The Memoirs of Jahāngīr (Jahāngīrnāma) 68: Conquest of Kangra.

68

[On Monday, 5th Muharram, the joyful intelligence of the conquest of the fort of Kangra arrived. * * Kangra is an ancient fort, situated in the hills north of Lahore, and has been renowned for its strength and security from the days of its foundation. The zamindars of the Panjab believe that this fort has never passed into the possession of another tribe, and that no stranger's hand has ever prevailed against it; but God knows! Since the day that the sword of Islam and the glory of the Muhammadan religion have reigned in Hindustan, not one of the mighty Sultans had been able to reduce this fort. Sultan Firoz Shah, a monarch of great power, besieged it for a long time; but he found that the place was so strong and secure, that it was impossible to reduce it so long as the garrison had provisions. * * When this humble individual ascended the throne, the capture of this fort was the first of all his designs. He sent Murtaza Khan, governor of the Panjab, against it with a large force, but Murtaza died before its reduction was accomplished. Chaupar Mai, son of Raja Basu, was afterwards sent against it; but that traitor rebelled, his army was broken up, and the fall of the fortress was deferred. Not long after, the traitor was made prisoner, and was executed and went to hell, as has been recorded in the proper place. Prince Khurram was afterwards sent against it with a strong force, and many nobles were directed to support him. In the month of Shawwal, 1029 h., his forces invested the place, the trenches were portioned out, and the ingress of provisions was completely stopped. In time the fortress was in difficulty, no corn or food remained in the place, but for four months longer the men lived upon dry fodder, and similar things which they boiled and ate; but when death stared them in the face, and no hope of deliverance remained, the place surrendered on Monday, Muharram 1, 1031.]