The Book of Akbar 328.1.6

328.1.6

Sikandar Khan and a number of veterans were on the right. ‘Abdullah Khan and another body of devoted men were on the left. The centre received support from the valour of ‘Ali Quli Khan Shaibānī. Husain Quli Khan, Shah Quli Mahram, and a number of efficient young men formed the vanguard. Now that the narrative has come so far it is proper to pause and to expatiate somewhat, so that there may be amenity of discourse. O thou who seekest for admonitory words and who watchest the thread of exposition give ear for a time to me! From the time when H.M. the Shāhinshāh by dint of his world-conquering mind had sent on noted officers in advance, he did not for an instant disregard the arrangement of the main army, and marched forward, stage by stage, to victory. On this most excellent of days, which was the new year’s day of victory and rejoicing, he marched from Karnāl, which is ten kos from Panipat, and halted at the distance of five kos from the latter town. There was no intelligence in the camp that the enemy had approached the vanguard, and the soldiers had not yet rubbed off the dust of the march or taken breath, when news of the enemy’s having reached the vanguard, together with other disquieting information was received. It appeared that many had given way, but that fighting was still going on briskly. The order for battle was immediately given to the army, and preparations were made for the march.