The Book of Akbar 288.6

288.6

The chief of the booty was sent with a loyal petition to the Court. Next day they advanced and halted in Sihrind and ‘Ali Quli Shaibani who had come up with the rear, was sent on with a body of troops. One of the wonderful things was that when His Majesty heard that Tatar Khan had arrived with a large and well equipped army at Mācīwāra, he remarked to a number of eager spirits that the place was a great distance off and that whatever the Divine Will intended would take place before they could arrive. The best thing therefore was for them to take refuge at the sublime threshold and to implore victory from the almonry of Divine aid. At the same moment he raised high the hands of supplication and asked for the success of the advance forces of the royal army. Many days had not passed when the official report of the victory arrived and much booty was brought to the Court. On consideration, it was found that the day of prayer and the day of victory coincided. He paid the devotions of thanksgiving for the Providential victory and opened the hand of liberality for mankind. When Sikandar heard what had taken place, he marched against the royal army with 80,000 horse and a complete equipment. Bairam Khān with abundant prudence and courage remained firm in Sihrind and took measures to defend the fort. He sent representations one after the other requesting the advance of His Majesty.