The Book of Akbar 78: Operations against Ma’sum Khan.
Akbar-náma, of Shaikh Abu-l Fazl (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 78
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Operations against Ma’sum Khan.
78.1
[Text, vol. iii. p. 432.] After the defeat of Ma’sum Khan, Shahbaz Khan went on after him towards Bhati, regardless of the rains and the swollen rivers. ’Isa Khan, the ruler of that country, professed to be a loyal adherent of the Imperial throne. Shahbaz Khan now determined to test this by calling upon him to surrender Ma’sum Khan, resolving also to tear the veil from his face, and punish him if he refused. Bhati is a low-lying country, and is called by that Hindi name, because it lies lower than Bengal. It extends nearly 400 kos from east to west, and nearly 300 from south to north. On the east lies the sea and the country of Jessore ; on the west lies the hill country south of Tanda ; on the north the salt sea, and the extremities of the hills of Tibet. The father of the chief of this country was a man of the Bais tribe of Rajputs, who used frequently to display his arrogance, and break out in rebellion. In the times of Salim Khan, Taj Khan, and Darya Khan, strong armies were sent into the country, and after a severe struggle, the chief was compelled to seek a truce. After a short time, he again broke out in rebellion, but was taken prisoner and put to death. His two sons, ’Isa and Isma’il, were sold to merchants. When Salim Khan died, and Taj Khan seized upon the country of Bengal, Kutb Khan, the uncle of ’Isa, won distinction by his good service. By great exertions, he brought the two brothers out of the country of Turan.
78.2
’Isa, by his intelligence and prudence, acquired a name, and he made twelve zamindars of Bengal to become his dependents. By his foresight and adroitness, he continually professed his allegiance to the rulers of Bengal, and sent his tribute ; but he took care not to see them. The army of Shahbaz Khan reached the banks of the Ganges, near Khizrpur. This is a place, where there is a ferry over the river, and consequently two strong forts had been built there, one on each side of the river. He soon made himself master of these strongholds, and occupied the village of Sunarganw. Next he took Katrapur, where the magazines were, and plundered it. His army next marched rapidly to a large city called Mashhadi, where great plunder was obtained. After this, they encamped on the shores of the Brahmaputra, which is a large river that flows from Khata. Ma’sum Khan fled before the advanced force, and took refuge in an island, being very nearly taken prisoner. Meantime ’Isa, who had been away in Kuch, arrived with a large force and excellent supplies. The Imperial officers then took post at Totak, on the bank of the Brahmaputra, opposite the town of Kumara-samundar, and fortified their position. They were warmly attacked, both by land and water, but on each occasion obtained a fresh victory. Tarsun Khan was now detached to distract the enemy, by menacing an attack upon their supplies at Bajrapur.
78.3
There were two roads from Bhowal one at a distance from the enemy’s position, the other along the river bank pretty close to it. By the decree of fate, Tarsun Khan chose the latter route, and Ma’sum, being apprised of this, marched to attack him with a large force. Shahbaz Khan sent Muhibb ’Ali Khan and * * with swift messengers to apprise Tarsun of his danger, and to direct him to take up a strong position, and not to fight till he received reinforcements. * * On being informed that a force was approaching, Tarsun Khan, casting prudence aside, inferred that it was his reinforcements, and went forth to meet and welcome them. He had not proceeded far, when he discovered that they were enemies. His friends advised him to return to his camp, gather his own men around him, and wait for the reinforcements; but it was of no avail. With a bold and daring heart he prepared for the fight. Part of his followers left him; but with no more than fifteen who remained true, he gave battle. Two of his relatives were slain fighting bravely, and he himself was taken prisoner. Ma’sum received him with a great show of kindness and friendship, and endeavoured to win him over; but his advances were repulsed with scorn and reproof. This woke the narrow-minded rebel from his dream, and stirred up his wrath, so that he slew Tarsun Khan, full of years and of imperishable fame.