The Institutes of Akbar 315.2

315.2

Bir Bar spent his time chiefly at Court. In the 31st year, Zain Khán Kokah marched against the Yúsufzais in Bijor and Sawád; and as he had to ask for reinforcements, Bir Bar was sent there together with Hakím Abul Fath (No. 112). It is said that Akbar determined by lot whether Abulfazl or Bir Bar should go, and the lot fell on the latter, much against Akbar’s wish. The result of this campaign has been related above (pp. 204, 344). Bir Bar and nearly 8000 Imperialists were killed during the retreat—the severest defeat which Akbar’s army ever suffered. How Akbar felt Bir Bar’s loss, has been mentioned on p. 205. There is also a letter on this subject in Abulfazl’s Maktúbát. The following passages from Badáoní (Ed. Bibl. Ind., pp. 357, 358) are of interest—