The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.48

v4.c13.48

For a time prosperity seemed about to dawn, as the Rānā offered help to conquer the south-eastern part of Sind, which had once belonged to his ancestors. An expedition started in November, 1542, and a few days later news came that the empress, who had remained at 'Umarkot, had borne a son who later became the emperor Akbar. So poor had Humāyūn become that he had to borrow from his brother the means to provide a meagre feast for his nobles. While the attack on what was a rich area succeeded at first it was soon met by Shāh Husain with his powerful resources of diplomacy and arms. The arrogance of the Mughuls towards Hindus also operated in his favour, and Humāyūn lost the support of his new allies. Though he was now joined by Bairam Khān, one of the best and most faithful soldiers of the time, who had escaped from Sher Khān with great difficulty, his staff had decreased, and a fresh disaster impelled him to make up his mind to risk all on a final decisive battle. Shāh Husain, though stronger in every way, preferred negotiation and offered Humāyūn passage through his country to Qandahār with supplies and money for the journey. The terms were accepted and the emperor departed (1543).