The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.28

v4.c13.28

As an isolated military exploit the capture of Chunār was notable, but it commanded no land routes and the time occupied in its reduction was wasted. Sher Khān, having strengthened his position in Bihār while Humāyūn was in western India, had advanced into Bengal. He was held up for a time at the pass of Teliyāgarhī by the forces of Ghiyās-ud-dīn Mahmūd of Bengal, but finally compelled him to retreat to his capital at Gaur. During the blockade Mahmūd sought help from Humāyūn and receiving none fled by boat to Hājīpur and the city was taken soon after. Pursued by Sher Khān's troops Mahmūd barely escaped with his life and reached Humāyūn's camp severely wounded. Humāyūn, after moving the short distance from Chunār to Benares and halting there, had at last made up his mind to prevent Sher Khān from acquiring further territory. He therefore began his march eastwards and met Mahmūd near the confluence of the Son and Ganges (1538). Even now, though he knew that Sher Khān had seized the capital and treasure of Bengal, he first sent an envoy to Sher Khān offering him a governorship near his home if he would surrender his new gains. When the envoy after some delay returned he brought the news that Sher Khān was already removing his booty to the hills of south Bihār. The rainy season having set in Humāyūn's officers suggested a halt until the country could be more easily traversed but the emperor accepted the suggestion of Mahmūd that it was best to attack before Sher Khān had consolidated his power. Accordingly the Mughul forces advanced into a trap devised by the strategy of Sher Khān. When they reached the difficult pass at Teliyāgarhī they found it strongly defended by Jalāl Khān, a son of Sher Khān. Halting to reconnoitre they were attacked by Jalāl Khān, who had orders from his father to delay the advance till the treasure was secured, and who observed that the Mughul forces were carelessly disposed. He inflicted considerable loss and drove the van back on the main army at Kahalgāon.¹ A heavy storm which sank Humāyūn's barge and flooded the country prevented advance for several days. When a scouting party was able to move it was discovered that Jalāl Khān, who had now received news of his father’s safe arrival in the fastnesses of south Bihār, had abandoned the defence. Sher Khān had in fact gained by stratagem the fort of Rohtās as a place of refuge for his family and treasure now that Chunār was lost.