The Book of Jahāngīr's Fortune 13.1

13.1

[Advices now arrived from the Dakhin. Malik ’Ambar proceeded to the frontiers of Kutbu-l Mulk, to receive the annual payment for the army, which was now two years in arrear. After receiving it, and making himself secure on that side by a treaty and oath, he proceeded towards Bidar. There he found the forces of ’Adil Khan, who were in charge of that country, unprepared, so he attacked them unawares, and plundered the city of Bidar. From thence he marched against Bijapur. ’Adil Khan had sent his best troops and officers along with Mulla Muhammad Lari to Burhanpur, and not deeming himself strong enough to resist the assailant, he shut himself up in the fortress of Bijapur, and doing all he could to secure the place, he sent a messenger to recall Muhammad Lari and his forces from Burhanpur. * * When Mahabat Khan and Prince Parwez marched for Allahabad, Sarbuland Rai was left in charge of Burhanpur, and was ordered to administer the affairs of the Dakhin in concert with Mulla Muhammad Lari. The Mulla now became very pressing, and gave three lacs of huns, nearly equal to twelve lacs of rupees, for the payment of the troops. When the Mulla’s letters of recall reached Mahabat Khan, he acquiesced, and directed the officials in the Dakhin to hasten with the Mulla to support ’Adil Khan. Sarbuland Rai of necessity remained at Burhanpur with a few men; but he sent Lashkar Khan and * * * all the amirs of the Dakhin along with Muhammad Lari, to oppose Malik 'Ambar.