The Institutes of Akbar 256.4

256.4

In the greatest disorder the Imperialists reached the next station, when the mere rumour of an approach of the Afgháns dispersed the soldiers. In the darkness of night most of them lost their way, and several detachments entered the valleys occupied by the Afghans. The enemies being engaged in plundering, they were at first safe; but next day they were all cut off. This was the occasion when Bir Bar with 500 officers fell (vide p. 204). In the 31st year (994), Z. Kh. operated successfully against the Mahmands and Ghoris near Pesháwar, who under their chief Jalaluddin Raushání had committed numerous predations. In the next year, Z. Kh. was made governor of Zábulistán vice Mán Singh, and moved, in the 33rd year, against the Yusufzais. After eight months’ fighting, they submitted, but Z. Kh. insisted on occupying their territory. He followed the same policy as before, and erected a large Fort on the banks of the river Bajgorah, where their district commences. During the festival of the "‘Id-i Qurbáni” (Baqr ‘Íd, in Zí Hajjah), he surprised the Afgháns, and took possession of the whole district, erecting a fort wherever he thought necessary, and leaving in each a sufficient number of soldiers. (Vide No. 46.)