The Book of Akbar 84.1

84.1

[Text, vol. iii. p. 491.] When Kokaltash (Zain Khan) marched to effect the subjugation of Swad (Sw'at) and Bajaur, he first subdued Bajaur, in which he found 30,000 houses of the Yusufzai tribe. * * He then marched against Swat, in which mountain region there were 40,000 houses of the same tribe. On reaching the banks of the river, the natives made a strenuous resistance, and the advanced guard was checked for a time; but the braves of the altamsh went to their support, and the sight of their gallantry so encouraged the rest, that they fought bravely, and put the enemy to flight. Kokaltash built a fort at Jag-dara, in the midst of the country, and then applied himself to the chastisement of the enemy. Twenty-three times he was victorious, and he destroyed seven armies. All the country was brought under his hand, except the hills of Karagar and the country of Bunir. But his army was worn out with ascending mountains and continual fighting; he was in consequence compelled to ask for reinforcements. The Emperor sent Raja Birbal, Hakim Abu-l Fath, and other officers to support him. They had no sooner arrived, than dissensions arose among them. Hard words and fierce looks were exchanged between Kokaltash and the Raja. The Raja and the Hakim were also on ill terms with each other. * * When they reached the hills of Malkand, Kokaltash endeavoured to reconcile them, and they held a long debate as to the distribution of the various forces.