Page:Gazetteer of the province of Oudh ... (IA cu31924073057345).pdf/472

 464 MAN It was of the first importance to take proper measures to protect the two strongholds of Karra and Mánikpur, whick, situated as they were on opposite sides of the river, entirely commanded its passage ; and we find in the subsequent narrative that the matter was regarded in this light, and that the government was nearly always conferred on a prince of the blood, or on some other eminent personage. The tract of country com- prised within the Karra Mánikpur command, about this time, appears to have possessed much the same limits which it did previously when under the rule of the Gharwár Chieftain, Mánik Chand, a few of the component muháls only having changed their names. Arsalún Khan and Kháli Khan, Governors of Karra Mánikpur in A.D. 1253.-We now come to the next important scene in our historical drama, The event is briefly alluded to by Elphinstone as the expedition under- taken during the reign of the literary Slave-King Nasir-ud-din against the revolted Governor of Karra Mánikpur. This event took place in the year 656 Hijri (A.D. 1253). Farishta mentions that Arsalán Khan and Khálij Khan were in command at Karra Manikpur when they raised the standard of revolt. King Násir-ud-din came down in person and called upon them to surrender. The rebels sent word in reply that if the king pledged his word that they should not be punished they would attend his presence. The king furnished the requisite pledge, and forthwith the delinquents appeared before him. Arsalán Khan was then deputed to the rulership of Lakhnauti,* and Khalij Khan to Koh Paya in the Sawalik range. It is not stated, however, who these two worthies were, or whether they exercised a joint or independent command. I am inclined to the latter view and to the opinion that Khalij Khan as probable ruler of Mánikpur was a Dámgháni. His removal was no doubt prompted by cogent political reasons, as the sect was fast becoming a powerful and influential one. Who succeeded him and his ally at Karra we are not informed, Revolt of Malik Jháju, Governor of Karra Manikpur.- From this time, however, it appears that the two commands were united in one, and having regard to the position of Malik Jhaju and Alá-ud-dín, both nephews sovereigns, it is clear that the new command was not only one of great political and strategic importance, but was held in high estimation, and a coveted post. Early in the reign of the septuagenarian king, Jalál-ud-dín, Malik Jháju, nephew of the despicable Ghayás-ud-dín Balban, was Gover- nor of Karra. At this period Amir Ali, also styled Hátim Khan, and who had previously held the post of " Mír Jámdár," or controller of the royal household, was Governor of Oudh, Supported by the latter, Malik Jháju ordered coins to be struck in bis own name, styling himself Moghís-ud-din, and assumed the emblems of Royalty. Soon after, being "joined by all the adherents of the house of Balban," he commenced his march towards Delhi. Hearing of these proceedings, the king despatched his second son, Araq Ali Khau, to oppose him. A pitched battle took place, which resulted in Malik Jháju and his principal officers being all made prisoners. “Dis- playing his usual clemency, in the words of Elphinstone, the king imme-
 * Now known as Tanda in the Fyzabad district.