Tarikh-i Salatin-i Afaghina 10.10

10.10

He had with him a force of 40,000 calvary, while the Mughal army did not exceed 20,000 horse and foot. The soldiers of both sides had frequent trials of strength during the space of a week. Three days before the battle Bairám Khán gave a great entertainment, and raised a large audience-tent, adorned with embroidered satin, like the flower-beds of a garden in the early spring, or Paradise itself. He spread carpets of various colours, and on them he placed a golden throne, and caused Prince Akbar Mírzá to sit on it; after which, the darbár was opened to the public. The nobles of the Chaghatai tribe were made joyful by the gift of expensive dresses of honour, and regal presents, and promises of future favour were likewise made to them. Bairám Khán said, "This is the commencement of His Majesty's reign. This infidel has routed the whole royal army, and is now making preparations against us. If you do your best in this business, with one heart and soul, Hindústán is yours. I place my trust in God. If we fail in this, you, whose homes are at a distance of 500 kos, will not be able to find an asylum."