The Institutes of Akbar 231.2

231.2

Abul Qasim, a man of imposing stature, being mistaken for Bairam, the latter stepped forward and said in a manly voice, “I am Bairam.” “No,” said Abul Qasim, “he is my attendant, and brave and faithful as he is, he wishes to sacrifice himself for me. So let him off.” Abul Qasim was then killed, and Bairam escaped to Sultan Mahmud of Gujrat. Under the pretext of sailing for Makkah, Bairam embarked at Surat for Sindh. He joined Humayun on the 7th Muharram, 950, when the Emperor, after passing through the territory of Rajah Maldeo, was pressed by the Arghuns at Jun. On the march to Persia, he proved the most faithful attendant. The King of Persia also liked him, and made him a Khan. On Humayun’s return, Bairam was sent on a mission to Prince Kamran. When Humayun marched to Kabul, he took Qandahar by force and treachery from the Qizilbashes, and making Bairam governor of the district, he informed the Shah that he had done so as Bairam was ‘a faithful servant of both.’ Subsequently rumours regarding Bairam’s duplicity reached Humayun; but when in 961, the Emperor returned to Qandahar, the rumours turned out false. The conquest of India may justly be ascribed to Bairam. He gained the battle of Machhiwarah, and received Sambhal as jagir. In 963, he was appointed ataliq (guardian) of Prince Akbar, with whom he went to the Panjab against Sikandar Khan. On Akbar's accession (2nd Rabi' II, 963) at Kalanur, he was appointed Wakil and Khan Khanan, and received the title of Khan Baba.