The Akbarī Generations 50: Events which occurred in Gujarat.
Tabakát-i Akbarí of Nizámu-d dín Ahmad (extracts) 50
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Events which occurred in Gujarat.
50.1.1
When the Emperor had settled the affairs of Gujarat, and had returned to his capital, the disaffected and rebellious men, who had crept into corners and hidden themselves in dread of the royal forces, once more raised their heads. Having assembled round Ikhtiyaru-l Mulk, they got possession of Ahmadnagar and the surrounding territory. Muhammad Husain Mirza left the Dekhin with the intention of attempting the recapture of Surat. Kalij Khan, who was jagirdar of the fort, made it secure, and prepared for a siege; so Husain Mirza gave up the project, and made a rapid march upon Kambay. Hasan Khan Karkarah, the shikkdar, being unable to make any resistance, fled to Ahmadabad. Khan-i 'azam sent Naurang Khan and Saiyid Ahmad Bukhari against the Mirza, while he himself marched to Ahmadnagar and Idar against Ikhtiyaru-l Mulk. When Naurang Khan and Saiyid Bukhari approached Kambay, Muhammad Husain Mirza came out to meet him. Sharp fighting went on for several days, and Saiyid Jalal, son of Saiyid Bahau-d din Bukhari, was killed. At length the Mirza was worsted, and fled to join Ikhtiyaru-l Mulk. 'Azam Khan, who had marched against Ikhtiyaru-l Mulk, took a position near Ahmadnagar. He several times attacked him, and fighting went on for several days between Ahmadnagar and Idar with no decisive result.
50.1.2
Intelligence now came that the sons of Sher Khan Fuladi, the son of Jajhar Khan, and Mirza Muhammad Husain had joined Ikhtiyaru-l Mulk, and had formed the plan of making a rapid march by a different road to Ahmadabad. On being informed of this, Khan-i 'azam marched for that city, and when he reached it he sent a messenger to summon Kutbu-d din Muhammad Khan from Broach, who accordingly marched and joined Khan-i 'azam at Ahmadabad. Ikhtiyaru-l Mulk and Muhammad Husain Mirza, and the other insurgents, got together a force of 20,000 men — Mughals, Gujaratis, Habshis, Afghans, and Rajputs — around Ahmadabad. The Raja of Idar also kept up a connexion with them. Khan-i 'azam and Kutbu-d din, being unable to depend upon some of their men, shut themselves up in the town, but sallied out every day and fought under the walls. One day Fazil Khan, son of Khan-i kalan, went out and made a bold attack upon the enemy, and killed several men; but he was slain by a thrust from a spear. Khan-i 'azam daily sent off despatches to the Emperor, calling for assistance. The Emperor therefore resolved once more to raise his banner in Gujarat, to clear the country of the rebels, and to uproot their families.
50.1.3
The Emperor summoned his clerks and officials, and gave them directions to provide for the outfit of an army. The former campaign had lasted a year, and the men through the length of the march were without accoutrements. After returning they had not had sufficient time to get money from their jagirs to replace their necessaries. His Majesty therefore issued money from the public treasury to the soldiers, and made liberal grants for procuring the materials of war. He sent Shuja'at Khan on in advance with his camp equipage, and he sent with it his horses under the charge of Khwaja Auka Khan. He personally enjoined the diwani officers to use the greatest despatch in outfitting the army. To expedite matters he on the same day sent the men of his advanced guard out of the city to join his camp equipage. He frequently said that although he was exerting himself in the organization and despatch of the army, no one would be ready sooner than himself to take his part in its work.
50.1.4
When several amirs with their troops had been set in motion for Gujarat, he bestowed the title of Khan-jahan upon Husain Kuli Khan, who had rendered good service, and he increased his jagirs and allowances. He confirmed to him the government of Lahore and the sarkar of the Panjab, and then dismissed him to his duty. Each person who sought for an increase of dignity, or for an increase of his allowances, met with a favourable hearing. Raja Todar Mal was ordered to join Khan-jahan Husain Kuli Khan, and to give him and the amirs of the Panjab the benefit of his experience and advice in the management of the province. All the amirs of the Panjab took their leave with Khan-jahan, excepting Mirza Yusuf Khan. The Mirza and Muhammad Zaman, who exhibited great intelligence, were to accompany the Emperor. Sa'id Khan, the ruler of Multan, was sent to his jagir, taking with him his brother Makhsus Khan, who had been promoted. In the early morning of Sunday, 24th Rabi'u-l akhir, 981, the Emperor, with his companions and attendants, mounted swift she-camels, and took their departure. On that day he rode to the town of Toda without drawing rein. There he ate what he could get, and continued his journey. On the morning of Monday, he took a short rest at Hans-mahal, but quickly resumed his journey. One watch of the night of Tuesday had passed, when he reached the village of Mu'izabad. He was now fatigued, and several of his attendants had dropped behind, so he stayed a few hours to take rest.
50.1.5
After his attendants had come up, he mounted a fast-going cart, and travelled all night. On Tuesday he reached the tomb of Khwája Mu'ínu-d dín Chishti (at Ajmír), where he went through the usual observances, and bestowed his gifts upon the poor. He rested for a while in the palace, which he had built for his own use, but towards the end of the day he mounted his horse, and continued his journey. Among his attendants when he started were Mírzá Khán, son of Khán-khánán Bairam, Asaf Khán Koka, Zain Khán Koka, and * * *. The night was bright moonlight. In the morning they joined Sháh Kulí Khán Mahram, and Muhammad Kulí Khán Tughbáni, who had been sent on in advance from Fathpúr. The intelligencers now brought the information of the royal army having marched. His Majesty alighted at the town of Pálí, which was near at hand, and then, having chosen Khwája 'Abdu-lla, Asaf Khán Bakhshí, and Raisál Darbárí, he took them along with him. On the 2nd Jumáda-l awwal, 981, he reached the town of Dísa, twenty kos from Pattan, in Gujarát, where the shikkdár * * came forth to meet him. His Majesty now sent Asaf Khán to Muhammad Khán, directing him to collect his forces, and join the party at the town of Bálisána, five kos from Pattan. In the middle of the night His Majesty started from Dísa for Bálisána, and turning aside from Pattan, came in sight of Bálisána in the morning, and there halted.
50.1.6
Here he was joined by Mír Muhammad Khán with his army and all his amirs and attendants, such as * * * and a party of the principal Rajputs, such as Khangár, the nephew of Rája Bhagwán Dás, who had previously marched from Fathpur to support Khán-i 'azam, but whom caution had restrained from advancing beyond Pattan. An order was now issued for all the troops to appear fully armed and accoutred. The amirs accordingly brought out their men, and the Emperor reviewed them. Although he had full trust and hope of heavenly assistance, he neglected no material means of success. He gave the command of the centre, which is the place of the Sultán, to Mirzá Khán, son of (the late) Khán-khánán Bairám Khán, a young man of great parts and promise. He also appointed Saiyid Muhammad Khán Bárha, a man of great bravery, and Shujá'at Khán and Sádik Khán to the centre. The command of the right was given to Mir Muhammad Khán-i kalán, and that of the left to Wazir Khán. The advance, composed of a number of brave fellows, was placed under the command of Muhammad Kuli Khán and Tarkhán Diwána. His Majesty kept under his own immediate direction 100 horsemen, men who had been picked out from a thousand thousand — a reserve intended to support any division which might be hard pressed. Strict orders were issued that no man was to stray from his place.
50.1.7
Although the horsemen under his colours were only 3000 in number, and the enemy had more than 20,000, he put his trust in God, and in the latter part of the day marched from Bálisána towards Ahmadábád. A messenger was sent to apprise Khán-i 'azam of his approach. He marched all night, and on Tuesday, 3rd Jumáda-l awwal, he reached Kari, a town twenty kos from Ahmadábád. The scouts now brought in the intelligence that a large force of the enemy had come out of the fort to give battle. Orders were accordingly given to attack them, and drive them from the road, but not to incur any embarrassment by attacking the fort. This was accomplished in the twinkling of an eye, and those of the enemy who escaped the sword, threw themselves into the fort. Leaving the fort untouched, in obedience to orders, the army marched five kos from Kari, where it rested till dawn.
50.2.1
As soon as it was light, the bakhshis drew up the forces, and marched on without drawing rein to a place about three kos from Ahmadabad. Orders were given for every man to arm himself, and the royal armoury was opened, so that every man who had lost or damaged a weapon might choose one to suit him. Asaf Khan was sent to Khan-i 'azam, to inform him of the proximity of the Emperor, and directing him to effect a junction. Thus, in nine days, the Emperor marched from Fathpur to the outskirts of Ahmadabad, a feat which it is difficult for the pen to describe.
50.2.2
It was now discovered that the enemy, drunk with wine, were asleep on the bed of heedlessness, quite unaware of the approach of the royal army. The feeling ran through the royal ranks, that it was unmanly to fall upon an enemy unawares, and that they would wait till he was roused. When the blast of the trumpets was heard, the enemy, in amaze and alarm, rushed to their horses, Muhammad Husain Mirza advanced with two or three horsemen to the bank of the river to ascertain the truth, and it so happened that Subhan Kuli Turk had also gone down to the river with two or three men from our side. Muhammad Husain Mirza called out to Subhan Kuli, inquiring whose army it was, and he was answered that it was the Emperor, who had marched from Fathpur to punish traitors. The Mirza replied, "My spies have informed me, that fourteen days ago the Emperor was at Fathpur; and if this is the Imperial army, where are the royal elephants which always accompany it?" Subhan 'Ali said, "How could elephants have travelled with us 400 kos in nine days?" Muhammad Husain Mirza returned amazed and troubled to his army, and drawing out his forces, he prepared for battle. He directed Ikhtiyar Khan to take 5000 horse, and prevent Khan-i 'azam from sallying out of the city.
50.2.3
When the time for delay drew to an end, the Emperor directed the advance to cross the river, and that Wazir Khan also should cross with the left. This being done, he himself crossed over at the head of his chosen men. Some little confusion occurred in the passage, but the troops all got over together, and advanced a short distance on the other side, when a strong force of the enemy came in view. Muhammad Husain Mirza, with 1500 Mughals, all devoted men of his own, came up and fell upon the advanced force under Muhammad Kuli Khan and Tarkhan Diwana. Simultaneously the Habshis and Afghans attacked Wazir Khan, and then the fight grew close and warm. The Emperor perceived some signs of weakness and distress in the advanced force, so he gave the word, and charged the enemy like a fierce tiger. Another body of the royal forces came up and took them in flank. Saif Khan Koka made a rash charge and was killed. Muhammad Husain Mirza and Shah Mirza struggled manfully, but ill-luck attended them, so they turned and fled. The royal troops advanced and cut off some. His Majesty with several of his men drew up and stood fast. Muhammad Husain Mirza had received a wound, and in his haste to make his escape, he put his horse at a thorn hedge, but the animal fell. One of the royal troops, a Turk named Gada 'Ali, who pursued him, threw himself from his horse and made him prisoner.
50.2.4
Wazir Khan on the left fought well and bravely, but the Habshi and Gujarati troops made charge after charge, until they became acquainted with the defeat of Muhammad Husain Mirza and Shah Mirza. Then they also turned their backs. Mir Muhammad Khan on the right drove back the sons of Sher Khan Fuladi, and put many of their men to the sword. Victory now declared itself on every side, and His Majesty returned triumphant to his couch, which was placed at the edge of the battle-field, and there he offered up his thanks for the victory vouchsafed. Gada 'Ali Badakhshi and a servant of Khan-i kalan now brought in the wounded Muhammad Husain Mirza a prisoner, each laying claim to the honour of capturing him. Raja Birbal asked him who made him prisoner, and he replied, "Ingratitude to His Majesty;" and he spoke the truth. His Majesty spoke a few kind words to him, and gave him into the custody of Rai Singh. Among the prisoners taken was a man named Mard Azmai Shah, who declared himself the Koka of Mirza Ibrahim Husain. His Majesty struck him to the earth with a spear, and the attendants cut him to pieces with their swords. It was afterwards found out that he had killed in the battle of Sarnal, Bhupat, brother of Raja Bhagwan Das. An hour after the victory was won, another large division of the enemy made its appearance, and the vedettes brought the information that it was Ikhtiyaru-l Mulk Gujarati.
50.2.5
He had been charged with the duty of closing the road against 'Azam Khan, but when he heard of the defeat of the Mirzas, he left the city roads and came out into the field. His Majesty ordered a force to advance and assail him with arrows. When he came in sight, some fierce horsemen charged and overthrew the troop which preceded him. Ikhtiyaru-l Mulk in his fright cast a look upon the hill whereon the royal standard was planted, and he (and his men) ran off on both sides of it in such disgraceful panic that the royal troops pulled the arrows out of the quivers of the fugitives, and used them against them. A Turkoman named Suhrab Beg now recognized Ikhtiyáru-l Mulk, and pursued him. Coming to a thorn hedge, the fugitive endeavoured to make his horse leap over, but the animal threw him. Suhrab Beg dismounted and took him prisoner. Ikhtiyáru-l Mulk said, "You look like a Turkoman, and the Turkomans are followers of 'Alí. I belong to the Saiyids of Bokhara, do not kill me." Suhrab Beg replied, "I recognized you and pursued you. You are Ikhtiyáru-l Mulk." Thus having said he cut off his head and returned to mount his horse, but some one had taken it, so he wrapped the head in the skirt of his garment and walked back. At the time that Ikhtiyáru-l Mulk advanced towards the hill on which the Emperor was standing, the Rajputs of Rái Singh, who had charge of Muhammad Husain Mírzá, cast the Mírzá off an elephant to the ground, and despatched him with a spear.
50.2.6
After the victory, 'Azam Khán and the other officers who had been besieged in the city came out to the Emperor, who bestowed upon the Khán many marks of his approval. To every one of the Kháns he gave promotion or other distinctions, and he had hardly finished with them, when Suhrab Beg Turkoman came up and threw down the head of Ikhtiyáru-l Mulk. When the Emperor saw it, he praised him and liberally rewarded him; and then he ordered that a pyramid should be raised of the heads of the rebels who had fallen in the battle, and these were more than 2000 in number. After this he proceeded into Ahmadábád, and occupied the royal abode, which is in the citadel. The men of the city of all ranks waited upon him with their offerings and congratulations. He rested five days in the citadel, and then he removed to the house of 'Itimád Khán, in the middle of the city. His first act was to see that all those who had rendered good service in this campaign, especially those who had distinguished themselves in the battle, should receive their due reward in advanced rank and increased allowances. Eloquent scribes were employed to write despatches of the victory, and the heads of Muhammad Husain Mirza and Ikhtiyaru-l Mulk were sent to be hung up over the gates of Agra and Fathpur.
50.2.7
After attending to the wants of the poor people of Ahmadabad, he sent Kutbu-d din Muhammad Khan and Naurang Khan to Broach and Champanir, to uproot the power of Shah Mirza. Raja Bhagwan Das, Shah Kuli Mahram, Lashkar Khan Mir-bakhshi, and several others, were sent to Idar, to ravage the country which Rana Udai Singh had abandoned. The government of Pattan was again confided to Mir Muhammad Khan (Khan-i Kalan). Wazir Khan was appointed to Dulaka and Danduka, and he was to support Khan-i 'azam.
50.2.8
When the Emperor had made all his arrangements, he resolved to return home, and on Sunday, 16th Jumada-l awwal, he left Ahmadabad for Mahmudabad, and rested in the lofty and fine palace of Sultan Mahmud of Gujarat. Khwaja Ghiyasu-d din 'Ali Bakhshi, who had rendered good service in this campaign, received the title of Asaf Khan, and he was appointed diwan and bakhshi of Gujarat, so he remained behind with Khan-i 'azam. The Emperor travelled by night from Dulaka to Kari, and from Kari also by night to Sitapur. Here a despatch was received from Raja Bhagwan Das, and Shah Kuli Mahram, reporting the capture of the fort of Barnagar, and a letter of thanks was returned. He made no other halt till he reached Sirohi, where he gave Sadik Khan a commission to chastise rebels and robbers. On Wednesday, 3rd Jumada-l awwal, 981, he reached Ajmir, and immediately went to visit the tomb of Khwaja Mu'inu-d din Chishti, and made liberal donations to the poor. Next day he departed, and marching night and day, he reached the village of Puna, three kos from Sanganir, in the jagir of Ram Das Kachhwaha. Here Ram Das had prepared an entertainment for His Majesty and all his attendants.
50.2.9
At this station Raja Todar Mal, who had been directed to fit out a thousand boats (kishti) and ghrabs at Agra, had an interview with His Majesty. The revenues of Gujarat had not been paid up satisfactorily, so the Raja was sent to ascertain and settle the assets, and draw up an account of them for the royal exchequer. The Emperor started again at midnight, and rode to Toda, which he reached on the morning of the 6th, and, after resting for a while, he again mounted and reached Basawar in the middle of the night, where he was met by Khwaja-jahan and Shahabu-d din Ahmad Khan, who had come out of Fathpur to meet him. At dawn he again started and went to the town of Bajuna, where he remained till the following day. He then ordered his attendants to march into Fathpur with spears in their hands. He himself followed, riding upon a gray horse, and holding a spear in his hand. Thus he reached Fathpur on Saturday, 7th Jumada-l akhir, having been absent forty-three days.