[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [General histories](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general) › [Ṭabaqāt-i Akbarī](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari) › [Tabakat-i Akbari of Nizamu-d din Ahmad (extracts)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot) › 33 # The Akbarī Generations 33: Twelfth year of the Reign. Tabakát-i Akbarí of Nizámu-d dín Ahmad (extracts) 33 - **Language:** English ### Twelfth year of the Reign. ### [33.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.1) The beginning of this year corresponded with Monday, 2nd Ramazan, 974 H. (12th Feb. 1567). At the beginning of this year, which was near the Nauroz, His Majesty determined to go out for a Kamurgha hunt. An order was issued to all the great amirs for forty miles round Lahore to drive the animals together into a large plain, situated about five kos from Lahore. Accordingly the amirs, under the direction of Mir Muhammad Atka, drove together about fifteen thousand animals, deer, nilgaos, jackals, foxes, etc., into that plain. The extent of this hunting ground was five kos on every side, and the Emperor's tent (kasar), which he used in his campaigns, was brought here and set up. The Emperor then mounted, and went out to hunt. The amirs and the khans daily drew their lines closer, and narrowed the circle. When several days had passed in this sport, His Majesty graciously gave his attendants permission to shoot, and afterwards made the permission general, so that there was no soldier or any person who did not get several kinds of game. After the sport was over, the Emperor returned towards the city, and on reaching the river of Lahore, he plunged into the water on horseback and swam over. Of the attendants who followed His Majesty, Khush-khabr Khan Yasawal and Mir Muhammad, son of Sher Muhammad Kurdar, were drowned. ### [33.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.2) While the hunt was going on, Hamid Bakri, one of the most favoured equerries (yasawal), having drunk too much, had wounded one of the Emperor's attendants with an arrow. This person found an opportunity in the course of the hunting to complain to the Emperor, who ordered Kalij Khan to strike off the offender's head. Kalij Khan used a sword, which broke with the blow, without doing the culprit any harm. When the Emperor saw this, he respited him, but had him exposed to public derision. About this time Muzaffar Khan, who had been left in charge of the diwani at Agra, proceeded to the camp of the Emperor, along with Wazir Khan, brother of Asaf Khan, and joined it while he was out on the hunting excursion. The author's father, who had remained behind at Agra on government business, accompanied Muzaffar Khan on this journey, and I, the author of this work, went along with my father. In fine, the Emperor forgave the offences of Asaf Khan and Wazir Khan, and admitted the latter to an audience. A command was given that Asaf Khan, along with Majnun Khan Kakshal, should go to Karra-Mánikpúr, and provide for the safety of the dependent territories. ### [33.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.3) Intelligence now arrived that 'Alí Kulí Khán, Bahádur Khán, and Sikandar Khán had again broken their engagements, and risen in rebellion. Hereupon the Emperor placed their vakíl Mirzá Mírak Rizwí in custody of Khán Bákí Khán, and leaving the direction of the affairs of the Panjáb in the charge of Mír Muhammad Khán and all the Atkas, on the 13th Ramazán, 974 H. (22nd March, 1567), he started on his return to Agra. ### [33.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.4) When the Emperor arrived at Thánesar, there was an assemblage of Jogís and Sannyásís on the banks of a lake called Kurkhet. This is a sacred place of the brahmans, and on occasion of eclipses the people of Hindústán flock thither from all parts to bathe. There was a great assemblage there on this occasion, and the people were bestowing their gifts of gold and silver, and jewels and stuffs, upon the brahmans. Many of them threw themselves into the water, and the Jogís and Sannyásís were gathering a rich harvest from their charity. In consequence of a feud which existed between these two sects, they came to the Emperor, seeking permission to settle it by fighting. The Sannyásís were between two and three hundred in number, and the Jogís, who wear only rags, were over five hundred. When the adversaries stood ready to begin the fray, by the Emperor's order, some soldiers smeared their persons with ashes, and went to support the Sannyásís, who were the weaker party. A fierce fight ensued, and many were killed. The Emperor greatly enjoyed the sight. At length the Jogís were defeated, and the Sannyásís were the victors. ### [33.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.5) When the Imperial camp reached Dehlí, Mirzá Mírak Rizwí, who had been left in the charge of Khán Bákí Khán, made his escape, and although the Khán pursued him, he did not succeed in recapturing him, and so, being apprehensive of the Emperor's displeasure, he himself fled. Tatar Khan, the governor of Dehli, reported that Muhammad Amin Diwana, who had fled from Lahore, had gone to the house of Shahab Khan Turkoman, where he stayed some days, and after obtaining from him pecuniary assistance and a horse, had gone off to join the insurgents. This greatly incensed the Emperor, and he directed Shah Fakhru-d din Meshhedi to apprehend Shahab Khan. When the Emperor was encamped at the village of Palwal, Shahab Khan was brought in for punishment, and was there executed. ### [33.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.6) Upon arriving at Agra, the Emperor was informed that Khan-zaman was besieging the fort of Shergarh, four kos distant from Kanauj, in which fort Mirza Yusuf Khan was shut up. Nineteen days after his arrival at Agra, the Emperor left Khan-khanan in charge of the city, and on Monday, the 23rd Shawwal, 974 H., marched towards Jaunpur. When he reached the pargana of Saket, 'Ali Kuli Khan decamped from before Shergarh, and fled to his brother Bahadur Khan, who was in Manikpur. The royal camp was next pitched near the town of Bhojpur, and the Emperor detached Muhammad Kuli Khan Birlas, Muzaffar Khan, Raja Todar Mal, Shah Budagh Khan and his son 'Abdu-l Matlab Hasan Khan, 'Adil Muhammad, Khwaja Ghiyasu-d din 'Ali Bakhshi, and other officers, with nearly 6000 horse, against Sikandar, who was in Oudh. He himself continued his march towards Manikpur. ### [33.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.7) When he reached the pargana of Rai Bareilly, he learnt that 'Ali Kuli Khan and Bahadur Khan had crossed the Ganges with the object of proceeding towards Kalpi. He then directed his camp to proceed under the command of Khwaja Jahan to the fort of Karra, and then marched with all possible speed to the ferry of Manikpur. There he crossed the river upon the back of an elephant, and from 1000 to 1500 men swam the river along with him. Majnun Khan and Asaf Khan, who were in advance, constantly sent back intelligence of the enemy. It so happened that 'Ali Kuli Khan and Bahadur Khan had occupied themselves all that night in wine-drinking and licentiousness, and were heedless of everything else. The warlike demonstrations against them they attributed to the daring of Majnun Khan, and would not believe that the Emperor was near at hand. ### [33.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.8) On Sunday, the 1st Zi-l hijja, the Emperor made his dispositions for action. He himself took command of the centre. Asaf Khan and all the Atkas were on the right; Majnun Khan and other amirs were on the left. This day His Majesty rode an elephant called Balsundar, and Mirza Koka, who bore the title of 'Azam Khan, was seated in the howda with him. The enemy, being now fully aware of the Emperor's advance, prepared themselves for death. They drew out their forces, and sent a body of men to oppose the advanced guard of the Emperor. Baba Khan Kakshal, who commanded the advance, repulsed them and drove them back upon the lines of 'Ali Kuli Khan. In the confusion, the horse of one of the fugitives ran against the horse of 'Ali Kuli Khan, and the Khan's turban fell off. Bahadur Khan saw this, and his spirit being roused, he made a bold charge upon the advanced guard under Baba Khan, and drove it back upon the ranks of Majnun Khan. Bahadur Khan in the pursuit came between these two forces. He fought manfully, but his horse, being wounded by an arrow, became unmanageable, and he was thrown to the ground and made prisoner. ### [33.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.9) As the battle grew hot, the Emperor alighted from his elephant and mounted a horse. Then he gave orders for the elephants to be driven against the lines of 'Ali Kuli Khan. There was among them an elephant named Hiranand, and when he approached the ranks of the enemy, they let loose against him an elephant called Diyana; but Hiranand gave him such a butt, that he fell upon the spot. 'Ali Kuli Khan received a wound from an arrow, and while he was engaged in drawing it out, another arrow struck his horse. The animal became restive, and 'Ali Kuli Khan also was thrown. An elephant named Narsing now came up, and was about to crush him, when 'Ali Kuli Khan cried out to the driver, "I am a great man; if you take me alive to the Emperor, he will reward you." The driver paid no heed to his words, but drove the animal over him and crushed him under foot. When the field was cleared of the enemy, Nazar Bahadur placed Bahadur Khan behind him on a horse, and conducted him to the presence of the Emperor. By the efforts of the amirs he was put to death. After a little while, the head of 'Ali Kuli Khan-zaman was also brought. The Emperor then alighted from his horse, and returned thanks for this victory. This battle was fought at the village of Mankarwal, one of the dependencies of Josi and Payag, now known as Illahabas, on Monday, the 1st Zi-l hijja, 974 H. ### [33.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.10) While the Emperor was on his campaign against Khan-zaman, the author's father remained at Agra, in the performance of his duty to the Emperor, and the author himself was at Agra with him. Every day turbulent and designing men spread disastrous news. One day I said to one of my companions, "Suppose we set some favourable reports afloat?" and he asked what we should say, and I replied, "Let us say that news has come that they are bringing in the heads of Khan-zaman and Bahadur Khan." I told this story to several persons. Three days afterwards 'Abdu-lla, son of Murad Beg, brought in the heads of Khan-zaman and Bahadur Khan. The rumour was started in Agra on the very day they were slain. ### [33.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.11) When the Emperor's mind was relieved from all apprehension about his adversaries, he proceeded to Josi and Payag, and there rested two days. Some persons, who had deserted the royal army to join 'Ali Kuli Khan, were here brought in, and were handed over to keepers. He then proceeded to Benares. Every follower of 'Ali Kuli Khan who came forward and was submissive to the Emperor's power was pardoned. From Benares he went to Jaunpur, and remained three days in sight of that city. Some of 'Ali Kuli Khan's men, who had escaped from the battle-field and fled to Jaunpur, were all forgiven and kindly treated. From thence he went, attended by four or five persons, and, by rapid travelling, in the course of three days he reached the Ganges, at the ferry of Karra and Manikpur, where there was a camp. Crossing the river in a boat, he went and rested in the fortress. Then he wrote to Mu'nim Khan Khan-khanan, summoning him from Agra. Several jagirdars of the Eastern province paid their respects, and were dismissed with honour. Some men of 'Ali Kuli's army, who were prisoners and always intent upon creating a disturbance, such as Khan Kuli Uzbek, Yar 'Ali and Mirza Beg Kakshal, people of Majnun 'Ali Khan, Khushhal Beg one of the guards of the late Emperor Humayun, Mir Shah Badakhshi, and other malcontents, met with a terrible fate. ### [33.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.12) Mirza Mirak Rizwi Meshhedi, the mUl of 'Ali Kuli Khan, who had fled from Court to join the latter, was taken prisoner on the day of battle, and was ordered to be cast under the feet of an elephant. But the elephant merely rubbed him with his trunk, and finally, in virtue of his being a saiyid, his crime was forgiven. Khan-khanan, who had been summoned from Karra, now waited upon His Majesty, and was invested with the care and government of the jagirs of 'Ali Kuli Khan and Bahadur Khan in Jaunpur, Benares, Ghazipur, the fort of Chunar and Zamaniya, as far as the ferry of Chaunsa. He also received a present of a splendid robe, and of a horse. In the midst of the rainy season, in Zi-l hijja, 974, the Emperor began his homeward march, and in Muharram, 975, arrived at Agra. ### [33.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.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. ### [33.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33.14) Sikandar then made two days' march, and wrote to the amirs, stating that the rise of the waters had prevented his staying on the banks of the river. On hearing of his departure, the amirs went after him. When they reached Gorakhpur, they discovered that he had crossed the river and gone off. The country before them belonged to the Afghans, into which they could not enter without the order of the Emperor. They wrote a statement of the position to Court, and received an answer to the effect, that as Sikandar had left the Imperial territory, it was unnecessary to pursue him. His estates and jagirs were given to Muhammad Kuli Khan Birlas. The amirs, on being acquainted with the contents of the letter, left Muhammad Kuli Khan, and returned to Court. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.general.tabaqat-i-akbari~en-elliot.33) · Pramāṇa