The Memoirs of Bābur 4.3

4.3

On the morning of Tuesday, the 6th of the first Jumáda, I marched from Bahjat Khán's tank, for the purpose of attempting Chánderí by force, and encamped on the banks of the middle tank, which is near the fort. The same morning, just as we reached our ground, Khalifa brought me a letter or two. The tenor of them was, that the army which had been sent to the eastward (púrab), while marching in disorder, had been attacked and defeated; that it had abandoned Lucknow, and fallen back to Kanauj, * * * The enemy had garrisoned every part of the citadel [of Chanderi] strongly, but had placed only a few men, by ones and twos, in the outer fort to defend it. This very night my troops entered the outer fort on every side. There being but few people in the place, the resistance was not obstinate. They fled, and took shelter in the citadel. Next morning, being Wednesday, the 7th of the first Jumáda, I commanded the troops to arm themselves, to repair to their posts, and prepare for an assault, directing that as soon as I raised my standard and beat my kettledrum, every man should push on to the assault. I did not intend to display my standard, nor beat the kettledrum, till we were ready to storm, but went to see Ustád 'Ali Kuli's battering-cannon play. He discharged three or four shot; but his ground having no slope, and the works being very strong, and entirely of rock, the effect produced was trifling. It has been mentioned that the citadel of Chanderi is situated on a hill;