The Book of Akbar 42: Battle of Sarnál.
Akbar-náma, of Shaikh Abu-l Fazl (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 42
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Battle of Sarnál.
42.1
(See Vol. V. p. 345.) Two hours before nightfall they fell in with a brahman, who informed them that the enemy with a large force had halted in the town of Sarnal, on the bank of the Sakanir, about four kos distant. On receiving this information, the Emperor held a council, and Jalal Khan urged that, as their own forces had not come up, and the enemy was in great strength, it was inexpedient to fight by day : they should either wait for reinforcements, or fall upon the enemy by night. But this sensible and prudent counsel did not please the Emperor, who said it was unworthy of brave warriors, and that it was advisable to make a dashing attack at once. “ Let each one of us,” said he, “single out his adversary and bring him down.” * * * Trusting in heaven, they went on their course, till they came in sight of Sarnal. His Majesty went on a little in advance, to the bank of the Mahindari, to arrange his men. He gave orders for them to buckle on their armour ; and when he thus prepared for the assault, he had not with him more than forty men.
42.2
Intelligence was now brought of the approach of the heads of his columns ; but he was so angry at their tardiness, that he declared none of them should share in the honours of the fight. But he was informed that they had lost their way, and that Shahbaz Khan, who had been sent to hasten their arrival, had been long in reaching them. This statement appeased his anger. Among the chiefs of the army who now came up and joined him were Khan-i ’Alam, Saiyid Mahmud Khan Barha, Raja Bhagwant Das, Shah Kuli Khan Mahram, Kunwar Man Singh, Baba Khan Kakshal, Bhupat, Salim Khan Kakar, Bhuj Haji, Yusuf Khan, and some others. The whole force now amounted to about 200 men. As they were crossing the river, Man Singh requested that he might be appointed to the advanced force. His Majesty said that he had no army to divide, but on that day they must all fight heartily together. But Man Singh earnestly entreated that, in order to show his devotion, he might be allowed to push on a few paces in front. He received permission, and with a few brave men went on in advance. Akbar himself and his companions followed, and all passed over the river safely at a ford.
42.3
Ibrahim Husain Mirza had previously entered the town of Sarnal. When he saw the dust of the approaching force, and the way in which the horsemen crossed the river, he told his companions that he was sure that the Emperor was there present. But the ill-starred foolish man led his forces out of the town to a rising ground, and there took up a position. When the Emperor’s men had come out of the river, they were scattered and broken up into parties, each of which pushed on as best it could. The Emperor himself, with a few followers, approached the river-gate of Sarnal, where he was encountered by a party of the rebels. But Mukbil Khan, a Kalmuck slave, rushed forward with a few brave fellows, and soon watered the dust with their blood. On entering the town, they found it full of men, and learned that Ibrahim Husain Mirza had gone out by another way to prepare for battle.
42.4
The Emperor, having disentangled himself from the streets of the town, and the crowds of people, endeavoured to encourage his followers, and to strike dismay into the enemy. Baba Khan Kakshal, with a party of brave men, assaulted, and bore back the enemy. Others also, as they got clear from the streets of the town, came up in all directions, and took part in the fight. Among them Bhupat, the brother of Raja Bhagwant Das, met his death bravely fighting with a party of the enemy he had encountered. The ground was rugged, and so covered with thorn hedges, that two horsemen could not proceed abreast. His Majesty still pressed on slowly, and was supported by Raja Bhagwant Das. Three of the enemy now attacked them. One menaced Bhagwant Das with his javelin; but the Raja stood up in his stirrups, and avoiding the weapon, he struck his adversary so fiercely with his spear that he was glad to retreat. The other two attacked the Emperor, and a formidable hedge prevented Khan-i ’Alam and others from rendering any assistance; but the Emperor dashed from the hedge upon his adversaries so fiercely that they turned and fled. Ibrahim Husain, who was fighting manfully, finding himself defeated, turned and fled. The royal troops pursued and cut down many of the fugitives.