The Akbarī Generations 1.7
Tabakát-i Akbarí of Nizámu-d dín Ahmad (extracts) 1.7
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1.7.1
His Majesty, with his retinue, halted at Hirát. Muhammad Khán treated him with the greatest hospitality, and His Majesty was highly pleased with his reception. He received all that he could require, and lacked nothing until the time of his meeting with Shah Tahmasp. All the palaces and gardens of Hirát are beautiful to see, and His Majesty visited them, after which he took his departure for Meshhed and Tus. Shah 'Alí Sultán Istajlu, governor of Meshhed, also did all in his power to show honour and hospitality to His Majesty, and under the orders of Shah Tahmásp, every governor on the route supplied him with all things he required. Under the orders of the Shah, a large number of nobles and great men went forth to meet him, and the arrangement was made that, from Damaghan to the Shah's camp, one of these nobles was to have charge of the duties of hospitality in each march. Provisions were sent from the royal camp, and His Majesty was feasted at every stage until he reached Kazwin. The Sháh's camp had been moved to Pulak-Surlik, and Bairám Khán was sent thither by His Majesty to wait on the Shah. He returned, bringing a letter congratulating His Majesty on his arrival. His Majesty continued his journey, and at every place he came to he received marks of attention from the people. At length he reached Pulak-Surlik, and had an interview with Shah Tahmasp, who entertained him and showed him every honour and distinction, worthy both of host and guest.
1.7.2
In the course of conversation, the Sháh asked the Emperor what was the reason of his defeat, and he replied that it was the rivalry and faithlessness of his brothers. Bahrám Mirza, the Shah's brother, was offended at this, and treacherously advised the Shah to have the Emperor killed in the course of the night. But the Sháh's sister Sultanam, who was very highly esteemed by her brother, and exercised great influence in all affairs of State, did all in her power to protect and help the Emperor. Kazi Jahan Kazwini, who was the Shah's diwan, and Hakim Nuru-d din Muhammad, who was his physician, and was high in his favour and confidence, were not content to be at all wanting in goodwill towards the Emperor. The hakim both openly and privately lost no opportunity of forwarding the Emperor's interests. One day the Shah, in order to gratify the Emperor, went out with a party of nobles and grandees to hunt with bows and arrows. Bahram Mirza, who had an old quarrel with Abu-l Kasim Khulafa, under pretence of shooting at some animal, struck him in front with an arrow, and he died upon the spot.
1.7.3
Shah Tahmasp, having assented to the Emperor's wish to depart, provided all necessaries for his journey, and he appointed his son Shah Murad, then an infant at the breast, with a force of 10,000 men to protect him. Humayun expressed his intention of going to Tabriz and Ardabil, and the Shah wrote farmans to the governors of those places, directing them to show him every honour and attention. After travelling to those places, the Emperor turned towards Kandahar, and went to pay a visit to Meshhed the holy. He had brought the Kazilbash (Persian) prince with him, and Bidagh Khan, the prince's tutor, was commander of his army. When they reached the fort of Garmsir, they took possession of the Garmsir territories. On arriving at Kandahar, a large body of men sallied out of the fort and made what resistance they could, but were defeated. The Kazilbash army then encamped within view of Kandahar. Five days afterwards the Emperor arrived, and it was then invested. The siege went on for three months, and there were daily engagements, in which many men on both sides were killed.
1.7.4
Bairam Khan now went to Kabul on an embassy to Kamran Mirza. He was encountered on his way by a party of Hazaras, and a fight ensued, but he overpowered them and went on to Kabul. There he had an audience of Mirza Kamran, and he also had interviews with Mirza Hindal, Mirza Sulaiman son of Khan Mirza, and Mirza Yadgar Nasir who had arrived from Bakhar in a distressed condition. Mirza Kamran sent Mahd 'Ali Khan-zada-i begam to Kandahar with Bairam Khan to settle terms of peace if possible. When they arrived at Kandahar, and waited on the Emperor, Mirza 'Askari was still intent upon fighting (and holding out). The Persian forces were disheartened by the long duration of the siege, and had thoughts of returning. They had conceived that when Humayun approached Kandahar, the Chaghatai tribes would rally round him. But when a long time passed, and no one came to his succour, and the fact of Mirza Kamran's advance to the assistance of Mirza 'Askari became generally known, the Persians were greatly alarmed. By a happy turn of affairs Mirza Kamran fell back, and Mirza Husain Khan and Fazil Beg, brother of Mun'im Khan, deserted him and joined the Emperor. The Turkomans were inspirited, and after a few days Muhammad Sultan Mirza, Ulugh Beg Mirza, Kasim Husain Sultan, and Sher-afgan Beg came over. This greatly encouraged the Persians. Muyid Beg, who was a prisoner in the fort, managed to escape by stratagem, and let himself down from the walls by a rope.
1.7.5
His Majesty received him with great kindness. A party also under the command of Abu-l Hasan, nephew of Karacha Khan, and Munawwar Beg, son of Mir Beg, escaped from the fortress. Mirza 'Askari now lost heart, and proposed to surrender. The Emperor in his great kindness granted him terms. He then called together the Persian commanders, and induced them to engage that for three days no one should molest the numerous Chaghatai families that were in the place. In consequence of this engagement, the garrison of the place came forth next day, with their wives and families. Mirza 'Askari also came out, and with shame waited on the Emperor, who uttered not a word of reproach. The Chaghatai chiefs, with their swords upon their necks and shrouds in their hands, were allowed to present themselves to the Emperor, and were pardoned. It had been agreed with the Persians that as soon as Kandahar was taken it should be given up to them, and now the Emperor gave them possession of it, although he possessed no other territory. Bidagh Khan (and) Mirza Murad, son of Shah Tahmasp, were conducted into the fort, and the place was surrendered to them. Most of the Persian chiefs returned to 'Irak, and no one remained with Mirza Murad except Bidagh Khan, Abu-l Fath Sultan Afshar, and Sufi Wali Sultan Kaddmu.
1.7.6
When winter came on, the Chaghatai people had no place of shelter, so the Emperor sent a person into Kandahar to Bidagh Khan, to represent the need which they had of some protection against the rigours of the winter. But he, in his inhumanity, did not make that reply which the emergency required. So the Chaghatais were in great trouble. 'Abdu-lla Khan and Jamil Beg, who had come out of Kandahar, now fled to Kabul. Mirza 'Askari also, having found an opportunity, made his escape; but a party being sent in pursuit, he was caught and brought back. His Majesty then placed him in confinement. The chiefs of the Chaghatai tribes (ulus) now met in council, and resolved that under the necessities of the case, the fort of Kandahar must be taken from the Persians, and should be given up to them again after the conquest of Kabul and Badakhshan. By a strange coincidence, it happened that Mirza Murad, son of Shah Tahmasp, died on that very day. So the enterprise was resolved upon, and a strong party was appointed to carry it out. Haji Muhammad Khan, (son of) Baba Kashka, went first of all to the gate of the fortress with two of his servants. The Turkomans, who suspected that the Emperor wanted to get possession of the place, had for some days past prevented the Chaghatais from entering the town. It happened that some camels laden with forage were going into the city, and seizing this opportunity, Haji Muhammad proceeded to the gate of the city.
1.7.7
The guards assembled round the gate, and refused to let him enter. With great daring he drew his sword and attacked them, and they, unable to resist his onslaught, took refuge in flight. Another party now came up to support him. They entered the fort, and the Persians were overpowered. Humayun mounted his horse, and went into the city. Bidagh Khan, greatly annoyed, went to the Emperor, took leave, and departed for 'Irak. The Chaghatáis, to their great satisfaction, thus obtained possession of Kandahar.
1.7.8
After this, Humayun marched to effect the conquest of Kabul, and left Bairam Khan in charge of Kandahar. Mirza Yádgar Násir and Mirza Hindal, having devised a scheme together, deserted from Mirza Kamran. After being much harassed by the Hazara tribes on their journey, they joined the Emperor and proceeded with him to Kabul. Jamil Beg, who was chief of the territories (through which the Emperor passed), also came in to offer his services. Mirza Kamran, who had a well-equipped army, marched out with the intention of fighting, but every night parties of men deserted his army, and joined Humayun. The Emperor then moved his camp, and advanced to a half kos distance from Kamran. That night many men left Kamran's army and deserted to the Emperor. Mirza Kamran, being alarmed, sent a party of Shaikhs to wait upon the Emperor and to ask forgiveness. The Emperor agreed to pardon him on condition of his coming in and making his submission. Kamran did not accede to this, but fled and shut himself up in the citadel of Kabul. All his forces came over to the Emperor.