The Akbarī Generations 56.1

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.