The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.52

v4.c13.52

He spent the rest of the winter in settling the affairs of southern Afghānistān, which now recognised his rule, and some advance in a spirit of resolution is marked by his directing the execution of his cousin Yādgār Mīrzā who had been so faithless in Sind. In the spring of 1545 he crossed the Hindū Kush to reduce the northern part of the country and made a successful campaign. While here an unfortunate illness in which his life was despaired of gave the signal for plots and insubordination. Although his recovery stopped these dissensions among his immediate adherents Kāmrān took advantage of his absence north of the mountains to surprise Kābul with help from Shāh Husain (1546). Arriving unexpectedly in the early morning he found the garrison off their guard and slipped in with the crowd of early grass-cutters and water-carriers. There he behaved with great cruelty towards all who had helped the emperor and fell into his hands. Humāyūn hastened to recover his capital, crossing the mountains with difficulty, and again losing many officers who deserted, fearing that Kāmrān would massacre their families in Kābul. The town was blockaded and warfare continued with greater bitterness than had yet been shown in the contests between the brothers. It is even stated by some writers that the infant Akbar was exposed on the ramparts to the fire of his father's cannon. The siege was pressed so strongly that Kāmrān contemplated surrender but was persuaded that his brother's patience must now be exhausted and he escaped in the hope of avoiding death (1547). As he fled he was actually captured by Hindāl but was allowed to escape. He sought refuge with Sulaimān the ruler of Badakhshān and, being spurned by one who had already suffered at the hands of the Mughuls, fled to the Uzbegs in Balkh who received him favourably in the hope of keeping alive dissensions between the brothers. For a time it appeared probable that Kāmrān would again rise to power. With Uzbeg help he invaded Badakhshān and gaining some success was joined by many of his former supporters, who were always more disposed to side with a successful prince than to keep faith with one who seemed to be losing power. It was too late in the year for Humāyūn to cross the passes and in the following spring he was delayed by a foolish quarrel between high officers at Kābul, which led to other defections. When he did advance the Uzbegs, who had no wish to see any of the brothers supreme, refused to give further help to Kāmrān and after some inconclusive fighting Kāmrān submitted (1548), relying on Humāyūn’s generosity to forgive him. He was received in public audience and hung a whip round his neck to signify his sense of criminal guilt and began to express regret. Humāyūn cut short his confessions and calling him brother seized him in his arms and wept. Kāmrān was then appointed to govern a tract north of the Oxus, and was disgusted with its remoteness and inadequacy.