The Akbarī Generations 56: Conclusion of peace with Ddud. His interview with Khan-khanan.
Tabakát-i Akbarí of Nizámu-d dín Ahmad (extracts) 56
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Conclusion of peace with Ddud. His interview with Khan-khanan.
56.1
After his defeat, Daud fled to Katak Banaras (Cuttack), in the centre of Orissa, and Khan-khanan, who remained stationary on account of his wounds, held a council, in which he and his amirs determined to pursue Daud. Raja Todar Mai and * * * were directed to proceed after him, and it was agreed that Khan-khanan himself would follow as soon as his wounds permitted. The Raja and his amirs accordingly started, and did not halt until they reached Kalkal-ghati. After resting there a while, the scouts brought in the intelligence that Daud and the Afghans, with their wives and children, were shut up in the fort of Katak Banaras. Reduced to extremities, and having no other refuge, the men were resolved upon fighting, and fugitives from the field of battle daily gathered round them. Raja Todar Mal sent a report of the state of affairs to Khan-khanan, and the Khan set out for Katak Banaras, never resting till he came within two kos of that place. Then he held a council with his amirs, and having pitched his camp on the banks of the Mahanadi, which is half a kos from Katak, he began to collect materials for a siege.
56.2
Daud had suffered several defeats in succession, and Gujar Khan, his mainstay and support, was slain. Death stared him in the face; so, in his despair and misery, he sent a messenger to Khan-khanan with a message to this effect: "The striving to crush a party of Musulmans is no noble work. I am ready to submit and become a subject; but I beg that a corner of this wide country of Bengal sufficient for my support may be assigned to me. If this is granted, I will rest content, and never after rebel." The amirs communicated this to Khan-khanan, and after considerable discussion, it was determined to accept the proposal, upon the condition that Daud himself should come out to meet Khan-khanan, and confirm the agreement by solemn binding oaths.
56.3
Next day Khan-khanan ordered a grand Court to be held, and all the nobles and attendants to be present in their places in fine array, and the troops drawn up in arms in front of the tents. Daud came out of the fort, attended by his Afghan nobles and officers, and proceeded to the tent of Khan-khanan. When he approached it, Khan-khanan, with great courtesy and respect, rose up and walked half-way down the tent to meet him. When they met, Daud loosened his sword from the belt, and holding it before him, said, "I am tired of war since it inflicts wounds on worthy men like you." Khan-khanan took the sword, and handed it to one of his attendants. Then gently taking Daud by the hand, he seated him by his side, and made the most kind and fatherly inquiries. Food and drink and sweetmeats were served, of which the Khan pressed him to partake.
56.4
After the dishes were removed, the terms of peace came under discussion. Daud protested that he would never take any course hostile to the Imperial throne, and he confirmed his promise by the most stringent oaths. The treaty of peace was drawn up, and then Khan-khanan brought a sword with a jewelled belt of great value out of his stores, and presenting it to Daud, he said, "You have now become a subject of the Imperial throne, and have promised to give it your support. I have therefore requested that the country of Orissa may be settled upon you for your support, and I feel assured that His Majesty will confirm my proposition — granting this to you as my tankhwah has been granted to me. I now gird you afresh with this warlike sword." Then he bound on the sword with his own hands; and showing him every courtesy, and making him a great variety of gifts, he dismissed him. The Court then broke up, and Khan-khanan started on his return. On the 10th Safar, 983, he reached Tanda the capital, and sent a report of his arrangements to the Emperor, who was greatly delighted and satisfied with the conquest of Bengal. Splendid robes and jewelled swords, and a horse with a golden saddle, were sent to Khan-khanan, and all the arrangements he had made were confirmed.
56.5
While Khan-khanan was occupied at Katak Banaras, the sons of Jalalu-d din Sur, in concert with the zamindars of Ghoraghat, attacked and defeated Majnun Khan, drove him to the neighbourhood of Tanda, and captured the fort of Gaur. Mu'in Khan and Majnun Khan provided for the security of Tanda, and awaited intelligence of Khan-khanan's success. When his return became known, the insurgents scattered and hid themselves in the jungles.