhammedans enjoin only five prayers a day. His followers allegorized all the precepts of Muhammedan law. The sect multiplied greatly in Arabian Irak, and maintained during the period of their existence constant wars against the Khalifs. In A. H. 319, they took the city of Mecca, filled the holy well with dead bodies, defiled and plundered the temple, and carried away the black stone, and did not restore it till A. H. 339, pretending that they were ordered to do so by express revelation from heaven. The sect appears to have maintained itself for a longer period in India than elsewhere. Mahmud, the Ghaznevide, expelled them from the occupation of Multan, and here we find them in force at Dehli in the beginning of the thirteenth century. See Dictionary of Religious Ceremonies, v. Caramethah ; D'Herbelot, Biblioth. Or. v. Carmath ; Reinaud, Fragments, p. 142. GENERAL HISTORIES. 285 man," imitated his bad example, and gave themselves up to rioting and debauchery. Even the very mosques and other places of worship were defiled, and the idol temples and taverns were the scenes of riot and voluptuousness. There was no kind of adminis- tration or government ; high and low, rich and poor, had no work to perform, except to drink and be jolly, get up jovial parties, sing, gamble, squander money, recite poetry, search out for new means of gratification, and pass night and day in reckless pursuit of the grossest sensuality and ^ice. ******* Soon after he had determined, at the instigation of his father, on murdering the minister Mahk Nizamu-d-din, some of his nobles, when he was intoxicated in his private apartments, ob- tained his permission to accomphsh that purpose, and poisoned the minister by mixing a deadly potion in his wine. Upon his death, the little order and system which prevailed in the govern- ment was completely subverted, for he was an experienced and inteUigent statesman, and patronized learned men. A short time after this, Mu'izzu-d-din became perfectly dis- abled by paralysis, brought on by drunkenness and venery, and day by day his pain became more excruciating, as he lay at death's door in the very palace which had been the scene of his revels. Meanwhile, Sultan Jalalu-d-din, who held the post of 'Ariz, encamped atHapur with a body of adherents, consisting ofKhiljis and relations, for the avowed purpose of raising an army round his standard ; and seeing that Mu'izzu-d-din lay bed-ridden and incapable of exertion, he determined to seize the throne of Dehli for himself; upon this, the Turcomans brought forth the king's son, though he was but a child, from the female apartments, and seated him on the throne in the fort of Dehli, under the name of Sultan Shamsu-d-din. They also administered medicines to Mu'izzu-d-din in the palace of Kiliikheri. Sultan Jalalu-d-din, with a select body of brave and determined followers, entered the royal audience-chamber, and taking the boy from the throne, sent him to his father, Mu'izzu-d-din, and slew many of the chiefs who adhered to his cause. Two days after this, a nobleman, whose father had been killed by the king, was sent into the palace to murder him. As his life was nearly extinct, a few kicks were sufficient to despatch him, and he was rolled up in a bed-sheet and thrown into the Jumna. Jalal- u-d-din then seated himself on the throne in Kiliikheri, but fearing the townspeople, and the nobles of Mu'izzu-d-din' s Court, to whom the Khiljis were very obnoxious, he came forth from Kiliikheri, and according to the usual custom, ascended the throne in the old palace in the city. From that day the kingdom departed from the Turks, and came under the dominion of the Khiljis. 286 GENERAL HISTORIES. Sultan Aldu-d-din. H! * * * * * The Sultan came to Dehli, and encamped on the plain of Sabzi, and at the close of the year 695 H. entered the city, made the red palace the imperial residence, and distributed largesses. The people gave themselves up to pleasure, and rejoiced at acquiring unexpected wealth, while by these means Alau-d-din firmly secured himself in possession of the throne. The wife of Sultan Jalalu-d-din fled to her son at Multan, and Alau-d-din, considering that the destruction of the family of Jalal- u-d-din was essentially necessary for his own security, sent 40,000 horsemen to Multan, who invested the fort, and confined them within its walls. The sons were soon taken captive,* and sent to Dehli, when they were first deprived of their eyes, then imprisoned, and finally murdered, and all their effects were confiscated. In the year 698 H., the Moghuls created great consternation, and the army of Multan being sent against them, put them to flight. Soon after, the Sultan caused all the nobles who had deserted Jalalu-d-dm to be murdered, and demolished even their houses ; but two or three escaped who had adhered to the cause of Jalalu-d-din' s sons, and had evinced some show of gratitude. These men were promoted and received into favor, while all the rest were exterminated, root and branch. After this, he despatched his army on an expedition to Gujrat, and devastated the whole of that province. The Rai of Gujrat, who was then at Nehrwala, fled to Deogir, while his wives, daugh- ters, treasures, and elephants fell into the hands of the Muham- medans ; and the idol of Sumn^th, which the Hindus had again set up after the departure of Sultan Mahmud, was broken, and its fragments sent to Dehli. His generals plundered the super- intendents of the fire temples of money, jewels, and every article that was precious, and even exacted from the men in their own camp all the gold, silver, and jewels, which they had acquired as booty, after putting them to various kinds of torture. The con- sequence was, that they were driven to desperation, and rebelled. The Sultan, who had remained at Dehli, seizing their wives and children, with the cruelty which was natural to him, threw them into prison, and Nusrat Khan, one of his officers, gave their women over to the Kaianians for pollution, and dashing the little children upon the heads of their own mothers, thus barbarously put them to death. From that time commenced the practice at Dehli of making innocent wives and children suffer for the mis- * Other authors tell us, that after the city had been invested for two months, it surrendered, on the condition that the lives of the princes should be spared, — Alaf Khan, the king's brother, guaranteeing their security. GENERAL HISTORIES. 287 deeds of their husbands and parents : — for this barbarous mode of punishment did not prevail before this period. During this year he sent an army against Sewestan, and after conquering the country, the women and children were chained by the neck and feet, and transported to Dehli. At the close of the same year, Kutlugh Khwajah made an inroad into Hindustan with several thousand Moghuls from Mawarau-n- nahr. They marched towards Dehli, creating great alarm and intercepting all communication. The Sultan left the city and encamped at Sabzi. * ***** It is reported that one day when K^i Mughisu-d-din was sent for, he represented that he knew his end was approaching, "Because," said he, " I must declare what is written in our books, and that may not be palatable to the king." The king said, " Speak the truth and fear not." He then enquired, " From what Hindu is it proper to demand taxes according to the law relating to Zimmis." He replied, "From him who pays the revenue collector with full acquiescence and unhesitating readiness, for, as it is perfectly lawful to slay an infidel, the capitation-tax has been imposed instead of death." The Sultdn smiled and said, " You speak according to the written law, but you see my zeal for religion has already induced me without any instruction to treat Hindus in the manner you mention." The Sultan again enquired, " If the pubhc servants are guilty of peculation and embezzlement, is it lawful to treat them as common thieves." The Kazi replied, ** Provided the servants receive sufficient salaries from the pubUc treasury, if they take more in the way of peculation and embez- zlement, they may be treated with the very extreme of severity and torture ; but it is not lawful to mutilate them, as that punish- ment is reser\'ed only for the most heinous offences." The Sul- tan said, " That is precisely what I do. I confiscate all their property of every kind and degree, and throw it into the pubhc treasury. I have thus checked their malpractices and perfidy, and shortened the hands of these avaricious people, so that they should not commit frauds upon my exchequer." ****** At the dead of night they brought the remains of Alau-d-din out of the palace of Siri, and buried them in the tomb which he had constructed in his lifetime, near the Manih^r musjid. After his death, Malik Sabit, called the Kafir, set up as king, for three short months, Shababa-d-din, youngest son of Alau-d-din, though he was only five or six years old, and constituted himself as minister. He blinded the two elder brothers of the young prince, and imprisoned all the ladies of the royal household, till at last some of the slaves of Alau-d-din, who were in possession of the palace of Hazar-SituD, murdered him, and relieved the world of his atrocities. 288 GENERAL HISTORIES. Suit an Kutbu'd-din Mubarak Shah. He was son of Sultan Alaii-d-din, and was seventeen years old when he began to reign. He sent Shahabu-d-din to Gwaliar, and dreading the haughtiness and presumption of the men who had assassinated Malik Sabit, he dispersed them in various directions, putting to death those who professed themselves the leaders, and who assumed too independent a tone for his security ; he then gave himself up to pleasure, rioting and debauchery. On the very first day of his accession he released all the culprits impri- soned by his predecessor, amounting to seventeen or eighteen thousand men, and distributed a donation of six months' pay to the whole army. He increased the stipends of the nobles, as well as the pensions and allowances of the learned, and restored to their former possessors many of the villages and lands which had been resumed during the reign of Alau-d-din. He ordered also that all the petitions, which had been thrown aside during the preceding reign, should he brought forward, that all grievances should be redressed, and that the people should be reheved of the heavy contributions, fines, and imprisonments, to which they had been subject. In short, he annulled all the rules and regulations of Alau-d-din, and the people felt free and happy when relieved of their intolerable oppression and severity. Wealth again began to flow into their purses, and pleasure, revelry, and wine were the order of the day. As a natural consequence, immorality and disregard of religion began to prevail, and although almost the only regulation of Alau-d-din which the Sultan maintained, was the prohibition against the drinking of wine, yet as he himself was absorbed in his own pleasures, he set so bad an example to his own subjects, that his precepts were ineffectual. Notwith- standing that Kutbu-d-din achieved victories, conquered whole countries, and subdued Gujrat, Deogir, and other places, and not- withstanding that wealth and abundance were diffused among the people, yet at last his disposition became soured, and all his excellent qualities were converted into vices. It was not long before tyranny resumed its reign, and blood began to flow as freely as in the reign of his father. He associ- ated with singers and buffoons, and even insulted the saintly and revered Sheikh Nizamu-1-Hakk. Amidst these manifold sources of ruin and calamity, the greatest arose from his affection for a Hindu lad, of the Parawan caste, whom he named Khusrii Khan, and elevated above the heads of all the nobles in the kingdom. All the remonstrances of his counsellors were of no avail, and he only repeated to his favorite what people said of him, telling him that all his kingdom, his chiefs, his army, were not in his estima- tion worth a hair of Khusrii Khan's head ; — ^which of course only augmented the pride and insolence of the favorite. GENERAL HISTORIES. 289 One night when they were at their revels, the ungrateful wretch murdered his patron, and threw his body down from the roof of the Hazar-Sitiin. He then ruthlessly massacred all the children, women, slaves, and all the families related to Alau-d-din, and utterly exterminated them, so that the vengeance of Almighty God at last overtook Alau-d-din for his treacherous murder of Jalalu-d-din, and it was shown that " we shall all be rewarded according to our deeds." After this wholesale massacre, Khusrii Khan, by means of his wealth and the assistance of the Hindus, as well as because he had removed all opponents, proclaimed himself Sultan, ascended the throne, lavished the treasures, left by Alau-d-din and Kutbu- d-dm, upon the people of the city of all degrees, and assumed an air of royal pride and haughtiness. He increased the state and dignity of his Hindu relations, and of the few Musulmans who ad- hered to his cause, and took to himself the, wife of Alau-d-din, before the usual period of mourning had expired. Hindus, dur- ing this period, took the women of Musulmans to their houses, and made seats and foot-stools of the sacred volume. They worshipped their idols in mosques, and rejoiced extravagantly throughout the whole country, that Dehli had again become Hin- du. For four months, prayers were read for that ungrateful Hindu in the public pulpits, and his vile name was stamped on the coin of the realm. Sultan Muhammedy son of Tughlnk Shall, It was about this time that the whole of the Duiib became unable any longer to bear up against the grievous rack-renting and oppressive taxes. The people in despair set fire to their bams and stacks, and carrying away their cattle, became wan- derers on the wide world. Upon this, the Sultan gave orders that every such peasant who might be seized should be put to death, and that the whole country should be ravaged and given up to indiscriminate plunder. He even himself marched out of the city for that purpose, as if he had been going on a hunting ex- pedition, put to sword all the remaining population, and ordered their heads to be displayed from the battlements of the fort. In this way, he utterly depopulated whole tracts of his kingdom, and inflicted such rigorous punishment, that the whole world stood aghast. In short, the cruelties of this tyrant, whom some men call the just, surpass all belief. 2 P 290 GENERAL HISTORIES. Ghaidsu-d-din Tughlak Shah, Upon tlie death of king Firoz, Tughlak Shah, the son of Prince Fateh Khan, was raised to the throne in the palace of Firozabad. Having distributed among his nobles the high offices of the empire, he despatched a large army against Sultan Muhammed Shah, who, after a slight resistance, proceeded from Sirmur to Suket, whence he fled to Nagarcote, being pursued by the army of Tughlak Shah. Under the influence of his youthful passions, Tughlak Shah gave himself up to debauchery and frivolity, and having but little experience in the concerns of government, thought it incumbent on him to imprison his own brother, Khurram Arslan Shah ; upon which Abu Bakr, son of Zafar Khan, the son of Sultan Firoz, actuated by the fear and suspicion arising from the fate of the Prince, took to flight. Malik Ruknu-d-din, the Deputy "Wazir, and a number of other nobles, having joined Abii Bakr, marched out and put Malik Mabarak Kabir to death, before the entrance of Tughlak Shah's palace at Firozabad, and the king, alarmed at the superior power of the rebels, fled with Khan Jehan through the gate facing the Jumna. Malik Ruknu-d-din pursued and seized him, and putting him and his followers to death, suspended their heads from that gate. " What pleasures are there under the sky ? The kid frolics before the butcher's shambles." This event occurred on the 21st Sufar 791 A. H. Tughlak Shah reigned six months and eighteen days. Ahu Bakr, son of Zafar Khan, so7i of SuUdn Firoz, Abu Bakr, after subjugating his enemies, was placed on the throne with the title of Abii Bakr Shah, and possessing himself of the treasure, retinue and armies of Firoz Shah, became all- powerful. Sultan Muhammed, proceeding from Nagarcote to Samanah, proclaimed himself king, and commenced collecting an army. The Amir Jadida (Moghul levies) of Samanah and the owners of lands situated at the foot of the hills, acknowledged his supreme authority. Some of the nobles, deserting Ahu Bakr Shah, did Sultan Muhammed homage, and the Sultan marched well equipped on Dehli from Samanah, and by the time he reached the environs of that city, he had collected a body of Cavalry to the amount of fifty thousand men. On the 25th Rabiu-l-iikhir 791, A. H. he reached the palace of Jehan-numai. GENERAL HISTORIES. 291 On the 2nd of Jamadiu-1-awwal a battle was fought between the Sultan and Abu Bakar, in which the former sustained a total de- feat. Crossing the Jumna with two thousand horse, he entered the Diiab, and sent back his son, named Humaiyiin Khan, to Sama- nah, with orders to collect an army and join him, while he him- self continued at Jalesar near the banks of the Jumna. A fresh army of fifty thousand horse and foot was accordingly raised. In the month of Sha'ban of the same year, Sultan Mu- hammed marched on Dehli, a second time, and again encountered Abii Bakar Shah. But Sultan Muhammed's fortune being still unpropitious, he was defeated in this battle likewise. " Though you make the dust of battle rise like columns of smoke, yet will your bravery be unavailing, if fortune does not favour you. If the key is not in your hand, no force will enable you to wrest open the door of victory." Sultan Muhammed Shah, still continuing at Jalesar, issued orders to the people of Multan, Lahore, and several other places, directing them to kill the dependants of Fi'roz Shah, wherever they might find them. Accordingly, a general massacre and great depredation ensued, roads were closed, travelling ceased, and houses were desolated. In the month of Muharram 792, A. H. Prince Humaiyiin Khan marched out, accompanied by several of the nobles, and laid waste the environs of Dehli, but Abii Bakar Shah, despatch- ing a force to oppose him, put him to flight. :ic Sultdn Ibrdhhn, son of Sikander Lodi. In his time, 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 Sultan Alau-d-dln Khilji, — but even that is doubtful. Moreover, in the time of the latter, the cheap- ness was occasioned by every kind of 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 maunds of com could be purchased for one Behloli : five sers of clarified butter, and ten yards of cloth, could be purchased for the same coin.^ Every thing 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 abundant, and pro- duce increased ten-fold beyond the usual proportion. The Sul- tan issued an edict that his chiefs and nobles of every degree should take nothing but corn in pajrment of rent, and no money was to be taken from the cultivators on any account. Countless quantities of grain accumulated in the several jagirs, 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."' If one offered four maunds for the Beh- loli, another, on account of his necessities, or for annoyance, or envy, would offer five, and some even more than that, until at last the abundance of God's blessings reached such a height, that ten maunds would sell for a Behloli. Gold and silver were only procurable with the greatest difficulty. A horseman received five tankas a moiith, and if any one spent a hundred tankas, he might be considered to be possessed of great wealth. If a traveller wished to proceed from Dehli to Agra, one Behloli would sufiice for the expense of himself, his horse, and four attendants, and would even carry them through with all that they could possibly desire. Sultan Ibrahim, son of Sikander Lodi, reigned eight years. GENERAL HISTORIES. 293 Shere Khan, In the year 950 H. Piiran-mal, son of Salhdi, held occupation of the fort of Raisain, and brought several of the neighbouring Perganahs under subjection. He had a thousand women in his Haram, and amongst them several Musalmanis. After Shere Khan had been sometime engaged in investing the fort, an ac- commodation was proposed, and it was finally agreed that Puran- mal, with his family, and children, and four thousand Hindus of note, should be allowed to leave the fort unmolested. Several men learned in the law gave it as their opinion that they should all be slain, notwithstanding the solemn engagement which had been entered into. Consequently, the whole army, with the elephants, surrounded Piiran-mal's encampment. The Rajputs fought with desperate bravery, and after killing their women and children, and then burning them, they rushed to battle, and were annihilated to a man. After that, Shere Khan retired to Karra, and after remaining there sometime, set out on an expedition to Marwar, and at every stage he dug an entrenchment and raised a temporary fortress, advancing with the greatest care and circumspection. When- ever he met with a sandy soil and could not raise a fortress, he piled up a heap of sacks, and constructed a defensible position out of them. ****** Shere Khan made the road which now runs from Dehli to Agra, by cutting through jungles, removing all obstacles, and building sarais. Before that time, people had to travel through the Diiab between those two places. There was so much security in travelling during his reign, that if a lone woman were to sleep in a sarai with silver and gold about her person, no one would dare to commit theft upon her ; and if it ever did so happen that any one lost any property, the Mukaddams of the village, which was the scene of the robbery were subject to fine, and for fear of its infliction, the Zeminddrs used to patrol the roads at night. Shere Khan founded many cities after his own name, as Shere- garh, Shere-cote ; and since the Dehli of Alau-d-din's time was far from the river Jumna, he demolished it, and founded a new city on the banks of the river, which exists to this day. He erected also for its defence a broad wall, which the shortness and precariousness of his reign did not admit of his completing. It is said that once when looking in a glass, he exclaimed, " Alas ! that I have attained the erapu'c only when I have reach- ed old age, and when the time for evening prayer has aiTived. Had it been otherwise, the world would have seen what I would 294 GENERAL HISTORIES. have accomplished." Sometimes he would say, by way of show- ing what difficult and even impossible objects he contemplated, ** I would have made a bridge to span the ocean, so that even a widowed and helpless woman might without difficulty perform the pilgrimage to Mecca." To this day there exists a caravansera of his building at Mecca, in which Afghan fakirs reside. Akher. In the year 985, H. a magnificent comet appeared on the western horizon, about the time of evening prayer, and there it remained for two hours, exceedingly brilliant, and inspiring great terror. It remained visible for several months, and always appeared at prayer-time. When the astrologers were desired to ascertain and report what its appearance portended, they replied, that the eifects of that star with long locks would be felt most severely in the countries of Irak and Khorasan ; and, true enough. Shah Ism' 11, father of Shah Tahmasp, ruler of fran, departing this life about that time, went to the land of eternity, and griev- ous troubles ensued in that country. Up to this time, the King used to attend public worship at the five stated times, whether he was in the capital or in camp, and the reciters of the Kuran, who were on the royal establishment, used to read that sacred book both at prayer, and at other times. Indeed the King himself used to take the lead in worship. One of the incidents of the year 986 H. was the King's aban- donment of the national religion, which became a stumbling block to many people weak in the faith. The cause of this dere- liction was, that the court became the centre of attraction to all sects, persuasions, and people, to the learned of Khorasan, Irak, Mawarau-n-nahr, and Hindustan, to doctors and theologians, to Shias and Sunnis, to Christians and Philosophers, to Brah- mins and professors of every existing religion. These all upon hearing not only of the King's affability and condescension, but his superiority to all others in regal dignity and power, as well as in humihty, flocked to his presence, and occupying themselves with relations of history and travels, and dissertations about reve- lations, prophecies, and religions, were perpetually engaged in angry controversies, and as generally happens with confirmed dis- putants, all were eager to draw others to their own views and persuasions, and passed day and night in "yeaing and naying." As this was the first time that the King had heard these discus- sions upon past history, customs, and religions of other nations, he was much struck with the novelty. He endeavoured to extract GENERAL HISTORIES. 295 what was good from the contrary opinions which were expressed, giving the most deUberate attention to all that he heard, for his mind was solely bent upon ascertaining the truth. If some of his companions had their dispositions and sentiments affected by the inherent sin of their nature during these controversies, and became unable to withstand the temptations to apostacy, that is another matter ; — love of the world may have actuated them. The king used openly to say in the presence of his officers, doc- tors and chiefs, — " My sole object, oh ! wise Mullas, is to ascer- tain truth, to find out and disclose the principles of genuine reli- gion, and to trace it to its divine origin. Take care, therefore, that through the influence of your human passions, you are not induced to conceal the truth : and say nothing contrary to the almighty decrees. If you do, you are responsible before God for the consequences of your impiety." Previous to the time that this address was made, several doctors and theologians of Hindustan, such as JNIaulana Abdullah Sul- tanpuri, commonly known as IMakkdiimu-l-mulk, and Sheikh Abdu-n-nabi, the Sadar, and others, were constantly present at Court, and received great favours from the king. The two learned men first mentioned were considered the best authorities on all questions pertaining to reUgion and law, but they frequently held opposite opinions to one another, and expressed themselves in tones of anger and recrimination, so that at last their credit and reputation declined in the king's estimation, and he became in- different to the reUgion which they professed. The common people learning day after day something about the nature of the subjects discussed in these assemblages, could so little compre- hend the real purpose for which they were held, that they mis- represented the king's object in encouraging them, and entertained suspicions of his motives which were derogatory to his character, and but little deserved. One of the wonders of art which was exhibited during this year (A. H. 1003,) was the work of Saiyid Hasan Shirazi. He placed a chest before him, and when any one gave him a rupee, he threw it into the chest, and it kept on rolling until it fell into the lowest compartment. Upon this, a parrot which was chained to it began to speak, and two fowls began also to cackle at one another. Then a small window opened, at which a panther put out its head, and let a shell fall from its mouth into a dish which was placed on a lion's head, and the shell then came out of the lion's mouth. A short time elapsed, when another door opened, and another lion came forth, took the shell in its mouth, and retired, and the doors again closed. Two elephants then appeared with perfect trunks, and there were also two figures of men, wha sounded trumpets. A rope then thrust itself forward, and agaiu 296 GENERAL HISTORIES. retreated, of its owii accord. Two other men then advanced, and made obeisance. Shortly after, another door opened, and a puppet came forth with an ode of Hafiz in its hand, and when the ode was taken away from the puppet, it retired, and the door was closed. In short, whenever a piece of money was placed in the hands of Hasan Shirazi, all these marvels were exhibited. The king first gave a gold mohur with his own hand, and witnessed the sight. He then ordered his attendants to give a rupee each. The odes which were presented were given by the king to Nakib Khan, by whom they were read out. This exhibition lasted for several nights. During the year 1004, H. there was a scarcity of rain through- out the whole of Hindustan, and a fearful famine raged continu- ously for three or four years. The king ordered that alms should be distributed in all the cities, and Nawab Sheikh Farid Bok- hari being ordered to superintend and control their distribution, did all in his power to relieve the general distress of the people. Public tables were spread, and the army was increased, in order to afford maintenance to the poor people. A kind of plague also added to the horrors of this period, and depopulated whole houses and cities, to say nothing of hamlets and villages. In consequence of the dearth of grain and the necessities of rave- nous hunger, men ate their own kind. The streets and roads were blocked up by dead bodies, and no assistance could be ren- dered for their removal. In this year also, the King, while witnessing an antelope-fight, was wounded in the thigh by one of their horns, which penetrated very deep. Great alarm was felt throughout the country, but after rietiring for a few days to the inner apartments, and seating himself on the carpet of affliction, he recovered, by the blessing of God, and restored comfort to the hearts of all the worlds. One of the curiosities exhibited this year was manufactured by the most celebrated physician of the time. Hakim Ali. It filled every beholder with wonderment, however wise he might be. He built a room of about the ordinary breadth and length, to which the only entrance was at the top, by a sort of trapdoor. Nevertheless, over the roof of the room he constructed a reser- voir, which remained full of water, and although no one cpuld enter the room except by plunging into the bath, — when upon reaching this single entrance he gained access to the room, which he found furnished by carpets, books, and all the conveniences of a sitting room, — yet no water by any chance ever got into it. It is said that the King one day with some of his private com- panions got into the room in the way above indicated, and after remaining there some time enjoying their conversation, left it again by the passage through that single trap-door. GENERAL HISTORIES. 297 The Zubdatu-t-Tawarikh of Nuru-1-Hakk is not uncommon in India. One of the best Ma- nuscripts belongs to Nawwab Suraju-1-mulk, Minister of Haiderabad. An examination of four copies shows them to be uniform in the initial lines : — ^Uaiilj ,::5U$^^ kjl-ao^ JjJIyo^ j^Uc^ «^!;^i*" 5 l^'^jLj- ) ^ji^v^l In two copies the last line of the conclusion is omitted : — i_5*j^ 'Jj't^ (^/i^^ Li^JJaJU ^1 • I Jju t}^ JL» «j^y ^JiJuJaLu 2 Q 298 GENERAL HISTORIES. XXVI. RAUZATU-T-TAHIRIN. The ** Garden of the Immaculate," a general history by Tahir Mu hammed bin Imadu-d-Dhi Hasan bin Sultan Ali bin Haji Muhammed Husain Sabzwari. It was commenced A. H. 10 1 J — A. D. J 602-3,— three years before the death of Akber, and concluded A. H. 1015 — A. D. 1606-7, — after the accession of Jehangir ; and as the year of the Hijrah 1011 is numeri- cally represented by Rauzat, the author, as he tells us in his preface, has combined that word with his own name, Tahir, to form the fanciful title he has given to his history. The contents of the work are much the same as those of other general Asiatic histories. It begins with a copious Index, which it is to be regretted other authors have not imitated. It extends to the 45th page, and serves as a chro- nological table, as it shows how long each sovereign reigned. The Rauzatu-t-Tahirin is divided into five Books (kism), subdivided into Chapters (bab), and Sections (fasl). Some of these Sections are GENERAL HISTORIES. 299 more minutely subdivided, not for the mere purpose of showing the author's ingenuity, but because the different Dynasties treated of real- ly required the distinction. Contents. Book I. — Comprises an account of the creation, forty pro- phets, twenty-two ancient sages, Persian and Arabic Dynasties before Muhammed, including the Peshdadians, Kaianians, Ash- kanians, Sassanians, and Ghassanians. In three Chapters : — from p. 45 to 641. Book II. — The Khalifas, and the Dynasties which rose under the Abbasides, such as the Tahirides, Samanians, Buyides or Deilemites, Ghaznevides, Ghorians, Karakhitayans, Seljiikians, Atabaks, &c. In four Chapters: — from p. 641 to 826. Book III. — The Dynasties of Tatars, Moghuls, and Turks, Othmanlis of Constantinople, Changez Khan, Timiir, and their predecessors and descendants, with several other Dynasties, in- cluding the Kar^-kiiinlii and Ak-kiiinlu* rulers, and the Sa.hi kings of Persia. In seven Chapters : — from p. 826 to 981. Book IV. — " On the Rulers of India, previous to the intro- duction of Muhammedanism, called the Brahmins of Hind ; who, when troubles and disorganization prevailed, made their appear- ance, as persons endowed with every excellence, for the regenerati- on of the country. Their appearance is called Avatar, of which there have been nine from the beginning of the creation until now, i. e. from the Fish Avatar down to Khrishna Avatar.'* Abstract of the Mahabharata and Harbans Puran ; the history of the Siirajbans and Chandarbans Rajas, and those who suc- ceeded them. In two Chapters and a Conclusion. Book V. — The Sultans of India, beginning with the Slave kings and ending with Akber, and an account of his contempo- raries, comprising fourteen nobles, fifty-seven poets, twenty-four doctors and philosophers ; the rulers of Sind, Multan, Cash- mir, Guzerat, Malwa, Deccan, Jaunpiir, and Bengal ; the wonders of the world, including an account of Ceylon, Pegu, Arracan, CAch. Bchar and Portugal. In four Chapters : — from p. 981 to 1200. Size — Folio, 1200 pages, containing 23 lines in a page. * Respecting the orthography of these names, see above, p. 137 It might have been added that Briggs gives it as Koovinloo, {Ferishta, 111.341) which Hammer- Purgstall characterizes as being " in accord- ance with his usual perverse method of spelUng." (Jahrb'dcher, No. h. p. 56.) 2 Q 2 300 GENERAL HISTORIES. It will appear, therefore, that Book V. or about one-sixth of the entire work, is devoted to India ; but as it contains in that portion little that is not equally well told elsewhere, it is not of much value, except as a useful compen- dium. It is unfortunate that the only useful portion of this Book, namely, the third Chapter on Indian Biographies, is not included in the Volume. A more serious hiatus occurs in the exclusion of the whole of Book IV., though there is no break in the paging. This, as well as the biographical portion, may form separate Volumes, or may, perhaps, not have been writ- ten, for they are not included in two copies which I have consulted. The work is most copious in the legendary history of Persia, which is contained in Book I., comprising more than half the entire Volume. The chief authorities quoted in the work are the Rauzatu-s-safa, Tarikh-i-guzida, Lubbu-t- tawarikh, Tarikh-i-nizami, and the Bahmanna- ma ; and from these, several Chapters are copied verbatim. Extracts. Sultan Mu'izzu-d-dm Muhammed Sam Ghori led his army into Gujrat, and in the first action overthrew Rai Bhoj Deo. In a second engagement between them, the Rai succeeded in defeating the Sultan ; but in a third which ensued, Sultan Mu'izzu-d-din completely routed his antagonist, and captured from him numer- ous elephants, together with all his regal equipage and property. On his return from Gujrat, he besieged Khusrii Malik, the Ghaz- nevide, in Lahore, and took from him some elephants and treasure. Next year he marched his troops in the same direction, and entirely subdued Lahore, and appointing his own deputies to govern it, returned to Ghazni. GENERAL HISTORIES. 301 In India he captured several forts, such as those of Sialkot and Sirhind, and garrisoned them with his own men. Next season Sultan Mu'izzu-d-din made another expedition into India, and killed Raja Pithaura in a single action. He left Sultan Kutbu- d-din Eibek, one of his favorite slaves, in the fort of Kohram, and retunied to Ghazni. The following year, the Sultan came again to India, and pro- ceeded to Canauj, the Raja of which place he reduced, took pos- session of three hmidred elephants, and appointed Sultan Kutbu- d-din viceroy at Delhi. ****** Sultdn Mu'izzu-d-din soon after turned his attention towards reducing some disaffected Khokar chiefs, who had revolted on the confines of Lahore, during the Sultan's absence. Thence he advanced to Lahore, and recaptured the hills of Sewalik from the Zemindars, and having, ordered his army to Delhi under the command of Kutbu-d-din Eibek, he left Lahore to return to Ghazni, but was assassinated at Damek on his way, in the month of Sha'ban, 602, A. H. by some Khokars who had vowed to ac- complish this object. Sultan Mu'izzu-d-din' s reign lasted four years. Sultan Muhammed A'dil. In the year 961, H. Sultdn Muhammed A'dil ascended the throne. He favoured many of the chiefs of his army, and promoted their interests ; he summoned to his presence Mian Ma'riif, the adoptive father of Selim Khan ; but Mian Ma'riif prayed to be excused ; the king then ordered Mian Shah Mu- hammed, and his grandson Sekander, to attend ; on their obey- ing His Majesty's commands, Sarmast Kh^n intimated to them that the Sultan had been pleased to dispossess them of their jjigir of Canauj, and to confer it on himself, and recommended them to solicit of the king another jagir instead. On hearing this, Sekander inquired of His Majesty the reason why he and Sh^h Muhammed had been deprived of the jagir which had been so long in their possession, and ol its being bestowed on such a low dog-seller as Sarmast Khan. This reflection on his origin having exasperated Sarmast, he looked for an opportunity when he might assassinate Sekander without being observed, but the latter perceiving Sarmast' s design, stabbed him with a dagger, and ' then ran towards the king, who fled into the inner apartments of the palace. In the confusion that ensued, the attendants of His Majesty also sought safety by flight. It is said that Mulla Maj du- d-din, one of the ministers, was so bewildered by this tragedy that was acting around him, that he got upon a wall, taking it for a horse, and began to dig his heels into it, and urge it on. Sekan- 302 GENERAL HISTORIES* der observed his strange attitude, and exclaimed, " Be not afraid, you, are quite safe." Sekander Khan then put several other amirs to death; but Ibrahim Khan Stir, with some others, furiously assaulted him, and despatching him with their swords and lances, sent him to the world of non-entity. On the death of Shah Muhammed and his sons, Daulat Khan Lohani became so wealthy that, in imitation of Sultan Muhammed Tughlak Shah, he used to fill little vessels with pieces of gold and silver, and disperse them in different directions, and whoever was for- tunate enough to secure one of these vessels, received the sum of 500 Tankas from the royal treasury on presenting it.* The nobles and officers of the army, finding Sultan Muhammed totally neglectful of the administration of the country, assumed independence. Hemiin, by caste a Bania, inhabitant of Rewari having ingratiated himself with the monarch, was appointed com- mander-in-chief of his army, and Shamsher Khan, a slave of Sher Khan, was invested with the title of Daulat Khan. Taj Khan Kerani, with Imad and Sulaiman his brothers, revolted against the Sultan, and fled from Gwaliar towards Behar and Bengal. Sultan Muhammed Adali being informed of their proceed- ings, detached some forces to pursue them closely. They came to action near Canauj, where Taj Khan was defeated, and fled towards Chunar, and shut himself up in that exceedingly strong fortress. Hemun, accompanied by a large army, and well supplied with elephants, crossed the river Ganges, beseiged Chunar, took it by storm, and fully established che Sultan's power by these re- peated successes. About this time, Ibrahim Khan, son of Gh^zi Khan Sur, cousin and brother-in-law of Adali, took alarm and fled to Biana. Sultan Muhammed despatched Tsa Khan Niazi to chastise him ; an action ensued in the vicinity of Kalpi, in which Isa Khan Niazi was completely defeated. Ibrahim Khan then re- paired to Dehli, where he ascended the throne, assumed the title of Sultan Ibrahim Shah, coined money in his own name, and ex- tended his authority over several towns and districts near the capital. In consequence of this rebellion. Sultan Muhammed Adeli was compelled to suspend his expedition against the Keranians, and marched, without a halt, to the banks of the Jumna, where he encamped. Ibrahim Khan sent a message to say, that if the Sultan would send Hasan Jalwani, and Pahar Khan Shirwani, commonly called A'zam Humaiyiin, with some other nobles, to * Other authors say that arrows tipped with precious metal were dis- persed and paid for at the above value, and with much more probabi- lity they ascribe the extravagant folly to Muhammed Adil, whose igno- rance and absurdity obtained for him the nicname of Adali (the foolish.) GENERAL HISTORIES. 303 ensure him a safe conduct, he would come and consult regarding the terms of a treaty of peace. They were accordingly sent, and upon their swearing that Ibrahim Khan should be well treated, he left the city, and encamped opposite to Adeli : who taking alarm at Ibrahim's means of resistance, broke up his camp, and went oif. Meanwhile, the Jagirdars of the Panjab, such as Tatar Khan Kashi and Haibat Khan, set up Nasib Khan, brother-in-law of Adeli, as king, with the title of Sultan Sekander, and marched with the intention of opposing Sultan Ibrahim, but on arriving near Farrah, twenty miles from Agra, they became alarmed at the strength of the enemy, and made proposals of accommoda- tion, to the effect that Sekander should rule the Panjab, and that all the rest of Hindustan, from the borders of Sirhind and Dehli, should remain with Ibrahim. But Ibrahim would not listen to these terms, and trusting his fortune to the chance of war, was defeated, and fled to Sambal, when the provinces of Agra and Dehli came into Sekander' s possession. It was about this time, that Nasiru-d-din Muhammed Humai- yun arrived at Lahore from Cabul. Upon which Sekander has- tened towards Lahore, and being defeated by the Moghul troops, fled to the hills. Of the few copies which I know of this his- tory, one is in the possession of Shahzada Mirza Ghulam Fakhru-d-din Bahadar, son of the king of Dehli ; the second is in the Asiatic Society's Library, containing only the three first Books ; the third is in the Library of Nawwab Suraju-1- mulk, minister of Haiderabad, labelled with the name of Tarikh-i-Tahiri, under which it is often quoted by those authors who have consulted the work. There is also one at Mirat, and one in the Moti Mahall Library at Lakhnau. Major Stewart mentions it in his Catalogue,* but though he divides it into five Books, it is evident from his table of contents that his Volume comprises only the three first Books. * Descriptive Catalogue of Tippoo Sultdn*s Library, p. 6. 304 GENERAL HISTORIES. M. Fraehn classes the Raiizatii-t-TahiriM amongst his desiderata.* The Rauzatu-t-Tahirin commences with the words : — I aJU! ^X^ tUs^ Jj-^s'* i*'^ U— N^^ ,3^ j^lsA) ^Ijj jjdx/« It concludes thus, after an expression of thanks to God, that the author had been allow- ed to bring his laborious task to completion : — ^. '^^ Sr^V*^ ^t\i;!y v-T^ dxl -^^ ^) it^i^y ^^1 L-^xcj j^t3^* ^^j^ ^^ •— ^i^ s/-''^ *^'^' ^y^. ); ^UXoJb C>*«) u-^^Ua^ ^ cJ-^^ '»'^y ^ ^^ '3 The concluding lines of the single Manu- script consulted are as follows ; but the work, as before observed, is defective : — ^ jjjL&.Lw j^A^ %dy>-^ j]yj^ *j^-i(ai) ^) yii^, 1^ ol^-?^ Jj^-* **?;b*^^ I » Jar) ^Lkv^lj Si-^ %M^ AXa* 5sJ^t_ri *i.^ ^J^^ * c:^lj ^^hj^ ^^Ujc sU. s^ j]yM» j]yti 310 GENERAL HISTORIES. XXVIII. TARIKH-I-FERISHTA. This work is by common consent, and not undeservedly, considered superior to all the other General Histories of India. The author, Muhammed Kasim Hindu Shah, surnamed Ferishta, was born at Asterabad, on the borders of the Caspian Sea, about A. D. 1570.* His father, a learned man, by name Ghulam Ali Hindu Shah, left his native country, when our author was very young, and travelled into In- dia. He eventually reached Ahmednagar in the Deccan, during the reign of Murtiza Nizam Shah, and was appointed to instruct Miran Husain, the son of Murtiza, in the Persian lan- guage ; but he died soon after this selection, and Ferishta was left an orphan in early youth. The introduction which his father's ac- quirements had procured for him at Court, secured for the son the favour and patronage of Murtiza Nizam Shah, so that we find him the * This is according to the opinion of his translator. General Briggs ; but M. Jules Mohl adduces a good reason for the probability of his having been born 20 years earlier, or A, D, 1550. — Journal des Sa- vants, 1840, p. 213. GENERAL HISTORIES. 311 confidential counsellor of his sovereign, and holding the office of Captain of the Guard, on the day that the king was deposed by Prince Miran Husain, although he was then only six- teen or seventeen years of age.* He would have met the same fate as all the rest of the king's attendants, had not the prince recog- nized him, and personally interposed to save his life. When Miran Husain was himself deposed and murdered, in less than a year after this event, Ferishta appears to have taken no active part in the troubles and revolutions which en- sued. As he was a Shia, his religious persua- sions were an obstacle to his acquiring any influence at a Court, where the Sunni was the predominant doctrine ; and he not long after quitted Ahmednagar, and proceeded to Bijap6r, where he arrived, according to his own state- ment, in the year 1589, and was kindly received by the regent and minister, Dilawar Khan, by whom he was presented to Ibrahim Adil Shah, the reigning monarch. It was not apparently till after the flight of the regent, that he was again introduced at the Court of Bijapur, by InayetKhdnof Sliiraz. This occurred about the year 1593. The king, who had up to this period shown him no particular favour, received him graciously, and presented to him a copy of the Rauzatu-s-safa, remarking that no competent person had hitherto written a general history of * The importance of the post he occupied would seem to show, that A. D. 1550 is a more probable date than 1570 for his birth. 312 GENERAL HISTORIES. the Muhammedans in India, except Nizam- u-d-din Bakhshi, and that his work was too brief and imperfect, especially as concerned the Deccan. The king at the same time enjoined him to supply the deficiency, and to avoid the falsehoods and flatteries which had always disfigured works of that nature. Previous to his introduction by Inayet Khan, he seems to have been engaged in a military capacity, for he speaks of his being wounded and taken a prisoner by Jamal Khan, the usurper of Ahmednagar, — but into the details of this there is no occasion to enter. He shortly after effected his escape, and spent nearly the whole of the remainder of his life in high honour at the Court of Ibrahim Adil Shah, devoting his leisure to the composi- tion of his history. He speaks little of himself after this occurrence, but in A. D. 1504, he escorted the princess Begam Sultana from Bija- pur to Ahmednagar, was present at her nuptials with Prince Danial Mirza at Mungi Paitan, and attended her as far as Burhanpur in Khan- des, the capital of her husband's government. After his return to Bijapur, he was deputed on a mission to the emperor Jehangir, for the purpose, as General Briggs, with great proba- bility supposes, of conveying his sovereign's condolence on the death Akber, and his con- gratulations on Jehangir's accession to the throne of the most potent empire in the east. Ferishta overtook the Court of Jehangir near Lahore, on its route to Cashmir, in the year GENERAL HISTORIES. 313 1606. He probably took a circuitous route on his return, for we find him speaking of Rohtas in Behar, as being the strongest fortress he had seen in India. During his travels, which at one time reached even to Badakhshan, he must of course have extended his observation, and amassed the materials which were made use of in his history. The date of his death is altogether unknown. Briggs supposes that it occurred in 1612, mak- ing him only forty-one years of age. M. J. Mohl supposes him to have revised his work up to at least 1623, making his age not less than seventy-three. The work is divided into an Introduction, twelve Chapters, and a Conclusion. Contents. Introduction. — Upon the Hindus, and the progress of early Muhammedanism in India : pp. 5 — 30. Book I. — The kings of Ghazni and Laliore : pp. 31 — 91. II.— The kings of Dehli: pp. 92—517. III. — The kings of the Deccan, in six Chapters — (1) Kal- burga, (2) Bijapur, (3) Ahmednagar, (4) Tilanga, (5)Ber^r, (6) Bidar : pp. 518— 730 ; and Vol. II. pp. 1—349. IV.— The kings of Giijrat : pp. 350—460. v.— The kings of Malwa: pp. 460—541. VI.— The kings of Khandes : pp. 541—568. VII.— The kings of Bengal and Behar : pp. 568—603. IX.— The rulers of Sind : pp. 625—639. X.— The kings of Cashmir : pp. 640—700. XI.— An account of Malibar : pp. 700—710. XII. — An account of the Saints of India: pp. 710 — 786. Conclusion. — ^An account of the climate and geography of India : pp. 786—892. Size — Folio, in two Volumes. Vol. I. comprising 730 pages, and Vol. II. 892 pages, each containing 20 lines. 2 s 314 GENERAL HISTORIES. The introduction gives a very imperfect view of Indian History previous to the Muhammed- an invasion, and may be considered of equal vahie and authenticity with the first ten Books of Livy, or Dr. Henry's first volume of the His- tory of Great Britain, based on the poems of Ossian. Most of the other Indian Historians have followed in his wake, and not one of them has yet attempted any thing like a critical ac- count of this dark period. Dynasties and races are confounded, in order to form an unbroken series of kings : but it is possible that some of the synchronisms between Persian and Indian heroes may be derived from traditionary poems or some ancient records, now unknown. The value of the work commences from the Muhammedan period, the history of which he has compiled from the best sources available. The author states in his preface that he is indebted for his materials to thirty-five differ- ent Histories, but he has quoted in the body of his work several more, besides those he has enumerated, and such conscientious and excel- lent use has he made of his predecessors, so entirely has he exhausted all the prominent facts mentioned by them, that they have been rendered almost useless to any but the most anxious and attentive student of Indian His- tory, who may hope here and there to glean something of interest which Ferishtamay have overlooked. Hence it is with great difficulty that any MSS. of those authorities are now procurable. He is also free from prejudice GENERAL HISTORIES. 315 and partiality ; he does not even flatter the prince in whose reign he lived; and though not entirely without sectarian bitterness when noticing Saiyids, and though not exempt from Muhammedan bigotry, when speaking of the wholesale massacres of the defenceless Hindus, he is more divested of that feeling than any other author of his own religious creed, who recounts similar atrocities. Dow, indeed, has observed of him, that '* he seems as much divested of religious prejudices, as he is of political flattery or fear. He never passes a good action without conferring upon it its own reward of praise, nor a bad one, let the villainous actor be never so high, without stig- matizing it with infamy."* But some of the few extracts which follow will show that this indiscriminate praise requires to be received with some qualification. This History is styled by the author himself Gulshan-i-Ibrahimi and Nawrasnama. The former name is derived from the king to whom it was dedicated, and hence it is frequently quoted under the name of Tarikh-i-Ibrahimi. The latter name was given to it in commemora- tion of the new Capital, Nauras, which his patron, Ibrahim Adil Shah, commenced building in the year 1599. Ferishta presented the first draught of his history to Ibrahim Adil Shah in A. D. 1606, but it is evident that during the rest of his life he was engaged in revising it, and even * History of Hindustan, Preface, p. vii. 2 s 2 316 GENERAL HISTORIES. adding whole chapters, where it was deficient. It is supposed by General Briggs that, as the existence of Portuguese factories at Surat in A. D. 1611, is one of the last things mentioned, he completed the work about that period, and shortly after died ; but he enters into a detailed descriptionof Asirin A.D. 1614-15,* and there seems even reason to suppose that he mentions an event of a date even ten years subsequent to that.t The first and second Books, giving an ac- count of the Dehli Emperors down to Akber, was translated by Col. A. Dow in 1768, in such a manner as to make Gibbon, with his usual critical sagacity, suspect, that through some odd fatality the style of Ferishta had been improved by that of Ossian, and complain of its not being " easy in his florid text, to distin- guish the version and the original. "J: Of his own work, Dow says : ** The translator, being sensible of the impropriety of poetical diction in the grave narration of historical facts, has in many places clipped the wings of Ferishta's turgid expressions, and reduced his metaphors into common language, without, however, swerving in the least from the original meaning of the author. "§ But he has so interwoven his own remarks with those of the author, that it is sometimes difficult to separate them, and in such a manner * Ferishta, Lith. Text, Vol. II. p. 567. t Ibid, Vol. II. p. 568. X Decline and Fall, Vol. X. pp. 319, 339. § History of Hindostan, Preface, p. ix. GENERAL HISTORIES. 317 too as sometimes to convey an entirely different meaning from that which Ferishta intended. His orthography is exceedingly loose and in- accurate, and some of the commonest sentences are misunderstood. In favor of Dow, it is to be remembered, that this was one of the first works translated by an Englishman into Persian, that its publication gave an impulse to the study of that language, that the means of acquiring a full knowledge of it were difficult, and that the florid diction was occasionally used to gloss and embellish an imperfect comprehension of the original. In his third volume he leaves Ferishta, and ab- stracts several histories of a later period. In 1786, Mr. Anderson published in the Asia- tic Miscellany the text and translation of the eleventh Book. The History of the Deccan has been well translated by Captain Jonathan Scott, but not with such exactness as to merit the reputation he has acquired. His work was published at Shrewsbury in two volumes, 4to. in 1794, and has been republished in London in 4to. and 8vo. The first is devoted to Ferishta. The second contains the annals of Aurangzebe's reign, and an account of the decline of the mo- narchy, which will be more particularly noticed hereafter, in the third volume. The names of Ferishta and his translator have been most amusingly combined by M. de la Richarderie into Jonathan Schof Heristal* * Biblioth. des Voyages, Tom. V. p. 76. 318 GENERAL HISTORIES. But the translation of the entire work by General Briggs, in 4 Vols. 8vo. 1829, has thrown others into the shade, and is by far the most valuable store-house of facts connected with the Muhammedan Dynasties of India, which is accessible to the English reader. He has added also some valuable Appendices, and filled up some of the histories deficient in the original. As the author says that he had failed in pro- curing any written accounts of the Kutb-shahi, Imad-shahi and Berid-shahi Dynasties, the translator has supplied an Appendix to the history of the kings of Golconda, which extends to 147 pages. He has given also a chronologi- cal epitome of the wars of the Portuguese in India, as connected with the history of the Deccan, tables of comparative chronology, an alphabetical list of the proper names, titles, and oriental words, with explanations attached, an alphabetical list of names of countries, mountains, rivers, and towns, and interspersed several valuable notes throughout the work. He has, however, omitted the history of the Saints of Hindustan, forming the twelfth Book of the original, which, though containing little historical information, gives a good idea of the general sentiments, legends, and superstitions current in India, respecting the doctrines, stu- dies, penances, miracles, and follies of the Saints of the Indian Calendar. Some of them indeed, have played no inconsiderable part in the his- tory of their respective periods by their counsels and by the spiritual influence they exercised GENERAL HISTORIES. 319 over the princes, who were their obedient dis- ciples or devoted admirers. There are, also, other omissions of a more important character. A few passages have been taken from the single reign of Firoz Shah, to illustrate the difference which is found to prevail between the translation and the original. It arises, partly, from his having sometimes followed Scott and Dow without alteration, but, chiefly, from his having used one of the early editions of A. H. 1020, for translation, and not having availed himself of the many additions which were made by the author up to the latest period of his life. If a new edition of the first translation would not be too arduous a task for the accomplished translator, a sup- plementary volume of additions and corrections, derived from the lithographed text, would be very desirable ; for though they may be of no importance to the general reader, they are essential to be known to the scholar, for the purpose of critical enquiry, and to enable him to dispense altogether with the original, which, with the present translation, admirable as it is in other respects, he cannot do. Some of the additional passages in these few Extracts con- tain relations of facts, and names of men, titles, and places, which are of no inconsiderable im- portance to the correct understanding of Indian history. The translation of General Briggs has been reviewed in the Vienna Jahrhilcher, by J. Von 320 GENERAL HISTORIES. Hammer.* The review is somewhat uncandid, for it takes little notice of the merits of the work, and confines itself principally to censures upon its " monstrous orthography and errone- ous calculation of dates." Of the latter, he ad- duces several, which certainly evince a want of care, or, what is more probable, the use of a set of incorrect tables ; but of the former the system is not by any means so faulty, as to deserve the epithet of *' monstrous." The trans- lator explains his own system in the Preface, and he has adhered to it closely. It is far superior to any which had hitherto been used for a work of equal extent. Every name is so written as to show that the translator knew how the original was spelt, which certainly cannot be said for Dow, or for most Oriental translators, — so written, as to enable any scholar to write the original word correctly, — and so written, moreover, as not to mislead the ignorant reader as to the correct pronunciation. It is to be re- membered, also, that the translation was meant for Englishmen, and that any Englishman not versed in Oriental Literature would run less chance of error in pronouncing the words writ- ten in this translation, than he would in pro- nouncing words written according to the most systematic method, adapted to please the eyes of critics and scholars. If we take some of the words selected by the reviewer, many of them marked as monstrous * Jahrbiicher, No. li. pp. 36 — 58. GENERAL HISTORIES. 321 with notes of admiration, we shall be able to judge of the propriety of his strictures. For Kutheddin, says the reviewer, the translator writes Kootb-ood-deen ! For Alaeddin, Alla- ood-deen ! For Ghaiaseddin, Gheias-ood-deen ! For Mesud, Masaood. For Ibek, Eibuk. For Dikhen, Deccan. For Gudschurat, Guzerat. For Dschihangir, Jehangir. For Abu-nassr, Aboo-nusr. For Terdschumet Jemini, Turjooma Yemni. These are taken from two pages* only, the italics representing the reviewer's system : and, really, to people who have ears and eyes, setting aside whether they are Englishmen or not, the reviewer's corrections show to little advantage. Where we have dsch to represent j, no one can complain if we have oo to repre- sent w, or e, — as the reviewer writes it, with de- cided incorrectness ; or ma for met, which though perhaps correct in writing, is most certainly incorrect in pronunciation. These petty cavil- lings are unworthy of one of the most distin- guished Orientalists of the Continent, but they are not confined to our translator — the pro- foundest scholars of the world have not escaped his critical reprehensions, which he sometimes lavishes with a most unsparing hand, and very often on the most trifling lapses of spelling, version, or punctuation. If any one wishes to see more on this subject, let him consult the " many hundred proofs of * Jahrhucher, No. li. pp. 38, 39. 2 T 322 GENERAL HISTORIES. the reviewer's own gross ignorance" by Diez,* and read the two and twenty illustrious names, adduced by Fallmerayer, which our critic has " handled with remarkable severity."t The translation has also been reviewed by M. Jules Mohl, but in an impartial and critical spirit, and in a series of articles replete with informa- tion on the subjects discussed in them. His biography of Ferishta is the fullest and most correct which we have, being derived not from the translation, but the original subsequently lithographed at Bombay, to which he has devot- ed the chief portion of his able review. While he gives their due meed of credit to all the translators, he very fairly exposes the defects in each of them, and shows how worthy he himself is to undertake a faithful translation of the whole work.]: Extracts. Mahmud having thus settled his affairs in India, returned in the autumn to Ghizny, where he remained during the winter. In the spring of the year A. H. 399 — A. D. 1008— he determin- ed again to attack Anundpal, Raja of Lahore, for having lent his aid to Dawood, during the late defection in Multan. Anundpal, hearing of his intentions, sent ambassadors on all sides, inviting the assistance of the other princes of Hindustan, who now considered the expulsion of the Mahomedans from India as a sacred duty. Accordingly, the Rajas ofUjein, Gwaliar, Kalunjar, Canauj, Dehli, and Ajmir, entered into a confederacy, and collect- ing their forces, advanced towards Panjab with the greatest army that had yet taken the field. The Indians and Mahomedans arrived in sight of each other on a plain, on the confines of the province of Peshawur, where they remained encamped forty days * Unfug and Betrug in der morgenl'dndischen Litteratur nehst vielen hundert Proben von der groben Unwissenheit, &c. &c. Halle und Berlin, 1815. t Gelehrte Anzeigen, Vol. IX. Coll . 531, 632. X Journal des Savants, 1840. pp. 212—226, 354—3/2, 392—403. GENERAL HISTORIES. 323 without coming to action. The troops of the idolaters daily increased in number. The Hindu females, on this occasion, sold their jewels, and melted down their golden ornaments (which they sent from distant parts), to furnish resources for the war ; and the Gukkurs, and other warlike tribes joining the army, sur- rounded the Mahomedans, who were obliged to entrench their camp. Mahmud, having thus secured himself, ordered six thousand archers to the front to endeavour to provoke the enemy to attack his entrenchments. The archers were opposed by the Gukkurs, who, in spite of the king's efforts and presence, repulsed his hght troops and followed them so closely, that no less than 30,000 Gukkurs with their heads and feet bare, and armed with various weapons, penetrated into the Mahomedan lines, where a dread- ful carnage ensued, and 5000 Mahomedans in a few minutes were slain. The enemy were at length checked, and being cut off as fast as they advanced, the attacks became fainter and fain- ter, till, on a sudden, the elephant upon which the prince who commanded the Hindus rode, becoming unruly from the effects of the naptha balls,* and the flights of arrows, turned and fled. This circumstance produced a panic among the Hindus, who, seeing themselves deserted by their general, gave way and fled also. Abdulla Taee, with six thousand Arabian horse, and Arslan Jazib, with 10,000 Turks, Afghans, and Khiljis pursued the enemy day and night, so that 20,000 Hindus were killed in the retreat. Of the spoil, 30 elephants (besides other booty) were brought to the king. ****** When Param Deo, and the Raja of Ajmir, and others, had assembled a large army and taken possession of the roads, in order to oppose the Sultan, the latter found it impracticable to face them, and therefore marched to Multan by way of Sind. On his journey thither, owing to the scarcity of forage at some places, and of water at others, his army experienced great trouble and distress. It was with considerable difficulty he at length reached Ghizny in the year 417, A. H. It is said that when the Sultan was proceeding to Multan through the deserts of Sind, he gave orders to procure a guide to conduct him on his journey. A Hindu offered his services, but treacherously led the army through a path, which brought them to a place where no water could be procured. When the army had passed on for a whole day and night, and found no water at any place, they were sore set, and every thing wore the appearance of the horrors of the day of judgment. The Sultan then asked his guide the reason why he had brought them to such a fearful pass : the Hindu rephed, that he was a worshipper of Somnath, and had conducted the king and his army to the desert, with a view to their destruc- * See Note H. 2 T 2 324 GENERAL HISTORIES* tion. The Sultan being exceeding wrath, ordered his men to put the Hindu to death. On that very night the Sultan retired from his camp to a neighbouring spot, and prostrating himself on the earth, offered up prayers, mingled with lamentations, to Almighty God, imploring deliverance from the danger in which he was placed. After the first watch of the night had elapsed, a light was seen towards the north. The army, according to the Sultan's com- mand, directed their march towards the hght, and by the morning found themselves in safety on the borders of a lake. Thus the piety of the Sultan rescued him from the brink of destruction. It is mentioned in the Jama-ool-Hikaiat that when the Sultan on one occasion saw an idol in a Hindu temple poised in the air without any support, he was much surprized at the sight, and enquired of the philosophers of the times the cause of the pheno- menon. They answered that the roof and walls of the building were entirely made of magnet, and that the idol, which was made of iron, being equally attracted from the different points of the magnetic edifice, was thus naturally suspended in the middle of it. On one of the walls being destroyed by the orders of the Sultan, the idol fell to the ground. At* the time of the death of Mahomed Toghluk, his cousin, Malik Feroze Bdrbek, nephew of Gheiasu-ood-deen Toghluk, was in the camp. Mahomed Toghluk having a great affection for him, inasmuch as he had paid the most devoted attention to the king during his illness, proposed making him his successor, and accordingly recommended him as such on his death-bed to his nobles. On the king's demise, the army fell into the utmost disorder ; to remedy which, Feroze gained over the majority of the Indian chiefs to his party, and prevailed on the Mogul mer- cenaries to remove to some distance from the camp, till he should be able to compose the differences which existed in the army. \Malik Firoz Bdrhek thought it expedient, with reference to Altun Bahadar and the nobles who had come from Amir Kazghan as auxiliaries, to bestow dignities and honorary dresses upon them, according to their respective ranks, and to give them their dismissal, remarking that it was not improbable, that dissen- sions might arise between them and the soldiers of Hindustan, which would lead to disturbances, and therefore that it was bet- ter, before he marched, that they should break up their camp and depart. Altun Bahadar concurred in the propriety of this recommendation, and immediately striking his camp, pitched it at a distance of ten miles^ Amir Nowroze Kurkin, the Mogul * In the five passages which follow from the reign of Firoz Tughlak, the Italics represent the additions which are to be found in the litho- graphed edition. GENERAL HISTORIES. 325 chief who commanded the troops of his nation in the army, son- in-law of Turmesherin Khan, who in the time of Muhammed Tughlak Shah had come to India, and been enrolled among the chief nobles of the land, now acting a most ungrateful part, quitted the camp on the same night, and joined Altoon Tash, the leader of the auxiliary troops, to whom he suggested that the king of Hindustan was dead, that the army was without a leader and totally disorganized, that the time was favorable for them, and that it was their business as soldiers, to plunder the late king's treasure on its march the next day, and then to retreat to their native country with all the money and jewels they could possess themselves of. Altoon Tash being persuaded to enter into this scheme, the Moguls returned next morning to the camp, which was still in disorder, [to the army which was moving on like a caravan, without a guide, and without system or arrange- ment'] and after a sharp skirmish, loaded several camels with treasure [plundering several treasure-chests which were laden upon camels], took captive many children of both sexes, and were not sparing in their pillage. In order to secure himself from further depredation, Feroze \the XJmras of Sultan Muhammed, oppressed with a thousand fears and alarms,] led the army to Sevustan, commonly called Sehwan, and during the night took every possible precaution to defend himself [themselves^ against the Moguls, and thought rest and sleep a forbidden indulgence. Meanwhile the officers of his army, Makhdum-zdda Abbdsi Sheikh-u-Shelyuk, Ndsira-u-din Mahmud, and ITdhi, better known as Chirdgh Behli, and otherwise and holy men, grandees and chiefs, all with one accord having waited on Malik Feroze Biirbek, re- presented that the late king had constituted him his successor, and that no other nobleman was more worthy of the honor, and entreated him not to reject the cares of state, but to ascend the throne, to which, after some hesitation, and declaring that he would proceed on a pilgrimage to the two holy cities and Uejdz, when he could no longer resist their importunities he gave his assent, and was accordingly proclaimed king on the twenty-third of Muharram, after he had passed through more than fifty stages of his illustrious life. On the same day he gave orders to ran- som the prisoners, who during the late disorders had fallen into the hands of the turbulent people of Tutta, and the Moghuls, and on the third day he marched against the rebellious people of Tutta and the Mogul auxiliaries, whom he defeated, [that he might take any of them prisoners wherever they might be found, or that he might slay them,] and took many of their chiefs pri- soners [in short, many of the Moghul chiefs were seized and put to death.] Amir Nauroz Kurkin and Altun Bahddar, seeing no further advantage in delay, hastened to their own country with the utmost precipitation, and even the people of Tutta who had proceeded to the greatest extremities in their insubordination 326 GENERAL HISTORIES. and rebellion^ placed their feet within the boundary of allegiance. The accession of Sultan Firoz Shah ivas hailed as a blessing by the people, and they prayed for his health and wealth with all earnestness. Shortly after, he inarched by uninterrupted stages from Sewastdn to the fort of Bhakar.^ ****** In the year A. H. 754 — A. D. 1353, — the king, having hunt- ed at Kallanore, at the foot of the hills, caused, on his return, a palace to be built on the banks of the Soorsutty. In the month of Shuwal of the same year, he appointed Khan Jehan to the charge of Dehli, with unlimited powers, and himself marched with a large army towards Luknowty to subdue Haji Elias. This chief had assumed royal honors and the title of Shumsoo- d-deen, and had also occupied with his troops the whole of Bengal and Behar, as far as Benares. On the king's arrival in the neigh- bourhood of Gorukpoor, the Zemindars of that place made the usual presents, and were admitted to pay their respects. [XJdi Sing, Mukaddam of that place, came to pay his respects, and presented a suitable offering in money, together with two ele- phants, and was received with distinguished favour ; and the Rdi of Gorakhpur also paid up the arrears of tribute which had accumulated for several years, and both of them accompanied the king on his march.^ * The following is Dow's translation : — " When the death of Mahommed happened, his cousin Feroze was in the imperial camp. He was nephew to the emperor Tughlick ; and Mahommed having conceived great friendship for hira, designed to make him his successor, and, for that purpose, recommended him upon his death-bed to the Omrahs. Upon Mahommed's demise, the army fell into the utmost confusion. Feroze, having gained over the majo- rity of the Omrahs to the party, prevailed, with presents, upon the Mogul mercenaries to move to some distance from the camp to pre- vent disturbances, till he should reduce the rest of the army to obedi- ence. Amir Norose, a Mogul chief, who commanded a great body of the imperial troops, deserted that night, and, having joined Altu, the general of the Mogul mercenaries, told him, that now was the time to plunder the late emperor's treasure, and to retreat to their native country. Altu was easily prevailed upon to adopt this lucrative scheme. They therefore returned next morning to the camp, which was still in very great confusion, and after a very sharp skirmish, loaded some camels with treasure. Feroze, to secure himself from further depre- dations, led the army to Sewan, and took every possible means to defend himself against the avarice of the mercenaries. The Omrahs, the day after this movement, waited upon Feroze, and entreated him to mount the throne. After many pretended excuses, he favored the Omrahs with his consent, and was accordingly proclaimed Emperor. He, the very first day of his reign, gave orders to ransom many prisoners, who during the late confusion, had fallen into the hands of the people of Tatta; and upon the third day, he marched against the Mogul mercenaries, took many of their chiefs prisoners, and forced the rest to fly towards their own country." GENERAL HISTORIES. 327 The king then penetrated as far as Bundwa, one of the stations of Haji Elias, [the established residence of the ruler of Bengal^ and the latter retreated to YekduUa, which is a place of exceed- ing strength, with the river on one side, and jungle on the other. The king left Bandwa without molesting the inhabitants, and pursuing him to Ekdala, arrived there on the /th of Rubbee-ul- Awul. An action ensued on the same day ; but Haji Ehas hav- ing entrenched his position very strongly, reduced the king to the necessity of surrounding him. The blockade continued for twenty days, when, on the 5th of Rubbee-ool-Akhir, Feroze, intending to change his ground, as the camp had become offen- sive, and to encamp on the banks of the Ganges, went out to reconnoitre. The enemy, imagining that he meditated a retreat, left their works and drew up in order of battle. On perceiving it was the king's intention to attack them, however, they again retreated, but with such precipitation and confusion, that 44 elephants and many standards, as well as the royal canopy, and state equipages, fell into the king's hands. Many of the foot- soldiers were slain, and many taken prisoners. The next day, the Sultan encamped on the field of battle, and gave orders that the captives of Lakhnauti should be released. The rainy season soon after came on with great violence, as it always does in the province of Bengal, and the Sultdn observed, that as he had gained a victory, and captured the emblems of royalty, he would depart, and return in the following year. Shortly after peace was concluded ; and the king returned to Dehli [without effecting his object.] In the year 755, Feroze built the city of Ferozabad, on the banks of the river Jun, adjoining that of Dehli, and on the 12th of Shaban he marched on a hunting expedition to Depalpoor, and constructed a large canal 48 coss in length, from the Sutlej to the Kugur. In the year 757 he constructed another canal, be- tween [/rom] the hills of Mundir and Surmore from the Jumna, into which he led seven other minor streams, which all uniting, ran in one channel through Hansy, and from thence to Raiseen, [Absin~\ where he built a strong fort, which he called Hissar Feroze. Below the fort, near the palace, he excavated a lake, which he filed from the waters of the canal. He also conveyed an aque- duct [a canaf] from the Kugur, over the river [which passing by the fort of] Sursutty, to the village of Peri Kehra, [entered the stream of Sirkhatra,] where he founded a city, named after him, Ferozabad. At the same time he introduced another canal from the Jumna, which filled a large lake he caused to be con- structed at Hissar Feroze. In the month of Zeehuj an honorary dress, and a letter of congratulation on his accession, [dijjloma] were presented from Abool Futteh Aboo-Bukr Aby-Rubeea Soo- liman Abbasi Caliph of Egypt, signifying that he had conferred on him the countries of Hindust/m, and conveying a recommenda- 328 GENERAL HISTORIES. Hon in behalf of the Bahmania kings of the Deccan. In the same month also, he received an embassy, which brought many splendid and rare presents, with fresh proposals of peace, from Hdji Ilyds, entitled Shamsu-d-din Shah, from Lakhnauti and Bengal, which Feroze accepted, and soon after ratified, and then dismissed the ambassadors with honors and distinction.^ ****** From thence the king marched towards the mountains of Na- grakote, where he was overtaken by a storm of hail and snow [they brought him some ice.^ The king said, " At the time my late liege-lord, Sult&n Muhammed Tughlak Shdh arrived here, and they brought him iced sherbet for his beverage, he refused * " In the year 754, the Emperor hunted at Callanore. He ordered upon his return, a palace to be built upon the banks of the Sursuti ; and towards the end of the year appointed one Jehan to the viceroy- ship of Dehli. He himself in the meantime marched towards Bengal to subdue EUas, who had assumed the imperial title, and possessed himself of all Bengal and Behar, even to Benares. When he had arrived in the neighbourhood of Gorukpoor, the Zemindars of that place, having brought proper presents, were admitted to his pre- sence. Feroze having penetrated as far as Pundna, one of the resi- dences of the princes of Bengal, Elias retreated to a strong post, whither the emperor pursued him. An action ensued, but Elias secured himself in his post, which obliged the emperor to surround him, the place being almost inaccessible. Things having continued in this situation for twenty days, Feroze, intending to change his ground, and to encamp on the banks of the Ganges, went out to re- connoitre. The enemy, imagining that he meditated a retreat, ad- vanced out of their post, and drew up in order of battle. But when they saw that the emperor was preparing to attack them they again retreated within their works, but with such precipitation and confusion, that forty-four elephants, and many standards fell into the emperor's hands. The rainy season coming on with great violence, a kind of peace was patched up between them, and the emperor returned disap- pointed to Dehli. In the year 755, Feroze built the city of Ferozeabad adjoining to that of Dehli : and in the following year marched to Debalpoor, where he made a canal one hundred miles in length, from the Suttuluz to the Jidger. In the year 757j between the hills of Mendouli and Sirmore, he cut a channel from the Jumna, which he divided into seven streams ; one of which he brought to Hassi, and from thence to Beraisen, where he built a strong castle, caUing it by his own name. He drew soon, after, a canal from the Cagar, passing by the walls of Sursutti, and joined it to the rivulet of Kera, upon which he built a city named after him, Ferozeabad. This city he watered with another canal from the Jumna. These public works were of prodigious advantage to the adjacent countries, by supplying them with water for their lands, and with a commodious water-carriage from place to place. An embassy about this time arrived with presents and new condi- tions of peace from Bengal, which Feroze accepted, and soon after ra- tified the treaty." — Dow, GENERAL HISTORIES. 329 io take it, because I was not with him to yartake of it^ He then gave orders that some elephant and camel-loads of sugavy which were in camp, should be converted into sherbet and iced, and distributed throughout the whole army, in memorrj of Sultan Muhammed Tughlak Shah. The Raja of Nagrakote, after sus- taining some loss, submitted, but was restored to his dominions. The name of Nagrakote was, on this occasion, changed to that of Mahomedabad, in honor of the late king. The people of Nagrakote told Feroze, that the idol which the Hindoos worship- ped in the temple of Nagrakote was the image of Nowshaba, the wife of Alexander the Great, and that that conqueror had left the idol with them, [which the Brahmins had made at the time that conqueror was in these parts, and placed within their temple, and that now that image was the idol of the people of this coun- try.'] The name by which it was then known was Jwalamooky. In this temple was a fine library of Hindee books, consisting of 1300 volumes. Feroze ordered [sent for some of the wise men of that religion, and ordered some of the books to be translated, and especially directed] one of those books, which treated of philo- sophy, astrology, and divination, to be translated into prose [rer*e] in the Persian language, by one of the celebrated poets of that period, Eiz-ood-Deen, Khahd Khany, and called it Dulayil Feroze Shahee. It is in truth a book replete with various kinds of knowledge, both practical and theoretical. Some historians state, that Suftdn Feroze Shah Bdrbek on this occasion broke the idols of Nagrakote, and mixhig the fragments with pieces of cow's flesh, filled bags with them, and caused them to be tied round the necks of Brahmins, who were then paraded through the camp.* In the year 7/4, the Wizier MuUik Mokbil [Makbul,] entitled Khan Jehan, died, and his eldest son, Joona Shah, succeeded to his office and titles. The following year was marked by the death * " The emperor, having finished this great work, built a fort at Sirhind, which he called Ferozepoor. He, from that place, marched towards the mountains of Nagracut, where he was overtaken by a storm of hail and snow. He, however, reduced the Raja of those parts, after sustaining some loss on his side, and confirmed him again in his dominions, changing the name of Nagracut to that of the city of Ma- hommed, in honour of the former emperor. Feroze was told here that the goddess whom the Hindoos worshipped in the temple of Nagracut, was the image of Noshaba, the wife of the great Sekundur, which that conqueror had left with them. The name of the idol is now changed to that of Jewallamucki. In the temple there was also at that time a fine library of the books of the Brahmins, consisting of one thousand and three hundred volumes- Feroze ordered one of those books, which treated of philosophy, astrology, and divination, to be translated into the Persian language, and called it the Arguments of Feroze." — Dow. 2 u 330 GENERAL HISTORIES. of ZuiFur Khan, Governor of Guzerat, who was succeeded in his office and titles^ by his eldest son, Duria Khan. During the next year, on the \2th of Safar, the king was plunged into affliction by the death of his favorite son, Futteh Khan, a prince of great promise, and the back of his strength was bent by the burden of grief. Finding no remedy, except in patience and resignation, he buried him in his own garden, and performed the customary cere- monies upon the occasion. On account of the excess of his grief, the shadow of his regard was withdrawn from the cares of state, and he abandoned himself entirely to his sorrows. His nobles and counsellors placed their heads on the ground, and represented, that there was no course left but to submit to the divine will, and that he should not show further repugnance to administer the affairs of his kingdom. The wise king acceded to the supplica- tions of his friends and well-wishers, and, in order to dispel his sorrows, devoted himself to sport, and in the vicinity of new Dehli, he built a wall of two or three parasangs in circumference, planted within the enclosure shady trees, and converted it into a hunting park. The ruins of it remain to this day."^ As he could gain no information of Kurgoo himself, who re- mained concealed amongst the ravines and precipices of the hill- country of Kamiiun, eluding pursuit like so much quicksilver, and no one knew whether he was dead or alive, and as the rainy season was approaching, the standards resplendent with victories returned to the camp whence they set out. The king appointed one MuUik Dawood, an Affghan, whom he exalted to a very high rank, with a body of troops, to remain at Sumbhul, with orders to invade the country of Kutehr every year, to commit every kind of ravage and devastation, and not to allow it to be inhabited until the murderer was given, up. The king himself also, under pretence of hunting, marched annually in that direction until the year 1^1, to see that his orders were fulfilled, and to do what Malik Bdud had left undone ; and for six years not an inhabitant was to be seen in that district, nor was a single jarib of the land cultivated. Not a soul slept at night in his hut, and several thousands of Hindus were slaughtered to avenge the death of those three Saiyids. In the above-mentioned year he built an exceedingly strong for- tress in Bisauli, seven coss from Badaun, and called it Firozpur ; but the common people, jocose amid all the oppression they had suffered, called it Akhirlnpur, (the last city) ; and, in truth, it happened as they predicted, for the grace of God did not suffer him to construct any more forts, or to lay the foundations of new * " In the year 774,, Jehan the vizier died, and his son was honored with his titles. Nothing remarkable happened till two years after, when the emperor was plunged into affliction, by the death of his favo- rite son Fatte, a prince of great expectations." — Dow. GENERAL HISTORIES. 331 cities and toivns, and consequently/ the fortress continued to be called Akhirinpur. * ****** The Raja of Beejanuggar, notwithstanding his vast army, con- sisting of thirty thousand cavalry, besides infantry, was so alarmed, that he sent off his treasure and elephants towards his capital the next morning, preparatory to engaging or retreating, as he might deem most advisable. The night being stormy and heavy rain falling, the elephants and other beasts of burden stuck frequently in the mud, and were imable to advance above four miles from the camp. Mahomed Shah, hearing of the movement of the Hindoos, immediately marched against them, lea\4ng his tents standing. Towards the dawn he arrived at the Raja's camp ; and the alarm being given, so great was the consternation, that the infidels fled, with the utmost precipitation, to Adony, leaving every thing behind them. Mahomed Shah fell in with that part of the camp composing their market and baggage, and put to death, without distinction, men, women, and children, free and slave, to the number of seventy thousand souls. According to the Tohfut-oos-Sulateen, two thousand elephants, three hundred gun-carriages and battering rams, seven hmidred Ai'abian horses, and a sing'hasun set with jewels, were included in the booty of the king, — all other articles were left to the ofiicers and soX- diers. Mahomed Shah, regarding this victory as the omen of others, after passing the rainy season near Moodkul, and being reinforced by Khan Mahomed from Dowlutabad, marched against the infidels in Adony, on the plains of which place, near the Toongbudra, the Raja of Beejanuggur had taken up his station, having given the command of Adony to his sister's son. Here he had collected a great array of soldiers, together with many elephants, and all the munitions of war which he possessed. ****** At this time, a favorite remarked to the king, " that he had only sworn to slaughter one hundred thousand Hindoos, and not to * " The emperor enraged at this villainy, marched immediately that way, and took severe vengeance upon the associates and kindred of the assassin, putting them without distinction to the sword, and levelling their houses with the ground. The murderer himself made his escape to the mountains of Cumaoon, and was protected by the Indian princes of those parts. Feroze ordered a detachment of his army against them. They brought back near thirty thousand of those unhappy mountaineers, who were all condemned to slavery. The emperor's justice in this case degenerated into extreme severity. Neither did the misfortunes brought upon those miserable ca])tives satisfy his tliirst for revenge. He returned every year, under pretence of hunt- ing, to that unhappy country ; but the people, and not the beasts of the forest, were his prey. lie by degrees cut off all the inhabitants, and converted whole provinces into a wilderness." — Dow. 2 u 2 332 GENERAL HISTORIES. destroy their race altogether." The king repUed, " that though twice the number required by his vow might have been slain, yet till the Ray satisfied the musicians, he would neither make peace nor spare the lives of his subjects." To this the Ambassadors, who had full powers, immediately agreed, and the money was paid on the instant. Mahomed Shah then said, " Praise be to God, that what I ordered has been performed. I would not let a light word be recorded of me in the pages of history." The Ambassadors, seeing the king pleased, bowed their fore- heads to the ground, and besought him to hear from them a few words. Being permitted to speak, they observed, that no religion required the innocent to be punished for the crimes of the guilty, more especially helpless women and children : if Krishn Ray had been in fault, the poor and feeble inhabitants had not been acces- sary to his errors. Mahomed Shah replied, that the decrees of Providence had ordered what had been done, and that he had no power to alter them. The Ambassadors observed, that as the bestower of kingdoms had conferred on him the government of the Deccan, it was probable that his successors and the princes of the Carnatic might long remain neighbours, which made it advis- able to avoid cruelty in war ; and they proposed, therefore, that a treaty should be made not to slaughter the helpless and un- armed inhabitants in future battles. Mahomed Shah, struck with the good sense of this proposal, took an oath, that he would not, hereafter, put to death a single enemy after a victory, and would bind his successors to observe the same line of conduct. From that time to this, it has been the general custom in the Deccan to spare the lives of prisoners in war, and not to shed the blood of an enemy's unarmed subjects. Mahomed Shah, after he had thus received satisfaction, returned to Koolburga, visiting on his way Sheikh Siraj-ood-deen, to whose prayers as well as to the charities sent to Mecca with his mother, he ascribed his suc- cesses over the Hindoos. ****** Mahomed Shah was buried by the side of his father, — and the words " All is vanity" were engraved by his orders on his tomb. Happy the king who passes a reign like his, and of whom such memorials remain ! He was respected in his life, and after his death remembered on account of his virtues. According to the Siraj-ool-Towareekh, so much treasure and such numbers of elephants, as were collected in the household of Mahomed Shah Bahmuny, were never possessed by any other prince of that dynasty. He had three thousand male and female elephants ; and in the reign of any other king we only read of two thousand. The sums of gold accumulated by him according to the same author, exceeded those acquired by other princes a GENERAL HISTORIES. 333 full half. No prince before him ever so far reduced the Rajas and Zemindars of the Camatic, from whom he wrested much of the accumulated riches of seven hundred years ; and it is com- puted that in his reign nearly five hundred thousand unbelievers fell by the swords of the warriors of Islam, by which the popu- lation of the Camatic was so reduced, that it did not recover for several ages. Mahomed Shah reigned seventeen years. Ahmud Shah, without waiting to besiege the Hindoo capital, overran the open country, and wherever he went, put to death men, women, and children, without mercy, contrary to the com- pact made between his uncle and predecessor, Mahomed Shah, and the Rays of Beejanuggur. Wherever the number of slain amounted to twenty thousand, he halted three days, and made a festival in celebration of the bloody event. He broke down, also, the idolatrous temples, and destroyed the colleges of the Brah- mins. During these operations, a body of five thousand Hindoos, urged by desperation at the destruction of their religious build- ings, and at the insults offered to their deities, united in taking an oath to sacrifice their lives in an attempt to kill the king as the author of all their sufferings. ****** In the year 829, Ahmud Shah marched to reduce a rebellious Zemindar of Mahoor, who still retained several strong places which held out against his troops. The rebel soon submitted ; but Ahmud Shah, though he had assured him of pardon, put him to death in violation of his promise, as soon as he fell into his hands, together with five or six thousand of his followers, com- pelling, at the same time, all the captive women and children to embrace the true faith. During this campaign, the king obtained possession of a diamond mine at KuUum, a place dependent on Gondwana, in which territory he rased many idolatrous temples, and, erecting mosques on their sites, appropriated to each some tracts of land to maintain holy men and to supply lamps and oil for religious purposes. ****** All aood-Deen Shah, upon this, wrote to him, that he valued the lives of the two chiefs equal to that of two hundred thousand common men. Therefore, as it was a rule with the princes of his family to slay a hundred thousand Hindoos in revenge for the death of a single Mussulman, he swore, should Dew Raj take away the fives of the two captive officers, he would revenge the death of each by the slaughter of a hundred thousand Hindoos. ****** To every part of his dominions he sent censors of morals and just judges ; and though he drank wine himself, he forbade the use of it to others, as also the practice of gaming. He put chains on the necks of Kullendurs, and idle, dissipated vagabonds. 334 GENERAL HISTORIES. whom he punished by employing them in removing filth from the streets, in dragging heavy stones, and in the performance of all manner of laborious work, in order that they might reform, and either earn their livelihood by industry, or quit the country altogether. If any person, after admonition and moderate cor- rection, was convicted of drinking wine, it was enacted, that melted lead should be poured down his throat, whatever might be the rank of the oifender. ****** On the fourth day, however, they prevailed on the chiefs to come to an entertainment in the fort, at which all the principal foreigners, in number about three hundred, attended, with the ex- ception of Kasim Beg (Suif Shikun) Kurra Khan Khoord and Ahmud Beg of Mecca. While in the act of eating, a number of armed men, on a signal given by Sher-ool-moolk, rushed upon them, and put every soul to the sword. At the same instant four thousand Deccanies outside the fort attacked the camp of the foreigners and put every male to death, even the very infants at the breast. After this tragedy, they plundered the tents, and treated the women with all the insult that lust or brutality could provoke. Since the time of Hoossein, the Syuds were never so maltreated ; but is it not astonishing, that men who called them- selves servants of the Prophet, should so basely misuse his des- cendants ? Hoomayoon Shah, now abandoning himself to the full indul- gence of his cruel propensities, and mad with rage, directed stakes to be set up on both sides of the king's chouk, or market-place, and caused vicious elephants and wild beasts to be placed in different parts of the square, in other places cauldrons of scald- ing oil and boiling water were also prepared as instruments of torture. The king, ascending a balcony in order to glut his eyes on the spectacle, first cast his brother, Hussun Khan, before a ferocious tiger, who soon tore the wretched Prince to pieces, and devoured him on the spot. Yoosoof Toork, and his seven associates, were then beheaded in the king's presence, and the females of their innocent and helpless families, being dragged from their houses, were violated and ill-treated in the palace- square, by rufiians, in a manner too indecent to relate. Tortures were now invented by the king, who inflicted on both young and old of both sexes torments more cruel than ever entered the ima- gination of Zohak and the tyrant Hijaj. About seven thousand persons, including females and servants, none of whom had the most distant concern in this rebellion, besides the menials, such as cooks, scuUions, and others, were put to death ; some being stabbed with daggers, others hewn in pieces with hatchets, and the rest flayed by scalding oil or boiling water. This tragedy GENERAL HISTORIES. 335 happened in the month of Shaban, in the same year as the rebel- lion. The author of the Towareekh Mahmood Shahy states, he learned from the royal attendants, that upon the king's first hearing of the escape of the Prince Hussan Khan, rage and pas- sion so overcame him, he tore his robes, bit his pillows, and often his own lips, in such a manner that they dropped with blood. Alarmed at the example of Hussun Khan, he put to death several innocent persons of the royal family who were con- fined in different fortresses. Nor did his suspicions rest here ; many other persons of his own court fell the innocent victims of his indiscriminate cruelty. From this moment Hoomayoon threw off all restraint, and seized at will the children of his subjects, tearing them from their parents to gratify his passions. He would frequently stop nuptial processions in the street, and seizing the bride, after enjoying her, send her to the bridegroom's house. He was in the habit of putting the females of his own house to death for the most trivial offences ; and when any of the nobility were obliged to attend him, so great was their dread, that they took leave of their families, as if preparing for death. ****** About sunset, the gates were burned ; but the quantity of hot ashes yet glowing prevented any one passing in or out till midnight, when Mirza Khan and his friends rushed from the citadel, and tried to make their escape. Numbers of others were slain in the attempt by the populace, but Mirza Khan having effected his retreat, fled towards the fort of Joonere. The Deccany troops, the Abyssinians, and the mob, having entered the fort, put to death every foreigner they found within, amount- ing to nearly three hundred, among whom were several persons of high rank and eminent character. Their bodies were dragged out on the open plain, and orders given that they should lie un- buried. Not content with the past slaughter, Jumal Khan com- manded his adherents to murder the foreigners of every rank and occupation in the city, and to plunder and burn their dwellings. The soldiers and their followers, being once let loose, put to death indiscriminately the noble, the master, the servant, the merchant, the pilgrim, and the travelhng stranger. Their houses were set on fire, and the heads of those lately exalted to the skies were brought low, and trampled in the dust ; while the very females, who from modesty concealed their faces from the sun and moon, were dragged by the hair into the assemblages of the drunken. On the fourth day, Mirza Khan, who had been seized near Joonere, was brought to Jumal Khan, and being first carried through the city on an ass, his body was hewn in pieces, which were affixed on different buildings. Several of his friends taken with him were also put to death, and their bodies being rammed into cannon, were blown into the air. In the space 336 GENERAL HISTORIES. of seven days, nearly a thousand foreigners were murdered ; some few only escaping under the protection of Deccany or Abyssinian officers. The reign of Meeran Hoossein Nizam Shah lasted only ten months and three days. Among those princes recorded in history as murderers of their fathers, we find none whose reigns extended beyond one year ; and a poet observes, " Royalty be- fitteth not the destroyer of a parent, nor will the reign of such a wretch be long." :f: :{: iic ^ H( ik Beny Ray having recovered from his wounds, the king used every effort to persuade both him and his minister to embrace the Mahomedan faith. They, however, persisted in refusing, swearing that they preferred death to abjuring their religion. Mahmood Shah was in hopes of shaking their constancy by con- fining them separately, and treating them harshly. This conduct only tended to support their resolution, till at length the king, at the instigation of some holy men about his person, ordered them to be put to death. The history of Ferishta is universally known in India, — at least by name, and there are few large towns without a copy. If we add to these the works labelled *' Naurasnama" and ** Tarikh- i-Ibrahimi," which few of the present ignorant generation know to be the same as Ferishta's history, we shall find that it is probably more common than any secular work of equal size in this country. There are several Manuscripts also of correctness and elegance, but all must yield the palm to the lithographed edition of 1831, which, like so many other Persian works printed at the Bombay Presidency, shames the lithographic press of this side of India. We have no critical account of the Manu- scripts used in collating this edition. To General Briggs, however, is due the merit of having prepared it for the press, though his absence pre- GENERAL HISTORIES. 337 vented his superintending its execution. All we learn of it from him is, that he " procured a copy of Ferishta in Persian, which contained several valuable annotations and corrections. This copy has since been carefully collated with several others, and a new and correct edi- tion was left by me at Bombay in 1827 in order to be printed." He confesses himself indebted to Mir Khairat All Khan, commonly called Mushtak, who assisted him in his labours, who had devoted his whole life to historical enqui- ries, and who travelled for several years succes- sively through the Deccan, making copies of every Persian inscription on stone to be found in all the towns of note in that country. It is strange that, notwithstanding the care bestowed by General Briggs on this work, his name nowhere appears as having any concern in it. It is without Preface, and without Title- page, but there is a fly leaf at the end of the second volume, informing us that the work was undertaken by order of Mr. Elphinstone, and executed by the care, and according to the arrangement, of Captain George Jervis ; that the first volume was written by Mirza Hasan of Shirdz, the second by Mirza Hamzah of Mazen- deran. M. Jules Mohl* exonerates Captain Jer- vis from the charge of taking credit to himself for the labours of others, inasmuch as that offi- cer was at the Cape of Good Hope, at the time that the last sheets were passing through the * Journal des Savants, Tom. IX. p. 402. 2 X 338 GENERAL HISTORIES. Press, but attributes blame to the Persian litho- grapher, who no doubt wished to ingratiate himself with his immediate master by this insi- nuating flattery. On the arrival of the impressions in London, the General took care to add a fitting Title- page, which states that the work was " edited and collated from various Manuscript copies by Major-General John Briggs, assisted by Mun- shi Mir Khairat Ali Khan Mushtak, of Akbera- bad." There are other omissions which give us cause to regret that this edition was not more carefully lithographed under European super- intendence. To be sure, the names of people and places are written with unusual, though not entire, accuracy ; the addition of marginal dates is a great convenience, and the hand- writing of the lithographers is clear and elegant ; but we have no list of variants to enable us to judge of the propriety of the selected reading; we have not a single stop, or super-lineation, throughout the whole work ; the rubrics, or large letters, are not properly contrasted ; the stones have been corrected before impression, and not always with care ; several dates in the text have been omitted from the margin ; and the dates of the page-headings are carelessly noted — the year 854, for instance, is preserved throughout the 462 first pages of the second volume, although several ages and dynasties are embraced within that space. GENERAL HISTORIES. 339 The Vocabulary of difficult and obsolete words, which was promised, has not been in- cluded in the work. It would be worth while to supply the omission even now, by making a separate impression of this Appendix ; for though the style of Ferishta is very pure and easy, he takes from other authors words which are not always to be found in our dictionaries, and which require explanation, only to be ob- tained by referring to the original passages where they occur. The first words of Ferishta's History are : — v.jl^.^UxiJc^sr'xj-.lj ^Sj e;!;'*> *i^^ ''^■> p'o ]j dy^j L/yfy 4^^ iJi^^ \j^.^^iX) %^ 9 ,,^ , ^^^ ^c^ ^^P^ ^^/^^ ^"'^ <^f S? ^'^ " ' f ' ^^ ^^ ^ • >• ^ • U^)f'i '^Ht^^ J'H^'^ ^'^j^ y\J\ JUjJ) ^ ^ ^ And Jonaid fought against Kirej, which had revolted, and he took a battering ram with horns of great power, and demohshed with it the walls of the city. He entered the breach, and slew, imprisoned and pillaged the inhabitants. He then sent his officers towards the Nermada, Mandavi ? Jhand ? and Baroach. Passing over three centuries, we come to the period of Mahmud, to which sufficient allusion has already been made. GENERAL HISTORIES. 351 Nearly two centuries after that, a little before A. D. 1200, we come to the Dynasty of the Ghorians, and though no mention is made by the Muhammedan writers of any incendiary preparations used in the wars between the Mu- hammedans and the Hindus, yet if we are to believe the contemporary Hindu Bard, Chand, we shall find even cannon-balls to be in use at that time. But it appears to me evident that the pas- sages where they are mentioned are spurious, and interpolated to accommodate the poem to the knowledge of subsequent ages. In the 150th Chhand, or Stanza, of the Ca- nauj-Khand, Tatar Khan says to Muhammed Ghori, **Oh! chief of Gajni, buckle on your armour, and prepare your fire-machines." An- other meaning may be given to the passage, which, however, would be forced and unnatural. f^^ Tnf^r TT^ ^ ^f^ ^T^^ ttt: i i iff ^r"^ ^f^ Ji^f^ ^T^ ^TrT^ ^ftfT ^^fT ^Tx I ^R?T tf JI mX^ ^-^^ f^f% ^TiT "«nf^^ ^T^^fr II «r^ ^ ^r^ ^r^^ ^%t diwK msf ^%i A'tish is a Persian word, and Kafir and Sultdn, used in the same stanza,are also of foreign stamp; though they no doubt were among the first words of Muhammedan extraction which were introduced into India. The use of A'tish ren- ders the passage suspicious. In other respects 352 GENERAL HISTORIES. the verse in which it occurs does not bear the appearance of modern manufacture. In the 257th stanza, it is said that, " The cali- vers and cannons made a loud report, when they were fired off, and the noise which issued from the ball was heard at a distance of ten coss. "# ^T^^ ^^T '^f^ ^f^ f^?TT^ II ^^ %m SfT^ JIT^T *T^f^ II • The two lines in which this passage occurs are evidently a modern interpolation, and the lines which precede and follow them are of doubtful antiquity. The words used in the middle lines, though Hindi, seldom occur in ancient authors, and the introduction of tope is decisive as to the period of composition. In the 416th Chhand, we have, — "the Zambur lodged in his breast and he fainted away : — thus fell Rai Govind, the strength of Delhi." ^^T ^fC ^t ■^T'^ ~^\^ 1 1 * Froissart beats this with his marvellous Bombard at Audenarde, which made such a noise at night, even at the distance of ten leagues, that all the devils of hell could not exceed it. '* Et quand cette Borabarde decliquoit, on Touoit par jour bien de cinq lieues loing, et par nuit de dix, et menoit si grande noise au de- cliquer, que il sembloit que tous lea diables d'enfer fussent au chemin.'* Chronicle, Tom. II. p. 2 14. GENERAL HISTORIES. 353 Zamhur is used in this and in the preceding extract. It is now usually applied to a camel- swivel. It used also to be applied to an arrow, and like jnusquet, baston, bomharde, and some other words, continued to signify an offensive weapon introduced under the new system, of artillery, which followed the invention of gun- powder. The use of the word, therefore, is equivocal, and cannot be pronounced decidedly to mean a fire-arm ; though, to be sure, if an arrow were meant, there was no occasion to resort to a foreign word. In other respects, the passage is not open to suspicion. In A. D. 1258, we find the Wazir of the king of Dehli going out to meet an ambassador from Halaku, the grandson of Changez Khan, with 3000 carriages of fire-works.* The same word, A'tishbdzi, being applied to pyrotechnic displays, as well as artillery, leaves the meaning of the passage ambiguous. In A. D. 1368, we have seen (at p. 331) Mu- hammed Shah Bahmani I. possessing himself, amongst other spoil, of 300 gun-carriages, upon which the translator of Ferishta observes in a note, as follows : If any reliance is to be placed on Moolla Daud Bidury the author of the Tohfut-oos-Sulateen, guns were used at this time by the Hindoos, and in a subsequent passage, it is remarked that the Mahomedans used them for the first time during the next cam- paign. But I am disposed to doubt the validity of both these statements. From the latter passage it seems possible, indeed, that the Mahomedans might have procured guns from the west in 1 368, because they are said to have been used eighteen years * Ferishta, Lith. Ed. Vol. I, p. 128. 2 z 354 GENERAL HISTORIES. previously by Edward III. at the battle of Cressy, though it is very improbable ; and Ferishta, in stating it to be the first time the Mahomedans employed them, also observes, that Turks and Europeans skilled in gunnery, worked the artillery. That guns were in common use before the arrival of the Portuguese in India, in 1498, seems certain, from the mention made of them by Faria- e-Souza. The testimony as to the skill of the natives in the use of fire-arms, upon the first arrival of the Portuguese, is somewhat contradictory. MafFei says that the Indians far excelled the Portu- guese.* Another author, quoted by Bohlen, speaks of a certain Indian king being in the habit of placing several pieces of brass ord- nance in front of his army.f There is certain testimony to the use of can- non in Guzerat before the arrival of the Por- tuguese ; which is easily accounted for by the constant communication at that time with the Turks of Egypt and Arabia. In A. D. 1482 Mahmud Shah I. of Guzerat is mentioned as fitting out a fleet against the pirates of Bulsar, on board of which he embarked gunners and musketeers from Cambay. Two years after, we find him using cannon to breach the walls of Champanir, and even firing shells at the palace of the Raja. It is curious that one of the first applications of gunpowder amongst Muhammedan Indians was in the manufacture * Jamque Tndici sclopi, seu ferreee fistulae et sulphureus pulvis longo intervallo Lusitanicis antecellunt. — Histor : Indie : p. 25. t Das alte Indien, Vol. II. p. 63. Rex magnum numerum secum trahit tormentorum seneorum in prselium, quae solet colloeare in fronte exercitiis. — Hayus, de rebus Indicis. p. 69S. This may be the same work as is quoted elsewhere as the Historica Relatio, Antwerp, 1C05, —Bohlen, ib. Vol. I. p. 102. Vol. II. p. 69. GENERAL HISTORIES. 355 of shells. A few years later, Sher Shah met his death by the explosion of one in his own batteries, when besieging Kalinjar. Castanheda, in describing Vasco de Gama's entrance into Calicut in 1498, says, " The pro- cession again set out, preceded by many trum- pets and sacbuts sounding all the way ; and one of the Nayres carried a caliver, which he fired off at intervals."* Two years afterwards the Zamorin cannon- aded the Portuguese vessels. f In Castanheda's work, two Milanese lapidaries are said to have deserted, in 1503, to the Zamo- rin, for whom they offered to make ordnance, resembling that of the Portuguese, " which they afterwards did, as will appear in the sequel of this history, and for which service they were highly re warded, "t ** This caymal had a force of 3000 Nayres, 700 of whom were archers, and 40 were armed with matchlocks. He had likewise several paraws provided with ordnance, with which he was supplied by the Zamorin. "§ Vertoman says that the Portuguese who en- tered into the service of the native princes taught them the art of using cannon. || * Kerr*s Collection of Voyages, Vol. II. p. 364. The original has espingarda, " que leuaua hua espingarda, com que tiraua de quando au quando." — Historia do descohrimento, SfC. Vol. I. p. 96. t Rowlandson, Tohfut-ul Mujahideen, p. 81, X Kerr, p. 454. The fate of these men is shown in the same ColleC" Hon, Vol. VII. p. 128. § lb. Vol. II. p. 459. II lb. Vol. IX. p. 403. 2 z 2 356 GENERAL HISTORIES. Faria-e-Soiiza speaks of a Giizerat vessel in A. D. 1500 firing several guns at the Portu- guese ;* of the Indians of Calicut using fire-ves- sels in 1502 ; and of the Zamorin's fleet carry- ing in the next year 380 guns.f In 1511, the Portuguese are opposed at Malac- ca by a people using cannon, who defend their streets by mining with gunpowder. At sea, they employed floats of wild fire. Muhammed, king of Java, brought 3000 guns to bear, out of the 8000 which he possessed.^ If we come to later times, we find Baber mentioning that the soldiers in Bengal were ex- pert artillerists ; — for which of course they were indebted to the Portuguese. He himself had in his own camp large cannon, which fired huge stones and took a long time to load. He had also several pieces which he styled Feringis, showing their European origin. § Arrows were also used in this action. In another part of his memoirs, Baber speaks of cannon being cast at the capital in his days ; but the fact of the weld- ing system being adopted at Dacca in the days of Shahjehan, does not say much for the efficien- cy of Bengal artillery a century previous. || At the battle of Panipat also, A. D. 1526, Baber had used artillery, " chained together according to the custom of Rum, with twisted bull-hides." He alludes no doubt to the victory * Faria-e-Souza, Asia Portuguesa, Tom. I. Part. I Chap. 5. t lb. Chap. 7. + lb. Tom. I. Part II. Chap. 7. I Leyden and Erskine, Memoirs of Baber, pp. 413 — 416, II Journal As, Soc, Bengal, 1847. p. 690. GENERAL HISTORIES. 357 gained by Selim over Shah Ism'ail in 1514, in which this method had been found very effec- tive. Baber appears to have had no light pieces, for here also arrows were used in skirmishes. Between every two gun-carriages were six or seven turas,* or breast- works. The matchlock- men stood behind these guns and turaSy and dis- charged their matchlocks. Shortly after this, we begin to have frequent mention of the use of rockets. Indeed, there is much reason to suppose, that as in the west, so in the east, rockets preceded cannon : yet it is strange that they should now be regarded in Europe as the most recent invention of artil- lery. Under the Emperor Leo the philosopher, who lived at the close of the ninth century, the soldiers of the lower empire used to carry within their shields light tubes (;^c(po7cywva) which were filled with artificial fire, and rushed through the air with extreme velocity. These were made under Leo's own directions.! In A. D. 1232, the Chinese defended them- selves against the Tartars by the use of rockets. | * Mr. Erskine observes on this word, that the meaning assigned to tura here is conjectural, and on the meaning given by Meninski to tur^ viz. reticulatus. The turas, he says, may have been formed of the branches of trees, interwoven like basket-work, so as to form defences ; or they may have been covered defences from arrows and missiles, such as we have seen used in several sieges. {Memoirs of Baber , p. 304.) But the word is tubra, a wallet or saddle-bag, not turaj and Abdu-1-Kadir makes the meaning plain, by saying they were filled with earth. The same author says, that eight-hundred of these gun-carriages were prepared in one day. (Muntakhabu-t-tawdrikh, MS. fol. 67, r.) The sacks used by Sher Shah as temporary fortifications on his march towards Rajputana, were tubras (v. sup. p. 293.) t Leonis Tactica, ap. Meursii Op. vi. 19, 57. Journal des Savants. 1847, p. 149. X A DanduH Chronicon, ap : Muratori, XII, 448. 358 GENERAL HISTORIES. In modern Europe there are proofs of their use as early as A. D. 1380.=^ Yet we are informed by the best authorities,! that rockets were first used in warfare at the siege of Copenhagen in 1807. Even in the mod- ern history of India, we cannot fail to be struck with the frequent mention of rockets. Every page of the native historians abounds with no- tices of their use from Akber to Shah Alam.J The iron work of one has been found to weigh thirty pounds. § It is probable that the indications which we have of the early use of fiery missiles in ancient Indian warfare, refer more to rockets than can- nons, and we will now proceed to consider the nature of these weapons. The passage most commonly quoted to show the early use of fire-arms in India, is extracted from the code of Gentoo laws, where we have the following prohibition :— ** The magistrate shall not make war with any deceitful machine, or with poisoned weapons, or with cannon and guns, or any kind of fire-arms." Halhed, com- menting on this passage, says : — " The reader will probably from hence renew the suspicion which has long been deemed absurd, that Al- exander the Great did absolutely meet with * Muratori, Script. Rer. Ita I III. 1197. XV. 769. Ducange, Glossar, Med. et Ivf. Lat. v. Rocheta. t Penny Cyclopaedia, v. Rocket. They were used in the attack of Boulogne in 1806. X Gladwin's History of Jehanr/ir, p. 25. Tennant's Indian RecreU' tions, Vol. I. p. 244. § Moor's Hindu Pantheon, p. 299. GENERAL HISTORIES. 359 some weapons of that kind in India, as a pas- sage in Quintus Curtius seems to ascertain. Gunpowder has been known in China, as well as Hindustan, far beyond all periods of investiga- tion. The word fire-arms is literally the Sanscrit ' Agniaster,' a weapon of fire ; they describe the first species of it to have been a kind of dart, or arrow tipt with fire, and discharged upon the enemy from a bamboo. Among several extraordinary properties of this weapon, one was, that after it had taken its flight, it divided into several separate streams of flame, each of which took effect, and which, when once kindled, could not be extinguished ; but this kind of ' Agniaster' is now lost."* He then goes on to say, that cannon is called " Shat- aghnee," or the weapon that kills one hundred men at once,t and that the Pooran-shasters as- cribe the invention of these destructive engines to Viswacarma,! the Vulcan of the Hindus, — a name which M. Eusebe Salverte§ is tempted to believe furnished the etymology of the French word vacarme; — which is about as reasonable as to suppose, that Charivari comes from Chakravarti, because it is a title exclusively * Halhed, Code of Gentoo Laws, Introduction, p. Hi. See also the Amera Kosha and Sabda Kalpa Druma. Vol. I. p. 16. t It may well admit of doubt if this was really a cannon. In the Raghuvansa it is distinctly said, that the " Daemon laid his iron-headed Sataghni upon Rama, as Kuvera laid his celebrated club upon Jam- rlij." X Asiatic Researches, Vol. I. p. 264. § Philosophy of Magic, Vol. II. p. 235. 360 GENERAL HISTORIES. devoted to those who have made a considera- ble noise in the world. The submarine fire, Urva, in the Drama of the Sakuntala, where it is called " the mysteri- ous fire which burns in the depth of the seas," has been supposed to allude to a composition similar to Greek fire ; but M. Langlois, ap- pealing to an episode from the Harivansa, enter- tains the much more probable opinion, that a submarine volcano is alluded to.* Viswamitra, who is represented in the Ramayana as giving different kinds of weapons to Rama, speaks of one as Agneija, another as Shikhara ; Carey and Marshman, who render Shikhara as a combustible weapon, deduce from this passage that the ancient Hindus were acquaint- ed with gunpowder. The passage, however, seems to contain a mere poetic fiction. The author there speaks of numerous kinds of wea- pons, some of which were evidently imaginary, as for instance, the Vayava or airy. The Hari- vansa speaks of the fiery weapon thus : — * See M. Chezy, La Reconnaissance de Sacountala, p. 213. Wilson, Sanscrit Dictionary, ^^'S^ and er^^T*r^ Sabda Kalpa JDruma, Vol. III. p. 2489, and Eusebe Salverte, Occult Sciences, Eng. Trans. Vol. II. p. 223 where, in allusion to this passage, it is said, ** The fire which burns and crackles on the bosom of the waves denotes that the Greek fire was anciently known in Hindustan under the name of Barrawa." GENERAL HISTORIES. 361 " King Sagara having received fire arms from Bhargava,* con- quered the world, after slaying the Taljanghas and the Haihayas." Again, the same : ^i^ii^ w^T^T^ T^^^q- "^W^^^M ^^^^ ^%^T«rT ^%ir^ ^^Orfcf : I " Aurva having performed the usual ceremonies on the birth of the great-minded (prince) ; and havmg taught him the Vedas, instructed him in the use of arms ; the great-armed (Aurva) (presented him) the fiery weapon,f which even the immortals^ could not stand." The following lengthy description in the Sri Bhagavat of the discharge of the Brahmas- tra§ is somewhat peculiar. It is needless to ex- tract the entire passage from the original : '^^'^ffi^T ^^ ^mi^r^ f^«TT i^xlsjj y-^ kJ^}] '^'^^ U%^^«" •Li ^^ ^IUj b jJ -^ ^Uib :U txli^^ jJjb ^C;iJ \ni, which must be a pretty large one, as it is seven cubits long, and of proportionate breadth. How- ever fabulous may be the origin of this product, we cannot entertain a doubt that it was some- thing highly inflammable and destructive. This river worm is described as having two teeth, one above and one below, and with them devouring whatever comes within its reach. During the day, it burrows in the mud, but at night, emerges on the land, and carries off oxen, and even camels. It is taken with a large hook, to which a goat or sheep is fastened with an iron chain. When captured, it is hung up for a month, with vessels placed underneath, into which runs as much oil as would fill ten Attic cotylae. Professor H. H. Wilson considers that the alligator is alluded to. He is not, however, aware that oil is extracted from the alligator, but at the dissection of one at which he assisted, *' enormous masses of yellow fat were found under the skin, which might have been converted into oil."t * Philostrati Vita ApoUonii, Lib. III. Cap. 1. t Notes on Ctesias, p. 61. 3 B 2 372 GENERAL HISTORIES. But there can be no doubt about alligator — or rather, when referring to India, crocodile — oil ; for almost all the native works on Materia Medica notice it, and ascribe wonderful proper- ties to it. Even in the crocodile's products live the wonted alarms which its natural voracity inspires. Happy the man in whose frail bark its oil, or fat, burns ! Him will not assail the croak of frogs, croak they never so hoarsely.* Let it even be mixed with wax, let even the rains be the season of their operations, and their eternal croaking, while it may be distracting the ears of his next neighbours, is as inaudible to him, as if he were in Seriphus or Sicendus.t Happy the he-goat on whose forehead it is rubbed ! for he can put to flight all competitors. Happy the city which has its skin ! for if drawn round the walls and suspended from the en- trance gate, no hail will fall within it, or blast the tender crops of its inhabitants ;J * The Greeks attributed this miraculous eflPect to the burning of any lamp. Africanus says : — Barpoxoi crKon^ffovai Kpd^ouTcs, iav Kvxvov ot|«as Q^s vpbs t)]v 6xOv'^> t See Pliny, Nat : Hist : Lib. VIIL C. 58 and Tzetzes, Ckiliad, 8. X Tohfatu-l'Mumemn. See also Muhammed Husain's Makhzan-i Adviya, Hooghli Ed. Vol. I. p. 425. The prescription in the text affords another curious coincidence between Asiatic and European superstitions. The value of the croco- dile's skin in averting hail was well known to the Greeks and Romans, and the same mode of circuit and luspension was adopted. Grandini creditur obviare, si quis crocodili pellem vel hyaenae vel marini vituli per spatia possessionis circumferat, et in villae aut cortis suspendat ingressu, cum malum viderit imminere. — Palladius, De Re Rustled, Lib. I. Tit. 35. Again, an unknown author in the Geoponical Collection of Cassi- anus Bassus says : — UdXiy ihv 4v rSo xw/'tw trepiaydyrfs valvrji ^ KpoKoSelXov ^ (pdoKrjs hepfia, koI rovTo irph irvXwv rrjs oiKriffiws dvapT^a'Tjs, ov n^ffeiTat xc^Ao^a; — GeoponicO' rum, Lib. I. Cap. xiv. GENERAL HISTORIES. 373 nee illos Expectata seges vanis eludet aristis. Georg. I. 226. On the whole, then, we may conclude, that fire arms of some kind were used in the early stages of Indian History ;=*= that the missiles were explosive; and that the time or mode of igni- tion was dependent on pleasure ; that projectiles were used, which were made to adhere to gates, buildings, and machines, setting fire to them from a considerable distance ; that it is pro- bable that saltpetre, the principal ingredient of gunpowder, and the cause of its detonation, entered into the composition, because the earth of Gangetic India is richly impregnated with it in a natural state of preparation, and it may be * From the annexed extract it will be seen that the subject has just been discussed by the person most competent to illustrate it. June 17 — Prof. Wilson in the chair. — The Director, Prof. Wilson, read to the Asiatic Society a paper written by himself, ' On the Military Science of the Ancient Hindds.' The paper began with the observation, that although the Hindus had always been inferior to their foreign invaders in practical warfare, they were probably superior to them in its theory. A supplementary portion of their Vedas, or Sacred Institutes, was devoted to the science of war, under the deno- mination of Dhanuk Veda. This original treatise is probably lost ; but many interesting particulars are derivable from the Agni Purana, the Maha-bharata, and other of their standard works. The bow ap- pears to have been their chief weapon (as is demonstrated by the word Dhanuk a bow, in the name Dhanuk Veda) ; but other missile arms, as the discus, javelins, short iron clubs, &c. were used. The troops were also generally armed with swords, maces, axes and spears, and defended by helmets, quilted jackets, and coats of mail. Their armies were theoretically arranged in bodies of relative proportions, consist- ing of elephants, chariots, horse, and foot — the former being equal in number, and the latter in the proportion of three horsemen and five footmen for each chariot. The number of chariots and elephants is the great characteristic of Hindu warfare ; and it is remarkable that in their heroic poems the heroes are generally represented as riding in a chariot, and never on a horse. In a few cases they are mentioned as coming to battle on an elephant ; but in the course of time horses have entirely superseded chariots in India as in Britain, where the chariot once played so imi)ortant a part in battle. The paper proceeded witli 374 GENERAL HISTORIES. extracted from it by lixiviation and crystalliza- tion without the aid of fire ; and that sulphur may, for the same reason, have been mixed with it, as it is abundant in the north-west of India. This destructive agent appears to have fallen into disuse before we reach authentic history, and, notwithstanding the assertions to the con- trary, there seems reason to suppose that, at the time of the Muhammedan invasion, the only inflammable projectiles which were known were of a more simple nature, composed chiefly, if not entirely, of bituminous substances, — from naphtha, the most liquid, to asphaltum, the most solid of them, — and that, whether from cum- brousness or " ineffectual fires," they were very rarely brought into action. It is not to be gathered for certain that the natives of southern India were superior in the a description of the various sorts of bows, arrows, and other weapons used by the ancient Hindus. The question as to the knowledge of gunpowder, or any similar explosive substance, by the ancient people of India, said the Professor, is one of great historical interest. It is clear from their medical works that they were acquainted with the constituents of gunpowder, and possessed them in great abundance : and our acquaintance with their literature is as yet too imperfect to warrant a reply in the negative because we have not met with a posi- tive account of the invention. Their writings make frequent reference to arms of fire ; and rockets — which appear to be an Indian invention, though not mentioned by name in Sanscrit writings — had long been used in their armies when Europeans first came in contact with them. Tactics also were not omitted in Hindu military science. The division of the army into centre, flanks, wings, and reserve, is laid down ; and rules for the order of march, the modes of overcoming obstacles, the choice of a position, and the diflFerent kinds of array, are given, and illustrated by quotations from the Agni Purana. The subject of en- campment received attention ; in illustration of which the paper con- cluded with a quotation from the Maha-bharata, describing in consi- derable detail the pitching of Yudhishthira's camp upon a level and fertile spot on the banks of the Hinanvati, agreeably to the precepts laid down for the regulation of the practice. — Athenaum July, 8, 1848. GENERAL HISTORIES. 375 use of Artillery to the Portuguese on their first arrival ; but, even if they were, they might easily have acquired their skill from Egypt, Persia, and Arabia, with which during the period of Muhammedan supremacy there was constant communication ; so that there is nothing in the testimony of either native or foreign wit- nesses sufficiently positive to lead to the conclu- sion, that, in modern times at least, the know- ledge of fire-arms was indigenous in India, and antecedent to their use in Europe. 376 GENERAL HISTORIES, XXIX. TARIKH-I-HAKIMAN-I-HIND. A history of India ; comprising an Introduc- tion, twelve Sections and Supplement. Introduction. The sovereigns of India, from Shem, the son of Noah, to Anand Deo. 1st Sect. — The Sultans of Lahore, from Nasiru-d-dm Sabuk- tigin, to Khusru, son of Khusrii Shah. 2nd Sect. — Kings of Dehli, from Mu'izzu-d-din Muhammed Sam to Akber. 3rd Sect. — Kings of the Deccan in six Chapters, treating of the Kings of Kalburga, Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Telingana, Berar and Beder. 4th Sect. — Princes of Guzerat. 5th Sect. — Princes of Malwa. 6th Sect. — Princes of Burhanpiir. 7th Sect. — Kings of Bengal. 8th Sect.— Kings of Sind and Tatta. 9th Sect. — Princes of Multan. 10th Sect.— Kings of Cashmir. 11th Sect. — Rulers of Malabar. 12th Sect. — The holy men of Hindustan. Supplement. — A description of Hindustan. Author unknown ; the work appears to be an abridgement of Ferishta.* * Mackenzie Collection, Vol. II. p. 126, GENERAL HISTORIES. 377 XXX. MASIR-I-RAHtMr. Dr. Lee observes of this work, that " it is a valuable and elaborate history of the Emperors and other eminent men of Tartary, Hindustan, &c. by Muhammed Abd-el-Baki el Rahimi el Nahavendi. In large folio, containing about 4000 pages."* Major Stewart describes it as ** Memoirs of Abd-l-rahim Khan, Khan Khan- an, Wazir, and of all the illustrious nobles, authors, and poets, who resided at the Court of Akber. Author, Abdu-1-Baki, A. D. J613."f These authors differ much in their account of the work: both are partly right and partly wrong. There is no account of the Emperors and other eminent men of Tartary, if we except the account of 'Abdu-r-rahim's ancestors, and the biographical details do not concern the Court of Akber, but belong almost entirely to the Deccan. A great portion of the work is devoted to an ample detail of the transactions of his patron, the Khan Khanan, his sons and progenitors, and though he certainly was of * Travels of Ibn Batuta, p. xiv. t Descriptive Catalogue of Tippoo SuUiirCs Library, p. 14. 3 c 378 GENERAL HISTORIES. sufficient eminence to deserve a full biography, it is here written, as usual under such circum- stances, in so fulsome a strain of eulogy, that it is difficult to know what faith to put in it. The first Book contains Indian History, not sufficiently comprehensive to be of any essen- tial service ; but it is so far valuable that it does not literally copy Ferishta, which can rarely be said of any other author who has followed in the same line. Nizamu-din is his great guide, and his alarm at attempting any period of his- tory not already occupied by another, is shown by the extract taken from the close of his ac- count of Akber. The work also contains a Tazkira, or notices of poets, with long extracts from their writings, and it will be seen from the following Table of Contents that nearly one third of the volume is devoted to that object; — the accounts of the poets extending from p. 990 to p. 1454. Contents. Preface ; pp. 1 — 7. Introduction, respecting the ancestors of 'Abdu-r-rahim, Khan Khanan; pp. 7 — 36. Book I. — An account of Muhammed Bairam Beg, father of 'Abdu-r-rahim, preceded by the history of the kings of Hindus- tan from the time of the Ghaznevides to the accession of Je- hangir, including the kings of Bengal, p. 46, — the kings of Juanpur, p. 52, — kings of Malwa, p. 56, — kings of Cashmir, p. 113, — kings of Multan, p. 148, — kings of Dehli, p. 160, — Baber, p. 272,— Humaiyiin, p. 290,— Akber, p. 381,— Jehangir p. 552 ;— pp. 37—606. Book II. — The virtues and victories of 'Abdu-r-rahim, with copies of firmans addressed to him, and of some of his composi- tions, including also an account of the rulers of Gujrat, p. 621, —of Sind, p. 696,— of Deccan, p. 776,— of Khandes, p. 808 ;— pp. 606—922. GENERAL HISTORIES. 379 Book III. — On the palaces, baths, mosques, and other build- ings erected by the Khan Khanan, the gardens planted by him, and the ships built by him ; — pp. 923—932. Book IV. — An account of the sons of the Khdn Khanan ; pp. 933—968. Conclusion — in a Preface and three* Chapters, (1) on contem- porary philosophers, physicians, and other celebrated men, 31 persons, p. 962 ; (2) poets, including the author, 92 persons, p. 990 ; (3) on the military officers under command of the Khan Khanan, 44 persons, p. 1454; — pp. 969 — 1513. Size — Folio, 1513 pages, each containing 25 lines. There are a few blank pages, which are about equal to the marginal addi- tions. The author, 'Abdu-1-Baki, Nahavendi, com- posed his work under the encouragement he received from Abti-l-faiz Faizi, brother of Abu-1-fazl, and 'Abdu-r-rahim, Khan Khanan, son of Bairam Khan. He gives a little infor- mation respecting himself and his ancestry, referring for more copious particulars to Takiu- d-din's Tazkira, entitled Masiru-1-Khizria, which was dedicated and named after his brother, Agha Khizr, and to 'Abdu-l-M ali's Tazkira, which is dedicated to Shah 'Abbas ; and as ** self-praise is a great fault," he refers to them, rather than repeat in this work what they have said respecting him. In them also will be found a full account of his family and connections, as well of his patron, the Khan Khanan. His family was originally from Julak,t *' which con- tains more than 30,000 houses," but in conse- quence of the contentions which arose during * In the body of the work, the Chapters are said to amount to four, but the Preface states that the Conclusion is divided into three Chap- ters, and the detail shows that there are only three. t For the correct mode of writing this word, see Ouseley's Persian Travels, Vol. 11. p. 3. 3 c 2 380 GENERAL HISTORIES. the reign of Shah Ism'il Safvi, his family left Julak and went to reside at Nehavend. The author states that his ancestors were Ge- nerals under Afrasiab, and that they held the lands of Julak in rent-free tenure from Shah Ism'il. His most noted ancestor was Aka Baba, who resided at Hamadan. His brother was made Deputy Governor of Hamadan in the time of Shah 'Abbas. Amir Taki Muhammed has noticed the excellence of his administra- tion in the Tazkira which he has written, and many memorials of his munificence exist in the neighbourhood, especially the embankment at Kashan and the avenue of trees, of which our author for a long time enjoyed the proceeds. He appears, for some reason or other, to have given dissatisfaction to the reigning monarch. Shah 'Abbas ; on account of which, he determin- ed upon quitting his native country, and, at the invitation of Abu-1-faiz Falzi and 'Abdu-r-rahlm Khan,was induced to visit Hindustan, and arrived at Burhdnpur in Khandes in A. H. 1023, where he was received with kindness, and presented with a Jagir. He completed his work in A. H. 1025— A. D. 1616— calling it Masir-i-rahimi, after his patron, in whose praise he has in- serted many pieces of poetry in the body of the work, and declares his intention of continu- ing these laudatory effusions till the day of his death. Extracts. When the knowledge of Kaikobad's having abandoned himself to pleasure and revelry was spread abroad, strumpets, jesters. GENERAL HISTORIES. 381 singing-men and singing-women flocked from all quarters to the Court, and the very name of sorrow and melancholy was banished from men's hearts. There was not a moment without its pecu- har amusement, and the assemblies at the palace were filled with wags, pot-companions, mistresses and sodomites, amongst whom the king distributed his presents and tokens with a most lavish profusion.* Malik Nizamu-d-din, the minister, was a sinful and disingenu- ous man, and the nobles of Balban's time, who were the pillars and supports of the throne, were much alarmed at the power and influence which he possessed, and used their best endeavours to secure his good will. The minister, who was a man of no sense or capacity, when he saw the nobles obsequiously devoted to his wishes, and the king revelling in his debaucheries, without any title whatever aspired to the throne, and took measures to extirpate the family of Balban. In order to effect his absurd project, he represented to the Sultan that Kai-Khusru, who was associated with him in the sovereignty, and was endowed \ivdth many kingly virtues, was looked on as the heir of the throne, and endeavoured to ingratiate himself with the people, as well as with the chiefs and grandees. The Sultan giving ear to these representations, summoned Kai-Khusrii to his presence, and or- dered that innocent prince to be murdered on his arrival at the town of Rohtak. He :t: :(: * * * Mubarak returned to Dehli and became engrossed in the sen- sual pleasures to which he was addicted. His cousin, Malik Rashidu-d-din, seeing the Sultan constantly drunk, resolved on usurping the throne, but some informer revealed the plot, and Rashidu-d-din was apprehended and put to death, and some assassins were sent to Gw^lidr to murder Khizr Kh§n, Shadi Khan, and Malik Shahabu-d-din, sons of Sultan AM'u-d-din, who had been pre\-iously bhnded upon the king's accession. After their murder, their wives and children were sent to Dehli. * * * He emulated his father in the refinement of his tortures and murders. He slew Zafar Khan for no offence whatever, as well as Malik Shdhi, who was styled Wafa-i-mulk, and committed every kind of crime and vice, which could lead to the downfall of the empire. He actually clothed himself in female apparel, and accompanied by several impudent and abandoned women, used to attend like a common actress at the houses of the nobility. He used to display himself openly naked before all men. These, * One might almost fancy he was reading a Lakhnau Akhbar. This propensity for whores, fiddlers, parasites and buffoons is the besetting sin of the Princes of India even at the present day. With lamentably few exceptions, their occupations rarely rise above the low level indicated in the text. 382 GENERAL HISTORIES. and other obscenities too gross to mention, were the daily occu- pations of the king. * * * When Khusru Khan arrived at Ma'bar, of which he had been nominated Governor, the chiefs absconded with their property and treasures, but Khwajah Taki, a merchant, confiding in the honor of the Muhammedan army, remained. Nevertheless, he was plundered of all he possessed, and was put to death. Khusru Khan, obeying the dictates of his evil disposition, thought pro- per to aspire to independence, and sought how he might slay the chiefs associated with him. Malik Timiir, the Governor of Chanderi, and Malik Haibat Afghan, being informed of his intentions, anticipated his measures, and determined on sending him to Dehli ; but he, alarmed at the threats of the nobles, set off in a Palki and arrived in seven (?) days from Deogarh to DehU. The nobles entertained the persuasion that they would get thanked for their devotion, but when Khusru Khan arrived, and had a personal interview with the king, he complained against the nobles, whom he accused of a desire to assassinate him. The king, who was quite infatuated in his attachment to Khusru Khan, placing implicit reliance on all the lies he uttered, was very angry with the nobles, and on their arrival at Dehli, when they were prepared to lay bare his imposture, and adduced evidence to that effect, it was all of no use, for they, as well as their witnesses, were punished, so that they were compelled again to court the good graces of the favorite, and to deny all that they had previously asserted. Account of the building of a private Chapel. As his Majesty Akber, from his very earliest youth was, under the guidance of his excellent disposition, charmed with the com- panionship of wise men, and was fond of holding literary assem- bUes, and as he delighted in hearing the subtleties of various sciences, ancient and modern, and possessed a perfect knowledge of the history of religions and of ancient nations, as well as of what was passing in the world, and actuated by the delight which he experienced from the society of men competent to dis- cuss these themes, he gave orders on his return from Ajmir in the month Zil'kad 982, that his architects and builders should erect a place of worship and retirement near the Palace, to which no one should gain admittance but Saiyids, learned men, and religious characters. The architects consequently laid the foundation of such a hall containing four entrances, and from the time that it was finished, his Majesty collected the learned and holy men on Thurs- day and the other fortunate nights, and continued his interviews and disputations till the morning. To secure order, he directed GENERAL HISTORIES. 383 that the Saiyids should occupy the western recess ; the wise men and philosophers the southern ; holy men and visionaries the northern ; and the nobles and officers of state, who were in the habit of associating with these able men, should occupy the eastern recess. The king himself sat so that all four parties might derive the greatest benefit from his presence. He gave orders that a selection should be made from the most eminent of these four bodies to occupy the places nearest to his person, and to them he distri- buted with his own hand handful s of Rupees and Gold-mohurs. Those who were not fortunate enough to receive donations from his own hand, were honored on the next morning, as they sat in groups on the outside, with befitting presents in money. This distribution used to last till mid-day on Friday. If the king, on account of ill-health or anxiety, was unable to superintend this himself, he used to appoint some substitute, in whom he had particular confidence, to make the usual distribution. May God bless these pious and liberal actions, which no king has ever yet performed, and may they redound to the eternal honor and prosperity of his exalted majesty. The 38M Ilahi year after the accession. On the 15th Jamadu-s-sani, 1001 H. after the sun had entered Aries, the Nauroz festival of the 38th year of the reign com- menced, and the usual ceremonies were observed upon the occa- sion; on the 9th of the Ilahi month Farwardin 1001 H. corre- sponding with the 24th of Jamadu-s-sani, Kh^n Khanan and J^nl Beg, Ruler of Thatta, arrived at Court, kissed the thres- hold, and were received with every demonstration of honor and kindness. SMh Beg Cabuli, who was called Khan Daur^n, Feridun Khan Birlas, Bakhtydr Beg, and other nobles who stood appointed to the army of Gujr^t, and had accompanied the king, severally received an increase of allowances, Jagirs, and Mansabs. About this time, the fort of Junagarh and the country of Surat fell under the king's dominion. Sultan INIuzaifar Gujr^ti fled to Kankar, the chief of Cach, and obtained his protection. Khan A'zam invaded Kankar's dominions, and pillaged them, till at last Kankar was persuaded to seize Muzaifar Khan and send him a prisoner to Court. It was therefore agreed that Mirza Abdulla, son of Khan A'zam, should go secretly with a small body of men to the place where Muzaffar was concealed, and seize him unawares. When they were proceeding on this expedition, Muzaffar retired on a certain pretence, and, while absent, cut his throat with a razor, which he had about his person. His head was then cut off, and brought to Khan A'zam, who sent it to Court. 384 GENERAL HISTORIES. At this time, 1 20 elephants, which had come into the posses- sion of Man Sing, were sent by him to Court, and presented to his majesty. As ten years had elapsed since Khan A'zam had been to Court, a Firman was despatched to summon him to the presence, directing that, as he had performed good service to the state, it was time he should come and receive his reward ; but as that chief had always entertained the wish to proceed on a pil- grimage to the sacred cities, and his friends represented to him that the king was displeased with him, and merely sought an opportunity to imprison him, he placed his family and treasure on board a vessel, and on the 1st of Rajab set sail for Hejaz. When the king learnt this, he nominated Shahzada Murad to the government of Gujrat, and directed him to proceed thither from M^lwa, and Muhammed Sadik Khan, one of the grandees of the state, was sent as deputy to the prince ; — the Sircars of Bariich, Siirat and Barauda being taken from Kilij Khan, and given to Muhammed Sadik Khan in Jaglr. On the 21st of Murdad, corresponding with the 14th of Zi-1- K'da 1001 H. Zein Khan Koka, and Asaf Khan, who had been sent to chastise the Afghans of Swat and Bajaur, and to exterminate Jalala and his brother Maudiid All, succeeded in accomplishing the latter object, and brought away these two chiefs prisoners, besides their families, and sent them to the king. On the 4th of Shehriyur, corresponding with the 29th of Zi-1- k'da, the governorship of Malwa was conferred upon Mirza Shah Rukh, and orders were given to release Shahbaz Khan Kamboh, who had been imprisoned for the last three years, and he was sent to Malwa, to act as deputy to Mirza Shah Rukh. On the 2nd of Muharram 1002 H. Mirza Rustam Khan, — son of Sultan Husain Mirza, son of Bahram Mirza, son of Shahlsm'ail Safvi, king of Iran, — ^who was ruler of Zemindawar and the neigh- bouring districts, came to Court and paid his respects, ac- companied by his family and relations. When he had arrived at the bank of the Chenab, his majesty sent out Kara Beg Turkman with tents and carpets and furniture to meet him, and after him followed Hakim Einu-1-mulk with a waist-dagger studded with jewels. When the Mirza had arrived within four coss of Lahore, Zein Khan and Khan Khanan were sent out to meet him, and when the interview with the king took place, the refugee prince was received with every kind of kingly hospitality, was presented with a crore of Tank as, and admitted to the dignity of 5000. Multan was also conferred upon him in Jagir. About this time, the poet laureate, Sheikh Faizi, who had been dispatched on an embassy to Raja Ali Khan and Burhdnu-1-mulk Deccdni, returned, and was received with great kindness. Mir Muhammed Amin of Mashhed, Mir Munir, and Khwajah Aminu- d-din, who had all been deputed on similar special duty to the Deccan, returned to Court, and paid their respects. As Burhanu- GENERAL HISTORIES. 385 1-mulk had been elevated entirely throi^h the kindness and pro- tection of the king, and had received the greatest favors from him, as has already been shewn in its proper place, the king was annoyed at his sending an inferior present, consisting only of 15 pieces of coloured Deccan cloth and a few jewels, and as he had in other respects behaved in a disrespectful manner, the king was greatly grieved at his conduct. Accordingly, the vicegerent of God (the king) determined on an expedition to the Deccan, and on the 25th of Mihr, he appointed Prince Danial to subdue that coun- try, and Khan Khanan, Rai Sing, Rai Sal, Hakim Einu-1-mulk, the nobles of Malwa, and the Jagirdars of the Sdba of Ajmir and Delhi, were sent to co-operate with the Prince, and 70,000 horse were ordered on the same duty. The king came out for the purpose of hunting and pitched his camp at Sultanpur, on the bank of the river, thirty coss from Lahore, and Khin Khdnan who had gone to Sirhind to pay his respects to Prince Denial, was sent for by the king to be consulted on the subject of the expedition. He had an interview with his majesty near Sheikhpiir, and had frequent conferences on the sub- ject of the Deccan, in one of which the king enquired whether that province could not be conquered without troubling the Prince to go there. Khan Khanan promised to undertake it in his own person, and instructions were therefore issued, that the army, which had been directed to accompany the Prince, should place themselves under the orders of Khan Khanan, and the Prince was summoned to Court, which he reached in two days. Khdn Khdnan, loaded with honors by the king, set out on his ex- pedition, and his majesty, having broken up his hunting camp, and given his people leave to visit their homes, returned to Lahore. Kh^n Khanan set out with all haste, and arrived at Agra, and as the rainy season was approaching, and he had received orders to disburse pay from the Agra Treasury, and to lay in from the same source all the ammunition and military stores necessary for the conquest of the Deccan, he remained at Agra during the rains, and having supplied himself with every necessary he set out for Malwa, which was the Jagir of Mirza Shah Rukh, with whom he had an inter\4ew in Ujain. From Malwa he went to Khandes, and without proceeding to extremities, induced Raja Ali Khan to declare his allegiance to the king. Khandes thus became included in the subject states, and the coin was struck, and the Khutba, read in the name of his majesty. Even Asir, which had baffled every attempt, fell at last under his sway. Khdndes was given in Jdgir to Raja Ali Khan, and he was enrolled among the mansabdars of 5000. Khan Khanan sent a request, accompanied by a suitable offering, to his majesty, that these orders might be confirmed, and that Raja Ali Khan might be reckoned among the nobles, and be allowed to accompany 3 D 386 GENERAL HISTORIES. him to the Deccan. The king acceded to these proposals, and Khan Khanan was rewarded with fresh marks of his favor. After the affair of Khandes was completed to his satisfaction. Khan Khanan set out on his expedition to the Deccan. His first step was to lay siege to Ahniednagar, and Chand Bibi, who was at that time ruler of that province, entered into negotiations, under which it was stipulated that the territory of Berar should be resigned to Akber. On the second occasion, when he attached Ahmednagar, Soheil, the Abyssinian, was appointed by Adil Shah to the command of the army, and the armies of Nizamu-1-mulk, Adil Khan, Kutbu-1-mulk and the Beridshahi chief being placed under his com- mand, he came out in considerable strength and confidence to oppose Khan Khanan, who with the little force at his com- mand, performed such prodigies of bravery, as might have shamed even Rustam and Isfandiar. He obtained a complete victory over Soheil, and then proceeded to the siege of Ahmed- nagar, which he soon reduced and brought the whole province of the Deccan under the rule of the emperor. As the conquests of the Deccan, Khandes, and Berar have already been fully detailed in the hfe of Khan Khanan in this book, I beg to refer to it for further information. If I were here to commence an account of this commander's proceedings in the Deccan, it would extend to too great a length. To be brief, the king reigned for 52 years over the whole of Hin- dustan, from Bengal to the extreme borders of Candahar, and Zemindawar, and even to the shores of the sea. All the stubborn chiefs. Rajas, Rais, and Zemindars in Hindustan, including those of Gujrat, Sind, Deccan, Cashmir, Bengal, Malwa and other countries, were made, by means of the Khan Khanan, subject to his rule. Some, after defeat in action, some, under treaties of peace, were all in the end deprived of the exercise of independent sovereignty. The author has extracted this account of the first 38 years of the reign, viz. from A. H. 963 to 1002, from the Tabakat-i- Akberi, by Nizamu-d-din Ahmed Bakhshi. Of the remaining fourteen years the author has never seen any account ; at least, as he has not been able to procure any, he has omitted that period from his history, and must, therefore, refer to other authorities who may have written concerning this period. Akber was a world-subduing monarch, the very emblem of justice, to whose Court people from all sides resorted for protec- tion, and to partake of a benevolence so universally diffused. He extended toleration to all religions and creeds, and would recognize no difference between their professors, his object being to unite all in a common bond of peace. The names of the Sultans, nobles, ministers, poets, and philosophers who adorned his reign, can be ascertained from the Tabakat-i-Akberi and the Akbernama ; and GENERAL HISTORIES. 387 in the same comprehensive works will be found an account of his greatness, his inventions, his novel rules of administration, — all exhibiting a fertile and ready genius. During his entire reign of 52 years, no neighbouring Prince of Hindustan made an incursion into his territories, and notwith- standing that the Afghan kings are notorious for their malignity and turbulence, they were not able to move their feet during his supremacy, so that all quarters were subject to his sword, the very signal of victory. Whoever dared to lift his head from the level of loyalty and subjection never escaped with his life. Akber died at Agra on the 23rd Jamadu-1-awwal A. H. 1014, and the date of his death was found to be represented by the let- ters composing " the death of Akber Shah." This work is not common in India. There is one copy at Lahore, in two volumes, which is an abridgement, rather than the entire work. The copy which the Asiatic Society possesses consti- tutes one of the most valuable manuscripts of its collection. It was transcribed in a legible nastalik hand under the author's own superin- tendence, and contains revisions and marginal additions in his own handwriting. It purports to have been sent as a present to his friend, Khwajah Sultan Muhammed Isfahan!, in the year 1026 H., and afterwards to have been re- ceived from him again, and presented in 1041 H. toKazi 'Abdu-1-aziz. The author states that this MS. has not undergone the careful revision he could wish, and that a complete history of the kings of the Deccan is wanting, which he hopes to supply some future day. The size and contents of the volume are shown above. 3 D 2 388 GENERAL HISTORIES. Initial lines : — Final lines, added in the author's hand-writ- ing:— Wai jt3 ^I 0*«1 ^-Ab j^lai^ l^M JJO ^^^j*^^ l-j^ jd ^ C:^^) ^^^ ^UaxJ) t-^)^ xlf;'3^J J^^^i:^^ ^«3j-^-^ '^i^ ^ **J^ GENERAL HISTORIES. 389 XXXI. ANFAU-L-AKHBA'R. This work is of much the same historic cha- racter as the last. It is in a more abridged form, but is devoted to the eulogies of a patron, and their publication appears to have been one of the chief objects contemplated in the undertaking. The author, Muhammed Amin, son of Daulat Muhammed-al-Husaini-al-Baliki, was in the service of Nawwab Sipahdar Khan, who receives an enlarged and laudatory notice at the close of the work. He concluded it in A. H. 1036, and styled it Anfdu-UAkhbar, ** The most useful chro- nicle," because the year is represented by the letters composing those words. He resided chiefly at Ahmednagar, on which account he often notices this city ; and its buildings, gar- dens, and history receive a large share of notice. This history is divided into a Preface, ten Books and a Conclusion. Contents. Preface. — Containing the usual lauds : pp. 1 — 6. Book I. — The early prophets: pp. 7 — 100. II. — The early philosophers : pp. 100 — 104. III. — The early kings of Persia: pp. 114 — 135. IV.— The prophet Muhammed; pp. 136—138. 390 GENERAL HISTORIES. V. — The four first Khalifs and twelve Imams: pp. 1.38 —144. VI.— The Ummaiyide Khahfs: pp. 144—146. VII.— The 'Abbaside Khalifs : pp. 146—150. VIII. — The dynasties contemporary with, and subsequent to, the 'Abbaside Khalifs, viz.Taherides, — Samanians, Biiyides or Deilemites, — Isma'ilians, — Seljiikians, — Ghorians, — and others : pp. 150 — 190. IX.— The sons of Japhet: pp. 191—218. X. — The dynasty of Timur. The following are the rubrics of the tenth Book, Accession of Khakan Sa'id Shahrukh, Sultan, to the throne of Khorasan. — Mirza 'Alau-d-dau-lah ascends the throne, and the death of Mirza 'Abdu-1-latif in the year Sb7, H. — Mirza Mughisu-d-din Alagh Beg Gilrgan crosses the river. — March of Mirza Abu-1-Kasim Baber to Khorasan. — Disagreement between Mirza 'Alau-d-daulah and Mirza 'Abdu-1-latif. — Enmity between Mirza Alagh Beg and Mirza 'Abdu-1-latif ; and the death of the king. — ^A brief account of Mirza Sultan Muhammed. — March of Mirza Balla. — Mirza 'Abdu-1-latif killed, and the accession of Mirza 'Abdu-1-lah to the throne of Samarkand. — Mirza ' Abdu-1-lah Shira- zi killed — and Sultan Sa'id ascends the throne. — March of Mirza Baber towards Balkh. — Mirza 'Alau-d-daulah seized. — Mirz^ Sultan Muhammed. — Mirza Baber proceeds towards Asterabad. — Mirza Baber departs for Mashhed. — Mirza Shah Mahmiid, and certain events of his time. — Arrival of Sultan Sa'id at Khorasan. — March of Mirza Ibrahim to Mazenderan, and his defeat by Mirza Jehan Shah Turkoman. — Visit of Mirza Jehan Shah to the capital of Khakan Sa'id, and his peace with him. — Fight of Sultan Sa'id with Mirzas Ibrahim, 'Alau-d-dau-lah and Sanjar. — Arrival of Amir Khalil to besiege Herat. — March of Sultan Sa'id towards Turkistan. — ^A brief account of Mirza Jehan Shah Turkoman. — March of Sultan Sa'id from Asterabad. — The Khorasani troops defeated, and Sultan Sa'id Gurg^n killed. — Accession of Sultan Husain Baha- dar Khan to the throne. — Several events related in a concise manner. — March of Mirza Yadgar Muhammed with the design of conquest, and his defeat by the royal army. — The king marches against Mirza Yadgar Muhammed. — Accession of Mirza Yad- gir Muhammed to the throne of Khorasan. — The king proceeds in the direction of the garden Zaghan, and Mirzi Yadgar killed. — Re-accession of the king to the throne of Khorasan. — The events which occurred after his accession to the throne of Khorasan. Death of Mirza Sultan Husain, and the joint succession of Ba- di'u-z-zaman Mirza and Mirza MuzaiFar Husain to the throne of Khorasan, and several other events. — A summary account of the tribe of Ak-Kuinlu who ruled in Azarbaij^n, Fars, the two Iraks, and Kirm^n. — A brief account of the Uzbek kings who ruled in GENERAL HISTORIES. 391 Mdwaru-n-nahr and Khordsdn subsequent to 900 A. H. — Safvi kings. — Conquests of Irak, Persia, and Kirnian. — Fall of Baghdad, and flight of Sultan Murad. — Conquest of Khiizistan. — The territories of Khorasan conquered, and Shahi Beg Khan killed. — A brief account of Amir Yar Muhammed Isfahan!. Arrival of Sultan Selim, king of Riim, in Tran. — Death of the king. — Accession of Shah Tahmas, son of Shah Isma'il. — Zahiru-d-din Muhammed Baber. — Accession of Humaiyiin. — Capture of the fort of Champanir. — Sultan Bahadar. — The events which befel the king after his arrival at Agra. — Retreat of the king towards Iran, and several events which occurred at that time. — Return of the king from Iran towards Hindustan. — March of the king from Cabul in the direction of India, with the design of conquest. — Death of the king in Rabi- u-1-awwal 963 A. H. — Account of certain excellent men. — Bio- graphy of Muhammed Akber, from the beginning of the first up to the fifty-first year of his reign. — An account of Jehangir. Account of the king and certain events which occurred at that time. — Sultan Khusru fights, is defeated, and seized. — Return of Sultan Parvez from the Deccan and arrival of Sultan Khurram according to the summons of the king. — Rupture of engagements, and recurrence of the insurrection of Malik Amber in the Deccan. — Disaffection of Sultan Khurram. — An account of Sultan Khur- ram after his arrival in Bengal. — Settlement of the affairs of the Deccan and march of the army to Bengal. — Misfortunes which occurred after the departure of prince Sultan Parvez. — Fight of Sultdn Parvez and Mahdbat Khan with Sultan Khurram. — Sub- mission of Malik Amber. — Certain transactions related in a suc- cint manner. — pp. 218 — 446. Conclusion. — Account of Sipahdar Khfin. — The peace of God rest on him and may his life be prolonged ! pp. 446 — 482. Size. — Small Quarto, containing 482 pages, and 17 hues in each page. Extracts. The forty-ninth, fiftieth, and fifty-first years of the reign of Akber, were marked by the following events, \-iz. : In the year 1012 A. H. prince Sultan Selim was imprisoned in a bath, on the very day on which His Royal Highness, repent- ing of his actions, presented himself to the king, availing himself of the opportunity which the death of his grandmother, Mariam Macani affording him of offering his condolences to his majesty. — He was however after a space of twelve days released. This year is also marked by the arrival from the Deccan of the news of the death of Sultan Danial. In the year 1013 A. H. the king (Akber) was taken ill. On Friday the 12th of Jama- dius-s-s^m 1014 A. H. he died at Agra, and was interred iu Sikandra. "It is God alone who will exist for ever." This king never sustained a defeat at any place. His army was 392 GENERAL HISTORIES. victorious in every engagement. He subjugated all nations, some by means of amis and some by friendly treaties of peace. Tbe blessings of good government were extended to every quarter of this extensive empire. All people of every description and station came to his court, and all their enmities having been reconciled by his mediation, they were secure from anxiety. Be it not concealed that this account of his happy reign does not form even one-tenth part of the transactions which actually occurred in it or contain the praises due to it. — The detailed particulars of his reign are recorded in the Akbernama and the Tarikh-i-Nizami. — God be praised that the distress which the people experienced at the loss of their sove- reign Akber, was removed by the accession of his excellent and powerful son, Jehangir. May this exalted Dynasty maintain its power till the day of judgment, under the auspices of the prophet and his glorious descendants ! A brief account follows of the events which occurred in the year 1036 H. viz: — On the return of Mahabat Khan from the Deccan, by command of the king. His Majesty commenced his march on Cashmir. On the way a dispute arose between Mahabat Khan and Asaf Khan, son of rtimadu-d-daulah, and brother of Nur Jehan Begam. It took so serious a turn, that they at last came to action, drawing up their troops in battle array. Mahabat Khan gained the vic- tory, and Asaf Khan fled to the fort of Attak Benares, where he fortified himself. The victorious party besieged him, and after a few days succeeded in obtaining possession of his person, when they took him to their master, who threw him into prison. These circumstances gained Mahabat Khan such influence at Court, that no one without his authority could go near the king, and even his food and drink was subject to inspection. Mahabat Khan also appointed his own obedient Rajputs to remain in con- stant attendance day and night on the king, thereby cutting off every one from direct communication with His Majesty. The matter stood upon this footing for about six months, when a party of Moghuls being collected through the exertions and dexterity of the wise Nur Jahan Begam, marched against Maha- bat Khan, put nearly three thousand of his Rajputs to death, and effected the release of Asaf Khan. Mahabat Khan being thus defea£ed, took to flight. Khan Khanan was sent by the king to pursue and exterminate him, but while engaged on the expedition. Khan Khanan died, and Mahabat Kh^n has in conse- quence been suffered still (i. e. the close of the year 1036 H.) to wander about with a small body of adherents. Sultan Khurram remains in the Deccan under the same cir- cumstances as have been already mentioned. We must wait to see what may happen to him hereafter, and what game the hero (his chessman) will play behind the curtain of futurity. GENERAL HISTORIES. 393 This year is also marked by the death of Prince Pars ez in the city of Burhanpiir. The date of the death of that excellent Prince is found in the following chronogram, composed by Mau- lana Samadi Buanati, viz. *' The king of kmgs has departed from this world." In this year Nizamu-1-mulk created a disturbance in the Dec- can, which however was put down by the exertions of Khan Jehan. A detail of this transaction will be found in the con- cluding part of this work. At the present time, i. e. the latter part of the year 1036 H. the people of this country, whether rich or poor, high or low, are in the enjoyment of all the blessings of comfort and content, and slumbering secure from all danger, are in return offering up their prayers to the Almighty God for the continued prosperity of the king, who is the safeguard of the empire and the shadow of God. The Conclusion. The concluding part of this book contains an account of Sipah- ddr Khan ; may the peace of God be on him ! The object of giving an account of him in this work is that his memory may descend to posterity. Be it not concealed that his birth place is Tabrez, and his ancestors were reckoned among the nobles of that country. His name is Mirzd Muhammed Saleh. In the year 1000 H. he left Iran for Hindustan, in company with the late Khwd- jah Beg Mirza, son of Ma' sum Beg Safvi, whose excellent quali- ties cannot be adequately described. The relations of friendship and amity which subsisted between them were exceedingly strong. Mirzd Muhammed Saleh, after his arrival in India obtained the honor of an interview with His Majesty. Mansabs suitable to his dignity, as well as the government of the Siibah of Gujrat, were conferred on him, time after time. While in Gujrat, he saw in a dream a white flag so lofty that it penetrated the very heavens ; at one time it went towards his right hand, at another towards the left ; and then, shortly after, it left that posi- tion, and came and stood opposite to him, and then, on approaching him, began to bend down towards him, when he seized hold of it with his hand and again placed it in an erect posture ; upon which, he woke from his dream. Since the time that he had this auspicious dream, he began to prosper day by day, so that he attained at length the dignity of the Governor of Gujrat, but the height of the flag presages to him, according to the interpretation of the dream, even a higher dignity than that which he has yet attained. He was constantly in the habit of relating this dream to intelli- gent persons. *' There is a dignity yet greater than thine and thy dignity at every period is not always the same. Wait till the dawn of fortune cometh to thee, as these are the mere harbingers of that dawn. The dignity which thou hast attained is very low. 394 GENERAL HISTORIES. when compared with that which Fate yet ordains for thee in its full accompUshment." In the year 1003 H. Prince Sultan Murad marched towards the Deccan by order of the king, where Khwajah Beg Mirza and Mirza Muhammed Saleh paid their respects to him. Upon the death of Prince Sultan Murad in the Deccan, Prince Danial, as has already been mentioned in its proper place, went to that province and captured the fort of Ahmednagar, which was the Capital of Nizamu-1-mulk. The government of that country was conferred upon Khwajah Beg Mirza and Mirza Muhammed Saleh. These two great men have resided in this country for a long period, during which they have conferred many kindnesses, obligations and comforts upon the people, as will shortly appear in the sequel. This work is probably unique. I know of only one copy, and that is an autograph of the author, transcribed in Muharram 1037, only a few months after the composition of the original. This MS. belongs to Nawwab Shamshir Kadr of Lakhnau. The Anfa u-1-Akhbar commences thus : — ^U.A/o x^Ui ^ jUa^jJIt Ajoi) ^U^l tj^^K oUiS iJj-^ »ftil ^^Sliw L::^*Jar? !;cu^% d^) J^ cX^JX> AaJLL ^JS^c] and concludes with a benediction on the author's patron : — jlil &j€j J] Ji^]j r^lr^ J^^«i i^^ib tiUxI*uI^ J^ J.Jt| ; ( ^1*) J^Ujy Jall^ c^j^yT u-iK-a.1 ^^ji^l LLlLwj.iiU.^lc ^TjldA.1^ I ♦ ♦ ♦ iJ<*ujy^j^ij:^,Mj] ^U) 1;^;^^ S'^"^" ^'^ c/^ lc"^^ z*^' ^ v..^ jtyOjtyc J ^*^r^ *— ^ ^ly^ Lc^*^ Li-^vi^ ci^lijj — u •• ^L: aS JJ»3j^ ^difclA^ ^I^^j >>JU tUs:^ K-^^ o];S^^»3 J slsj l:^^^ !; i^ d^ u^J t^^ dh^ ^J ^^ ^j^i g j}^ LH^Awl y;^l ^^^ ^>^^ J«3 J^*l ^ i^^d jidJi) I; uJjU^ ^j«-**»n-« Jld. ^j^lj r^UijuA • ,3«jJ^lj jJua^I u^L/o j^^j jI.Jjwc) ^ • '^Sj-* vJ:^^ v4;' kJ-/-' b J^ iiT^' ( ^r) • V ^_^U Vj^j ?{^h.iil^ ^Jtfc'Jt ^li. o^ Lc^ oliijJ ^JUJjU JLm Juki ^j;^-awjl cX^ ^J^^'^^> ^ ^ ^^Lo j^jMkS^ y^^^ liX^X^^ eA; J^' '^y ^^^-^ ^j^ ^j^^ ) ^J^ }h^ ^^ &^ jJjItS ^Ui iidJ) J.I3 ^Uj l::^'^^ ci^^^^a^ ^^t\i^ 'jj/^'* '^^ ci^^ij ( ir ) ilfcX^AjJU: ill/«l^ Jki^A^I jJu^l s oi^ t— iLk jJjJiX^ C)J^^ 0;«*isr' f <^Uj) j^ S)^yjX^2iS jXm j,:\s. cijUJlfi c^bl; ^1^1 ^»;1|»3 JUU«| ^Ur*^ l^ L-*»i^ jl ^^ ^ tViij/ *— t^w ^aIj aIauI^I ^lyl (^;Ji^ liT^^'* U^y>^ C-ClAjJi^^i^ Litmus, y Sr^ii'y d^^^ i*^-^ <^4>y c:^;^^ ulf^j^^;^;i5 v-r-^ ^J:)J "^^^^y. J^^'^ ^i^ J UL:t3y« ^i)!;jii ^^ ?^^ (^/*^' Lii^ti^ (jly^ ty-^-^ ^^ lJ*^ ( ^1 ) ^l^juioj^cS^i J^^y*^ f^J^=^ %d^ytX^ (♦If ^ ^U^b J^ti^ jt^^ S.iJ>5iUo c^XM^'y f^^jY^^ ^.p Jju*^ ^^^^-t JUib v:;UaL- ci?y ^^ JU ^^^^ ^ c^ijyy (♦11^ sXmj^ ^ tiJi 4^1 »3 -aLw ^jUaluo^^ J^Ji-*'«3 ^ !;^J oy (I- ) s^^js^ t^Uwftj L-^Ji*"T ^ 'M ^U*«^j^ia ^jU^«i^ ^ e;'"^^^ cUsi^ uTj'ii tJ ijW*^ CI^cUo) -I WW ^^i^j jJtia. j^ULoj fJ^^ ^1. 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