The Book of Akbar 89: Orissa.

89

(See Vol. V. p. 465.)
[Text, vol. iii. p. 604.] Raja Man Singh, the ruler of Bihar, had, by his ability, reduced that province to tranquillity, and punished the rebels. So towards the end of the year, he had formed the design of invading Orissa by way of Jharkand. He halted at Bhagalpur, and there sent to ask for the co-operation of Sa’id Khan, the governor of Bengal, who, in consequence of the near approach of the rainy season, postponed his assistance. At the beginning of the present year the Raja marched by way of Bardwan, and he was accompanied by Bihar Khan and others, with artillery from Bengal. He halted at Jahanabad till the rains should be over, and Sa’id Khan and others should come to support him. But Katlu had raised his banner in Orissa, and now boldly advanced to Dharpur, twenty-five kos from the Imperial army, with the intention of giving battle. He sent forward Bahadur with a numerous force to Raipur ; and to check this force the Raja advanced a detachment under the command of Jaggat Singh. The rebel was obliged to take refuge in fortifications, and then submissively offered to treat ; but he, at the same time, artfully called upon Katlu for support. * * Katlu sent men to his assistance. Jaggat Singh was warned of his danger, but paid no heed. At length he was attacked by the rebels, and was obliged to fly and abandon his camp ; but he was saved by Hamir, the zamindar who had given him warning, and conducted to Bishanpur. Upon learning of this reverse, Raja Man Singh held a council, and the prevailing opinion was, that it was desirable to retreat to Salimabad, where the families of his troops were, and there to re-organize his army. But the Raja rejected these counsels, and resolved upon taking the offensive. The Imperial good fortune now came to his aid, and the rebel Katlu died, after an illness of ten days. His younger son succeeded him, but the Afghans sued for an arrangement. The excessive rains and the depression of the royal forces made a settlement desirable. It was accordingly agreed that the Emperor’s name should be used in the khutba and on the coins, that the country should be obedient and loyal, that Jagganath, the celebrated place of worship, should, with its dependencies, become subject to the royal exchequer, and that no injury should be done to the loyal zamíndárs. All of them, with craft and dissimulation, affixed their signatures to this document. On the 4th Shahryúr, Katlú’s son was brought in, with 150 elephants and many valuable articles, which were offered as tribute. Rája Mán Singh then returned to Bihár.