The history of India : as told by its own historians. Volume II/Wiki Editor Note

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The History of India, as Told by Its Own Historians

Sir H. M. Elliot

Edited by John Dowson

1867

Volume II: To the Year A.D. 1260

Wiki Editor Note

The History of India, as Told by Its Own Historians is a book comprising translations of medieval Persian chronicles based on the work of Henry Miers Elliot. It was originally published as a set of eight volumes between 1867-1877 in London. The translations were in part overseen by Elliot, whose efforts were then extended and edited posthumously by John Dowson.

Volume I: Introduction
- Early Arab Geographers
- Historians of Sind
Volume II: To the Year A.D. 1260
- Táríkhu-l Hind of Biruni
- Táríkh Yamíní of 'Utbí
- Táríkhu-s Subuktigín of Baihakí
- Jawami ul-Hikayat of Muhammad 'Úfí
- Táju-l Ma-ásir of Hasan Nizámí
- Kámilu-t Tawáríkh of Ibn Asír
- Nizámu-t Tawáríkh of Baizáwí
- Tabakát-i Násirí of Minháju-s Siráj
- Jahán Kushá of Juwainí
Volume III: To the Year A.D. 1398
- Jámi'u-t Tawáríkh, of Rashid-al-Din
- Tazjiyatu-l Amsár wa Tajriyatu-l Ásár, of 'Abdu-llah, Wassáf
- Táríkh-i Binákití, of Fakhru-d dín, Binákití
- Táríkh-i Guzída, of Hamdu-lla, Mustaufí
- Táríkh-i 'Aláí; or, Khazáínu-l Futúh, of Amir Khusru: (History of Alauddin Khilji)
- Táríkh-i Fíroz Sháhí, of Ziauddin Barani: (History of Firuz Shah)
- Táríkh-i Fíroz Sháhí, of Shams-i Siráj, 'Afíf
- Futuhát-i Fíroz Sháhí, of Sultán Firoz Shah
- Malfúzát-i Tímúrí, or Túzak-i Tímúrí: The Autobiography of Timur
- Zafar-náma, of Sharafu-d dín, Yazdí
Volume IV: To the Year A.D. 1450
- Táríkh-i Háfiz Abrú
- Táríkh-i Mubárak Sháhí, of Yahyá bin Ahmad
- Matla'u-s Sa'dain, of Abdur Razzaq
- Rawżat aṣ-ṣafāʾ,of Mirkhond
- Khulásatu-l Akhbár, of Khondamir
- Dastúru-l Wuzrá, of Khondamír
- Habib al-Siyar, of Khondamir
- Táríkh-i Ibráhímí; or, Táríkh-i Humáyúní, of Ibráhím bin Harírí
- Tuzk-e-Babri; or, Wáki'át-i Bábarí: The Autobiography of Babur
- Tabakát-i Bábarí, of Shaikh Zain
- Lubbu-t Tawáríkh, of Yahya bin 'Abdu-l Latíf
- Nusakh-i Jahán-árá, of Kází Ahmad
- Táríkh-i Sher Sháhí; or, Tuhfat-i Akbar Sháhí, of 'Abbás Khán Sarwání
- Táríkh-i Dáúdí, of 'Abdu-lla
Volume V: End of the Afghan Dynasty and the First Thirty-Eight Years of the Reign of Akbar
- Táríkh-i Salátín-i Afághana, of Ahmad Yádgár
- Makhzan-i Afghání and Táríkh-i Khán-Jahán Lodí, of Ni'amatu-lla
- Humáyún-náma, of Khondamir
- Táríkh-i Rashídí, of Haidar Mirzá Doghlat
- Tazkiratu-l Wáki'át, of Jauhar
- Táríkh-i Alfí, of Mauláná Ahmad and others
- Tabakát-i Akbarí, of Nizamuddin Ahmad, Bakhshí
- Muntakhab al-Tawarikh; or, Táríkh-i Badáúní, of Mullá `Abd al-Qadir Bada'uni
Volume VI: Akbar and Jahangir
Volume VII: From Shah-Jahan to the Early Years of the Reign of Muhammad Shah
- Padshahnama, of Muhammad Amín Kazwíní
- Bádsháh-náma, of Abdul Hamid Lahori
- Sháh Jahán-náma, of 'Ináyat Khán
- Bádsháh-náma, of Muhammad Wáris
- 'Amal-i Sálih, of Muhammad Sálih Kambú
- Sháh Jahán-náma, of Muhammad Sádik Khán
- Majálisu-s Salátín, of Muhammad Sharíf Hanafí
- Táríkh-i Mufazzalí, of Mufazzal Khán
- Mir-át-i 'Álam, Mir-át-i Jahán-numá, of Bakhtáwar Khán
- Zínatu-t Tawáríkh, of 'Azízu-llah
- Lubbu-t Tawáríkh-i Hind, of Ráí Bhárá Mal
- 'Álamgír-náma, of Muhammad Kázim
- Ma-ásir-i 'Álamgírí, of Muhammad Sákí Musta'idd Khán
- Futuhát-i 'Álamgírí, of Muhammad Ma'súm
- Táríkh-i Mulk-i Áshám, of Shahábu-d dín Tálásh
- Wakái', of Ni'amat Khán
- Jang-náma, of Ni'amat Khán
- Ruka'át-i 'Álamgírí, of the Emperor Aurangzeb
- Muntakhabu-l Lubáb, of Kháfí Khán
- Táríkh, of Irádat Khán
- Táríkh-i Bahádur Sháhí
- Táríkh-i Sháh 'Álam Bahádur Sháhí
- 'Ibrat-náma, of Muhammad Kásim
Volume VIII: To End of the Muhammadan Empire in India

References of the Jats in Vol.II

Hindu Jats killed Ahmad Nialtigin

[p.60]: Five years afterwards we read of Tilak, son of Jai Sen, commander of all the Indian troops in the service of the Ghaznivide monarch, being employed to attack the rebel chief, Ahmad Nialtigin. He pursued the enemy so closely that many thousands fell into his hands. Ahmad himself was slain while attempting to escape across a river, by a force of Hindu Jats, whom Tilak had raised against him. This is the same Tilak whose name is written in the Tabakat-i Akbari, as Malik bin Jai Sen, which, if correct, would convey the opinion of the author of that work, that this chief was a Hindu convert.

Five years after that event we find that Mas'ud, unable to withstand the power of the Seljuk Turkomans, retreated to India, and remained there for the purpose of raising a body of troops sufficient to make another effort to retrieve his affairs. It is reasonable therefore to presume that the greater part of these troops consisted of Hindus.

Comments: Ahmad Niyaltigin (Persian: احمد نیالتگین ‎) was a treasurer of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi and later of his son Sultan Mas'ud Ghaznavi. Sultan Masud appointed him governor of Punjab region in 1033. Ahmad Niyaltigin with small detachment of soldiers conquered Varanasi but withdrew back to Punjab.

In 1034, Governor Ahmad Niyaltigin made daring attack at Varanasi but immediately withdrew back to Punjab region with plunder. Niyaltigin did not remit part of this plunder to Sultan Mas'ud Ghaznavi. Sultan considered it as rebellious act of Governor Niyaltigin. Sultan Mas'ud Ghaznavi commanded General Tilak Rai, one of his Hindu generals to arrest Governor Niyaltigin. Tilak Rai pursued Ahmad with a large body of men, chiefly Hindus, Ahmad Niyaltigin was killed and his head was taken to Ghazni.^[1]

The Jats killed and cut off head of Ahmad Nialtigin

Amir Mas'ud wrote orders to Tilak to expedite matters against Ahmad Nialtigin, who should be driven from Lahore, and the Kazi and his army should leave the fort. The Kazi also was ordered to exert himself to the utmost in order that the Amir's mind might be at once relieved from anxiety on account of this rebellion. * * * * The Amir arrived at

1 This was at the battle of Kirman, where they formed one-half of the cavalry force, there being 2000 Hindus, 1000 Turks, and 1000 Kurds and Arabs.

2 The Hindus, about 100 pages after this, are represented as incurring similar disgrace near Merv, when they fled before the Turkomans ; but there they were not a bit more culpable than the rest of the army, and the reason assigned was sufficient. " The Amir also summoned the Hindus and reprimanded them, when their leaders said — "We are ashamed to speak before our Lord, but the fact is our men are hungry, and our horses weak, for it is now four months since any of us have eaten barley-bread. Notwithstanding what has happened, as long as we live we shall not he found deficient."

3 [Page 535 to 538.]

[p.132]: Takínábád¹ on the 7th of Zi-1 ka'da [a.h. 425, Sept. 1034 A.D.] and remained there seven days, on one of which he drank wine, for he was troubled on many accounts. After that, he went to Bust for three days, and on Thursday, the 17th of this month, he arrived at the palace of Dasht-langán, where he laid out much money in gardens, buildings, and sarais.

On Wednesday, the last day of this month, he left Bust, and while on the road messengers arrived from Tilak, bringing intelligence of his having slain the proud rebel Ahmad Nialtigin, of having taken his son prisoner, and of his having subdued the Turkomans who were with Ahmad. The Amir was exceedingly rejoiced at this news, for it relieved the anxiety of his heart. He ordered the drums to be beaten, and the clarions to be sounded ; he invested the messengers with robes of honour upon their introduction, gave them plenty of money, and directed that they should be paraded through the camp.

The letters of Tilak, Kazi Shiraz, and the intelligencers were to this effect : — When Tilak arrived at Lahore, he took several Musulmans prisoners, who were the friends of Ahmad, and ordered their right hands to be cut off; that the men who were with Ahmad were so terrified at this punishment and display of power, that they sued for mercy and deserted him ; that the proper arrangements were then made for the conduct of affairs of Revenue and Police ; that Tilak, in full confidence and power, pursued Ahmad with a large body of men, chiefly Hindus ; that in the pursuit several skirmishes and actions took place ; that Ahmad, the forsaken of God, kept flying before him ; that Tilak had persuaded Ahmad's men to desert ; that a severe engagement ensued, when Ahmad, not able to stand his ground, was defeated and took to flight ; that the Turkomans left him in a body, and asked for quarter, which was given to them ; that Ahmad escaped with his personal attendants, and others, amounting to three hundred horsemen in all ; that Tilak did not abate his

1 [The largest town in Garmsir. See Tabakat-i Nasiri, post."]

[p.133]: pursuit, and had written letters to the Hindu Jat rebels to desert the cause of that godless man, and to remember that whoever should bring him or his head should receive a reward of 500,000 dirhams. On this account the span of Ahmad's life was narrowed, his men deserted, and at last matters reached so far, that the Jats and every kind of infidel joined in the pursuit of him.

One day, the despatches continued, he arrived at a river on his elephant, and wished to cross it, when two or three thousand mounted Jats were close upon him, whereas he had less than two hundred horsemen with him. He plunged into the water, while the Jats were attaching him on two or three sides, chiefly for the purpose of seizing his property and money. When they reached him, he attempted to kill his son with his own hand, but the Jats prevented him, and carried off the son, who was on an elephant, and then fell upon Ahmad himself, with arrow, spear, and sword. He defended himself most gallantly, but they at last killed him and cut off his head. They killed or took captive all who were with him, and immense wealth fell into the hands of those Jats. Their Chief sent some messengers from the spot to Tilak, who was not far off, to convey intelligence of what had happened. Tilak was greatly delighted, and despatched some men to demand the son and the head of Ahmad ; but the Jats asked for the reward of 500,000 dirhams. Tilak replied, that the immense wealth which belonged to Ahmad had fallen into their hands, and they ought to forego their demand. Twice messengers went backwards and forwards upon this errand, and at last it was agreed that they should receive 100,000 dirhams. When this sum was sent to them they brought the head and the son of Ahmad to Tilak, who having obtained his object returned to Lahore to complete his arrangements for the management of the country, and then to hasten to Court with all expedition, God willing.

The Amir ordered congratulatory answers to be written, expressed his obligations to Tilak and the others, and praised them

[p.134]: for their conduct. He sent the couriers back, and ordered Tilak to come to Court with the head and the son of Ahmad Nialtigin.

Such is the end of the perfidious and disobedient ! From the time of Adam (peace be with him!) to this day, it has so happened that no servant has rebelled against his master who has not lost his head ; and since it is written in books, there is no occasion to make a long story about it.

The Amir wrote letters on this subject to his nobles and officers, and despatched messengers to different parts of the country to proclaim this very great victory.¹

The Amir arrived at Hirat on Thursday, the middle of Zi-1 hijja.

*****

Reference to Jats in Kamilu-t Tawarikh of Ibn Asir

The Kamilu-t Tawarikh enjoys a very high reputation, and has been much used and quoted both in Asia and Europe. Ibn Khaldun borrowed largely from it, and it has been drawn upon by Ockley for his History of the Saracens, by Malcolm for the History of Persia, and by Weil for his Geschichte der Chalifen. The narrative is very clear and succinct, but the work, from its great range, is very voluminous. It contains a few brief notices of the Jats in the second and third centuries of the Hijra, and it also gives some interesting details of the Arab occupation of Sind,...^[2]

Hijra 219. A.D. 834. — War against the Jats

[p.247]: In the month of Jumada-l akhir, Al M'utasim sent 'Ajif bin 'Isa to fight against the Jats, who had seized upon the roads of Hajar, and had plundered the corn which was in the stacks of Kaskar, and in the stores of the towns. They spread terror over the roads, and planted posts in all directions towards the desert. At the news of the approach of Ajif they retired. Ajif marched to below Wásit and there took post on the river Bardád and Anhárá. Then they retreated and entered another place, but the roads baffled them. Ajif then forced 1,500 of them to fight, and killed on the field of battle 300 men. Their leaders he made prisoners, and sent the chief to the gate of M'utasim. Ajif was engaged against the Jats twenty-five days, and vanquished a great many of them. The chief of the Jats was Muhammad bin 'Usman, and the commander was Samlu. Ajif then took up a position, and remained opposed to them seven mouths. Mansur bin Bassdm was at Musal.^[3]

Hijra 220. A.D. 835.— Defeat of the Jats by Ajif.

In this year Ajif came to Baghdad from his expedition against the Jats, after having defeated and killed many of them. The remnant was compelled to ask quarter, which was conceded to them. They then marched away with him in Zi'l hijja, 219 (834 A.D.) and their number, including women and children, was twenty-seven thousand. The fighting men among them were twelve thousand. Ajif placed his conquered foes in boats, and sent them dressed as they had appeared in battle, with their trumpets, to Baghdad. They reached that city on the tenth Muharram, 220. They proceeded in boats to the Shammásiya (suburb of Baghdad). The Jats were accoutred as for battle, and were blowing their horns And Azif gave to each of his men two dinars (as a present). The Jats stayed on board their ships three days, and were then handed over to Bishr ibnu-s Samaida', who conveyed them to Khanikin. Thence they were removed to the (northern)

[p. 248]: frontier to 'Ain-zarba, and the Byzantines made a raid upon them and not one of them escaped. ^[4]

Seventeenth Expedition of Mahmud of Ghazni against Jats of Jud. A.H. 417

The history of India : as told by its own historians. Volume II/Note D. — Mahmud's Expeditions to India (pp.477-478) provides us following information:

[p.477]: This expedition is also recorded only by the later authorities, but the attack upon the Jats is not in itself improbable, though some of its attendant circumstances are. It is probable that, on the dissolution of the kingdom of Lahore, the Jats of the Jud hills acquired considerable power, and by predatory incursions were able to harry their neighbours. Their advance so far from their own country to attack the Muhammadan army, and the strength of the force with which they opposed it, show that they possessed no inconsiderable power. Prom a passage quoted by M. Reinaud from the Kamilu-t Tawarikh, (416 H.), it appears that they had invaded the principality of Mansura and had forced the Musulman Amir to abjure his religion.^ It does not quite appear what particular portion of the hilly country is here meant, but most probably the Salt range, on the part nearest to Multan. The Jats have now moved further to the north and east, but some of their clans point to the Salt range as their original seats.

The chief improbability, and it is almost insurmountable, consists in Mahmud's being able to organise a powerful fleet of fourteen hundred boats at Multan, and in being opposed by at least four thousand boats manned by mountaineers. Even in a time of the briskest trade, fourteen hundred boats could not be collected in all the rivers of the Panjab. It is also remarkable that Mahmud should choose to fight at all on the river, when his veteran troops would have been so much more effective on land than on water. If he could have equipped so large a fleet on a sudden emergency, it adds to the surprise which Elphinstone invites us to entertain, that Mahmud. neither in going to or returning from Somnat availed himself of the Indus. On his return, however, he does seem to have come for some way on the banks of the Indus.

As the year 417 H. began on the 22nd Feb., 1026, there was ample time for Mahmud to have returned to Ghazni in order to escape the heats and rains of Hindustan, and return again to Multan before the Ghazni winter, all within the same year.

The following account is taken from Nizamu-d din Ahmad : —

" In the same year (417 H.), the Sultan, with a view to punish the Jats, who had molested his army on his return from Somnat, led a

1 Memoire sur l'Inde, p. 272.

[p.478]: large force towards Multan, and when he arrived there he ordered fourteen hundred boats to be built, each of which was armed with three firm iron spikes, projecting one from the prow and two from the sides, so that anything which came in contact with them would infallibly be destroyed.¹ In each boat were twenty archers, with bows and arrows, grenades,² and naphtha ; and in this way they proceeded to attack the Jats, who having intelligence of the armament, sent their families into the islands and prepared themselves for the conflict. They launched, according to some, four, and according to others, eight thousand boats, manned and armed, ready to engage the Muhammadans. Both fleets met, and a desperate conflict ensued. Every boat of the Jats that approached the Moslem fleet, when it received the shock of the projecting spikes, was broken and overturned. Thus most of the Jats were drowned, and those who were not so destroyed were put to the sword.³ The Sultan's army proceeded to the places where their families were concealed, and took them all prisoners. The Sultan then returned victorious to Ghaznin." — Tabakat-i Akbari.

Ref - The history of India : as told by its own historians. Volume II/Note D. — Mahmud's Expeditions to India, by Sir H. M. Elliot Edited by John Dowson, 1867, Volume II: To the Year A.D. 1260

References