The History of Humāyūn (Gulbadan Begam) 5.1.1

5.1.1

Protected by the capable men who upheld Akbar, the royal ladies had not again to flee before foes or to suffer violent change of fortune. Humayun had planned their journey from Kabul to India. Akbar more than once in his first year of rule had to cancel the orders he had given to effect it. Three military affairs disturbed the plan, — the suppression of the revolt of Abu’l-ma'ali, the operations against Sikandar Afghan, and the encounter with Himu at Panipat. At length amirs were named to escort the ladies from Kabul. The officers set out, but on their march received orders to act first against Sulaiman Mirza, who, on hearing of Humayun's death, had come over from Badakhshan to besiege Kabul. This was the first of a series of his attempts on the city, to which he laid fanciful claim as head of the house of Timur after Humayun. The approach of the imperial troops broke up his siege, and his claim having been accommodated by reading his name once in the khutba at Kabul, he went home and left the ladies free to start. They made their journey in time to arrive during the first quarter of 1557 near where lay the royal camp, at Mankot, in the western Sewaliks. The Emperor came a stage from it to meet them, and was 'much comforted by the reunion.' With Hamida-banu Begam, to whom, as Empress-mother, the chief place must be assigned, were Gul-badan, Gul-chihra, Haji, and Salima Begams. There was also a large company of officers' wives.