people, the Talpúrs, on the murder of Mir Bijar Khan, assembled in great force at Shadadpúr, beyond Hyderabad, and proceeded to attack the seat of government. Mian Ubdúl Nubi, not thinking himself able to encounter them, fled over the mountains of Bilúchistan to Kilat, where he flung himself on the protection of Mahomed Nasir Khan Brahoi, and solicited his aid.

CHAP. XI.

Ubdúlla Khan Talpúr raises the Standard of Sovereignty. Ubdúl Nubi Kalora invades Sindh, assisted by Kilat Chief. -Kaloras defeated. — Ubdúl Nubi supported by Joudpúr Rajah - Again defeated Proceeds to Affghan Monarch — Obtains Assistance. - Talpúr Chief seeks Refuge at Omarkót. Kaloras reinstated. Chief commits outrage and is dethroned.—Mir Futteh Allí Khan Talpúr placed on the Musnud. -Kaloras again make head, assisted by the Affghan KingAgain defeated. — Zemán Shah demands arrears of Tribute. -Futteh Allí Khan defends his pretensions to the Throne of Sindh. Civil War averted. Talpúr Chief shares the Country with his three Brothers.-Title of Char Yar or Four Friends.-Character of Talpúr Chiefs.-History and Form of Government of Talpúrs.—Ismael Shah and Persian Family. Summary of Sindh History, from Mahommedan to British Conquest.

AFTER Mian Ubdúl Nubi's flight from Hyderabad, the son of Mir Bijar Khan, by name Ubdulla Khan Talpúr, with Mir Futteh Khan, nephew by the sister's side of Mir Biram Khan, deceased, and other chiefs, raised the standard of sovereignty in Sindh.

About a year after this, Mahomed Nasir Khan, the chief of Kilat, sent Mir Zohruck, his nephew, with a large body of experienced troops along with Mian Ubdúl Nubi Khan, in order to reinstate him

in his government. The whole tribe of Talpúrs, on this occasion, hastened to join the standard of Mir Ubdúlla Khan, and repaired to the field: the two armies met and fought with the greatest fury, when Mir Zohruck was killed. Mian Ubdúl Nubi fled to Joudpúr, and Mir Ubdúlla Khan returned triumphant to Hyderabad. Mian Ubdúl Nubi found on his arrival at Joudpúr, that the friendship of Maharaj Bijsing was firm and unimpaired, and therefore solicited his assistance. The Rajah kept Ubdúl Nubi with him, and sent the flower of his troops to attack the Talpúrs: Mir Ubdúlla Khan marched with his fullest force to meet them. Several days passed in cannonade and musquetry, but at length they came to a charge with the sword, which is the great test of bravery; and the Joudpúr troops, after every effort, found themselves unable to maintain the contest, and took to flight. Mian Ubdúl Nubi perceiving no hope in the present disappointed state of his affairs but from the king, repaired to his camp, and through the medium of his courtiers pressed his pitiable condition, till at last the king was induced to take was induced to take up his cause, and to order a formidable body of troops with a detachment of Brahois to be got ready under the command of Mudud Khan Sirdar and another general of Nasir Khan's detachment of Brahois. Upon the arrival of Mudud Khan in Sindh, Mir Ubdúlla Khan took refuge in the fortress of Omarkót for a short time, till, not thinking himself safe

there against an overwhelming force, he retreated still further. Mudud Khan, thinking it advisable for the general peace of the country, wrote to him and to the other elders of the Talpúr tribe, assuring them on the part of the king of forgiveness for the past, and inviting them to return to their duty and allegiance. The proposal was received with acquiescence and confidence, and according to agreement, after the departure of Mudud Khan, Mir Ubdúlla Khan and his tribe of Talpúrs returned and selected Mian Ubdúl Nubi Kalora as their lawful ruler, and took their places in the ranks of the court as his adherents.

Civil discord being thus quelled, and Mian Ubdúl Nubi again tranquilly seated on the Musnud of his ancestors, his former misfortunes should have taught him not to provoke new; but carried away by revenge or blinded by fatality, he perversely and unjustly put Mir Ubdúlla Khan Talpúr to death, three days after renewing his allegiance.

The Talpúrs on this assembled at Odahpúr, and having elected Mir Futteh Allí Khan, son of Mir Sobhdar Khan, and grandson of Mir. Biram Khan, to be their leader, repaired in great numbers and force to the attack of Mian Ubdúl Nubi; over whom they at length by bravery and perseverance completely prevailed, and obliged him to fly a second time to the Affghan throne, while Mir Futteh Allí Khan made his triumphal entry into Hyderabad. Upon a survey of his own situation, Mir Futteh

Allí was desirous of removing every object, which might immediately or eventually disturb his peace. and permanence, a disposition which was observed with alarm by his nephew Mir Sohrab Khan. The young man, therefore, upon a pretext of proceeding on a hunting expedition, left the fort of Hyderabad, and rode with all speed to Lohry town, where he fixed himself, and collected his adherents. In the same manner Mir Tarrah, the son of Mir Futteh Khan, apprehensive of designs against his person, fled privately by night, and pursuing bye-paths, after two days reached Badbán, and there settled: eventually he removed to Shah Bunder. Both of these princes, having completely possessed themselves of these places and the adjacent country, remitted a part of the revenues to the king, Timúr Shah, by their own agents, and renounced altogether the authority of Mir Futteh Allí Khan. In the meantime Ubdúl Nubi Khan was incessantly pressing his wrongs and distresses on the ear of Majesty, till the royal compassion was again moved, and a body of troops with a detachment of Brahois, the whole under the command of Ahmed Khan, a Patan noble, was ordered to march with Ubdúl Nubi Khan, and restore to him the government of Sindh. The partisans of Ubdúl Nubi Khan joined him with a large force on his entering the country. Mir Futteh Allí Khan, as soon as he heard of their arrival, took the field and procrastinated extremities for four months, till he succeeded in drawing off the Aff