The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.18

v4.c13.18

Though this magnificent city had been laid in ashes after an existence of only 50 years the citadel was still intact, well equipped for a siege, and situated in difficult jungle through the concealed paths of which the people of the country could take fresh supplies. The Mughul army was not well supplied for siege operations and four months passed without any progress being made. Success was finally due to the intelligence of the emperor fortified by his personal bravery. While reconnoitring the position he saw some villagers come out of the woods and as their explanations were not satisfactory he had them beaten. They then guided the Mughuls to the foot of the walls. Though these could not be breached Humāyūn at once devised a means of scaling them by driving spikes into the mortar between the stones, and on a moonlight night, while a furious attack was made on other parts of the fortress 300 men climbed the wall, Humāyūn himself being the fortieth. This unexpected attack inside the citadel, with the news that the emperor himself was in command, terrified the defenders, who allowed Humāyūn's party to capture a gate. Ikhtiyār Khān although safe in the upper fort had not sufficient munitions there to prolong his resistance and was forced to surrender on 9 August, 1535. Since its foundation Chāmpāner had been a repository for the treasure of the Gujarāt kings and Humāyūn's army was enriched by great booty. One of Bahādur Shāh's officers whom Humāyūn plied with drink, instead of putting to the torture as his counsellors advised, revealed great treasures hidden in a reservoir and well. The capture of the two celebrated forts at Māndū and Chāmpāner so delighted Humāyūn that he commemorated his victories by striking coin at these places.