The History of India

by the Honourable Mountstuart Elphinstone

In two volumes

Volume 2

1841

Table of Contents

Book 6 – Kings of Delhi to the Accession of the House of Teimur (1206 to 1526)

Chapter 1 – Slave Kings (1206 to 1288)

1206, Independence of India – Kutb u din – Progress of a Turki Slave – 1210, Aram – 1211, Shams u din Altamsh – 1217, Conquests of the Moguls under Chengiz Khan – 1221, King of Kharizm pursued into India – 1223, Returns to Persia – State of Hindostan – 1236, Health of Altamsh – Rukn u din – Sultana Rezia – Her Virtues – Her Weakness – Rebellion – 1239, The Queen defeated and put to death – Moizz u din Behram – Mogul Irruption into the Panjab – 1241, Ala u din Masaud – Mogul Irruptions – 1246, Nasir u din Mahmud – Gheias u din Bulbun Vizir – 1253, Removal of Bulbun – Discontents and Intrigues – Bulbun restored – 1266, Gheias u din Bulbun – Bulbun puts down the Influence of the Slaves – His Character – 1279, Revolt of Bengal – Suppressed – Mogul Irruption – Victory and Death of the Heir Apparent – 1286, Death of Bulbun – Kei Kobad – Intrigues and Power of the Vizir – Massacre of Mogul Mercenaries – King’s Interview with his Father – Murder of the Vizir – 1288, The King dethroned and put to death.

Chapter 2 – House of Khilji (1288 to 1321)

1288, Jehal u din – Mild Government of Jelal u din – Vigour of Ala u din, the King’s nephew – 1294, Ala u din’s Invasion of the Deckan – Submission of Deogiri – Return to Hindostan – 1295, Assassination of Jelal u din – Singular Instance of Credulity and Injustice – Ala u din – 1297, Expedition to Guzerat – Mogul Incursions – 1298, Serious Invasion by the Moguls – Their Defeat at Delhi – 1299, Designs of the King’s Nephew – He attempts to assassinate the King – 1299, His Failure and Death – 1300, Other Disturbances quelled – 1303, Capture of Chitor – 1304–1305, Unsuccessful Invasions of the Moguls – Discontinuance of their Incursions – 1306, Expedition to the Deckan – Story of the Princess Dewal Devi – 1309, Failure of an Expedition to Telingana – 1310, Conquest of Carnata – Conquest of Maaber up to Cape Comorin – 1311, Massacre of Mogul Converts – 1312, Taking of Deogiri, and Conquest of Maharashtra – Intrigues and Influence of Cilia – Revolt of Guzerat – Recovery of Chitor by the Rajputs – 1316, Death of Ala u din – His Character – His internal Policy – Mobarik Khilji – 1319, Conquest of Malabar – Influence of Khusru, and Ascendancy of a Hindu Party at Court – 1321, Murder of Mobarik, and Extirpation of his Family.

Chapter 3 – House of Toghlak, Seiads, and House of Lodi (1321 to 1526)

House of Toghlak – 1321 to 1412 – 1321, Gheias u din Toghlak – 1322, Failure of an Expedition to Telingana – 1323, Conquest of Telingana, and Capture of Warangol, the Capital – 1325, Death of the King – Mohammed Toghlak – Character of Mohammed Toghlak – Wild Schemes of Mohammed – 1325, Projected Conquest of Persia – Attempt to conquer China – Introduction of Paper Money – Tyranny and Exactions of the King – 1338, Rebellions – 1340, Permanent revolt of Bengal and of the Coast of Coromandel – 1344, Restoration of the Hindu Kingdoms of Carnata and Telingana – 1345–6, Other Rebellions – Rebellion of the Mogul Troops in Guzerat – 1347, General Revolt of the Deckan – Vigour and Activity of the King – 1351, Death of Mohammed Toghlak – Removal of the Capital to Deogiri and other Caprices of Mohammed – Foreign Accounts of his Court and Government – The Mahometan Territory in India at its greatest Extent in this Reign – Firuz Toghlak – 1356, Independence of Bengal and the Deckan recognised – The King’s Infirmities – 1385, Rivalries at his Court – 1388, His Death – His Laws – His public Works – Gheias u din Toghlak II. – 1389, Abubekr Toghlak – 1390, Nasir u din Toghlak – 1394, Mahmud Toghlak – Dissolution of the Monarchy – 1398, Invasion of Tamerlane – Defeat of the Indian Army – Sack, Conflagration, and Massacre of Delhi – 1399, Tamerlane retires from India – His Character – Anarchy at Delhi – Government of the Seiads – 1414, Seiad Khizr Khan – 1421, Seiad Mobarik – 1435, Seiad Mohammed – 1444, Seiad Ala u din – House of Lodi – 1450, Behlol Lodi – Rise of the Family of Lodi – Panjab re-annexed to Delhi – 1478, Recovery of Juanpur – 1488, Secander Lodi – Good Administration of Secander – His Bigotry – 1517, Ibrahim Lodi – Discontents and Rebellions – 1521, Invasion of Baber – He retreats from Sirhind – December 1525, Return of Baber – 1526, Defeat and Death of Ibrahim – Occupation of Delhi and Agra.

Book 7 – House of Teimur – From the Conquest of Baber to the Accession of Akber

Chapter 1 – Reign of Baber

Descent and early Life of Baber – His Wars and Adventures in his Youth – He is driven out of Transoxiana – 1504, Acquires the Kingdom of Cabul – His Views on India – 1526, Baber’s Proceedings after his Victory over Ibrahim – Discontent of his Troops – His War with Sanga, Rana of Mewar – 1527 March, Battle of Sikri – Victory of Baber – Settlement of the Country – 1528, Siege of Chanderi – Afghan Insurrection – 1529, Defeat of the King of Bengal – Sickness of Baber – Intrigues regarding the Succession – 26 December 1580, Death of Baber – His Character.

Chapter 2 – First Reign of Humayun

1531, Arrangement with the King’s Brothers – Separation of Cabal from India – Afghan Insurrections in India – 1532, Disputes with Bahadur Shah, King of Guzerat – 1534, Invasion and Conquest of Guzerat – 1535, Expulsion of the Moguls from Guzerat – Early Life and Rise of Shit Khan Sur – He obtains Possession of Behar – Conquers Bengal – 1537, Humayun marches against him – Military Features of Behar and Bengal – January 1538, Siege of Chunar – Shir Khan’s Plan for resisting the Invasion – 1538, June or July. Taking of Gour by Humayun – His difficulties during the rainy Season – Active Operations of Shir Khan – Retreat of Humayun – Shit Khan assumes the Title of King – Intercepts Humayun on his Retreat – June 1539, Surprises him and disperses his Army – Second Campaign – May 1540, Final Defeat of Humayun – His Flight – July 1540, Arrives at Lahor – 1541–2, Fails in an attempt on Sind – Seeks refuge in Jodpur; which is refused – Horrors of his march through the desert – 1542, Is hospitably received at Amercot – 14 October 1542, Birth of Akber – Second attempt on Sind – 1543, Humayun consents to retire to Candahar – His Dangers in that Country – His Flight to Persia.

Chapter 3 – Shir Shah and others of the Family of Sur

1540, Shir Shah takes possession of all Humayun’s Dominions – 1542, Recovers Malwa – 1543, Massacres the Garrison of Raisin – 1544, Invades Marwar – Takes Chitor. – 1545, Is killed at Calinjer – His Character – His internal Improvements – Selim Shah Sur – Selim supplants his elder Brother – 1547, Quells an obstinate Rebellion – 1553, Dies – Account of a fanatical Sect – Mohammed Shah Sur Adili – Mohammed Adili murders his Nephew and usurps the Throne – His Vices and Incapacity – Hama, a low Hindu, made Prime Minister – Vigour and Talents of Herrin – Oppressive Measures of the King – 1554, Rebellions – Separation of Delhi and the western Provinces – Revolt of the Panjab under Secander Stir – 1555, Revolt of Bengal – 1555, Revolt of Malwa – 1555, July. Return of Humayun – Success of Hemu – 1556, His Defeat by Akber, and Death – 1557, Death of Mohammed Adili.

Chapter 4 – Humayun Restored

1544, Reception of Humayun in Persia – Account of the Safavis or Sophis – Magnificence and Hospitality of Shah Tahmasp – His Arrogance and Caprice – Forces Humayun to profess the Shia religion – Sends an Army to restore Humayun – September 1545, Taking of Candahar – Which is ceded to the Persians – Treacherously recovered by Humayun after the Departure of the Persian army – Taking of Cabul – Expedition to Badakhshan – Camran recovers Cabul – April 1547, Is driven out by Humayun – August 1548, Gives himself up to Humayun, and is kindly treated – 1549, Humayun invades Balkh – Fresh Rebellion of Camran – Calamitous Retreat from Balkh – 1550, Humayun defeated by Camran, and deserted by his army – 1551, Camran again expelled – September 1553, Taken and blinded – January 1555, Humayun marches to recover India – Defeats Secander Sur – July 1555, Takes Delhi and Agra – January 1556, His Death.

Book 8 – State of India up to the Accession of Akber

Chapter 1 – History of the Independent States of India after the Dissolution of the Empire of Delhi

States formed on the Dissolution of the Empire under Mahmud Toghlak – Recovery of Telingana and Cantata by the Hindus – Further Dismemberment of the Empire – Kingdoms of the Deckan – 1347–1518, Bahmani Kingdom of the Deckan – Increased Intercourse with the Hindus – Rivalry between the Shia and Sunni sects in the Court and Army – 1489–1512, States formed out of the Bahmani dominions – Bijapur – Ahmednagar – Golconda – Berar – Bidr – Their history – 1565, Battle of Talicota – Fall of the Kingdom of Bijayanagar – Kingdoms in Hindostan and the Adjoining Countries – Guzerat – Malwa – Other Mahometan kingdoms – The Rajput States. – Change in the Condition of the Rajputs after the Mahometan Conquests in India – State of the Rajput Princes at the Accession of Akber – Mewar – Marwar – Bikanir – Jesalmer – Amber or Jeipur – Harauti – Petty States in the Desert – Petty States on the East of the Table Land – Other unsubdued Tracts.

Chapter 2 – Internal State of India

Internal state of the Mahometan Empire – The King’s Power – His Ministers – Provinces – Army – Law (Mahometan and Common) – Church – Moulavis – Fakirs – Superstitions – Sects – Hindus – Conversions – Revenue – Condition of the People – State of the Country – Towns and Commerce – Coinage – Architecture – Manners – Mahometan Literature – Language.

Book 9 – Akber

Chapter 1 – From 1556 to 1586

1556, Accession of Akber – Behram Khan – Loss of Cabul – 1556, November Defeat and Death of Hemu – Recovery of Delhi and Agra – Campaign in the Panjab – Submission of Secander Sur – Arbitrary Government of Behram Khan – General Discontent at Court – 1560, March. Akber assumes the Government – Perplexity of Behram – He revolts – 1560, September. His Submission and Pardon – His death – Difficult Situation of the young King – His Plan for restoring and consolidating the Empire – Extent of his Territory – Insubordination and Rebellions of his Officers – Quelled, after a Struggle of Seven Years – Affairs of Mill – Nominal Government of Prince Hakim, Akber’s brother – 1566, Hakim invades the Panjab – Revolt of the Mirzas – They fly to Guzerat – Miscellaneous Occurrences – 1567, Foreign Affairs – the Rajputs – 1572–1573, Conquest of Guzerat – 1575–1576, Conquest of Bengal – State of that Province – 1577, Mutiny of the Troops in Bengal and Behar – Insurrection of the Afghans in Bengal – 1592, Final Settlement of the Province after fifteen Years of Disturbance – 1579, Revolt of Prince Hakim – Reduction of Cabul – 1581–1593, Insurrection in Guzerat.

Chapter 2 – From 1586 to the Death of Akber

1586, Akber interferes in the Disputes of the Deckan – Akber moves to Attok on the Indus – 1586–1587, Conquest of Cashmir – Wars with the north-eastern Afghans – Description of those Tribes and of their Country – Sect of the Roushenias – 1586, Destruction of the invading Army by the Eusofzeis – 1600, Imperfect Settlement at the end of fifteen Years – 1591, Conquest of Sind – 1594, Recovery of Candahar – Complete Settlement of Hindostan – 1595, Expedition to the Deckan – Chand Sultana – Her Defence of Ahmednagar – 1596, Peace agreed on – War renewed and extended to the whole of the Deckan – 1599, Akber goes in person to the Deckan – 1600, Death of Chand Sultana – Taking of Ahmednagar – 1601, Conquest of Candesh – Akber returns to Hindostan – Refractory Conduct of his eldest Son, Selim (afterwards Jehangir) – 1602, Murder of Abul Fazl – 1603, Reconciliation of Akber with &Vim – Continued Misconduct of Selim – He is placed under Restraint and soon after released – His Quarrels with his own Son, Khusru – Death of Danial, Akber’s third Son – Sickness of Akber – Intrigues regarding the Succession – Unsuccessful Combination to set aside Selim – 1605, 13th October. Death of Akber – His Character.

Chapter 3 – Internal Policy

His internal Policy, religious and civil – His general Toleration and Impartiality – Progress of his religious Opinions – Feizi – His Translations from the Shanscrit – He superintends Translations from that and other Languages – Abul Fazl – Akber’s Attachment to those Brothers – Akber’s religious and philosophical Conferences – Religious System of Akber – His Discouragement of the Mahometan Peculiarities – His Restrictions on the Hindu Superstition – His general Indulgence to Hindus – Discontents among the Mussulmans – Limited Progress of his own Religion – His civil Government – Revenue System – Todar Mal – Subahs or Governments, and their Establishments – military, judicial, and police – Reform and new Model of the Army – Fortifications and public Works – Household and Court.

Book 10 – Jehangir – Shah Jehan

Chapter 1 – Jehangir (1605 to 1627)

1605, State of India at the Accession of Jehangir – Moderate Measures at the Commencement of his Reign – 1606, Flight of Prince Khusru – His Rebellion – Quashed – Barbarous Punishment of the Rebels – Imprisonment of Khusru – 1607, Wars in Mewar and in the Deckan – 1610, Insurrection of a pretended Khusru – Ill Success of the war in the Deckan – Malik Amber – He recovers Ahmednagar – Marriage of the Emperor with Nur Jehan – Her History – Her Influence – Combined Attack on Ahmednagar – 1612, Defeated by Malik Amber – War with Mewar – 1613, Victories and Moderation of Shah Jehan (Prince Khurram) – 1614, The Rana submits on honourable Terms – Influence of Shah Jehan – Supported by Nur Jehan – Insurrection in Cabul quelled – 1615, Embassy of Sir T. Roe – His Account of the Empire, Court, and Character of Jehangir – Prince Khusru – Unpopularity of Shah Jehan – Prince Parviz – 1616, Shah Jehan declared Heir Apparent – Sent to settle the Deckan – 1616, October The Emperor moves to Mandu – Sir T. Roe’s Description of his March – 1617, Complete Success of Shah Jehan – September 1617– September 1618, Residence of the Emperor and Shah Jehan in Guzerat – 1621, Renewal of the Disturbances in the Deckan – Shah Jehan marches to quell them – His Success in the Field – He comes to Terms with Malik Amber – Dangerous Illness of the Emperor – Measures of Parviz and Shah Jehan – Suspicious Death of Khusru – Alienation of the Empress from Shah Jehan – Candahar taken by the Persians – Shah Jehan ordered to retake it – His Reluctance to leave India – The Enterprise committed to Prince Shehriar – To whom most of Shah Jehan’s Troops are transferred – Mohabat Khan called to Court by the Empress – 1622, Increased Distrust between the Emperor and Shah Jehan – 1623, Rebellion of Shah Jehan – Advance of the Emperor – Retreat of Shah Jehan – Its Consequences – Shah Jehan retreats into Telingana – 1624, Makes his Way to Bengal – Obtains Possession of Bengal and Behar – He is pursued by Prince Parviz and Mohabat Khan – Is defeated and flies to the Deckan – State of the Deckan – Shah Jehan unites with Malik Amber – Pressed by Parviz and Mohabat Khan – Deserted by his Army – 1625, Offers his Submission to the Emperor – The Emperor marches against the Roushenias in Cabul – Persecution of Mohabat Khan by the Empress – His History – He is summoned to Court – Brutal Treatment of his Son-in-law by the Emperor – 1626, March. Mohabat seizes on the Emperor’s Person – Spirited Conduct of Nur Jehan – She attacks Mohabat’s Camp – Is repulsed with heavy Loss – She joins the Emperor in his Confinement – Insecurity of Mohabat’s Power – Artifices of the Emperor – Quarrel between the Rajputs and the King’s Troops – Plots and Preparations of Mr Jehan – 1626, September. Rescue of Jehangir – Terms granted to Mohabat Khan – He is sent against Shah Jehan – End of 1626, He breaks with the Emperor, and joins Shah Jehan – October 1627, Sickness and Death of Jehangir.

Chapter 2 – Shah Jehan till 1657

1627, October. Asof Khan takes part with Shah Jehan – Imprisons the Empress – Defeats Shehriar, who is put to Death – 1628, January. Shah Jehan arrives from the Deckan, and is, proclaimed at Agra – Local Disturbances – History of Khan Jehan Lodi – His Flight from Agra – His Proceedings in the Deckan – 1629, October. The Emperor marches against him – State of the Deckan – Khan Jehan driven out of Ahmednagar – Pursued by Azim Khan – Fails in obtaining an Asylum at Bijapur – His Ally, the King of Ahmednagar, defeated – Khan Jehan flies from the Deckan – 1630, Is cut off in Bundelcand – Continuance of the War with Ahmednagar – Famine and Pestilence in the Deckan – 1631, The King of Bijapur joins the King of Ahmednagar – Murder of the King of Ahmednagar by his Minister, Fatteh Khan – Who submits to Shah Jehan – War with Bijapur continues – 1632, Tergiversation of Fatteh Khan – Siege of Bijapur – Failure of the Siege – The Emperor returns to Delhi – 1633, February. Final Surrender of Fatteh Khan – 1634, Ill Success of the Operations in the Deckan – Shahji Bosla attempts to restore the King of Ahmednagar – 1635, November. The Emperor returns to the Deckan – Failure of another Attempt on Bijapur – 1636, Peace with Bijapur – Submission of Shahji Bosla – The Emperor exacts a Tribute from Golconda – 1637, Returns to Delhi – Local Disturbances and Successes in Hindostan – Recovery of Candahar – All Merdan Khan – 1641, Invasion of Balkh – Services of the Rajputs in the Mountains of Hindu Cush – 1645, Shah Jehan moves to Cahill – Balkh reduced by Prince Morad and Ali Merdan Khan – Overrun by the Usbeks from beyond the Oxus – 1647, Aurangzib sent against them – Is besieged in Balkh – Shah Jehan abandons his Conquest – Disastrous Retreat of Aurangzib – 1648, Candahar retaken by the Persians – 1649, Aurangzib sent to recover it – Fails in the Siege of Candahar – 1652, Second Attempt on Candahar under Aurangzib – Its Failure – Great Expedition under Prince Dara Sheko – Siege of Candahar – 1653, November. Failure and Retreat of Dara Sheko – Death of the Vizir, Saki Ullah Khan – 1655, Renewal of the War in the Deckan under Aurangzib – Intrigues of Aurangzib at Golconda – Mir Jumla – Treacherous Attack on Heiderabad by Aurangzib – Submission of the King of Golconda – 1656, Unprovoked War with Bijapur.

Chapter 3 – From 1657 to the Deposal of Shah Jehan

1657, Dangerous Illness of the Emperor – Characters and Pretensions of his Sons – Dara She – Shuja – Aurangzib – Morad – Daughters of Shah Jehan – Data administers the Government under the Emperor – Rebellion of Shuja – And of Morad – Cautious Measures of Aurangzib – His Collusion with Mir Jumla – He marches to join Morad – Defensive Measures of Dara – Shah Jehan re-assumes the Government – Shuja continues to advance on Agra – Is defeated by Soliman, Son of Dara, and returns to Bengal – 1658, April. Aurangzib and Morad defeat the Imperial Army under Jeswant Sing at Ujen – Shah Jehan’s Anxiety for an Accommodation – Dara marches from Agra to oppose his Brothers, against the Wish of Shah Johan – 1658, June. Is totally defeated – Dara flies to Delhi – Aurangzib enters Agra – Shah Jehan adheres to the Cause of Dara – Is confined in his Palace – 1658, August. Aurangzib imprisons Morad, and openly assumes the Government – High Prosperity of India under Shah Jehan – Magnificence of Shah Jehan – His Buildings – The Taj Mahal – His Economy – His personal Character.

Book 11 – Aurangzib (or Alamgir)

Chapter 1 – From 1658 to 1662

Page Soliman deserted by Jei Sing and Dilir Khan – Flies to Sirinagar and is made Prisoner by the Raja – 1658, July. Aurangzib marches from Delhi in pursuit of Dara – Dara flies from Lahor – 1658, November. Aurangzib returns to Delhi – Marches against Shuja, who is advancing from Bengal – Treacherous Attack on his Baggage by Jeswant Sing – 1659, January. Defeat of Shuja – Jeswant Sing threatens Agra and flies to Marwar – Dara Sheko appears in Guzerat, and is acknowledged in that Province – He sets out to join Jeswant Sing – Jeswant Sing is won over by Aurangzib – Abandons Dara – Dara is attacked and defeated by Aurangzib – Disasters of his Flight to Gazer& – He is met by Bernier – Ahmedabad shuts its Gates on him – He flies towards Sind – He is betrayed by the Chief of Jun and delivered up to Aurangzib – 1659, July. He is brought to Delhi – Sympathy of the People – He is put to death – Operations against Shuja by Prince Sultan and Mir Jumla – 1659, June. Prince Sultan goes over to Shuja – 1660, January. Returns to his Allegiance – And is imprisoned by his Father – Shuja flies to Aracan – Uncertainty regarding his Fate – Soliman given up by the Raja of Sirinagar – 1661, November. Morad murdered in his Prison – Expedition of Mir Jumla to Assam – 1663, March. Death of Mir Jumla – Dangerous Illness of Aurangzib – Intrigues and Agitation – Firmness and Self-possession of Aurangzib – 1662, December. His Recovery – Disturbances in the Deckan – Description of the Maratta Country – Account of the Nation – Rise of the Bosla Family – Shahji Bosla – Sevaji Bosla – His Robberies – His Adherents – He surprises a Hill Fort – He usurps his Father’s Jagir – Obtains Possession of several Forts – Revolts against the Government of Bijapur – 1648, Takes Possession of the Northern Concan – His Attachment to the Hindu Religion – 1649, The Government of Bijapur seize Shahji as a Hostage for his Son – 1653, Shahji released – Renewal of Sevaji’s Encroachments – Plunders the Mogul Provinces – 1658, Obtains Forgiveness from Aurangzib – Afzal Khan sent against him from Bijapur – Is assassinated by Sevaji – 1659, And his Army dispersed – Another Army sent from Bijapur – The King of Bijapur takes the Field – 1661, Recovers most of Sevaji’s Conquests – Sevaji makes a very favourable Peace – Extent of his Territory.

Chapter 2 – From 1662 to 1681

1662, Sevaji’s Rupture with the Moguls – Shaista Khan marches against him – Occupies Puna – Night Exploit of Sevaji – Prince Moazzim sent against him – 1664, January. Sevaji plunders Surat – Death of Shahji – His Possessions in the South of India – Maritime Exploits of Sevaji – Sevaji assumes Sovereignty – Raja Jei Sing sent against him – 1665, Submission of Sevaji – He co-operates with Jei Sing against Bijapur – Goes to Delhi – Haughty Reception by Aurangzib – Sevaji escapes from Confinement – 1666, December. Arrives at Raighar – Death of Shah Jehan – Prosperous State of Aurangzib’s Empire – Failure of Jei Sing’s Attack on Bijapur – His Death – Return of Prince Moazzim and Jeswant Sing – Progress of Sevaji – He makes Peace with the Emperor – Levies Tribute on Bijapur and Golconda – His Internal Arrangements – Schemes of Aurangzib to entrap &wail – Aurangzib breaks the Peace – Sevaji surprises Singhar – Ravages the Mogul Territory – Chout – 1672, Defeats the Moguls in a Field Action – Khan Jehan made Viceroy of the Deckan – Suspension of active Operations in the Deckan – 1673–1675, Aurangzib occupied by a War with the north-eastern Afghans – 1676, Aurangzib returns to Delhi – Insurrection of the Satnarami Religionists – Aurangzib’s Bigotry – His vexatious Treatment of the Hindus – 1677, He revives the Jezia or Poll Tax on Infidels – General Disaffection of the Hindus – Oppressive Measures against the Widow and Children of Raja Jeswant Sing – They escape from Delhi – Combination of the Rajputs – 1679, January. The Emperor marches against them – Grants favourable Terms to the Rana of Mewar – 1679, July. The Rana breaks the Peace – Devastation of the Rajput Country – Permanent Alienation of the Rajputs – Prince Akber joins the Rajputs with his Army – Is proclaimed Emperor – Marches against Aurangzib – Dangerous Situation of the Emperor – His Presence of Mind – Defection of Akber’s army – Akber flies to the Marattas – Protracted War with the Rajputs.

Chapter 3 – From 1681 to 1698

Affairs of the Deckan resumed – Sevaji’s Conquests from Bijapur – 1675, June. Is crowned at Raighar with additional Solemnity – Makes an Incursion into the Mogul Territory – 1675, And first crosses the Nerbadda – Sevaji’s Expedition to the South of India – 1677, He takes Jinji and Vellor, and recovers all his Father’s Jagir in Mysore – 1678, The Moguls under Dilir Khan invade Golconda – 1679, Lay Siege to Bijapur – Sevaji’s Son, Sambaji, deserts to the Moguls – He returns to his Father – Siege of Bijapur raised – Death of Sevaji – His Character – Unsuccessful Attempt to set aside Sambaji – He is acknowledged Raja – Sambaji’s Cruelty – His Obstinacy in besieging Jinjera – 1681, Joined by Prince Akber – Plots against his Authority – Executions – Gives himself up to a Favourite, Calusha – 1682, Fails at Jinjera – Decline of his Affairs in the Deccan – 1683, Aurangzib arrives in the Deccan – His Views – 1684, His first Operations – Destruction of Prince Moazzim’s Army in the Concan – Invasion of Bijapur – 1685, Sambaji ravages the Country in the Emperor’s Rear – Failure of the Invasion of Bijapur – Sambaji plunders Baruch – Aurangzib invades Golconda – Makes Peace with the King – Aurangzib in Person moves against Bijapur – 1686, October 15. Takes the Capital and destroys the Monarchy – Aurangzib breaks the Peace with Golconda – 1687, September. Takes the Capital and subverts the Monarchy – Imprisons Prince Moazzim – Effects of these Conquests – Disordered State of the Deckan – 1688, Aurangzib takes possession of Bijapur and Golconda, as far as Tanjore – Inactivity of Sambaji – Prince Akber goes to Persia – Sambaji made Prisoner – 1689, August. Put to death – Weakness of the Marattas – Aurangzib sends a Detachment to besiege Raighar – Regency of Raja Ram – 1690, Raighar taken – Raja Rain escapes to Jinji – Is proclaimed Raja – System of Defence adopted by the Marattas – Zulfikar Khan sent to reduce Jinji – 1692, Marattas renew the War by desultory Operations under independent Leaders – Comparison of the Mogul and Maratta Armies – 1694, Siege of Jinji committed to Prince Cambakhsh – Disgust of Zulfikar – He obstructs the Siege – 1697, Santaji Gorpara advances to raise the Siege – Cambakhsh placed under Restraint by Zulfikar – Retreat of the Besiegers – Aurangzib cantons on the Mina – Releases Cambakhsh – Increased Disaffection of Zulfikar – He renews the Siege, but protracts the Operations – Resentment of the Emperor – 1698, January – Jinji taken.

Chapter 4 – From 1698 to the Death of Aurangzib

Dissensions among the Marattas – Murder of Santaji Gorpara – 1699, Raja Ram takes the Field in Person – New Plan of Aurangzib – a besieging and a pursuing Army – Exhaustion of the Moguls – Sieges by the Emperor in Person – 1700, Takes Sattara – Death of Raja Ram – 1701, Aurangzib goes on taking Forts – Spirit and Perseverance of Aurangzib – Difficulties and Hardships to which he was exposed – His indefatigable Industry – His Attention to Details – His Distrust of all around him – His Management of his Sons and Courtiers – Increased Disorders of the State – 1702, Successes of the Marattas – 1705, They begin to recover their Forts – Exhausted State of the Army – Disorder of the Finances – Grand Army hard pressed by the Marattas – 1706, Retreats to Ahmednagar – Declining Health of the Emperor – His Fears of encountering the Fate of Shah Jehan – His Suspicions of his Sons – His Alarms at the Approach of Death – 1707, February. His Death – And Character – His Letters – Miscellaneous Transactions.

Book 12 – Successors of Aurangzib

Chapter 1 – To the Accession of Mohammed Shah

Bahadur Shah – Contest between Prince Azim and his elder Brother, Prince Moazzim – 1707, June. Victory of Moazzim, henceforward Bahadur Shah – Revolt of Prince Cambakhsh in the Deckan – 1708, February. His Defeat and Death – Bahadur’s Proceedings in the Deckan – State of the Marattas – Factions of Raja Saho and Tara Bai – Daud Khan Panni left in charge of the Deckan for Zulfikar Khan – Makes a Truce with the Marattas – Transactions with the Rajputs – 1709, Peace with that Power – End of the fifteenth Century, Rise of the Siks – Peaceful Character of their Sect – 1606, Persecuted by the Mahometans – Their Revolt – Guru Govind – He forms the Siks into a religious and military Commonwealth – Their Doctrines and Manners – They are overpowered at first – Their Fanaticism – Their Successes, Ravages, and Cruelties under Bandu – 1710, Bahadur marches against them – They are driven into the Hills – Escape of Bandu – 1712, February. Death of Bahadur Shah – Contest between his Sons – Artifices of Zulfikar Khan – He secures the Victory to Jehandar Shah – Jehandar Shah – 1712, May or June. Accession of Jehandar Shah – His Incapacity – Arrogance of Zulfikar Khan – General Discontent – Revolt of Prince Farokhsir in Bengal – He is supported by Abdullah and Hosen Ali, Governors of Behar and Allahabad – Defeats the Imperial Army – Zulfikar betrays Jehandar Shah to the Enemy – 1713, February. But is put to death along with the Emperor – Farokhsir. – Great Power of the Seiads Abdullah and Hosen All ib. – Jealousy of the Emperor – His Intrigues – Hosen All sent against Ajit Sing, Raja of Marwar – Makes an honourable Peace – Increased Distrust – Submission of the Emperor – Hosen All marches to settle the Deckan – Farokhsir instigates Daud Khan Panni to resist him – 1716, Defeat and Death of Daud Khan – Renewed Devastations of the Siks – They are defeated and nearly extirpated – Cruel Execution of Bandu – Progress of the Marattas – Chin Kilich Khan (afterwards Asof Jah) – Ill success of Hosen Ali – 1717, He makes Peace with Raja Saho, and submits to pay the Chout – Farokhsir refuses to ratify the Treaty – State of the Court of Delhi – Abdullah Khan – Plots of Farokhsir – Combination of great Nobles to support him – His Levity and Irresolution – Disgusts his Confederates – 1718, December. Return of Hosen Ali, accompanied by 10,000 Marattas – Farokhsir deposed and put to death – Nominal Emperors set up by the Seiads – 1719, February. Rafi u Dirjat – 1719, May, Ran u Doula.

Chapter 2 – To the Departure of Nadir Shah

Mohammed Shah – 1719, September. Mohammed Shah – General Indignation against the Seiads – Internal Dissensions of their Party – Insurrections – Proceedings of Asof Jah – 1720, April. He establishes his Power in the Deckan – 1720, June and July. Defeats the Armies of the Seiads – Alarm at Delhi – Prudent Conduct of Mohammed Shah – His Plans against the Seiads – Mohammed Amin Khan – Sadat Khan – Hosen Ali marches against Asof Jah, accompanied by the Emperor – 1720, October. Assassination of Hosen Ali – The Emperor assumes the Government – Difficult Situation of Abdullah Khan – He sets up a new Emperor – Assembles an Army – 1720, November. Is defeated and taken Prisoner – 1721, Sudden Death of Mohammed Amin, the new Vizir – Rapid Decline of the Monarchy – 1722, January. Asof Jah Vizir – Indolence of the Emperor – His Favourites – His Dislike to Asof Jah – Asof Jah sent against the refractory Governor of Guzerat – Quells the Insurrection and retains the Government of the Province – Expedition against the Jats of Bhartpur – Disgust of Asof Jah – 1723, October. He resigns his Office, and sets off for the Deckan – The Emperor instigates Mobariz Khan, Governor of Heiderabad, to supplant him – 1724, October. Mobariz defeated and slain – Asof Jah’s policy towards the Marattas – Consolidation of the Maratta Government – Balaji Wiswanat Peshwa – Establishes the Government of Saito – October, 1720, Dies – His complicated Revenue System – His Motives – Baji Rao Peshwa – His enterprising Policy – Character of Sabo – Of Bali Rao – Baji Rao ravages Malwa – 1725, Obtains a Cession by the Governor of the Chout of Guzerat – 1725–1729, Asof Jah foments the Dissensions of the Marattas – 1729, He is attacked, and compelled to make Concessions – 1730, Accommodation between Sao and his Rival, Samba – Renewed Intrigues of Asof Jah – Dabari, a great Maratta Chief in Guzerat – Marches to depose the Peshwa – 1731, Is anticipated by Baji Rao, defeated, and killed – Moderation of Bali Rao in settling Guzerat – Origin of the Families of Nat., Holcar, and Sindia – Compromise between Baji Rao and Asof Jah – Raja Abhi Sing of Marwar, Viceroy of Guzerat – Procures the Assassination of Pilaji Geikwar – Retaliation of the Marattas – Abhi Sing retires to Marwar – 1732, Successes of Baji Rao in Malwa, – Obtains Possessions in Bundelcand – Raja Jei Sing (the 2d), Viceroy of Malwa – 1731, His tacit Surrender of the Province to the Marattas – 1736, Baji Rio increases his Demands – Further Cessions by the Emperor – Alarm of Asof Jah – He is reconciled to the Emperor – 1737, Baji Rao appears before Delhi – He retreats – Arrival of Asof Jah at Delhi – Marches against Baji Rao – Is attacked by Baji Rao near Bopal – And constrained to make great Cessions on the Emperor’s part – 1738, Invasion of Nadir Shah – Previous Transactions in Persia – Western Afghans – Ghiljeis – Abdalis (or Duranis) – 1708, Revolt of the Ghiljeis – 1720–1722, Conquest of Persia by the Ghiljeis – Their tyrannical Government – Their Wars with the Turks and Russians – Rise of Nadir Shah – 1729, He drives out the Ghiljeis, and recovers Khorasan from the Abdalis – Renewed Invasion of the Abdalis – February 1731, Nadir takes Herat – And gains the Attachment of the Abdalis – August 1731, He deposes Tahmasp Shah – February 1736, Is himself elected King – He suppresses the Shia Religion – Invades the Ghiljeis – March 1738, Takes Candahar – His conciliatory Policy – 1738, His Difference with the Government of India – Supineness of the Court of Delhi – Nadir invades India – 1739, February. Defeats Mohammed Shah – March 1739, Advances to Delhi – Insurrection of the Inhabitants – General Massacre by the Persians – Nadir’s Extortions – His Rapacity and Violence – He prepares to return – The Country west of the Indus ceded to him – May 1739, Mohammed Shah restored – Amount of the Treasures carried off by Nadir Shah.

Chapter 3 – To the Death of Mohammed Shah

Deplorable Condition of the Capital and of the Empire – Internal Dissensions – Proceedings of the Marattas – Baji Rao resumes offensive Operations – Attacks Asof Jah’s Possessions – 1740, Is repulsed by Asof’s Son, Nasir Jang – Perplexed Affairs of Bail Rao – 1740, April. His Death. – His Sons – Wars in the Concan before Baji Rao’s Death – With Angria – With the Abyssinians of Jinjera – With the Portuguese – Balaji Rao – Domestic Enemies of Baji Rao – The Pirti Nidhi, Raguji Bosla – Damaji Geikwar – Their Intrigues to prevent Balaji succeeding to the Office of Peshwa – 1740, August. Success of Balaji – 1742, Balaji marches into Malwa – Revives his Father’s Demands on the Court of Delhi – Invasion of Bengal by Raguji Bosla – The Emperor purchases the Aid of Balaji by the formal Cession of Malwa – 1743, Balaji defeats and drives out Raguji – Fresh Combinations against the Peshwa – He buys over Raguji by liberal Cessions – Raguji again invades Bengal – His General murdered by the Viceroy – 1751, He ultimately obtains the Chout of Bengal, and a Cession of Cattac – Affairs of Asof Jah – 1741, Revolt of Nasir Jang – Asof Jah returns to the Deckan – 1748, His Death – 1749, Death of Saho Raja – Intrigues and Contests for the Succession – Boldness and Address of Balaji – Alleged Abdication in favour of Mari – 1750, Mail takes Possession of the Government – March 1751, Marches against Salabat Jang, the son of Asof Jah – He is recalled by the Insurrection of Tara Bai and Damaji Geikwar – Balaji seizes Damaji by Treachery – December 1751, Salabat Jang advances on Pena – Superiority of the Invaders – M. Bussy – Balaji is saved by a Mutiny of Salabat’s Army – 1752, An Armistice concluded – Transactions at Delhi resumed – Rise of the Rohillas – 1745, The Emperor marches against them – Fresh Invasions from the Side of Persia – 1748, Revolutions in that Country – Tyranny of Nadir Shah – His fears of the Shins – He puts out the Eyes of his Son – His intolerable Cruelties – His Favour to the Afghans – June 1747, He is assassinated by the Persians – Retreat of the Afghans – Ahmed Khan Abdali – October 1747, Ahmed crowned King at Candahar – Changes the name of Abdalis to Duranis – His skilful Management of his unruly Subjects – His Views on India – He occupies the Panjab – He is repulsed by an Indian Army under Prince Ahmed, the Heir Apparent – April 1748, Death of Mohammed Shah.

Chapter 4 – To the Extinction of the Mogul Empire

Ahmed Shah – Internal Arrangements of the new King – 1748, December. Attempts to subdue the Rohillas by Safdar Jang, the Vizir – 1750, The Vizir marches against them in Person, and is defeated – 1751, He calls in the Marattas – Who compel the Rohillas to submit – Defeat of the Imperial Troops in Marwar – Second Invasion of Ahmed Shah Durani – 1752, Cession of the Panjab – Discontent of Safdar Jang, the Vizir – He assassinates the Emperor’s Favourite – Ghazi u din the younger – Resists the Vizir – Calls in the Marattas and expels the Vizir – The Emperor plots against Ghazi u din – 1751, Is defeated and deposed – Alamgir – 1754, June 2. Ghazi u din, Vizir – His violent Government – His Life in Danger in a Mutiny – His Suspicions of the Emperor – 1756, His treacherous Seizure of Ahmed Shah Durani’s Governor of the Panjab – Third Invasion of Ahmed Shah – He takes Delhi – Massacres and Exactions – 1757, June. His Return to his own Dominions – His Arrangements for the Protection of Alamgir II. against Ghazi u din – Najib u doula, Minister – Ghazi u din applies for the Assistance of the Marattas – Previous Transactions of that Nation – Ragoba, the Peshwa’s Brother, marches to support Ghazi u din – 1758, Takes Delhi – Escape of the Heir Apparent – And of Najib u doula – May 1758, Ragoba takes Possession of the Panjab – Plans of the Marattas for the Conquest of Hindostan – General Combination of the Mahometan Princes – The Marattas invade Rohilcand – September 1759, Fourth Invasion of Ahmed Shah – Murder of Alamgir II. by Ghazi u din – Events after the Death of Alamgir II. – The Maratta Troops in Hindostan dispersed by Ahmed Shah – Power of the Marattas at its Zenith – Their Army – Great Preparations for the Contest in Hindostan – Arrogance of the Commander Sedasheo Bhao – He takes Delhi – Ahmed Shah’s Negotiation with Shuja u doula – Who joins the Mahometan Confederacy – Ahmed Shah marches against Sedasheo Bhao – October 1760, His bold Passage of the Jamna – Marattas retire to Panipat and intrench their Camp – Their Numbers – Force under Ahmed Shah – Protracted Operations – Failure of the Maratta Supplies – 6 January 1761, Battle of Panipat – Destruction of the Maratta Army – Despondency of the Maratta Nation – Death of the Peshwa – Dissolution of the Mahometan Confederacy – Extinction of the Mogul Empire.

Appendix – On the States Formed on the Dissolution of the Empire of Delhi

Bahmani Kings of the Deckan – 1347, Hassan Gangu, an Afghan of Delhi – Wars with the Hindus – Conquest of Rajamandri and Masulipatam – Partial Conquest of the Concan – Dynasty of Adil Shah at Bijapur – 1489, Founded by Eusof Adil Shah, a Turkish Slave – Extent of the Kingdom – Attempt to introduce the Shia Religion – Religious Factions – Rise of the Marattas – Wars with the other Mahometan Kings – League against Bijayanagar – Wars with the Portuguese – Dynasty of Nizam Shah at Ahmednagar – 1490, Founded by Ahmed, a Hindu Convert – Religious Factions – Wars with the other Kings of the Deckan – Miscellaneous Facts – Extent of the Kingdom – Dynasty of Kutb Shah at Golconda – 1512, Founded by Kutb Kuli, a Turkman Soldier – Kutb professes the Shia Religion – Extent of his Kingdom – Conquests from the Hindus – Wars with the other Mahometan Kings – 1550, Ibrahim, the fourth King – His Wars – Conquests on the Coast of Coromandel – Dynasty of Imad Shah in Berar – 1481, Founded by Fatteh Ullah, descended from a converted Hindu – Dynasty of Barid Shah at Bidr – Guzerat – Description of Guzerat – Original Extent of the Kingdom – 1396, Founded by Mozaffer, the Son of a Rajput Convert – His Wars – His Occupation and subsequent Evacuation of Malwa – 1411, Ahmed Shah – His Wars with Malwa and his Hindu Neighbours – And with other Mahometan Kings – Mohammed Shah – 1451, Kutb Shah – His Wars with Mewar – Daud Khan – 1459, Mahmud Begarra – His vigorous Government – He rescues the Bahmani King of the Deckan – Marches to the Indus – Takes Girnar and Champaner – His Wars with Mahometan Kings – His maritime Power – 1508, He co-operates with the Mamluks of Egypt in a naval War with the Portuguese – 1511, Mozaffer II. – Generosity to the King of Malwa – War with Sanga, Rana of Mewar – 1526, Bahadur – Takes Part in the Wars of the Deckan – His Supremacy acknowledged by the Kings of Candesh, Relit., and Ahmednagar – 1531, Conquest of Malwa, and its Annexation to Guzerat – Troubles in Wawa – War with Mewar – War with Humayun and Expulsion of Bahadur – 1535, Bahadur recovers his Kingdom – Disputes with the Portuguese at Diu – Interview with the Portuguese Viceroy – Death of Bahadur – Miran Mohammed Shah – Mahmud III. – Ahmed II. – 1561, Mozaffer III. – 1572, Guzerat conquered by Akber – Malwa – 1401, Founded by Dilawar, of a Family from Ghor – Wars in Hindostan and the Deckan – 1512, Mahmud II. – Ascendancy of Medni Rai, a Hindu Chief – Mahmud flies to Guzerat – 1519, Is restored by Bahadur Shah – Is defeated, taken Prisoner, and released by Sanga, Rana of Mewar – His Ingratitude – 1531, He is defeated, and his Kingdom annexed to Guzerat – Candesh – Founded by Malik Raja, a Person of Arab Descent – Prosperity of Candesh – 1599, Conquered by Akber – 1338–1576, Bengal – 1394–1476, Juanpur – Sind – Multan.

This collection transcribed by Chris Gage
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