The Book of Akbar 161.4

161.4

He therefore feigned illness and sent messengers to the Sultān to say that he had come in compliance with his request and would wait upon him as soon as he was better. The Sultān left the highway of caution and on 3 Ramazān 943 (13th February, 1537), at the close of the day, went by boat to inquire after the Viceroy’s health. As soon as he arrived he saw that the illness was feigned, and reporting that he had come he immediately proceeded to return. The Feringhīs thought that “when such a prey has come into our grasp it will be well if we get some harbours out of him.” The Viceroy intercepted him and requested him to stay till some presents should be brought before him. The Sultān said “send them afterwards,” and saying this he hastily went towards his own vessel. The Feringhī Qāzī stopped him and bade him wait and the Sultān impatiently drew his sword and clove him to the waist. He then jumped from their vessel on to his own. The Portuguese boats which were round about closed in upon her and a fight began. The Sultān and Rūmī Khān flung themselves into the sea. A Feringhī acquaintance of Rūmī Khān drew him out, but the Sultān was drowned, and his attendants also perished. The chronogram is Faringiyān-i-Bahādur-kush (943 = 1537). And some used to say that he (Bahadur) came to the surface and reached the shore in safety. And subsequently there were reports in Gujrat and the Deccan of his having been seen by people.