Note 20 — INTRODUCTION.

Under the Early Viceroys, 1297–1403.On conquering Gujarát in a.d. 1297 the Musalmáns found the country in disorder. The last kings of Aṇahilapur or Pátan, suffering under the defects of an incomplete title, held even their crown lands with no firmness of grasp, and had allowed the outlying territory to slip almost entirely from their control. Several of the larger and more distant rulers had resumed their independence. The Bhíls and Kolis of the hills, forests, and rough river banks were in revolt. And stranger chiefs, driven south by the Musalmán conquests in Upper India, had robbed the central power of much territory.20 The records of the early Musalmán governors (a.d. 1297–1391) show suspicion on the side of the Dehli court and disloyalty on the part of more than one viceroy, much confusion throughout the province, and little in the way of government beyond the exercise of military force. At the same time, in spite of wars and rebellions, the country, in parts at least, seems to Introduction. Condition of Gujarát, a.d. 1297–1760. have been well cultivated, and trade and manufactures to have been flourishing.21