Indian Antiquary Vol 52

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Stephen Meredyth Edwardes, Krishnaswami Aiyangar
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 359

NOVEMBER, 1923] HISTORY OF THE NIZAM SHAHI KINGS OF ATMADNAGAR
343
perceived indications in the way in which Sayyid Murtaza's letter was written, of weakness and supplication, for, since the invaders had failed in their object and now come suing for peace, the defenders were more hopeful of ultimate victory and success, and, lest the enemy should attribute too ready an acceptance of terms to a conviction of defeat, they wrote an answer to Sayyid Murtaza saying that if a trustworthy agent were sent from the Mughul camp to the court of the Saltanat and the Khilafat to arrange the terms of peace, an ambassador would likewise be sent from the court to the camp in order that the terms might be concluded.
Sayyid Murtaza then sent Mir Hashim of Madinah, the Ballahi of his corps, who was clistinguished above his fellows for acuinen, valour and ability, to the royal court, where h: remained for ten days without receiving leave to depart, so that the Mughul amirs became hopeless of a settlement, and disquieting rumours obtained currency in their camp. At length, however, the garrison prepared suitable gifts for Shâb Murad, the khânkhânân, Shahbûz Khân, and Sadiq Muḥammail Khân. As the sincerity, purity of disposition, and complete good faith of Umdat-ul-Mulk. Afzal Khân Quni, who was one of the pillars of the state and the most famous man of the kingdom, and had received the appointment of ambasHilor, in which he had rendered noteworthy services and displayed both wisdom and acumen, were agreed upon by all, Chanel Bibi Sultân, by way of acknowledging his excellent services in general, but especially during the period of the siege, in which he had earned the approbation of all, appointed him Vú ib and Pishvů of the kingdom, with the honourable title of Changiz Khân. He was likewise now appointed ambassador to Shah Murad, in order that by his wisdom and diplomatic ability poace might be concluded. In like manuer Mir Muhammad Zaman Riyavi, Mashhadi, was appointed envoy to the Khânkhânîn, and Sayyid Shah Bahram Astarábâdi was appointed envoy to Shahbaz Khân, to treat for peace. On Sunday, Rajab 10 (March 11, A.D. 1596) which day was the beginning of happier times, these envoys left the fort in accordance with the royal command and set about the business of their mission. When news of the dispatch of the embassy reached Shâb Murâd, he cominanced that the envoys should be lodged in the camp of Sayyid Murtaza, in order that, when he should summon them, Sayyid Murtaza might produce them before him. He then sent a messenger to sunnuon the Khân khånân, Shahbaz Khan, Râja 'Ali Khân, Şâdiq Muhammad Khân, and the rest of the great officers and amirs, and held a court at which the envoys might fitly be reccivedSayyil Murtaza then introduced Afzal Khân, now styled Changiz Khân, Mir Muhammad Zamân and Shah Bahrâm, and presented them to the prince. After the envoys had performed the kúrnish and taslim which are the forms of salutation observed at the court of the Chaghatái Pâdshahs, the prince and the Khânkhânån called them up and asked them the cause of the Warfare and the object of their mission, and then began to speak of peace. Afval-ul-Khawanin Changiz Khân then replicd with the usual complimentary exorclium. The prince was pleased with his speech and, after conferring on him a robe of honour, informed him that the conduct of negotiations was entrusted to the Khânkhânâu, and that they might make their representations to him with a view to the settlement of the matter.38)
The next day the Khân khânân, Shahbaz Khân, and Sadiq Muhammad Khan held a formal niccting to which they invited the envoys of Chand Bibi Sultan. The first proposal of the Mughul amirs was an attempt to seduce Afral-ul-Khawânîn Changiz Khân from his allegiance in order that the fort might fall into their hands: They promised him that if he would desert his mistress he should be made a commander of 5,000 and should receiv) any province of the Dakan that he might prefer, while he should always be consulted in all matters with an assurance that his advice should be followed. This, they said, should be his reward if he would show them how they might take the fort.390
389 The prince probably wished that the Khân khinen should bear tho disgrace ut inaking peacu. 390 These details of the negotiations are mentioned by no other authority.