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180
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
HISTORY OF THE BAHMANI DYNASTY. (Founded on the Burhon-i Ma,asir.) BY MAJOR J. S. KING, M.R.A.S. (Continued from p. 155.)
CHAPTER II.
Reign of Sultan Muhammad Shah,
son of Sultan 'Ala-ud-Din Hasan Shah Bahmani.
[JULY, 1899.
AFTER the death of Sultan Ala-ud-Din Hasan Shah and the completion of the mourning eeremonies, the royal crown was placed on the head of Sultan Muhammad Shah in accordance with his father's will; and the nobles and grandees presented their congratulations and good
wishes.
As soon as he was established on the throne, Sultan Muhammad Shah turned his attention to the interior economy of his army and his subjects in general, and distributed valuable presents.
When he had finished inquiring diligently into the affairs of his soldiers and subjects, being, desirous of conquering countries and cities, he conceived the idea of conquering the country of Vijayanagar, and accordingly marched towards that place with a large and well-equipped force.
The Raya of Vijayanagar, hearing of his approach, and being determined to oppose him assembled a numerous army and went out to meet the Sultan's force. When the two forces encountered one another the troops on both sides fought bravely, and a battle took place such that the eye of Heaven was bewildered and became clouded, and the face of the sun was obscured by the dust of battle. After much fighting the breeze of victory at last blew on the arms of the royal army, and the other side took to flight; but being pursued a great number of them were sent to hell. The Sultan plundered most of the country of the infidels, levelling their idol-temples with the ground, and much booty in rice, jewels, Arab horses and elephants fell into the hands of the Maḥammadan force.
After this victory the Sultan proceeded towards Filampatan (?), and by the aid of God having conquered that country also, he set out on the march to his capital with immense booty. On arriving there he was informed that Bahram Khan, governor of Devagir (Daulatabad), was in a state of rebellion, and as soon as he heard this the Sultan proceeded to oppcse him. When the Sultan arrived near Devagir Bahrâm Khân, being afraid to meet his attack, repented of his actions. At the intercession of Shekh Zain-ud-Din (hallowed be his grave!) the Sultan spared the life of Bahram Khân, but ordered him to be banished from the kingdom: this was done, and he afterwards, with a hundred griefs and disappointments, perished in the desert of desperation and regret.
In the 'Ayun-ut-Tawarikh it is stated that Sultan Muhammad during his reign did not leave a single place in the Dakhan in possession of the infidels, and consequently ruled without com. petition.
The Sultan had two sons, Mujahid Khan who was the heir-apparent, and Fath Khân.
In the latter days of his reign being seized with the desire of conquering Telingânâ the whole of the country came into the possession of the agents of his government.
On returning from that campaign the Sultan, after having reigned seventeen years and seven months, showed signs of an irreligions manner of living, which threw him on the bed of helplessness; and after making Prince Mujahid Shâh his heir, he obeyed the summons
of God."1
31 According to the Tazkorat-ul-Mulk, Sultan Muhammad reigned 18 years, 7 months and 9 days, and died in the year 780 A. H.
