The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c17.48.3

v4.c17.48.3

When Shāh Jahān arrived the principal landholders, including the chief of the Ujjainiya Rājputs,¹ submitted to him, and the strong fortress of Rohtās was surrendered. One division of the force now occupied Jaunpur and advanced to Mānikpur while ‘Abdullah Khān laid siege to Allahābād which was bravely defended by Mirzā Rustam Beg, a Persian of royal blood. Shāh Jahān entered Benares and crossed the Ganges to Kantit² on the south side. By this time, however, Parvīz and Mahābat Khān, after securing peace in the Deccan by an alliance with Bījāpur, had arrived in the Dūāb. They had difficulty in crossing the river as Shāh Jahān's forces had seized all boats, but were finally helped by the Bais Rājputs.³ The rebels retreated and were defeated in a fiercely contested battle at Damdama¹ (1624) which completely destroyed their hopes, though at one time Shāh Jahān had nearly won the day, when a wounded elephant threw his army into confusion. Bhīm Singh was slain and Shāh Jahān who was himself present would in his despair have fought till killed if his followers had not seized his bridle and turned his horse away. He rode hastily to Rohtās where his wife had just borne a son (Murād Bakhsh) and leaving her there retreated to Bengal.