The Rashīdī History 243.10

243.10

The Emperor had posted the author of this work upon his left, so that his right flank should be on the Emperor's left. In the same position he had placed a force of chosen troops. On my left all my retainers were stationed. I had 400 chosen men, inured to warfare and familiar with battle, fifty of whom were mounted on horses accoutred with armour. Between me and the river (jui-bár) there was a force of twenty-seven Amirs, all of whom carried the high [banner]. In this position also, were the other components of the left wing, and they must be judged of by the others. On the day of battle, when Shir Khan, having formed his divisions, marched out, of all these twenty-seven banners not one was to be seen, for the great nobles had hidden them, in the apprehension that the enemy might advance upon them. The soldiership and bravery of the Amirs may be conceived from this exhibition of courage. Shir Khan came out in five divisions of 1000 men each, and in advance of him were 3000 men. I estimated the whole as being less than 15,000, but I calculated the Chaghatai force at about 40,000, all mounted on tipchák horses, and clad in iron armour. They surged like the waves of the sea, but the courage of the Amirs and officers of the army was such as I have described. When Shir Khan's army came out of its intrenchments, two divisions (jauk) which seemed to be equal to four divisions, drew up in that place, and three divisions advanced against their opponents.