Twilight of the Sultanate c10.s3.21

c10.s3.21

The conduct of the officers who had relinquished Lahore had greatly annoyed Mubārak Shāh. He was now determined to deal with Shaikh 'Alī whatever the cost, and moved out of Delhi in February, 1433 (Jamadiul Ākhir, 837).⁷⁵ At Samana, Malik Kamāluddīn, who had been away towards Etawah and Gwalior, joined him. The Sultan then proceeded via Sunam to Talwāndī, where 'Imādul Mulk and Islām Khan arrived from Bhatinda for consultations. Sending instructions to the other Amīrs at Bhatinda not to abandon its siege,⁷⁶ the Sultan moved towards the Ravi. Alarmed by Mubārak Shāh’s movements and his all-round preparations, Shaikh ’Alī began to pack up for the return march. When Mubārak Shāh reached Deopalpur, Shaikh ’Alī had already crossed the Chenab.⁷⁷ ’Imādul Mulk was sent in pursuit of the fleeing Shaikh ’Alī, while Malik Sikandar Tuhfā, who had secured his release from Jasrat Khokhar on payment of a heavy ransom,⁷⁸ was given the title of Shamsul Mulk, and ordered to invest Lahore which was held by the garrison left by Shaikh ’Alī. The Sultan himself proceeded to deal with his nephew Amīr Muzaffar at Shorkot. He crossed the Ravi at Tulamba and arriving at the fort, laid siege to it. Shorkot capitulated to the Sultan after a month’s resistance in May, 1433 (Ramzān).⁷⁹ Muzaffar made complete submission, married his daughter to the King’s son,⁸⁰ paid a large tribute and vacated the fort the next month. In the meantime ’Imādul Mulk, who was chasing Shaikh ’Alī, succeeded in capturing a number of his horse and a good amount of his goods.