The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c15.9

v4.c15.9

The execution was a bold measure. Tārdī Beg Khān and Bairam Khān were outwardly on friendly terms, but were known to be rivals, and their rivalry was embittered by religious differences. Bairam cannot but have known that his action would be severely criticised, and his enemies, in fact, made it one of the articles in his impeachment when, a few years later, he fell from favour; but the murder was not the crime which they maintained it to be. Tārdī Beg Khān’s disgraceful conduct at Delhi merited death according to the military codes of all ages and his advocacy of an immediate retreat from Sirhind rendered his death necessary. In fact credit is due to Bairam Khān for taking so promptly, at considerable risk to himself and his reputation, a step which alone could have restored and maintained the spirit and discipline of the army.