The Book of Akbar 376.2.2

376.2.2

The Uzbegs with great dexterity struck the bank of the Casma-i-Gazaran, which has a winding course and dug trenches, and constructed a wall in front of their position, and having lined them with musketeers and archers remained ready for battle. The Mirzas quickly put their troops into fighting order and were approaching the spring (sar-i-casma) in ignorance of the fortification; M. Sulaiman coming by the low ground near the river, and M. Ibrahim by the upper route. M. Sulaiman advanced against the enemy but could make no impression. As he did not know what to do he retreated, and perceived that to go on towards Khurasan and its neighbourhood would lead to nothing but his being captured. Then he turned round and by great management got out of the ravines (jarha), and passing the enemies’ rear (arqa,—the back, the rear, Turki) went on to the desert (dasht-i-cul) which is on the side of Badakhshan. Many of his men perished. M. Ibrahim came to the spring and attacked, but could make no impression. He drew bridle and stopped, and many of his men were killed by bullets and arrows. Muhammad Quli Shighali ran up to him and said, “What time for standing is this? Your father has got out.” The Mirza asked his own people what they advised. Many of his warriors said, “It will be very difficult to get out.