The History of Shēr Shāh (Tārīkh-i Shērshāhī) 3.7.3

3.7.3

An intimate friendship sprang up between Sher Khan and Makhdum 'Alam, ruler of Hajipur, a noble in the service of the King of Gaur and Bengal. The King of Bengal became displeased with Makhdum 'Alam; for he (the king), having conceived a design of conquering Bihar from the Afghans, despatched Kutb Khan with a large force for that purpose. Sher Khan earnestly and repeatedly remonstrated. * * * Nevertheless, Kutb Khan gave no heed to his remonstrances. Sher Khan therefore said to his Afghans, "With the Mughals on one side and the army of Bengal on the other, we have no resource save in our own bravery." The Afghans replied, "Be of good cheer, for we will fight to the utmost; we will never yield the field until we either conquer or die, nor will we be ungrateful to those we have served so long." Sher Khan having prepared for a sturdy resistance, met the enemy. A severe action ensued, in which the Bengal army was defeated. In that engagement Shaikh Isma'il much distinguished himself, and Kutb Khan and Habib Khan Kakar were with him. Kutb Khan, leader of the Bengal army, was struck by an arrow, and falling off his horse, expired. Shaikh Isma'il gained the victory, and Sher Khan bestowed on him the title of Shuja'at Khan. Of the treasure, horses, elephants, etc. which fell into his hands, Sher Khan did not give any part to the Lohanis, and so he became a man of wealth.