Page:Historic Landmarks of the Deccan.djvu/50

38 arrears of tribute, into Ahmadnagar territory. Ahmad Nizam Shah, hearing of Mahniud's approach, left Daulatabad and returned to Ahmad- nagar, and Sharaf-ud-din, reheved from his apprehensions, had the khutba read in Mahmud Shah's name in the mosque of Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah at Daulatabad, and then hastened to join the invader, taking with him valuable presents. Mahmud Shah accepted the presents and re- turned to his own country, leaving only 3,000 Gujarati horse with Sharaf-ud-din, who returned with his reinforcement to Daulatabad, whither he was immediately followed by Ahmad Nizam Shah. The reading of the khutba in the name of Mahmud Shah of Gujarat tiad greatly offended the Daulatabad garrison, which now secretly proffered its allegiance to Ahmad Nizam Shah. Ahmad received the message while he was halting on the Godavari and at once pressed on with two or three thousand light horse to Daulatabad. Sharaf-ud-din at length realised that resistance was hopeless, aud turned his face to the wall. According to one account he died of chagrin and vexation, and according to others he took poison.* Thus in 1500 Ahmad Nizam Shah took possession of the fortress, which formed part of the Ahmadnagar kingdom as long as the Nizam Shahi dynasty lasted. Ahmad then had the fort put into a state of thorough repair and returned in triumph to Ahmadnagar.

In 1540 Burhan Nizam Shah, the son and successor of Ahmad, taking advantage of the confusion prevailing in Bijapur, entered into an alliance with Amir Ali Barid of Bidar, with whom he invaded the territories of Bijapur. The invaders were at first successful, but Ibrahim Adil Shah sought help from Ala-ud-din Imad Shah of Berar who, following the almost invariable policy of the lesser Sultans of the Deccan, the object of which was the preservation of the balance of power, responded to the call. Ibrahim was at the same time joined by his nobles and veniured to take the offensive. Burhan and Amir Ali Barid were defeated and driven northwards through the Bidar domin- ions, and as far as Ahmadnagar. Not venturing to halt even here, they fled to Daulatabad. Here Amir Ali Barid died in 1542, and Burhan, being reduced to extremities, was forced to make peace and to restore

l^rpthers making- Sharaf-ud-din Ww ckin and Vajih-ud-din tin- yo.inm-r, and the fratricide
 * Khafi Khan in the Mtutlo hnh-nl-L-dmh (Vol. III.) transp(v«'s th.e nam?softhe