The Book of Akbar 80: Shahbaz Khan's failure at Bhati.
Akbar-náma, of Shaikh Abu-l Fazl (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 80
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Shahbaz Khan's failure at Bhati.
80.1
[Text, vol. iii. p. 437.] Shahbaz Khan occupied a position on the Panar river, a branch of the Brahmaputra. Here he entered into negociations with the rebels, in the expectation of being able to win them over to his views. ’Isa received his propositions very respectfully, and for a time kept up communications. But it became apparent that his words and his intentions were not in unison, and so the war again began. For seven months the Imperial forces obtained victories from time to time, and the rebels were disheartened by failure. But Shahbaz Khan, in his self-conceit, had paid little regard to the feelings of the amirs in his army. They combined to thwart him, and ill-feeling waxed powerful. Death was busy among them, and their position became insupportable. The enemy knew that the Imperial army was dispirited, and although, by good fortune, there had been little rain, the men were listless and in low spirits. The enemy brought up a number of labourers, and cut the banks of the Brahmaputra in fifteen places, and turned the waters into the Imperial camp. When the batteries were flooded, they brought up to them large boats, called in the language of the country hilwara. A fire of cannons and musketry was opened on both sides, and suddenly a great stroke of fortune happened to the Imperial forces, when a musket-ball from their ranks killed the commander of the assailants. Some of the boats came in collision, and suddenly the waters began to fall.
80.2
This compelled them to take flight, and many of their men were drowned. They were defeated on all sides, except in the battery of Saiyid Husain, thdndddr of Dacca, who was taken prisoner. ’Isa now awoke from his dream of ignorance, and opened communications through the medium of this prisoner. Shahbaz Khan received his overtures favourably, and ’Isa consented to submit to the supremacy of the Emperor, and to acknowledge himself a servant. The port of Sunargaon was to receive an Imperial darogha. Ma’sum was to be sent on the pilgrimage to Mecca, and tribute was to be transmitted to the Emperor. He won the hearts of the amirs by his munificent presents, and the royal army retired.
80.3
Shahbaz Khan crossed the river, and reached the confines of Bhowal, looking for the fulfilment of the agreement; but the mind of ’Isa had been perverted by evil counsellors. He now made new propositions and conditions, which led to sharp contentions. Preparations for renewing the war went on, and on the 19th Mihr he offered battle. The amirs in the royal army were so short-sighted and weak in judgment, that they looked for their own advantage in the failure of Shahbaz Khan, and thought to profit by his defeat. The first to leave him was Muhibb ’Ali Khan, and he was followed by others, who each pursued his own course. Shah Kuli Khan Mahram made a stand against the enemy; but he was wounded, and was ill-supported by his men, so he evacuated Bhowal. Shahbaz Khan now awoke to his danger, and endeavoured to conciliate his officers; but his repentance was too late, and he was compelled to retreat towards Tanda, abandoning his baggage. The sons of the Mir-i ’adl, and many others were taken prisoners, and Shaikh Muhammad Ghaznivi and several others were drowned. * * After eight days’ retreat, the army rested to take breath at Sherpur. Shahbaz Khan now endeavoured to collect his forces, with the intention of returning to avenge his defeat; but his followers were incensed with him, and refused to support him. On reaching Tanda, Wazir Khan came forward loyally to support him.
80.4
But Shahbaz showed his old temper, and they could not come to any agreement; so Shahbaz was compelled to proceed to Court. As soon as the news reached the Emperor, he sent officers to stop the return of the unsuccessful chiefs, and to administer counsel and reproof. Sa'id Khan, and other jagirdars of Bihar and Bengal, were directed to join with their forces, and to aid in the punishment of the rebellious zamindar. * *
80.5
’Isa was too cautious to leave his own country, but he induced Ma’sum to advance to Sherpur. A detachment of the rebels overran the country as far as Malda, and to within twelve kos of Tanda. Wazir Khan did not feel sufficient confidence to go out and attack them; but he held his ground, and secured that important city. The royal messengers now arrived, and turned Shahbaz Khan back with words of censure. He was told that if more forces were necessary, Raja Todar Mal and other chiefs should be ordered to join him; but he replied that his army was now numerous, and the men full of ardour. On the 18th De, he entered Bengal, intent on the conquest of Bhati, and the rebels retreated before him. On reaching the Jamna, he learnt that Ma'sum was at Sherpur, and did not expect that his opponents would cross the river. Shahbaz Khan immediately determined to cross the river and advance; but the amirs dissented from his design. However, he skilfully conveyed some troops over this great river, and immediately upon their approach the enemy fled, leaving many prisoners and much spoil behind them. * * * Sa’id Khan and * * went in pursuit of the enemy, who fell back as he approached. After the country was clear of the rebels, the amirs returned to Sherpur Miraja. * *
80.6
While the Imperial forces were at Sherpur, Ma’sum Khan proceeded towards Fathabad in Orissa, and Dastam Khan Kakshal also remained in that neighbourhood, in the hope that if the Imperial army were divided, he might find an opportunity of striking a blow, and before any intelligence was received about Ma’sum, this rebel (Dastam Khan) had overrun the country to within twelve kos of the Imperial camp. A force was sent against him, before which he retired. [Dissensions of Shahbaz Khan and the amirs.] At length it was agreed that as the enemy had two armies, the Imperial forces should also be divided. One under Wazir Khan and * * was to march against Ma’sum; while Shahbaz Khan and * * remained where they were, to watch over and keep in check the rebels of that quarter. * *