The Akbarī Generations 6.1

6.1

The beginning of this year corresponded with Tuesday, the 9th Jumada-l awwal, 964 H. (10 March, 1557). Intelligence arrived that Khizr Khan Khwaja had been defeated by Sikandar Afghan; the Emperor therefore set out for Lahore, to oppose the victor. When he reached Jalandhar, Sikandar fell back to the Siwalik hills, and the royal forces pursued him to Disawa, and from thence to Damhari. It now became obvious that Sikandar meant to retreat, and had no intention of fighting. A party of distinguished nobles was sent in pursuit, and by rapid marches came up to the camp of Sikandar. He then shut himself up in the fort of Mankot. The Imperial army followed, and laid siege to the fort. Day by day the batteries were advanced, and the garrison was closely pressed. At this time Her Highness Mariam Makani, mother of the Emperor, with other royal ladies, arrived in Hindustan from Kabul, to the great satisfaction of the Emperor. Muhammad Kuli Birlas, Shamsu-d din Muhammad Khan Atka, and the other great nobles who had been sent to assist Mun'im Khan at Kabul against Mirza Sulaiman, at the same time returned to Hindustan to the service of their master. When the ladies were about the distance of a stage from the Imperial camp, the Emperor left Bairam Khan in command of the army, and went forth to meet them, his heart receiving great comfort from the reunion.