The Book of Akbar 99.3

99.3

When the royal army approached, Manjuh (the wazir) carried off Ahmad, with a portion of the treasure and some of the elephants, to Bijapur; but he was nearly taken prisoner. From want of proper munitions, the siege was protracted. Chand Bibi was afraid of being taken prisoner; but being informed of the condition of the assailants, she was encouraged to defend the city. On the 9th, Shah 'Ali and Abhang Khan made a night attack in force upon the battery of Khan-khanan; but the defenders fought bravely, killed many of the assailants, and repelled the attack. If the repulse had been followed up, the pursuers might have entered the fort with the fugitives, and the place would have fallen. The close blockade and scarcity of provisions were taking effect on the garrison. * * On the 13th, an unsuccessful attack was made upon the camp. * * On the 16th, a caravan from Gujarat came near, and was plundered by Sa'adat Khan. * * On the 19th, Sher Khwaja, Shaikh Daulat, Kamran Beg, and Daulat Khan, were sent with a force towards Pattan. They inflicted a defeat on Ikhlas Khan, and secured great booty. Then, eager for further plunder, they pillaged the inhabitants of Pattan, a city which had received letters of protection. On the 11th Isfandarmuz, a portion of the wall was broken down. A mine was carried from the battery of the Prince, and a hole cleared out under the wall. It was filled with powder and exploded, when it brought down about thirty gaz of the wall.