The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.47

v4.c13.47

The raja's object in offering help to Humāyūn is doubtful. Since the battle of Khānua the Rājputs had had no desire for friendship with the Mughuls. But Sher Khān's success had increased the possible danger of further incursions into Rājputāna and Māldeo appears to have hoped that aid to Humāyūn, who had shown himself generous, if not mighty, would be repaid. From the miserable handful of refugees who were now painfully approaching his capital he saw that he could expect nothing, and he therefore decided to seize and give up Humāyūn to Sher Khān. Humāyūn discovered this intention through his spies and again retreated, suffering even greater hardships than before. On one occasion the small band of fugitives had to march for more than three days without water as the wells had been filled in or destroyed. Their sufferings in the Indian desert at the hottest period of the year were terrible and many died of thirst. So reduced in circumstances was the emperor himself that he had to play a disgraceful trick on his own few officers by having their baggage searched in their absence in order to obtain a few presents for the Rānā of 'Umarkot, who gave him shelter on his arrival there.