The Book of Akbar 53.4

53.4

A letter at this time arrived from Khan-khanan, which made them hesitate in their movements. It brought the information that Junaid was hastening by way of Jharkand to Bihar, and urged the necessity of overpowering him before he could obtain reinforcements. Muzaffar Khan took a bold view of the matter, and resolved that the proper course was to crush the rebel Afghans before Junaid could join them. There was no knowing whether Junaid would reach the neighbourhood in less than ten days, and it was to be hoped that the enemy before them might be routed in one day, after which the Imperial forces would be in a better condition to meet the intruder. It was accordingly determined that a detachment should proceed with all speed and caution, and get close in to the rear of the enemy, while the main force prepared for battle in front. Muzaffar Khan commanded the centre, Farhat Khan the right, and * * * Khwaja Shamsu-d din was placed in command of the force which was to gain the enemy’s rear.