The Book of Akbar 167: CHAPTER XXV.

167

grounded to the world-protecting Court, and implored help against Sher Khan. This was an additional reason for conquering Bengal, and another call to him to proceed there. His Majesty comforted him by his princely sympathy, and distinguished him by royal favours. As the expedition had now been determined upon, Jaunpur and its territory was made over to Mir Hindu Beg who was one of the great officers, while Cunar was given to Mirak Beg. Preparations having been made, the army proceeded by land and water. When Patna became the camping ground, the loyal servants of the Court represented that the rainy season had arrived, and that if his Majesty delayed the Bengal expedition until this season had passed over, this would be consonant with the rules of conquest, since the passage of cavalry into Bengal at this season was very difficult, and would be productive of destruction to the soldiers. The ruler of Bengal looked to his own interests and represented that Sher Khan had not yet confirmed himself in Bengal, and that to march speedily against him would be a means of extirpating him with ease. His Majesty out of consideration for this oppressed one, and from the plausibility of his statements, gave orders for the advance. In Bhagalpur he divided the army, sending M. Hindal across the river with 5000 or 6000 men to march along its banks on that side. When the army had encamped at Monghyr, news came that Jalal Khan, the son of Sher Khan, who after his father's death took the name of Salim Khan, with Khawass Khan, Barmazid, Sarmast Khan, Haibat Khan Niyazi, and Bahar Khan with about 15,000 men had come to Garhi which is, as it were, the gate of Bengal, and that having strengthened it they were meditating strife and sedition.
The account of this affair is as follows: When Sher Khan heard of the approach of the imperial army he could not bring himself to fight but went off by way of Jharkhand, so that when the grand army came into Bengal, he might go to Bihar and stir up commotion in that province, and also that he might place the spoils of Bengal in safety. He left Jalal Khan and a large body of men near Garhi and arranged that when the conquering army approached and he himself had got to Sherpur, they should make haste to join him, and should avoid fighting. His Majesty deputed from Bhagalpur Ibrahim Beg Cabuq, Jahangir Quli Beg, Bairam Beg, Nihal Beg, Roshan Beg, Gurg 'Ali Beg, Bacaka Bahadur, and a large force consisting of about 5000 or 6000 men. When the imperial army arrived in the neighbourhood of Garhi, Jalal Khan departed from his father’s instructions, got together his army and attacked the camp. The men of it had not put themselves in order for fighting so as to combat properly. They were not properly drawn up, and the enemy was numerous. Nor were the former ready for battle. Bairam Khan turned several times and attacked the enemy, and dispersed them. He made gallant efforts but from want of management he was not properly supported, and things did not go satisfactorily. 'Ali Khan Mahawani, Haidar Bakhshi and several other officers attained the glory of martyrdom. When this news came to the hearing of his Majesty, he rapidly proceeded to the spot. On the way the sea-adorning boat which was his special barge, was sunk at Colgong. When the royal army came near the black-fated Afghans, the wretches fled. Mirza Hindal, who had been appointed to Tirhut and Purniya was, at his own request, permitted to depart to his new