The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c25.95

v3.c25.95

Late in 1524 Muzaffar’s second son, Bahādur, demanded equality of treatment with his eldest brother, Sikandar, but the king, who had designated Sikandar as his heir, feared to place more power in the hands of the ablest and most energetic of his sons, and put him off with fair words. Bahādur fled disgusted from his father’s court, and repaired first to Udai Singh of Dūngarpur, then to Sangrama Singh at Chitor, and next to Mewāt, where the local Muhammadan ruler, Hasan, entertained him hospitably. He eventually proceeded to Delhi, but it is not quite clear at what precise date. In all probability it was at the beginning of 1526, for the people of Delhi were then expecting the approach of Bābur with his invading army. Bahādur was well received by Ibrāhīm Lodī, who was doubtless glad to obtain the services of this young but experienced soldier. Ibrāhīm was encamped at Pānīpat when Bahādur joined him, and skirmishes had already begun with the advanced guard of the Mughal army. It was in one of these skirmishes that Bahādur so greatly distinguished himself that the jealousy of Ibrāhīm Lodī was roused, and Bahādur deemed it prudent to withdraw, and set out for Jaunpur, possibly selecting this town in response to an invitation received from the local nobles, who are said to have offered him the throne. The battle of Pānīpat, in which Bābur defeated Ibrāhīm, was fought on April 18. Abū Turāb, a contemporary writer, tells us that Bahādur was present at this battle, but took no part in the fighting. If this refers to the decisive action Bahādur must have left for Jaunpur as soon as the issue of the day had been decided. On April 7 his father Muzaffar died, and it was while he was on his way to Jaunpur that Bahādur received an invitation to return, and immediately turned back in the direction of Gujarāt, travelling by way of Chitor.