The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.21

v4.c13.21

While Bahādur Shāh was rallying his former subjects, collecting troops and approaching Ahmadābād, his opponent ‘Askarī began to lose heart. No help was to be expected from Humāyūn, and a section of ‘Askarī’s advisers urged him to declare himself independent of his brother in the hope that such a measure would be popular in the locality and an encouragement to the troops. Bahādur Shāh had arrived within a few miles of Ahmadābād and the Mughul army moved out to meet him. Although ‘Askarī was not prepared to set himself up against Humāyūn he was convinced that retreat was necessary, and his counsellors planned to take what treasure was left in Chāmpāner and to make for Āgra where they still hoped to persuade ‘Askarī to assume the royal title. After a bombardment which nearly led Bahādur Shāh to execute Ghazanfar, as he had foretold no opposition, the Mughuls abandoned their camp and even their private baggage and hastened towards Chāmpāner. Their flight encouraged Bahādur Shāh to pursue them rapidly and even to attack the rear-guard. This, however, turned on the Gujarāt forces with such bravery that the Mughuls were able to reach the Māhī river, and to cross it, though not without loss owing to the hastiness of their flight. Thirty miles beyond it lay Chāmpāner where ‘Askarī hoped to secure treasure and supplies. In this he was disappointed, as Tārdī Beg, the governor, was faithful to Humāyūn, to whom he had already sent news of the plan for ‘Askarī’s independence. Accordingly, while he refreshed the troops he gave no access to the fort and in reply to demands for its contents urged that he must await Humāyūn’s orders. Hindered in their plans the officers of the army now proposed to seize Tārdī Beg by stratagem, to take the treasure, and to proclaim ‘Askarī. Tārdī Beg, however, evaded capture and bade them move. As their camp still surrounded the fort he used his artillery and drove them off towards Āgra. News of their departure drew on Bahādur Shāh, who had halted at the river. Tārdī Beg, either on instructions from Humāyūn or unwilling in the circumstances to stand a siege, then carried off as much of the treasure as he could to Māndū where he was praised for his bravery by the emperor. Thus ended for the time the Mughul occupation of Gujarāt which had lasted barely more than a year (1535–6).