The Akbarī Generations 78: Twenty-ninth year of the Reign.
Tabakát-i Akbarí of Nizámu-d dín Ahmad (extracts) 78
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Contents
Twenty-ninth year of the Reign.
78.1.1
Agreeing with 991 H. [Festival of the new year.] The news from Bengal was, that Khan-i 'azam had occupied Tanda, that Khaldi Khan, Jabbar Bardi, and Mirza Beg Kakshal had separated from 'Isa Kabuli, and had come to Khan-i 'azam, and that 'Isa had sought refuge with certain zamindars. All the parts of Bengal that were in the possession of the rebels now came again under the authority of the Imperial officers. As 'Itimad Khan had held the government of Gujarat for several years, he was better acquainted with the prosperous management of the country than others could be, and if the government were confirmed to him it might be the means of exciting the emulation of rulers in other countries. For this reason he was appointed governor of Gujarat. Mir Abu Turab was appointed amin, Khwaja Abu-l Kasim, brother of Mulla 'Abdu-l Kadir was appointed diwan, and the humble servant Nizamu-d din Ahmad, the author of this work, was appointed bakhshi. Muhammad Husain Shaikh and * * * were made jagirdars of Gujarat. Amir Fathu-lla, one of the saiyids of Shiraz, a very wise and learned man, had gone from Shiraz to 'Adil Khan in the Dakhin, and had there held high office. On the 22nd Rabi'u-s sani he came to visit the Emperor at Fathpur. Khan-khanan and Hakim Abu-l Fath were sent forth to meet him, and to bring him in with due honour. He was appointed to the exalted office of Sadr.
78.1.2
The suppression and dispersion of the rebels in Bengal was reported to the Emperor. It was known that 'Isa Kabuli was in the country of 'Aisi, and Khan-i 'azam was desirous of returning home. For these reasons the Emperor ordered Shahbaz Khan to proceed to Bengal, to allot the whole of that sarkar in jagirs to the soldiers, and to do his best to exterminate 'Isa Kabuli. On the 17th Jumada-s sani, he started to assume his duties. In this year, an order was given for the translation into Persian of the Maha-bharat, which is the chief book of history of the Brahmans. The translation was completed, and received the name of Razm-nama (Book of War). Information was now brought that Khan-i 'azam had sent Shaikh Farid to make peace with Katlu Afghan (in Orissa). When the Shaikh reached his dwelling, and had an interview with him, Katlu was very humble. Bahadur Gauriya, one of the zamindars of Bengal, and a high officer in the army of Katlu, came to see the Shaikh, who then travelled on under the eyes of the zamindars and the servants of Katlu. Bahadur, in a hostile manner, blocked up the road by which the Shaikh was returning, and attacked him. Many of his men were killed, but the Shaikh escaped without injury.
78.1.3
Burhanu-l Mulk, brother of Murtaza Nizamu-l Mulk, ruler of the Dakhin, fled from his brother to Kutbu-d din Khan, and by command he came from thence to wait upon the Emperor in the month of Rajab. But before this, a person calling himself Burhanu-l Mulk had waited upon the Emperor, and had obtained a jagir. Now that the real man had come, and the imposture was displayed, the impostor fled and hid himself; but he was discovered after the lapse of a week among some Jogis, and was cast into prison.
78.1.4
An order was given to 'Itimad Khan to take away the country of Sirohi from Sartan Deori, and to give it to Jagmal his brother, who was an adherent of the Imperial throne: 1000 mohurs (muhrs) was sent in charge of the writer of this work towards payment of the expenses. When 'Itimad Khan arrived at Jalor, the author, Muhammad Ma'sum Bakhari, Kambar Beg Ishak Aka, Zainu-d din Kambu, and Pahlawan 'Ali Sistani, who was appointed kotwal of Ahmadabad, joined 'Itimad Khan. Muhammad Husain Shaikh and several jagirdars of Gujarat remained behind. After 'Itimad Khan arrived at Jalor, he proceeded to Sirohi, and having removed Sartan Deori, he installed Jagmal, whom he left there with Aghzan Khan, Mahmud Jalori, Bijai Deora, Rai Singh, son of Chandar Sen, son of Rai Mal Deo. Then he proceeded towards Ahmadabad, and on approaching the city, Shahabu-d din Ahmad Khan came out and posted himself in 'Usmanpur, one of the suburbs. On the 12th Sha'ban, 'Itimad Khan went into the city. Two days afterwards it was discovered that 'Abid Badakhshi * * and a large party of the servants of Shahabu-d din Khan had left him, and gone off to Kathiwar, to invite Muzaffar Gujarati, who was there living in the retirement to which he had been driven by the Imperial arms; their object being to promote a revolt.
78.1.5
'Itimad Khan thought it desirable to have a conference with Shahabu-d din upon the subject; so he sent me, the author of this work, to him. When I saw him, he told me that this band of conspirators had a design against his life, and that they had for a long time been preparing this plot. Now that they had torn the veil from their designs, they would receive no encouragement or help from him. When I reported the state of the case to 'Itimad Khan, he thought it expedient to conciliate the conspirators; so he sent me and two other persons to appease them. But they rejected our overtures, and continued their journey. Shahabu-d din removed and went to Kari, twenty kos from Ahmadabad. We now sent several letters to Shahabu-d din, urging him to delay his departure for a few days; but making no stay, he went on his way. On the 27th Sha'ban, the intelligence arrived that the rebels had come to Dulaka, bringing with them Muzaffar and some Kathiwar people.
78.1.6
Kambar Beg Ishang Aka now came in from Shahabu-d din, reporting that he had promised to stay at Kari. 'Itimad Khan, Mir Abu Turab, and I, therefore went forth to see Shahabu-d din, to mollify him and bring him back with us. Towards the close of day, 'Itimad Khan set off for Kari. It had been urged upon him that it was not right for the ruler of a city to leave it when the enemy was at a distance of only twelve kos. But it was of no avail. He left his own son with Amir Ma'sum Bakhari and * * * and my son, and started. When he and I reached Kari, we talked with Shahabu-d din, and we reconciled him, upon our promise that the parganas which he had for a long time held in jagir should be relinquished to him, and that he should be paid a subsidy of two lacs of rupees. In fact, all he asked was conceded. Towards close of day, 'Itimad Khan and he set out from Kari, to return to Ahmadabad. On the same day that 'Itimad Khan went to Kari, Muzaffar Gujarati came to Ahmadabad. The men of the city gave him (access to) the fort, and as part of the wall was broken down, he made his way in immediately.
78.1.7
At midnight, when ['Itimad Khan and] Shahabu-d din were ten kos from Ahmadabad, they were met by Mir Ma'sum Bakhari and Zainu-d din Kambu, who had come out of the city and brought the news. They alighted, and after consultation decided that as the enemy had gained only one day, he had had no time to strengthen himself, and that we must get into the city as he had done. So we went on to the city, and in the morning arrived at 'Usmanpur, which is on the side of the river near the city. Muzaffar Gujarati came forth, and drew up his forces on the sandy bank of the river. Shihabu-d din was quite helpless, because his men were not trustworthy, and many of them ran off. I did all I could with a few men, but without effect. My son, who had been left in the city in charge of the fort, was plundered of everything. Shihabu-d din Ahmad Khan and 'Itimad Khan took to flight, and went to Nahrwala, better known as Pattan, forty-five kos from Ahmadabad. I, the author, wrote a report of the occurrences to the Emperor.
78.1.8
Three days afterwards Muhammad Husain Shaikh * * and other jagirdars of Gujarat came to Pattan, and having set the fort in order, prepared to hold out. Muzaffar Gujarati gave away jagirs and titles to the leading rebels, and busied himself in collecting forces. Sher Khan Fuladi had been governor of Pattan for many years, but had (since) lived for some years in adversity in the country of Surath. He joined Muzaffar Gujarati, who sent him with four thousand horse towards Pattan. When Sher Khan arrived at Kari, he sent forward his men to the town of Jutana, twenty kos from Pattan. I attacked them and defeated them, and left Mir Muhibbu-lla * * and a detachment of soldiers at that place. Zainu-d din Kambu was sent to Kutbu-d din, governor of Broach and Baroda, desiring him to advance from that side against Ahmadabad, so that the enemy might be attacked on two sides and overpowered. Zainu-d din went to Kutbu-d din, and brought him to Baroda. When Muzaffar was informed of his arrival there, he led a large force to attack him, and Kutbu-d din, having fought in an unsoldier-like way, was defeated, and had to take refuge in the fort of Baroda. Many of his men and officers joined Muzaffar.
78.2.1
Sher Khan Fuladi now advanced as far as the town of Masana, fifteen kos from Pattan, and great consternation fell upon the garrison, so much so that they were on the point of abandoning Pattan, and going off to Jálor. I resolved at all hazards to fight, and went to encounter Sher Khán. Shahábu-d dín Ahmad Khán and 'Itimád Khán stopped in Pattan, the other amírs joined me. When we reached Masána, we found that Sher Khán had drawn up his forces, and he advanced to attack us with five thousand horse, while we did not exceed two thousand. Sher Khán was defeated, and went off to Ahmadábád. Many of his men were killed, and a large booty fell into our hands. I strenuously urged that we should advance against Ahmadábád, but the amírs who were with me would not agree.
78.2.2
When we reached Kárí, we remained there, awaiting the arrival of the soldiers who had been sent to Pattan with the spoils of our victory. We waited twelve days, and during that time several persons were sent to Pattan to collect men. We now heard that Muzaffar Gujarátí had bombarded the fort of Baroda, and that Kutbu-d dín, having received a promise (of safe conduct), had sent Zainu-d dín Kambú out (to treat). Muzaffar, regardless of his pledge, put Zainu-d dín to death. Kutbu-d dín, although the perfidy and vow-breaking of Muzaffar were manifest, was so demented, so blinded by fate, that he trusted to the promise of that promise-breaker, and went out to him. Then, at the instigation of Tárwárí, zamíndár of Pípla, he was put to death. Upon hearing of this, I, and the men who were with me at Kárí, returned to Pattan. From Baroda Muzaffar went to Broach, and the officers of Kutbu-d dín surrendered the fortress. He obtained there fourteen lacs of rupees which were in the royal treasury at Kambáy, and had been conveyed to Broach by Khwája 'Imádu-d dín Husain. And he also got possession of all the property and treasures of Kutbu-d din, which exceeded ten krors. Collecting the soldiers and Rajputs from all parts near him, he raised his force to nearly thirty thousand men.
78.2.3
When these occurrences were brought to the knowledge of the Emperor, he sent Mirza Khan, son of Bairam Khan, along with the jagirdars of Ajmir, such as Payinda Muhammad Khan Mughal * * and others too numerous to mention, by way of Jalor and Pattan; and he also sent Kalij Khan, who was the jagirdar of Surat, with * * jagirdars of Malwa, by the way of Malwa. This latter force had arrived at Sultanpur and Nandurbar while Muzaffar was engaged at Broach, but dread of Muzaffar prevented them from advancing a step further. I, the author, every day wrote letters from Pattan to Mirza Khan, urging his speedy approach. When he arrived with his force at Sirohi, I went forth to meet him, and brought him on with all speed. He remained one day in Pattan, and then advanced. When Mirza Khan's arrival became known to Muzaffar Gujarati, he left Broach, and returned to Ahmadabad, leaving the fort of Broach in charge of Nasir, his brother's son, and Charkas Rumi, one of the Imperial servants who had deserted to Muzaffar. Mirza Khan and his army encamped at Sarkaj, three kos from Ahmadabad. Muzaffar pitched his camp opposite the Imperial army, two kos distant, near the tomb of Shah Bhikan (God rest his soul!). On the day the two armies were thus brought near to each other and afterwards some fighting went on, to the advantage of the Imperial arms, until Friday, 16th Muharram, 991, when Muzaffar marshalled his forces and attacked us. Mirza Khan, on his side, had made his dispositions.
78.2.4
I, the author, and * * were directed to keep the town of Sarkaj on our right, and to fall upon the rear of the enemy. The two armies met, and the battle began. Saiyid Hashim and Khizr Aka, vakil of Mirza Khan, were slain, and many men fell. While Muzaffar was engaged with Mirza Khan, I brought round my men, and fell upon his rear. Rai Durga, also, of the left wing, under the orders of Mirza Khan, followed to support me. Muzaffar was put to flight, and great numbers of his men were slain. Next morning Mirza Khan entered the city, and issued a proclamation of amnesty, so that every one felt reassured. Muzaffar fled to Ma'murabad and the banks of the Mahindari river. From thence he went to Kambay. Many of the fugitives rejoined him there, so that his force again rose to nearly ten thousand men. Three days after the victory, Kalij Khan arrived at Ahmadabad with the army of Malwa. Mirza Khan and all the amirs then marched towards Kambay. On their arriving at ten kos from the place, Muzaffar went off towards Baroda. When Mirza Khan reached the village of Bdsad, near Patlad, on the bank of the Mahindari, he sent Kalij Khan and * * on in advance to overtake and attack the enemy; but this force, deterred by the difficulty and narrowness of the road, came to a halt, and Muzaffar got off to Raj-pipla and Nadot.
78.2.5
Mirza Khan and his army entered Baroda on the 16th, and there rested. While he was there, intelligence arrived that Saiyid Daulat, one of the officers of Muzaffar, had entered Kambay, and overpowered the royal forces in the place. Naurang Khan was sent to repress this diversion, and having driven out the insurgent, he returned. Saiyid Daulat then came back and seized the town again. Khojam Burdi, an officer of Mirza Khan's, marched against him from Patlad, and defeated him. Mirza Khan marched with his army to Nadot, and Muzaffar went off into the mountains. Atalik Bahadur now deserted from the Imperial army, and joined Muzaffar. So the insurgents were again set in motion. Mirza Khan imprisoned Jan Bahadur Uzbek, of whom he was suspicious on account of his relations with Atalik Bahadur, and he resolved to attack the rebels. Sharif Khan and Naurang Khan were appointed to the right, Kalij Khan and Tolak Khan to the left, Payinda Khan and some other amirs to the advance. I was sent forward to reconnoitre, and find out the best way of attacking the enemy. When I reached the foot of the hills, I attacked the enemy's infantry, and drove them back for a good kos to where their main force was drawn up in array. A sharp action ensued. The discharge of arrows and bullets was quite bewildering, and many men and horses on both sides were wounded. I dismounted some of my best men, and rode on with them to the mountain, and I sent some to call up Kalij Khan.
78.2.6
I also sent Khwaja Muhammad Piaha, a man renowned for his courage. Kalij Khan came up on the left, and becoming engaged, he bore back the enemy a little. But reinforcements were brought up by the enemy, and Kalij Khan and Tolak Khan were repulsed, and fell back a bow-shot distance. The men whom I had dismounted, while the enemy was pushing after Kalij Khan, finding the way clear, ascended the hill. When the enemy returned, they attacked us, and many men were killed. Kalij Khan had found some shelter and held his ground. I sent to Mirza Khan for the elephant guns (hath-nal). They were brought up upon the elephants, and we discharged several guns against the spot where Muzaffar was standing. Naurang Khan now came up the mountain which covered the enemy's left, and got the command of his position. When the balls from the elephant guns fell in the midst of Muzaffar's division, he fled, and great numbers of his men were taken prisoners or killed. The Imperial arms obtained a complete victory. Mirza Khan returned, and came to Ahmadabad, where he busied himself in arranging the affairs of the army and the peasantry. He left Kalij Khan and * * the other Malwa amirs to proceed against Broach. For seven months he remained in Ahmadabad, and at the end of that time the fort of Broach was captured. Charkas Rumi, who had deserted Kutbu-d din Muhammad Khan to join Muzaffar, and was appointed by him commandant of the fortress of Broach, was taken in the fort, and executed.
78.2.7
Nasir, who was also an officer, escaped, though half-dead. At the time when Mirza Khan was sent to Gujarat, His Majesty commanded a city and fort to be built at Payag, at the confluence of the Ganges and Jumna, to which the name of Illahabas was given. His Majesty went there by boat from Agra, and spent four months there pleasantly. * * When intelligence of the killing of Kutbu-d din and the spread of the revolt in Gujarat arrived, His Majesty started for Agra and Fathpur, so that he might set out from the latter place to Gujarat. On reaching Etawa, intelligence of the victory arrived, and so he stayed at Fathpur. He sent farmans to the amirs in Gujarat. To Mirza Khan he gave the title of Khan-khanan, a horse, a robe, a jewelled dagger, and the banner of 5000 (tuman togh). On me, the author, he bestowed a horse, a robe, and increased emoluments. All the officers received marks of his favour.
78.3.1
After his second defeat, Muzaffar Gujarati retreated by way of Champanir, Birpur, and Jhalawar, to the country of Surath, and rested at the town of Gondal, twelve kos from the fort of Junagarh. His scattered forces gathered round him from all sides, so that he mustered nearly three thousand horse and foot. He gave a lac of Mahmudis and a jewelled dagger to Amin Khan Ghori, ruler of Surath, and so won his support. He gave a similar sum to Jam Marsal, Raja of Jhalawar, who was at the head of a body of troops and clansmen. He once more formed designs against Ahmadabad. Amin Khan, being cautious, said to Muzaffar, "Go to the Jam, and take him along with you. I will attend to the provisions for the army, and will follow you." When Muzaffar went to the Jam, he drew back and said, "You march and advance against Ahmadabad: I will follow." On the arrival of Muzaffar at Morbi, sixty kos from Ahmadabad, and the intelligence of his advance being brought to Khan-khanan, the Khan set off with all diligence to encounter him. When Muzaffar reached Param-gam, forty kos from Morbi, and neither the Jam nor Amin Khan arrived, he returned disheartened and distracted towards the mountains of Barda. Then he proceeded to Jagat, which is the extreme town of Surath, and well known under the name of Dwarka.
78.3.2
The Jam sent his vakils to Khan-khanan, to represent that he was friendly to the Imperial Government; that he had taken money from Muzaffar, but had not joined him, and that he was then ready to conduct the army to the place where Muzaffar was staying. Amin Khan, also, through the introduction of Mir Turab, sent his son to wait upon Khan-khanan, and assure him of his good wishes. The Jam's men guided Khan-khanan on a rapid march into the mountains of Barda, which were plundered and ravaged. A vast quantity of booty was obtained, and many men were killed or made prisoners.
78.3.3
Muzaffar, with five hundred Mughal horsemen, and five hundred Kathiwdr horsemen, went off towards Gujarat, and proceeded to a place called Othaniya, which is situated between the Sabarmati river and the mountain defiles, and was held by a rebellious Koli named Bhai. When Khan-khanan went away (into the mountains), he left Medini Rai, Khojam Bardi, * * * and others in charge of the army at Hadala, near to Danduka, on the high road to Kambay. He also left Bayan Bahadur and * * * with a division at Paranti, four kos from Othaniya. When Muzaffar proceeded to Othaniya, Saiyid Kasim Barha came from Pattan to Bijapur, which is thirty kos from Othaniya; and the force which was at Hadala came and joined the one at Paranti. Muzaffar, supported by the Kolis and Grassias, and all the disaffected zamindars of the vicinity, gave battle to the force which was at Paranti; but he was signally defeated, and his elephants and canopy fell into the hands of the victors. Many of his men were killed, and he himself escaped barefoot and half-dead.
78.3.4
While Khan-khanan was thus engaged in the mountains of Barda, it became known that the Jam was not acting honestly. His vakils were dismissed, and sent back to him. The Jam prepared to oppose us, and collected an army of twenty thousand horse and innumerable infantry. When Khan-khanan came to within seven kos of him, he sent an envoy to make his apologies, and he also sent his son with three large elephants and eighteen Arab horses to Khan-khanan, expressing his earnest desire to enter into a treaty, and to act in a friendly way. Khan-khanan then returned to Ahmadabad, and five months afterwards he was summoned to the Imperial Court, whither he proceeded in all haste. Muzaffar was then in Kathiwar, and was greatly aggrieved with Amin Khan for having taken his money, and not having given him any help. Supported by the people of Kathiwdr and the zamindárs, he collected an army, and marched against Amin Khan, who took shelter in the fort of Amartali. Intelligence of this was brought to Kalij Khán and me, who were at Ahmadábád. Kalij Khán remained in the city, and I went out with Saiyid Kásim Khán Bárha, Medini Rái and * * *, and marched forward with all speed to Súrath.
78.3.5
When I reached Hadála, Muzaffar, feeling unable to contend with me, raised the siege of Amin Khan, and went off towards Kach. I then sent Mir Kalij and * * to Amin Khan, proposing that we should in concert pursue Muzaffar into Kathiwar. I pushed forward and went to Morbi. Muzaffar fled and crossed the Ran, which is an inlet of the sea, and took the road to Jessalmir. In some places the breadth of the water of the Ran is ten kos and twenty kos. He went into the country which they call Kach, on the other side of this water. When I reached Morbi, the Jam and Amin Khan sent their sons to me, and having entered into engagements with me, I returned towards Bíram-gám. Intelligence now arrived of the departure of Khán-khánan from Court, and of his having gone to the neighbourhood of Sirohi, with the intention of taking Sirohi and Jalor. I, in agreement with Saiyid Kásim Khan, proceeded with my men to join him. The Raja of Sirohi came to see Khan-khánan, and paid a sum of money as tribute. Ghazní Khan, of Jalor, also came forward. But when Khan-khánan was on his way to Court, Ghazní had shown some rudeness and signs of disaffection; he was therefore imprisoned, and possession was taken of the fort of Jalor. Khan-khánán went and took up his residence at Ahmadábád.
78.3.6
To return to home affairs. Twenty days after Khán-khánan arrived at Court, intelligence was brought of the death of Mirza Muhammad Hakim, the Emperor's brother. Orders were given to Raja Bhagwan Das and Kunwar Man Singh, the governor of the Panjab, to go and take possession of Kabul. His Majesty himself proceeded to the Panjab. At this time Mir Murtaza and Khudawand Khan, ruler of the country of Birar in the Dakhin, marched to attack Ahmadnagar. They were defeated in battle by Salabat Khan, the vakil of Nizamu-l Mulk, and then came complaining to the Imperial Court. A farman was sent to 'Azam Khan, ruler of Malwa, directing him to march against the Dakhin, and subdue Birar. Farmans were also sent to Mir Murtaza, Khudawand Khan, Tirandaz Khan, and other men of the Dakhin. Many of the great nobles, such as 'Abdu-l Matlab Khan, * * Rai Durga, Raja Askaran, * * and many others, too numerous to mention, were sent with artillery, three hundred elephants, and the army of Malwa on this expedition. Mir Fathu-lla, who had received the title of 'Azdu-d daula, was sent to make arrangements in the Dakhin. Khwajagi Fathu-lla was appointed bakhshi, and Mukhtar Beg diwan of this army.
78.3.7
This force concentrated at Hindia, on the borders of the Dakhin. 'Azam Khan had a feud with Shahabu-d din Ahmad Khan, then ruler of Ujjain, because he suspected Shahabu-d din of having instigated the murder of his father, 'Azdu-d daula endeavoured to assuage his animosity; but 'Azam Khan was a passionate man, and insulted both Shahabu-d din and 'Azdu-d daula. For six months the force remained inactive at Hindia, and at length matters reached such a pitch that Shahabu-d din, being offended with 'Azam Khan, went off to his jagir of Raisin. 'Azam Khan marched to attack him, and a dire calamity was upon the point of falling upon the royal army; but 'Azdu-d daula managed to effect a reconciliation. When Raja 'Ali Khan, the ruler of Asir and Burhanpur, saw these dissensions in the Imperial army, he gathered his forces and marched against 'Azdu-d daula. On his approach, 'Azdu-d daula went to him, and sought to win him over; but he did not succeed, so he retreated to Gujarat to strengthen Khán-khánán.
78.3.8
The above-named ('Azam Khán) went towards Birar, and plundered Elichpúr; but not being able to maintain his ground, proceeded towards Nandurbár. The Dakhinís followed march by march, and 'Azam Khán, notwithstanding his great strength, fell back before them, till he reached Nandurbár. He wrote letters to Khán-khánán at Ahmadábád, calling for assistance, and Khán-khánán sent me and a number of amírs, such as * *, on in advance, and declared his own intention of following. When I arrived at Mahmúdábád, 'Azam Khán left his army at Nandurbár, and proceeded with a few attendants to Ahmadábád. Khán-khánán came out quickly from Ahmadábád to receive him, and they met at the place where I was resting, and then returned to Ahmadábád. 'Azam Khán's sister was wife of Khán-khánán, so he went to see her, and the two Kháns resolved to proceed afterwards against the Dakhinís.
78.3.9
I and my associates marched against the rebels to Baroda, and Khán-khánán and 'Azam Khán followed me; but the latter went on quickly, in order to get the army at Nandurbár ready. Khán-khánán wrote to me, directing me to wait at Baroda till he arrived. When the Khán arrived, he proceeded with the army to Broach, and on reaching that place he received letters from 'Azam Khán, in which he said, that as the rainy season had begun, operations must be postponed to the following year, and then they would proceed together against the Dakhin. 'Azam Khán returned to Málwa, Rája 'Alí Khán went with the Dakhinís to their homes, and Khán-khánán returned to Ahmadábád, where he occupied himself in matters of administration for five months.
78.4.1
Intelligence arrived that the Emperor was marching towards Kabul, and had arrived at Atak-Baudras, intent upon effecting the conquest of Badakhshan. Khan-khanan wrote a letter soliciting the honour of being allowed to serve under him, and the Emperor sent a farmdn, summoning him to his presence. Kalij Khan, Naurang Khan, and myself were confirmed in our commands in Gujarat. Khan-khanan and 'Azdu-d daula, who had come up from 'Azam Khan, went off to join the Emperor. Just as Khan-khanan started, the news was brought in that the men of Khangar, as allies of Muzaffar Gujarati, had attacked and killed Rai Singh, the zamindar of Jhalawar. This Rai Singh was son of Rai Man, Raja of Jhalawar; and when he succeeded his father, he attacked the neighbouring zamindars, such as the Jam, Khangar, and others, and subdued them. His name is celebrated in song and story, in the towns of Gujarat, for the courage he displayed, and he had a great renown. A feud arose between Rayat and Sayat, the nephews of the chief of Khangar, and severe fighting occurred, in which Sayat was killed, and many men on both sides perished. Rai Singh also was wounded, and was left upon the field. Next day some jogis found him, tended him, cured him, and carried him with them to Bengal. He passed two years with them in the guise of a jogi. When Khan-khanan marched against Muzaffar Gujarati, he came to the Khan, and told him his story. The Khan sent him to Jhalawar to be recognized by his people.
78.4.2
He related the facts to them, and adduced his proofs, on which they acknowledged him, and reinstated him. He attacked the people of Kathiwar, and plundered several of the tribes, and he also began to assail the country of the Jam and of Khangar. He mastered and took possession of the town of Halwad, one of the dependencies of Jhalawar. The people of that neighbourhood, who had long been at enmity with him, assembled in force to attack him. The intelligence of their rising was brought to him while he was in the chaugan ground. He immediately started to meet them, and came up to them in a moonlight night. They sent a person to him to say that if he were really Rai Singh he would not attack them by night. He magnanimously assented to their wish, and rested where he was, and went to sleep. His opponents here found their opportunity, and encouraging their followers they drew near to him, and when morning broke their whole party fell upon him. He and eighty men that were with him fought on foot, and he was killed.
78.4.3
When Muzaffar Gujarati heard of the departure of Khan-khanan with his troops and family, he came to Amarun, where the tomb of Malik Dawaru-l Mulk is, and laid the foundations of an army. Kalij Khan remained to guard Ahmadabad, and I with Saiyid Kasim and * * went to disperse the insurgents who had killed Rai Singh. When I reached Halwad, I sent a detachment to ravage the villages in the pargana of Malia, which belongs to Khangar; and I sent another detachment, under Medini Rai, to Amarun, against Muzaffar. Upon their approaching that place, Muzaffar went off to Kathiawar and hid himself. The Jam sent his son to me to make excuses for his cruel treatment of Rai Singh, and Khangar also sent his agents to renew his promises of loyalty. I then returned to Ahmadabad. After my arrival there Kalij Khan started for Surat, and encamped outside the city.
78.4.4
It then occurred to Muzaffar that after the departure of the army and the return of each man to his jagir, he would make a dash upon Dulaka and Kambay, as he might thus be able to raise a force before the return of the Imperial army. So he advanced rapidly upon Dulaka at the head of two thousand horsemen, Kathis and Jharejas. On receiving letters from Medini Rai, who was at Dúlaka, I instantly took horse and started thither. As I was resting till evening at Sarkaj, Kalij Khán came in and joined me with all the chief nobles and men of the city. Next morning we arrived at Dúlaka, but then Muzaffar was four kos away. For when his scouts informed him that the army of Ahmadabad was approaching, he fell back to Morbi.
78.4.5
The Imperial army occupied Dúlaka, and at night Kalij Khán returned to Ahmadabád. I and my companions followed Muzaffar. One night and the next day we travelled forty-five kos. On reaching Biram-gam, we heard that Muzaffar had gone to the village of Akhar, which was four kos off, and had there shut up Saiyid Mustafa, son of Saiyid Jalál, who happened to be there with his family. Night had come on, and we were unable to proceed farther. So I sent twenty horsemen, with a pair of kettle-drums, directing them to go about a kos from the village, and beat them, that Muzaffar might suppose our army to be near and give up the siege. By God's help my stratagem succeeded, the beleaguered people were released, and Muzaffar went off to the Ran and Kach. In the morning I mounted and hastened off in pursuit, I went as far as the Ran; then leaving an outpost in the village of Jhajusa, near the water, I returned to Ahmadabad. Four months afterwards, the zamíndárs of Kach collected a force of nearly a thousand horse and ten thousand foot, under the command of Jasa and Bajain, nephews of Khangár. They proceeded to the village of Radhanpur, one of the dependencies of Pattan, and laid siege to the fort. When intelligence of this arrived at Ahmadabad, I and * * went off to relieve the place. On hearing of our approach, the enemy took flight, passed over the Ran, and went into their own country.
78.4.6
It was necessary to put an end to these proceedings, so I crossed over the Ran into Kach at a place where the water was not more than three kos wide, and set to work plundering and destroying. We burnt and destroyed the towns of Kari and Kataria, two places well known in Kach. We realized an enormous booty, and after plundering and destroying nearly three hundred villages in the course of three days, we re-crossed the Ran opposite Malia and Morbi. Here the Ran was twelve kos wide, and we were engaged from dawn till eve in the passage. The water was up to a man's navel. After crossing we ravaged and destroyed the parganas of Malia and Morbi, which belonged to Khangar. We remained at Morbi three days. Here I wrote to Khangar, telling him how I had been informed that the hostile proceedings were the work of Jasa and Bajain, and had not been sanctioned by him. I had therefore inflicted a little punishment. Had it been otherwise, I would have attacked Bhuj, his residence. If he did not henceforth act loyally, he would see what would happen. Khangar sent his vakil to me with his apologies. After this a barrier was raised (against inroads).
78.4.7
In the year 995 the younger son of Amin Khan rebelled against him, and went to Muzaffar, and brought him against his father. When I heard this, I went with * * against Muzaffar, to repress this outbreak. On arriving at Rajkot, 80 kos from Ahmadabad, and thirty from Junagarh, Muzaffar made off towards the Ran. Sidi Rihan, vakil of Amin Khan, and a promoter of the strife, with Nokin Gohil, and other zamindars, and Bir Khan Singh, Malik Rajan, and others of the chief men of those parts, nearly five hundred horsemen, separated from the insurgents, and came in to make peace. I treated them hospitably, and held out to them expectations of royal favour. The Jam and Amin Khan also sent their sons to me, and renewed their professions of loyalty. After returning to Ahmadabad, I turned my thoughts to the repression of the Grassias. In the course of two months I fitted out an army, and then marched towards Othaniya and Ahmadnagar. I attacked and laid waste nearly fifty villages of the Kolis and Grassias, and I built forts in seven different places to keep these people in check. Falling back with my forces, I went to Wakaniru and Sarnal, to put down the mutinous proceedings of the Grassias. Having put Chait Rawat to death, I removed Karmi Koli, Kishna Koli, and Lakha Rajput, who were the principal Grassias of those parts, and left forts and garrisons in their places.
78.4.8
In the year 996 the Emperor gave Gujarat to 'Azam Khan, and recalled me to Court. By rapid stages I reached the Imperial Court at Lahore in fourteen days, and was most graciously received. The intelligence of the successes in Gujarat reached the Emperor as he was travelling. He returned thanks to God for his success, and continued his journey in great joy. At this time Zain Khan Koka, Raja Ram Chandar Raja of Bittiah, a man of high repute among the Rajas of Hindustan, who had never before acknowledged allegiance to the Sultans of Hindustan, now expressed his desire of doing so, and came to wait upon the Emperor at Fathpur. He was graciously received. He presented as his tribute one hundred and twenty elephants, and a fine ruby, valued at fifty thousand rupees.