Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v3.c42.s1.t3.28

v3.c42.s1.t3.28

About this period, Akbar transferred the seat of government from Delhi to Agra, which he enlarged and called Akbarabad. Having determined on the reduction of Gujarat, he dispatched thither an immense army, which he followed with a select force mounted on camels. Of these, adopting the custom of the desert princes of India, he had formed a corps of five hundred, each having two fighting men in a pair of panniers. To this select force, composed chiefly of Rajputs, were attached Rao Bhoj and Duda his brother. Proceeding with the utmost celerity, Akbar joined his army besieging Surat, before which many desperate encounters took place.² In the final assault the Hara Rao slew the leader of the enemy ; on which occasion the king commanded him to " name his reward." The Rao limited his request to leave to visit his estates annually during the periodical rains, which was granted.