The Akbarī Generations 26: Mission of Kalij Khan to the Fort of Rohtas.

26

This fort is situated in Bihar, and in height and strength excels all the fortresses of Hindustan. The surface of the hill upon which the fort is built is more than fourteen kos in length, and its width is three kos, and the height from the plain to the battlements is about half a kos. From the time of Sher Khan Afghan it remained in the hands of the Afghans, until the time when Sulaiman Kirani became ruler of Bengal. Fath Khan Tibati then seized upon it, and refused to submit to Sulaiman. In the year 972 H., Sulaiman collected an army, and in the expectation of the help of 'Ali Kuli Khan marched against Rohtas, and laid siege to it.
When the Imperial forces marched in that direction against Khan-zaman, Fath Khan, seizing upon this favourable chance, sent his brother Husain Khan to the Emperor with rich presents, and with a message in which he said that the fort belonged to the Emperor, and that he would send him the keys as soon as the Imperial camp was pitched at Jaunpur.
Sulaiman, on being informed of the approach of the Imperial forces, raised the siege. Fath Khan being thus relieved of his adversary, brought into the fort all the provisions he could collect. Repenting of having sent his brother on the mission, he now wrote to him directions to make his escape, and come into the fort, which was well stored. When the Emperor encamped at Jaunpur, Husain Khan requested that some one might be sent with him to receive the keys of the fort. Kalij Khan was accordingly sent to receive the keys from Fath Khan, and bring them to the Emperor. But when Kalij Khan reached Rohtas, Fath Khan affected to comply, and detained him some days. Kalij Khan at length discovered the duplicity of Fath Khan, and returned to Court unsuccessful.