Indian Antiquary Vol 36

SR No.: 032528
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 430
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 15 MB

Page 16

12
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[JANUARY, 1907.
The deceased Saiyid (Sher Andaz Khan) was a native of the town Shāhi, which lies between the towns of Bareli and Pilibhit. He was exceptionally well-instructed in all sciences, unequalled in valoar, generosity and enterprise, At the age of twelve the Saiyid left his country of origin to obtain instruction, and was for nearly two and a half years in the house of this poor one's respected grandfather, with whom he read Arabic as far as the Sharh of the Mulla. After that time he went to the town of Saifipur, the honoured burial-place of the venerable Shah şaifi, and there the then occupier of the seat of authority, Miyan 'Abdullah Şahib, adopted him as his son.
After the lapse of some time the Baiyid became anxious to make the journey to the Hajäz and other places of pilgrimage. Accordingly with this intent he quitted Şaifipur, and binding the skirt of enterprise round the middle of his heart, he made for the regions of Arabistan, and by the special grace of the Lord was honoured by a visit to the Holy Ka'bah, Luminous Madinah, Holy Najaf, Exalted Karbala, Mashhad the Pure, and other places.
When he came back to Hindustan Nawab Safdar Jang urged him to take service and dealt with him honorably. In this space of time the Saiyid was a noted man of the age, honoured and valued by mighty sovereigns, famed wasirs, and high nobles. After Safdar Jang came Nawab Shuja'-ud-daulah, and he, too, omitted no detail of honour and respect.
Then in the year 1173 H. (1759-60) for the second CP third time the Abdāli king came from Wilāyat to Hindustan, and rooted out the Infidel, that is to say, Räjah Bhão and others of the Mahrattah armies. At this period the deceased Saiyid was in the service of Nawāb Gbazaufar Jang, Ahmad Khan Bangash, ruler of Farrukhåbäd. At the invitation of the Abdäli king, Ahmad Khan, Bangash, sent the deceased (Sher Andaz Khan) to see Rājah Bhão, leader of the Mah rattahs to conduct certain negotiations.
The Saiyid, having to some extent settled the business with the Mahrattab leaders, was returning to the Abdāli king's oamp. On his way he was passing through the parganahs of the Jāț. There the control on behalf of Najib Khan was in the hands of Sa'adat Khan, Afridi Afghan. On hearing [of the. Saiyid's arrival] this man sent a message. “In God's name come and stay, even for an hour or so, with me. I have something of importance to tell you."
The Saiyid tarned off his road and with a limited retinue went to visit the said Khan (Sa'adat Khan, Afridi). The Khan then asked the Saiyid to tell the Abdali Shāh that the army of the accursed Jāt was very numerous, while he (Sa'adat Khăn) bad a very small force. He hoped that troops would be sent by His Majesty to reinforce him. The conversation was still going on, when & spy came to say that a force of Jāts, nearly 7,000 horsemen, was within a distance of two kos, and would be soon close to them. The Khan (Sa'adat Khan) ordered his troops, one thousand horse and foot all told, to prepare for a fight. To the Mir Sahib he said: "Let the gentleman withdraw "to his own camp." The Mir Sahib replied: "I am a Saiyid, I do not turn my face from a battle"field. Above all, when it is for Musulman, as you are. For God's cause you had called me "bero; and, by God, to yield up my breath for you will be accounted martyrdom."
So saying he urged his horse on to the field, and began a stout contest with the infidels and defeated them. The infidels, who were advancing boldly, were beaten back. At this point another body came out of the same force and discharged their arrows and fired their matchlocks; the Saiyid was wounded in the right shigh. To this he paid no heed, but pressed like another Rustam on the accursed foe, broke their ranks, and cut off four men's heads. He also sustained three or four sword wounds himself on his right arm and shoulder. He continued the contest and cut down several other men. Accordingly, the accursed ones could not resist and took to flight, and he was the winner of great victory. The Saiyid, followed by two of his horsemen, started in pursuit of the infidels. Then about one hundred horsemen of the infidel's force appeared on his right flank, surrounding him and his two men. The Saiyid was wounded several times with lance and arrow
* The Bafipar of the "Oudh Gazetteer," III, 281, it is in the Unao district.