Twilight of the Sultanate c10.s2.25

c10.s2.25

Shaikh 'Alī occupied Khusruābād,⁵³ situated close to Multan, and encamped at the Namāzgāh about three *kuroh* from the city. The next day he launched an assault on one of its gates, but 'Imādul Mulk returned the charge and compelled him to return to his camp. Shaikh 'Alī made two more attempts on Multan on 6 and 8 June (25 and 27 Muharram) but 'Imādul Mulk not only succeeded in saving the fort but also inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. He was still more strengthened by reinforcements from Delhi led by Khan-i-Āzam Fateh Khan, son of Muzaffar Shāh Gujaratī, Zīrak Khan, governor of Samana, Malik Kālu the keeper of elephants, Malik Yūsuf, son of Sarwarul Mulk, and Rai Hansū Bhattī. In consultation with them 'Imādul Mulk planned an offensive and attacked Shaikh 'Alī's camp at the Namāzgāh on 13 July, 1431 (3 Zilq'ada, 834 H),⁵⁴ and so completely sacked it that Shaikh 'Alī could save himself only by taking shelter behind the pile of his baggage.⁵⁵ The imperialists chased him up to the Chēnab compelling him to cross the river. Most of his soldiers, including his nephew Hajī Kar, were killed or drowned, and only a few could effect their escape to Shorkot. Yahyā closes the narrative of this debacle with a cryptic remark: "Such a dire calamity never befell any army on any previous occasion, or in any other reign".⁵⁶ Shaikh 'Alī was thoroughly demoralised with this defeat. Leaving his nephew Muzaffar at Shorkot, he himself returned to Kabul. Operations against Muzaffar were stayed in pursuance of the royal mandate, and the relieving force returned to Delhi.