The Book of Akbar 240.2

240.2

When they had gone a little way it came into the inspired mind of his Majesty that it was not advisable to go to Khwaja Pushta for many of the men had their families in the city, and would desert in consequence. And many perhaps would think that the army was going to proceed to Qandahar. The proper thing to do was to summon up one’s courage and take possession of the enclosing lines (shahrband). If the Mirza came out to fight, so much the better; and if he did not, the men would not desert, and also they would be sheltered to some degree from the inconveniences of the rainy season. He sent for Haji Muhammad Khan and communicated to him this secret inspiration. He approved of the plan and it was settled accordingly. Haji Muhammad Khan with a body of troops proceeded by the way of the Minar pass while his Majesty set out by the Payan pass to conquer the city. The victorious troops had, under the leadership of M. Hindal, reached the neighbourhood of Deh-Afghanan and were near the shrine of Baba Shashpar when Sherafkan came out at the head of a large body of M. Kamran’s best men, and a hand to hand fight took place. Many of the imperial troops did not stand their ground. But M. Hindal remained firm, and gave proof of courage and devotion. When this state of things became apparent to his Majesty he directed Qaraca Khan, Mir Barka, and many others of the stamp of Shah Quli Naranji and the like to advance and give a lesson to the rebels.