The Akbarī Generations 45: A detachment sent to invest Surat.
Tabakát-i Akbarí of Nizámu-d dín Ahmad (extracts) 45
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A detachment sent to invest Surat.
45.1
After the departure of the Azam-khan, the Emperor determined upon attacking the fortress of Surat, which was the home and stronghold of the Mirzas. To effect this purpose he sent Saiyid Mahmud Khan Barha, Shah Kuli Khan Mahram, Khan-i 'alam, Raja Bhagwan Das, Kunwar Man Singh * * * and several others, to overpower Husain Mirza, who was in Surat. Next day, 17th Sha'ban, when one watch of the night was passed, intelligence was brought in that Ibrahim Mirza Khan, having heard at Broach of the Emperor's advance, had murdered Rustam Khan Rumi, and then left the town, intending to pass about eight kos distance from the Emperor's camp, and to raise disturbances and rebellion elsewhere. On hearing this, the Emperor's wrath was kindled. He instantly gave orders that Khwaja-jahan, Shuja'at Khan, Kalij Khan, and Sadik Khan should take charge of the young prince Salim, while he went to chastise Ibrahim Mirza. He took with him Maliku-sh Shark Gujarati, who was well acquainted with the roads, and he sent Shahbaz Khan Mir Bakhshi in all haste, to recall to his side Saiyid Mahmud Khan, and the forces which had marched against Surat. The remainder of that night, and the greater part of the next day, he kept up the pursuit for a long distance. When night came on, he arrived with forty horsemen on the banks of the river Mahindri. Ibrahim Husain Mirza was in the town of Sarnal, on the other side of the river. When they heard this, the Emperor's followers endeavoured to conceal themselves.
45.2
At this crisis, Saiyid Mahmud Khan Barha, Kuli Khan Mahram, Khan-i 'alam, Raja Bhagwan Das, Kunwar Man Singh, * * * Bihr-i, Khas-Khail, Jai-pal, and others of the race, sent to Gujarát, by a forced march came up, and joined the Emperor. Kunwar Mán Singh, at his own solicitation, was placed in command of the advanced guard. Although the whole of his followers did not number more than 100 men, the Emperor, without hesitation, determined to attack, and dashed into the river and crossed over. Ibráhím Husain Mírzá, who had with him about 1000 horsemen, on hearing this bold movement, went out of the town of Sarnál by another road, telling his men that he intended to give battle in the open. The road between the river and the town was very broken, so Kunwar Mán Singh, and the advance under him (command), took another road, and the Emperor passed by a road to the gate of the town by the water-side. Some of the enemy, whose hour was up, made a stand in the street, and dared fight. Mukbil Khán, a Kalmak slave, who on that day went in front of the Emperor, cut one of them down, and wounded several others.
45.3
It was now discovered that Ibráhím Husain had quitted the town, and the Emperor gave orders for the pursuit. The troops accordingly left the walls and went out into the plain, and there the two parties confronted each other. Ibráhím Husain made an attack upon Bábá Khán Kákshál, who had been sent forward with a party of bowmen. Although these made a stout resistance, they were driven back a short distance. But every man of the Imperial force fought desperately, and killed a great many of the enemy. Bhúpat, son of Rájá Bihár Mal, a very brave young man, made a charge upon the enemy, and fell. Emboldened by his fall, the enemy renewed his attack. But the royal forces were in a contracted spot, where three horsemen could not pass abreast, as it was all hedged in with thorns. The Emperor had, with great courage, gone to the front, and Raja Bhagwan Das had kept with him. Three of the enemy's horsemen now charged them, and one of them attacked the Raja. As his adversary was entangled among the thorns, Raja Bhagwan Das hurled his spear at him and severely wounded him, so that he withdrew. The other two assaulted His Majesty, who received them so valiantly that they were obliged to make off.
45.4
At this time, Makbul Khan Ghulam and Surokh Badakhshi joined His Majesty, and he sent them in pursuit of his assailants. The royal forces, seeing the danger in which the Emperor had been placed, were roused to desperation, and made a fierce onslaught upon the enemy. Ibrahim Husain Mirza was disheartened, and took to flight. Some brave men pursued him, and cut down several men on their way. But the night came on darker than the fate of that band, so the Emperor gave orders to stop the pursuit. Ibrahim Husain Khan, glad to save his life, made off with a few persons by the Ahmadnagar road to Sirohi. The Emperor went into the town of Sarnal, and offered thanks for his victory. Every man who served in this engagement received his reward in increased rank and in jagirs. Next day the Emperor started on his return to the royal camp, but he sent on in advance Surokh Badakhshi, whose conduct in this affair had gained the royal approbation, to carry news of the victory to the princes. When the news arrived, the princes and the ladies of the harem, and the amirs and the officials, were filled with joy sufficient to last them their lives. On Wednesday, the 18th Sha'ban, when one watch of the night was passed, the Emperor rejoined his camp at Baroda. Next day he conferred a banner and a kettle-drum on Raja Bhagwan Das, who had so greatly distinguished himself in this action.