The eighteenth century in Indian history is a century of change, of transition. It marks the decline and fall of the great Mughal empire, the short-lived expansionism of the Marathas and finally the establishment of Pax Brittanica by the beginning of the nineteenth century. In marked contrast to eastern India, where the occupation of Bengal led to rapid expansion of English power, the Marathas remained dominant in western India till the very end of the eighteenth century. In Gujarat, after the fall of Ahmedabad to the Marathas in 1758 and of Surat, to the English in 1759, conflict developed first between the Gaekwads and the Peshwa and then the English. In south Gujarat, Broach being the only surviving relic of the Mughals naturally attracted the attention of the contenders.
"The Tragedy of Broach", as the editors of the English documents pertaining to this transaction, entitled this episode, has been known to us so far mainly by the English version alone. The author of the "Tragic Tale" was the Mir Munshi, the personal secretary of the Nawab, in attendance on him, and he gives the other side of the story. The work portrays the internal history of Broach in this crisis, and presents from a different angle the policies and attitudes of the Indian allies of the English, their mutual jealousies and rivalry especially in Surat where the English had been the de facto rulers since 1759. The Qissa-i-Ghamgin has also literary value. It is one of the earliest metrical compositions in Urdu written in Gujarat and reflects the spoken form of this language in this region, in this age. It may claim to be one of the early masnawis in Urdu and thus to prove valuable to both linguists and literatures. This is the second of the series of historical texts which have been published under the research scheme, History of Gujarat under the Muslims ", the first being, the massive Persian history of the Sultans of Gujarat, the "Mirat-i Sikandari" of Sikandar bin Manjhu, published nearly a decade ago. The preparation and editing of historical works is one of the foundations which are vital for the study of history. The history of Gujarat in the medieval age, both before and after the Mughals, is rich in this material. Critical editions of valuable texts like the one before us are therefore to be welcomed.
The present work is a part of a series being prepared by the Department of History, The M. S. University of Baroda, under which original texts relating to the history of medieval Gujarat, are to be edited and published. The first of these works, the Mirat-i-Sikandari of Sikandar bin Manjhu was published in 1961. This work is the next in the series. Another work the Tarikh-i-Mahmud Shahi, belonging to the reign of Sultan Mahmud Begada is almost ready for publication. It is a happy privilege to take this opportunity to express "cordial thanks to everyone who has helped in the consummation of the present task," to quote the words used nearly eleven years ago, in the acknowledgement of the Mirat-i Sikandari. As had also been stated in that work, that to the authorities of the M. S. University, the debt is great. "The M. S. University of Baroda", to repeat that statement again, "has always had a policy of encouraging research work; and without their appreciative, liberal and patient attitude, the Editors would never have been to complete the work".
The Justice N. K. Vakil, Vice-Chancellor, The M. S. University of Baroda, the Editor owes a special debt for having contributed a perceptive Foreword to this work. Justice Vakil's interest in research, especially in Humanities is informed with a spirit of liberal inquiry, a great help to the workers in these fields. Equally keen is the interest of Professor P. J. Madan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, The M. S. University of Baroda, who has helped the Department and its research work at every step. The Editor has had the benefit of many a discussions with his friend and colleague, Professor R. N. Mehta, Head, Department of Archaeology and Ancient History, and Dean, Faculty of Arts. Likewise, Dr. Shantilal K. Desai, his colleague in the Department of History and Dr. S. W. Ashraf of the Depart ment of Persian provided unstinted help in discussion, checking and proof read ing. Dr. Ashraf also prepared the Urdu cover page. Shri M. M. Patel of the Department of History, helped in proof correction. To all of them, thanks. To the two Persian Assistants who have worked under the Research project under which these works were prepared, the Editor owes a great deal. Shri S.A. H. Bukhari, a gentleman of the old school scrutinised the two manuscripts with particular care during his stay in the Department (1966-1970). He was Shri J. M. Naqvi who succeeded him (1970-72) was largely concerned with severe on metrical deficiencies and went through the text with a fine tooth comb. proof correction; he also made several useful suggestions.
In Bharuch, unstinting assistance was freely provided, particularly by al-haj Gulamnabi Shaikh, from whom the earliest text of the Qissa had been secured. Shri Shaikh, knowledgeable about Bharuch and its history, gave the Editor, the advantage of his knowledge, in discussion and in location research during visits to Bharuch. To him and to the library authorities in Bharuch, the Editor owes the loan of Shri G. H. Desai's, History of Bharuch, a rare work now. To late Kazi Saiyyid Nuruddin Husain Shirazi, the Editor would like to pay a special tribute. He provided the second manuscript of the Qissa; until he passed away in 1962, much before the present work was undertaken, he was free and liberal both in his discussions and in his hospitality. Finally, the thanks of the Editor are due to each and everyone, not mentioned here by name who has had something to do with this work. Credit, wherever due, goes largely to these willing colleagues; for all the faults and shortcomings, it is the Editor, who alone is responsible.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
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