The Akbarī Generations 1.11.2

1.11.2

Sikandar Afghan, who held possession of Dehli, sent 30,000 men under Tatar Khan and Haibat Khan to attack the advanced forces in Sirhind. The Chaghatai forces concentrated at Jalandar, and for all the numbers of the enemy and their own paucity they were ready to fight. They advanced and crossed the Sutlej. Towards the close of day the Afghans became aware of their transit, and marched forth to give battle. Notwithstanding the strength of the enemy, the Chaghatai chiefs determined to fight, and as the sun went down a great battle began. The Afghans began the battle with their archers, but as it was getting dark the arrows took little effect on the Mughals, but the Afghans being greatly annoyed by the fire (atash) threw themselves into a neighbouring village. As most of the houses in the villages of Hindustan are thatched, a fire broke out, and lighting up the field of battle the [Mughal] archers came out and plied their weapons heartily by the light of the burning village. The enemy, in the glare of the fire, presented a fine mark for their shafts, and being unable to endure longer took to flight. A great victory was gained, and elephants and much spoil fell into the hands of the victors. When the news of the victory reached Lahore, the Emperor was greatly delighted, and showed great honour to his generals. All the Panjab, Sirhind, and Hissar Firozah were now in his possession, and some of the dependencies of Dehli also were in the hands of the Mughals.