The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.46.1

v4.c13.46.1

Humāyūn’s first experiences in Sind illustrate his lack of skill in the conduct of a difficult campaign, against an opponent so able as Shāh Husain, the ruler of the country. Making his toilsome journey down the Indus he reached Rohrī on the left bank not far from the island fortress of Bhakkar. Shāh Husain had strengthened the garrison and bidden the governor lay waste the country round so that the Mughul forces would be unable to obtain supplies. This was easily effected as population was scanty and cultivation sparse and only possible where land could be irrigated from the river. To relieve the pressure of want Humāyūn divided his troops, himself remaining in fairly comfortable quarters to prosecute the siege, while Hindāl and Yādgār advanced towards Sehwān where they hoped to obtain better supplies. In reply to the emperor’s summons to surrender the fortress the governor replied that he was subordinate to Shāh Husain and could obey only him, though he sent a small supply of grain to relieve the immediate wants of Humāyūn’s camp. Envoys were then despatched to Shāh Husain, who detained them for months by holding out promises he had no intention of fulfilling. He thus reduced the Mughul forces to such extreme want that many of the soldiers killed their horses and camels for food.