The Akbarī Generations 1.4.2

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.