The Book of Akbar 261: CHAPTER XLVIII.
The Akbarnama (H. Beveridge), vols. I–II 261
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CHAPTER XLVIII.
261.1
message that if Kamran was sincere and really wished to take the road of concord, he should give his dear daughter in marriage to the unique pearl of the khilafat, viz., His Majesty the Shahinshah, so that His Majesty might bestow Kabul upon them, and that they two (Humayun and Kamran) might unite in destroying the darkness of the great country of India, and might make that last which had become the stage of wicked men and of calamities, an abode of peace and tranquillity. Both Kabul and Hindustan would then in reality belong to the two of them. The Mirza wished to accept these wise suggestions but Qaraca Qarabakht, who was the centre of his power, did not agree and said "Our heads and Kabul." In fact on that day the Eight Stars were in front of the Mirza and, according to astrologers, to fight under these circumstances is to be defeated, and so the Mirza by stratagems put off the fight to another day. The victorious army (Humayun's) was anxious to engage, but Haji Muhammad did not want this, and His Majesty in deference to him, delayed to give battle. Meanwhile Khw. 'Abdu-s-Samad and many others who had gone to a distance during the battle of Qibcaq, took advantage of their opportunity and joined His Majesty, and brought tidings of the vacillation and confusion in the hostile army.
261.2
Half the day had passed when His Majesty put the foot of firmness in the stirrup of intent, and having drawn up his forces, and arranged them in right and left wings, centre and vanguard, ordered an advance. The centre derived glory from his own presence, the right wing was made illustrious by M. Sulaiman, and the left wing by M. Hindal. M. Ibrahim had charge of the vanguard. Haji Muhammad Khan and other tried heroes had charge of the reserve.
261.3
On the other side, M. Kamran was in the centre, M. ‘Askari on the right, Aq Sultan on the left, and Qaraca Khan on the vanguard. The two armies moved on, in appearance like two iron mountains, and approached each other. Mihtar Sahbaka and a number of faithful servants who had after the affair of Qipcaq entered, from necessity, the service of the Mirza, galloped off and joined the victorious army. Near the river Muri, M. Ibrahim in his high courage, took the lead. The soldiers on both sides fought bravely. At this time the head of Qaraca Khan was brought before the world-traversing steed (of Humayun) and all were freed from the malice of that troublesome traitor. An order was given that the guilty head of that faithless one should be stuck up at the Iron gate of Kabul so that it might be a warning to the seditious. Thus the words which he himself had uttered “Our heads and Kabul,” were brought to pass. I have heard from reliable persons that a low follower of the Mirza seized the traitor and wished to take him before His Majesty Jahanbani as an atonement for his offences and that Qambar ‘Ali Sahari who was a servant of M. Hindal and whose brother had been killed in Qandahar by Qaraca, was following and that he took off his (Qaraca's) cap (taqiya) and struck him on the crown of the head with his sword, splitting it, and then cutting off the head brought it to His Majesty.
261.4
During this conflict and tumult, in which the royal servants fought with devotion, knowing that it was the end of the contest, M. Kamran could not maintain his ground and took to flight. He went off to Afghanistan by the Pass of Badpaj (the windy pass). The victorious army betook itself to plunder and got hold of much property. The enemies of the State were seized and put to the sword, many of them lowered the veil of shame over their faces and made the tears of repentance their intercessors and after a thousand reproaches, were enrolled in the list of servants of the State. M. ‘Askari fell into the hands of the heroes of the army (‘Askar). A victory such as might be the introduction to countless victories, was obtained and was the subject of thousands of rejoicings. But the heart of His Majesty was very anxious about the safety of the jewel of empire’s diadem, viz., His Majesty the Shahinshah, for he had heard that on this occasion M. Kamran had brought him with him. His Majesty could get no comfort from his distraction until Hasan Akhta brought that rosebush of fortune’s rose-garden, and cypress of the parterre of sovereignty before him. Recognising his advent as the beginning of fortune, he returned thanks to God for his safety and the realisation of his hopes, and with excessive joy, he clasped that Divine nursling to his bosom.
261.5
After his devotions he distributed charities,—which are the practical form of thanksgiving,—and drew to himself the hearts of the poor and the widowed and orphaned by abundant presents. And he rewarded every one of the devoted servants either because of the happy issue of events with regard to the eye-pupil of the Khilafat or as a guerdon (jaluu) for good service. His Majesty Jahanbani announced that in future he never would be separated from this new fruit of the garden of the Khilafat,—for thousands of good auspices were infolded in his footsteps,—and he recognised that the glorious victory came from the blessing of the advent of this sublime pearl. At this joyous time two camels loaded with boxes and without drivers were seen on the field of battle. His Majesty said “every one is having his plunder, let mine be these two camels!” He went himself and taking their nose-strings, ordered that they should be made to kneel and that the boxes should be opened, so that he might see what was inside. By a beautiful coincidence it was found that the special, royal books which were lost at the battle of Qibcaq were in these boxes and in perfect condition. This was the occasion for a thousand rejoicings. Khw. Qasim Mir buyutat, who was the kindler of the fire of strife, was consumed in the flames of this battle by the fire of his own deeds, and so commotion and depravity were set at rest. On this day a joyous assemblage was held in Carikaran.
261.6
When by the favour of God, the gates of victory had been opened and the seditious had been punished, Kabul became on the following day the alighting place for blessed feet and a station of everlasting auspiciousness. First, His Majesty entered the citadel and had the joy of receiving his chaste ladies. After that he, according to his wont, proceeded to the Urta Bagh and freshened it by his fortunate presence. There he made arrangements for his subjects and dominions, rewarding the good servants and punishing the bad. Dīndār Beg, Haidar Dost Mughal Qanjī, and Mast ‘Alī Qurcī who had on many occasions shown disloyalty, were capitally punished in accordance with their deserts, and the public benefit. He exercised his genius in the distribution of justice. M. Sulaiman was loaded with gifts and dismissed to Badakhshan. M. Ibrahim remained for some days, as a special mark of favour, and then was sent to Badakhshan. And it was settled that in an auspicious hour he should be married to His Majesty's daughter Bakhshī Banū. His Majesty’s world-adorning heart engaged in the arrangement of affairs and exalted all the servants by his affability and benevolence.