Twilight of the Sultanate c13.s3.45

c13.s3.45

In the meantime Sultan Bahlūl was busy consolidating his gains. He had wrested Etawah from Ibrāhīm Khan, brother of Husain Sharqī, and had settled it upon Ibrāhīm Khan, son of Mubārak Khan Nūhānī. He also conferred certain parganas contiguous to Etawah on Rai Dandu¹⁰² as his reward for cooperation. His last victories as well as the losses of Husain had encouraged him to give up the defensive role, and he was determined to fight the Sharqīs to the finish. He marched to Kalpi where Husain was staying. Sultan Husain also advanced from Kalpi to meet him. The two forces encamped on either side of the Ganga. Because of the river lying between them, only short skirmishes were fought for several months without yielding victory to either side. Then Rai Trilok Chand, ruler of Bagesar (Baksar of the chroniclers)¹⁰³ pointed out to Bahlūl a ford through which the Sultan stealthily crossed over to the other side. Sultan Husain was taken by surprise, his forces were scattered, and he retired southwards to the territory of Bhata¹⁰⁴ (Bhatghora, modern Rewa). Its Raja Bhédchandra of Baghela dynasty treated Husain Shāh well, gave him a few lakh *tankās*, some horses and elephants and escorted him up to Jaunpur.