The History of Mubārak Shāh 7.17

7.17

His Majesty was now informed that Mukhtass Khan, brother of Sharki, had entered into the territory of Etawa with a large army and many elephants. He immediately sent off Maliku-sh Shark Mahmud Hasan, with ten thousand brave and experienced horsemen, against Mukhtass Khan. The malik marched with this force, and came to the place where the Sharki army was encamped. When Mukhtass Khan heard of his approach, he retreated, and joined [Ibrahim Shah] Sharki. Malik Mahmud Hasan remained there some days, seeking to take his opponents unawares; but they were on the alert, and he could not find an opportunity. He then returned and joined his own army. [Ibrahim Shah] Sharki now advanced along the banks of the Blackwater to Burhanabad, in the district of Etawa. His Majesty marched against him from Atroli, and arrived at the town of Payin-kotah, where the two armies were only a short distance apart. When Sharki saw the magnificence and the bravery of His Majesty, and the strength of his army, he retreated in the month of Jumada-l awwal, and went towards the town of Rapri. There he crossed the Jumna to Gudrang, and marching on, he encamped on the river of Katehr. His Majesty crossed the Jumna at Chandawar in pursuit, and encamped four kos distant from the enemy. The royal skirmishers made constant attacks upon all points, and carried off prisoners, cattle, and horses. About twenty days passed in this manner, the two armies being in close proximity.