The Book of Akbar 50: Garhi and Tanda. (See Vol. V. p. 381.)

50

[Text, vol. iii. p. 84.] Garhi is the gate of Bengal. On one side of it is a lofty mountain, very difficult of ascent, even for a man on foot, how then can a horseman get up it? On the other side several rivers join the Ganges. In the midst a strong fortress had been built by the rulers of the country. A council of war was held as to the way of attacking it, and it was resolved that some way of access must be sought. The zamindars of the neighbourhood said that there was a secret way through the country of the Teli Raja, which, though impracticable for beasts of burden, might be surmounted by active and intelligent horsemen. * * * Majnun Khan was sent at the head of a brave and resolute detachment by this route. Kiya Khan Gang was directed to proceed towards Garhi with a party of friendly zamindars. The rest of the army was about to march, when the sight of the Imperial forces completely overawed the enemy. The leading forces of Khan-khanan made them waver; but when Kiya Khan's force appeared, they were filled with consternation, and took to flight. A place thus strong, by the help of God, fell without a struggle! * * *
On the 23rd Mihr the Emperor reached Iskandarpur, near to Manikpur, where he received a despatch from Khan-khanan, announcing that Daud had fled, and that the Imperial troops had occupied Tanda, the capital. When Garhi fell, Daud, unable to contend against the victorious forces, had retreated before them. At Tanda the river Ganges separates into two branches. One flows towards Satganw and Orissa; the other towards Mahmudabad, Fathabad, Sunarganw, and Chittaganw. Daud followed the course of the river of Satganw until he reached the confines of Orissa, in the hope of continuing his resistance there. Khan-khanan then entered and occupied Tanda, which is the central point of Bengal.