Storia do Mogor 65.34.5

65.34.5

While Dara was renewing his strength in the province of Gujarat, the enemy began a most rigorous investment of Bhakkar fort, where we were shut up along with the loyal and valiant eunuch Primavera, No one could get out, no one could enter. This fortress is in the middle of the mighty river Sind (Indus), founded upon the live rock, stones from which could be used as flints for muskets. The fortress was nine hundred and seventy-five paces long and five hundred and fifty-three broad. In the middle was a 'cavalier' (tower) overlooking both banks of the river. On the east was a large town called Xaquer (Sakkar), and on the west another called Ron; at a short distance from the fort towards the north was a little island known as Coia Quitan (Khwajah Khidr), where is a tomb held in great veneration by the Moors (i.e., Mahomedans). We were very well fortified, provided with plenty of artillery and munitions of war, and had a considerable store of gold and silver, precious stones, and a great deal of baggage. In addition to this, Dara left some ladies who had accompanied him, one wife of Sulaiman Shukoh, and two young sons much cherished by Dara as being his grandsons. His plan was that if he did not succeed in the province of Gujarat and suffered defeat, this fortress of Bhakkar would serve as a base to help him again.