________________
MARCE, 1894.]
A NOTICE OF THE 'UMDATU'T-TAWARIKH.
59
The first hostilities of the Sikhs, under the Sardars Jassa Singh, Hari Singh and Karo; Singh, during the sway of Mir Mu'ain u'l-mulk, their prevalence over him and their conquest of some portions of the Pañjab. Arrival of Ahmad Shah for the second time in the Pañjab, and the departure of Kûrå Mall towards Multân for the purpose of encountering Shâh Nawaz Khân. Increase of the dominion of the Sikhs, who slay some Musalman nobles, whilst Mir Mu'ainu'l-mulk." chooses to sit in the corner of retirement." Contest between Kürå Mall and Shah Nawaz Khâu, who is slain in Multân. Despatch by Ahmad Shah of Bårå Khan as a vakil to Mir Mu'ainu'l-mulk. Arrival of Kurâ Mall in LAhôr after conquering Shah Nawaz Khan at Multiin. Invasion by Ahmad Shah of the Pañjáb for the third time, his siege of Labor, and death of Kūrå Mall. Entry of Ahmad Shah into Lahôr, St. 1809, and the oppression of the people by the Afghang. Allegiance of Mir Mu'ainu'l-mulk to Ahmad Shah after the death of Kurå Mall. Marriage of Ahmad Shah to a daughter of Mir Mu'ainu'l-mulk, and his departure after levying immense sums of money.
The crossing of the Satluj by the Sardar Jassi Singh and other Sikhs and their depredations. The despatch by Mîr Mu'aiņu'l-mulk of Şidaq Khâu with Adina Beg Khan in that direction. The death by cholera of Mir Mu'ainu'l-mulk in St. 1810 [A. H. 1165), and the appointment by his widow of the Nawab Bhikhari Khan to be Şubahdar of La hôr.
The fourth invasion of the Panjab by Aḥmad Shah in St. 1813 and the preparations of • the Sikhs to meet him. His plunder of Mathura and Bindråban, and appointment of his son
Timur Shâh to be Şubahdar of LÅhôr in St. 1814. His subsequent enforced departure into Afghanistan in St. 1815. The arrival of the southern Sardárs at Lahôr under the command of Adina Bêg. The petition of Najib Khân to Ahmad Shah, which became the occasion of his fifth invasion of India. The conquests of the Sikhs in the 'JAlandhar Doab under the Sardar Jags& Singh, and coinage of money in the Sardar's name. The arrival of Ahmad Shah at Lahôr, and his appointment of Haji Karimdad Khan and Amir Khan to the charge of the town, and his departure to Hindustan. The troubles excited by the Sikhs and the burning of the outskirts of Láhôr in St. 1816. Arrival of [the Marath Generalissimo]19 Bhảo Rai at Akbarabad, and his coalition with Sûraj Mall Jat. The removal of Shah Jahan II. from the throne and installation of Mirza Jahåndar Shâh in his stead. The defeat of the Marathas at Pâqipat after a war of about three months' duration and the departure of Ahmad Shah homewards. The depredations of the Sikhs after the departure of Ahmad Shah and his subsequent return for the sixth time to the Pañjab, to avenge the injuries inflicted upon his officials, and his return to Afghanistan in St. 1818.
This is followed by a general coalition and rising of the Sikhs, who beleaguer Guru 'Aqil Das at Jhandiâlâ on account of his allegiance to Ahmad Shah. As soon as Ahmad Shậh obtains information of the state of affairs, he quickly crosses the Atak and other rivers with the intention of surprising them. The Sikhs, however, obtain news of his approach, immediately abandon the siege, and fly to inaccessible localities in the mountains; whereon Ahmad Shah marches to Láhôr, despatching some troops in pursuit of the fugitives, of whom they succeed in exterminating a great many after overtaking them at Gajarwal.
Samvat 1820.- The Sardar Jassa Singh Ahld walfa causes confusion across the Satluj, and bas a fight with Bhikhan Khan, Ahmad Shah's Thânadár at Mâlêr-kotla), and with Zain Khan, Thânadør at Sarhind. Bhikhan Khan applies at Lahôr to Ahmad Shah for aid against the Sikhs.
Samvat 1821. - The Sikhs now cause confusion in the Jalandhar Doab, devastate for the second time the country across the Satlaj, and ruin Sarhind after slaying Zain Khan and Bhikhan Khân.
The Sardar Jahận Khan, who was ordered to attack the Sikhs, is disgracefully defeated by them. Ahmad Shah now invades the Pañjâb for the eighth time, Kabuli Mall accompanying
13 See ante, p. 271, Vol. XVI.
