The Memoirs of Bābur 930.1

930.1

930 AH.—NOV. 10TH 1523 TO OCT. 29TH 1524 AD. _a. Bābur's fourth expedition to Hindūstān._ This expedition differs from all earlier ones by its co-operation with Afghān malcontents against Ibrāhīm _Lūdī_, and by having for its declared purpose direct attack on him through reinforcement of `Ālam Khān. Exactly when the start from Kābul was made is not found stated; the route taken after fording the Indus, was by the sub-montane road through the Kakar country; the Jīhlam and Chīn-āb were crossed and a move was made to within 10 miles of Lāhor. Lāhor was Daulat Khān's head-quarters but he was not in it now; he had fled for refuge to a colony of Bilūchīs, perhaps towards Multān, on the approach against him of an army of Ibrāhīm's under Bihār Khān _Lūdī_. A battle ensued between Bābur and Bihār Khān; the latter was defeated with great slaughter; Bābur's troops followed his fugitive men into Lāhor, plundered the town and burned some of the _bāzārs_. Four days were spent near Lāhor, then move south was made to Dībālpūr which was stormed, plundered and put to the sword. The date of this capture is known from an incidental remark of Bābur about chronograms (f. 325), to be mid-Rabī`u'l-awwal 930 AH. (_circa_ Jan. 22nd 1524 AD.).[1562] From Dībālpūr a start was made for Sihrind but before this could be reached news arrived which dictated return to Lāhor. _b. The cause of return._