The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.55

v4.c13.55

Humāyūn had now realised the folly of indiscriminate forgiveness of rebels, and set himself to consolidate his position in Afghānistān. In this he was ably helped by Bairam Khān who received the title of Khān Khānān. Kāmrān was followed up as he tried to rouse the country between Kābul and India and in a night attack Hindāl was killed by an Afghān. It was characteristic of the attitude of Mughul princes to each other that the news of the death caused a paroxysm of grief to Kāmrān though Hindāl was then opposing him. For some time Kāmrān suffered hardships wandering among the border Afghān tribes and then he sought refuge with Islām Shāh in India (1552), where his reception was as contemptuous as that of Humāyūn during his exile in Persia. Escaping to the Khokar country he was surrendered to Humāyūn, who had come in pursuit of him. And now the emperor was strongly pressed by all his advisers, military, civil and religious, to execute his brother to prevent further evil to the state. Though his heart had become tougher during his recent trials Humāyūn was still far from seeking his brother's life, but he agreed so far that he ordered him to be blinded. An affecting farewell took place between the brothers in which Humāyūn expressed his sympathy with Kāmrān's sufferings and Kāmrān admitted his own misconduct and fault. Abandoned by all his nearest friends but accompanied by a faithful wife Kāmrān travelled to Sind and thence to Mecca where he died (1557).