'Selections from the Records of the Bombay Government' [‎488] (530/733)

488
BENIYAS.
month of July 1845, together with his brother, fell victims to the revenge
of Esai bin Khalid. The latter chief, as it should seem, had long
meditated carrying this plan into effect; but, owing to a favourable
opportunity not presenting itself, deferred its perpetration until a time
when the town of Aboothabee was nearly denuded of inhabitants, who
had gone for the most part to the date groves in the neighbouring
districts ; then, considering the season had arrived for striking the blow,
he repaired to meet the unsuspecting Shaikh Khaleefa and his brother
on the beach, and after partaking of an entertainment that was spread
under the shade of a Buteel, he rose, with his sons and other accom
plices, and slew Shaikh Khaleefa and his brother. Having committed
this dastardly act, he assumed the reins of government, summoned
the heads of the tribes around, and was quickly acknowledged the
chief of the place.
Scarcely, however, had Esai bin Khalid been in power a couple of
months, ere he, an assassin, was assassinated by one Zaab bin Esai,
who, in his turn, fell a prey to the revenge of Khalid bin Esai, the son
of the murdered Esai bin Khalid.
The latter chief, who brought the scenes of bloodshed and murder to a
close, did not attempt to usurp the authority he had managed to destroy,
but " left Aboothabee, and returned to Shargah after a slight skirmish
with some people of the Beniyas." His brother, however, contrived to
get possession of the fort of Aboothabee, whence he was speedily
ejected by the Beniyas, under the command of two influential leaders,
named Mahomed bin Humeed and Rashid bin Fazil.
These chiefs declared their intention to retain the authority they had
gained until the arrival of Shaikh Syud bin Tahnoon, who was con
sidered the rightful heir to the chiefship, and had been invited to
come and assume it. In due course Shaikh Syud arrived, and finding
himself well received by the majority of the Beniyas Tribe, and also
that he was supported by the Resident, who had been studiously watch
ing the course of events, and now hastened to give all the moral aid
in his power to ensure the establishment in authority of the lawful
chief, he at once placed himself at the head of affairs, and was speedily
recognised by the whole of the Beniyas as their true and rightful chief.
Shaikh Syud bin Tahnoon had not been long installed in his new
position ere he received and accepted overtures to enter into an alliance,
offensive and defensive, with the hereditary enemy of his tribe. Shaikh
Saltan bin Suggur. How the Beniyas Chief was induced to listen to
proposals of such a nature from one bearing the name of Joasmee it is
hard to comprehend ; how he induced the people of his tribe to act in
concert with those of Shaikh Sultan is more incomprehensible still,
that he did so, however, is certain. The Beniyas and Joasmee Chiefs