The History of Shēr Shāh (Tārīkh-i Shērshāhī) 3.12.5

3.12.5

There existed a friendly connexion between Sher Khan and the Raja of the fort of Rohtas, and Churaman, the Raja's naib, was on particular terms of intimate friendship and alliance with Sher Khan. This Churaman was a Brahman, and was a person of the highest rank, and had formerly shown kindness to the family of Mian Nizam, own brother to Sher Khan, and procured them shelter in the fort of Rohtas; and when all danger had gone by, the family again quitted the fort, and made it over to the Raja. On the present occasion, Sher Khan wrote that he was in great straits, and that if the Raja would give him the loan of the fort for a short time, he would be obliged to him all his days, and that when all danger was past, he would again restore the fort. Churaman replied, "Be of good cheer, I will manage it, so that the Raja shall lend you the fort." When Churaman went to the Raja, he said, "Sher Khan has asked for the loan of Rohtas for his family. He is your neighbour. This is my advice, it is an opportunity to show kindness ; you should admit his family." The Raja agreed. When Sher Khan sent his family from Bahrkunda, the Raja retracted his promise, and said, "When I admitted Mian Nizam into the fort, they had but a small force. I was the stronger. Now they have the larger force, and I a small one.