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The History of Humāyūn (Gulbadan Begam) 10: THE DESCRIPTION OF MĪRZĀ HINDĀL’S (MARRIAGE) FEAST IS AS FOLLOWS.

The History of Humāyūn (A. S. Beveridge) 10

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English

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THE DESCRIPTION OF MĪRZĀ HINDĀL’S (MARRIAGE) FEAST IS AS FOLLOWS.

10.1.1

Sultānam Begam (i.e., the bride) was a sister of Mahdī Khwāja. My father’s brother-in-law (yazna) had no child except Ja‘far Khwāja, and there was no child (?) of Khānzāda Begam. Dearest lady had taken care of Sultānam as though she were her child. Sultanam was two years old when Khanzada Begam took charge of her. She (Khanzada) loved her very much, and thought of her as a brother's child of her own. She made a most entertaining and splendid feast. A kushk and hangings (adsaqa), and five divans and five pillows for the head, and one large pillow and two round ones (balada), and girdles (qabaqa), and veils (naqab), together with a tent, with three gold-embroidered cushions, and head-to-foot dresses for a prince, with collar and bordering of gold embroidery, and bath-wrappers (fauta), and napkins (sipoh), and embroidered towels (rumal), and an embroidered mantle (qaposh) to be worn over the armour. For Sultanam Begam nine jackets (nim-tana) with garniture of jewelled balls, one of ruby, one of cornelian, one of emerald, one of turquoise, one of topaz, and one of cat’s eye. Again of necklaces, nine, and one embroidered collar and bordering, and four short jackets with ball-trimming (tukma-dar), and one pair of ruby earrings and another of pearls, three fans, and one royal umbrella.

10.1.2

One drakhti, and two khurfi, and other furniture and effects, and household goods and chattels and workshops of all sorts (29a) Khanzada Begam gave everything she had collected, and she arranged a feast such as had not been made for any other child of my royal father. She planned it all and carried it all out. nine tipuchaq horses, with jewelled and gold-embroidered saddles and bridles, and gold and silver vessels and slaves, Turki and Circassian and Arus (?Rus) and Abyssinian, — of each (race) a royal gift of nine. What my royal father’s brother-in-law (Mahdi Khwaja) gave to the mirza was a set of nine tipuchaq horses, with jewelled and gold-embroidered saddles and bridles, and gold and silver vessels, and two other sets of nine horses, baggage animals, with velvet saddles and bridles, and brocade and Portuguese cloth, and Turki and Habshi and Hindi slaves, — in all, three sets of nine, and three head of elephants.

10.1.3

In his Majesty’s leisure after the feast came news that the wazir of Sultan Bahadur, Khurasan Khan by name, had attacked Bayana. His Majesty despatched Mirza ’Askari, with several amirs, Mir Faqr-’ali Beg and Mir Tardi Beg, etc. These went to Bayana and fought and defeated Khurasan Khan. (19b) The Emperor set out for Gujrat shortly afterwards, in prosperity and safety. It was on the 15th of the revered Rajab 941H. that he quite decided to go himself to Gujrat. He set up his advance camp in the Gold-scattering Garden, and there spent a month while the forces were gathering in. On court days, which were Sundays and Tuesdays, he used to go to the other side of the river. During his stay in the garden, agam (Dil-dar Begam) and my sisters and the ladies (haraman) were often in his company. Of all the tents, Ma’suma Sultan Begam’s was at the top of the row. Next came Gul-rang Begam’s, and agam's was in the same place. Then the tent of my mother, Gul-barg Begam and of Bega Begam and the others.

10.1.4

They set up the offices (kar-khanaha) and got them into When they had put up the pavilions (khamna) and tents (khiyā-gah) and the audience tent (bar-gah), the Emperor came to see the camp and the splendid set-out, and visited the begams and his sisters. As he had dismounted somewhat near Ma'suma Sultān Begam’s (tent), he honoured her with a visit. All of us, the begams and my sisters, were in his society. (30a) When he went to any begam’s or sister’s quarters, all the begams and all his sisters used to go with him. Next day he came to the tent of this lowly person, and the entertainment lasted till the third watch of the night. Many begams were there, and his sisters, and ladies of rank (begaha) and of position (īchaha), and other ladies (ūghachaha), and musicians and reciters. After the third watch his Majesty was pleased to command repose. His sisters and the begams made resting-places (takia) in his presence. Bega Begam woke (us) up, and said: ‘It is time for prayers.’ His Majesty ordered water for ablution made ready where he was, and so the begam knew that he was awake. She began a complaint, and said to him: ‘For several days now you have been paying visits in this garden, and on no one day have you been to our house. Thorns have not been planted in the way to it. We hope you will deign to visit our quarters also, and to have a party and a sociable gathering there, too. How long will you think it right to show all these disfavours to us helpless ones?

10.1.5

We too have hearts. Three times you have honoured other places by visits, and you have run day and night into one in amusement and conversation.’ (30b) When she had finished, his Majesty said nothing, and went to prayers. At the first watch of the day he came out and sent for his sisters and the begams, and for Dil-dar Begam, and Afghani Agha, and Gul-nar Agha, and Mewa-jan and Agha-jan, and the nurses (anagaha). We all went, and he said not a word, so everyone knew he was angry. Then after a little he began: ‘Bibi, what ill-treatment at hands did you complain of this morning?’ and ‘That was not the place to make a complaint. You all (shuma-i) know that I have been to the quarters of the elder relations (walid-u-walidat) of you all (shumahan). It is a necessity laid on me to make them happy. Nevertheless, I am ashamed before them because I see them so rarely. It has long been in my mind to ask from you all a signed declaration (khatt), and it is as well that you have brought me to the speaking-point. I am an opium-eater. If there should be delay in my comings and goings, do not be angry with me. Rather, write me a letter, and say: “Whether it please you to come or whether it please you not to come, we are content and are thankful to you.”’

10.1.6

Gul-barg Begam wrote to this effect at once, and he settled it with her. Bega Begam insisted a little, saying: ‘The excuse looked worse than the fault. We complained in order that Your Majesty might lift up our heads by your favour. Your Majesty has carried the matter to this point. What remedy have we? You are Emperor.’ She wrote a letter and gave it to him, and he made it up with her also. On February 18th, 1535 (Sha'ban 14th, 941 H.), he set out from the Gold-scattering Garden and marched to Gujrat to fall upon Sultan Bahadur. They confronted one another at Manhasur (Mandsur), a battle was fought, and Sultan Bahadur, on his defeat, fled to Champanir. Then his Majesty resolved to pursue him Sultan Bahadur left Champanir and went towards Ahmadabad. His Majesty took the country of Ahmadabad also, and portioned out the whole of Gujrat to his men. Ahmadabad he bestowed on Mirza 'Askari, Bahruch on Qasim Husain Sultan, and Patan on Yadgar-nasir Mirza. He himself, with a small following, went from Champanir to visit Kanbayat (Cambay). A few days later there came a woman with news, and said: ‘Why are you sitting here? The men of Kanbayat have gathered, and will fall upon you unless your Majesty rides off.’ The royal amirs attacked the rabble, and got them into their hands and cut them in pieces. (31b)

10.1.7

His Majesty then went to Baroda, and from there towards Champanir. We had settled down, when there was a tumult, and Mirza 'Askari’s people left Ahmadabad and came to the Emperor. They represented to him that Mirza 'Askari and Yadgar-nasir Mirza had conspired, and wished to go to Agra. On hearing this, he himself was forced to go; he left the important affairs of Gujrat [(?) its pacification], and turned away and went to Agra. Here he spent as much as a year. He then went to Chanada (Chunar), and took it, and also Benares. Shir Khan was in Gharkanda, and made an offer of service, saying ‘I am your old servant. Give me a place with a fixed boundary in which I may establish myself.’ His Majesty was considering this, when the king of Gaur Bangala came wounded and a fugitive. For this reason he gave no attention (to Shir Khan), but marched towards Gaur Bangala. Shir Khan knew that his Majesty had gone there, and went himself also with a large detachment of horse, and joined his son (Jalal Khan), who was in Gaur with his servant Khawas Khan. Shir Khan sent them out, and said ‘Go and fortify Garhi.’ Both came and occupied Garhi. His Majesty had written to Jahangir Beg ‘Advance a stage, and go up to Garhi. There was fighting, and Jahangir Beg was wounded and many men were slain.

10.2.1

When the Emperor had spent three or four days in Kohlganu (Colgong), it became advisable for him to march on and halt near Garhi. He marched forward, and when he came near Garhi, Bihr Khan and Khawas Khan fled by night, and he entered Garhi next day. Thence he went to Gaur Bangala, and took it. He was nine months in the far-away country of Gaur, and named it Jannatabad. He was comfortably and safely in Gaur, when news came that some of the amirs had deserted and joined Mirza Hindal. Khusrau Beg (kukaltash) and Zahid Beg and Sayyid Amir paid their respects to the mirza, and said: ‘The Emperor has gone comfortably far away, and the mirzas, Muhammad Sultan Mirza and his sons, Ulugh Mirza and Shah Mirza, have again raised their heads, and continually keep showing themselves in company.’ Just at this time the asylum of shaikhs, the servitor (bandagi) Shaikh Bahlul, hid armour and horse-accoutrements and military stores in an underground place, and would have loaded them on carts and sent them to Shir Khan and the mirzas. Mirza Hindal would not believe it, so Mirza Nuru-d-din Muhammad was sent to inquire into the matter. He found the armour and accoutrements, and had Bandagi Shaikh Bahlul killed. The Emperor, on hearing news of it, set out for Agra.

10.2.2

He was coming by that side of the Ganges (i.e., the left bank) opposite Mungir, when his amirs represented: 'You are a great king. Return by the way you came, lest Shir Khan should say, "Forsaking his road of advance, he took another of retreat."' The Emperor returned to Mungir, and brought many of his people and his family by boat up the river as far as Hajipur-Patna. When he went (to Bengal) he had left Qasim (Husain Sultan Uzbeg) there. Now came news of Shir Khan's approach. Whenever there was fighting, the royal troops won. Just now Baba Beg (Jalair) came from Jaunpur and Mirak Beg from Chanada (Chunar), and Mughal Beg from Oude. As these three amirs joined the Emperor, corn became dear. Then, — such was God's will, — they had halted without precaution, when Shir Khan came and fell upon them. The army was defeated, and many kinsmen and followers remained in captivity. His Majesty's own blessed hand was wounded. Three days he remained in Chunar, and then came to Arail.

10.2.3

When his Majesty reached the river’s bank, he stopped, bewildered as to the crossing, and said 'How to cross without boats!' Then came the raja (Birbhan) with five or six horsemen and led him through a ford. For four or five days his people were without food or drink. At last the raja started a bazar, so that the people of the army lived some days in comfort and repose. The horses also were rested. Many men who were on foot bought fresh mounts. In short, the raja rendered fitting and dutiful services. Later on his Majesty gave him leave to go, and at the hour of mid-day prayer came himself, safely and comfortably, to the bank of the Jamna. The army crossed at a ford they had found. A few days later they came to Karra, where corn and grass were plentiful, because it was his Majesty’s own country. When his people were rested, he went on to Kalpi, and then marched on to Agra. Before his arrival in Agra, he heard news that Shir Khan was coming (from) the direction of Chausa. Great anxiety fell upon his people.

10.2.4

Of many who were in that rout (at Chausa) there was never heard, in any way soever, news or sign. Amongst them were 'Ayisha Sultan Begam, daughter of Sultan Husain Mirza (Baiqra), and Bachaka, who was a khalifa of my royal father, and Bega Jan Agha, and 'Aqiqa Begam and Chand Bibi, who was seven months with child, and Shad Bibi and others, two of whom were of his own Mahil. Of the rest and people, he never heard even a word as to whether they were drowned or what became of them. In spite of all inquiry and search, what was become of them was never found out. His own illness dragged on for forty days and he then grew better. At this time, when Kamran and Yadgar-nasir and Zahid Beg and Qasim Beg, had come on in advance of his news, again arrived that the amirs, Muhammad Sultan Mirza and his sons had come to Kanauj. After Shaikh Bhikhal's murder, Mirza Hindal went to Dihli. He took with him Mir Faqr-ali and other well-wishers to frustrate and disperse the mirzas. The mirzas fled and came into the Kanauj quarter. Mir Faqr-ali brought Mirza Yadgar-nasir to Dihli. As there was neither friendliness nor confidence between Mirza Hindal and Mirza Yadgar-nasir, Mirza Hindal, when Mir Faqr-ali made this matchless sat down out of sheer annoyance and besieged Dihli.

10.2.5

When Mirza Kamran heard these things, there arose in him also a desire of sovereignty. With 12,000 fully equipped horsemen he went to Dihli. Mir Faqr-ali and Mirza Yadgar-nasir closed the city gates on his approach. Two or three days later, Mir Faqr-ali, having made an agreement, went and saw Mirza Kamran. He represented: 'The news heard of his Majesty and Shir Khan may be so and so. Mirza Yadgar-nasir, from thought of his own interest, does not wait on you. The advisable course at this crisis is, that you should lay hands on Mirza Hindal, go to Agra, and not think of establishing yourself in Dihli. Mirza Kamran gave heed to Mir Faqr-'Ali's words, and bestowed on him a head-to-foot dress. He then seized Mirza Hindal and came to Agra. He visited the tomb of Firdaus-makani, saw his mother and sisters, and halted in the Rose-scattering Garden. At this time Nur Beg brought word of his Majesty’s coming. As Mirza Hindal was excluded from the presence because of the murder of Shaikh Bahlul, he went to Alwar.

10.2.6

A few days after his Majesty's arrival, Mirza Kamran came from the Rose-scattering Garden and paid his respects to him. We paid our respects on the evening of the day he came. He took notice of this insignificant one, and was kindly pleased to say: "I did not know you at first, because when I led the army (whose footprints are victorious) to Gaur Bangala, you wore the high cap (taq), and now when I saw the muslin coif I did not recognise you. And oh, my Gulbadan, I used very often to think of you, and was sometimes sorry, and said: I do wish I had brought her. But at the time of the disaster (fitrat) I was thankful I had not, and I said: “Thank God I did not bring Gulbadan!” For although 'Aqiqa was young, I have been consumed by a hundred thousand regrets and cares, and have said “Why did I take her with the army ?”

10.2.7

A few days later he came to see my mother. He had with him the Holy Book. He commanded the attendants to retire for awhile, and they rose and there was privacy. Then he said to a’nam (Dil-dar Begam) and this insignificant one, and to Afghani aghacha, and Gul-nar aghacha, and Nar-gul aghacha, and my nurse (anaqa) : ‘ Hindal is my strength and my spear, the desirable light of my eyes, the might of my arm, the desired, the beloved. May what I do be right ! What shall I say to Mirza Muhammad Hindal about the affair of my Shaikh Bahlul ? What was to be has been. Now there is no anger in my heart against Hindal. If you do not believe it’ He had lifted up the Holy Book when her Highness my mother, Dil-dar Begam, and this poor thing snatched it from his hand. All cried, ‘May what you do be right ! Why do you say such things ?’ Then again he spoke: ‘How would it be, Gul-badan, if you went yourself and fetched your brother, Muhammad Hindal Mirza?’ Her Highness, my mother, said: ‘This girlie (dukhtarah) is young. She has never made a journey (alone). If you approved, I would go.’ His Majesty said: ‘If I give you this trouble, it is because it is clearly incumbent on fathers and mothers to feel for their children. If you would honour him with a visit, it would be a healing-balm applied for us all.’

10.2.8

Then he sent Mir Abu’l-baqa with her Highness my mother, to fetch Mirza Hindal. At once on hearing this news ‘She has come to see me.’ Muhammad Hindal Mirza made his mother happy by giving her honourable meeting. He came with her from Alwar, and paid his duty to his Majesty. About Shaikh Bahlul he said ‘He used to send arms and military appurtenances to Shir Khan. When this was ascertained, I killed the shaikh on account of it.’ To put it briefly in a short time came news that Shir Khan had come near Lakhnau.

10.2.9

In those days his Majesty had a certain servant, a water-carrier (seo). As he had been parted from his horse in the river at Chausa and this servant betook himself to his help and got him safe and sound out of the current, his Majesty now seated him on the throne. The name of that menial person we did not hear, some said ——, some said Sambol. But to cut the story short, his Majesty made the water-carrier servant sit on the throne, and ordered all the amirs to make obeisance to him. The servant gave everyone what he wished, and made appointments. For as much as two days the Emperor gave royal power to that menial. Mirza Hindal was not present at his court; he had taken leave, and had again gone to Alwar with the intention of getting arms ready. Neither did Mirza Kamran appear. He was ill, and sent to say to his Majesty ‘Gifts and favours of some other kind ought to be the servant’s reward. What propriety is there in setting him on the throne? At a time when Shir Khan is near, what kind of affair is this to engage your Majesty?’

10.3.1

In those days Mirza Kamran’s illness increased amazingly. He became weak and so thin that his face was not in the least his own, and there was no hope of his life (aeti). By the Du mo more}" he grew better. He suspected that the Emperor’s mothers, by his Majesty’s advice, had given him poison. His Majesty came to hear of this, and instantly went to see the mīrzā and swore that he had never had such a thought, nor given such an order to any one. Nevertheless, Mirza Kāmrān’s heart was not purged. Afterwards he got worse, day after day, and he lost power of speech. When news came that Shīr Khān had left Lakhnau, the Emperor marched towards Kanauj, and left Mīrzā Kāmrān in Agra to act for him. In a few days the mīrzā heard that he had made a bridge of boats and crossed the Ganges. On this, he himself marched out of Agra towards Lahor. We had settled down when he sent a farman like a king’s, and said: ‘You are commanded to go with me to Lahor.’ He must have said to his Majesty about me something of this sort: ‘I am very ill and very miserable and lonely, and I have no one to sympathize with me.

10.3.2

If you will order Gul-badan Begam to go with me to Lahor, it will be a real favour and kindness.’ For his sake his Majesty will have said: ‘She shall go.’ Two or three days after the Emperor had gone towards Lakhnau, the mīrzā sent a farman, in royal style, to the effect: ‘Most assuredly you will come with me.’ Then my mother must have said: ‘She has never travelled apart from us.’ He replied: ‘If she has not travelled alone, do you also go with her.’ He sent as many as 500 troopers and trusty grooms, and both his foster-father and his foster-brother, and said (to my mother): ‘If she may not go with me (to Labor), come all of you one stage.’ When one stage was reached, he began to declare, on his oath: ‘I will not let you go.’ Then he took me by main force, with a hundred weepings and complaints and laments, away from my mothers, and my own mother and my sisters, and my father’s people, and my brothers, and parted us who had all grown up together from infancy.

10.3.3

I saw that the Emperor’s command also was in the affair. I was helpless. (37b) I wrote a suppliant letter, saying: ‘I never expected your Majesty to cut off this insignificant one from your service, and to give her to Mirza Kamran.’ To this humble note he sent a compassionate answer (salām-nāma), to this effect: ‘I had no heart to part with you, but the mirza persisted, and was miserable, and begged very hard, and I was obliged to trust you to him. For just now there is important work on hand. God willing, I will send for you when it is settled.’ When the mirza was starting, many people, amirs and traders and so on, made preparation with the intention of letting their wives and families march under his escort to Lahor. reached (the city) news came of a battle on the Ganges, and that defeat had befallen the loyal army. At least there was this limit to misfortune, — his Majesty and his brothers came safely through the peril. Our other relations came from Agra by way of Alwar to Lahor. (38a)

10.3.4

Just now the Emperor said to Mirza Hindal: ‘“‘Aqiqa Begam disappeared in that first interregnum and I repented extremely, and said: did I not kill her in my own presence?’ again, it is difficult to convey women with us.” Mirza Hindal answered: ‘What it would be to your Majesty to kill a mother and a sister, speaks for itself. So long as there is life in me, I will fight in their service. I have hope in the most high God, that,—poor fellow as I am,—I may pour out my life’s blood for my mother and my sisters.’ Then the Emperor set out for Fathpur (Sikri) with Mirza ‘Askari and Yadgar Nasir Mirza and the amirs who had come safely off the battlefield. Mirza Hindal sent on before him, her Highness his mother, who was Dil-dar Begam, and his own sister, Gul-chihra Begam, and Afghani aghacha, and Gul-nar aghacha, and Nar-gul aghacha, and the amirs’ wives and families, etc. He was marching along when the Gawars pursued him in great numbers. Some of his troopers charged and defeated them. An arrow struck his horse. There was much fighting and confusion. Having saved the helpless women from the bond of the Gawars, he sent on (to Lahor) his mother and sister, and many of the amirs’ people, etc., and went to Alwar. Here he got together tents and pavilions and numerous requisites, and then started for Lahor. He arrived in a few days. and brought what was wanted for the princes and the amirs.

10.3.5

His Majesty alighted in Khwaja Ghazi’s garden near Bibi Haj-taj. Every day there was news of Shir Khan, and during the three months that the Emperor was in Lahor word was brought day after day: 'Shir Khan has advanced four miles,' 'six miles,' till he was near Sirhind. One of the amirs was named Muzaffar Beg. He was a Turkman. The Emperor sent him with Qazi 'Abdu-llah to Shir Khan to say: 'What justice is there in this? I have left you the whole of Hindustan. Leave Lahor alone, and let Sirhind, where you are, be a boundary between you and me.' (39a) But that unjust man, fearless of God, did not consent, and answered: 'I have left you Kabul. You should go there.' Muzaffar Beg marched at once, and sent on an express to say: 'A move must be made.' As soon as this message came, his Majesty set off. It was like the Day of Resurrection. People left their decorated places and furniture just as they were, but took with them whatever money they had. There was thankfulness to God, because mercifully a ford was found across the Lahor water (Ravi) where everyone crossed. His Majesty halted a few days on the river's bank. Then an ambassador came from Shir Khan. The Emperor had decided to see him next morning, when Mirza Kamran made a petition, saying: "To-morrow there will be an entertainment, and Shir Khan’s envoy will be present. If I may sit on a corner of your Majesty’s carpet, so that there may be distinction between me and my brothers, it will be a cause of my exaltation.”

10.3.6

Hamida-banu Begam says it was his Majesty who wrote and sent the following verse to the mirza: I had heard that he sent it to Shir Khan by the envoy. This is the verse: “Although one’s image be shown in the mirror, It remains apart from one’s self. “It is wonderful to see one’s self in another form: This marvel will be the work of God.” When Shir Khan’s ambassador arrived he paid his respects. The Emperor’s blessed heart was cast down. He fell asleep in a sad mood, and saw in a dream a venerable man, dressed in green from head to foot and carrying a staff, who said: “Be of good cheer, do not grieve,” and gave his staff into the royal hand. “The most high God will give you a son who shall be named Jalalu-d-din Muhammad Akbar.” The Emperor asked: “What is your honourable name?” He answered: “The Terrible Elephant, Ahmad of Jam;” and added: “Your son will be of my lineage.” In those days Bibi Gunwar was with child Everyone said 'A son will be born.' In that same garden of Dost [blank] and in the month of Jumada’u-l-awwal, a daughter was born whom they named Bakhshi-banu. At this time his Majesty appointed Mirza Haidar to take Kashmir. Meantime, news was brought that Shir Khan was there. A wonderful confusion followed, and the Emperor decided to march off next morning.

10.3.7

While the brothers were in Lahor, they conferred and took counsel and asked advice, but they did not settle on any single thing. At last the news was ‘Shir Khan is here.’ Then, as there was no help for it, they marched off at the first watch of the day (9 a.m.). The Emperor’s wish was to go to Kashmir, where he had sent Mirza Haidar Kashghari, but news of the mirza’s success had not yet come, and people counselled ‘If your Majesty were to go to Kashmir, and the country was not conquered at once, it would — with Shir Khan in Lahor — be a very difficult time.’ Khwaja Kilan Beg was in Sialkot, and disposed to serve his Majesty. With him was Mu’yid Beg, who wrote ‘The khwaja greatly wishes to serve you and would come, but he has Mirza Kamran to consider. If your Majesty would come quickly, his help would be made easy in an excellent way.’ The Emperor at once took arms and equipment, and set out to go to the khwaja, and joined company with him and brought him along.

10.4.1

The Emperor was pleased to say: "With my brothers' concurrence, I shall go to Badakhshan. (40b) Let Kabul remain the fief of Mirza Kamran." But Mirza Kamran would not consent to (his Majesty's) going to Kabul, and said: "In his lifetime the Emperor Firdaus-makani gave Kabul to my mother (Gulrukh Begam). It is not right (for you) to go to Kabul." Then said his Majesty: "As for Kabul, his Majesty Firdaus-makani often used to say, 'My Kabul I will give to no one; far from it! Let none of my sons covet it. There God gave me all my children, and many victories followed its capture.' Moreover, this expression of opinion is recorded many times in his Waqi'at-nama. What was the good of my showing kindness to the mirza from civility and brotherliness, if he now keep on talking in this way?" Let his Majesty talk as he would, pacifying and conciliating, the mirza resisted more and more. When he saw that there was a large following with Mirza Kamran, and that the mirza was in no way willing for him to go to Kabul, he had no resource but to move towards Bhakkar and Multan. Having arrived in Multan, he halted one day. (41a) A small quantity of corn was obtained in the fort; and having divided that little amongst his men, he marched on till he came to the bank of a river which was seven rivers in one. He stood distracted. There were no boats, and he had a large camp with him. Then there came word that Khawas Khan, with several amirs, was coming up behind.

10.4.2

There was a Baluchi named Bakhshui (sic) who had forts and many men. His Majesty sent him a banner and kettledrums, and a horse, and a head-to-foot suit, and asked for boats and also for corn. After a time Bakhshu Baluchi got together and sent about a hundred boats, full of corn too, for the royal service, — a proper attention which pleased the Emperor very much. He divided the corn amongst his people, and crossed the water safe and sound. May mercy be shown to Bakhshu for his dutiful service! After a weary journey, they reached Bhakkar at last. The fort is in the middle of the river and very strong. The governor, Sultan Mahmud (Bhakkani), had fortified himself in it. The Emperor alighted safe and well over against the fort, near which was a garden made by Mirza Shah Husain Samandar.

10.4.3

At length his Majesty sent Mir Samandar to Shah Husain Mirza with this message: "We have come into your territory under compulsion. May your country be blessed to you! We shall not take possession of it. Would to Heaven you would yourself come and pay us your respects, and do us the service which is our due! We intend to go to Gujrat, and should leave you your own country." By tricks and wiles, Shah Husain kept his Majesty as much as five months in Samandar; then he sent a person to wait on him, and to say: "I am arranging my daughter's wedding-feast, and I send (someone) to wait on you. I shall come (later)." His Majesty believed him, and waited still three months. Sometimes there was corn to be had, sometimes not. The soldiers killed and ate their horses and camels. Then his Majesty sent again, by Shaikh 'Abdu-l-ghafur, to ask ‘How much longer will you be? What prevents you from coming? Things have come to such a pass that there is inconvenience, and many of my men are deserting.’ The reply was ‘My daughter is promised to Mirza Kamran, and a meeting with me is impossible. I could not wait on you.’ As at this time Mirza Muhammad Hindal crossed the river, some said he might be going to Qandahar. On hearing this his Majesty sent several people after him to make inquiry and to say ‘It is reported that you plan going to Qandahar.’ When questioned, the mirza said ‘People have given a wrong impression.’ On this the Emperor came to see her Highness my mother.

10.4.4

The mirza’s haram and all his people paid their respects to his Majesty at this meeting. Concerning Hamida-banu Begam, his Majesty asked ‘Who is this?’ They said ‘The daughter of Mir Baba Dost.’ Khwaja Mu'azzam was standing opposite his Majesty, who said ‘This boy will be one of my kinsmen (too?).’ Of Hamida-banu he said ‘She, too, is related to me.’ In those days Hamida-banu Begam was often in the mirza’s residence (mahall). Another day when his Majesty came to see her Highness my mother, he remarked ‘Mir Baba Dost is related to us. It is fitting that you should give me his daughter in marriage.’ Mirza Hindal kept on making objections, and said: ‘I look on this girl as a sister and child of my own. Your Majesty is a king. Heaven forbid there should not be a proper alimony, and that so a cause of annoyance should arise.’

10.4.5

His Majesty got angry, and rose and went away. Then my mother wrote and sent a letter, saying: ‘The girl’s mother has even before this been using persuasion. It is astonishing that you should go away in anger over a few words.’ He wrote in reply: ‘Your story is very welcome to me. Whatever persuasion you may use, by my head and eyes, I will agree to it. As for what they have written about alimony, please Heaven, what they ask will be done. My waiting eye is on the road.’ My mother fetched his Majesty, and on that day she gave a party. When it was over, he went to his own quarters. On another day he came to my mother, and said: ‘Send someone to call Hamida-banu Begam here.’ When she sent, the begam did not come, but said: ‘If it is to pay my respects, I was exalted by paying my respects the other day. Why should I come again?’ Another time his Majesty sent Subhan Quli, and said: ‘Go to Mirza Hindal, and tell him to send the begam.’ The mirza said: ‘Whatever I may say, she will not go. Go yourself and tell her.' When Subhan Quli went and spoke, the begam replied: ‘To see kings once is lawful; a second time it is forbidden. I shall not come.’ On this Subhan Quli went and represented what she had said. His Majesty remarked: ‘If she is not a consort (na-mahram), we will make her a consort (mahram).’

10.4.6

To cut the story short: For forty days the begam resisted and discussed and disagreed. At last her highness my mother, Dildar Begam, advised her, saying: ‘After all, you will marry someone. Better than a king, who is there?’ The begam said: ‘Oh yes, I shall marry someone; but he shall be a man whose collar my hand can touch, and not one whose skirt it does not reach.’ Then my mother again gave her much advice. At last, after forty days (discussion), at mid-day on Monday Jumada'l-awwal 948 H. (September, 1541), and in Pat, his Majesty took the astrolabe into his own blessed hand and, having chosen a propitious hour, summoned Mir Abu'l-baqa and ordered him to make fast the marriage bond. He gave the mir two laks of ready money for the dowry (mahrana), and having stayed three days after the wedding in Pat, he set out and went by boat to Bhakkar. He spent a month at Bhakkar and he sent Mir Abu'l-baqa to Siwistan. The mir fell ill while away, and went to the mercy of God.

10.4.7

His Majesty then gave Mirza Hindal leave to go to Qandahar, and he dismissed Mirza Yadgar-nasir to his own place, Lar. He himself went towards Seawan (Sehwan), which is six or seven journeys from Tatta. Sehwan has a strong fort, in which was Mir 'Alika, a servant of his Majesty the Emperor. There were several cannon, so no one could possibly go near. Some of the royal soldiers made trenches, and got near and gave him ('Alika) advice, and said (44a) ‘Disloyalty is not well at such a time,’ but Mir 'Alika did not agree with them. Then they made a mine and cast down a tower, but they could not take the fort. Corn became dear and many men deserted. The Emperor spent six or seven months there. Mirza Shah Husain treacherously laid hands on the royal soldiers in all directions, and made them over to his people, and said: ‘Take them and throw them into the salt sea.’ Three or four hundred would be gathered into one place and flung into boats and thrown into the sea, till as many as 10,000 were cast forth. As after this there were few men even with the Emperor, (? Shah Husain) filled several boats with cannon and muskets, and came from Tatta against him. Sehwan is near the river. (? Mir 'Alika) hindered the coming of the royal boats and provisions, and sent to say: ‘(?) I am maintaining my loyalty. March off quickly.’ Having no remedy, the Emperor turned to Bhakkar.

10.5.1

When he came near and before he could reach it, Mir (Shah) Husain Samanbar had sent word to Mirza Yadgar-nasir (44b): ‘If the Emperor, when he is retreating, should come near Bhakkar, do not let him in Bhakkar may remain your holding I am with you, I will give you my own daughter.’ The mirza believed him and did not allow the Emperor to enter the fort, but wished to make him go on, either by force or fraud. His Majesty sent a messenger to say ‘Baba, you are as a son to me I left you in my stead, so that you might help me in case of need What you are doing is done by the evil counsel of your servants Those faithless servants will be faithless to you also.’ Whatever his Majesty urged had no effect. Then he said ‘Very well!

10.5.2

I shall go to Raja Maldeo I have bestowed this country on you, but Shah Husain will not let you keep it You will remember my words.’ Having said this to the mirza, the Emperor marched away by way of Jisalmir, towards Maldeo He reached Fort Dilawar (Dirawal), on the raja’s frontier, a few days later (45a) He stayed there two days Neither corn nor grass was to be had He then went to Jisalmir, and on his approach the raja sent out troops to occupy the road, and there was fighting The Emperor and some others went aside off the road Several men were wounded Atish Beg, brother of Shaham Jalair and Pir Muhammad the equerry, and Raushang the wardrobe-keeper, and some others At length the royal troops won and the infidels fled into the fort That day the Emperor travelled 60 Kos (ca 120 miles), and then halted on the bank of a reservoir Next he came into Sitalmir, where he was harassed all day till he reached Pahludi, a pargana of Maldeo The 'raja was in Jodhpur, and sent armour and a camel’s-load of ashrafis, and greatly comforted his Majesty by saying ‘You are welcome! I give you Bikanir.’ The Emperor 'halted with an easy mind, and despatched Atka Khan (Shamsu-d-din Ghaznavi) to Maldeo, and said ‘What will his answer be?’ In the downfall and desolation in Hind, Mulla Surkh, the librarian, had gone to Maldeo, and had entered his service. (45b) He now wrote ‘Beware, a thousand times beware of advancing. March at once from wherever you are, for Maldeo intends to make you prisoner.

10.5.3

Put no trust in his words. There came here an envoy from Shir Khan who brought a letter to say “By whatever means you know and can use, capture that king. If you will do this, I will give you Nagor and Alwar and whatever place you ask for.”’ Atka Khan also said when he came ‘This is no time for standing.’ So at afternoon prayer-time the Emperor marched off. When he was mounting, they captured two spies and brought them bound before him. He was questioning them when suddenly they got their hands free, and one snatched a sword from the belt of Muhammad Qul-baz and struck him with it, and then wounded Baqi Guldar. The other at once unsheathed a dagger and faced the bystanders, wounded several and killed the Emperor’s riding-horse. They did much mischief before they were killed. (46a) Just then there was a cry, ‘Maldeo is here!’ The Emperor had no horse fit for Hamida-banu Begam. He may have asked for one for her from Tardi Beg, who apparently did not give it. He then said ‘Let the camel of Jauhar, the ewer-bearer, be got ready for me. I will ride it, and the begam may have Several more (of the royal troop) hit others with arrows, the infidels turned to flee, and the fight was won. They brought in several prisoners alive. Then the camp went slowly, slowly on, but his Majesty was far ahead. Those who had recited the fatiha came up with the camp. There was a mace-bearer named Bihbud. They sent him galloping after the Emperor, to say: 'Let your Majesty go slowly.

10.5.4

By Heaven's grace, a victory has been vouchsafed, and the infidels have fled.' Bihbud himself was taken to the presence, and conveyed the good news. His Majesty dismounted, and a little water even was found, but he was anxious about the amirs, and said: 'What has happened to them?' Then horsemen appeared in the distance, and again there was a cry: 'God forbid! Maldeo!' His Majesty sent a man for information, who came running back and said: 'Ishan-timur Sultan, and Mirza Yadgar, and Mu'nim Khan are all coming, safe and sound.' They had missed their way. Their return rejoiced the Emperor, who rendered thanks to God. Next morning they marched on. For three days they found no water. On the fourth, they came to some very deep wells, the water of which was extraordinarily red. The Emperor halted and alighted near one of the wells; Tardi Beg Khan was at another; at a third, Mirza Yadgar, and Mu'nim Khan, and Nadim kuka; and at the fourth, Ishan-timur Sultan, and Khwaja Ghazi, and Raushan kuka.

10.5.5

As each bucket came out of the wells into reach, people flung themselves on it; the ropes broke, and five or six persons fell into the wells with the buckets. Many perished from thirst. When the Emperor saw men flinging themselves into the wells from thirst, he let anyone drink from his own water-bottle. When everyone had drunk his fill, they marched on again at afternoon prayer-time. After a day and a night they reached a large tank. The horses and camels went into the water and drank so much that many died. There had not been many horses, but there were mules and camels. (48a) Beyond this place water was found at every stage on the way to 'Umrkot, which is a beautiful place with many tanks. The rana gave the Emperor an honourable reception, and took him into the fort, and assigned him excellent quarters. He gave places outside to the amirs’ people. Many things were very cheap indeed; four goats could be had for one rupi. The rana made many gifts of kids and so on, and paid such fitting service that what tongue could set it forth? Several days were spent in peace and comfort. The treasury was empty. Tardi Beg Khan had a great deal of money, and the Emperor having asked him for a considerable loan, he lent 80,000 ashrafis at the rate of two in ten. His Majesty portioned out this money to the army. He bestowed sword-belts and cap-a-pie dresses on the rana and his sons. Many people bought fresh horses here.

10.5.6

Mir Shah Husain had killed the rana’s father. For this, amongst other reasons, the rana collected 2,000 or 3,000 good soldiers and set out with the Emperor for Bhakkar. In 'Umrkot he left many people, and his family and relations, and also Khwaja Mu'azzam to have charge of the haram. Hamida-banu Begam was with child. Three days after his Majesty’s departure, and in the early morning of Sunday, the fourth day of the revered Rajab, 949H., there was born his imperial Majesty, the world’s refuge and conqueror, Jalalu-d-din Muhammad Akbar. The moon was in Leo. It was of very good omen that the birth was in a fixed sign, and the astrologers said a child so born would be fortunate and long-lived. The Emperor was some thirty miles away when Tardi Muhammad Khan took the news to him. He was highly delighted, and by way of reward and largesse (iusari) for the tidings he forgave all soever of Tardi Muhammad Khan’s past offences & gave the child the name he had heard in his dream at Lahor, the Emperor Jalalu-d-din Muhammad Akbar. On leaving this place, the Emperor went towards Bhakkar with as many as 10,000 men who had gathered round him, people of the rana and of the outlying tribes and Sudmas (Sodhas) and Samichas. They reached the district of Jun, where there was one of Shah Husain’s servants with some troopers. He fled. Here there was the Mirror Garden, a very pleasant and enjoyable place where the Emperor alighted. He assigned its villages (? of Jun) in jagir to his followers.

10.5.7

It is a six days’ journey from Jun to Tatta. The Emperor was as much as six months in Jun, and brought his family and people and the whole 'Umarkot party there. The Emperor Jalalu-d-din Muhammad Akbar was six months old when they took him to Jun. The party which had come from various places with the royal family and the haram now broke up. As for the rana, he marched off at midnight for his own country, on account of a coolness caused by some talk between him and Tardi Muhammad Khan. All the Sudmas and Samichas went off by agreement with him, and the Emperor was left alone, as before, with his own people. He sent brave Shaikh 'Ali Beg (Jalair) and Muzaffar Beg Turkman towards the large district of Jajki (Haj-kan). Only Mirza Shah Husain sent a force to attack him, and there was a famous fight. At last Muzaffar Beg was routed and fled, and Shaikh 'Ali Beg (Jalair) was killed and perished with all his men.

10.6.1

A squabble arose between Khalid Beg and Tarsh Beg, a brother of Shaham Khan Jalair, and his Majesty turned all his favour to Tarsh Beg. So Khalid Beg deserted and went with all his men to Mir Shah Husain. Then the Emperor ordered Khalid Beg’s mother, Sultanam, to prison, and this made Gul-barg Begam angry. Then he forgave Sultanam and gave her leave to go to the blessed Makka with Gul-barg Begam. Soon after this Tarsh Beg also deserted. The Emperor cursed him, and said: ‘For his sake, I dealt harshly with Khalid Beg, who on this account left the circle of the faithful for the circle of the disloyal. Tarsh Beg will die young.’ So it was! Fifteen days later, a servant killed him with a knife as he lay sleeping in a boat. When the Emperor heard of it he grew sad and thoughtful. (51a) Shah Husain Mirza brought boats up the river to near Jun, and his men and the Emperor’s often fought on board, and many were killed on both sides. Day by day there were desertions to Shah Husain. In one of these fights was killed Mulla Taju-d-din whom his Majesty held in the greatest favour as a pearl of knowledge.

10.6.2

There was a squabble between Tardi Muhammad Khan and Mun'im Khan. Mun'im Khan consequently deserted Very few amirs remained, amongst them were Tardi Muhammad Khan and Mirza Yadgar and Mirza Payanda Muhammad and Muhammad Wali and Nadim Koka and Raushan Koka and Khadang the chamberlain. Then there was word brought ‘Bairam Khan has reached Jun (Pat-tan) on his way from Gujrat.’ The Emperor was delighted, and ordered Khadang and others to give him honourable meeting. Meantime Shah Husain Mirza had heard of Bairam Khan’s coming and sent to capture him. Bairam Khan rashly went into a hollow, and there they fell upon him. Khadang the chamberlain was killed. Bairam Khan and the rest escaped, and the khan came and paid his respects to the Emperor. At this time letters arrived (addressed to) Mirza Hindal for his Majesty from Qaracha Khan, saying ‘You have been long near Bhakkar, and during the whole time Shah Husain Mirza has given no sign of good-will but the reverse. By Heaven’s grace, an easy way is open, and it is best for the Emperor to come here (to Qandahar). This is really advisable. If he will not come, come you yourself without fail.’ As his Majesty’s coming was delayed, Qaracha Khan went out and met Mirza Hindal, and made over the town to him (in the autumn of 1541). Mirza 'Askari was in Ghaznin, and to him Mirza Kamran wrote ‘Qaracha Khan has given over Qandahar to Mirza Hindal. Qandahar must be considered.’ His idea was to take it from Mirza Hindal.

10.6.3

On hearing of these things, his Majesty came to his aunt Khanzada Begam, and said with great urgency ‘Pray do me the honour of going to Qandahar and advising Mirza Hindal and Mirza Kamran. Tell them that the Uzbegs and the Turkmans are near them, and that the best plan is to be friends amongst themselves. If Mirza Kamran will agree to carry out what I have written to him, I will do what his heart desires.’ Mirza Kamran came to Qandahar four days after the begam’s arrival. Day after day he urged: ‘Read the khutba in my name’; and again and again Mirza Hindal said: ‘In his life-time his Majesty Firdaus-makani gave his throne to the Emperor Humayun and named him his successor. We all agreed to this, and up till now have read the khutba in his name. There is no way of changing the khutba.’

10.6.4

Mirza Kamran wrote to her Highness, Dil-dar Begam: ‘I have come from Kabul with you in mind. It is strange that you should not once have come to see me. Be a mother to me as you are to Mirza Hindal.’ At last Dil-dar Begam went to see him, and he said: ‘Now I shall not let you go till you send for Mirza Hindal.’ Dil-dar Begam said: ‘Khanzada Begam is your elder kinswoman, and oldest and highest of you all. Ask her the truth about the khutba.’ So then he spoke to Aka. Her Highness Khanzada Begam answered: ‘If you ask me, well, as his Majesty Firdaus-makani decided it and gave his throne to the Emperor Humayun, and as you, all of you, have read the khutba in his name till now, so now regard him as your superior and remain in obedience to him.’ To cut the matter short, Mirza Kamran besieged Qandahar and kept on insisting about the khutba for four months. At last he settled it in this way: ‘Very well; the Emperor is now far away. Read the khutba in my name, and when he comes back, read it in his.’ As the siege had drawn out to great length, and people had gradually come to cruel straits, there was no help for it; the khutba was read. (62 a) He gave Qandahar to Mirza 'Askari, and promised Ghaznin to Mirza Hindal. When they reached Ghaznin, he assigned the Lamghanat and the mountain passes (Tangayha) to the mirza, and all those promises were false.

10.6.5

Mirza Hindal went off to Badakhshan, and settled down in Khost and Andar-ab. Mirza Kamran said to Dil-dar Begam: ‘Go and fetch him.’ When she arrived, the mirza said: ‘I have withdrawn myself from the turmoil of soldiering, and even Khost is a hermitage. I have quite settled down.’ The begam answered: ‘If you intend to lead the darwish-life, even Kabul is a hermitage. Live where your family and kinsfolk are. That is the better plan.’ Then she made him come, and for awhile he lived as a darvish in Kabul. About this time, Mir Shah Husain sent to the Emperor to say: ‘The course favouring fortune is for you to march for Qandahar. That is the better plan.’ His Majesty was willing, and replied: ‘Horses and camels are scarce in my camp; give me some to travel with to Qandahar.’ (62 b) Shah Husain Mirza agreed, and said: ‘There are a thousand camels on the other side of the river, which I will send to you as soon as you have crossed.’ [If words by Khwaja Kasak (? Kisik), kinsman of Khwaja Ghazi, are recorded about the journey from Bhakkar and Sind, they are copied from the writings of the said Khwaja Kasak. HYMN OF PRAISE FOR AKBAR’S BIRTH Of especial interest are the faces of the open mouthed singers. Hamida banū is probably the featureless person on the estrade.

10.6.6

At length the Emperor went on board boats, with kinsfolk and family, army and the rest, and travelled for three days on the great river. At the frontier of Shah Husain Mirza’s territory is a village called Jusa. Here they halted, and his Majesty sent Sultan Quli, the head-camel-driver, to fetch the camels. Sultan Quli brought a thousand, all of which his Majesty gave to his amirs, and soldiers, and others, ordering them to be apportioned. The camels were such that one might say they had not known city, or road, or man for seven, or rather seventy, generations. As horses were few, many people took camels to ride on, and what were left were assigned for the baggage. Every camel which was mounted, at once flung its rider to the ground, and took its way to the jungle. (53a) Every pack-camel, when it heard the sound of horses’ feet, jumped and bounded and tossed off its load, and went off and away to the jungle. If a load was fixed so fast that, jump as it would, it could not get it off, it carried it away and ran with it into the jungle. This was the way the Emperor started for Qandahar. Some 200 camels must have gone off like this.

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