The Akbarī Generations 27.4

27.4

Lashkar Khan Mir Bakhshi and Raja Todar Mal now arrived with reinforcements for the royal army, and Bahadur Khan and Sikandar Khan renewed their proposals of peace, and asked for a delay until it was ascertained what answer was given by the Emperor to the mother of Khan-zaman and to Ibrahim Khan, who had been sent to sue for forgiveness. But Mu'izu-l Mulk was so eager for war that he would not listen to their words, and so brought upon himself defeat. Mu'izu-l Mulk drew out his forces for battle, and sent on his advanced guard under Muhammad Amin Diwana, Salim Khan, 'Abdu-l Matlab Khan, Beg Murin Khan, and other veteran soldiers; he himself took post with the main body. On the other side Sikandar had command of the advance, and Bahadur of the centre. In this order they advanced, and a warm action ensued. The royal forces defeated the advanced division under the command of Sikandar. Muhammad Yar, his son-in-law, was killed, and he himself fell back to the Black River, which was in his rear. Many of his soldiers were drowned in the river, and many others died by the sword. The victorious forces then broke up in search of plunder. Mu'izu-l Mulk, with a few men, kept his position, and Bahadur until now did not stir from his post. But now he seized the favourable moment, attacked Mu'izu-l Mulk, and drove him from his position.