The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c25.121

v3.c25.121

Bahādur had now to think of his return to his capital, and had reason to repent the folly which had prompted him to insult the emperor; for Humāyūn, though he had scrupulously abstained from attacking him while he was engaged with the misbelievers, had advanced to Mandasor, and was there awaiting him. Bahādur had already taken a step which proclaimed his despair by sending to Mecca, under the charge of a certain Āsaf Khān, both the ladies of his harem and his treasury. His army, as it approached the emperor's position at Mandasor, was disheartened by the defeat of its advanced guard and by the defection of Sayyid ‘Alī Khān Khurāsānī, who deserted to the emperor. Bahādur was beset by conflicting counsels. Sadr Khān urged that an immediate attack should be delivered, while the army was still flushed with its victory at Chitor, but Rūmī Khān, who commanded the artillery, was of opinion that it should entrench itself and rely on its great superiority in guns. Unfortunately the advice of the artilleryman was followed. The light armed troops of Gujarāt dared not face the Moghul archers in the field, and the imperial troops, beyond the range of the guns, were able to cut off the supplies of the entrenched camp. A reinforcement from Rāisen only increased his difficulties by consuming his supplies, and after enduring a siege of two months, during which losses from famine were heavy, he basely deserted his army by night on April 25, 1535, and fled with Muhammad Shāh of Khāndesh, Mallū Qādir Khān, governor of Mālwa, and three other nobles, to Māndū. His army dispersed, only a few of the principal officers being able to lead off their contingents.