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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
In the midst of these events the Sultan receivedintelligence that Kasim Turk - who had received the title of Khawass Khan, and afterwards that of Barid-ul-Mamalik,43 and had been given the town of Kandhar and its dependencies on feudal tenure was in a state of rebellion. It was necessary to endeavour to put out the fire of this rebellion as quickly as possible, in order that the injury caused by the sedition might not spread through the whole country, and render the remedying of it not easily practicable. Consequently the Sultan being firmly resolved to suppress it, appointed Dilawar Khan Habshi (who, owing to the abundance of his followers, the multitude of his army, his wealth and magnificence, had been selected for the command of the army) to put down the rebellion of Kasim Turk. Dilawar Khân, according to orders, with his warriors and well-trained cavalry moved towards Kandhâr. When Kasim Turk became aware of his approach, he prepared for battle and engaged Dilawar Khân.
[DECEMBER, 189.
As Kasim Turk had not sufficient strength to oppose the army of Dilawar Khân, he thought the best thing he could do was to retreat; so he ceased fighting, and taking to flight set out from Kandhar towards Balkonda. Dilawar Khân pursued the enemy and wished to separate them and slaughter them. But suddenly a vicious elephant from the army of Dilawar Khân getting beyond the control of his driver ran into the midst of the army, and overthrowing the horse of Dilawar Khân, trampled him to death. Kasim Barid on hearing of this was much rejoiced, and turning round hurried towards Dilawar Khin's camp; and without the trouble of fighting, obtained possession of all Dilawar Khân's baggage, elephants and horses. Then binding the fillet of opposition to lawful authority on the forelock of revolt, he hoisted the standard of rebellion.
At that time most of the amirs and wazirs of the different provinces of the dominions having withdrawn their necks from the collar of obedience and subjection, had hoisted the standard of rebellion in their own districts; consequently the Sultan was quite incapable of subduing the rebellion of Kisim Barid. The only remedy he could see was to enter with him through the door of reconciliation and forgiveness by promising him a share in the government. and making a treaty with him to that effect, render him secure. On this account the Sultan sent Kasim Barid a written treaty; and the latter having hopes of realizing his ambition of obtaining the government of the kingdom of the Dakhan and the rank of Miri Jumlah, proceeded to the royal court; and taking in his own hands the reins of government, he assumed Sovereign authority; so that, except in name, no power remained to the Sultan. And not content even with this, he quarrelled with the amirs and wazirs, his object being to make them all subject to him. But the amirs would not submit to the government of Kasim Barid. They opened the door of opposition and strife, and joining together in opposing Kasim Barid, entered into an offensive and defensive alliance. From all quarters of the dominions armies being assembled marched towards the capital, Bidar. When this distressing news reached Kasim Rarid in the city of Bidar he told the Sultan to issue an order for the mobilization of the royal army; and an immense army being assembled, the Sultan marched with it to meet the rebels.
In the midst of these affairs the prince, Sultan Ahmad Bahri Nizam-ul-Mulk, coming from Junnar, joined the royal camp, and after kissing the Sultan's hand made ready for the undertaking and was treated with kingly courtesy. After that, the Sultân marched towards Udgir; and at the town of Devatiss the opposing forces met one another. Although the hostile amirs
45 Kasim Barid, who shortly afterwards founded the Barid-Shihi dynasty. Sultan Kult, who afterwards founded the Kutb-Shahi dynasty, also had the title of Khawig Khân before he acquired that of Kutb-ul-Mulk. He took a prominent part in the fighting above described, and the latter title was given him in recognition of his Pervices on this occasion. -Vide Brigge, Vol. III. p. 343.
Ahmad Babri does not appear to have ehown any resentment on account of the murder of his reputed father, the Malik-Na,fb.
45 Not identified, but must be somewhere between Bidar and Udgir.
