Mubarak Shah (1399–1402): Important Jaunpur Sultanate Ruler
Introduction
In 1399, Malik Mubarak Qaranful, Malik Sarwar's adopted son, assumed the kingdom. On assuming the throne, he took the name Sultan Mubarak Shah. Malik Sarwar was supported by the aristocracy. After assuming control in 1399, he struck coins bearing his own name and had the Khutba recited in his honor. During his rule, Mallu Iqbal made an effort to take back Jaunpur but was unsuccessful. His younger brother Ibrahim, who now went by the name Shams-ud-Din Ibrahim Shah, succeeded him after he passed away in 1402.
Mubarak Shah's History
• Mubarak Shah's origin or lineage is unknown to us.
• His true title, according to some Persian chronicles like Nizam-ud Din, was "Qaranful," which translates to "dark-colored clove."
• The Sharqi rulers, according to Sir Wolseley Haig and R.C. Majumdar, were descended from African kings and Mubarak Shah was an Abyssinian slave.
• Some claim that the Arabic phrase for beauty in classical poetry is "qaranful."
• Due to his pallor, his adoptive father Malik Sarwar may have referred to him as "Qaranful."
• Because he was a nephew or other related of Khizar Khan, the son of Malik Sulaiman, the creator of Delhi's Sayyid Dynasty, Yahya bin Ahmad Sirhindi claimed he was a Sayyid.
Shah Mubarak's Reign
• Jaunpur Nama claims that during his lifetime, Malik Sarwar gave Mubarak Shah the title of Malik-ush Sharq and appointed him to oversee the operations of the central administration.
• He was also sent to fight the Bengali king.
• When Timur pushed into Delhi and Mahmud Tughluq fled to Gujarat, Mallu Iqbal defeated his rivals, particularly Nusrat Shah Tughluq, and took control of Delhi.
• As soon as Mallu Iqbal was informed of Malik Sarwar's passing and Mubarak Shah's ascension to power, he swarmed Jaunpur.
• With the aid of Shams Khan, the muqta or governor of Bayana, Mubarak Khan, and Bahadur Nahar of Mewat, Mallu Iqbal, the pretender of the Delhi throne, went out to conquer Jaunpur in 1400.
• The zamindars of that region, led by Rai Sir, who were loyal to Sultan Mubarak Shah, resisted them when they arrived at the banks of the Ab-i Siyah or Kali Nadi River close to Patiala. A fierce battle ensued, in which the Mubarak Shah Sharqi's troops were routed and chased up to Etawah.
• After marching to Qannauj, Mallu Iqbal set up camp along the banks of the Ganges.
• On the other hand, Sultan Mubarak Sharqi marched to the other side of Mallu Iqbal's camp with a sizable force of Rajputs, Afghans, Mughals, and Tajiks.
• For two months, the two forces stayed in close proximity.
• They eventually retreated without using any force to their own capital cities. This was the first time the Delhi Sultan had entered Jaunpur.
• Nizam-ud-Din, Farishta, and Khairuddin Muhammad mentioned a second Mahmud Tughluq and Mallu Iqbal invasion of Jaunpur when Amir Timur fled India and Mahmud Tughluq arrived in Delhi from his refuge in Gujarat and Malwa.
• Sultan Mubarak Sharqi is said to have died en route to the enemy camp after leading his army out to meet the enemy.
• He held the position for around three years.
• Although no coins bearing his name have been found so far, he is supposed to have produced them.
Conclusion
Sultan Mubarak Shah came to power in 1399 and reigned for only three years. 'Qaranful' was the name by which he was referred to. During his rule, Mallu Iqbal made an effort to take back Jaunpur but was unsuccessful. Sultan Mubarak Sharqi was travelling with his army to confront the enemy when Mahmud Tughluq launched his second invasion of Jaunpur, and he passed away in the middle of the journey. Ibrahim Shah, his younger brother, took over for him.