The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.20

v4.c13.20

Mālwā had been left in such haste, with no arrangements for the proper government of the province, that it had been invaded by former officials and the Mughul troops had been driven to Ujjain. Humāyūn decided to return to Māndū which had greatly attracted him, and his arrival there was sufficient for the time to quell opposition. His departure from Gujarāt was, however, the signal for disaster in that tract; Bahādur Shāh still had a fleet, and his people held one or two ports on the coast. With help from the Portuguese and a body of African slaves he was able to re-establish a stronger footing and took town after town. There was no master mind to direct the sending of reinforcements and ‘Askarī showed more disposition to call in troops to ensure his own safety than to help his subordinates. Moreover, detachments of Gujarāt forces left scattered in the north and east when Bahādur Shāh abandoned Chitor were now coming together. Ghazanfar, who was a foster brother of ‘Askarī, deserted after being confined for a rude jest at the viceroy and offered to disclose to Bahādur Shāh full details of the Mughul position at Ahmadābād, which he described as so precarious that ‘Askarī would fly if attacked. The local chiefs in Gujarāt, who had found no reason to prefer the new rulers, also urged their former king to return, promising him their assistance.