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The Akbarī Generations 1: HAZRAT KHAKAN-I SA'ID MUHAMMAD HUMAYUN SHAH, SON OF BABAR SHAH GHAZI.

Tabakát-i Akbarí of Nizámu-d dín Ahmad (extracts) 1

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English

Contents

HAZRAT KHAKAN-I SA'ID MUHAMMAD HUMAYUN SHAH, SON OF BABAR SHAH GHAZI.

1.1.1

When the Emperor Babar departed from this fleeting world at Agra for his everlasting abode in Paradise, Muhammad Mukim Harawi, father of the author of this history, was one of the officials of his late Majesty, and had been promoted to the position of diwan of the household. Amir Nizamu-d din 'Ali Khalifa was chief administrator of the State, and in consequence of some things which had occurred in the course of worldly business, he had a dread and suspicion of the young Prince Humayun, and was unfriendly to his succession. And if he was not content with the accession of the eldest son, neither was he favourable to the promotion of the younger. Mahdi Khwaja was son-in-law of the late Emperor, and was a generous and liberal young man. He was very friendly with Mir Khalifa, who had promised to raise him to the throne. This fact became generally known, and several of the nobles took part with Mahdi Khwaja. He also fell in with the idea, and began to assume kingly airs. It happened that one day Mir Khalifa went to see Mahdi Khwaja, who was in his pavilion. Mir Khalifa and Muhammad Mukim, the father of the author, were the only persons present with the Khwaja. When the Mir had sat for a moment, his late Majesty, in the pangs of his disease, sent for him. After he had gone, Mahdi Khwaja continued standing in the pavilion, and the author's father remained standing with due respect behind him.

1.1.2

The Mahdi was considered to be a man of suspicious temperament, and being unaware of my father's presence, when Mir Khalifa had gone, he stroked his beard, and said to himself, "Please God, I will flay thee!" As soon as he had said this, he perceived my father, and being greatly moved he took him by the ear, and said, "O Tájik, the red tongue uses its sharp point to no purpose." My father took leave and departed. He went with all haste to Mir Khalifa, and said, "Notwithstanding the existence of such intelligent princes as Muhammad Humayun Mirza and his brothers, you have shut your eyes against loyalty, and desire to transfer the sovereignty to another house; the end of all this will be this." He then told him what Mahdi Khwája had said. Mir Khalifa instantly sent off to fetch Prince Humayun, and he sent an officer to Mahdi Khwája with an order in His Majesty's name, directing him to retire to his house. The officers hastened to the Khwája, who was just about to sit down to dinner, and without any ceremony sent him off to his house. Mir Khalifa then issued a proclamation that no one was to visit or hold communication with Mahdi Khwaja, and that he was not to attend the darbár.

1.1.3

On the death of the Emperor Bábar, Prince Humáyún, who arrived from Sambal, ascended the throne at Agra, with the support of Amir Nizámu-d din 'Ali Khalifa, on the 9th Jumada-l awwal, 937 H. (29th January, 1530). The date of his accession is found in the words Khairu-l mulúk. The officers expressed their devotion, and the chiefs and nobles were treated with great kindness. The mansabs and offices which were held under the late sovereign were confirmed, and the royal favour made every one happy and content. On the same day Mirza Hindál arrived from Badakhshán, and was received with great kindness. He was gratified with the grant of two of the treasures (do khazána) of former kings, and as the gold was divided by coffers (kishti), the date was found in the words kishti-zar. The territories were then divided. Mirza Hindal received the district of Mewat in jagir. The Panjab, Kabul, and Kandahar were settled as the jagir of Mirza Kamran. Sambal was given to Mirza 'Askari. Every one of the amirs also received an increase of his jagir.

1.1.4

After arranging the affairs of the State, His Majesty proceeded to Kalinjar, the Raja of which place expressed his fealty, and ranged himself among the supporters of the throne. In those days Sultan Mahmud, son of Sultan Sikandar Lodi, with the assistance of Baban Bayazid, and the Afghan nobles, had raised the standard of opposition, and had taken possession of Jaunpur and its dependencies. Humayun now marched to subdue him, and having achieved successes, he returned victorious to Agra. There he held a great festival, and all the nobles and chiefs were honoured with robes and Arab horses. It is said that 12,000 persons received robes at that feast, and 2000 of them were presented with outer garments of gold brocade with gilt buttons.

1.1.5

At this time Muhammad Zaman Mirza, son of Badi'u-z Zaman Mirza, son of Sultan Husain Mirza Baikara, who had originally come from Balkh to seek a refuge with his late Majesty, now set himself up in opposition, but he was taken prisoner, and was sent as a warning for rebels to the fort of Bayana, and in the custody of Yadgar Taghai. An order was given to deprive him of sight, but the servants of Yadgar Beg saved the pupils of his eyes from the effects of the operation. After a short time he made his escape, and fled to Sultan Bahadur of Gujarat. About the same time Muhammad Sultan Mirza, with his two sons Ulugh Mirza and Shah Mirza, went off to Kanauj, and there raised a rebellion. His Majesty sent a person with letters to Sultan Bahadur of Gujarat, demanding the surrender of Muhammad Zaman Mirza, to which he returned a haughty refusal, and then showed signs of rebellion and resistance. This excited the anger of the Emperor, and he resolved to march against Gujarat and chastise Sultan Bahadur. He proceeded to Gwalior, and there passed two months in making excursions and hunting.

1.1.6

At this time Sultan Bahadur had marched with the forces of Gujarat and Malwa to besiege the fort of Chitor, and was carrying on war against Rana Sanka. He had sent Tatar Khan Lodi, one of his chief nobles and a very brave officer, to effect the conquest of the fort of Bayana and the dependent territory. Having reduced the fortress, he threatened Agra, whereupon the Emperor sent Prince Hindal against him. On learning the approach of the Prince, the greater part of Tatar Khan's forces deserted him and dispersed. With 300 men who remained he advanced against the Prince, and made a fierce onslaught upon the Prince's own division, in which he and every one of his followers perished. Bayana and its dependencies then reverted to the possession of the Emperor. When Sultan Bahadur heard of this, he was greatly alarmed and confounded. The Emperor being determined to chastise still further his enemy, he marched from Agra, and at the same period Sultan Bahadur laid siege a second time to Chitor. [Victory of Prince Kamran at Kandahar.]

1.1.7

When Sultan Bahadur was informed of the march of the Emperor, he held a council of war. Many of the officers advised the raising of the siege, but Sadr Khan, who was the chief of his nobles, observed that they were warring against infidels, and that if a sovereign of Musulmans were to attack them while so engaged, he would in effect assist the infidels, and this would remain a reproach against him among Musulmans until the Day of Judgment. He therefore advised the continuance of the siege, and would not believe that the Emperor would attack them. When the Emperor had passed through Málwa, and had come to Sárangpur, he was informed of this; so he rested there. Sultán Bahádur carried on the siege of Chitor at his ease, and finally took it by storm, and secured an immense booty. In celebration of the victory, he gave a great feast, and divided the spoil among his soldiers. Then he turned his front towards the Imperial army.

1.1.8

When the Emperor heard this, he marched forward, and the two armies faced each other at Mandisor, one of the dependencies of Málwa. The tents were hardly pitched, when Saiyid 'Alí Khán and Khurásán Khán, who commanded Sultán Bahádur's advanced guard, were defeated by the royal forces, and fell back upon their main body. The army of Gujarát was greatly dispirited, and the Sultán called a council of war. Sadr Khán advised giving battle on the morrow, as the troops were elated by the conquest of Chitor, and their eyes had not yet been seared by the sight of the Mughals. Rúmí Khán, who commanded the artillery, was adverse to a pitched battle, because the guns [top) and rockets (tufang) were of little use (in the field). They were very strong in artillery, and except the Emperor of Rúm, no other potentate could equal them. He therefore counselled the entrenching of the army and the carrying on of warfare daily. If the Mughals advanced, they might be met with a discharge of the guns and rockets and a large number of them would be killed. Sultán Bahádur acquiesced in this view, and ordered an entrenchment to be formed round his camp.

1.2.1

For two months the two armies remained confronting each other. Frequently during the day brave men desirous of fame sallied out in search of adventures; but the Mughal soldiers seldom ventured within range of the guns and rockets. Then the Emperor posted his troops around the position of the enemy to cut off his supplies of grain and fodder and fuel. These dispositions caused a famine to ensue in the enemy's camp. Grain was not to be procured, the grass all around was consumed, and the imperfectly armed Gujaratis, through fear of the arrows, dared not venture far from the camp. The horses and animals and many men perished from want, and the army was dismounted. When Sultan Bahadur perceived that if he remained longer he would be taken prisoner, he went off by the rear of his pavilion and fled towards Mandu with five of his most trusty adherents, one of whom was governor of Burhanpur, and the other was Kadir Shah, governor of Malwa. When his men heard of his escape, they took to flight. The date of this event is found in the words Zill Bahadur.

1.2.2

On the Emperor being informed of the flight of his enemy, he mounted and went off in pursuit. Having come up with Sadr Khan, who was retreating with a body of men towards Mandu, he made an attack upon him, thinking that it was Sultan Bahadur himself. He had not with him more than 3000 men, for the rest were engaged in plundering. Many of the Gujaratis were slain. His Majesty hastened on to Mandu, and Sultan Bahadur was besieged in the fort. The siege was carried on for some days, till one night a party of the royal army scaled the walls and got into the fort. Sultan Bahadur was asleep when the alarm was raised. A general panic followed, and the Gujaratis took to flight. Sultan Bahadur made off with five or six horsemen towards Gujarat, and Sadr Khan and Sultan 'Alam (Lodi) threw themselves into the fort of Sungar, which is the citadel of Mandu. Next day they came out, and were conducted to the presence of the Emperor. They were both wounded. Sadr Khan was placed in confinement, and an order was given for cutting off the foot of Sultan 'Alam. Three days after, the Emperor left the fort and marched on towards Gujarat. Sultan Bahadur had much treasure and many jewels in the fort of Champanir, and these he carried off with him to Ahmadabad. When the Emperor left Champanir and marched towards Ahmadabad, Sultan Bahadur again took flight, and proceeded towards Kambayat (Kambay). The city of Ahmadabad fell into the hands of the Mughals, and being plundered yielded enormous spoil.

1.2.3

The Emperor again started off with all speed in pursuit of Sultan Bahadur. When the latter reached Kambay, he hastily exchanged his tired horses for fresh ones, and hurried off to the port of (Diu). The Emperor reached Kambay on the evening of the day in which the fugitive had quitted it. Next day, a person came forward in a friendly way and gave information that the inhabitants of the neighbourhood were that night going to make a nocturnal attack upon the pursuers. The Emperor questioned him as to his motive for giving this information. He replied, that his son was a prisoner in the hands of the victors, and he was in hopes, if the Emperor was successful, that he might obtain freedom for him. The Emperor passed the night in the greatest watchfulness, and when it was near dawn, 5000 or 6000 footmen made an attack upon the royal forces. The men were on the alert, and came out of their tents and assembled outside the camp. What was left in the camp was plundered. When the morning dawned, the Mughals fell upon the Gujaratis on all sides, and put many of them to the sword.

1.2.4

Jam Firoz, formerly ruler of Tatta, having been defeated by the Arghuns, had fled to Gujarat. He had given his daughter to Sultan Bahadur. When the latter was defeated, the Jam fell a prisoner into the hands of the Emperor. On the night of this attack, his guards, fearing he might escape, put him to death. Sadr Khan Gujarati, who had surrendered himself at the fort of Sungar, was also put to death on this night. Next day the Emperor marched towards Champanir, and invested the fort. Ikhtiyar Khan, the commandant of the fort, made preparations for resistance. One day the Emperor was going round the fort, when he spied a number of people who had come out of the jungle, and who, being frightened at the sight of him, fell back into the cover. He sent a party in pursuit, and captured several of them. It then appeared that, with the help of the (neighbouring) zamindars, they had conveyed grain and butter into the fort. In this place (where they had introduced the provisions) the fort was very high, perpendicular, and dangerous. But His Majesty conceived that where provisions had been passed, he also might find an entrance. He carefully examined the place, and then returned to the camp.

1.2.5

It then occurred to him that the strength of this part of the fort was such, that the garrison probably felt quite secure about it, and took little care to guard it. He had a number of steel spikes prepared. In the day he attacked the fort on all sides, and at night he repaired with 600 men to this place. They drove the spikes right and left firmly into (the scarp of the rock), and by means of them climbed up into the fort. The garrison, being quite at ease about this part of the fort, did not observe their entrance. When thirty-nine persons, the last of whom was Bairam Khan, had gone up, His Majesty also resolutely ascended. By daybreak 300 men had got in. There they found great stores of corn and butter, and other provisions, for the people of the fort. As soon as it was light, the besieging army advanced against the fort. The Emperor and his party then came down, shouting their battle-cry. On reaching the gate they opened it, and gave admission to the assailants. So this strong fortress was taken. Ikhtiyár Khán retreated into the citadel, which is called Muliya. Great numbers of the garrison were slain, and many of their wives and children cast themselves down from the walls of the fort and were killed.

1.2.6

Ikhtiyár Khán then came out of the citadel and surrendered. He held a high position among the Gujarátís, and was kindly received by the Emperor, who made him one of his personal attendants. The treasures of the Kings of Gujarát, which had been accumulating for many years, fell into the hands of the conquerors. The gold was divided among the soldiers, so much a head. The goods and stuffs of Rúm and Europe and China, and of every part of the world, which the Kings of Gujarát had treasured, all fell a prey to the victors. So vast was the amount of gold and effects that came into the possession of the soldiers, that no person attempted to collect revenue that year in Gujarát.

1.2.7

The agriculturists of the country sent a person with a message to Sultán Bahádur, to inform him that as several of the districts were not occupied by the Mughal agents, they would themselves make the proper collections, if he would send an army to protect them. Accordingly, Sultán Bahádur sent one of his slaves, 'Imádu-l Mulk, who was distinguished for courage and justice. 'Imádu-l Mulk set about collecting forces, and by the time he reached Ahmadábád many soldiers of the army and of the zamíndárs had gathered round him, to the number of about 50,000 horse and foot. He encamped within sight of Ahmadabad, and began to collect the revenue. When information of this was brought to the Emperor after the fall of Chdmpanir, he made a second large distribution of gold out of the plunder of Gujardt among the soldiers. He then placed the fort of Chdmpanir in charge of Tardi Beg, and marched towards Ahmadabad. The command of the vanguard was given to Mirza 'Askari, Mirza Yadgar Nasir, and Mir Hindu Beg, and they went on one day's march in advance. In the vicinity of Mahmudabad, which is twelve kos from Ahmadabad, 'Imadu-l Mulk attacked Mirza 'Askari, and was defeated. Many men fell on both sides.

1.2.8

The author of this work heard from his father, who was then wazir of Mirza 'Askari, that at mid-day, when it was intensely hot, the Gujaratis came hastily out of Ahmadabad. Mirza Yadgar Nasir had marched about half a kos on the right flank of Mirza Askari, and Mirza Hindu Beg had encamped at the same distance on his left. The Gujaratis came on with such speed that the Mirza had no time to array his forces, so he retired with a party of his men into a thorn brake, where he stood fast. Heedless of this disposition of the Mirza's, the Gujaratis dispersed in search of plunder, and gathered a large booty. Mirza Yadgar Nasir and Mirza Hindu Beg came up in due order with their forces, and the Gujaratis took to flight. Mirza 'Askari now came forth from the thorn brake, and pursued the Gujaratis to Ahmadabad. More than 2000 men were killed in the battle.

1.3.1

After this the Emperor bestowed Ahmadabad and its dependencies upon Mirza 'Askari in jagir, Nahrwala Patan upon Mirza Yadgar Nasir, and Broach upon Mirza Hindu Beg. Tardi Beg received Champanir, and Kasim Husain obtained Baroda. Khan-jahan Shirazi and other nobles also received grants. The Emperor proceeded after these successes to Burhanpur, and from thence to Mandu. After a time one of the nobles of Sultan Bahadur prepared a fortified position in the neighbourhood of Nausari, which is near to Surat, and proceeded to collect forces. He took possession of Nausari, and having associated Rumi Khan of Surat with Khan-jahan Shirazi, they marched against Broach. Kasim Husain, being unable to withstand them, fled to Champanir. The Gujaratis then rose and carried on offensive movements on every side.

1.3.2

One night Mirza 'Askari in a convivial party took too much wine, and giving license to his tongue, exclaimed, "I am a King, and the shadow of God." Ghazanfar, who was one of his companions, and foster-brother of Kasim Khan, said in an under-tone, "So thou art; but not for thyself." The convives smiled, and the Mirza having found out what they were laughing about, got angry, and threw Ghazanfar into prison. In a few days he made his escape, and went and joined Sultan Bahadur, whom he incited to attack Ahmadabad, assuring him that he was acquainted with all the plans of the Mughals, who were anxious to retreat, and only wanted a pretext for so doing. He advised him to make the Mirza prisoner, and march against the Mughals; and he expressed his willingness to submit to punishment if they made any real resistance. Sultan Bahadur, with the assistance of the zamindars of Surath, got together a force and marched against Ahmadabad.

1.3.3

Just at this period Amir Hindu Beg had counselled Mirza 'Askari to have the khutba recited and coin struck in his name, and to set up his claim to independence, expecting that the troops in hopes (of reward) would devote themselves to his service. Mirza 'Askari did not accept this advice. After much debate and deliberation, it was determined that Mirza 'Askari, Mirza Yadgar Nasir, Amir Hindu Beg and some other nobles should leave Ahmadabad, and form a camp in the rear of Asawal, opposite Sarganj. Sultan Bahadur also came down to Sarganj and faced his enemies. By chance a cannon ball from the camp of the Mirza knocked down the tent of Sultan Bahadur. This greatly disturbed him, and he summoned Ghazanfar to his presence, intending to bring him to punishment. Ghazanfar asked that his punishment might be postponed until the Sultan had set his army in array, for he had heard that Mirza 'Askari intended to retreat during the night. When night came Mirza 'Askari, with the approval of the amirs, retreated towards Champanir, leaving everything superfluous behind them. They halted at ten kos distance, and Sultan Bahadur pursued and came up with them. Mirza 'Askari and the amirs mounted and made a show of fighting, and then retired.

1.3.4

When they reached Champanir, Tardi Beg exhibited hostility towards them, and shutting himself up in the fort, sent a messenger to Humayun, to inform him that Mirza 'Askari had hostile intentions, and was about to march upon Agra and proclaim himself King. But before Mirza 'Askari retreated from Ahmadabad, the newswriters and reporters had communicated to the Emperor the proposition which Mir Hindu Beg had made to the Mirza for his assuming the crown, and although he had not assented thereto, they reported that he entertained hostile designs. The Emperor set off with all speed from Mandu to Agra, and was met upon the road by Mirza 'Askari, who waited upon him, and told him the facts of the matter. Sultan Bahadur obtained possession of the fort of Champanir by the capitulation of Tardi Beg. At the beginning of this year, Shah Tahmasp, in revenge of Sam Mirza, marched to Kandahar, and Kalan Beg evacuated the fort and proceeded to Lahore. It is said that Kalan Beg had built for himself a Chinese house of great elegance, and when he fled it was furnished with fine carpets and beautiful vases. This greatly pleased the Shah. Leaving Kandahar in charge of his nobles, the Shah proceeded to 'Irak. After this, Mirza Kamran marched from Lahore against Kandahar, and the Turkomans, being unable to resist him, evacuated the place and went to 'Irak. Kandahar thus once more fell into his hands.

1.3.5

The Emperor Humayun remained for a year at Agra and took his pleasure. When Sultan Bahadur was defeated, he sent away Muhammad Zaman Mirza to Hind, in order that there might be no difficulty about him, and when Mirza Kamran marched against Kandahar, Zaman Mirza laid siege to Lahore, but upon hearing of the Emperor's return, he went back again to Gujarat. Sher Khan Afghan, who had got possession of the provinces of Bihar and Jaunpur and the fort of Chunar, greatly increased his power and forces while the Emperor was engaged in Gujarat and Malwa. To curb his proceedings, the Emperor marched against him on the 14th Safar, 942 H. (12th August, 1535). When he pitched his tents before the fort of Chunar, Rumi Khan, who had quitted the service of Sultan Bahadur, and had been received into that of the Emperor, undertook the reduction of the fortress. He received full authority to do whatever he deemed necessary for the capture of the place, and every assistance was to be given to him. Rumi Khan reconnoitered the fortress, and found that every part of the place which abutted on the land was exceedingly strong and quite impregnable. He therefore turned his attention to the river, and prepared a large vessel on which he began to build a scaffold. When the structure was finished, he found that the vessel would not carry it, so he had two other vessels lashed one on each side of it. Still they were insufficient to convey the scaffold.

1.3.6

The help of another vessel was obtained, and the scaffold being now movable, it was brought close up to the fort, and the place was captured. When the officers of the garrison saw that the place was no longer tenable, they made their escape at night in boats. Rumi Khan received many rewards. The gunners of the fort were maimed by His Majesty's orders. At this time, Sher Khan Afghan was carrying on war against the ruler of Bengal, who fled wounded before him, and sought refuge with the Emperor Humayun. The Emperor then marched against Bengal. Sher Khan then sent his sons Jalal Khan and Khawas Khan to secure Garhi, which was situated on the road to Bengal. This Garhi is a strong place. On one side of it there is a high mountain and a large jungle quite insurmountable, and the river Ganges runs near to the other side. The place stands between Bihar and Bengal. The Emperor sent Jahangir Beg Mughal against Garhi. Hindal Mirza accompanied the Emperor to Mungir, and afterwards he was sent towards Agra against Muhammad Sultan Mirza, Ulugh Mirza, and Shah Mirza, who had fled from His Majesty, and were creating disturbances in the country. Muhammad Zaman Mirza, when he found that he met with no success in Gujarat, sent ambassadors to the Emperor at Agra, suing for pardon.

1.3.7

When Jahangir Beg arrived at Garhi, Jalal Khan, son of Sher Khan, and Khawas Khan marched forth and defeated Jahangir Beg as he was descending (the defiles). Jahangir Beg was wounded, and returned to join the Emperor, who marched in person to the gates of Garhi. Unable to make further resistance, Jalal Khan and Khawas Khan fled. The Emperor then left Garhi, and continued his march into Bengal. Sher Khan was unable to resist him, so he went off by way of Jharkand to Rohtas. The Emperor remained three months in Bengal, and changed the name of the city of Gaur to Jannatabad. In the year 943 (1536 A.D.), Mirza Hindal, finding opportunity at Agra, was induced by turbulent advisers to set himself up in opposition to the Emperor. He killed Shaikh Bahlol, one of the great Shaikhs of the time, and learned in theology, to whom the Emperor was much attached. He was executed upon the pretence of his being in league with the Afghans, but in reality it was brought about by the leaders of the revolt in order to widen the breach between Mirza Hindal and the Emperor. The khutba was now read in the name of Hindal. When the Emperor heard of this defection, he left Jahangir Beg in charge of Bengal, with a reinforcement of 5000 chosen men, and set off for Agra.

1.3.8

At this time Muhammad Zaman Mirza, son of Badi'u-z Zaman Mirza, returned from Gujarat with great contrition, and waited upon the Emperor, who forgave him, and did not utter a word of reproach. Long marches and the unwholesome climate of Bengal destroyed the horses of the soldiers, and the Emperor's army arrived quite destitute of provisions at Chaunsa. The amirs who had been left in Jaunpur and Chunar came to wait upon the Emperor. Sher Khan, having got intelligence of the distress of the army, came and placed himself in front of the Emperor, and the armies remained confronting each other three months.

1.4.1

When Mirza Kamran returned to Lahore from Kandahar, and heard of the rebellion of Mirza Hindal, of the difficulties of the Emperor, and of the growing strength of Sher Khan, he formed the design of securing Agra. Mirza Hindal proceeded to Dehli, and there Fakhr 'Ali and Mirza Yadgar Nasir shut themselves up in the fortress, and in spite of all his efforts, Hindal was unable to take the city. So when Mirza Kamran came near to Dehli, Mirza Hindal felt himself constrained to join him. Fakhr 'Ali came out on the top of the fortress, and seeing Mirza Kamran, he told him that Mirza Yadgar Nasir would not surrender Dehli, so the best thing he could do would be to go on to Agra, and if he obtained possession of that city, Dehli would be given up to him. Mirza Kamran consequently marched on towards Agra, and when he approached that city, Mirza Hindal separated from him, and went away in the direction of Alwar.

1.4.2

The news of Mirza Hindal's rebellion, and of the arrival of Mirza Kamran at Dehli, was brought to the Emperor at Ghaunsa, and greatly increased his distress. Sher Khan now sent to the Emperor a darwesh named Shaikh Khalil, whom he called his murshid, to propose terms of peace. He offered to give up all the territory except Bengal, to swear upon the Holy Book that he would live in peace, and that the coin should be struck and the khutba read in the name of the Emperor. These proposals were received with the greatest satisfaction. But next morning Sher Khan fell upon the royal army unawares, and put it to the rout before it could be drawn up in array. Prior to the attack, the Afghans had taken possession of the bridge and had broken it. They also came out on the river in boats, and despatched with their spears every man of the royal army whom they found endeavouring to escape by water. Muhammad Zaman Mirza was drowned. His Majesty rode his horse into the water, and nearly perished; but he was helped over the river by a water-carrier, and went off towards Mirza Kamran had ere this arrived at Agra. Mirza Hindal was at Alwar in security. After the Emperor had crossed the river, he hastened on, accompanied by only a few horsemen, of whom the author's father was one, and arrived at Agra. Mirza Kámrán had received no intelligence before the Emperor arrived.

1.4.3

The latter repaired at once to the pavilion of his brother, and on seeing each other, the eyes of the brothers filled with tears. Hindál Mirzá received forgiveness for his offences, and then came and waited upon the Emperor. Muhammad Sultán Mirzá and his sons, who had for a long time been engaged in rebellion, also came in and joined them. Consultations were held. Mírzá Kámrán was desirous of returning to Lahore, and showed unbounded expectations. The Emperor assented to all his extraordinary propositions. Khwája Kalán Beg exerted himself to bring about the return of Mírzá Kámrán. The negociations went on for six months. Meanwhile Mírzá Kámrán had been attacked with severe sickness, and some designing persons had instilled into his mind the belief that his illness was the result of poison administered to him by the Emperor's directions. So, ill as he was, he started for Lahore, having sent on Khwája Kalán Beg in advance. He had promised to leave a considerable portion of his army to assist his brother at Agra; but in spite of this promise he carried all off with him, excepting only 2000 men whom he left at Agra under the command of Sikandar. Mírzá Haidar Doghlát Kashmírí, who had accompanied Kámrán, remained with His Majesty, and was received into favour. Kámrán also took away with him many of the soldiers of Agra.

1.4.4

Sher Khán, emboldened by the dissensions between the brothers, advanced along the banks of the Ganges, and sent a detachment over the river against Kálpí and Etáwah. Kásim Husain Sultán Uzbek, along with Yádgár Násir Mírzá and Sikandar Sultán, fought against the Afgháns in the neighbourhood of Kálpí. They killed a son of Sher Khán who was in command, and a great many men of his army, and they sent his head as an offering to Agra. The Emperor then marched against Sher Khán to the banks of the Ganges, and passed over the river at Kanauj. For one month he remained encamped in sight of the enemy. His army numbered 100,000 horsemen, while that of the Afghans did not exceed 50,000. At this conjuncture, Muhammad Sultan Mirza and his sons again exhibited their perfidy, and without reason fled from the royal army. The detachment which Mirza Kamran had left as a reinforcement also went off to Lahore. So disaffection having become the fashion, many of the troops went off and scattered over various parts of Hindustan. The rainy season came on, and the place where the army was encamped being flooded with water, it was determined to move to higher ground. While this was being done Sher Khan came forth to fight. The battle was fought on the 10th Muharram of this year [947 H., 17th May, 1540 A.D.]. Many of the soldiers, being dispirited, fled without fighting. A few only of the bravest went into the fight, and the day being lost, the whole army fled.

1.4.5

Humayun became separated from his horse in the Ganges, and was helped out of the water by Shamsu-d din Muhammad Ghaznivi, who afterwards, in the reign of Akbar, received the title of Khan-i a'zam. When Sher Khan heard of his escape, he was sorry, and exclaimed, "I was in hopes he had perished, but he has got off." The Emperor fled to Agra; and when the enemy approached that city, he made no delay, but went to Lahore. At the beginning of Rabi'u-l awwal all the Chaghatai Sultans and amirs were assembled in Lahore; but Mirza Muhammad Sultan and his sons, who had come to Lahore, fled from thence to Multan. Mirza Hindal and Mirza Yadgar Nasir found it expedient to go towards Bakar and Tatta, and Mirza Kamran determined to go to Kabul as soon as the party was broken up. It was abundantly manifest to the Emperor that there was no possibility of bringing his brothers and his amirs to any common agreement, and he was very despondent. Mirza Haidar Beg, after much consultation, had been sent off with a party who had volunteered for service in Kashmir, and Khwaja Kalan Beg was ordered to follow him. When the Mirza had reached Naushahr, and Kalan Beg had got as far as Sialkot, intelligence reached the Emperor that Sher Khan had crossed the river [Biyah] at Sultanpur, and was only a few kos distant. His Majesty then passed over the river of Lahore.

1.4.6

Mirza Kamran, after proving faithless to the oaths and compacts which he had made to help in whatever was decided upon, now thought it expedient to retire with the Emperor to Bahra. When Khwaja Kalan Beg heard (of this retreat), he marched rapidly from Sialkot, and joined the camp of Humayun. When Mirza Haidar reached Kashmir, he found the people fighting against each other. A party of them came and waited upon him, and through them Kashmir fell into his hands, without striking a stroke. On the 22nd Rajab he became sovereign of Kashmir, in the city of Nau-shahr, as is related in the Tabakat-i Kashmir. At Bahra, Mirza Kamran and Mirza 'Askari parted from Humayun, and went off, accompanied by Khwaja Kalan Beg, to Kabul. Mirza Hindal and Mirza Yadgar Nasir still remained with him, but after a few stages they disagreed. For twenty days they absented themselves, but falling into difficulties, on the advice of Mir Abu-l Baka, they once more came back and made their submission. On the banks of the river Sind a famine arose in the camp, and boats to cross the river were not procurable. Bakhshui Langah then brought in several boats laden with corn, and was very favourably received. The army then crossed the river, and went onwards to Bakhar, but made a halt at the town of Luhari (Lohri). Mirza 'Askari then crossed the Sind, and went to the town of Patar, because the wants of an army were easily supplied there. From Luhri, which is near Bakhar, to Patar, the distance is fifty kos.

1.4.7

Mir Tahir Sadr was sent as ambassador to Shah Husain Arghun, ruler of Tatta; and Samandar Beg, one of the courtiers of the Emperor, was sent with him in charge of a horse and a robe. The gist of the message which they conveyed was, that the Emperor had been compelled to come to Tatta, and his object was to attempt the recovery of Gujarat. The Shah was invited to come and wait upon the Emperor, and consult with him about the conquest of Gujarat. Shah Husain Arghun temporized for six months by sending complimentary messages, and said that there could be no good in staying near Bakhar, but if the camp were nearer Tatta it would be more convenient, for five or six months might be lost while they were negociating. If the Emperor would come nearer, whatever seemed advisable should be done. Grain becoming scarce in Bakhar, the Emperor marched off to Patar, where Mirza Hindal was staying, for he had heard that Mirza Hindal intended to go to Kandahar. It was on one occasion in this year, while the Emperor was staying in the camp of Mirza Hindal, that he married Maryam-i Makani Hamida Banu Begam, the mother of the Emperor Akbar, and spent several days of happiness and pleasure in the camp of Hindal. The Emperor now forbad him to go to Kandahar, and directed him to return to Luhari.

1.5.1

Karacha Khan, who was governor of Kandahar, wrote letters to Mirza Hindal, inviting him to Kandahar, and the Mirza started off and went thither. When Humayun was informed of it, he was much troubled by the want of union among his brothers. Mirza Yadgar Nasir had pitched his camp about two miles below the royal camp, and the river ran between the two camps. He also now expressed his intention of going to Kandahar. On the Emperor being informed of this, he sent Mir Abu-l Baka to reassure the Mirza, and to forbid his going to Kandahar. As he was crossing the river on his return, a party came out of the fort of Bakhar, and assailed his boat with a shower of arrows. One of them pierced the Mir, and he died. The Emperor showed great sorrow for his loss. The date of his death, 948 H., is found in the words Surur-i kainat.

1.5.2

After this Mirza Yadgar Nasir crossed the river, and paid a visit to the royal camp. After much consultation it was resolved that the Mirza should be left at Bakhar, and that His Majesty should march on to effect the conquest of Tatta. But the Mirza did not show any signs of concord and friendliness. When the Emperor marched for Tatta, a large body of soldiers parted from him and stayed at Bakhar. Mirza Yadgar Nasir remained at Bakhar, and increased his forces, because during that year no heavenly or terrestrial evil had befallen the agriculture of Bakhar. His Majesty now proceeded by means of boats to the fort of Sihwan. A party of soldiers on board of the boats, as they came near to the fort, landed and attacked a body of men who had come out of the fort, and drove them in again.

1.5.3

The victors returned, and represented that the reduction of the fortress was an easy matter, so His Majesty crossed over the river, and invested the place. But before his arrival, a party of Shah Husain's officers had entered it, and had done their best to increase its strength. When Shah Husain heard that it had been invested, he proceeded by boats to the vicinity of the Emperor's camp, and employed himself in cutting off the supply of grain. Great scarcity followed, and many men lived (entirely) upon the flesh of animals. The siege went on for nearly seven months, and the place was not captured, so a messenger was sent to Mirza Yadgar Nasir at Bakhar, to tell him that the fall of the fort depended upon his approach; for if the besiegers marched to attack Shah Husain, the garrison would be free to gather in provisions, and so protract the defence. Want of salt and scarcity of grain would prevent the royal forces remaining under the fort much longer; but if Mirza Yadgar would attack Shah Husain, the latter would be unable to maintain his position. Mirza Yadgar sent a portion of his force, but no advantage was gained through this reinforcement. Again a messenger was sent to call Mirza Yadgar, and 'Abdu-l Ghafur, who was Mir-i mal of the Emperor, received the commission. 'Abdu-l Ghafur went to Mirza Yadgar, and spoke about the perilous condition of the royal army, but the Mirza and his officers deemed it advisable to remain where they were, and effect the conquest of Bakhar.

1.5.4

Shah Husain had sent representatives to Mirza Yadgar Nasir, and had drawn near to his camp. He promised that he would acknowledge the supremacy of the Mirza, give him his daughter in marriage, and read the khutba in his name. Delighted with these offers, the Mirza was hoodwinked by Shah Husain, and so placed himself in hostility to the Emperor. Having thus secured himself against Mirza Yadgar, and being aware of the distress and weakness of the army of Humayun, Shah Husain advanced closer to the royal camp, and captured the vessels (which were conveying provisions) for the army. Unable to continue the siege of Sihwan, the Emperor was compelled to retreat towards Bakhar. When he approached near to Mirza Yadgar Nasir, he sent to him for boats in which to cross the river, and the Mirza, who was in league with the people of Tatta, sent to them, desiring them to come at night and carry off the boats. Next morning he artfully reported that the enemy had carried off the boats. The Emperor remained inactive some days for want of boats. At length, two zamindars of Bakhar waited upon him, and (under their guidance) some boats which had been sunk were raised. Humayun then crossed the river. When Mirza Yadgar Nasir learnt of the passage over, being greatly alarmed and ashamed, he, without waiting upon the Emperor, marched off hastily against Shah Husain;

1.5.5

and the latter being quite unprepared, the Mirza fell upon a large force from Tatta which had disembarked, and killed and made many prisoners, and then returned. After this action, Shah Husain returned to Tatta, and Mirza Yadgar Nasir, repentant and ashamed, waited upon the Emperor and presented the heads of his enemies. Once more Humayun forgave him, and spoke not a word of all that had passed. Shah Husain now wrote letters to Mirza Yadgar Nasir, and again drew him over to his side. The Shah requested him to secure for him the two zamindars who had obtained the boats for the Emperor. These men, being informed of the demand, repaired to the camp of Humayun. Mirza Yadgar sent a messenger to Humayun, representing that he had some revenue matters relating to his jagir of Bakhar to settle with these two zamindars, and requested that they might be sent to him. The Emperor ordered that several persons should accompany the men, and bring them back again when the business was concluded. The instant Mirza Yadgar Nasir saw them, he took them forcibly from the Emperor's men, and sent them to Shah Husain. Thus he once more exhibited his animosity to the Emperor, and never again sought a reconciliation.

1.5.6

The men of Humayun's army, being in great distress, began to desert by ones and twos to Mirza Yadgar Nasir. Mun'im Khan also, and his brother, had thoughts of running away. This intention was communicated to Humayun, and he ordered them into confinement. Mirza Yadgar Nasir, in the depths of his infamy, now prepared to turn his arms against Humayun, and the latter, being informed of his movements, made ready for fighting. Hashim Beg, a person high in Mirza Yadgar's confidence, when he heard of his proceedings, restrained him, and nolens volens made him return. It now became evident to Humayun, that if he tarried longer his men would all desert to Mirza Yadgar Nasir, and that the worst might be expected from the Mirza's baseness. In this extremity, he resolved upon marching to Mal Deo, one of the faithful zamindars of Hindustan, who at that time surpassed all the zamindars of Hindustan in power and in the number of his forces. This Mal Deo had sent letters to Bakhar, declaring his loyalty, and offering assistance in effecting the subjugation of Hindustan.

1.5.7

Humayun accordingly marched towards Mal Deo's country by way of Jesalmir. The ruler of Jesalmir shamefully took an unmanly course. He sent a force to attack the small party of the Emperor on the march, but it was defeated and driven back with loss. Humayun had a great many men wounded. He marched with all possible speed till he reached the country of Mal Deo. Then he sent on [Shamsu-d din Muhammad] Atka Khan to Mal Deo at Joudhpur, while he himself halted for a few days. [Proceedings of Mirzas Hindal, Kamran, and 'Askari at Kandahar, Ghazni, and Kabul.] Humayun remained on the borders of Mal Deo's territories awaiting the return of Atka Khan. When Mal Deo was informed of the Emperor's weakness, he was much alarmed, for he knew that he had not sufficient forces of his own to withstand Sher Khan. For Sher Khan had sent an ambassador to Mal Deo, holding out great expectations; and the latter, in the extreme of perfidy, had promised to make Humayun a prisoner if possible, and to give him over into the hands of his enemy. Nagor, and its dependencies, had fallen into the power of Sher Khan, and consequently he was afraid lest Sher Khan should be annoyed and send a large army to his territory against Humayun. To keep the Emperor in ignorance, Mal Deo detained the envoy Atka Khan, and did not give him permission to return. But Atka Khan contrived to ascertain what was passing through the mind of Mal Deo, and went off without any formal dismissal.

1.5.8

One of the Emperor's librarians, who at the time of his defeat had fled to Mal Deo, now wrote to the Emperor, informing him that Mal Deo was bent upon treachery, and advising him to get out of his territory as quickly as possible. Atka Khan also spoke in the strongest terms upon the matter. So Humayun marched off at once to Amarkot. Two Hindus, who had come to act as spies upon him, fell into his hands, and were brought to his presence. They were questioned, and an order was given that one of them should suffer the punishment of death, with the object of arriving at the exact facts of the matter. The two prisoners broke loose, and snatching a knife and a dagger from two bystanders, they despatched seventeen living creatures, men, women, and horses, before they were overpowered and slain. The Emperor's own horse was among the animals killed. As he had no other horse to ride, his equerries sought to obtain some horses and camels from Tardi Beg, but he disgraced himself by giving a refusal. Then the Emperor mounted a camel. Nadim Koka was walking on foot, while his mother was riding his horse; but when he saw the Emperor seated on the camel, he made his mother dismount, presented the horse to the Emperor, and made her ride on the camel which he had used.

1.6.1

The road lay through a loose sand, and water was not procurable. The army toiled on with great difficulty, and every moment the news came of the approach of Mal Deo. The Emperor ordered Mun'im Khan, with a detachment, to march cautiously and slowly in the rear, and if the enemy approached, to give him battle. When night came on, that detachment lost the way, and at daybreak the enemy's forces were in sight. Shaikh 'Ali Beg, Darwesh Koka, and some others were (in the rear), numbering in all twenty-two persons. Darwesh Beg, son of Baki Jalair, was one of the party. They proceeded against the enemy, who was emerging from a narrow defile. Shaikh 'Ali killed the commander of the enemy with his first arrow, and every arrow that his little band discharged wounded some prominent man of the enemy's army. Unable to endure this, the enemy turned, and his great army fled before such an insignificant troop. Many were killed in their flight, and many camels fell into the hands of the victors. When the intelligence of the victory reached the Emperor, he hastened to publicly express his thanks.

1.6.2

The army encamped by a well which contained a little water, and the party which had lost its way during the night now came in, which was another cause of rejoicing. Next day the march was resumed, and for three days no water was found. On the fourth they reached a well: a drum was beaten when the bucket reached the surface of the earth, to give the bullock-driver notice to stop; for the well was so deep that a call would not reach him. In the intensity of their thirst, some men could not restrain themselves. Four or five threw themselves upon the bucket, the rope broke, and the bucket fell back into the well. Overcome with suffering, they uttered cries and lamentations, and some cast themselves intentionally into the well. In this way many perished through thirst. Next day the march was resumed, and at the hottest time they reached a river (áb). The horses and camels had not tasted water for several days, and now they drank so much that many of them died.

1.6.3

At length, with extreme toil, they reached Amarkot, which is 100 kos distant from Tatta. The raná, that is to say the ruler (hákim) of Amarkot, was kindly disposed, and came out to meet the Emperor, and offered his services. The army rested from their hardships some days in the city, and whatsoever the Emperor had in his treasury he distributed among his soldiers. He had arrived here with no great force, so he levied a sum of money from Tardi Beg and others as a benevolence, and graciously presented the rana and his sons with gold and girdles and daggers. Shah Husain Arghun had slain the father of the rana, and so the rana now collected a considerable number of men from his territories, and went with the Emperor in the direction of Bakhar. The Emperor's family, with their paraphernalia, under his orders remained at Amarkot. Khwaja Mu'azzam, brother of Maryam Makani, was left in charge of them. Fortune now for a time changed its treatment of the Emperor, by giving him a son, and impressing an imperishable mark upon the page of time. The child was born on the 5th Rajab, 949 (15th October, 1542). Tardi Beg Khan conveyed this intelligence to the Emperor in the neighbourhood of Amarkot, and the Emperor under spiritual guidance, as will be narrated in the proper place, gave to the child the name of Jalalu-d din Muhammad Akbar. He then continued his march towards Bakhar, but he wrote very urgent letters as to the safety of the young prince.

1.6.4

Upon reaching the pargana of Jun, he halted there for a while. He sent for his family and the suite of the prince, and then his eyes were gladdened by the sight of his son. The force which had been collected from the parts around dispersed while he remained at Jun; and his brave and intrepid officer, Shaikh 'Ali, fell in an action with the troops of Shah Husain Arghun, in one of the parganas of Tatta. His soldiers began to desert one by one from his camp. Mun'im Khan even went off. His Majesty, seeing that it was not advisable to remain longer in this country, determined upon going to Kandahar. At this time he was joined by Bairam Khan, who had come from Gujarat. He now sent representatives to Shah Husain Arghun, asking for boats to enable him to cross the river, and the Shah, delighted with his determination, sent him thirty boats and 300 camels. His Majesty then crossed the river, and began his march to Kandahar. Shah Husain sent a person to Mirza 'Askari and Mirza Kamran, to inform them of the Emperor's intention to march to Kandahar, and they wrote back desiring him to bar his progress and make him prisoner. The perfidious Mirza 'Askari, when His Majesty reached Shal and Mastan, marched rapidly from Kandahar, and sent forward Hawali Uzbek to watch his movements. This man had received kindness from the Emperor. He obtained a powerful horse from Mirza 'Askari, and betook himself to the Emperor's camp.

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