'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOLUME I' [‎159v] (325/820)

298
KAJ—KAJ
power was very great, marched with his tribe, who were numerous, towards
Tehran, and assumed the insignia and titles of royalty. Baba Khan
advanced towards Kazvin to meet him ; and an action was fought, in which
Shad! Khan *vas defeated. After this action that nobleman, ashamed of
his conduct, threw himself on the king’s clemency, who not only pardoned
him, but took him into favour.
“ Isma’il Khalil Khan, of Shisheh, observing this clement disposition in
the young monarch, sent the corpse of Aqa Muhammad in great pomp,
and supplicated pardon for his past conduct. Baba Khan accepted his
submission, and had the body of his uncle conveyed in great state to be
interred at the holy Najaf.
‘ ‘ The Yali of Georgia also addressed a letter of allegiance and submis
sion, which was graciously received. The king gave strict orders for the
apprehension of his uncle’s murderers, all of whom were taken and put
to death.
“ Haji Ibrahim continued in the office of Vazir ; and all the’ZJwara
in the stations they had before held. This conduct diffused confidence
through all ranks, and the country began to assume the most promising
aspects. This peace was disturbed by the rebellion of Husain Quli Khan,
the king’s brother. That prince, who was governor of Fars, instigated
by restless and ambitious men, assumed the rank of sovereign and made
preparations to oppose his brother.
“ One of his first actions was to take Bushire, which he easily effect
ed ; the Shaikh and all the chief inhabitants making their escape in
boats. He next advanced to meet the king, who was approaching from
Tehran. When the armies were drawn out opposite to each other, and
an engagement was expected to begin every moment, Husain ’ Quli
Khan, to the utter astonishment of his troops, rode off towards his
brother’s line, attended by a single horseman. The moment he came
near, he alighted and kissed his stirrup. Baba Khan dismounted and
embraced him ; and a complete reconciliation took place. It is said
this was chiefly effected by their mother, who was almost distracted at the
difference that had arisen between them. The king took Husain Quli
Khan to court, and bestowed the government of Fars on Muhammad ’AH
Khan Kajar.
“ In 1799 A. D. the king marched to Khorasan ; but on account of the
1799 A. D. protracted siege of ^Nishapur, the disaffection of
of the principal chiefs, and a scarcity of
provisions, he was obliged to return without effecting anything of con
sequence. After his return from the Khorasan expedition he removed
Muhammad ’All from the government of Fars on account of his oppress
ing the poor, and appointed the prince Husain ’All Mirza to that high
station. He then sent another of his sons into Armenia, and one to
Isfahan.”
The above is extracted from Sir John Malcolm’s “ Memoirs of the
Kajirs.” From the date of the succession of Fath ’All Shah till now
the crown of Persia has remained in the hands of the Kajars.