The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c16.4

v4.c16.4

Khān A‘zam was apprised of Akbar’s arrival, and the imperial troops, numbering no more than 3000, halted on the banks of the Sābarmatī. Akbar was advised to fall on the enemy at once, but his foolish punctilio restrained him from attacking even rebels unawares, and he caused the great kettle-drums to be beaten. Muhammad Husain Mīrzā, on being informed that the sound indicated that the emperor was present in person, refused to credit the account as his spies had reported that they had seen Akbar at Fathpur Sīkrī only a fortnight before, but he sent Ikhtiyār-ul-Mulk with 5000 horse to prevent Khān A‘zam from issuing from Ahmadābād, and himself attacked Akbar’s force. Akbar in person led a charge against the rebels, and the Mīrzā was wounded. His horse fell with him as he was fleeing, and he was captured and brought before Akbar, who delivered him into the custody of Rāi Singh. A fresh force advancing towards Akbar’s troops was believed to be that commanded by Khān A‘zam, but proved to be the 5000 horse led by Ikhtiyār-ul-Mulk. This force was likewise attacked and defeated by Akbar, and Ikhtiyār-ul-Mulk was captured and shared the fate of Muhammad Husain Mīrzā, who had been put to death by order of Rāi Singh. Late in the afternoon Khān A‘zam issued from Ahmadābād and joined Akbar, who embraced him affectionately and greeted the officers with him. A column was sent to Broach and Chāmpāner in pursuit of the other rebel, Shāh Mīrzā, who had fled, but he escaped and is heard of no more.