The Akbarī Generations 33.13

33.13

It has been previously mentioned that Muhammad Kuli Khan Birlas and Muzaffar Khan were sent with a force against Sikandar, and went towards Oudh. On hearing of their approach, Sikandar took refuge in a fort. The royal forces came up and laid siege to the fort. Sikandar was already hard pressed, when the news arrived of the destruction of 'Ali Kuli Khan and Bahadur Khan. This greatly dispirited the Uzbeks, and they sent men to Muhammad Kuli and Muzaffar Khan, to treat for peace. Having thus engaged the commanders in negociations, Sikandar evacuated the fort by the gate towards the river, and embarked in boats. As he had all the boats, the Imperial generals were unable to cross the river. Sikandar again sent a message to them, declaring that he was quite ready to keep the engagement he had made, but his men were suspicious. He therefore requested that they would come out in a boat to the middle of the river, and he would meet them with two or three persons and settle the terms. This would satisfy his men, and they would proceed together to Court. Muhammad Kuli Khan Birlas, Muzaffar Khan, and Raja Todar Mal agreed to this proposition, and went out to the middle of the stream. Sikandar Khan, on the other side, came out with two or three persons, and had the interview. The amirs promised to sue for the pardon of Sikandar, and swore that they would make no attack on the lives or property of him or his men. Upon this agreement, they separated, and each party went to his own side.