The Akbarī Generations 45.1

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.