The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.39.2

v4.c13.39.2

Before any general battle had occurred the rainy season began unduly early and the Mughul camp in the low land near the river was flooded. Mīrzā Haidar suggested a bold manœuvre to mask a change to a better position near the enemy. This was difficult to carry out as the camp was thronged with many thousands of followers and the army would be an easy prey if attacked during the confusion of a move. On 17 May, 1540, the Mughul artillery was sent to the front and the guns and wagons were chained together, so that the camp followers could march behind their protection if an attack was made. Sher Khān moved out his forces against them, while the Mughuls were still in confusion with their numerous non-combatants pressing on behind the guns in such masses that the chains were broken. The leaders were incapable and cowardly and many of them fled for their lives as they saw the Afghān troops arrive. Humāyūn with his usual personal bravery tried to rally his men, but was forced to fly. Mīrzā Haidar laments that 40,000 men in armour fled before 10,000 without a single cannon being fired. A few miles behind them lay the river in which many perished, encumbered by their armour. Humāyūn crossed with difficulty on an elephant but only a few¹ of the thousand men immediately accompanying him succeeded in escaping. As the small band rode towards Āgra it was attacked by Chauhān Thākurs at Bhongāon² and the refusal of ‘Askarī to help in chastising the assailants moved Humāyūn’s wrath.