The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.19

v4.c13.19

While Humāyūn had thus beaten down open resistance, had taken strongholds and had assumed the outward appearance of sovereignty, he took no steps to consolidate his rule and wasted months in revelry and enjoyment of his booty. An army sent by Shāh Husain of Sind to help in his campaign against Gujarāt was diverted by a bribe offered by the governor of Pātan in the north of the kingdom who still held out for Bahādur Shāh, and it finally returned as Shāh Husain feared that his troops might be corrupted by the luxury of the imperial army. Bahādur Shāh in his retreat at Diu was approached by the chiefs in the north of his lost kingdom, who offered to remit their land revenue to him as the Mughuls were taking no steps to collect it. He commissioned 'Imād-ul-Mulk to march to Ahmadābād with full powers over collection and remission. As the new governor progressed, taking steps to restore administration, he was joined by considerable forces and was able to recruit more by using the funds he had collected. Humāyūn, though he easily fell into habits of sloth and luxury during success, could always rouse himself when danger was apparent. He marshalled forces and sending his brother 'Askarī in advance went to meet 'Imād-ul-Mulk. Although the latter was able to surprise 'Askarī at a disadvantage and plunder his camp, the Mughul army reformed and won the battle which ensued. Humāyūn then advanced to and occupied Ahmadābād and at last took steps to organise the newly acquired province. He placed 'Askarī in charge as viceroy with Hindū Beg, an experienced general, to aid him and appointed officials to other posts. His advisers pressed him in view of the disturbances and rebellion which were taking part in the east of his realm to restore Gujarāt to Bahādur Shāh. So far was he from taking this sound advice that he planned to attack Diu where Bahādur Shāh was sheltering.