[Shujáât Khán (Kártalab Khán) Thirty-eighth Viceroy, 1684-1703.] On

the death of the viceroy in 1684 prince Muhammad Ázam Sháh was

nominated to succeed him with Kártalab Khán, governor of Sorath, as

his deputy. Before the prince took charge Kártalab Khán was raised

to the post of viceroy, and Muhammad Táhir appointed minister. In

addition to his command as viceroy of Gujarát, Kártalab Khán was

afterwards placed in charge of Jodhpur. In this rearrangement besides

his previous personal estate, the district of Petlád was assigned to

prince Muhammad Ázam Sháh, and Sher Afghan Khán, son of Sháhwardi

Khán, was appointed governor of Sorath. In A.D. 1687, Sher Afghan

Khán was relieved by Bahlol Shirwáni, but in the following year was

restored to his command. In A.D. 1689, on the news of the death of

its governor Ináyat Khán, Kártalab Khán started to settle the affairs

of Jodhpur. As soon as he left Áhmedábád, a rumour spread that a

new viceroy was coming, and the troops, with whom as well as with

the people of Gujarát Kártalab was most popular, grew mutinous. [He

Quells a Mutiny, 1689.] On hearing of this disturbance Kártalab Khán

at once returned to Áhmedábád and quelled the mutiny. His firmness

so pleased the emperor that he gave him the title of Shujaât Khán,

and placed the governor of Jodhpur under his orders. Shujaât Khán now

proceeded to Jodhpur, where Durgádás Ráthod, who had incited prince

Abkar to rebellion, and Ajítsingh, the son of Mahárája Jasvantsingh,

were causing disturbance. Finding that a strong resident governor was

required to keep the insurgents in check, Shujaât Khán appointed Kázim

Beg Muhammad Amín, a brave and resolute soldier, to be his deputy and

returned to Áhmedábád. During this viceroyalty the pay of the leader

or jamádár of a troop of fifty horse was fixed at £10 (Rs. 100); of

a do-aspah or two-horse trooper at £6 (Rs. 60); and of an ek-aspah or

one-horse trooper at £3 (Rs. 30) a month. An imperial order was also

issued directing the levy on merchandise to be taken at the place

and time of sale instead of the time and place of purchase. As this

change caused loss to the revenue the old system was again adopted. In

A.D. 1690 the minister Amánat Khán, with the title of Ítimád Khán, was

made military governor of Surat, and Sayad Muhsín was chosen minister

in his place. To prevent the peons of great officials extorting fees

and dues officials were forbidden to entertain peons without payment.

[Revolt of Matiás and Momnás, 1691.] In the following year (A.D. 1691)

an attempt on the part of the emperor to suppress a body of Musalmán

sectarians led to a somewhat serious insurrection. Sayad Sháhji was

the religious preceptor of the Matiás of Khándesh and the Momnás of

Gujarát, two classes of converted Hindus closely allied to the Khojás

of Káthiáváda, all of them being followers of Sayad Imám-ud-dín an

Ismáîliáh missionary who came to Gujarát during the reign of Mahmúd

Begada (A.D. 1459-1513). Hearing that his followers paid obeisance to

their veiled spiritual guide by kissing his toe, the emperor ordered

the guide to be sent to court to be examined before the religious

doctors. Afraid of the result of this examination, the Sayad committed

suicide and was buried at Karamtah nine miles south of Áhmedábád. The

loss of their leader so enraged his followers that, collecting from

all sides, they marched against Broach, seized the fort, and slew the

governor. The insurgents held the fort of Broach against the governor

of Baroda who was sent to punish them, and for a time successfully

resisted the efforts of his successor Nazar Áli Khán. At last, at an

unguarded spot, some of the besiegers stole over the city wall and

opening the gates admitted their companions. The Momnás were defeated

and almost all slain as they sought death either by the sword or by

drowning to merit their saint's favour in the next world.

[Disturbances in Káthiáváda, 1692.] In A.D. 1692 Shujáât Khán, during

his tribute-gathering campaign in Jháláváda and Sorath, stormed the

fort of Thán, the head-quarters of the plundering Káthis and after

destroying the fort returned to Áhmedábád. Shujáât Khán was one of

the ablest of Gujarát viceroys. He gave so much of his attention to

the management of Jodhpur, that he used to spend about six months

of every year in Márwár. He beautified Áhmedábád by building the

college and mosque still known by his name near the Lál Gate. In

A.D. 1642 two hundred cart-loads of marble were received from the

ancient buildings at Pátan and the deputy governor Safdar Khán Bábi

wrote that if a thousand cart-loads more were required they could be

supplied from the same source. At this time the emperor ordered that

Sheikh Akram-ud-dín, the local tax-collector, should levy the head tax

from the Hindus of Pálanpur and Jhálor. The viceroy deputed Muhammad

Mujáhid, son of Kamál Khán Jhálori, governor of Pálanpur to help in

collecting. [Disturbances in Márwár.] As Durgádás Ráthod was again

stirring tumults and sedition in Márwár, the viceroy went to Jodhpur,

and by confirming their estates to the chief vassals and landholders

and guaranteeing other public measures on condition of service,

persuaded them to abandon their alliance with Durgádás against whom

he sent his deputy Kázim Beg, who expelled him from Márwár. After

appointing Kunvár Muhkamsingh, governor of Mertha in Márwár, Shujáât

Khán returned to Áhmedábád. In A.D. 1693, at the request of Sher

Afghan Khán, governor of Sorath, the walls of the fort of Jagat

were restored. In this year the viceroy went to Jháláváda to exact

tribute. On his return to Áhmedábád Safdar Khán Bábi, governor of

Pátan, wrote to the viceroy, and at his request the forts of Kambhoi

and Sámprah were repaired. The viceroy now went to Jodhpúr and from

that returned to Áhmedábád. A circumstance in connection with a sum of

Rs. 7000 spent on the repairs of forts illustrates the close imperial

supervision of provincial accounts. The item having come to imperial

notice from the provincial disbursement sheets was disallowed as unfair

and ordered to be refunded under the rule that such charges were to be

met out of their incomes by the local governors and military deputy

governors. Imperial officers were also from time to time deputed

to collect from the books of the desái's statements of provincial

disbursements and receipts for periods of ten years that they might

render an independent check. In this year the emperor hearing that

Ajítsingh and Durgádás were again contemplating rebellion ordered

the viceroy to Jodhpur. Muhammad Mubáriz Bábi was at the same time

appointed deputy governor of Vadnagar, and an order was issued that

the revenue of Pátan should be paid to Shujáât Khán instead of as

formerly into the imperial treasury. In this year also Safdar Khán

Bábi, governor of Pátan, was succeeded by Mubáriz Khán Bábi. Not

long afterwards under imperial orders the viceroy directed Muhammad

Mubáriz Bábi to destroy the Vadnagar temple of Hateshwar-Mahádev the

Nágar Bráhmans' special guardian.

In A.D. 1696, Muhammad Bahlol Shírwáni, governor of Baroda, died,

and his place was supplied by Muhammad Beg Khán. During this year the

viceroy again went to Jodhpúr and remained there for some months. In

A.D. 1697 Buláki Beg the mace-bearer arrived from the imperial

court to settle disputes connected with the Navánagar succession,

and to inquire into complaints made by the inhabitants of Sorath. In

1696 an imperial circular was addressed to all officers in charge

of districts ordering them to show no respect or consideration

for royalty in their efforts to capture or kill the rebel prince

Akbar. [Durgádás Ráthod reconciled to the Emperor, 1697.] About the

same time Durgádás Ráthod, in whose charge were the son and daughter of

prince Akbar, made an application to Shujáât Khán, proposing a truce,

and saying that he wished personally to hand the children to their

grandfather. Shujaât Khán agreed and Durgádás restored Akbar's children

to the emperor. Aurangzíb finding the children able to repeat the

whole Kurâán was much pleased with Durgádás, and made peace with him,

assigning him as a personal estate the lands of Mertha in Jodhpur, and

afterwards adding to this the grant of Dhandhúka and other districts

of Gujarát. In consequence of a failure of crops the price of grain

rose so high that the government share of the produce was brought to

Áhmedábád and sold in public to the poor and needy. About this time

Muhammad Mubáriz Bábi was killed by a Koli who shot him with an arrow

while he was sacking the village of Sámprah. [859] Safdar Khán Bábi

was appointed deputy governor of Pátan in his stead.

In the same year it was reported to the emperor that the money-changers

and capitalists of Áhmedábád in making payments passed money short

of weight to poor men and in receiving charged an exchange of two to

three tankás the rupee. The Súbah and minister were ordered to stop

the currency of rupees more than two surkhs short. [860]

[Scarcity, 1698.] In A.D. 1698, on the death of Ítimád Khán, his son

Muhammad Muhsín was made minister, and he was ordered to hand the

district of Mertha to Durgádás Ráthod. Among other changes Muhammad

Muním was raised to the command of the fort of Jodhpur and Khwájáh

Abdul Hamíd was appointed minister. Owing to a second failure of rain

1698 was a year of much scarcity in Márwár and north Gujarát. The

accounts of this year notice a petition addressed to the viceroy by

a Sinor Bráhman, praying that he might not be seized as a carrier or

labourer. [861] In connection with some revenue and civil affairs,

a difference of opinion arose between Shujáât Khán and Safdar Khán

Bábi, deputy governor of Pátan. Safdar Khán resigned, and, until a

successor was appointed, Muhammad Bahlol Shírwáni was directed to

administer the Pátan district. In the same year the emperor bestowed

the government of Sorath on Muhammad Beg Khán. In A.D. 1699 Durgádás

Ráthod obtained from the emperor not only a pardon for Ajítsingh, son

of the late Mahárája Jasvantsingh, but procured him an assignment of

lands in, as well as the official charge of, the districts of Jhálor

and Sáchor in Márwár. Mujáhid Khán Jhálori, who as representing a

family of landholders dating as far back as the Gujarát Sultáns,

had held Jhálor and Sáchor, now received in their stead the lands in

Pálanpur and Dísa which his descendants still hold. In this year also

(A.D. 1699) Amánat Khán, governor of Surat, died, and the Maráthás

making a raid into the province, Shujáât Khán sent Nazar Áli Khán to

drive them out. About this time an imperial order arrived, addressed

to the provincial díwán directing him to purchase 1000 horses for

the government at the average rate of £20 (Rs. 200).

[Prince Muhammad Aâzam Thirty-ninth Viceroy, 1703-1705.] In A.D. 1700

on the death of Fírúz Khán Mewáti, deputy governor of Jodhpúr, the

viceroy appointed in his place Muhammad Záhid from Víramgám. Rája

Ajítsingh of Márwár was now ordered to repair to court, and as he

delayed, a mohsal or speed fine was imposed upon him in agreement

with Shujáât Khán's directions. About this time an order came to

Kamál Khán Jhálori for the despatch to the emperor of some of the

Pálanpur chítáhs or hunting leopards which are still in demand in other

parts of India. In the same year the manager of Dhandhúka on behalf

of Durgádás Ráthod, asked the viceroy for aid against the Káthis,

who were plundering that district. The viceroy ordered Muhammad Beg,

governor of Sorath, to march against them. At this time Shujáât Khán

despatched Nazar Áli Khán with a large force to join the imperial

camp which was then at Panhála in Kolhápur. Shujáât Khán, who had so

long and ably filled the office of viceroy in a most critical time,

died in A.D. 1703. In his place prince Muhammad Aâzam Sháh, who was

then at Dhár in Málwa, was appointed thirty-ninth viceroy of Gujarát,

as well as governor of Ajmír and Jodhpur; and until his arrival

the minister Khwájáh Abdul Hamíd Khán was ordered to administer the

province. Owing to the recall of the late governor's troops from many

of the posts disorders broke out in the Pátan districts and the Kolis

plundered the country and made the roads impassable.

On his way from the Dakhan to Áhmedábád, the chief of Jhábua, a state

now under the Bhopáwar Agency, paid his respects to the new viceroy

and presented him with a tribute of £1600 (Rs. 16,000). Among other

arrangements the prince sent to Jodhpur Jáfar Kuli, son of Kázim

Beg, as deputy governor, and appointed Durgádás Ráthod governor of

Pátan. Shortly after, on suspicion of his tampering with the Ráthod

Rájputs, an order came from the emperor to summon Durgádás to the

prince's court at Áhmedábád, and there confine him or slay him. [862]

[Intrigue against Durgádás Ráthod, 1703.] Safdar Khán Bábi, who,

in displeasure with Shujáât Khán had retired to Málwa, returned and

offered to slay or capture Durgádás, who was accordingly invited to

the prince's court at Áhmedábád. Durgádás came and pitched his camp

at the village of Báreja on the Sábarmati near Áhmedábád. On the day

Durgádás was to present himself, the prince, on pretence of a hunt,

had ordered the attendance of a strong detachment of the army. When

all was ready and Safdar Khán Bábi and his sons appeared mailed and

gauntleted the prince sent for Durgádás. As this day was an eleventh or

agiáras Durgádás had put off waiting on the prince until the fast was

over. [Durgádás Ráthod Escapes.] Growing suspicious of the number of

messengers from the prince, he burned his tents and fled. Safdar Khán

Bábi was sent in pursuit. He was overtaking Durgádás when Durgádás'

grandson praying his grandfather to make good his escape, stayed behind

with a band of followers, charged the pursuers, and after a gallant

combat, he and his Rájputs were slain. The grandson of Durgádás was

killed in a hand-to-hand fight with Salábat Khán, the son of Safdar

Khán Bábi. Emerald rings are to this day worn by youths of the Bábi

families of North Gujarát in memory of the emerald earrings which

adorned the young Rájput and were afterwards worn by Salábat as

trophies of this fight. Meanwhile Durgádás had reached Unjáh-Unáwa,

forty miles east of Pátan, and from Unjáh made his way to Pátan. From

Pátan, taking his family with him, he retired to Tharád, and from

that to Márwár, where he was afterwards joined by Ajítsingh of Márwár,

whom the emperor opposed on the ground of illegitimacy. The imperial

troops followed and took possession of Pátan, putting to death the

head of the city police.

In his old age the emperor Aurangzíb became more and more strict in

religious matters. In 1702 an imperial order forbad the making of

almanacs as contrary to the Muhammadan law. Hindus were also forbidden

to keep Muhammadan servants.

[Surat, 1700-1703.] About this time (A.D. 1700) news arrived that

the Maráthás with a force of 10,000 horse were threatening Surat

from the foot of the Kására pass and the confines of Sultánpur and

Nandurbár. The viceroy despatched a body of troops to guard Surat

against their incursions. Disputes between the government and

the Portuguese were also injuring the trade of the province. In

A.D. 1701 the viceroy received an order from Court directing him

to destroy the temple of Somnáth beyond possibility of repair. The

despatch adds that a similar order had been issued at the beginning

of Aurangzíb's reign. In A.D. 1703, at the request of the merchants

of Gujarát, with the view of inducing the Portuguese to let ships

from Surat pass unmolested and release some Musalmáns who had been

imprisoned on their way back from Makkah, orders were issued that

certain confiscated Portuguese merchandise should be restored to its

owners. An imperial order was also received to encourage the art of

brocade weaving in Áhmedábád. In A.D. 1704, Safdar Khán Bábi was

raised to be governor of Bijápur, about fifty miles north-east of

Áhmedábád. Sarandáz Khán was at the same time appointed to Sorath

instead of Muhammad Beg Khán, who was placed in charge of the lands

round Áhmedábád. As the Maráthás once more threatened Surat, Mustafa

Kuli, governor of Broach, was sent with 1000 horse to defend the city.

Certain passages in Aurangzíb's letters to prince Aâzam when

(A.D. 1703-1705) viceroy of Gujarát, show how keen and shrewd an

interest the aged emperor maintained in the government of his

viceroys. In Letter 19 he writes to prince Aâzam: To take the

government of Sorath from Fateh Jang Khán Bábi and give it to your

chamberlain's brother is to break a sound glass vessel with your own

hands. These Bábis have been time out of mind a respected race in

Gujarát and are well versed in the arts of war. There is no sense

in giving the management of Sorath to anyone but to a Bábi. Sorath

is a place which commanders of five thousand like Hasan Álikhán and

Safshikan Khán have with difficulty administered. If your officers

follow the principles laid down by the late Shujáât Khán, it will be

well. If they do not, the province of Gujarát is such that if order

is broken in one or two places, it will not soon be restored. For

the rest you are your own master. I say not, do this or do that; look

that the end is good, and do that which is easiest. In another passage

(Letter 37 to the same prince Aâzam) Aurangzíb writes: You who are a

well intentioned man, why do you not retaliate on oppressors? Over

Hájipúr Aminpúr and other posts where atrocities occur every day,

and at Kapadvanj where the Kolis rob the highways up to the posts,

you have made your chamberlain and artillery superintendent your

commandant. He entrusted his powers to his carrion-eating and

fraudulent relatives. Owing to his influence the oppressed cannot

come to you.... You ought to give the command to one of the Gujarátis

like Safdar Khán Bábi or one of the sons of Bahlúl Shírwáni who have

earned reputations during the administration of the late Shujáât Khán

and who are popular with the people. Else I tell you plainly that on

the Day of Justice we shall be caught for neglecting to punish the

oppressions of our servants.

[Ibráhím Khán Fortieth Viceroy, 1705.] In A.D. 1705, as the climate

of Gujarát did not agree with prince Aâzam, Ibráhím Khán, viceroy

of Kashmír, was appointed fortieth viceroy of Gujarát, and his son

Zabardast Khán, viceroy of Láhor, was appointed to the government of

Ajmír and Jodhpur. Prince Aâzam at once went to Burhánpur in Khándesh,

handing charge of Gujarát to the minister Abdúl Hamíd Khán until

the new viceroy should arrive. Durgádás Ráthod now asked for and

received pardon. Abdúl Hamíd Khán was ordered to restore the lands

formerly granted to Durgádás, and Durgádás was directed to act under

Abdúl Hamíd's orders. In A.D. 1705 the emperor learned that Khánji, a

successor of Kutb the high priest of the Ismáîlia Bohorás, had sent out

twelve missionaries to win people to his faith, and that his followers

had subscribed Rs. 1,14,000 to relieve those of their number who were

imprisoned. The emperor ordered that the twelve missionaries should be

secured and sent to him and appointed Sunni Mullás to preach in their

villages and bring the Bohoras' children to the Sunni form of faith.

[The Maráthás enter Gujarát.] About this time (A.D. 1705) the Maráthás,

who had long been hovering on the south-east frontiers of the province,

bursting into south Gujarát with an army 15,000 strong, under the

leadership of Dhanáji Jádhav, defeated the local forces and laid

the country waste. Abdúl Hamíd Khán, who was then in charge of the

province, ordered all governors of districts and officers in charge

of posts to collect their men and advance to Surat. Between Nazar

Áli Khán and Safdar Khán Bábi, the officers in command of this army,

an unfortunate jealousy prevailed. Not knowing where the Maráthás

were to be found, they halted on the Narbada near the Bába Piárah

ford. Here they remained for a month and a half, the leaders contenting

themselves with sending out spies to search for the enemy. At last,

hearing of the approach of the Maráthás, they sent to head-quarters

asking for artillery and other reinforcements. In reply, Abdúl Hamíd

Khán, a man of hasty temper, upbraided them for their inactivity

and for allowing so much time to pass without making their way to

Surat. [Battle of Ratanpúr. Defeat of the Musalmáns, 1705.] Orders

were accordingly at once issued for an advance, and the army next

halted at Ratanpúr in Rájpípla. Here, apparently from the jealousy

of the commanders, the different chiefs pitched their camps at some

distance from each other. Finding the enemy's forces thus scattered,

the Maráthás, under the command of Dhanáji Jádhav, lost no time in

advancing against them. First attacking the camp of Safdar Khán Bábi,

they defeated his troops, killed his son, and took prisoner the chief

himself. Only a few of his men, with his nephew Muhammad Aâzam, escaped

to the camp of Nazar Áli Khán. Next, the Maráthás attacked the army

under Muhammad Purdil Khán Shirwáni; and it also they defeated. Of

the Musalmán army those who were not slain, drowned in the Narbada,

or captured, reached Broach in miserable plight, where they were

relieved by Akbar Áli Khán. Nazar Áli Khán burned his tents and

surrendered to the Maráthás, by whom he was well treated.

[Battle of the Bába Piárah Ford. Second Defeat of the Musalmáns,

1705.] The Maráthás now heard that Abdúl Hamíd Khán was coming with

an army to oppose them. Thinking he would not risk a battle, they

went to the Bába Piárah ford, and there crossed the Narbada. That

very day Abdúl Hamíd Khán, with Muhammad Sher and Muhammad Salábat,

sons of Safdar Khán Bábi, and others came to the spot where the

Maráthás were encamped. All night long they were harassed by the

Maráthás, and next morning found the enemy ready for a general

attack. The Muhammadans, weary with watching, dispirited from the

defeats of Safdar Khán, and inferior in number to their assailants,

were repulsed and surrounded. The two sons of Safdar Khán Bábi,

and two other nobles, seeing that the day was lost, cut their way

through the enemy and escaped, Abdúl Hamíd Khán, Nazar Áli Khán,

and many others were taken prisoners. The Maráthás plundered the

Muhammadan camp, declared their right to tribute, levied sums from

the adjacent towns and villages and extorted heavy ransoms which in

the case of Abdúl Hamíd Khán was fixed at as large a sum as £30,000

(Rs. 3 lákhs). [Koli Disturbances.] The Kolis, seeing the disorganized

state of Gujarát, began ravaging the country, and plundered Baroda

for two days. At Áhmedábád Muhammad Beg Khán, who had been appointed

governor of Sorath, was recalled to defend the capital. When the news

of the defeat at Bába Piárah reached Dehli, the emperor despatched

prince Muhammad Bidár Bakht with a large army to drive out the

invaders. Before this force reached Gujarát the Maráthás had retired.

[Prince Muhammad Bídár Bakht Forty-First Viceroy, 1705-1706.] Prince

Muhammad Bídár Bakht arrived in A.D. 1705 as forty-first viceroy, and

appointed Amánat Khán governor of the ports of Surat and Cambay. News

was now received that Ajítsingh of Jodhpur and Verisálji of Rájpípla

were about to rebel, and the prince took measures to check their

plans. About this time the emperor, hearing that an attack had

been made on the Muhammadan post at Dwárka, ordered the temple to

be levelled to the ground. It seems doubtful whether this order was

carried out. Nazar Áli Khán, who had formerly enjoyed a grant of Halvad

in Jháláváda, had been driven out by Chandrasingh, chief of Vánkáner;

but, on condition of his expelling Chandrasingh, these lands were again

granted to him. Kamál Khán Jhálori, leaving under his son Fírúz Khán

at Pálanpur a body of men for the defence of his charge, advanced to

Áhmedábád to guard the city from Marátha attack. He petitioned that

according to Gujarát custom his troops should receive rations so long

as they were employed on imperial service. To this request the emperor

agreed and issued orders to the provincial minister. [Durgádás Ráthod

again in Rebellion.] Shortly after Durgádás Ráthod took advantage of

the general confusion to rejoin Ajítsingh, and an army was sent to

Tharád against them. Ajítsingh was at first forced to retire. Finally

he succeeded in defeating Kunvar Muhkamsingh, and marching on Jodhpur

recovered it from Jaâfar Kuli, son of Kázím Beg. Durgádás meanwhile had

taken shelter with the Kolis. At the head of a band of robbers, meeting

Sháh Kúli the son of Kázím Beg on his way to join his appointment

as deputy governor of Pátan, Durgádás attacked and killed him. And

soon after at Chaniár in the Chunvál, laying in wait for Maâsúm Kúli,

the governor of Víramgám, he routed his escort, Maâsum Kúli escaping

with difficulty. On condition of being appointed governor of Pátan

Safdar Khán Bábi now offered to kill or capture Durgádás. His offer

was accepted, and as from this time Durgádás is no more heard of, it

seems probable that Safdar Khán succeeded in killing him. [Ibráhím

Khán Forty-second Viceroy, 1706.] As the disturbed state of the

province seemed to require a change of government Ibráhím Khán, who

had been appointed viceroy in the previous year, was ordered to join

his post. This order he reluctantly obeyed in A.D. 1706.

SECTION II.--Fifty Years of Disorder, 1707-1757.

[The Maráthás advance to Áhmedábád and levy Tribute, 1707.] With the

death of the emperor Aurangzíb, early in A.D. 1707, the period of

strong government which had latterly from year to year been growing

weaker came to an end. As soon as Aurangzíb's death was known, the

Maráthás under Báláji Vishvanáth burst into east Gujarát, marching

by Jhábua and Godhra, where they were ineffectually opposed by

the governor Murád Baksh. From Godhra they went to and plundered

the town of Mahuda in Kaira, and proposed marching on Áhmedábád by

way of Nadiád. The viceroy prepared to resist them, and, enlisting

special troops, camped outside of the city near the Kánkariya lake. Of

the warlike population on the north bank of the Sábarmati opposite

Áhmedábád nearly eight thousand Musalmán horse and three thousand foot

together with four thousand Rájpúts and Kolis in three days gathered

at the Kánkariya camp. The viceroy was also joined by Abdúl Hádi

Pandemal the viceroy's minister, Abdúl Hamíd Khán provincial minister,

Muhammad Beg Khán, Nazar Áli Khán, Safdar Khán Bábi, and several other

deputy governors with their retinues and artillery. Though strong in

numbers the practised eye of the viceroy failed to find in the host

that firmness and unity of purpose which could alone ensure victory

over the Marátha hordes. The Maráthás did much mischief, plundering as

far as Batva, only four-and-a-half miles from the viceroy's camp. The

author of the Mirat-i-Áhmedi, whose father was an actor in these

scenes, describes the panic in the capital of Gujarát which since

its capture by Muzaffar in A.D. 1583 had been free from the horrors

of war. Crowds of scared and terror-stricken men, women and children

laden with as much of their property as they could carry were pressing

from the suburbs into the city. In the city the streets were crowded

with squatters. The cries of parents bereft of children, added to

the din and turmoil of the soldiery, was like the horror of the Day

of Resurrection. The dejected faces of the soldiers beaten in the

late engagements added to the general gloom. The viceroy, thoroughly

alarmed, concluded a treaty with Báláji, and on receiving a tribute of

£21,000 (Rs. 2,10,000) the Maráthás withdrew. Meanwhile, in the contest

between the princes for the throne of Dehli, prince Muhammad Aâzam Sháh

was defeated and slain, and prince Muhammad Muâzzam Sháh mounted the

throne with the title of Bahádur Sháh. Ibráhím Khán was confirmed in

the post of viceroy of Gujarát, but, fearing that the emperor might

be displeased at his concession of tribute to the Maráthás, he went

to Dehli to explain his conduct, and there resigned office.

[Gházi-ud-dín Forty-third Viceroy, 1708-1710.] In A.D. 1708, in

consequence of Ibráhím Khán's resignation, Gházi-ud-dín Khán Bahádur

Fírúz Jang was appointed forty-third viceroy of Gujarát. The leaning

of the new emperor towards Shíâh tenets and his order to insert

in the Friday sermon the words the lawful successor of the Prophet

after the name of 'Ali, the fourth Khalífah, besides giving general

dissatisfaction, caused a small disturbance in Áhmedábád. On the

first Friday on which the sermon was read the Túráni or Turk soldiers

publicly called on the preacher to desist on pain of death. The

preacher disregarding their threats on the next Friday was pulled

down from the pulpit by the Túránis and brained with a mace. In the

same year (A.D. 1708), hearing that the representative of Sháhi Álam

had a copy of a Kurâan written by the Imám Áli Taki son of Músa Razá

(A.D. 810-829), the emperor expressed a wish to obtain a sight of it,

and the viceroy sent it to him at Mándu in charge of Sayad Âkil and

Salábat Khán Bábi. In A.D. 1709, Shariât Khán, brother of Abdúl Hamíd

Khán, was appointed minister in place of his brother, who obtained

the office of chief Kázi. Much treasure was sent to the imperial

camp by order of the emperor. Ajítsingh of Márwár now rebelled and

recovered Jodhpur. As the emperor wished to visit Ajmír the viceroy

of Gujarát was directed to join him with his army. At this time

the pay of a horseman is said to have been £3 8s. (Rs. 34) and of

a footman 8s. (Rs. 4) a month. During his administration Fírúz Jang

introduced the practice, which his successors continued, of levying

taxes on grain piece-goods and garden produce on his own account, the

viceroy's men by degrees getting into their hands the whole power of

collecting. In A.D. 1710, when on tour exacting tribute, the viceroy

fell ill at Dánta and was brought to Áhmedábád, where he died. As

Fírúz Jang had not submitted satisfactory accounts, his property

was confiscated, and in A.D. 1711 Amánat Khán, governor of Surat,

was appointed deputy viceroy with the title of Shahámat Khán. When

Shahámat Khán was levying tribute from the Kadi and Bijápur districts,

he heard that a Marátha force had advanced to the Bába Piárah ford

on the Narbada. He at once marched to oppose them, summoning Sayad

Áhmed Gíláni, governor of Sorath, to his assistance. When he reached

Ankleshvar, the Maráthás met him, and a battle was fought in which

the Maráthás were defeated. Shahámat Khán then proceeded to Surat,

and, after providing for its safety returned to Áhmedábád. In spite

of their reverse at Ankleshvar the Maráthás from this time began to

make yearly raids into Gujarát.

[Jehándár Sháh Emperor, 1712-1713.] In A.D. 1712, the emperor died,

and was succeeded by his son Abúl Fateh Muîzz-ud-dín Jehándár Sháh,

and Ásif-ud-daulah Asad Khán Bahádur was appointed [Ásif-ud-Daulah

Forty-fourth Viceroy, 1712-13.] forty-fourth viceroy of Gujarát. As

Muhammad Beg Khán, who was then at Kharkol, was a favourite of the

new viceroy and through his interest was appointed deputy, he went to

Áhmedábád, and Shahámat Khán was transferred to Málwa as viceroy. In

the meantime Muhammad Beg Khán was appointed governor of Surat, and

Sarbuland Khán Bahádur was sent to Áhmedábád as deputy viceroy. On

his way to Gujarát, Sarbuland Khán was robbed in the Ságbára wilds to

the east of Rájpípla. On his arrival he promptly marched against the

rebellious Kolis of the Chunvál and subdued them. At the end of the

year, as Farrukhsiyar son of Ázím-us-Shán, second son of the late

emperor, was marching with a large army on the capital, Sarbuland

Khán returned to Dehli.

[Farrukhsiyar Emperor, 1713-1719.] This expedition of Farrukhsiyar

was successful. He put Jehándár Sháh to death and mounted the throne

in A.D. 1713. As he had been raised to the throne mainly by the aid

of Sayads Husain Áli and Abdullah Khán, the new emperor fell under the

power of these nobles. Husain Áli was sent against Ajítsingh of Márwár,

and concluded a treaty with that chief, whereby Ajítsingh engaged

to send his son to court and to give his daughter to the emperor in

marriage: and the marriage was solemnised in A.D. 1715. In A.D. 1714,

shortly after this treaty was concluded, Ajítsingh sent his son

Abheysingh to court, and on him in place of one Sayad Áhmed Gíláni

was conferred the post of governor of Sorath. Abheysingh remained

at court and sent his deputy Káyath Fatehsingh to Junágadh. Abdúl

Hamíd Khán was appointed revenue officer of Surat. After some time

he resigned his Surat office and went to court, where on being made

superintendent of the shrine of Sheikh Ahmed Khattu he returned to

Áhmedábád. In A.D. 1713 Muhtarim Khán was appointed to succeed him

in Surat. Early in A.D. 1714, [Shahámat Khán Forty-fifth Viceroy,

1713.] Shahámat Khán, who had been appointed forty-fifth viceroy of

Gujarát, was superseded by Dáud Khán Panni as forty-sixth viceroy. The

reckless courage of Dáud Khán Panni was renowned throughout India. His

memory survives in the tales and proverbs of the Dakhan. On giving

battle he used to show his contempt for his enemies by wearing nothing

stronger than a muslin jerkin. So stern was his discipline that

none of his Afghán soldiers dared to touch a leaf of the standing

crops where they were encamped. When at Áhmedábád he was either

engaged in scattering the Kolis or in coursing with greyhounds. He

preferred life under canvas on the Sábarmati sands to the viceregal

surroundings of the Bhadar Palace. His civil work he used to trust

to Dakhan Bráhmans and Pandits. He was much devoted to the use of

bhang. [Dáud Khán Panni Forty-sixth Viceroy, 1714-15.] Until Dáud

Khán's arrival Abdúl Hamíd Khán was appointed viceroy and took charge

of the province from Shahámat Khán. At this time, on the security of

Rája Muhkamsingh of Nágor, a sum of £5000 (Rs. 50,000) was granted to

the brother of Durgádás Ráthod. In A.D. 1714 in Áhmedábád Harírám,

the agent of Madan Gopál a successful North Indian banker, who came

to Áhmedábád as treasurer with Fírúz Jang, while celebrating the Holi

with his friends, seized a Musalmán gentleman and handled him with

great roughness. [Religious Riots in Áhmedábád, 1714.] Aggrieved

with this treatment the Musalmán complained to a preacher of much

eloquence and influence, Mulla Muhammad Áli. The preacher took the

Muslim to the Assembly Mosque and sent for Mulla Abdúl Âzíz the

chief or leading member of the Sunni Bohora community. He answered

the call with a strong party of his men, and on his way was joined by

numbers of Musalmáns both soldiers and citizens. With cries of 'Dín'

'Dín' they went to the mosque and carried off the insulted man and the

priest and the Bohora leader to the house of the Kázi Khair-ul-láh. The

Kázi closed his doors against the crowd who returned abusing him to

the Jewellers' quarter pillaging and killing as they went. They next

swarmed towards Madan Gopál's Haveli in the Jewellers' quarters. But

the Nagarsheth Kapurchand Bhansáli closed its strong gates and with

his Musalmán soldiers met the swarm with firearms. The viceroy who was

camped at the Sháhi Bágh sent soldiers and under the influence of the

leading citizens of both classes the disturbance was quelled. When

the particulars of the riots were known in the imperial camp the

Hindus, clamouring against Mulla Muhammad Áli and Sheikh Abdúl Âzíz

Gujaráti, struck business and closed their shops. The emperor ordered

mace-bearers to proceed to Gujarát and bring the Musalmán ringleaders

together with the Hindu Nagarsheth Kapurchand Bhansáli. Some Bohoras at

the imperial camp, sending advance news to Áhmedábád, the Mullah and

the Bohora Sheth and after him the Bhansáli started for the imperial

camp. On reaching the camp the Mulla, who was very impressive and

eloquent, preached a sermon in the Assembly Mosque and his fame

reaching the emperor he was called to court and asked to preach. He

and the Sheth were now able to explain their case to the emperor and

the Bhansáli was imprisoned. It is said that the Bhansáli made the

Mulla the medium of his release and that he and the Bohora returned to

Gujarát while the Mulla remained in honour at court till he died. About

the same time a great flood in the Sábarmati did much damage.

Abdúl Hamíd Khán was now chosen governor of Sorath in place of

Abheysingh, and Momín Khán was appointed from Dehli, governor of Surat,

and was at the same time placed in charge of Baroda, Broach, Dholka,

Petlád, and Nadiád. Dáud Khán the viceroy now went into Káthiáváda and

Navánagar to collect tribute, and on his return to Áhmedábád, married

the daughter of the chief of Halvad in the Jháláváda sub-division

of Káthiáváda. It is related that this lady, who was with child, on

hearing of Dáud Khán's death cut open her womb and saved the child at

the sacrifice of her own life. [863] Dáud Khán, though an excellent

soldier and strict disciplinarian failed to distinguish himself as a

civil administrator. He introduced Dakhani pandits into official posts,

who levied a fee called chithyáman from landholders and took taxes

from the holdings of Sayads and otherwise made themselves unpopular.

About this time Momín Khán, governor of Surat, arrived in Gujarát,

and placing his deputies in Petlád, Dholka, Baroda, and Nadiád, went

himself to Surat in A.D. 1715. Here he was opposed by the commandant

of the fort, Zia Khán, who was obliged to give way, his subordinate,

Sayad Kásim, being defeated by Fidá-ud-dín Khán. [Further Riots in

Áhmedábád, 1715.] At this time much ill-feeling was caused by the

plunder by Muhammadan troops of the shops of some Hindu merchants

in Áhmedábád. On this account, and for other reasons, Dáud Khán was

recalled, and Ghazni Khán Jhálori was directed to act in his place

until the arrival of a new viceroy. [Mahárája Ajítsingh Forty-seventh

Viceroy, 1715-16.] In this year, A.D. 1715, the Mahárája Ajítsingh

was appointed forty-seventh viceroy of Gujarát, and his son Kunvar

Abheysingh was appointed governor of Sorath. Ajítsingh sent Vajeráj

Bhandári to act as his deputy until his arrival, and Fatehsingh

Káyath was chosen deputy governor of Sorath. Perhaps one of the most

remarkable appointments of this time was that of Haidar Kúli Khán

to be minister as well as military commandant of Baroda, Nándod,

Arhar-Mátar in the district [864] of Kaira, and of the ports of Surat

and Cambay. Haidar Kúli chose an officer to act for him as minister,

and after appointing deputies in his different charges himself went

to Surat.

The Mahárája Ajítsingh, on reaching Áhmedábád, appointed Ghazni

Khán Jhálori governor of Pálanpur and Jawán Mard Khán Bábi governor

of Rádhanpur. [865] During this year an imperial order conferred on

Haidar Kúli Khán, Sorath and Gohilvád or south-east Káthiáváda [866]

then in charge of Fatehsingh, the viceroy's deputy. [867] On receiving

this order Haidar sent Sayad Âkil as his deputy, and that officer went

to Jambúsar, and, collecting men, set out to join his appointment. He

first camped at Loliánah, where the province of Sorath begins, and from

Loliánah marched against Pálitána and plundered the town. [Disagreement

between the Viceroy and Haidar Kúli Khán, 1715.] The viceroy, who

was by no means well disposed to Haidar Kúli Khán, sent a message

that if any injury was done in Sorath he would take vengeance on the

aggressors; and as neither Ajítsingh nor Haidar Kúli Khán was of a

very compliant temper, civil war was on the point of breaking out. By

the help of Salábat Khán Bábi, the deputy in Gohilváda, matters were

arranged, and Sayad Âkil returned from Sorath. Haidar was anxious to

send Salábat Khán as deputy to Sorath. But as Salábat demanded too

high a salary, Raza Kúli, brother of the late governor of Baroda,

was chosen. When this officer, with his brother Maâsúm Kúli, reached

Amreli Fatehsingh, the viceroy's deputy, evacuated Junágadh. After

this Haidar Kúli Khán, in company with Kázím Beg, governor of Baroda,

marched against and defeated the chief of Munjpur, now under Rádhanpur,

who had refused to pay the usual tribute. The viceroy went to Sorath

to collect the imperial revenue, and, owing to his excessive demands,

met with armed resistance from the Jám of Navánagar. Finally, the

matter of tribute was settled, and after visiting the shrine of Dwárka,

the viceroy returned to Áhmedábád.

[Khán Daurán Nasrat Jang Bahádur Forty-eighth Viceroy, 1716-1719.] In

A.D. 1716, while the viceroy was at Dwárka, in consequence of numerous

complaints against Ajítsingh and his Márwári followers, the emperor

sent Samsám-ud-daulah Khán Daurán Nasrat Jang Bahádur as forty-eighth

viceroy of Gujarát. As it was expected that Ajítsingh would not give

up his government without a contest, an army was prepared to compel

him to leave. On the arrival of the army Ajítsingh marched straight

on Áhmedábád and encamped at Sarkhej, but Nahar Khán persuaded him

to retire to Jodhpur without giving battle. In A.D. 1717, after the

departure of Ajítsingh, Haidar Kúli Khan, who had been appointed

deputy viceroy, leaving Surat set out for Áhmedábád. When Haidar

arrived at Petlád, some of the Áhmedábád nobles, among whom was

Safdar Khán Bábi, went out to meet him. A dispute arose between

one of Haidar's water carriers and a water-carrier in the army of

the Bábi, which increased to a serious affray, which from the camp

followers spread to the soldiers and officers, and the Bábi's baggage

was plundered. Safdar Khán took serious offence, and returning to

Áhmedábád collected his kinsmen and followers and marched against

Haidar Kúli Khán. In a battle fought on the following day Safdar Khán

was defeated. The other Bábis escaped to Pálanpur, and Safdar Khán,

who in the first instance had fled to Atarsumba, joined his party

at Pálanpur. Muhammad Fírúz Jhálori, governor of Pálanpur, with

the title of Ghazni Khán, afterwards succeeded in reconciling the

Bábis and Haidar Kúli Khán. [Famine, 1719.] A.D. 1719 was a year of

great famine. Abdúl Hamíd Khán, who had filled so many appointments

in Gujarát, went to court, and was made governor of Sorath. Haidar

Kúli Khán now marched against the Mahi Kolis. In the meantime news

was received of the appointment of a new viceroy, and Ghazni Khán,

governor of Pálanpur, was ordered to stay at Áhmedábád for the defence

of the city.

[Muhammad Sháh Emperor, 1721-1748.] Early in A.D. 1719, the emperor

Farrûkhsiyar was deposed and put to death by the Sayads; and a prince

named Rafíâ-ud-Daraját, a grandson of the emperor, was raised to the

throne. Rafíâ-ud-Daraját was put to death by the Sayads after a reign

of three months, and his brother Rafíâ-ud-daulah, who succeeded him,

also died after a few days' reign. The Sayads then raised to the throne

prince Raushan Akhtar with the title of Muhammad Sháh. [Mahárája

Ajítsingh Forty-ninth Viceroy, 1719-1721.] After the murder of

Farrûkhsiyar, the most powerful vassal in the neighbourhood of Delhi

was Ajítsingh of Márwár. To win him to their side the Sayads granted

him the viceroyalty of Gujarát, and Míhr Áli Khán was appointed to

act for him until his arrival, while Muhammad Bahádur Bábi, son of

Salábat Muhammad Khán Bábi, was placed in charge of the police of

the district immediately round Áhmedábád. Shortly after, through the

influence of the Mahárája Ajítsingh, Náhir Khán superseded Míhr Áli

Khán as deputy viceroy. Náhir Khán was also appointed to the charge

of Dholka Dohad and Petlád, and made superintendent of customs. About

this time the head tax was repealed, and orders were issued that its

levy in Gujarát should cease.

[Píláji Gáikwár at Songad, 1719.] In the same year, A.D. 1719, Píláji

Gáikwár marched on Surat with a large army and defeated the imperial

troops commanded by Sayad Âkil and Muhammad Panáh, the latter commander

being taken prisoner and forced to pay a heavy ransom. Píláji, finding

Gujarát an easy prey, made frequent incursions, and taking Songad in

the extreme south-east established himself there. Míhr Áli Khán, who

had been acting for Náhir Khán, marched against and subdued the Kolis,

who were committing piracy in the Mahi estuary. [Decay of Imperial

Power, 1720.] From this year Mughal rule in Gujarát was doomed. Píláji

Gáikwár was established at Songad, and in the anarchy that ensued, the

great Gujarát houses of the Bábis and Jháloris, as well as the newly

arrived Momín Khán, turned their thoughts to independence. Ajítsingh

so hated Muhammadan rule that he secretly favoured the Maráthás, and

strove to establish his own authority over such portions of Gujarát

as bordered on Márwár. In after years, Sarbuland Khán made a vigorous

attempt to reassert imperial dominion, but the seeds of dissolution

were sown and efforts at recovery were vain.

In A.D. 1720, Ajítsingh the viceroy sent Anopsingh Bhandári to Gujarát

as his deputy. In this year Nizám-ul-Mulk, viceroy of Ujjain, was

superseded by Sayad Diláwar Khán. While Diláwar Khán was yet on the

Málwa frontiers the Nizám desirous of possessing himself of the Dakhan

and its resources retired to Burhánpur pursued by Sayad Diláwar Khán,

who giving battle was killed, the Nizám retiring to Aurangábád in the

Dakhan. Álam Áli Khán, deputy viceroy of the Dakhan, was directed to

march against him, while from north Gujarát Anopsingh Bhandári was

ordered to send 10,000 horse to Surat, and Náhir Khán, the deputy

viceroy, was instructed to proceed thither in person. The Nizám and

Álam Áli Khán met near Bálápur in the Berárs and a battle was fought

in which the Nizám was successful and Álam Khán was slain. At this

time Anopsingh Bhandári committed many oppressive acts, of which the

chief was the murder of Kapurchand Bhansáli, the leading merchant of

Áhmedábád. The cause of Kapurchand's murder was that he had hired a

number of armed retainers who used to oppose the Bhandári's orders and

set free people unjustly imprisoned by him. To remove this meddler

from his way the Bhandári got him assassinated. [Nizám-ul-Mulk

Prime Minister, of the Empire, 1721.] In A.D. 1721, Nizám-ul-Mulk

was appointed prime minister of the empire, Abdúl Hamíd Khán was

recalled from Sorath, and in his stead Asad Kuli Khán, with the title

of Amir-ul-Umara, was appointed governor of Sorath and sent Muhammad

Sharíf Khán into Sorath as his deputy.

[Haidar Kúli Khán Fiftieth Viceroy, 1721-22.] In A.D. 1721, in

conjunction with Muhammad Amín and Saádat Khán, Haidar Kúli Khán

freed the emperor from the tyranny of the Sayads, and was rewarded

with the title of Muîz-ud-daulah Haidar Kúli Khán Bahádur Zafar

Jang and the viceroyalty of Gujarát. He obtained the appointment

of minister for his brother Jaâfar Kúli Khán. Maâsúm Kúli Khán was

dignified by the title of Shujáât Khán Bahádur and appointed deputy

viceroy. As soon as this change was notified, the people of Áhmedábád,

who were discontented with the rule of Anopsingh, attacked his palace,

the Bhadar, and he escaped with difficulty. [Disorder in Áhmedábád,

1721.] In consequence of the enmity between Haidar Kúli Khán and the

Márwáris, Shujáât Khán, the deputy viceroy, attacked the house of Náhir

Khán who had been Ajítsingh's minister, and forced him to pay £10,000

(Rs. 1 lákh) and leave the city. Shujáât Khán next interfered with

the lands of Safdar Khán Bábi, the deputy governor of Godhra, and his

brothers. On one of the brothers repairing to Dehli and remonstrating,

Haidar Kúli, who, above all things, was a Muhammadan and anxious to

strengthen himself with the Muhammadan nobility of Gujarát, restored

their lands to the Bábis. In consequence of this decision ill-feeling

sprung up between Shujáât Khán and the Bábis, and when Shujáât Khán

went to exact tribute he forced Muhammad Khán Bábi, governor of Kaira,

to pay a special fine of £1000 (Rs. 10,000). Shortly after one of the

viceroy's officers, Kásím Áli Khán, while employed against the Kolis

of that part of the country, was killed at Pethápur. Shujáât Khán

advanced, and revenged Kásím Áli's death by burning the town. Next, he

passed into Sorath, and after exacting tribute, crossed to Kachh. The

chief opposed him, and in the fight that followed was beaten and

forced to pay about £22,500 (Rs. 2 1/4 lákhs). [868] In A.D. 1721,

a Sayad was sent to Sorath as deputy governor in place of Muhammad

Sharíf, and Haidar Kúli was appointed governor of Kadi, the Chúnvál,

and Halvad (called Muhammadnagar), and put in charge of Tharád,

Arjanpur, Bhámnárli, Pethápur, and Kherálu in place of Vakhatsingh,

son of the Mahárája Ajítsingh.

[Leaves Dehli for Gujarát, 1722.] Early in A.D. 1722, Nizám-ul-Mulk

took up the office of prime minister of the empire, to which he had

been appointed in the previous year. Strenuous efforts were made to

embroil him with Haidar Kúli Khán, as the Nizám's austerity and craft

were a source of not less anxiety to the Dehli court than Haidar

Kúli's more daring and restless ambition. Haidar Kúli Khán, unable

to contend with the Nizám, left Dehli and retired to Gujarát. On his

way the villagers of Dabháli opposed him killing one of his chief men

named Alif Beg Khán. Haidar burned the village and put all the people

to death, a severity which caused such terror that throughout his rule

no difficulty was experienced in realizing tribute or in keeping the

roads safe. About this time, among other changes, Muhammad Bahádúr,

son of Salábat Khán Bábi, was placed in charge of Sádra and Vírpur,

with the title of Sher Khán. Shortly after his arrival the viceroy

marched against and subdued the rebellious Kolis of the Chunvál,

appointing Rustam Áli Khán his governor there. Then, returning to

Áhmedábád, he took up his residence in the Bhadra. [Shows signs of

Independence and is Recalled, 1722.] There is little doubt that at

this time Haidar Kúli aimed at bringing all Gujarát under his rule. He

seized the imperial horses which passed through Áhmedábád on their way

to Dehli, and confiscated many estates and gave them to his own men. On

his way to enforce tribute from the Dungarpúr chiefs, he levied £8000

(Rs. 80,000) from Lunáváda. Through the mediation of the Udepur Rána,

and as he agreed to pay a tribute of £10,000 (1 lákh of rupees), the

Rával of Dungarpur escaped. Haidar Kúli next proceeded to Bijápur,

north of Áhmedábád, but hearing that the emperor was displeased at

his assumption of the power of giving and changing grants of land,

he returned to Áhmedábád and restored several estates which he had

confiscated. [Nizám-ul-Mulk Fifty-first Viceroy, 1722.] The court

continued to distrust him, and at the close of A.D. 1722 appointed

Jumlat-ul-Mulk Nizám-ul-Mulk fifty-first viceroy.

Haidar Kúli Khán, finding himself no match for the Nizám, was

induced to retire quietly, and accordingly left Gujarát by way of

Dungarpur. Shujáât Khán and Rustam Áli Khán accompanied him as far

as Dungarpúr, and then returned to Áhmedábád. In the meantime the

Nizám had reached Ujjain, and thence directed Safdar Khán Bábi to

carry on the government till he should arrive, appointing at the

same time his uncle [Hámid Khán Deputy Viceroy; Momín Khán Governor

of Surat, 1722.] Hámid Khán as deputy viceroy and Fidwi Khán as

minister. Subsequently the Nizám came to Gujarát and chose officers

of his own for places of trust, the chief of whom was Momín Khán, who

was appointed governor of Surat. The Nizám then returned to Dehli,

but, after a short time, disgusted with his treatment at court,

he retired to the Dakhan, where, making Haidarábád his capital, he

gradually began to act as an independent ruler. Meanwhile in Gujarát

dissensions sprang up between Hámid Khán and other officers, but

matters were arranged without any outbreak of hostility. Tribute was

exacted from the chiefs on the banks of the Vátrak and from Modhera

an unruly Koli village was burned down, and garrisons were placed

in the Koli country. In A.D. 1723 Rustam Áli Khán and Shujáât Khán

were ordered from Dehli to march on Jodhpur, which they captured and

plundered, and then returned to Áhmedábád.

[Increase of Marátha Power, 1723.] In A.D. 1723 Piláji Gáikwár,

who had been long hovering on the frontier, marched on Surat and was

opposed by Momín Khán, whom he defeated. After levying contributions

from the surrounding country, he returned to his head-quarters at

Songad, and from this overran a considerable portion of the Surat

territory, building several forts in the Rájpípla country. At the same

time Kántáji Kadam Bánde, invading Gujarát from the side of Dohad,

began to levy fixed contributions. Though before this occasional

demands had often been made, A.D. 1723 was the first year in which

the Maráthás imposed a regular tribute on Gujarát. Momín Khán was now

appointed provincial minister, and Rustam Áli Khán succeeded him as

revenue officer of Surat, and, as the Nizám had gone to the Dakhan

without the emperor's leave, [Sarbuland Khán Fifty-second Viceroy,

1723-1730.] Mubáriz-ul-Mulk Sarbuland Khán Bahádur Diláwar Jang was

appointed fifty-second viceroy of Gujarát. [Appoints Shujáât Khán

his Deputy.] He selected Shujáât Khán as his deputy, and made other

arrangements for the government of the province. Hámid Khán, uncle and

deputy of the Nizám, prepared to oppose Shujáât Khán, but through the

intervention of Bábis Salábat Khán, Safdar Khán, and Jawán Mard Khán,

Hámid Khán evacuated the Bhadra, and withdrew to Dohad. Shujáât Khán

now went to collect tribute, leaving Ibráhím Kúli Khán at Áhmedábád,

while Rámrái was posted at Mahudha in Kaira, with orders to watch

the movements of Hámid Khán. As the viceroy was in need of money,

he farmed to one Jívan Jugal the districts of Jambúsar, Makbúlábad or

Ámod about twenty-two miles north of Broach, Dholka, and Broach. In

A.D. 1724, he came to Áhmedábád with Áli Muhammad Khán father of the

author of the Mirát-i-Áhmedi, as his private minister.

[Nizám-ul-Mulk and Sarbuland Khán.] Rustam Áli, governor of Surat,

having succeeded twice or thrice in defeating the Maráthás under

Píláji Gáikwár, now offered, in conjunction with his brother Shujáât

Khán, that if 20,000 men were placed under their orders, they would

march against the Nizám. The emperor accepted this offer, allowing

Rustam Áli to draw on the Surat treasury to the extent of £20,000

(Rs. 2 lákhs). Rustam Áli accordingly, with the aid of Áhmed Kúli his

brother's son, equipped an army. In the meantime the Nizám was not

idle. He promised to Kántáji Kadam Bánde a one-fourth share of the

revenue of Gujarát, provided he should be able, in concert with Hámid

Khán, to re-conquer the province from Mubáriz-ul-Mulk. Shujáât Khán,

who was now at Kadi, instead of following the advice of his minister

and carefully watching Hámid Khán's movements from Kapadvanj, went to

a distant part of the province. Hámid Khán seeing his opportunity,

united his forces with those of Kántáji Kadam, and marched to

Kapadvanj. [Sarbuland Khán's Deputy Defeated, 1724.] Shujáât Khán

hearing of this, advanced towards Áhmedábád and encamped at Dabhora

under Bahyal, eighteen miles east of Áhmedábád and thence proceeded

to Mota Medra, about six miles east of the capital. When he came

so near Áhmedábád, many of his soldiers went without leave into the

city to visit their families. The Maráthás attacked his rear guard,

and his men giving way took to flight. Hámid Khán seeing that Shujáât

Khán had but a small force, marched between him and the capital. A

battle was fought, in which Shujáât Khán was slain, and his two sons

Hasan Kúli and Mustafa Kúli were taken prisoners. Shujáât Khán's

head was cut off and sent to Safdar Khán Bábi, to be sent to Ibráhím

Kúli his son, who was doing duty as commandant at Áhmedábád. Hámid

Khán took up his quarters in the Sháhi Bágh, and got possession of

all Áhmedábád except the city. Hámid Khán now sent a message to the

emperor, that the Maráthás had been successful in defeating Shujáât

Khán and conquering Gujarát, but that he had defended Áhmedábád

against them. The emperor sent him a dress of honour, but after a

few days discovered that Hámid's message was false. The Maráthás now

marched through the country, collecting their chauth or one-fourth

and their sardeshmukhi or one-tenth shares of the revenue. Kántáji

went to Víramgám and besieged the town, but on the promise of one of

the chief inhabitants to raise a sum of £35,000 (Rs. 3 1/2 lákhs) the

Maráthás retired. Hámid Khán who was now independent began to bestow

lands and districts many of which remained with the grantees and were

never recovered by future governors. Ibráhím Kúli, son of Shujáât

Khán, in revenge for his father's death, determined to assassinate

Hámid Khán. The attempt failed. Hámid Khán escaped and Ibráhím Kúli

was slain.

[The Maráthás engaged as Allies.] Rustam Áli Khán, governor of Surat,

in the hope of being revenged on Hámid Khán, invited the aid of Píláji

Gáikwár, and it was agreed that they should meet on the north bank of

the Narbada. Píláji promised to aid Rustam Khán, and the allied armies,

crossing the Mahi, encamped at Aras in the plain between Anand and the

Mahi. Hámid Khán, accompanied by Mír Nathu, Muhammad Salábat Rohila,

and Kántáji Kadam, marched to oppose Rustam Khán. Hámid Khán also

entered into secret negotiations with Píláji Gáikwár, who resolved to

remain neutral and side with the conqueror. [Battle of Arás. Hámid

Khán defeated by Rustam Áli, 1723.] A battle was fought, in which,

though Piláji took no part, Hámid Khán was defeated and put to flight,

and Mír Nathu was killed. After the fight Rustam Áli remained on the

field of battle and liberated his nephews, plundering Hámid Khán's

camp. Píláji plundered Rustam Áli's camp and then moved off, while

Kántáji carried away what was left in the camp of Hámid Khán. Hámid

Khán reproached Kántáji for his inactivity; but he pleaded in excuse

that he was watching the mode of warfare amongst Muhammadans, and

promised to attack Rustam Áli shortly. [Maráthás join Hámid Khán

against Rustam Áli.] Now, as the Maráthás really desired to ruin

Rustam Áli, who was their bitter foe, they after a few days surrounded

him and cut off his supplies. Rustam Áli stood a blockade of eight

days, and then forced his way through his enemies and went to Nápád,

about fourteen miles west of the Vásad railway station in the Anand

sub-division of the Kaira district, and thence through Kalamsar to

Nápa or Nába under Petlád. The Maráthás still pursuing Rustam Áli

retired to Vasu under Petlád, ten miles east of Nadiád and about

twenty-five miles south of Áhmedábád, where he gave battle, and

by a furious charge broke the Marátha line. The Maráthás rallied,

and Rustam Áli and his men were defeated, Rustam Áli being slain and

his nephews again taken prisoners. Rustam was buried on the field of

battle and his head sent to Áhmedábád.

Hámid Khán returned to Áhmedábád with the Maráthás, who saw that

their only means of effecting a permanent footing in the province

was by supporting him. Hámid Khán then assigned a one-fourth share

of the revenue of the territory north of the Mahi to Kántáji,

and to Píláji a corresponding interest in the territory south of

the Mahi, including Surat and Baroda. After this Hámid Khán acted

tyrannically. He extorted large sums from the rich, and poisoned the

two sons of Shujáât Khán. When the news of Kántáji's and Píláji's

success reached the Dakhan, Trimbakráv Dhábáde, son of Khanderáv

Senápati, came with a large army and laid siege to Cambay. While

the siege was being pressed a quarrel among the Marátha leaders

culminated in strife and bloodshed. Trimbakráv Senápati was wounded

and the Marátha army had to disperse and retire. [869] Salábat Khán,

leaving Áhmedábád, went to Víramgám, and after some time, placing

his nephew at Víramgám, he went into Gohilváda. When the news of the

defeat and death of Rustam Áli reached Dehli, the emperor ordered

[Mubáriz-ul-Mulk sent against the Maráthás, 1725.] Mubáriz-ul-Mulk

to take a strong army and proceed in person to Gujarát and expel

Hámid Khán and the Maráthás. Mubáriz-ul-Mulk marched on Gujarát

with a large army, assisted by Mahárája Abheysingh of Jodhpur,

Chatarsingh Rája of Narwar in Bundelkhand, Gandrapsingh, and the

Mahárána of Udepur. On his arrival at Ajmír Mubáriz-ul-Mulk was

received by his private minister Áli Muhammad Khán, who afterwards

joined Jawán Mard Khán Bábi in Rádhanpur, and united their troops

with those under Mubáriz-ul-Mulk. At that time Salábat Khán was

removed from his government, and Safdar Khán Bábi died. In obedience

to the imperial order, Mubáriz-ul-Mulk marched from Ajmír and came

to the Gujarát frontier. On his approach Hámid Khán returned to

Áhmedábád. He placed Rúpsingh and Sardár Muhammad Ghorni in charge

of the city and himself withdrew to Mehmúdábád. Mubáriz-ul-Mulk now

sent Sheikh Alíyár in advance with an army against Áhmedábád. When

Sheikh Alíyár arrived before the city, Muhammad Ghorni, who was

dissatisfied with Hámid Khán for bringing in the Maráthás, persuaded

Rúpsingh to fly. [Hámid Khán and other Maráthás Retire.] In the

meantime Mubáriz-ul-Mulk with the main body of his forces reached

Sidhpur. Hámid Khán, accompanied by a detachment of Marátha horse,

now returned to Áhmedábád; but Muhammad Ghorni closed the gates,

and would not suffer him to enter the city. Mubáriz-ul-Mulk marched

to Mesána. About this time Áli Muhammad Khán, the father of the

author of the Mirat-i-Áhmedi, who was now with Mubáriz-ul-Mulk at

Mesána, advised him to conciliate the influential Muhammadan family

of Bábi. Under his advice, Salábat Muhammad Khán Bábi was appointed

governor of Víramgám, and Jawán Mard Khán governor of Pátan. Shortly

afterwards Murlidhardás, the Gujaráti minister of Hámid Khán, deserted

his master's declining cause. When Kantáji heard that Mubáriz-ul-Mulk

had arrived at Pethápur, only eighteen miles from Áhmedábád, he retired

to Mehmúdábád. [Mubáriz-ul-Mulk enters Áhmedábád, 1725.] Before the

close of A.D. 1725, Mubáriz-ul-Mulk reached Áhmedábád, where he was

well received by the officials and merchants.

Hámid Khán and Kantáji, who had by this time reached the banks of

the Mahi, were now joined by Píláji Gáikwár. The Marátha leaders,

seeing that the only way to preserve their footing in the province

was to espouse the cause of Hámid Khán, united their forces with

his, and prepared to march on Áhmedábád. Mubáriz-ul-Mulk deputed

his son Khánahzád Khán with an army to oppose them, and made several

appointments, among other changes raising Áli Muhammad Khán to the

post of minister. [Defeat of the Maráthás at Sojitra and Kapadvanj,

1725.] Khánahzád Khán met the Maráthás near Sojitra, about ten miles

north-west of Petlád, and defeated them, pursuing them as far as

the Mahi. Then, returning, he was reinforced by his brother Sháh

Nawáz Khán, and marched against the Maráthás, who were encamped at

Kapadvanj. Another battle was fought, and the Maráthás were again

defeated and pursued as far as the hills of Áli-Mohan now Chhota

Udepur in the extreme east of the province. Khánahzád Khán now

appointed Hasan-ud-dín governor of Baroda, Broach, Jambúsar, and

Makbulábád. [Marátha Expedition against Vadnagar, 1725.] Meanwhile

Antáji Bháskar, a Marátha noble, entering Gujarát from the side of

Ídar, laid siege to the town of Vadnagar, which, according to the

old Gujarát proverb, with Umreth in the Kaira district, are the two

golden feathers of the kingdom of Gujarát. Vadnagar was inhabited

by wealthy Bráhmans of the Nágar caste who prayed Mubáriz-ul-Mulk

to march to their relief; but as both his sons were in pursuit of

the other Marátha bands defeated at Kapadvanj, the viceroy had no

troops to spare from the Áhmedábád garrison. The Nágars accordingly,

seeing no prospect of help, paid a sum of £40,000 (Rs. 4 lákhs) and

Antáji Bháskar retired. Kantáji and Píláji, encouraged by this raid

of Antáji's, entered Gujarát from different quarters. Kántáji again

laid siege to Vadnagar. The Nágars, unable to pay the contribution

demanded, leaving their property fled and Kántáji in his attempts to

unearth the buried treasure burned down the town. Shortly afterwards

Umreth in the Kaira district suffered a similar fate at the hands

of Kántáji. In one of his raids Píláji Gáikwár advancing as far as

Baroda was met by Khánahzád Khán, the son of the viceroy. Distrusting

the issue of a battle Píláji fled to Cambay, and from Cambay withdrew

to Sorath. For these services the emperor raised Khánahzád Khán to

the rank of a noble, with the title Ghálib Jang. About this time Áli

Muhammad Khán was dismissed from the post of minister, and in his

stead first Muhammad Sayad Beg and afterwards Muhammad Sulaimán were

appointed. Not long afterwards Áli Muhammad Khán was again entrusted

with a command and raised to be governor of Dholka.

[Mubáriz-ul-Mulk pays the Marátha Tribute, 1726.] The Maráthás retired

to the Dakhan, but, returning in A.D. 1726, compelled Mubáriz-ul-Mulk

to confirm his predecessor's grants in their favour. The emperor

refused to acknowledge any cessions of revenue to the Maráthás; and

the viceroy, hard pressed for money, unable to obtain support from

the court and receiving little help from his impoverished districts,

was forced to impose fresh taxes on the citizens of Áhmedábád, and

at the same time to send an army to collect their tribute from the

Mahi chiefs. As part of the agreement between Mubáriz-ul-Mulk and

the Marátha chiefs Píláji was to receive a share in the revenue of

the districts south of the Mahi. But Peshwa Bájiráv Balál, to whom,

as agent of his rival Khanderáv Dábháde, Píláji was obnoxious, sent

Udáji Pavár to drive Píláji away. In this Udáji was successful, and

defeating Píláji forced him to seek the aid of Kántáji. Kántáji,

perceiving that if the Peshwa became supreme his own independence

would suffer, joined Píláji, and marching together upon Baroda they

endeavoured, but without success, to prevent the Musalmán governor

Sadr-ud-dín Khán from entering the city. About this time want of

funds forced Mubáriz-ul-Mulk to sell the greater part of the Dholka

district to different landholders.

[Alliance with the Peshwa, 1727.] In the following year, A.D. 1727,

Bájiráv Peshwa began to negotiate with Mubáriz-ul-Mulk, undertaking

that if the one-fourth and one-tenth shares in the revenue of the

province were guaranteed to him, he would protect Gujarát from other

invaders. Though he did not consent to these proposals, the viceroy

so far accepted the alliance of the Peshwa as to allow the governor

of Baroda to aid Udáji Pavár against Píláji. [Piláji Gáikwár obtains

Baroda and Dabhoi, 1727.] Piláji and Kántáji outmanoeuvred Udáji and

prevented him from effecting a junction with the governor of Baroda,

who in the end was forced to abandon both that city and the stronghold

of Dabhoi, while Udáji retired to Málwa. Píláji Gáikwár now obtained

possession of Baroda. Mubáriz-ul-Mulk, still sorely pressed for funds,

marched into Sorath to exact tribute. On reaching Víramgám, Salábat

Muhammad Khán Bábi, on behalf of the Jám of Navánagar, presented the

viceroy with £10,000 (Rs. 1 lákh), and for this service was rewarded

with the gift of an elephant. Mubáriz-ul-Mulk then marched against

Chháya, the capital of the chief of Porbandar in the south-west

of Káthiáváda. This chief, by putting to sea, hoped to escape the

payment of tribute. But on hearing that the viceroy proposed to annex

his territory and appoint an officer to govern it, he returned and

agreed to pay a tribute of £4000 (Rs. 40,000). [870] On his way back

to Áhmedábád, Mubáriz-ul-Mulk passed through Halvad in Jháláváda,

and there married the daughter of Jhála Pratápsingh, the chief

of that district, whom he accordingly exempted from the payment of

tribute. About this time the viceroy received orders from the emperor

to restore certain land which he had confiscated, and as he neglected

to obey, certain estates of his in the Panjáb were resumed. [Capture

of Chámpáner by the Maráthás, 1728.] In the meantime Krishnáji, foster

son of Kántáji, made a sudden attack upon Chámpáner and captured that

fortress, and from that time Kántáji's agents remained permanently

in Gujarát to collect his share of the tribute.

In A.D. 1728 the minister Momín Khán died, and in his place the

emperor selected Momín Khán's brother Abd-ul-Ghani Khán. About

this time Asad Áli, governor of Junágadh, also died, and on his

deathbed appointed Salábat Muhammad Khán Bábi deputy governor of

that fortress. Salábat Muhammad Khán sent his son Sher Khán Bábi

to act on his behalf. When the emperor heard of the death of Asad

Áli, he appointed Ghulám Muhy-ud-dín Khán, son of the late Asad Áli,

governor. Ghulám Muhy-ud-dín did not proceed to Junágadh but continued

Sher Khán Bábi as his deputy. Mubáriz-ul-Mulk, now perceiving that

neither Píláji nor Kántáji afforded any protection to Gujarát,

but rather pillaged it, closed with the offers of Bájiráv Peshwa,

and [Grant of Tribute to the Peshwa, 1729.] in A.D. 1729 formally

granted to him the one-fourth and one-tenth shares of the revenue of

the province. The Peshwa accordingly sent his brother Chimnájiráv to

collect the tribute. Chimnáji plundered Dholka and the country near

Chámpáner, while Mubáriz-ul-Mulk exacted tribute from the chiefs on

the banks of the Vátrak. Kántáji now entered Gujarát and prepared for

war in case Chimnáji and the viceroy should unite against him. His

movements were not interfered with, and after collecting his share of

the tribute, he retired to Sorath. The viceroy now marched against the

Kolis, and after destroying many of them together with their wives and

children, returned to Áhmedábád by way of Modasa and Ahmednagar. Ghulám

Muhy-ud-dín Khán, governor of Junágadh, who had not yet proceeded to

his command, appointed a second deputy. Through the influence of the

viceroy this appointment was not confirmed, and instead Sher Khán Bábi,

son of Salábat Muhammad Khán, was placed in charge of that fortress.

[Mulla Muhammad Áli raises a Disturbance at Surat, 1729.] In Surat

the year A.D. 1729 was marked by a severe flood in the Tápti and by a

somewhat serious local disturbance. The chief cause of the disturbance

was Mulla Muhammad Áli, a rich Musalmán trader of Surat. This man who,

as Ûmda-tut-tujjár or chief of the merchants, had already a special

rank in the city, was tempted to take advantage of the disorders

of the time to raise himself to the position of an independent

ruler. With this object he chose as his head-quarters the island of

Píram in the Gulf of Cambay, near the port of Gogha, and there spent

considerable sums in strengthening the island and tempting settlers

to place themselves under his protection. As Píram was not popular

Mulla Muhammad fixed on the village of Athva, on the left bank of

the Tápti, about twelve miles from its mouth. Here he began to build

a fort, but was ordered to desist by Sohráb Khán, the governor of

Surat, from which city the proposed stronghold was only three miles

distant. Mulla Muhammad so far from obeying, persuaded Beglar-Beg Khán

the commander of the fort of Surat to side with him. Accordingly, next

day, Beglar-Beg Khán bombarded the governor Sohráb Khán's residence,

proclaiming that his own brother Teghbeg Khán was appointed governor

of Surat. In the end Mulla Muhammad Áli induced the chief merchants

of the city to pray for the removal of Sohráb who pending receipt of

orders from the emperor was made to hand over his official residence

in the city to Teg-Beg Khán.

[Nadiád given in Farm, 1729.] In the same year, A.D. 1729, Jawán

Mard Khán Bábi was chosen governor of Petlád, Áli Muhammad Khán

was made collector of Áhmedábád, and Áli Muhammad's son, the author

of the Mirat-i-Áhmedi and his brother were appointed governor and

superintendent of the customs of that district. Áli Muhammad Khán

shortly resigned and was succeeded by Rú-ín Khán. At this time Jawán

Mard Khán Bábi, while punishing the Kolis of Bálor, probably Bhátod

about fifteen miles east of Broach, was killed by a man of that tribe,

and in revenge for his death the town of Bálor was plundered. On the

death of Jawán Mard Khán, at the request of Salábat Muhammad Khán

Bábi, his eldest son Kamál-ud-dín Khán Bábi received the districts

of Sami and Munjpur and the title of Jawán Mard Khán. At the same

time the second son, Muhammad Anwar, with the title of Safdar Khán,

was appointed to the government of Rádhanpur. The viceroy now went

to Nadiád, where Rái Kishandás, agent of Jawán Mard Khán, received

the district of Petlád in farm. From Nadiád Mubáriz-ul-Mulk went to

collect tribute from Sardársingh, the chief of Bhádarva in the Rewa

Kántha about fifteen miles north of Baroda, on the banks of the Mahi,

who, after some fighting, agreed to pay a sum of £2000 (Rs. 20,000). On

his way back to Áhmedábád the viceroy levied tribute from the chief

of Umeta, fifteen miles west of Baroda. As Rái Kishandás failed to pay

the sum agreed on for the farm of Petlád, an order was issued for his

imprisonment. To save himself from the indignity he committed suicide.

[Athva Fort, 1730.] When Kántáji returned from Sorath he camped at

Sánand, and his advanced guard carried off some of the viceroy's

elephants which were grazing there. Men were sent in pursuit, but in

vain, and the Maráthás escaped. Meanwhile, at Surat, Mulla Muhammad

Áli continued to build the fort at Athva. At last his accomplice,

Beglar-Beg Khán the commander of the Surat fort, began to perceive that

if the Athva fort were completed the Mulla would be in a position to

obstruct the trade of the port of Surat. He consequently ordered him

to stop building. In spite of this the Mulla succeeded in persuading

Sohráb Khán to allow him to go on with his fort promising in return to

get him confirmed as governor of Surat. Sohráb Khán agreed, and the

fort was completed, and Sohráb Khán was duly appointed governor. As

the fort was immediately below Surat the revenue of Surat was greatly

diminished, and Sohráb Khán, when it was too late, saw his mistake.

[The Viceroy in Káthiáváda and Kachh, 1730.] In A.D. 1730

Mubáriz-ul-Mulk went into Gohilváda in south-east Káthiáváda and

levied tribute from Bhávsingh, chief of Sihor; thence he proceeded

to Mádhupur, a town under Porbandar, and laid it waste. While engaged

at Mádhupur, Momín Khán, son-in-law of the late Momín Khán, owing to

some misunderstanding with the viceroy suddenly set out for Áhmedábád

and from Áhmedábád proceeded to Ágra. The viceroy now marched in the

direction of Kachh and refusing the offer of a yearly tribute of about

£33,000 (10,00,000 mahmúdis), advanced against Bhúj. He experienced

great difficulty in crossing the Ran, and as the Ráo had cut off all

supplies, and as at the same time news arrived of disturbances in

Áhmedábád, he was obliged, after a month and a half, to retire to

Rádhanpur. [Riots at Áhmedábád.] The author of the Mirat-i-Áhmedi

was ordered to suppress the Áhmedábád riots, which had arisen out

of the levy of some fresh taxes, and was invested with the title

of Hasan Muhammad Khán. In this year Udaikaran, Desái of Víramgám,

was murdered by a Kasbáti [871] of that town named Áli, and Salábát

Muhammad Khán Bábi, who was sent to investigate this murder, died

on his way at Páldi, a village on the right bank of the Sábarmati

opposite to Áhmedábád.

[Mahárája Abheysingh Fifty-third Viceroy, 1730-1733.] News was

now (A.D. 1730) received that Mahárája Abheysingh of Jodhpur

had been appointed viceroy and had reached Pálanpur. The friends

of order endeavoured to arrange a peaceable transfer between the

Mahárája and the late viceroy, but [Mubáriz-ul-Mulk Resists the New

Viceroy.] Mubáriz-ul-Mulk determined to try the chances of war,

and prepared for resistance. At this time Mír Ismáíl, deputy of

Ghulám Muhy-ud-dín Khán, arrived and took charge of the government

of Junágadh from Sher Khán Bábi. Mahárája Abheysingh, after making

various appointments, set out with his brother Vakhatsingh and 20,000

men to take over the government of Gujarát. When he reached Pálanpur

and saw that Mubáriz-ul-Mulk was determined on resistance, he sent

an order to Sardár Muhammad Ghorni appointing him his minister and

directing him to take possession of the city of Áhmedábád and drive

out the late viceroy. As Sardár Muhammad was not strong enough to

carry out these orders he awaited the Mahárája's arrival. When the

Mahárája reached Sidhpur he was joined by Safdar Khán Bábi and Jawán

Mard Khán Bábi from Rádhanpur. They then advanced together to Adálaj,

distant only about eight miles from the capital, their army increasing

daily. [Battle of Adálaj; the Mahárája defeated by Mubáriz-ul-Mulk,

1730.] Mubáriz-ul-Mulk was already encamped between Adálaj and the

city, and on the approach of the Mahárája a battle was fought in which

the Mahárája was defeated. Abheysingh changed his position, and another

and bloodier engagement took place, in which both sides tried to kill

the opposing commander. But as both Mubáriz-ul-Mulk and the Mahárája

fought disguised as common soldiers, neither party succeeded. At first

the Mahárája who had the advantage in position repulsed the enemy,

but Mubáriz-ul-Mulk fought so desperately in the river-bed that the

Ráthods gave way. They rallied and made one more desperate charge,

but were met, repulsed, and finally pursued as far as Sarkhej. The

Mahárája, who had not expected so determined an opposition, now sent

Momín Khán and Amarsingh to negotiate with Mubáriz-ul-Mulk, who was

still determined to resist to the uttermost. It was finally agreed

that [Mubáriz-ul-Mulk Retires.] Mubáriz-ul-Mulk should receive a

sum of £10,000 (Rs. 1 lákh) and should surrender Áhmedábád to the

Mahárája. Mubáriz-ul-Mulk accordingly quitted the city and left for

Ágra by way of Udepur.

[Government of Abheysingh.] The Mahárája entering Áhmedábád, appointed

Ratansingh Bhandári his deputy, and placed Fidá-ud-dín Khán, cousin

of Momín Khán, in charge of the city police. Shortly afterwards

Karímdád Khán Jhálori, governor of Pálanpur, who had accompanied the

Mahárája into Gujarát, died. After the death of Salábat Muhammad Khán

Bábi, his son, Sher Khán Bábi, was dismissed from the government of

Junágadh. He retired to his estate of Gogha, and when the Mahárája

arrived in Áhmedábád he paid his respects, presenting the viceroy

with an elephant and some horses. The Mahárája confirmed the lands

assigned to his father, and reported his action to the emperor. [Momín

Khán Ruler of Cambay, 1730.] Momín Khán was made ruler of Cambay, and

Fidá-ud-dín Khán, his cousin, was made governor of the lands near that

city, the revenue of which had been assigned to the Mahárája. So great

was the fear of the Maráthás, that Mustafíd Khán, the governor elect

of Surat, instead of proceeding direct by land, went to Cambay. From

Cambay he moved to Broach, and from Broach entered into negotiations

with Píláji Gáikwár, promising, if allowed to retain possession of

Surat, to pay Píláji the one-fourth share of its revenues. Píláji

agreed, but Sohráb Khán, who was still in possession of Surat, refused

to hand it over to Mustafíd Khán. In this year also Vakhatsingh,

brother of the Mahárája Abheysingh, was appointed governor of Pátan,

and sent a deputy to act for him. About the same time Mír Fakhr-ud-dín,

a follower of the late viceroy Mubáriz-ul-Mulk, leaving him secretly,

came to Áhmedábád, and in an interview with the Mahárája obtained for

himself the post of deputy governor of Junágadh. When he proceeded to

take up his appointment he was opposed by Mír Ismáíl, and was killed

in a battle fought near Amreli in central Káthiáváda. Muhammad Pahár,

son of Karímdád Khán Jhálori, was appointed governor of Pálanpur in

succession to his father, and Jawán Mard Khán was sent to Vadnagar.

[The Peshwa and Viceroy against Piláji Gáikwár, 1731.] In the following

year, A.D. 1731, Bájiráv Peshwa, entering Gujarát at the head of

an army, advanced against Baroda, then in the possession of Píláji

Gáikwár. Afterwards, at the invitation of the Mahárája, he visited

Áhmedábád and had a meeting with the viceroy in the Sháhi Bágh. At

this meeting it was agreed that Bájiráv should assist Ázmatulláh, the

governor of Baroda, in taking possession of that town and in expelling

Píláji Gáikwár. By this arrangement the viceroy hoped by playing off

the Peshwa against Píláji, to succeed in getting rid of the latter,

while the Peshwa intended that if Píláji was forced to give up Baroda,

he himself should gain possession of that city. Accordingly the Peshwa,

together with an army from the viceroy, marched on Baroda. They

had scarcely laid siege to the city when the Peshwa heard that

Nizám-ul-Mulk was advancing on Gujarát against him. [The Peshwa

Withdraws.] Abandoning all operations against Baroda, the Peshwa

withdrew, with all speed, to the Dakhan. On his way he encountered

the army of Trimbakráv Senápati, who, together with Piláji Kántáji

and Udáji Pavár, had united to resist the pretensions of the Peshwa

in Gujarát, and were also secretly leagued with the Nizám. [Defeats

his Opponents.] An engagement was fought in which the Peshwa was

victorious and Trimbakráv was slain. [872] The Peshwa at once pushed

on to the Dakhan, contriving to avoid the Nizám, though his baggage

was plundered by that chief, who had camped at Ghala Kámrej, on the

river Tápti, about ten miles above Surat.

[Abdúlláh Beg appointed the Nizám's Deputy at Broach.] During

these changes the city of Broach, which on account of the strength

of its fort the Maráthás had failed to take, was governed by

Abdúlláh Beg, an officer originally appointed to that command by

Mubáriz-ul-Mulk. Dissatisfied that the government of Gujarát should

be in the hands of Abheysingh, Abdúlláh Beg, in A.D. 1731, entered

into negotiations with the Nizám, offering to hold Broach as the

Nizám's deputy. Nizám-ul-Mulk agreed, appointed Abdúlláh his deputy,

and ennobled him with the title of Nek Álam Khán. About the same time

Vakhatsingh, brother of the viceroy, withdrew to his chiefship of Nágor

in Jodhpur, and Ázmat-ulláh went to Ágra. After his safe arrival in

the Dakhan Bájiráv Peshwa entered into an agreement with the Nizám

under the terms of which the grants of Dholka, Broach, Jambusar, and

Makbúlábád were continued to the Nizám. Momín Khán received the farm

of Petlád, and Kántáji was confirmed in the share he had acquired of

the revenues of Gujarát. In A.D. 1732 the paymaster, Amánatdár Khán,

died, and was succeeded by Ghulám Hasan Khán, who sent Mujáhid-ud-dín

Khán to act as his deputy. Through the influence of Mulla Muhammad

Ali, Sohráb Áli was now confirmed as governor of Surat, and Mustafíd

Khán was obliged to return to Áhmedábád.

Píláji Gáikwár as the agent of the deceased Khanderáv Dábháde Senápati,

as the owner of the fort of Songad, and as the ally of the Bhíls and

Kolis, was naturally a thorn in the side of the viceroy Abheysingh. The

recent acquisition of the town of Baroda and of the strong fortress of

Dabhoi had made Piláji still more formidable. [The Viceroy procures the

Death of Piláji Gáikwár, 1732;] Under these circumstances, Abheysingh,

who had long wished to recover Baroda and Dabhoi determined to

assassinate Piláji, and this was effected by a Márvádi at the holy

village of Dákor. The Maráthás slew the assassin and withdrew across

the Mahi, burning the body of Piláji at the village of Sánoli or

Sáonli, fourteen miles north of Baroda. They then evacuated the

district of Baroda, retiring to the fortress of Dabhoi. On hearing

of the death of Píláji the viceroy immediately advanced against the

Maráthás, and, [and takes Baroda.] after taking possession of Baroda,

laid siege to Dabhoi. He failed to capture this fortress, and as the

rainy season had set in and provisions were scarce, he was obliged

to retire. He then went to Baroda, and after placing Sher Khán Bábi

in charge of the city, returned to Áhmedábád. In this year, [Famine,

1732.] A.D. 1732, Gujarát was wasted by famine.

[Affairs at Surat, 1732.] Meanwhile at Surat Múlla Muhammad Ali of

Athva was again the cause of disturbance. Resisting with force the

demand of a sum of £10,000 (Rs. 1 lákh) by Sohráb Khán, the governor

of Surat, he succeeded in driving Sohráb Khán out of the city, and

the government of Surat was then usurped by [Teghbeg Khán Governor of

Surat.] Teghbeg Khán, a brother of Beglar-Beg Khán. The success of the

Múlla against Soráb Khán made him so forgetful of his position that

he arrogated to himself all the emblems of the governor's office and

wrote to the emperor asking a patent of the governorship of Surat in

the name of his son Múlla Fakhr-ud-dín. The messengers bearing these

communications were intercepted at Broach by the partisans of Teghbeg,

who determined to remove this powerful cause of anxiety. Teghbeg Khán,

inviting Muhammad Ali to an entertainment, placed him in confinement,

and after keeping him in prison for two years, in A.D. 1734 put him

to death. Teghbeg also took possession of the fort of Athva, and

plundered it. Sohráb Khán, seeing that he could not recover Surat,

went with Sayad Wali to Gogha, where his relatives lived, and from

that, proceeding to Bhávnagar settled there. When the emperor heard

what had happened, he appointed Momín Khán to Surat and Teghbeg Khán

to Cambay. Momín Khán sent Sayad Núrullah to act for him, but he was

defeated by Teghbeg Khán, who afterwards contrived, in A.D. 1733,

to be formally appointed governor of Surat with the title of Bahádur.

When Umábái, widow of Khanderáv Senápati, heard of the assassination of

Píláji Gáikwár, she determined to avenge his death. Collecting an army

and taking with her Kántáji Kadam and Dámáji Gáikwár, son of Píláji,

she marched upon Áhmedábád. As the Maráthás failed to do more than

slay a Rájput leader named Jívaráj they came to terms. In the end

it was agreed that in addition to the one-fourth and the one-tenth

shares of the revenue a sum of £8000 (Rs. 80,000) should be paid from

the Áhmedábád treasury, Jawán Mard Khán being kept as a hostage till

the payments were made. For his services on this occasion Jawán Mard

Khán was made governor of Víramgám. During this year an imperial order

appointed Khushálchand Sheth, son of Sántidás, Nagar Sheth or chief

merchant of Áhmedábád. The Maráthás plundered Rasúlábád a mile south of

Áhmedábád and its excellent library was pillaged. Umábái now marched

upon Baroda, and the governor, Sher Khán Bábi, prepared to oppose the

Maráthás. But Umábái, sending a message to Sher Khán, explained that

she had just concluded a peace with the Mahárája, and was suffered to

pass unmolested. The emperor, satisfied with the arrangements made

by the Mahárája, presented him with a dress of honour. [Ratansingh

Bhandári Deputy Viceroy, 1733-1737.] In this year the Mahárája went

to court by way of Jodhpur, and appointed Ratansingh Bhandári as his

deputy, and the author of the Mirat-i-Áhmedi as news recorder. In the

same year, A.D. 1733, Ghulám Muhy-ud-dín Khán, governor of Junágadh

died, and his son Mír Hazabr Khán was selected to fill his place.

[The Maráthás Return.] Meanwhile as the Maráthás had not received their

rights, Jádoji Dábháde, son of Umábái, returned to Gujarát. Peace

was concluded on the former basis, and Jádoji marched into Sorath

to exact tribute. In this year the Kolis of the Chúnvál and Kánkrej

committed many excesses, and a Rájput noble was robbed in the Pátan

district. In the meantime Sohráb Khán, the former governor of Surat,

who had been kindly received by Bhávsinghji the chief of Sihor,

began to raise a following and was appointed collector of arrears

in Sorath. He chose Sayad Núrullah as his deputy, and sent him to

recover the revenue for the current year.

[Contest for the government of Gogha.] On the death of Salábat

Khán Bábi, though the Mahárája had endeavoured to get Sher Khán

Bábi appointed in place of his father, Gogha had been granted

to Burhán-ul-Mulk, who chose Sohráb Khán as his deputy. At this

time Sher Khán Bábi was at Baroda, and his younger brother, though

he resisted, was compelled to leave Gogha. The deputy governor of

Sorath complained to the governor of the oppressive conduct of Sohráb

Khán. But Burhán-ul-Mulk supported Sohráb and having obtained for

himself the government of Sorath, sent Sohráb Khán as his deputy to

Junágadh. [Disturbance at Víramgám, 1734.] In A.D. 1734, Ratansingh

Bhandári, the deputy viceroy, who held in hatred Bhávsingh, son of

Udaikaran, the hereditary officer of Víramgám, persuaded Jawán-Mard

Khán to imprison him and send him to Áhmedábád. Jawan-Mard Khán went

so far as to arrest Bhávsingh, but was forced by his supporters to

release him.

[Baroda recovered by the Maráthás, 1734.] In this year Sher Khán Bábi,

governor of Baroda, went to visit his lands at Bálásinor, leaving

Muhammad Sarbáz in command at Baroda, Máhadáji Gáikwár, brother of

Píláji, who then held Jambúsar, sending to Songad to Dámáji for aid,

marched on Baroda with a strong force. The garrison made a brave

defence, and Sher Khán hearing of the attack at Bálásinor, called for

aid from Ratansingh Bhandári, the deputy viceroy, who directed Momín

Khán, the governor of Cambay, to join Sher Khán and drive back the

Maráthás. Sher Khán started at once for Baroda. But Máhadaji leaving

a sufficient force before the town pushed on with the bulk of his

army to meet Sher Khán, and, though he and his men fought bravely,

defeated him, and then returned to Baroda, Sher Khán retiring to

Bálásinor. Momín Khán, who arrived after Sher Khán's defeat, did not

deem it prudent to engage the Maráthás, and retired to Cambay. In the

meantime the garrison of Baroda, hopeless of succour, surrendered the

town, and since that day Baroda has continued to be the head-quarters

of the Gáikwár family.

[Change of Governor at Víramgám.] Since Jawán Mard Khán's capture of

Bhávsingh of Víramgám he had become much disliked. For this reason

Ratansingh Bhandári, the deputy viceroy, transferred him to Kadi

and Bijápur, and in his place appointed Sher Khán Bábi, whose father

Muhammad Salábát Khán Bábi had been a popular governor of Víramgám. At

this time Dhanrúp Bhandári, governor of Petlád, died, and the farm of

the districts of Nadiád, Arhar-Mátar, Petlád, and Mahudha was given

to Momín Khán. Mulla Muhammad Áli managed to write letters from his

confinement at Surat to the Nizám; and as that chief was now not far

from Surat, he wrote urgently to Teghbeg Khán to release him. Teghbeg

Khán put the Mulla to death, and bribing the Nizám's messenger,

gave out that he had died of joy at his release. Khushálchand, the

chief of the merchants of Áhmedábád, having had a difference with

Ratansingh, was forced to leave the city, and sought shelter at Cambay

and afterwards at Junágadh. [Jawán Mard Khán fails in an attempt

on Ídar.] Jawán Mard Khán, who was of an ambitious temperament, now

conceived the design of conquering Ídar from Anandsingh and Ráisingh,

brothers of the Mahárája Abheysingh. He accordingly marched upon Ídar,

taking with him as allies Aghráji Koli of Katosan and Koli Amra of

Elol Kánrah. In this strait Anandsingh and Ráisingh sought the aid of

Malhárráv Holkar and Ránoji Sindia, who were at this time in Málwa. The

Marátha chiefs at once marched to the help of Ídar, and Jawán Mard

Khán, disbelieving the report of Marátha aid, continued to advance

until he found himself opposed by an overwhelming force. Negotiations

were entered into, and Jawán Mard Khán agreed to pay a sum of £17,500

(Rs. 1,75,000). Of the total amount £2500 (Rs. 25,000) were paid at

once, and Zoráwar Khán, brother of Jawán Mard Khán, and Ajabsingh,

agent of Aghráji Koli, were kept as hostages until the balance

should be paid. In this year Teghbeg Khán of Surat caused a wealthy

merchant named Áhmed Chalabi to be assassinated, and confiscated his

property. He also caused a fanatic named Sayad Áli to be put to death

by certain Afgháns, as he considered that he might excite sedition.

[Rivalry of Ratansingh Bhandári and Sohráb Khán, 1735.] In the

following year (A.D. 1735) Dholka was assigned to Ratansingh Bhandári,

and through the influence of Burhán-ul-Mulk, Sohráb Khán was appointed

governor of Víramgám. Ratansingh resented this, and eventually Víramgám

was conferred on the Mahárája Abheysingh. When this order reached

Sohráb Khán, he forwarded it to Burhán-ul-Mulk, and in consequence

of Burhán-ul-Mulk's remonstrances, the arrangements were changed and

Sohráb Khán appointed governor. Upon this Sohráb Khán, leaving Sádak

Ali as his deputy in Junágadh, marched for Víramgám; while Ratansingh

Bhandári, hearing of Sohráb Khán's approach, summoned Momín Khán and

others to his assistance, and with his own army proceeded to Dholka and

plundered Koth. From Koth he advanced and pitched at Harálah, about ten

miles from Sohráb Khán's camp, and here he was joined by Momín Khán and

others whom he had summoned to support him. [Battle of Dholi. Defeat

and Death of Sohráb Khán, 1735.] After the union of these forces he

marched to Dholi, six miles from Dhandhuka, at which place Sohráb Khán

was then encamped. Ratansingh Bhandári now proposed that peace should

be concluded, and that Sohráb Khán should enjoy Víramgám until final

orders were passed by the emperor. Safdar Khán Bábi and others went to

Sohráb Khán and endeavoured to bring him to consent to these terms;

but he would not listen, and on both sides preparations were made

for battle. During the following night Ratansingh Bhandári planned

an attack on Sohráb Khán's camp. The surprise was complete. Sohráb

Khán's troops fled, and himself, mortally wounded, shortly afterwards

died. By the death of Sohráb Khán the family of Kázím Beg Khán became

extinct. He was buried at Sihor in Káthiáváda.

[Rivalry between Ratansingh Bhandári and Momín Khán, 1735.] After this

success a single horseman attacked and wounded Ratansingh Bhandári

in two places. The horseman was at once slain, but no one was able

to recognize him. Ratansingh, who in two months had recovered from

his injuries, now determined to attack Momín Khán, as that officer

in the recent struggle had taken part with Sohráb Khán. Momín Khán

hearing of Ratansingh's intentions, withdrew to Cambay. In the course

of this year, on the expiry of the period of the farm of Mahudha,

Arhar-Mátar, and Nadiád, these districts were transferred from

Momín Khán to Safdar Khán Bábi. Kaliánchand, a man of low origin,

was appointed to Víramgám in place of Sher Khán Bábi, and instead of

Sohráb Khán, Muhsin Khán Khálvi was made deputy governor of Sorath.

[Marátha Affairs.] About this time Dámáji Gáikwár, who had been

chosen by Umábái as her representative in Gujarát, appointed Rangoji

to act as his agent. [Dámáji Gáikwár and Kántáji, 1735.] Kántáji being

dissatisfied with this arrangement, in which his rights were ignored,

marched into Gujarát. Rangoji met him, and a battle was fought at

[Battle of Ánand-Mogri. Defeat of Kántáji.] Ánand-Mogri, twenty-five

miles south-east of Kaira, in which Kántáji was defeated and his son

killed. In consequence of this reverse Kántáji retired to Petlád. Momín

Khán, who with his army was drawn up near Petlád to oppose Rangoji,

was compelled to retire to Cambay, where peace was concluded on

condition that Dámáji should receive the one-fourth share of the

revenues of the country north of the Mahi. As the districts where

these battles were fought were held in farm by Safdar Khán Bábi, he

suffered much loss, and consequently retired to Rádhanpur. Rangoji

was joined by Dámáji Gáikwár, and these two leaders went together

to Dholka. While they were there, [The Maráthás help Bhávsingh to

expel the Víramgám Kasbátis.] Bhávsingh of Víramgám invited them to

that town, both on account of the annoyance he suffered from the

Márvádis and that he might take vengeance on the Kasbátis for the

murder of his father Udaikaran. He accordingly treacherously admitted

the Maráthás and slew Daulat Muhammad Tánk, brother of the murderer

of his father, and expelled the rest of the Kasbátis, while Kalián,

the Márvádi administrator, was permitted to go to Áhmedábád. Leaving

Rangoji at Víramgám, Dámáji marched into Sorath to levy tribute from

the chiefs, and after collecting a portion of his dues, returned to

the Dakhan. In the following year (A.D. 1736) Rangoji advanced as

far as Bávla near Dholka wasting the country. Ratansingh Bhandári,

the deputy viceroy, marched against him, and forced him to retire

to Víramgám. Ratansingh pursued the Maráthás to Víramgám, attacked

and defeated them capturing their baggage, but failed to prevent

them taking shelter in the town. About this time some Marátha horse

who were at Sarnál, otherwise called Thásra, joined the Kolis of

those parts, advanced with them against Kapadvanj and without any

serious resistance succeeded in capturing the town. Meanwhile though

Ratansingh had summoned Momín Khán to his aid, he delayed coming,

as he began to scheme independence at Cambay.

Ratansingh Bhandári heard that Pratápráv, brother of Dámáji, and

Deváji Tákpar were advancing on Áhmedábád with 10,000 horse. At first

he thought this a device to draw him from Víramgám, to whose walls

his mines had reached. On ascertaining from trusty spies that the

report was true, he raised the siege of Víramgám, returned rapidly

to Áhmedábád, and pushing forward to meet Pratápráv, exacted tribute

from the chiefs on the banks of the Vátrak. As Pratápráv drew near,

the governor of the Bhíl district retired before him, and he continuing

his advance, passed through Valad and Pethápur, and so by way of Chhála

reached Dholka. Here, through Muhammad Ismáíl, the governor of Dholka,

he demanded from the Bhandári his share of the revenue. Afterwards,

leaving 2000 horse in Dholka, he went to Dhandhúka. [The Gáikwár

and Peshwa Plunder the Country.] In the meantime Kántáji, who was a

follower of Bájiráv Peshwa, joining with Malhárráv Holkar, advanced

upon Ídar, and coming against Dánta, plundered that town. Some

Nágar Bráhmans of the town of Vadnagar, who were settled in Dánta,

tried to escape to the hills, but were intercepted and pillaged. The

Maráthás then proceeded to Vadnagar and plundered the town. From

Vadnagar they went as far as Pálanpur, where Pahár Khán Jhálori,

being unable to oppose them, agreed to pay a tribute of £10,000 (Rs. 1

lákh). Kántáji and Malhárráv Holkar then marched into Márwár, while

Pratápráv and Rangoji crossed over from Dhandhuka into Káthiáváda and

Gohilváda. About this time Muhammad Pahár Khán Jhálori was appointed

deputy governor of Pátan on behalf of Vakhatsingh. As no settlement

of his demands on the revenues of Dholka had yet been made, Pratápráv

returned to that town and sent Narhar Pandit to receive the tribute

due to him. Afterwards proceeding to Baroda with Rangoji they were

summoned to Sorath by Dámáji to assist him. Sher Khán Bábi, who up to

his time had been at Kaira, now came to Áhmedábád, and as the deputy

viceroy was displeased with Momín Khán's conduct when Víramgám was

besieged, he appointed Sher Khán his own deputy at Petlád, Arhar-Mátar,

and Nadiád. Afterwards on Momín Khán's remonstrance Subháchand Márvádi

was appointed to examine the accounts and receive the revenue in place

of Sher Khán. In A.D. 1737 Dámáji's brother Pratápráv, returning to

his country after exacting tribute from the chiefs of Sorath, died of

small-pox at Kánkar near Dholka. Momín Khán seeing that Sher Khán had

not yet left Kaira, collected some men and came to Petlád, while Sher

Khán went to Dehgám and awaited the departure of Rangoji. Ratansingh

Bhandári made preparations to help Sher Khán and Momín Khán returned

to Cambay.

[Momín Khán Fifty-fourth Viceroy, 1737.] At this time as the Mahárája

Abheysingh was not in favour at court, Momín Khán was appointed

fifty-fourth viceroy. As he was unable to effect anything by himself

he persuaded Jawán Mard Khán Bábi to join him by a promise of the

government of Pátan and directed him to proceed and take up that

appointment. Now the Jháloris were allies of the Ráthods, and Pahár

Khán Jhálori, then in command of Pátan, opposed Jawán Mard Khán, but

was finally obliged to vacate Pátan. Momín Khán, who had not hitherto

produced the order appointing him viceroy, now made it public and

began to act as viceroy with the title of Najm-ud-dauláh Momín Khán

Bahádur Fírúz Jang, and in A.D. 1737 sent a copy of this order to

Abdúl Husain Khán, the deputy minister, and to Mustafíd Khán, who

held the office of Kázi.

Sher Khán Bábi, wishing to remain neutral, retired to Bálásinor and

Momín Khán summoned Rangoji, who was in the neighbourhood of Cambay,

to his assistance. Rangoji agreed to aid him in expelling the Márvádis,

on condition that, if successful, he should be granted one-half of

the produce of Gujarát except the city of Áhmedábád, the lands in the

neighbourhood of the city, and the port of Cambay. This disastrous

alliance with the Maráthás gave the last blow to Mughal power in

Gujarát, which otherwise might have lingered for at least a quarter

of a century. Momín Khán lived to repent his conduct.

When Ratansingh Bhandári heard of the appointment of Momín Khán to

be viceroy he wrote to Mahárája Abheysingh for orders. Meanwhile he

sent Muhammadan officials to Cambay to persuade Momín Khán to take

no further steps until a reply should be received to the reference

Momín Khán had made to Ágra. The reply of the Mahárája was that

Ratansingh should resist Momín Khán if he could. Ratansingh prepared

to defend Áhmedábád while Momín Khán collecting an army, camped at

the Náransar lake.

From the Náransar lake where Momín Khán remained encamped for one and

a half months collecting his partisans he advanced to Sojitra, where

he was joined by Jawán Mard Khán Bábi; and proceeding together they

came to Vasu under Petlád, about twenty-six miles from Áhmedábád,

and from Vasu to Kaira, about eighteen miles from the capital. At

Kaira they encamped on the banks of the Vátrak, where, owing to the

incessant rain, they were forced to remain for about a month. When

the rain abated and the rivers were fordable, Momín Khán, moving to

Áhmedábád, encamped in front of the city on the Kánkariya tank and

[Lays Siege to Áhmedábád.] prepared for a siege. About the same time

Momín Khán's manager, Vajerám, whom he had sent to Songad to solicit

Dámáji to march in person to his assistance, arrived and informed him

that Dámáji would join him shortly. Zoráwar Khán, who had been left

at the Marátha camp as security for the payment of the tribute, was

recalled, and instead the district of Parántij was formally assigned to

the Maráthás in payment of their demands. Some of the Mahárája's guns,

which were being sent to Áhmedábád by his agents at Surat through

Cambay for facility of transit, were about this time captured by

a party of Momín Khán's men. When Ratansingh Bhandári wrote to the

Mahárája of Momín Khán's advance on Áhmedábád, the Mahárája was much

displeased, and went from the emperor's presence in anger. The nobles

fearing the consequences, recalled him, and persuaded the emperor to

re-appoint him viceroy of Gujarát.

[Momín Khán continues the Siege of Áhmedábád.] Momín Khán was secretly

enjoined to disregard the Mahárája's appointment and persevere in

expelling the Ráthods, and was assured of the emperor's approbation

of this line of conduct. He therefore continued to prosecute the

siege with vigour. In the meantime another order was received from

the imperial court, confirming the reappointment of the [Mahárája

Abheysingh Fifty-fifth Viceroy, 1737.] Mahárája and appointing

Fidá-ud-dín Khán to guard the city with 500 men, directing also that

Momín Khán should return to Cambay. It was further stated that, as

Ratansingh Bhandári had acted oppressively, some other person should be

appointed deputy to fill his place, and that in the meantime a Rájput

noble, named Abhaikaran, was to carry on the government. Shortly

before this Muhammad Bákir Khán, son of Muâtamid Khán, joined Momín

Khán from Surat, while Sádik Áli Khán and his nephew reinforced him

from Junágadh. When Momín Khán was informed of the purport of the

imperial order he agreed to return to Cambay, provided Ratansingh

Bhandári would quit the city, hand over charge to Abhaikaran, and

admit Fidá-ud-dín Khán and his men into the city.

[Defence of the City by Ratansingh Bhandári.] Ratansingh Bhandári

determined not to leave the city, and prepared to defend himself to

the last. Dámáji Gáikwár now joined Momín Khán from Songad. Momín

Khán met Dámáji at Ísanpur, three miles from Áhmedábád, and made

great show of friendship, calling him his brother. When Ratansingh

Bhandári heard of the arrangements made between Dámáji and Momín Khán,

he sent a message to Dámáji saying, 'Momín Khán has promised Rangoji

half of the revenues of Gujarát excepting the city of Áhmedábád,

the lands immediately round it, and Cambay. If you will join me, I

will give you half of everything not excepting the city nor Cambay,

and will send to your camp some of my chief landholders as security

if you agree.' Dámáji showed this to Momín Khán, and asked him what

he proposed to do. Momín Khán now perforce agreed to do the same;

but instead of Cambay offered to make over to the Maráthás the

whole district of Víramgám. Dámáji, accepting these terms, ceased to

negotiate with Ratansingh. He then went on pilgrimage to Dúdesar, and

returning in the same year, A.D. 1738, he and Rangoji began active

operations against Áhmedábád. Their bombardment did so much damage

to the city that Momín Khán repented having called them to his aid,

and foresaw that if the Maráthás once gained any portion of the city

it would be no easy matter to drive them out. Momín Khán now sent the

writer of the Mirat-i-Áhmedi to Ratansingh Bhandári, in hopes that

he might withdraw peaceably, but Ratansingh refused to listen to any

terms. After some time the Musalmáns under Kázim Áli Khán and others,

and the Maráthás under Báburáv endeavoured to take the city by storm,

but after a bloody contest were forced to retire. Next day Ratansingh,

seeing that he could not long hold the city, entered into a negotiation

with Momín Khán, and, on receiving a sum of money for his expenses,

and on being allowed to retire with the honours of war, left the city.

[Momín Khán captures Áhmedábád, 1738.] Momín Khán entered Áhmedábád. On

the capture of the city, in accordance with Momín Khán's engagement,

half of it was handed to the Maráthás. Momín Khán sent news of what

had taken place to the emperor, and appointed Fidá-ud-dín Khán his

deputy. Dámáji, who in the meantime had been to Sorath, now returned

and was met by Rangoji, who accompanied him as far as the banks of the

Mahi, whence Rangoji proceeded to Dholka. After spending a few days

at Dholka, Rangoji returned to Áhmedábád and took charge of his share

of the city, which comprised the Ráikhar, Khánjchán, and Jamálpur

quarters as far as the Astoria and Ráipur gates. The city was thus

equally divided, and the Astoria and Raipur gates were guarded by

the Maráthás. At that time the inhabitants of Áhmedábád were chiefly

Muhammadans, and the Maráthás, accustomed to extortion, attempting

to oppress them, they rose against the strangers, and after a severe

affray expelled the greater part of them from the city. Momín Khán,

though secretly pleased, affected ignorance and sent Fidá-ud-dín Khán

to reassure Rangoji. This with some difficulty he succeeded in doing

and Rangoji remained in the city. Jawán Mard Khán was sent to Pátan,

and, instead of Parántij, the district of Kherálu was granted to

Zoráwar Khán Bábi.

[Prosperity of Áhmedábád, 1738.] With the cessation of Marátha

oppression, Áhmedábád began to recover its splendour and opulence. The

emperor was much pleased with Momín Khán, and, raising his rank,

presented him with a dress of honour, a sword, and other articles

of value. [Momín Khán Fifth-sixth Viceroy, 1738-1743.] At the close

of the rainy season Momín Khán went to levy tribute from the chiefs

on the banks of the Sábarmati, and Rangoji was asked to accompany

him. They marched to Adálaj whence Fidá-ud-dín Khán, the deputy

viceroy, returned to the city accompanied by Rámáji as deputy of

Rangoji. Jawán Mard Khán and Sher Khán Bábi now joined the viceroy's

camp, and, about the same time Hathising, chief of Pethápur, paid

a visit to the viceroy and settled his tribute. From Adálaj they

advanced to Mánsa, and were met by the Mánsa chief. From Mánsa they

proceeded to Kadi, and from Kadi to Bíjápur. After Momín Khán left

the people of Áhmedábád were badly treated, and Rangoji, leaving his

brother Akoji in camp, returned to the capital, whence he marched

towards Víramgám and Sorath. Momín Khán went from Bíjápur to Ídar,

and there levied tribute from the chiefs of Mohanpur and Ranásan.

When Momín Khán arrived at Ídar, Ánandsingh and Ráisingh, brothers

of Mahárája Abheysingh, went to him and paid the tribute of Mohanpur

and Ranásan as being within the limits of the Ídar territory. The

matter was amicably settled, and the two brothers accompanied the

viceroy as far as the Ídar frontier, when Ánandsingh returned to

Ídar, and Ráisingh, at Momín Khán's request, remained with him,

Momín Khán undertaking to pay the expenses of his men. Prathiráj,

the chief of Mánsa, [The Viceroy collects Tribute, 1738.] agreed to

pay £2300 (Rs. 23,000) and the chief of Varsoda £1000 (Rs. 10,000)

as tribute. At this time Sher Muhammad Khán Bábi was appointed to

succeed Mír Dost Áli as deputy governor of Sorath. The Maráthás,

who had attempted to deprive some of the Rasúlábád and Batwa Sayads

of their land, were attacked by the Muhammadan population, and a few

men were wounded on either side. Momín Khán, receiving tribute from

various chiefs, had now reached Pálanpur, and Pahár Khán Jhálori,

the governor of that place, was introduced to the viceroy by Sher Khán

Bábi. As news was now received that Deváji Tákpar was advancing through

the Baroda districts, Momín Khán marched towards Áhmedábád, dismissing

Pahár Khán Jhálori on the Pálanpur frontier. Jawán Mard Khán Bábi,

appointing his brother Safdar Khán Bábi as his deputy at Pátan, pushed

forward in advance for Áhmedábád. Mámúr Khán, who had been chosen by

Mír Huzabr Áli as his deputy in Sorath, now arrived and complained

to Momín Khán regarding Sher Khán Bábi's appointment. Momín Khán said

that, as neither had assumed charge of their duties, they should await

final orders from the emperor. He then advanced to Hájipur, and thence

encamped on the side of the city near Bahrámpur and occupied himself

in strengthening the city defences. From that camp he proceeded to

Ísanpur four miles south of Áhmedábád on his way to levy tribute from

the Koli chiefs of the banks of the Vátrak. After this he proceeded to

Kúlej on the Vátrak and levied tribute from the Koli chiefs of that

neighbourhood. Hearing that Dámáji had left Songad, and crossing the

Mahi had gone to Arás, Momín Khán struck his camp and returned to the

city, while Dámáji going to Dholka marched from that to Sorath. Momín

Khán now permitted Sher Khán to return to his lands in Gogha, whence he

proceeded to Junágadh and took charge of the office of deputy governor.

[Sher Khán Bábi Deputy Governor of Sorath, 1738.] In A.D. 1738,

Mír Huzabr Khán, the governor of Sorath, died, and as Sher Khán

had occupied Junágadh, and taken into his employ all the troops of

Mir Dost Áli, Mámúr Khán was obliged to resign his pretensions and

return. The emperor now appointed Himmat Áli Khán, nephew of Momín

Khán, governor of Sorath, and he wrote to his uncle to choose a fitting

deputy. Momín Khán, as the Marátha incursions into Sorath increased

yearly, and as Sher Khán Bábi was a man able to hold his own with them,

suffered him to remain as deputy. When Dámáji returned to Víramgám,

after levying tribute from the chiefs of Sorath, he was obliged to

march against Kánji Koli, the chief of Chhaniár in the Chúnvál. As he

could not prevail against them he was forced to call on Momín Khán for

aid. Momín Khán sent Fidá-ud-dín Khán at the head of a well-equipped

army. On their approach the Kolis fled, and the village was burned,

and Fidá-ud-dín Khán returned to the capital. Dámáji, leaving Rangoji

as his deputy, returned to Songad. In this year, A.D. 1738, Hindustán

was invaded by the great Persian Nádir Sháh, Dehli sacked, and the

emperor made prisoner. Except that coin was struck in Nádir's name,

the collapse of Mughal power caused little change in Gujarát.

[The Deputy Viceroy collects Tribute, 1739.] In A.D. 1739 Fidá-ud-dín

Khán was sent to levy tribute from the chiefs on the banks of the

Sábarmati, and, accompanied by Jawán Mard Khán Bábi and Rája Ráisingh

of Ídar, marched to Charárah. As the village of Pánmul under Bijápur

had been assigned to the author of the Mirat-i-Áhmedi, he accompanied

Fidá-ud-dín Khán, who marched to Ahmednagar, and demanded tribute from

Jítsingh of Mohanpur and Ranásan. Jítsingh resisted and a doubtful

battle was fought. Next day Fidá-ud-dín Khán changed his position

and again attacked Jítsingh, who being defeated agreed to pay £1000

(Rs. 10,000). They then went to Ídar, where they were hospitably

received by Rája Ráising, who presented the leaders with horses. From

Ídar they proceeded to Vadnagar, which was under Jawán Mard Khán, who

also received them courteously and presented horses. The army then

marched to Visalnagar. On the arrival of the troops at Visalnagar,

Jawán Mard Khán requested Fidá-ud-dín Khán to subdue Jámáji the Koli

chief of Thara-Jámpur in the Kánkrej, who was then at Bálísana under

Pátan and who was continually plundering the country. Fidá-ud-dín

Khán marched to Bálísána, but Jámáji fled to Thara-Jámpur without

risking a battle and the Muhammadans plundered Thara-Jámpur. From

Bálísána Fidá-ud-dín marched to Kadi, and allowing Jawán Mard Khán

to return to Pátan proceeded to Áhmedábád.

At Áhmedábád disputes between Rangoji and Momín Khán regarding the

government of the city were frequent. In one serious disturbance

Momín Khán was worsted and forced to sue for peace and grant Rangoji

his half share both in the government and revenue, which, since the

affray in A.D. 1738, Momín Khán had withheld. A formal agreement

was drawn up but did not long remain in force. About this time Momín

Khán's nephew Muhammad Momín Khán Bakhshi received a patent granting

him the title of Nazar Áli Khán. The year A.D. 1739 was marked by a

disastrous flood in the Sábarmati. [Capture of Bassein by the Maráthás,

1739.] In this year also the Maráthás under Chimnáji Ápa achieved the

memorable success of taking the fort of Bassein from the Portuguese.

[Tribute Expedition, 1740.] In A.D. 1740 on his return from Sorath,

Dámáji Gáikwár took Rangoji to the Dakhan and appointed Malhárráv

Khúni his deputy at Áhmedábád. Fidá-ud-dín Khán met the new deputy

at Ísanpur and escorted him to the city. Shortly after Fidá-ud-dín

Khán and Nazar Áli Khán started to collect tribute, and Jawán Mard

Khán sent his brother Zoráwar Khán Bábi to accompany them. They

advanced against Dabhora under Bahyal eighteen miles east of Áhmedábád

in the Bhíl district and fought with the chief, who agreed to pay

tribute. Thence they went to Atarsumba, where the Kolis after a vain

attempt to carry off their cannon agreed to pay tribute. The force

then proceeded to Mándva and levied a contribution from the Mándva

chief. They next went to Kapadvanj, and passing through Bálásinor

reached Vírpur under Lunáváda. Here, from Sultánsingh, agent of

the Lunáváda chief, they received two horses and £300 (Rs. 3000) as

tribute. While at Lunáváda an order of recall came from Momín Khán,

who intimated that Malhárráv Khúni had laid up large stores of grain

and contemplated war. Fidá-ud-dín Khán at once pushed forward through

Bálásinor and Kapadvanj, advancing rapidly towards the capital. On

the way he received a second despatch from Momín Khán saying that,

as the risk of war had for the present passed, they should advance

to Petlád, where they would find Malhárráv Khúni and settle with

him about the revenue accounts. They continued their march, and in

two days reached Kaira, being joined on the way by Muhammad Kúli

Khán, who was charged with messages from Momín Khán. At Kaira they

found Muhammad Husain, nephew of Fidá-ud-dín Khán who had been sent

with a force to Mahudha. As Malhárráv Khúni was at Pinj near Kaira,

Fidá-ud-dín Khán expressed a wish to meet him, and it was agreed that

both sides should go to the Petlád district and there settle the

disputed collections. Shortly after they met and arrangements were

in progress when the Kolis of the Bhíl district rebelled and Abdúl

Husain Khán and Vajerám were sent against them. After burning two or

three villages this detachment rejoined the main body, and not long

after all returned to Áhmedábád. During A.D. 1740 Bájiráv Peshwa died.

[The Viceroy at Cambay, 1741.] In A.D. 1741 Momín Khán went to Cambay,

and while residing at Ghiáspur near that city received information that

Dámáji had again appointed Rangoji his deputy in place of Malhárráv

Khúni, and shortly after Rangoji arrived at Petlád. At this time Momín

Khán turned his attention to the falling off in the customs revenue of

Cambay and appointed Ismáil Muhammad collector of customs. As he was

anxious to clear some misunderstanding between Rangoji and himself,

Momín Khán set out to visit Rangoji and assure him of his good

wishes. At this time Bhávsingh of Víramgám, who found the Maráthás

even more troublesome than the Muhammadans, as soon as he heard of

Malhárráv's recall, suddenly attacked the fort of Víramgám and with

the aid of some Arabs and Rohillás expelled the Marátha garrison and

prepared to hold the fort on his own account. Shortly after Rangoji

demanded that a tower in Áhmedábád, which had been raised a story

by Momín Khán so as to command the residence of the Marátha deputy

at the Jamálpur gate, should be reduced to its original height. At

the same time he suggested that Momín Khán and he, uniting their

forces, should advance and expel Bhávsingh from Víramgám. Momín

Khán agreed to both proposals. The addition to the tower was pulled

down, and Momín Khán and Rangoji, marching against Víramgám, laid

siege to the town. Bhávsingh made a gallant defence, and Momín Khán,

who was not sorry to see the Maráthás in difficulties, after a time

left them and marched to Kadi and Bijápur to levy tribute. [Bhávsingh

surrenders Víramgám and receives Pátdi.] Rangoji continued the siege,

and as Bhávsingh saw that even without Momín Khán the Marátha army

was sufficient to reduce the place, he agreed to surrender Víramgám,

provided the fort of Pátdi and its dependent villages were granted to

him. Rangoji agreed, and thus the Maráthás again obtained possession

of Víramgám, while Bhávsingh acquired Pátdi, [873] a property which

his descendants hold to this day.

[Siege of Broach by the Maráthás, 1741.] When Momín Khán arrived at

Mánsa, about twenty-six miles north-west of Áhmedábád, hearing that

Dámáji had crossed the Mahi with 10,000 men, he at once returned to

the capital. Dámáji arrived at Mánsa and besieged it. The chiefs and

Kolis defended the place bravely for about a month, when it fell into

Dámáji's hands, who not only cleared the prickly-pear stockade which

surrounded it, but also burned the town. From Mánsa Dámáji marched

to Sorath. On his return he laid siege to Broach, a fort which,

from its natural strength as well as from its favourable position

on the Narbada, it had been the constant ambition both of Dámáji and

of his father Píláji to capture. On the approach of Dámáji, Nek Álam

Khán, who held the place in the interests of the Nizám, prepared to

defend the fort, and wrote to the Nizám for aid. In reply the Nizám

warned Dámáji not to attack his possessions. On receiving this letter

Dámáji raised the siege and returned to Songad. It seems probable that

concessions were made to tempt Dámáji to retire from Broach, and that

the Gáikwár's share in the Broach customs dates from this siege.

[Battle of Dholka. Defeat of the Maráthás, 1741.] In A.D. 1741 in

a battle between Káim Kúli Khán, governor of Dholka, and Rangoji's

deputy, the Maráthás were defeated. Momín Khán, at the request of

Rangoji, made peace between them. Fidá-ud-dín Khán, who had recently

been raised in rank with the title of Bahádur, starting to collect

tribute burned down the refractory Koli village of Dabhora, and placing

a post there, passed to Sátumba, Bálásinor, and Thásra. After the

battle at Dholka, the building by Rangoji of the fort of Borsad,

caused renewed fighting between the Muhammadans and Maráthás of

Dholka. At the request of Muhammad Hádi Khán, governor of Dholka,

Fidá-ud-dín Khán, passing through Mahudha to Petlád pushed forward

to help him. [Contests between the Musalmáns and Maráthás.] In

the meantime a battle was fought, in which the Maráthás under

Malhárráv attacked Muhammad Hádi Khán, and after a short contest

withdrew. Next day the Muhammadans, strengthened by the arrival of

Fidá-ud-dín Khán, besieged Sojitra. A letter was written to Rangoji,

asking the meaning of the attack, and he replied excusing himself and

attributing it to the ignorance of Malhárráv. Muhammad Hádi Khán and

the author of the Mirat-i-Áhmedi eventually met Rangoji at Borsad,

and settled that he and Fidá-ud-dín Khán should come together and

arrange matters. But Rangoji in his heart intended to fight and wrote

to his deputy Rámáji at Áhmedábád to be ready for war. Malhárráv now

joined Rangoji at Borsad. At this time many misunderstandings and

several fights between the Maráthás and the Muhammadans were appeased

by Momín Khán and Rangoji, who, in spite of the ill-feeling among

their subordinates and a certain distrust of each other's designs,

appear throughout to have maintained a warm mutual regard. Dámáji from

his stronghold at Songad was too much occupied in Dakhan politics to

give much attention to Gujarát. Rangoji, on the other hand, gained so

much influence with the Gujarát chiefs, that at one time he succeeded

in engaging Sajansingh Hazári in his service, and also induced Rája

Ráisingh of Ídar to join him. But Momín Khán detached Ráisingh from

this alliance, by placing him in charge of the post of Amaliára and

granting him the districts of Modása, Meghrej, Ahmednagar, Parántij,

and Harsol. Moreover the customary Gujarát sum at first sent daily

by Rangoji to Rája Ráisingh for the expenses of his troops had begun

to fall into arrears. Rája Ráisingh made his peace with Momín Khán

through the mediation of Nazar Áli Khán, Momín Khán's nephew, who

appears to have been one of the leading spirits of the time.

[Disturbance at Áhmedábád, 1742.] In A.D. 1742 in another fight between

the Maráthás and Muhammadans in Áhmedábád, the Muhammadans gained

a slight advantage. After this Rangoji left the city, appointing

as before Rámáji as his deputy, and joining Jagjíwan Pavár went

to Borsad, where he had built a fort. At this time one Jívandás

came with authority from the Nizám to act as collector of Dholka,

part of the lands assigned to the Nizám as a personal grant, but

failed to enforce his position. Shortly after this Rája Ánandsing

of Ídar was killed, and his brother Ráising, taking leave, went

to Ídar to settle matters. Momín Khán had his patent increased

to the personal rank of commander of 6000 with a contingent of

6000 cavalry. He received a dress of honour, a jewelled turban, a

plume, six pieces of cloth, an elephant, the order of Máhi-marátib,

[874] and the title of Najm-ud-daulah Momín Khán Bahádur Diláwar

Jang. Differences again broke out between Momín Khán and Rangoji,

and again matters were settled by a friendly meeting between the two

chiefs at Borsad, where Rangoji had taken up his residence. Momín Khán

now went to Petlád, and from that to Cambay, where he was taken ill,

but after six weeks came to Vasu, where Rangoji visited him. Here

though again unwell he went to Dholka, and shortly afterwards he and

Rangoji marched upon Limbdi, which at this time is mentioned as under

Víramgám. While before Limbdi, Rangoji was summoned by Dámáji to help

him against Bápu Náik, and at once started to his assistance. Momín

Khán now marched into Gohilváda, and proceeded by Loliána to Gogha,

then under the charge of a resident deputy of Sher Khán Bábi. Here

he received tribute from the chief of Sihor, and from that, marching

into Hálár, went against Navánagar. [The Viceroy collects Tribute in

Káthiáváda.] The Jám resisted for twenty days, and eventually, on his

agreeing to pay £5000 (Rs. 50,000) as tribute, Momín Khán returned to

Áhmedábád. During his absence in spite of stubborn resistance Nazar Áli

Khán and Vajerám had collected tribute from the Koli chiefs. Rangoji,

who had now left Dámáji, joined battle with Bápu Náik ere he crossed

the Mahi, and Bápu Náik turned back. Rangoji therefore remained at

Borsad, but hearing that Momín Khán's illness had become serious,

he went once or twice to Áhmedábád to visit him.

[Death of Momín Khán, 1743.] In A.D. 1743 Momín Khán died. His wife,

fearing lest Fidá-ud-dín Khán and Muftakhir Khán, Momín Khán's son,

would deprive her of her estate, sought the protection of Rangoji. In

the meantime [Fidá-ud-dín acts as Viceroy, 1743.] Fidá-ud-dín

Khán and Muftakhir Khán received an imperial order to carry on the

government until a new viceroy should be appointed. At this time a

man named Ánandrám, who had been disgraced by Momín Khán, went over

to Rangoji and incited him to murder Fidá-ud-dín Khán and Muftakhir

Khán. Rangoji with this intention invited them both to his house,

but his heart failed him, and shortly afterwards Fidá-ud-dín Khán

went to Cambay. Rangoji now determined at all hazards to assassinate

Muftakhir Khán. With this object he took Muftakhir Khán's associates,

Vajerám and Káim Kúli Khán, into his confidence. Muftakhir Khán

accidentally heard of his designs, and remained on his guard. As

Rangoji had failed to carry out his promise to raise Sher Khán Bábi

to the post of deputy viceroy, Sher Khán advanced to Dholka and

began plundering some Cambay villages. Rangoji, after another futile

attempt to assassinate Muftakhir Khán, sent for his deputy Rámáji,

who was then in the neighbourhood, and prepared to fight. [Muftakhir

Khán Defeats the Maráthás.] Muftakhir Khán, on his part, summoned

Fidá-ud-dín Khán from Cambay, and in a few days they succeeded in

uniting their forces. Sher Khán Bábi deserting the cause of Rangoji,

the Maráthás were worsted and Rangoji's house was besieged. Rangoji,

being hard pressed, agreed to give up Ánandrám and to surrender both

Borsad and Víramgám, Sher Khán Bábi becoming his security. In this

way Fidá-ud-dín Khán became sole master of Gujarát.

[Dámáji Gáikwár Returns to Gujarát.] Shortly after Dámáji Gáikwár

returned from Sátára and came to Cambay. In the meantime Rangoji,

who had been living with Sher Khán Bábi, his security, contrived,

with the connivance of Sher Khán, to escape together with his

family. Fidá-ud-dín Khán was so greatly enraged with Sher Khán for this

treachery, that Sher Khán leaving Áhmedábád on pretence of hunting,

escaped to Bálásinor, where his wife joined him. Fidá-ud-dín Khán put

Ánandrám to death, while Rangoji through the aid of Sher Khán Bábi's

wife, made good his escape to Borsad. Fidá-ud-dín Khán had set out to

collect tribute, when news arrived that Khanderáv Gáikwár, brother of

Dámáji, had crossed the Mahi and joining Rangoji had laid siege to

Petlád. On hearing this, Fidá-ud-dín at once returned to Áhmedábád,

and sent Valabhdás Kotwál to Khanderáv to complain of the misconduct

of Rangoji.

[Abdúl Ázíz Khán of Junnar, Viceroy (by a forged order).] After the

death of Momín Khán, Jawán Mard Khán Bábi was the greatest noble in

Gujarát. He began to aspire to power, and Fidá-ud-dín, who was not good

in the field, had thoughts of appointing him as a deputy. While matters

were in this state, and Jawán Mard Khán was already laying claim to

the revenue of the district round Áhmedábád, an order was received

appointing Abdúl Ázíz Khán the commander of Junnar, near Poona, to be

viceroy of Gujarát. This order was forged by Abdúl Ázíz Khán in Jawán

Mard Khán's interests, whom he appointed his deputy. Though Fidá-ud-dín

Khán doubted the genuineness of the order, he was not powerful enough

to remove Jawán Mard Khán, who accordingly proclaimed himself deputy

viceroy. [Mutiny of the Troops.] At this time the troops, clamorous on

account of arrears, placed both Fidá-ud-dín Khán and Muftakhir Khán

under confinement. Jawán Mard Khán assumed charge of the city and

stationed his own men on guard. While Fidá-ud-dín Khán and Muftakhir

Khán were in confinement, Khanderáv Gáikwár sent them a message that

if they would cause the fort of Petlád to be surrendered to him,

he would help them. To this they returned no answer. Fidá-ud-dín

Khán now entreated Jawán Mard Khán to interfere between him and

his troops. Jawán Mard Khán accordingly persuaded the mutineers to

release Fidá-ud-dín Khán, who eventually escaped from the city and

went to Ágra.

[Maráthás Capture Petlád.] Meanwhile Rangoji continued to press

the siege of Petlád and the commander, Ágha Muhammad Husain,

after in vain appealing for help to Jawán Mard Khán, was forced to

surrender. Rangoji demolished the fort of Petlád and marched upon

Áhmedábád. As he approached the city Jawán Mard Khán sent the writer

of the Mirat-i-Áhmedi and Ajabsingh to negotiate with Rangoji, who

demanded all his former rights and possessions.

[Muftakhir Khán Fifty-seventh Viceroy, 1743-44.] News had now reached

Dehli that a false viceroy was governing Gujarát, and accordingly

Muftakhir Khán was chosen fifty-seventh viceroy, the order explaining

that Abdúl Ázíz had never been appointed viceroy, and directing

Jawán Mard Khán to withdraw from the conduct of affairs. Muftakhir

Khán was perplexed how to act. He succeeded in persuading his troops

that he would be able to pay them their arrears, and he sent a copy

of the order to Jawán Mard Khán; and, as he dared not displace him,

[Appoints Jawán Mard Khán his Deputy.] he informed Jawán Mard Khán

that he had appointed him as his deputy, and that he himself would

shortly leave Áhmedábád. Jawán Mard Khán, so far from obeying, ordered

Muftakhir Khán's house to be surrounded. Eventually Muftakhir Khán,

leaving the city, joined Rangoji, and then retired to Cambay.

[The Maráthás in Áhmedábád.] Khanderáv Gáikwár returned, and, with the

view of enforcing his claims, uniting with Rangoji, marched to Banjar,

about five miles south of Áhmedábád. Jawán Mard Khán issuing from

the city camped near the Kánkariya lake. Narhar Pandit and Krishnáji

on behalf of the Marátha leaders were sent to Jawán Mard Khán to

demand their former rights and possessions. Jawán at first refused,

but in the end gave way and the Maráthás appointed Dádu Morár deputy

of the city. Sher Khán Bábi now returned to Bálásinor. Khanderáv and

Kánáji then went to Dholka, Rangoji to Petlád, and Khanderáv Gáikwár

to Sorath. Fidá-ud-dín Khán requested Rangoji to help Muftakhir Khán;

he replied that he was willing to help him, but had no money. Rangoji

then accompanied Fidá-ud-dín Khán to Cambay, where Muftakhir Khán

was. Negotiations were entered into, and the Kháns tried to collect

£10,000 (Rs. 1 lákh) which Rangoji asked for to enable him to make

military preparations to aid them. They raised £8000 (Rs. 80,000)

with great difficulty and admitted Rangoji's Náib to a share in the

administration. Rangoji withdrew to Borsad with the £8000 (Rs. 80,000)

under the pretext that when the remaining £2000 (Rs. 20,000) were paid

he would take action. Fidá-ud-dín Khán, annoyed at Rangoji's conduct,

went to reside at Dhowan, a village belonging to Jálam Jália Koli.

In A.D. 1744 Jawán Mard Khán, after appointing one of his brothers,

Zoráwar Khán, his deputy at Pátan, and keeping his other brother

Safdar Khán at Áhmedábád, advanced from the city to Kadi to collect

tribute. His next step was to invite Abdúl Ázíz Khán, the commander

of Junnar, near Poona, to join him in Gujarát. Abdul Ázíz accordingly

set out from Junnar, taking with him Fatehyáb Khán, commander of the

fort of Mulher in Báglán and Rustamráv Marátha. Directing his march

in the first instance to Surat he was there watched in the interests

of Dámáji Gáikwár, by Deváji Tákpar, the lieutenant of that chief,

who, seeing that on leaving Surat, Abdúl Ázíz continued to advance

to Áhmedábád, [Battle of Kím Kathodra.] pursued him to Kím Kathodra,

about fifteen miles north-west of Surat, and there attacked him. In

the engagement Deváji Tákpar, who had gained over Rustamráv Marátha,

one of the leading men in Abdúl Ázíz's army, was victorious. Abdúl

Ázíz Khán retired, but was so closely followed by the Maráthás,

that at Pánoli he was forced to leave his elephant, and, mounting a

horse, fled with all speed towards Broach. On reaching the Narbada he

failed to find any boats, and, as his pursuers were close upon him,

putting his horse at the water, [Defeat and Death of Abdúl Ázíz Khán,

1744.] he tried to swim the river; but, sticking fast in the mud,

he was overtaken and slain by the Maráthás.

[Fakhr-ud-daulah Fifty-eighth Viceroy, 1744-1748.] On hearing of the

death of Abdúl Ázíz, Jawán Mard Khán thought of joining Muftakhir

Khán. Ere he could carry this plan into effect, the emperor receiving,

it is said, a present of £20,000 (Rs. 2 lákhs) for the nomination,

appointed Fakhr-ud-daulah Fakhr-ud-dín Khán Shujáât Jang Bahádur

fifty-eighth viceroy of Gujarát. The new viceroy forwarded a blank

paper to a banker of his acquaintance named Sitárám, asking him to

enter in it the name of a fitting deputy. [Jawán Mard Khán Bábi,

Deputy Viceroy.] Sitárám filled in the name of Jawán Mard Khán, and

Fakhr-ud-daulah was proclaimed viceroy. About this time Safdar Khán

Bábi, after levying tribute from the Sábarmati chiefs, returned to

Áhmedábád, and Khanderáv Gáikwár, as he passed from Sorath to Songad,

appointed Rangoji his deputy. On being appointed deputy Rangoji sent

Krishnáji instead of Morár Náik as his deputy to Áhmedábád, and himself

proceeded to Arhar-Mátar on the Vátrak, and from that moved to Kaira to

visit Jawán Mard Khán, with whom he established friendly relations. In

the same year Áli Muhammad Khán, superintendent of customs, died, and

in his place the author of the Mirat-i-Áhmedi was appointed. In this

year, too, Pahár Khán Jhálori died, and his uncle, Muhammad Bahádur,

was appointed governor of Pálanpur in his stead.