The Book of Akbar 72: Third Conquest of Bengal. (See Vol. V. p. 427.)
Akbar-náma, of Shaikh Abu-l Fazl (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 72
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Third Conquest of Bengal. (See Vol. V. p. 427.)
72.1
[Text, vol. iii. p. 390.] In the previous year Khan-i 'Azam Mirza Koka received the Imperial commands to put aside his work of punishing the rebels of Bihar, and to devote his energies to the conquest of Bengal. By good fortune, the rebels of Bihar had been put to flight before the arrival of the Imperial forces. But the rainy season came on, and the campaign was deferred for that year. When the rains subsided, Sadik Khan, Shaikh Ibrahim, and Shaikh Farid Bukhari took their departure from Court. Officers were also sent by different roads to all the chiefs of Illahabas, Oudh, and Bihar. In a short time a large force was collected in Hajipur, and was eager for the advance. Khan-i 'Azam, with an escort of chosen troops, proceeded by way of Garhi. Tarsun Khan * * and others crossed over the river to co-operate on the other side, but being greatly impeded by the abundance of trees, ravines, and water and mud, they recrossed the river and joined the army near Mongir. Tarsun Khan and * * then went forward one or two stages in advance. The rebels occupied a position near Kali-gang, and were prepared to fight.
72.2
Mirza Sharfu-d din Husain, Baba Khan Kakshal, and many other leading rebels were dead, so Ma'sum Kabuli had succeeded to the command. Katlu Lohani headed the rebels in Orissa, and part of Bengal also was in his power. On hearing of the advance of the Imperial army, Ma'sum Kabuli fell back towards Katlu, with whom he entered into negociations, and succeeded in obtaining a promise of support in men and munitions, when the Imperial forces should arrive. After making this agreement, Ma'sum hastened to Ghora-ghat and won over Jabbari, Mirza Beg, and all the Kakshals. To give them a feeling of security, he left his family and children at their abodes. He himself, with a body of rebels, proceeded to the Kali-gang, and there made ready for battle. On the 9th Farwardin, the advanced force of the Imperial army made an easy capture of Garhi, which is the gate of that part of the country. The amirs pushed on, and, fortune favouring them, they, on the 16th, came in sight of the enemy, and arrayed their forces for action. They placed batteries on the banks of the Kali-gang, and made ready their war-boats. As the generals were apprehensive of an attack from Katlu, they detached 4000 horse, under the command of Wazir Khan, towards Balkana, and this force went about twelve kos from the Imperial camp, to watch the movements of the enemy and guard against surprise.
72.3
Skirmishes with muskets and bows went on, and some valiant deeds were performed. But the idle talk and timid suggestions of ignorant people began to take effect upon the leaders of the army. The strength of the enemy’s force was greatly exaggerated. So an application was made to the Emperor for reinforcements. The Emperor expressed his opinion that news of victory would soon arrive, but he directed Mirza Khan, Zain Khan Koka, and * * many others to march eastwards with additional forces. But before they were ready to march, intelligence arrived of victory, and of the flight of the enemy. * * *
72.4
The Imperial army had been lying nearly a month in face of the enemy, and interchanges of cannonade and musketry went on daily. Deeds of valour were shown on either side, but a panic at length fell upon the enemy, and the royal army obtained the victory on the 4th of the month. The enemy then fled and dispersed. While a warm action was going on, Kazi-zada, a leading man among the rebels, arrived from Fathabad, bringing with him many war-boats and supplies of munitions. He was struck dead by a cannon-ball. Ma’sum Khan then ordered Kala Pahar, a distinguished rebel, to take his place; but he soon met with the same fate. Dissensions arose among the enemy, and Ma’sum Khan, the Kakshal clan, and Khalidin distrusted each other. The Imperial amirs took advantage of this disunion. Khalidin was first won over, and induced to take the oath of allegiance. Mirza Beg Kakshal and Jabbari also made terms, secretly engaging not to fight any more, and to proceed homewards. After a few days they came into the Imperial camp. The enemy being greatly downcast and discouraged, took to flight. ’Azam Khan endeavoured to pursue them, but his efforts were countervailed by the faint-hearted and frivolous objections of some of his officers. So the discomfited enemy made his escape. When the news of this victory reached the Court, orders were given to stop the march of the reinforcements.
72.5
Ma’sum, after his defeat, fled to the home of the Kakshals, in order to save his family and children from harm, now that there was ill-feeling between him and the Kakshals. Mirza Muhammad Kakshal received him in a friendly spirit; but the Kakshals in general had posted their forces about Ghora-ghat, and were prepared to fight. Ma’sum plundered Ghora-ghat, and was about to attack the Kakshals. But Khan-i ’Azam sent * * with about 4000 horse, under the command of Tarsun Khan. He arrived, just as matters were going hard with the Kakshals, defeated the enemy, and drove him to Ghora-ghat. Mirza Beg, Khalidin, Wazir Jamil, and others renewed their promises, and went away from the royal camp. * * After this defeat of Ma’sum Khan, the royal forces prepared to march against Katlu, but Khan-i ’Azam had suffered from the climate, and sought to be relieved of his command. The royal order was for one of the amirs to take command of the army and the management of the country for a few days; and either to return to Bihar or stay where they were. Shortly afterwards, on the 8th Khurdad, Shahbaz Khan was appointed to the command.