'Aziz Khammar

(?-1345)

   One of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's Indian servitors who were stigmatized by Ziya' Barani as low-born. Barani identifies him as a wine merchant (khammar). In his early career, 'Aziz worked as the revenue collector of Amroha, in which capacity he is reported to have oppressed the people and also antagonized military leaders stationed there. In 1344, 'Aziz was appointed as the governor of Dhar, which was one of four newly created smaller provinces (shiqs) in the Deccan. On his arrival at Dhar, 'Aziz executed 80 amiran-i sada with the aim of imposing strict discipline in the army, which provoked a rebellion of nobles in the Deccan. When this news reached Gujarat, the amiran-i sada stationed there revolted and routed the deputy governor of the province. 'Aziz Khammar, who proceeded to Gujarat to confront the rebels, was captured and put to death by them (1345).