4. Volume 5 — part 4

by Bairam* who had come from Gajar&t. He now sent

representatives to Sh&h Husain Arghun, asking for boats to enable him to cross the river^ and the Sh&h, delighted with his determination, sent him thirty boats and 300 camels. His Majesty then crossed the river, and began his march to Kandahdr.

Shdh Husain sent a person to Mirz& ’Askari and Mirzd Edmr&n, to inform them of the Emperor’s intention to march to Kandah&r, and they wrote back desiring him to bar his pro- gress and make him prisoner. The perfidious Mirza ’Askari, when His Majesty reached Shil and Mast&n,* marched rapidly from Kandahdr, and sent forward Hawaii® Uzbek to watch his movements. This man had received kindness from the Emperor. ^ He obtained a ^powerful horse from MirzS, ’Askari, and betook himself to the Emperor’s camp. When he arrived, he dis- mounted from his horse, and went to the tent of Bair&m Kh&n,

^ The celebrated Bairhm Khhii, who plays so conspicuous a part in this and the following reign, and to whom the recovery of India is in great measure attributable. Bairhm Ehhn was a Turk of the Earh-Kuinld branch. He was born in Badakhshhn and studied at Balkh, At the age of sixteen he entered the army of Hum&ydn, and fought in the disastrous battle of Eananj. After the rout, he took refuge with Bhjh Mitr Sen at the town of Lakhnor, in Sambhal. Sher Shhh demanded his surrender, and the afraid to refuse, sent the Ehhn to him. He was brought to Sher Sh&h when on his way to Mhlwa, and was received with such kindness and respect as showed the desire of Sher Sh&h to win him over. The Sh&h's overtares were not successful, and at Barhkmphr Bairhm Khkn effected his escape, accompanied by Abd-l Ehslm, formerly Governor of Gwalior. They were encountered by a party of Sher Sh&h's adherents, when Abd-1 E&sim, who was a man of very noble presence, was mistaken for Bair6m and seized. Bairhm then manfuUy came forward and declared himself. Abd-l Khsim, in brave devotion to his friend, exclaimed, This is my servant, who would sacrifice himself for me, take your hands off him.*’ So Bair&m Eh&n escaped, and went to Sult&n Mahmfid in Gujarht, who also wished to retain him ; but the Ehhn pressed his desire of going on the pilgrimage. Ostensibly with this view, he went to Surat, but passed over to Eathiwkr, and joined Humhyfin ‘ as above related. Abd-1 Ehsim was carried prisoner to Sher Shhb, who had not the mognanimity to appreciate his finendly devotion, and put him to death. According to Abfi-l Fazl, Sher Shfih spoke afterwards of his conversation with Bairkm Khhn, and of the conviction which he th^ felt of being unable to gain him. Bair&m Khhn had some reputation as a poet, and Bfidadni quotes some of his writings.— » ndma, vol. i., p. ^M^^TdbaMUi also Blochmann’s Ain~i Akbart,

p. 31fi, and Erskine’s Baber and Eumiyiin^ vol. ii., p. 2fi8.

3 One MS. reads ** Jawhui.” The Akbar-tidma has HnS/' {md Erski^e M Ohupi.”

whom he informed of Mirza ’Askarfs advance, andK>f hie de- eigns against the Emperor. Bairam Ek&n immediately proceeded to the Emperor, and standing at the back of the tent he told him of Mirzd ’Askari’s approach. What is the worth of Kanda- hdr and Edbul,'*' said the Emperor, ^^that I should strive with my faithless brothers ? Then he mounted his horse, and sent Ehwaja-i Mu’azzam and Bairdm Ehdn to bring up the Empress. They made all speed to do so, and conveyed her and the infant prince to the Emperor. There were very few horses in the Emperor’s train, so Tardi Beg was asked for one. Again he gave a churlish refusal,^ and would not himself accompany his master. *

The Emperor determined to go to Trdk, and started off thither, taking with him the Empress, and having only a few persons as escort. The young prince was only one year old, and the weather was very hot, so he was left behind. Mirzd ’Askari soon afterwards reached the camp, when he was informed that the Emperor had gone safely off, leaving a party in charge of his camp. Next day he, in his extreme insolence, entered the Emperor’s audience hall, and Atk& Kh&n delivered up to him the young prince. Tinder the orders of the Mirzd, Tardi Beg was made prisoner, and officers were sent to search the tents and seize all the effects of the Emperor. Then he carried the prince off to Kandah&r, and gave him into the charge of Sult&n Begam, his own wife, who treated him with great tenderness.

The Emperor was accompanied by twenty-two persons, among whom ' Were Bair&m Ehdn, Ehwdja Mu’azzam, Bdbd Dost Bakhshl, Khwdja Ghdzi, Haidar Muhammad Akhtar-begi, Mirzd Euli Beg, Shaikh Yusuf, Ibrdhim Aisbak-Akdsi, and Hasan ’All Beg Aishak-dkdsi. They set off without even deter- mining their route. When they had gone a little way, they fell , in with three or four Biluchis, who^directed them, and they

^ Ab Erskine remarks, Tardi Beg seems to have been a rough old soldier, who kept his own men and cattle in order, and resented any attempt to make him liable for the faults and negligence Qf others.— Erskine, Tol. ii., p. 2dl.

arrived with great toil at the fort of B&h& H&ji. The Tur^at, who were in the place gave them such provisions as they had, Khw&ja Jalalu-d din, son of Mahmdd, who had been sent by Mirzd ’Askari to collect the revenues of this district, waited upon the Emperor, and presented him with horses, camels, mules, and such thingi^ as he possessed. Next day Hdji Mu- hammad Koki, who had escaped from Mirzd ’Askari, waited upon the Emperor. The hostile proceedings of his brothers made these parts no safe place for His Majesty, so he proceeded onwards towards Khurdsdn and ’Irdk. Upon entering Sist&n, Ahmad Sultdn Shamld, governor of the province under Shdh Tahmasp, received him with the greatest kindness. He remained.^ some days in Sistan, and Ahmad Sult&n showed him every kind of hospitality and attention, sending even his own women to wait upon the Empress as handmaids. Ahmad also presented to him all kinds of provisions and necessaries, and enrolled him- self among the number of his slaves. All these His Majesty courteously accepted, and then presented them to him.

Upon holding a consultation, Ahmad Sultdn advised His Majesty to proceed to ’Irak by way of Tdbas Eflaki, because that way was the nearest, and he offered to accompany him on the road. His Majesty replied that he had heard great praise of the eity of Hirdt, and that it would be more pleasant for him to proceed by that route. So His Majesty started for ^Irdk, attended by Ahmad Sultdn. At that time Sultdn Muhammad Mirza, eldest son of Shdh Tahmdsp, was governor of Hirdt, and Muhammad Khdn Sharfu-d jdin Ughli Jakld held the post of Atdlik or tutor to the young prince. When they heard of the near approach of the Emperor, they sent ’All Sultdn, who was one of the nobles of Taklu, to meet him and conduct him in with due honour. He joined His Majesty on the borders of the territory of Hirdt, and brought him with all ceremony to the city. The prince, with his officers and attendants, then pro- ceeded to wait upon him and pay their respects, omitting nothing that could do him honour.' Muhammad Khdn was admitted to the privilege of an introduction.

His Majesty, with his retinue, halted at Hir&t. Muhammad Kh&n treated him with the greatest hospitality, and His Majesty was highly pleased with his reception. He received all that he could require, and lacked nothing until the time of his meeting with Sh&h Tahmasp. All the palaces and gardens of Hir&t are beautiful to see, and His Majesty visited them, «after which he took his departure for Meshhed and Tus. Sh&h ’AU Sultdu Istajlu, governor of Meshhed, also did all in his power to show honour and hospitality to His Majesty, and under the orders of Shah Tahmdsp, every governor on the route supplied him with all things he required. Under the orders of the Sh&h, a large number of nobles and great men went forth to meet him, and the arrangement was made that, from D&magh&n to the Sh&h’s camp, one of these nobles was to have charge of the duties of hospitality in each march. Provisions were sent from the royal camp, and His Majesty was feasted at every stage until he reached Ea7;win. The Shdh^s camp had been moved to Puldk-Surlik, and Bairdm Khdn was sent thither by His Majesty to wait on the Sh&h. He returned, bringing a letter congratulating His Majesty on his arrival. His Majesty con- tinued his journey, and at everyplace he came to he received marks of attention from the people. At length he reached Pul&k-Surlik, and had an interview with Shdh Tahmdsp, who entertained him and showed him every honour and distinction, worthy both of host and guest.

In the course of conversation, the Shdh asked the Emperor what was the reason his defeat^ and he replied that it was the rivalry and faithlessness of his brothers. Bahrdm Mirzd, the Shah’s brother, was offended at this,^ and treacherously advised the Shdh to have the Emperor killed in the course of the night. But the Shdh’s sister Sult&nam,® who was very

^ There is no meaning in the anecdote as here given. Shortly afterwards Dahr&m Mirzh presented a bowl and ewer for the ablutions of the Sh&h, who turned towards Humhydn, and said, “ This is the way you should have treated your brothers.'* Upon Hum&ydn's assenting to this remark, Bahrhm's anger was kindled." — See Erskine, vol. ii., 290. ’ * Or Sultan Kh&nam.

highly eafifceemed by her brother, and exercised great influence in all affairs of State, did all in her power to protect and help the Emperor. Eazi Jah&n Eazwini, who was the Shdh'^s diwdn^ and Hakim Nuru-d din Muhammad, who was his" physician, and was high in his favout and confidence, were not content to be at all wanting ih goodwill towards the Emperor. The hakim both openly and privately lost no opportunity of forwarding the Emperor’s interests. One day the Sh&h, in order to gratify the Emperor, went out with a party of nobles and grandees to hunt with bows and arrows. Bahr4m Mirz4, who had an old quarrel with Abu-1 Kasim Khulafd, under pretence of shooting at some animal, struck him in front with an arrow, and he died upon the spot.

Sh&h Tahm&sp, having assented to the Emperor's wish to depart, provided all necessaries for his journey, and he appointed his son Sh&h Mur&d, then an infant at the breast, with a force of 10,000 men to protect him. Hum&yun expressed his inten- tion of going to Tabriz and Ardabil, and the Sh&h wrote to the governors of those places, directing them to show him every honour and attention. After travelling to those places, the Emperor turned towards Kandah&r, and went to pay a visit to Meshhed the holy. He had brought the Kazilb&sh (Persian) prince with him, and Bidagh Kh&n, the prince’s tutor, was com- mander of his army. When they reached the fort of Garmsir, they took possession of the Garmsir territories. On arriving at Kandah&r, a large body of men sallied out of the fort and made what resistance they could, but were defeated. The Eazilbash army then encamped within view of Kandah&r. Five days afterwards the Emperor arrived, and it was then invested. The siege went on for three months, and there were daily engage- ments, in which many men on both sides were killed.

Bair&m Kh&n now went to K&bul on an embassy to K&mr&n Mirz&. He was encountered on his way by a party of Haz&ras, and a fight ensued, but he overpowered them and wenlf on to K&bul. There he had an audience of Mirz& K&mr&n, and he also'

had interviews with Mirz& Hinddl, Mirzd Sulaim&n son*of Kh&n Mirz&, and Mirzd Y&dgdr Ndsir who had arrived from Bakhar in a distressed condition. Mirzd Kdmrdn sent Mahd ^Ali Ehdn-zdda4 begam to Eandahdr with Bairdm Ehdn to settle terms of peace if possible. When they arrived at Eandahdr, and waited on the Emperor, Mirzd ’Askari was still intent upon fighting (and holding out).

The Persian forces were disheartened by the long duration of the siege, and had thoughts of returning. They had con- ceived that when Humayfin approached Kandahdr, the Chaghatdi tribes would rally round him. But when a long time passed, and no one came to his succour, and the fact of Mirzd Kdmrdn’s advance to the assistance of Mirzd ’Askari became generally known, the Persians were greatly alarmed. By a happy turn of afiail^ Mirzd Edmrdn fell back, and Mirz& Husain Kh&n and Faz&il Beg, brother of MunHm Kh&n, deserted him and joined the Emperor. The Turkom&ns were inspirited, and after a few days Muhammad Sult&n Mirzd, Ulugh Beg Mirz&, Kdsim Husain Sult&n, and Sher-afgan Beg came over. This greatly encouraged the Persians. Muyid Beg, who was a prisoner in the fort, managed to escape by stratagem, and let himself down from the walls by a rope. His Majesty received him with great kindness. A party also under the command of Abu-1 Hasan, nephew of Karr&cba Khan, and Munawwar Beg, son of Mir Beg, escaped from the fortress. Mirzd ^Askari now lost heart, and proposed to surrender. The Emperor in his great kindness granted him terms. He then called together the Persian commanders, and induced them to engage that for three days no one should molest the numerous Ohaghat&i families that were in the place. In consequence of this engage- ment, the garrison of the place came forth next day, with their wives and families. Mirz& 'Askari also came out, and with shame waited on the Emperor, who uttered not a word of re- proach.' The Chaghat&i chiefs, with their swords upon their necks and shrouds in their hands, were allowed to present themselves to the Emperor, and were pardoned.

It had been a^eed with the Persians that as soon as Eanda- h&r was taken it should be given up to them, and now the Emperor gave them possession of it, although he possessed no other territory. Bid£gh Kh4n (and) Mirzd Mur&d, son of Sh&h Tahm&sp, were conducted into the fort, a^d the place was surrendered to them. Most of the Persian chiefs returned to ’Ir&k, and no one remained with Mirz& Mur&d except Bid&gh Kh&n, Abu-1 Path Sultdn Afsh&r, and Sufi Wali Sult&n Eaddmu.

When winter came on, the Ohaghatai people had no place of shelter, so the Emperor sent a person into Eandahdr to Biddgh Kh&n, to represent the need which they had of some protection against the rigours of the winter. But be, in his inhumanity, did not make that reply which the emergency required. So the Ghaghatdis were in great trouble. *Abdu-lla Khdn and Jamil Beg, who had come out of Eandah&r, now fled to Kdbul. Mirzd ’Askari also, having found an 02>por- tunity, made his escape ; but a party being sent in pursuit, he was caught and brought back. His Majesty then placed him in confinement. The chiefs of the Chaghatdi tribes (ulus) now met in council, and resolved that under the necessities of the case, the fort of Eandahdr must be taken from the Persians, and should be given up to them again after the conquest of E&bul and Badakhshdn. By a strange coincidence, it happened that Mirzd Murdd, son of Shdh Tahmdsp, died on that very day. So the entei’prise was resolved upon, and a strong party was appointed to carry it out. H&ji Muhammad Kh&n, (son of) B&b& Eashka, went first of all to the gate of the fortress with two of his servants. The Turkom&ns, who suspected that the Emperor wanted to get possession of the place, had for some days past prevented the Ghaghatdis from entering the town. It happened that some camels laden with forage were going into the city, and seizing this oppWtunity, H&ji Muhammad proceeded to the gate of the city. The guards assembled round tl^e gate, and refused to let him enter. With great daring he

drew his sword and attacked them, and they, unable^ to refeist his onslaught, took refuge in flight. Another party now came up to support hifti. They entered the fort, and the Persians were overpowered. Hum&ydn mounted his horse, and went into the city, l^idagh Khdn, greatly annoyed, went to the Emperor, took leave, and departed for ^Irak. The Ohaghat&is, to their great satisfaction, thus obtained possession of Kandahdr.

After this, Humdyun marched to eflect the conquest of Kdbul, and left Bairam Khdii in charge of Kandahdr. Mirzd Y&dgar Ndsir and Mirzfi. Hind&l, having devised a scheme together, deserted from Mirzd Kdmrdn. After being much harassed by the Hazdra tribes on their journey, they joined the Emperor and proceeded with him to Kdbul. Jamil Beg, who was chief of the territories (through which the Emperor passed), also came in to offer his services. Mirzd Kdmrdn, who had a well- equipped army, marched out with the intention of fighting, but every night parties of men deserted his army, and joined Humd- ytin. The Emperor then moved his camp, and advanced to a half koB distance from Kamrdn. That night many men left Kdmrdn’s army and deserted to the Emperor. Mirzd Kdmrdn, being alarmed, sent a party of Shaikhs to wait upon the Emperor and to ask forgiveness. The Emperor agreed to pardon him on condition of his coming in and making his submission. Edmrdn did not accede to this, but fled and shut himself up in the citadel of Kdbul. All his forces came over to the Emperor. On the same night Edmrdn quitted Kdbul, and fled by way of Bini Hisdr to Ghazni. Being informed of his flight, the Emperor iSfent Mirzd Hinddl in pursuit. The Emperor then entered Kdbul, and at night the citizens, in the extreme of joy, illuminated the whole city with lamps. On his entering the palace. Her Highness the Begam brought the young prince Jalalu-d din Muhammad Akbar to his father’s presence. This sight lighted up the heaift of the Emperor with joy, and he offered up his thanksgivings for the reunion. The victory was accomplished on the 10th Bamazdn, 963 h., when the prince

was four years two months and five days old. Some place the event in the year 952 ; ^ but God knows the truth.

After this a person was sent to bring up the forces which were in Kandah&r. Mirzd Yadg&r Ndsir came to K&bul in attendance upon the Empress Marydm Makdni Begam. Great feasts were then held, and the ceremony of circumcising the young prince was performed. The remainder of that year the Emperor spent in enjoyment at Kdbul. When Kdmran reached Ghazni, he could not get admission into the city, so he went off into the Hazara. Mirza XJlugh Beg was sent to take the government of Zamin-ddwar, and Kamrdn, finding it impos- sible to remain in that country, went to Bakhar, to Shah Husain Arghun, who gave him his daughter in marriage and assisted him.

In the following year Hnmdyun marched to Badakhshdn, for Mirzd Sulaimdn, son of Khdn Mirzd, had disregarded the sum- mons to come in and make his submission. It was therefore determined to invade Badakhshdn. Mirzd Yddgdr Ndsir had been engaged in hostile intrigues, and once more meditated flight. His intentions being made known to Huradyun, an order was given for placing him in confinement, and a few days afterwards Muhammad Kdsirn, under the Emperor's orders, put him to death.® The Emperor, passing over the heel of the Hindu-koh (Hindu-Kush), encamped at Shergirdn.® Mirzd Sulaimdn assembled the forces of Badakhshdn and gave battle, but he was defeated in the first action, and fled into the hdhkt&n of Durdasht. The Emperor then proceeded to Tdlikdn and Kisham,^ but he was taken ill, and from day to day he grew

1 The Ahbar~ndma (voL i., p. 293) makes the date “ 12th Bamaz&n, 952.”

3 Mr. Erskine (vol. ii., p. 327) says he was condemned after a regular trial, in which witnesses were examined and other evidence taken. — Akbar-ndmaf vol. i., pp. 298, 300.

» In one copy “ Shahr-gir&n”— great city. Abd-1 Fazl calls it ** Tir-girhn,*' one of the villages of Andarhb. — Ib, p. 300.

• The version in the TArihh-i 8aldtin-‘i Afdghma here says, “The army moved with the intention of proceeding to the territory and fort of Zafar, but between the fort of Zafiir end Easham the Emperor fell sick.*’

worse, so that every one was in anxiety, and no one but. his immediate attendants were sure of his being alive. There was consternation in the army, and Karr&cha Kh&n placed Mirzi ’Askari in safe custody. The people of Badakhsh&n again com- menced hostilities. After two months His Majesty recovered, and sent accounts of his convalescence to all parts. The dis- turbances thereupon subsided. The royal camp then moved to the neighbourhood of the fort of Zafar. Khw&ja Mu’azzahi, brother of the Empress Maryam Makdni, killed at this time Ehw&ja Bashidi, who had come from Tr&k in the retinue (of the Emperor), and then fled to K&bul, where, by command, he was placed in confinement.

Mirzi E4mr&n at Bakhar, when he was assured of Hum&yun’s march to Badakhsh&n, assembled a force around him, and made a rapid march by Ghorband to K&bul. On his way he fell in with some merchants, from whom he obtained plenty of horses,^ so that he supplied each of his men with a spare horse. When he reached Ghazni, a few individuals brought him into the fortress, and Z&hid Beg, the governor of the place, being off his guard,^ was put to death. Under the orders of the Mirz& the roads to Xdbul were guarded, so that intelligence might not be carried thither. He then marched rapidly on in full confidence to Kabul. Muhammad Kuli Tughai and Faz&il Beg, and the force under their command in K&bul, were quite unprepared, when they were informed that Kamrdn had entered 4he city, Muhummad Kh&n was made prisoner while in his bath, and was instantly put to death. Upon entering the fort, K&mr&u captured Faz&il Beg and Mihtar vakil, and he had their eyes put out. He appointed persons to guard the Emperor’s ladies and the young prince.

Intelligence of the fall of Kdbul reached the Emperor at Kila Zafar. The government of Badakhsh&n and Eunduz, which had been given to Mirzd Hind&l, was transferred to Mirzd Sulai-

^ They were taken by force.— vol. i., p. 808.

’ According to Abfi-1 Fazl he waa drunk.— /d. p. 808.

m&n, and^ Hum&ydn then returned towards E&bul. K&mr&n meanwhile mustered all the forces he^ could. Sher-afgan, who was allied with him, ai^d Sher ’All, one of his officers, advanced to Zuh&k and Ghorband, and took possession of the roads. Kumdjdn crossed the river in the valley of Zuhdk, and drove before him Sher ^Ali, who resisted to the best of his power. Hum&ytin then safely crossed the Shaki, but Sher ’Ali again annoyed ^is rear until he arrived at Dih-Afgh&n&n (a suburb of Kdbul). Next day Sher-afgan Beg sallied forth at the head of all E&mrdn’s forces, and a great battle wallb fought in the lines of Yurt-jdldk. The leading forces of the Emperor were repulsed, but by the efforts of Mirzd Hindal, Karrdcha Ehdn, and Hdji Muhammad Xhan, the enemy was eventually defeated. Sher- afgan Beg was taken prisoner, and when he was brought into the tlmperor's presence he was put to death, through the exertions of the nobles. Many of Kdmrdn’s men fell on this day, and those who escaped the sword fled into the fort. Sher 'Ali, a man of undaunted courage, sallied forth every day and kept up the fight- ing with all his vigour. On one occasion Sher ’All and Hdji Muhammad Ehan encountered each other, and the Ilaji was wounded.

Intelligence now came in that a caravan with a large number of horses had arrived at Chdrigdrdn,^ and Kdmrdn sent Sher ’ Ali, with a considerable force, to bring these horses into the city. Humdydn was aware of this movement, and drawing nearer to the city he completely closed all means of ingress and egress. When Sher ’AH returned from his expedition, he could find no way of getting into the place. Kdmrdn then sallied forth, and * endeavoured to cut a way through for Sher ’AH. But the be- siegers were aware of a sally being intended, and when the forces came out they were received with a fire of guns and musketry and driven back. Bdki Sdlih and Jaldlu<d din Beg, two of Kdmrdn ’s most trusted adherents, deserted from him and joined

^ At the entrance of the Ghorband valley, north of K&bul.

the Emperor. Sher *A\i now gave up all hope of entering the city. E&mr&n, with dastardly feeling, ordered that His Highness the young prince Akbar should be exposed upon the battlements, in the place where the balls and shot of the guns and muskets fell thickest. But M&ham Anka took the child in her bosom, put herself forward, and held him towards the enemy [i.e. the garrison]. So God Almighty preserved him. A part of the garrison made their way out and went off, all in one direc- tion. Hum&yun sent men in pursuit, who killed many and made many prisoners. Kaiir&n’s spirits fell, and from all parts and quarters men came in to render assistance to the Emperor. Mirz& Sulaiman sent reinforcements from Badakhsh&n, Mirz& Ulugh Beg came from Kandah&r, and K&sim Husain Sult&n brought a body of the men of Sarm Tughd as a reinforcement from Kandah&r.

Mirzd K&mran now sued for peace, and the Emperor granted it, upon condition of his making personal submission. But he was afraid to do this, and sought to make his escape. The chiefs of the Ohaghatai tribes were of opinion that the capture of K&mr&n would be adverse to their interests, so they sent a message in- forming him that Hura&yun would, in a day or two, assault the fort, and advising him to delay no longer in the place. Kamr&n, who was offended with N4mus Beg and Karr&cha Kh&n Beg, killed three young children of N&mus Beg in revenge, and had their bodies cast down from the walls of the city — a cruel deed, which excited the abhorrence of all men both inside and outside the city. He also fastened Sarddr Beg, the soi^ of Karr&cha Kh&n, upon the summit of the ramparts. Hum&yun exerted himself to console Karr&cha Kh&n ; and the Khdn went close to the fort, and with loud voice declared that if his son were killed, both Mirzd E&mrdn and Mirzd ’Askari should be put to death when the city fell. H&mr&n now despaired on every point, so he caused a hole to be made through the wall, on Khw&ja Hhizr’s side, and made his way out barefoot at the place indicated by the nobles (outside who were friendly to his

escape). •Humaydn sent Hdji Muhammad Eh&n in pursuit, who nearly overtook him*, and K&mr&n then called out in the Turk! language, have killed your father Bab& Kashaka.’’ Hfiji Muhammad was always ready for a quarrel, (but) when he heard this he returned. His Highness Prince Ahbar now came to his father, and showed him all proper respect. Much charity was shown to the poor and needy.

After Kdmr&n escaped, in a forlorn and destitute^ condition, he reached the foot of the K&bul mountains, where he was met by a party of Haz&ras, who plundered him. of all he possessed. But one of the Haz&ras recognized him, and informed the le^er of the band, who conducted him to Zuhak and Bamidn, where Sher ’All his adherent still remained at the head of a small force. He remained there for a week, and nearly 150 'horsemen joined him. Then he marched to Ghori, where Mirz£ Beg Birlfis, the governor of Gbori, with a force of 160 horse and 1000 foot, gave him battle, and was defeated. The horses and asses of the vanquished fell into the hands of the victor. Having gathered some strength, he went to Balkh, where he had a meeting with Pir Muhammad Khdii, the ruler. Pir Muhammad followed his own inclination, and came to Badakhshdn, to the assistance*of Kamr&n. Ghori and Bakalan fell into the hands of Mirzd K&mran, and many soldiers flocked to his standard. Pir Mu- hammad then returned to his own country. Kdmr&n advanced against Sulaimdn Mirzd and Ibrdhim Mirzd, and, as they had no power to resist him, they went away from Talikdn to Koldb. Kdmrdn nov# established his authority over many parts of Badakhshdn.

Karracha Khan, and some other nobles who had rendered good service in these days, now recommended some impossible steps to Humdyun. One was the execution of Khwdja Ghdzi, the wazzr^ and the appointment of Khwdja Kdsini to succeed him. This proposition fell heavily on the heart of His Majesty, and he

^ TurtMn o he-sdmdn. The context shows that this is not to be taken quite literally. ^

would not accede to their wishes. The uoblemen then conspired together, and,* mounting their horses at breakfast-time, th^ drove off the royal flocks {galah\ which were in Khwaja Riw&j, and went towards Badakhsh&n. After break of day and the assembling of the army. His Majesty mounted his horse, and went off in pursuit. The conspirators, by a forced mardi, reached Ghorband, and crossing the bridge they destroyed it behind them. The advanced guard of His Majesty came up with a party of them and inflicted chastisement. At night Humayun returned to H&bul, to make preparations for a march into Badakhsh&n. The conspirators went on to Kamr&n, leaving Tamar ’All in Panjshir, to collect and forward intelligence ofifium&ytin's move- ments. His Majesty, having determined to go to Badakhsh&n, sent farmdns tb Mirzd Sulaim&n, Mirza Ibrdhim, and*Mirz& Hindal. Mirzd Ibr&him advanced by way of the fort of Paridu^ into Panjshir, and getting knowledge of Tamar ’AU Shagh&H, he went after him and killed him. He waited upon the Emperor in the Eardbdgh at E&bul.

At this time Mirza K&mran sent Slier 'All, at his own request, to contend against Mirzd Hinddl, but he was taken prisoner by sAne of Hindal's men. Mirzd Hindal then went to see the Emperor, and took Sher 'All a prisoner with him. The Emperor, in his generosity, pardoned Sher ’All, and made a grant to him of Ghori. K&mrdn, having left Xarracha Xh&n and his Kabul confederates at Kishain, had himself gone to T&lik&n. His Majesty thereupon sent Mirzd Hinddl and Hdji Muhammad Koki in advance to Kisham. Karrdcha Khan then ibnt to inform K&mr4n that Mirzd HindiSil was approaching with a small force, while Hum&ydn was at a distance, and that if he hastened up he might defeat Hind&l, and so make the war against* Hum&yun an easier matter. Karrdcha returned to Kishaih with all the speed he could. When he reached the river of T&likdn, he encountered Mirz& Hind&l, just as he had crossed the river. At the first charge Hind&l’s troops were defeated and lost all their baggage.

^ In the Panjshir yalley, north of E&bul. See auprd^ Yol. HI., p. 401.

His Mqjesty now came up with his army, and was delayed a little in seeking for a ford. After getting over the river, his advanced guard came up with K4mrdn*^s rear, and made Shaikham Khw£ja BSiizr and Isma’il Duldi prisoners, and brought them in to the Emperor. Mirzd K&mr&n faced round to repulse this advanced guard ; but as they approached each other, he descried the standards of the Emperor, and knowing that he was unable to contend with him, he retreated to T&lik&n, leaving all his plunder and all his own baggage behind him. Next day T&lik&n was invested, and Mirzd Sulaimdn came in and joined Hum&yun. ‘Kdmrdn then sought assistance from the Uzbeks, and when he found that he had nothing to expect from them he was greatly cast down, and sent to beg the Emperor to allow him to go to Mecca. Humdyfe generously granted his request, on condition that he would send the rebellious nobles to the royal court. K&mrdn begged forgiveness for Mdnds Beg, but sent the other amin^ who came ashamed and downcast to the royal presence.^ The Emperor, a second time, forgave their offences.

Mirzd Edmrdn proceeded out of the fort, and went to the dis- tance of a parasang; but when he was no longer in apprehension of any harm from the superior power of Humdydn, he was greatly ashamed, and turned back with the resolve of paying allegi- ance to him. As soon as His Majesty was informed of this he greatly rejoiced, and sent out the mirzm^ to give him a cere- monial reception. When they met, he displayed the greatest kindness to Kdmrdn, who again received the ensigns of sove- reignty. Thpe days they remained in the same place, and feasts and rejoicings went on. After some days the country of Koldb® was given as an iktd' to Kdmrdn.^ Mirzd Sulairadn and

» Kair&cha Kh&n was among them, and came with a sword hanging to his neck.— Akhar-ndma^ vol. i., p. 386.

• ** Khiitlkn, commonly known as Kolkb.”— vol. L, p. 338. It lies between Darwkz and Shughnhn beyond the Oxus.— Brskine, vol. iL, p. 369. Burnea’

^ 'Askari waa allowed to go with him, and received the district of Karatigin in

Mirz& Ibrahim remained in Xisham. The royal camp then returned to K&bnl, where it took up winter quarters^ and an order was issued directing the officers to look after the equip- ment of the army.

At the end of the year HumSSiyun left Edbul, with the intention of proceeding against Balkh, and a person went to Kol&b to summon Mirz& K4mr&n and Mirz& ’Askari. When His Majesty reached Badakhsh&n, Mirzi Ibrahim and Mirzd Hind&l came to wait upon him, and at the instance of Mirzd Sulaim^n, Mirza Ibrahim was left at Kisham. Mirz& K&mr&n and Mirz& 'Askari once more showed their hostility, and did not come in to pay their homage, Hum&yun marched on to the fort of Aibak, and the atdlik^ of Fir Muhammad Kh&n, governor of Balkh, with several of his chief nobles, had to^ take refuge in the for4;, which Hum&yun then invested. The Uzbeks being reduced to ex- tremity surrendered at discretion.

In consequence of Kamrdu’s defection, a council of war was held to consider whether he might not make an attempt upon £4bul while the Emperor was engaged at Balkh. Humdyun declared his opinion that as the invasion of Balkh had been undertaken, it should be prosecuted in full confidence ; so the march was continued. But many of the men were discouraged by E4mr&n remaining absent. When the army came near Balkh, and was about to take up a position, Shah Muhammad Sultfin Uzbek, with three hundred horsemen, made his appearance. A force was sent against him, and a sharp fight followed. E&buli, brother of Muliammad Edsim Eh&n Fauji, was ddlled in the conflict, and one of the chiefs of the Uzbeks was taken prisoner. Next day Pir Muhammad Kh&n came out of the city, (and was joined%y) ’Abdi^l ’Aziz Elidn, son of ’Abid Khdn^ and Sult&n of Eissdr,^ who had come to his assistance.

After mid-day the two armies came in contact, and the battle began. Humdyun was fully accoutred, and with Mirzd Sulaiman,^

I “Khw&ja Mtk ” was the atdUk, — Akbar-nAma^ toI. i., p, 847.

^ One MS. reads SaUtin i JSCisadr,** tlie Sult&ns of Hiss&r.

Mirz& Hmd&l, and H&ji Muhammad SuU&u, defeated the van- guard of the enemy, and drove it back towards the city. Pir Muhammad Eh&n also and his men were repulsed and driven into Balkh. At sunset the Ghaghat&i tropps, who had got near to the city, turned back. Many of the Ghaghat&i chiefs had their wives and families in K&bul, and were alarmed because Mirz& EAmr&n had not joined the army. So the night before the day when Balkh w'ould have fallen, they met together and conveyed their opinion to His Majesty that it was not advisable to pass over the river of Balkh, but rather to fall back towards Darra Gaz, and take up and securo a strong position ; then, after a short time, the garrison of Balkh would surrender. They urged their views so strongly that Hum&yun retreated. Darra Gaz is on the road to Kabul, so friends and foes, being unaware of what had passed in the council, conceived the notion that a retreat to K&bul was intended. The Uzbeks were emboldened, and followed in pursuit. MirzA SulaimAn and Husain Kuli Sult&n, the seal-bearer, who protected the rear, had an action with the van of the Uzbeks, and were defeated, and then the chiefs who were anxious to go to KAbul made off thither, each one taking the road that pleased him. All control was lost. About a thousand of the enemy came up. His Majesty, who fought in the conflict, inflicted a wound with his spear on one of the foremost of the enemy and unhorsed him; and by the strength of his own arm he cut his way out of the confusion. MirzA HindAl, Tardi Beg, Mun'^im KhAn, and a party of other nobles saved themselves by fighting. ShAh BidAgh KhAn and Tolak KhAn Kuchin performed deeds of great valour in this battle.

HumAyAn reached KAbul in safety, and remained there for the rest of the year. MirzA KAmrAn stayed at KolAb, and GhAkar 'Ali Beg KolAbi, who was hostile to him, attacked KolAb with a large force. KAmrAn sent MirzA ’Askari against him, but ’Askari was defeated ; and on being sent a second time, he asain returned unsuccessful. MirzA SulaimAn and MirzA IbrA-

him now marched against E&mrdn from Kisham and Kunduz, and he, not having sufficient forces to oppose them, retreated to Eost&k. A body of Uzbeks fell upon him on the march and carried off a large part of his baggage. In this distressed state E&mr&n wished to proceed by way of Zohdk and B&mi&n into the Hazdra. When Humdydn was informed of this, he sent a force to Zohdk and Bdmian to protect the country. Earracha Ehdn, Edsim Husain Sultan, and some other traitorous nobles, despatched a messenger to Edmran, advising him to take the road to Zohdk, and promis- ing to join him in the day of battle. When Mirzd Kdmrdn came in sight, Earrdcha Ehdn and his associates cast the dirt of ignominy on their heads, and deserted Humdyun. Being joined by these men, Kdmrdn offered battle. Although Humdj^dn’s force was small, it met the attack bravely, and a desperate light followed. Pxr Muhammad Akhtd and Ahmad, son of Mirzd Euli, were killed in this fight. His Majesty exerted himself greatlv. He received a sword-cut on the top of his head, and his horse was wounded ; but he kept his assailants off with his spear, and made his way out of the fight.^ He then proceeded towards Zuhdk and Bdmidn, and was joined by a party of fugitives, who had taken the same route.

Mirzd Edmrdn now, once more, obtained possession of Edbul. Humdytin went with Hdji Muhammad and a party of adherents towards Badakhshdn. Shdh Biddgh, Tolak Euchin, and Majndu Edkshdl, and a party of ten were sent out to reconnoitre in the direction of Edbul, but of the whole party, one only, Tolak Euchin, returned to the Emperor. Astounded dt the treachery of his followers, he went and encamped at Andardb. Here he was joined by Sulaiman Mirzd, Ibrdhlm Mirzd, and Mirzd Hinddl, with their forces. After forty days Humdyun marched towards Edbul. In the mountains he was met by Mirzd Kamrdn, Earrdcha Ehdn, and the forces of Edbul.^ The armies drew

^ Hum&yiin tried to arrange matters peaceably, but bis efforts were frustrated, cbiedy by Earr&clm Eb&u’s influeuce over E&mr6^ — Akbar-ttdma^ vol. i,, p. 363. See Erskine, vol. ii., p. 391.

up against each other. Here Khw&ja 'Abdu-s Samad Masdr deserted E&mr&n and joined Hum&yun, who received him graciously. 'Kkrar&n was defeated, and fled to the mountains of Mandrud.^ The traitor, Earrdcha Eh&n, was taken prisoner, and was being conducted to Humayiin, when Eambar ^AU Bahdri, whose brother had been put to death at Eandahdr by order of the Kh&n, seized the opportunity and killed him. Mirzd ’Askari fell into the hands of the Emperor’s men in this battle.

The Emperor now returned to Xdbul, and remained there for a year in peace. Again a body of soldiers, craving for action, went off and joined Kdmrdn, and he collected round him a body of nearly 15,000 horse. H&ji Muhammad Ehdn went off with- out leave to Ghaznin; so Hura&yun was compelled to march towards Lamghdn and interrupt K&mr&n’s proceedings. Then, in concert with the Afgh&ns of Muhmand, the khail of D&ud- zdi, And the chiefs of Lamgh&n, K&mr&n went off towards Sind. Hum&ytin remained for a while in Lamgh^ln hunting, and then returned to E&bul. Xdmr&n, supported by the Afgh&ns, again advanced, and once more Humdyun marched out against him. Hum&yun sent to Bairam Kh&n, governor of Eandah&r, directing him by some way or other to go to Ghaznin and secure H&ji Mu- hammad Kh&n. The Hdji had sent to Mirzd Xdmrdn, advising him to come to Ghazni, and take possession of the country, for he was ready to show his obedience. Hereupon E&mr&h marched from Peshdwar by way of Bangash and Gurdez towards Ghaznin, but before ho could reach there Bairdm Khan had entered the city, and Hdji Muhammad was compelled to go to him. Bairdm Ehdn and the Hdji went together to Kdbul, and Kdmrdn, hearing of this on his march, retreated to Peshdwar.

Humdyun now returned from Lamghdn to Kdbul, but a few days before his arrival Hdji Muhammad had made his escape and had gone off again to Ghaznin. Bairdm Khdn was again sent with spme other nobles after him, and when he brought him back the Hdji received forgiveness. Mirzd ’Askari, under the orders of I << By the pass of B&db&j towards the Afgh&n country.”— Erskine, vol. ii. p. 393.

£hw&ja Jal&Iu-d dm Mahmdd, had been carried to Badakheh&n and placed under the charge of Mirzd Sulaim&n, who was to convey him to Baikh ; ^ and Sulalman accordingly sent him thither. In the course of this journey 'Askarfs days came to an end in the country of Bum. ^

The Afghans kept Mirzd E&mrdn among them, and busied themselves in raising forces, so Hum&ydn was compelled to go out against them. In the course of this campaign H&ji Muhammad Bhdn was executed with his brother, in punish- ment of his many offences. Supported by the Afghans, Mirzd Kdmrdn made a night attack on Humdyun^s camp, and Mirzd Hinddl was killed in the engagement. The date of his death is found in the words Shahddat ash ba talab shudJ* Kdmrdn's attack failed, and he retreated. The family and attendants of Hinddl were sent to Ghaznin with the young prince Akbar, and the territory of Ghaznin and its dependencies was assigned to them as an iJctd\

When Humdyuii continued his advance against the Afghdns, they were unable to protect Bdmrdn any longer, so being with- out resource he fled to Ilindustdn, and took refuge with [Sultdn] Salim Shdh Afghdn. All his people and followers were harried, and Humdydn then returned to Kdbul. After the army had taken a few days’ rest, it marched by way of Bangash and Gurdez against Hindustdn. All the disaffected in these parts received chastisement. Humdydn crossed the Indus between Dinkot and Nildb (5 Safar, 962 a.h., 29 Deer., 1664 a.d.).

Mirzd Edmrdn, disgusted with the ungenerous treatment he received from Salim Shdh hakim of Hindustdn, had taken flight and escaped into tlio hills of Sidlkot. From thence, by great energy, he had conveyed himself to Sultan -d^dam Ghakar. Thereupon Sultdn A^dam secured him, and wrote to inform Humdydn. This overture was graciously received by Humdydn, who sent Mun’im Ehdn to demand the captive. Sultdn Adam

^ This was equiTalent to banishment. ’Askari died between Damascus and Mecca in H. 965 (a.d. 1558). — ^Erskine, yoI. ii, p. 897.

surrendered Kamr&n, who was brought into Hum&ydn'’s presence at Parh41a. The Emperor, in his natural humanity, was ready to overlook the offences of E&mr&n, but the officers and the chiefe of the Ghaghat&i clans, who had suffered many things through K&mran"s hostility, having agreed together, went to Hum&ytin, and stated that the security of the Ghaghat&i clans and people depended on the destruction of Mirzd K&mr&n, for they had repeatedly experienced the effects of his hostility. Humayun had no escape but by consenting that Kdmran should be blinded. 'Ali Dost Barbegi, Saiyid Muhammad Bikna and Ghul&m 'AH Shash-angmhi (the six-fingered) deprived Mirz& K&mrS.n of sight with & lancet.^ The date of this event has been anticipated a little. Afterwards Mirzd K&mrdn obtained permission to make the pilgrimage, an'h being furnished with all that he could require for the journey, he set out. He arrived at Mecca, and there died.^

Hum&yun, having reached the foot of the ifort of Boht&s, determined upon the conquest of Kashmir. It was represented to him that a zamlnddr named Birdna had a place in the hills so strong that none of the Sultdns had been able to subdue it, and that he might protect the road and prevent the paSsage into Kashmir, so that the conquest would be difficult. But Humdyun's judgment did not acquiesce in these objections, and he marched onwards. At this time the news arrived of the march of [Sultan] Salim Khdn Afghan from Hindustdn to the Fanjdb, and it caused great discontent in the army. When the time for departure arrived, those officers and amirs who were adverse to the Kashmir expedition went off all at once to Kdbul. Upon the Emperor discovering that no one tavoured the campaign in Kashmir, he returned towards K&bul. Grossing the Indus, he gave directions for rebuilding the fort of Bikrdm (Peshdwar), and as his men laboured heartily in the work it was soon accomplished. Sikandar Khin Uzbek was appointed governor of the fort. Upon Hum&-^

Four years after, in u. 964 (dth October, 1657 Erskine, toI. ii., p. 419*

yAn’s reaching KAbul, Prince Akbar set out for Ghaznin, and Ehw&ja Jal&lu-d din MahmAd and a party of nobles proceeded thither in attendance upon him.

After a time the intelligence came from India of the death of [Sult&n] Salim Kh&n, and of dissensions among the Afgh&ns. Some designing persons had informed His Majesty that Bair&m Khan entertained hostile intentions, so Huraayun proceeded in force to KandahAr [which had been long held by Bair Am KhAn]. The latter came forth to meet HumAyAn with due ceremony, and showed every mark of fealty and obedience. When HumAyAn returned he appointed Mun’im Khan to KandahAr. But Mun’im KhAn remonstrated, and said that an exp^feditibn to HindustAn was resolved upon, and if the chief men were offended and alienated, disaffection would arise ijf the army. After the conquest of HindustAn that course might be pursued which the necessities of the time might require. So the government of KandahAr was confirmed to Bair Am KhAn, and that of Zamin-dAwar^ to BahAdur KhAn, brother of 'AH KuU KhAn SistAni. The great camp then returned to KAbul, and the army was employed in preparing for the invasion of India.

One dify when HumAyAn was riding about and hunting, he observed that as his mind was dwelling upon the invasion of India, he would ask the names of the first three persons he met, and would take them as auguries of the result. The first person they encountered, upon being asked, said, that his name was Daulat KhwAja. A little further on they met another villager, who said his name was MurAd KhwAja. On this His Majesty observed h6w excellent it would bo if the third person’s name should prove to be Sa’Adat KhwAja. At a short distance they met the third man, and his name really turned out to be Sa’Adat KhwAja.^ All the king’s companions were greatly surprised and impressed with this result, and became sanguine of victory in HindAstAn.^

^ It was taken away from Taidi Beg.— ’Erskine, vol. ii., p. 508. ^

^ ^ This same story is told by Khondamir, who died twenty yeaisp before this time.

In Zi-l hijja, 961, (November, 1663), the Emperor began his march. When the army encamped at Pesh&war, Bair&m Kh&n, according to orders, came up from Eandah&r, and the royal standards passed over the river Indus. Bair&m Kh&n, Khizr Khw&ja Kh&n, Tardi Beg Kh&n, Iskandar Sult&n, and some other" nobles, went on in advance. T&tar Kh&n K&si, the governor of Eoht&s, although the fort had been strengthened, made no resistance, and fled. But ^dam Grhakar, although he owed service, did not join the army. Hum&yun continued his march towards L&hore, and when the Afghans of that city be- came aware of the near advance of his army, they took to flight. He entered L&hore^ without opposition, and then sent on the nobles in command of the advance to J&landar and Sirhind. The districts of the Panj&b, Sirhind, and Iliss&r all came with^ out a struggle into the hands of the Chaghatai forces.

A body of Afgh&ns having assembled at Dip&lpur, under the leadership of Shahbaz Kh&n and Nasir Kh&n Afgh&n, the Emperor sent Mir Abd-1 Ma’ali and ’AH KuH Sist&ni® to disperse them. The Afgh&ns were defeated, and their baggage and their wives and families became the prey of the victors.

Sikandar Afgh&n, who held possession of Dehlf, sent 30,000 men under T&t&r Kh&n and Haibat Kh&n to attack the advanced forces in Sirhind. The Ohaghat&i forces concentrated at J&landar, and for all the numbers oftthe enemy and their own paucity they were ready to fight. They advanced and crossed the Sutlej. Towards the close of day the Afgh&ns became aware of their transit, and marched forth to give battle. Notwithstanding the strength of the enemy, the Ghaghat&i chiefs determined to fight, and as the sun went down a great battle began. The Afgh&ns began the battle with their archers, but as it was getting dark the arrows took little effect on the Mughals, but the Afgh&ns being greatly annoyed by the fire {atashi) threw themselves into a neighbour- ing village. As most of the houses in the villages of Hindust&u

^ 2 Babi’u-s s&nl, 962 h. ; 23rd Februaiy, 1655 a.d.

^ The of Akbar’s reign. The MS. calls him SistlmV* but it

are thatched, a fire broke out, and lighting up the field of battle the [Mughal] archers came out and plied their weapons heartily by the light of the burning village. The enemy, in the glare of the fire, presented a fine mark for their shafts, and being unable to endure longer took to flight. A great victory was gained, and elephants and much spoil fell into the hands of ^the victors. When the news of the victory reached L&hore, the Emperor was greatly delighted, and showed great honour to his generals. All the Panjab, Sirhiiid, and Hissdr Firozah were now in his posses- sion, and some of the dependencies of Dehli also were in the hands of the Mughals.

On hearing of this defeat, [Sult&n] Sikandar Afgh&n marched forth to take his revenge, with 80,000 horsemen and elephants and artillery. He marched to Sirhind, and there he entrenched and fortified his camp. The Chaghatdi generals strengthened the fortifications of Sirhind, and making a good show of resist- ance, they wrote letters to Hum&ydn for reinforcements. He thereupon sent Prince Akbar towards Sirhind, and as he ap- proached the generals came forth to meet him. The forces were drawn out in array with the greatest show against the enemy, who was four times more numerous than the Mughals. For some days the daring spirits in both armies challenged each other to combat and displayed their valour, till at length the vanguard of Prince Akbar was drawn up for battl#. A second division, under Bairdm Khan Kh&n-Khandn, on the one side ; and on the other a third division with Iskandar Khdn, ^Abdu-lla Khdn Uzbek, Shdh Abu-1 Ma’41{,’AU KuU Khdn, and Bahddur Khdn. Then they attacked the enemy. In the engagement all the nobles exhibited dauntless courage and the most determined resolution. The Afgh&ris, 100,000 in number, were defeated, being inferior in courage, and [SultS.ii] Sikandar fled. The victors pursued the enemy and put many of them to death ; and having secured an enormous booty, returned triumphant to wait upon the Emperor and congratulate him. Under his orders a despatch of the victory was drawn, in which the honour of the victory was ^

ascribed tp Prince Akbar, and this was circulated in all direc- tions.^ *

Sikandar Kh&n Uzbek was then sent on to Dehli, and the royal camp was moved to S&mina. A body of Afghans in Dehli made their escape in hot haste, and Sikandar Uzbek entered and occupied the city. Mir Abu-1 Ma'‘4U was sent to L&hore to keep in check [Sult4n] Sikandar, who had fled into the Siwdlik mountains. In the month of Bamazdn the Emperor entered Dehli, and once more the khutbct was read and the coins were stamped with his name in the territories of Hindustdn. The chiefs w’ho had taken part in the campaign were most liberally rewarded, and each one was made the ruler of a province. The remainder of this year was spent in ease and enjoyment.

Abu-1 Ma’dli, who had been sent to oppose [Sultan] Sikandar, treated the nobles who had been appointed to support him very un- ceremoniously, interfering with their territories and appropriating their treasure. So Sikandar daily grew stronger. This came to the knowledge of the Emperor, who immediately sent Bairdm Khdu in attendance upon Prince Akbar as his atdlik or governor, to put an end to Sikandar's operations. Slidh Abd-1 Ma’dli was ordered to proceed tp Hissdr Firozah.

At this time a person named Kambar Diw&na had collected round him a body of supporters in the DoAb and Sarnbal, and had taken and plundered Baydna. Unquiet and adventurous men gathered about him from all quarters. ‘*AU Kuli Ehdn Sistani was sent against him, upon which ho shut himself up in the fortress of Badddn. In the course of a few days 'All Kuli Khdn took the fort, captured Kambar Diwdna, put him to death, and sent his head to the Emperor.

But now the most extraordinary event occurred. On the 8th Rabru-l awwal,® at sunset, the Emperor ascended to the roof of the library, and there stood for a short time. As he was

» Ahmad Y&dg&r, whose history of the reign of Hnmhydn is generally copied verbatim from this work, here makes a slight vanation which is given, supr& p. 6B.

• The Tdrlhh-% Saldtln-i Afdgham gives the date 7 Zl-1 hijja, 966 a. ^

descending, -th^ mmzzin cried aloud the summcms to pfayer, and he reverently sat down on the second step. When he was getting up again his foot slipped, and he fell from the stairs to the ground. The people in attendance were greatly shocked, and the Emperor was taken up senseless and carried into the palace. After a Short time he rallied and spake. The Court physicians exerted all their powers, but in vain. Next day he grew worse, and his case was beyond medical help. Shaikh JfiU was sent to the Panjab to summon Prince Akbar. On the 16th ItabiVl awwal, 963 h. (24th January, 1566), at the setting of the sun, he left this world for Paradise. The date of his death is given in the line, ** Humdyiin hddshdh az bdm uftddJ^^

He reigned for more than twenty-five* years, and he was fifty- one years old. His angelic character was adorned with every manly virtue, and in courage and heroism he excelled all the princes of the time. All the wealth of Hindustan would not have sufficed to maintain his generosity. In the sciences of astrology and mathematics he was unrivalled. He made good verses, and all the learned and great and good of the time were admitted to his society and passed the night in his company. Great decorum was observed in his receptions, and all learned discussions were conducted in the most orderly manner. The light of favour shone upon men of ability and worth during his reign. Such was his clemency that he repeatedly pardoned the crimes of Mirza K&mrdn and the Ghaghatai nobles, when they were , taken prisoners and were in his power. He was particular about his ablutions (wazu), and never allowed the name of God to pass from his tongue until he had performed them. One day he called Mir 'Abdu-1 Hai, the sadar or chief judge, by the name of ’Abdal. But when he had gone through his ablutions he apologized, and said that as Jlai was a name of the Almighty he was unable to use that name before performing purification. Every apparent and conceivable virtue was manifest in him. May God have mercy on him !

^ Ab<k-1 Fazl observes that this makes the date one year less than it ought to be.—- Ahhar^mmay vol. i., p. 442.

, Shaikh JfiU, who was sent off to the Panj&b during His Bj[ajesty^s “illness, obtained an interview with Prince Akbar at Kal&nor. He communicated the fact of the Xing’^s illness, and intelligence of his death soon after arrived. After due observance of ithe rites of mourning, the nobles who* were in the suite of the Prince, under the leading of Bair&m Kh&n, acknowledged the succession of the Prince, and so, on the 2nd Eabi'u-s s&ni, he ascended the throne of empire at Kaldnor,

nimun was a shopkeeper (haJcMl) in the town of Rewari, in Mewdt. He was afterwards superintendent of the markets and director-general of the army, but now lie rose still higher, and came to be one of King ’Adal/’s chief advisers. * * * * ’Adali one day held a Court in the fort of Owdlior, and nobles of renown were present, A distribution of Jdgirs was being made, and ’Adali made" an order that the country of Kanauj,- which was the jdglr of Sh&h Muhammad FarniuH, should be taken from him and given to Sarmast Khdn Sarbani. When this was announced, Sikandar Khdn, sou of Shah Muhammad, a young and daring man, cried out fiercely, Things have come to this pass that they are taking our Jdgirs away from us and are giving them to this sot of Sarbani dog-sellers.'^ Ilis father, Shdh Muhammad, was ill, but ho forbad his son to utter such unseemly and harsh expressions. But the son retorted, ‘^Sher Khdn (Slier Shdh) once put you in an iron cage and intended to take your life, but Salim Khdn interceded for you and was the means of delivering you from that peril. Now this Sur faction is determined upon ruining you, and you do not see it. These men will not leave you in peace, and why should we suffer this degradation?" Hereupon Sarmast Khdn Sarbani,

' whi)^ was a very tall and powerful man, placed his hand in a ialse "coaxing way upon the shoulder of Sikandar, and said, ^‘What d9ps.%ll this mean, my lad?" intending to make him prisoner.

But Sikandar guessed his object, drew a dagger and inflicted; such a wound upon the shoulder of Sarmast Kh4n that he fell dead at his feet. He then killed and wounded several others. In the midst of this scene 'Adali got up and ran into the women'^s apartments. Sikandar ^rushed after him, but ^Adali bolted the door on the inside, and with difficulty escaped. The nobles of ^Adali who were present drew their swords to prevent the escape of Sikandar, who, raging like a maniac, cut down and killed and wounded wherever he went. This state of affairs went on for an hour or two (yak do gari\ till Ibrahim Khdn Sur, the husband of 'Adali’s sister, drew his sword and wounded Sikandar. Otliers then fell upon him and despatched him. Daulat Khdn Lohdni killed Shah Muhammad Farmuli also with one blow of his sword.

On the very day of this tragedy it happened that as Mu- hammad Farmuli was going to wait upon ^Adali he met Tdj Khan Kirdni, brother of Sulaimdn and 'Imdd Kirdni, as he was coming out of the fort of Gwalior, after having taken leave of the King. They both inquired as to each other’s affairs, and Taj Khdn said, “ I am going to retire from this field of strife {yfCarikd) : “ come with me, for here all things are changed.” Muhammad Farmuli did not acquiesce, but went to pay his visit to ’Adali, when what we have seen happened,

^ When Tdj Khdn fled from Gwalior, he formed designs against Bengal. ’Adali first sent a force after him, and then marched against him in person. The hostile forces met near Ghhati'd-mati, forty /cos from Agra and thirty from Kanauj, and Tdj Khdn wa^ defeated, i^e fled to Ohundr, and on his way ho took posses- sion of several local treasuries belonging to ^Adali, and enriched himself with their contents. He also seized a troop (kalka) of elephants, one hundred in number, and went and joined his brothers 'Imdd, Sulaimdn, and Khwdja flyds, who held

1 This and some other passages hare been copied by the Tdrlkh-i and are

given in Yol. IV. pp. 506, 607. This original version of the Tahakdt seen^ prefer- able.

several districts on the banks of the Ganges and at Khaw&spur TAnda. Open war began, and ’Adali led his army from Gwalior to the banks of the Ganges, and there fronted his adversary. One day Himun told 'Adali that if he would give him a troop {halka) of elephants, he would cross the river and take the courage out of the Kir&ni rebel. ^Adali complied with this request, and Ilimdn defeated the rebels.

Ibrdhim Khdii, son of Ghdzi Khdn Sdr, had married the sister of *Adali, and was one of the^ cousins of Slier Khdn (Sher ShAh). His wife found out that ’Adali intended to put him in confinement, so he fled from GhunAr, and went to his father GhAzi KhAn, who held the government of BayAna and Ilindun. ’Adali sent 'fsa KhAn NiAzi in pursuit of him, and a fight took place near KAlpi, in which ^fsa KhAn was defeated. Ibrdhim then proceeded to Dehli, and caused the hhutha to be read in his name. Afterwards ho took possession of Agra and of several districts. ’Adali, upon hearing of these conquests, marched against Ibrdhim. On reaching the Jumna, Ibrahim KhAn sent a person tb ^Adali, promising that if ^Adali would send to him RAi Husain JalwAni, BahAdur KhAn SarwAni, called A^zam HumAyun, and some other great nobles, upon whoso assurances of protection he could depend, ho would come in and ni^ke his submission. These nobles were accordingly sent. But IbrAliim won them all over to his side, and then declared against ^Adali, who, having no hope of support, returned to GhunAr. IbrAhim KhAn now took of IbrAhim ShAh, and assumed the insignia of royalty.

. About this time also Ahmad KhAn, another nephew of Sher KhAn (Sher ShAh), who was married to a second sister of 'Adali'’s, and was one of the territorial amirs of the PanjAb, received the support of TatAr KhAn Kansi, Haibat KhAn, and Nasib KhAn, who were among the principal nobles of Salim KhAn’l (ShAh’s) time. Thus supported he assumed the title of “ SultAn Sikaudar,’’ and led his forces against IbrAliim. The rival armies met at the village of Farra, ten kos from Agra. Sikandar'^s army did not exceed 10,000 horse, but IbrAhim had . 70, 000

horse and 200 persons to whom he had given velvet tents, banners, and kettle<druma. Sikandar offered peace, upon con- dition of receiving the government of the Panj&b. But Ibr&hini was proud of the groat strength and preponderance of his army, so he rejected the peaceful overtures of Sikandar, and arrayed his army for battle. In the end Sikandar was victorious, and Ibrahim was compelled to fly to Sambal. Sikandar then became master of ii^gra and Dehli.

Intelligence now arrived 4hat the Emperor Hum&yun had marched from Kabul to Hindiistdn, and had taken Lahore ; so Sikandar gathered his forces and went towards that city. Ibrdhim also collected a now army at Sambal, and went in the direction of Kdlpi. 'Adali now sent Illmun, the bahkdly who was his wazlr^ with a large army, and with 500 war-elephants and artillery, against Agra and DeliH. When Hfmiin reached Kalpi, he resolved to dispose of Ibrahim first, and hastened to meet him. A great battle followed, in which Himfin was victorious, and Ibrdhirm fled to his father at Baydiia. Himun followed and invested Baydna, which he besieged for three months.

Sikandar Khdn, ruler of Bengal, now raised the standard of rebellion, and marched with the forces of that country against Jaunpur, Kdlpi, and Agra. ^ 'Adali therefore summoned Himun, who accordingly raised the siege of Bayana. When he reached the village of Manddkar, six hoa from Agra, Ibrdliim came up and attacked his rear, but he was defeated and again fled to his, father. From thence he wont to the country of Bhath, and fought with the Edjd, Edm Ohand, who made him prisoner. But the Edjd showed him great honour, seated him upou the throne, and waited upon him as a servant. Here Ibrdhim re- mained until a party of the tribe of Midnas,^ who dwelt near Edisin, being at enmity with Bdz Bahddur, the ruler of Mdlwa, invited Ibrdhim to he their ruler. They drew out their forces against Bdz Bahddur, and Ibrdhim joined them. Durgdvati the Edni of Garha marched from her own country to support ^ A tribe of Afgb&ns.— Briggs’ Fizfihta, vol. ii. p. 149.

him. But.B4z Bah&dur hearing of this, sent some persons to the B&ni, and induced her to relinquish this design and return home. Upon this defection Ibrdhim thought it inexpedient to tarry longer where he was, so he went to the country of Orissa, one of the dependencies of the kingdom of Bengal. Hero he remained until the year 975 (1567-8), when Sulaimaii KirS.ni took possession of Orissa. Upon the faith of solemn promises he then came to see Sulaimdn, who treacherously caused him to be slain.

The victorious Hlmun continued his march and joined ’Adali. They fought with Muhammad Khdn Oauria at the village of Ohappar-ghatta, fifteen has from Agra, and Muhammad was killed. Thus victorious ’Adali went to Chundr, and sent Hiiniin to Agra and Dehli to oppose the progress of Humdydn. Si- kandar Khdn Uzbek,^ Kiy& Khdn Gang,* and the other nobles who were in Agra, abandoned the city, and retreated before him towards DeliH. ’fsa Khdn mai’ched against Dehli, but being encountered and defeated by Tardi Beg Khdn at Pdnipat, lie was piit to death by the Imperial oflScers. Adali was still at’ Ohundr, when Khizr Khdn, son of Muhammad Khdn Gauria, caused the khutha to be read and coins to bo struck under the title which he had assumed of Sultdn Bahadur. To avenge his father, he made war upon 'Adali, and put him to death. Thus terminated the Afghdn rule, and Hind came undor the Imperial sway. ’Adali reigned for nearly three years.

1 Sikandar Kh&n was a descendant of tho Uzbek kings, and was a prominent man in the reign of Akbar. See Blochmann^s Mn-i Akbarl^ vol. i. p. 365.

3 Kiyh Kh&n attained high rank in Akbar’s reign, and appears frequently in the foUbwing pages. See Blochmann's AM Akbari^ vol. i. p. 313.

Bbiqn of the Emcpebob JalAlo-d din Muhambiap Akbae.^

Tbahs of thb IiiAhi; or, Bbion of Akbab.*

• Tbis Table, as far as tbe 40tb year, has been drawn up from the AKbar» n&ma of Abd-1 Faal, which is the most accurate of the authorities and most consistent with itself, though it occasionally shows a slight error, as in the 5th year, which must have begun on the l3th, not the 'ISth of Jumdda-l dkhir. The Tabakdt and Bad&dnf go astray at the 22nd year, which began at the end of 984 and ended on the let day of 986 Hijra.

Shaikh Ahd-1 Fazl, in his great work entitled Alcbar^ndma^ has recorded fully and circumstantially all the events in the life of God’s vicegerent, from the day of his birth till the present year, the thirty-eighth year of the Il&hi era, and the year 1002 of tho Hijra (1593-4 a.d.). But this humble servant of the State, Nizamu-d din Ahmad Mutasaddi, having written a history of all the kings who have raised the banner of sovereignty in Hindustdn, it is indispensable that he should also write a history of all the incidents in the life of the Emperor. The greatness of the theme will probably imbue his mind with ability to perform his undertaking. The history of this great Emperor must bo tlie prominent feature in all books, so that there is little need of the present work, but as I have felt it my duty to write a history of the Sultdns of Hinddstdn, it seems right to crown my work with a relation of the auspicious reign of this great Emperor.

It will be remembered that in the history of the reign of the late Emperor Humdyun our narrative had reached the point where Prince Akbar was sent to the Siwalik hills along with Bair&m Khdn Khan-khandn, to crush Sikanclar Afghan. When he reached the pargana of Kal&nor, one of tho dependencies of Lahore, the sad intelligence of tho death of tho Emperor his father was brought to him, and plunged him in the deepest sorrow. Bairdm Khan, commander-in-chief, with the concur- rence'of the nobles and officers, raised His Highness to tho throne in the town of Kal&nor at noon-day of Friday, the 2nd of Kabi’u-s s&ni,^ 963 h., with all due state and ceremony, and letters of grace and favour were sent to all parts of Hinddstdn.

The Hahi^ is a true solar year beginning with the Nau-roz^ JThe first year of this auspicious era corresponded with Monday, the 27th Eabru-1 dkhir, 963 h. (10 March, 1656 a.d.). .

^ Th® MSS. have “ Babf u-1 awwal ; ” but this is inconsistent with the date in page 241 and is opposed to all the other authorities.

• The Persian solar months are used in this era. •

Among the prominent events of the early days of the reign was the rebellion of Sh&h Abu-1 Ma'^dli. This young man was a descendant of the Saiyids of Turmuz, and was remarkable both for his beauty and intelligence. The late king had a great partiality for him, and this fostered his pride so that pre- sumptuous ideas got the mastery over him, and his conduct was marked by some unseemly actions. The Ehdn-khandn arrested him, and was about to execute him ; but the young Emperor was mercifully disposed, and was unwilling that the beginning of his reign should bo stained with the execution of a descendant of the Saiyids before any crime had been proved against him. So ho placed him in the custody of Pahlawan Kal-gaz koitcal^ and sent him to Lahore. Abii-l Ma’dli escaped from custody,^ and t\Q ]}ahlawdn^ in shame for his fault, committed suicide.

So long as Sikandar Afghan was in the field, the officers of the Emperor were unable to take any measures for the capture of the fugitive, but sent all their regular forces against Sikandar. The Imperial forces encountered the Afghans near the Siw&lik mountains, and gained a victory which elicited gracious marks of approval from the Emperor.® Sikandar took refuge in the mountains and jungles, and the Imperial forces were engaged for six months in hunting him about and endeavouring to capture him. Eajd Rdm Chand,^ Rfijd of Ifagarkot, was the most re- nowned of all the rajds of the hills, and ho came and made his submission. In consequence of the heavy rains. His Highness left these parts, and went to Jdlandhar, where he stayed for five months.

Tardi Beg Khdn, wh^was one of the most famous of the nobles of Humayun's reign, and held an exalted place in that

^ He flod to the country of the Gakhars, and there collecting an army, he invaded Koslimir, but was defeated. , Obliged to leave the Gakhar country, he went and hid» at Dip&lpdr, but was discovered, and sent a prisoner to the fort of Bay&na. — Bad&dni, vol. ii. p. 10.

The Emperor went as far as Damhari, and Bair&m Eh&n commanded. The war lasted three months. — Ahhar-ndma, vol. ii. p. 23. Bad^dnf, vol. ii. p. 12.

^ Abh-1 Fazl and Eirishta call him Dharm Chand ; ** Badddni Chand.’*

monarch^ estimation, in the same week that the Emperor died, caused the khutba to be read in DeliH in the name of the Emperor Akbar, He also, with the help of Khwdja Sult&n ’AH, tcazir and mir-mmshiy who was also mir4 'arz and mir4 mdly kept under control the affairs of Dehli, and of Mewdt and otlicr parganas which had but lately been brought under royal authority. He sent Mirzd Abu-1 Kasim, son of Prince Kdmrdn, along with the effects and establishments and war-elephants of the late Emperor, to his successor, the Emperor Akbar,

When Humdyun marched to Hindustan, ho consigned the government of Kabul and Ghazni to Mun’im Khdn, one of his chief nobles, and he also made him guardian {atdlik) of his son, Mirzd Muhammad Hakim. He also left there all his ladies. The city of Kandahar and its dependent territories were the jdgir of Bairdm Khan Khdn-khdndn. By the kindness of His Majesty the government of Badakhshdn was consigned to Mirzd Sulaimdn, son of Khdn Mirzd, son of Sultdn Mahmud, son of Mirzd Sultdn Abu SaHd Gurgdn, When the intelligence of the facts (of the death) of Hurndyun reached Mirzd Sulaimdn, ambitious designs took hold of him, and, with his son Mirzd I brdhim, he marched against Kabul, and laid siogo to it. Mun’im Khdn wrote a full report of all tho facts of the matter, and sent it to the Emperor. But before his despatch arrived, Akbar had sent Muhammad KuH Birlds, and some other nobles, to Kdbul, to fetch the ladies who had been left there. When the news of the siege of Kdbul arrived, an imperative farmdn was' issued, directing these nobles to make all haste to Kdbul, and to raise the siege. When these nobles passed the Nildb (Indus), Mirzd Sulaimdn saw thal he could effect nothing by hostile means, so he employed as an intermediary Kdzi Khdn Badakhshi, who was one of his confidential nobles, and one of the holy men of the time, to inform Mun’im Khdn that if his name were recited in the khutba^ he would take his departure. Mun’im Khdn knew that the garrison of the fort was suffering from the protracted siege, so he consented that the name of Mirzd Sulaimdn

should be mentioned in the list of the titles (mil i alkdh) of His Majesty the Emperor. When Mirza Sulaim&n was informed of this concession, he immediately departed for Badakhshan.

Soon after the accession of the Emperor, ’All KuU Kh&n^ received the title of Khdn-mmdn and nlarched towards Sambal to repress Sh&di Khan Afghdn, one of the nobles of Saltdn Muhammad ’Adali, When he reached the banks of the Bahab, he sent some of his men over the river with 2000 or 3000 horso to reconnoitre the enemy. This detachment crossed the river without care and circumspection, and Shddi Kh&n, perceiving his opportunity, suddenly fell upon them. Many of Khdn-zam&n’s men were killed, and many were drowned in the river. When the Khan received intelligence of this, he consulted with the nobles who were with him, such as * * *, upon the propriety of crossing the river to avenge this disaster. Just at this juncture, letters arrived from Tardi Beg Khan and other nobles who were in Dehli,® stating that Himdn, the mkil of Muhammad Khan ^Adalf, had approached Dehll with a large force and many elephants, intent upon battle, and that they should bring up their forces with all possible speed. Khan-zam&n and all the faithful and prudent nobles marched off instantly toward^ Delili ; but before they arrived, Tardi Beg Kh&n had been defeated. This matter has been recorded among the incidents of the reign of Sult&n ’Adali, and there is no need to repeat it here.

When Himun approached ^gra, Sikandar Khdn Uzbek, the governor of that city, was obliged to evacuate the place and join Tardi Beg Khdn. ’Abdu-lla Uzbek, L&l Sultan Badakhshi, ^Ali Kuli Andal^abi, Mirak Khan Kol&bi, Haidar Muhammad Akhta- begi, and Mirza KuU Beg Kh&n assembled. Mauldnd Pir Muhammad Shirwani also came to Tardi Beg on a mission from Bairdm Khdn. These all brought reinforcements with them. As Himun drew near to Dehli, the great nobles led their forces

^ Enli Kli&n was an Uzbe^, and son of Haidar Sult&n Shaib&ni, a staunch adherent of Hum&yan.

• Akbar had made him governor of Dehli,— Faizi Sirhindi.

out of {he city, and marshalled them in the field in sight of the enemy. Sikandar Khdn and ’Abda-lla Khan Uzbek and Ldl Sult&n Badakhshi, who were on the right wing, defeated the forces opposed to them. Then Himtin, with a reserve which he had and some fieipe elephants, made an attack upon the Mughals, and Tardi Beg Khdn, being unable to repel this assault, was obliged to retreat. But although Himun had thus, by his tactics and artifice, prevailed over Tardi Beg Khan, he did not think of pursuing him. That portion of the enemy’s army which had been defeated, finding themselves, to their surprise, unmolested, returned to the scene of action, and then learned that Tardi Beg Kh&n had been discomfited and put to flight. Himdn then occupied Dehli, and Tardi Beg Kh&n and the other nobles proceeded to the Emperor. Khan-zamdn joined them at the town of Sirhind.

The Emperor and his followers wero engaged at J&landhar in counteracting the efforts of Sult&n Sikandar. When the intelligence of this disaster reached him, he appointed Khw&ja Ehizr Kh&n, who belonged to tho lineage of the Mughal Sultdns, and had married Gulbadan Begam, the aunt of the Emperor, to oppose Sult&n Sikandar, while he himself marched to Dehli. Upon^is reacliing the town of Sirhind, tho defeated nobles waited upon him. But Kh&n-klian&n, who had the general direction of state affairs, had deemed it desirable to destroy Tardi Beg Kh&n. So he had summoned ^ him to his tent, and had caused him to be put to dcath.^ He had also placed in confinement Khw&ja Sult&n ’Ali and the Mir MmsAi and tho KhanjarA>eg of Tardi Kh&n. When the royal tents were pitched,

^ The word used is “ talUd^' but Abd-l Fazl says it was a friendly invitation.

^ There had been a long standing quarrel, aggravated by sectarian bitterness, be- tween Bair&m Kh&n and Tardi Beg. Bad&Cnl (ii. 14) says that Bair&m Kh&n got a kind of permission from the Emperor to put Tardi Beg to death. Abd-1 Fazl and Firishta, however, show that he had some difficulty in justifying the act. Firishta states that “ ho understood from the best informed men of the times, that had Tardi Beg Kh&n not been executed by way of example, such was the condition of the Mughal army and the general feeling of these foreigners, that the old scene of Sher Sh&h would have been acted over again.”— Briggs, vol. ii. p. 186.

'All KuH Eh&n and * * * were sent forward with the advanced forces, and the Emperor followed to confront the enemy.

Himun had greatly vaunted his achievements at Dehli, and had taken to himself the title of ll&ja Bikramdjit.^ He had gathered under his command a mightyii force, and had fifteen hundred® war-elephants. With these he hastened to meet the Imperial army. He had sent on his artillery® in advance, and a detachment of the Emperor’s army, which had gone forward, fell in with the artillery at Panipat, and took it at the point of the sword. When Himtin was informed of this disaster, he was much depressed, but he promised his officers an increase of their emoluments, and gave to each one an elephant on which to ride and exhibit his devotion. He himself mounted an elephant named Hated (wind), and went forth with scowling brow to meet his royal adversary.

On the morning of Friday, [2nd] Muharram, 964 h. (6 November, 1656), the intelligence of his march was brought in from the advanced guard, and the generals marshalled their forces to receive the attack. Husain Kuli Beg and ♦ * * * other brave officers fought bravely, and defeated their adver- saries. Himun then advanced with his elephants, and made such a determined charge on the Imperial army that the left wing was shaken.^ But by the exertions of the brave archers and by resolute use of spear and sword, firmness was restored. Himdn

^ The MS. of the H. I. Lib., which often contains a word or two more than the other MSS. which have been used, here observes parenthetically, This Bikram&jlt was a rhjh, who held dominion over the greater part of Hindhst&n, and the Hindds belicYe that one thousand six hundred years have passed since the time of his ascendancy.*’

^ MJi augments the number to nearly three thousand, a number that for many a long year had not been gathered together in India,” and adds that more than a thousand were captured. Abd-1 Fazl (ii. p. 50) and Bad&Oni (ii. p. 16} say that 1500 were captured.

® Which was obtained from Turkey; az mamdlile^i Mm nishdn mUidd'* — Faizi Sirhindi.

^ According to AbO-l Fazl, HlmOn divided his army into three divisions. He himself commanded the centre, which was composed of 506 elephants and 20,000 Afghhn and BkjpOt horse*

then di;pw off his forces, and made an assault upon the centre, which was under the command of Kh&n-zaman. He led all his elephants against the Khdn's men, who received him with showers of arrows. An arrow pierced the eye of Himun, and came out at the back^of his Mead. When those who were fighting under him saw his condition, their hands were paralyzed, and they broke. The Imperial forces pursued them, and cut many to pieces. *

The elephant on which Hiindn was riding, when Himfin fell wounded in the howda and its driver was killed,^ made off towards the jungle. It so happened that Shdii Kuli Khan fell in with this elephant, and made his own driver mount it. The driver then perceived that there was a man lying wounded in the hoivda^ and upon examination this person proved to be Himdn himself. Shdh Kuli Khdn, fully alive to the importance of his discovery, drove the elephant, along with several others which had been captured in the field, to the presence of the Emperor. Bairdm Khdu Khdn-khdiidn then put Himun to death with his own haiid.^

Sikandar Khdn Uzbek, according to orders, pursued the fugi- tives to Dohli, and sent many of them to hell. Next day the army marched from Pdnipat, and without halting anywhere went straight to Dehli. All the inhabitants of the city of every degree came forth to give His Majesty a suitable reception, and to conduct him with due honour into the city. He remained there one month. Intelligence was brought in that all the children and dependents of Himun, with his treasures and effects, were

^ Abd-l Fazl states that Ilimtin’s own driver, in fear of bis life, betrayed bis master. — Aklar^ndma^ vol. ii. p. 49.

3 Bad&dni, Abd-1 Fazl and Faizl all state that Bair&m Kh&n killed ITirnd after having failed to induce the Emperor to do so. Bairdm Eb&n said, according to Bad&Cnl, ** * This is yonr first war (^Aazd), prove yonr sword on this infidel, for it will be a meritorious de^.* Akbar replied, * He is now no better than a dead man, bow oon 1 strike him ? If be had sense and strength, 1 would try my sword.* Then, in the presence of them all, the Khfin, as a warrior of the faith, cut him down with bis sword.** Himd's be^ was sent to Kfibul, and bis body to Bebli, to bo exposed over the gates.— vol. ii. p. 51; Badkdnf, vol. ii, p. 16; TdrikM Alft\ Ahbar^ndma of Faizi Sirhindi. See also wprd^ p. 65.

in Mew&t ; so Mauldnd Pir Muhammad Shirwani vas sent thither. He captured all the persons, and took possession of all the treasures and valuables, and conducted them to the foot of the throne.'

The beginning of this year corresponded with Tuesday, the 9th Jumdda-1 awwal, 964 H. <10 March, 1657). Intelligence arrived that Khizr Khdn Khwaja® had been defeated® by Si- kandar Afghan j the Emperor therefore set out for Lahore, to oppose the victor. When he reached Jdlandhar, Sikandar fell back to the Siwalik hills, and the royal forces pursued him to Disawa/ and from thence to Damhari. It now became obvious that Sikandar meant to retreat, and had no intention of fighting. A party of distinguished nobles was sent in pursuit, and by rapid marches came up to the camp of Sikandar. He then shut himself up in the fort of Mankot.® The Imperial army followed, and laid siege to the fort. Day by day the batteries were advanced, and the garrison was closely pressed.

At this time Her Highness Mariam Mak&ni, mother of the Emperor, with other royal ladies, arrived in Hindustan from K&bul, to the great satisfaction of the Emperor. Muhammad Kuli Birlas, Sliamsu-d din Muhammad Kh&n Atka, and the other great nobles who had been sent to assist Mun’im Kh&n at K&bul against Mirzd Sulaim^n, at the same time returned to

^ Ain adds that many Afghtms were killed, and thnt.i^awkt Imperial dominions, . ^

. tillage of Chamiyfiiri, twenty from liOhore.^Saddiini, toI. ii. p. 17^^

According to Abd-1 Fazl, it >yas only an advanced force of 2000 men that was' defeated. But still the Emperor was informed by all who came from the Panj&b that the whole force of the Empire would be required to put down Sikandar. — jlkbar-ndmat yol. ii. p. 58.

^ “ Diwaja** in some copies. ,Bad50nf says (vol, ii.p. 18) “Disawa and Dihmlrf.’* The Akbar-ndma (vol. ii. p. 61) ** Dehsuna and Dambaii.’*

ft It consists of four strong towers, built by (Sult&n) Salim Eh&n Afgh&n, when he warred against the Ghakars.*’— uiArW-ndma, p. 62 ; T, Sift } JJtbar-ndma of FaisL See Buprdy Vol, IV. p. 494.

JFXinddst^n to the service of their master. When the ladies were about the distance of a stage from the Imperial camp, the Emperor left Bair&m Khan in command of the array, and went forth to meet them, his heart receiving great comfort from the reunion.

After a prolonged siege, ^ Sikandar Afgh&n, being hard pressed, requested that some confidential noble might be sent in to arrange terms with him,® The Emperor commissioned Atka Kh&n to perform this duty. When he entered the fortress, Sikandar addressed him in very deprecatory terms, confessing that he had been very bold and presumptuous, and that he knew he had no chance in resistance. He bogged that he might be permitted to retire to Bengal, promising to remain faithful in his allegiance, and offering to leave his son as a hostage. Atka Kh&n returned, and reported these proposals, through Pir Mu- hammad Khdn, to the Khdn-khdndn, and upon his communicating them to the Emperor, they were graciously approved. Sikandar accordingly sent his son, ^Abdu-r Balimdii, along with Glidzi Khdn Sdr, and he also sent with them several war-elephants and various articles of tribute. So on the 27tli Eamazdn, 964, the fort was surrendered to the royal forces.^ On the 2nd Shawwdl the army marched on its return towards Lahore. After four months and fourteen days the army marched from Lahore on its return to Dehli.

One day, while the array was lying before Mdnkot, His Majesty had two elephants, named respectively Eatuhd and

fight for his amusement; and as the , animals pressed each other, they a|Ppro»d»e4^ to the,

;,tent of Khdn-khdndn. It so happened that the KhM

^ Nearly six months, and after mounds (jsarhobs) and batteries had been brought close up. — Alfi. Bad&dni adds (vol. ii. p. 18) that grain had become yery scarce in the fort, and that desertions daily took place.

• AbtUl Fazl and Faizi say that the defeat and death of ’Adali had its effect in bringing about the surrender. — Akhar^ndma^ vol. ii. pp. 72-73. Sec p. 245.

^ Bikandar received thef districts of Bihar and Kharld in jagir. He died two ye^ later,— vol. ii. p. 73.

and confined to his bed with boils. The suspicion came 'into his mind that the elephants were perhaps directed thither by the royal servants, and this idea was encouraged by the people who were around him. So he sent a person to the Emperor to inquire what fault his detractors had imputed to him, that he should liavo been subjected to this mark of the royal displeasure.^ After returning to Lahore Khan-klianan still harped upon this matter; and sending for Shamsu-d din Muhammad Atka, he told him his suspicion, that this unkind action of His Majesty had been instigated by him. When Atka Kh4n heard this charge, he was much distressed; so he took all his sons with him to the house of Khdii-khdnan, and by taking an oath upon tlie Kuran I’emoved his suspicions.^

After four months and fourteen days, the army marched^ from Lahore to Dehli. Upon reaching Jalandhar a halt was made, and Khdn-klianan was married to Sultdn Begam, daughter of Mirzd Nuru-d din, who was a son of the sister of the late Emperor Humdyun. The Emperor Huradyiin, during his lifetime, had promised her to the E!hdn-khdndn, and now, under the orders of the Emperor Akbar, the union was accomplislied, Khdn-khdndn gave a splendid banquet, to which ho invited His Majesty, who was graciously pleased to honour it with his presence. The Khdn was profuse in his generosity on tho occasion. At the beginning of the third year of tho lldhi, the army recommenced its march for Dehli.

Tho beginning of this year coincided with Tuesday, 20th Jumada«l awwal, 965 ii. (10th March, 1568), and on :-i^ie 25th Jumada-s sAni His Majesty aiTived at Dehli. He then turned

1 According to Abd-1 Fazl, Bair&m made bis communication througb M&bam An^ {Ahbar^iuimai yol. ii. p. 74). ** The Emperor assured him that it was accidental.'*-^

^ This paragraph is omitted in one MS., but the T, Alfi telli thfe atorj in striot agreement with this.

3 On the Idth Safar, 966 h.— Jt^6ar-fidma,yol. ii. p. 79.«

his attention to the concerns of his Subjects and army, and justice and mercy held a prominent place in his councils. The Kh&n-kh&n&n, in concert with the ministers and nobles of the. State, used to attend twice a week in the diivdn^khdnah^ and transact business under the directions and commands of His Majesty.

[Infatuation of Khdn-zamdn for one of the royal troopersJ]

In this year Mus&hib Khdn, son of Kliw&ja Kalan Beg, one of the principal nobles of the late Emperor, was put to death by order of the Kh&n-khjln&n, because he had shown great ill-feeling and malice towards the Khdn.

One day in this year His Majesty went out riding on an elephant called Lakhna, and as he was going along, the animal rushed after another elephant. It so happened that he came to a ditch into which he stumbled, and the Emperor was thrown from his seat on the neck of the animal, but his foot was caught in the rope ^ which was tied round the beast^s neck. The man who was riding behind him came to the ground, but His Majesty clung to the rope until a number of persons collected and released his foot. The elephant extricated himself by his own strength, and His Majesty again mounted him and returned home. After the expiration of six months the Emperor em- barked in a boat and foil down to A'gra, where ho arrived on the 17th Muharram, 966 h. (30th Oct., 1558), in tho third year of the Ildhl.3

One of the most important incidents of this year was that relating to MauldnA Pir Muhammad Shirw&ni. Tho Pir was the general manager {waldUi mutlak) of the Khdn-khdndn,® and

I Which in Hindi they call “ hawdna*^ — Ahhar-ndmaf vol. ii. p. 90. It is tho band in which the driver fixrs his feet.

took up his residence in the citadel (arAr) of tho city which was called

' B&dal-garh.” — Akbar^ndma^ vol, ii. p. 95. .

Badhdni relates that the Khan-khhnhn and Fir Muhammad were one day out hunting together, and that the former being hungry, the Pfr entertained iiim a^ hia suite. To the great astonishment of the Khhn, I'ir Muhammad's hunting equipage jsuppliod thifty (three ?) hundred goblets of sherbet and eight hundred dishes of

all the business of the State passed through his hands. He was the person to whom the nobles and olfficers had to make their applications, and of the many, high and low, who attended at his door, ho admitted hardly any one. His temper now became 60 arrogant and perverted that for some days he would not come out of his house. The £h&n>khdnan went to call upon him as upon a sick person. The slave asked the Khan-khandn to wait until he had made known his wish to the Pir. This greatly incensed the Khdii4chdndn. When Pir Muhammad was in- formed of what had passed, he rushed out, and made many apologies to the Khdii-khdndn, who told him how the slave had refused him admission. The Pir made the excuse that the slave did not know him. Khdn-khdndn asked him how he knew what the slave thought. But for all that had passed, when the Khan- khdndn went in, his servants were not permitted to attend him, excepting Tahir Muhammad Sultdn, MiM fardghai^ who made his way in to look after his master. The Khan-khdndii sat for a while 5 but when he came out, he thought over this conduct of Pir Muhammad. After a few days he sent Khwdja Aminu-d daula Mahmud, subsequently Khwdja-i Jah&n, Mir 'Abdu-lla Bakhshi, Khwaja Muhammad Husain Bakhshi, and several other of his fol- lowers, to Pir Muhammad Khan, wfth this message: ‘‘Formerly you were a poor student, and came to Kandahar in a needy, forlorn condition ; but I perceived some signs of excellence in you, and remembered some old services. I therefore advanced you to the dignity of Khan and Sultan. But your nature is unable to bear* this great advancement, and the bad points in your cha- racter get the mastery of you. I therefore think it advisable to deprive you for a time of royal distinctions and dignity, so that you may come to your proper senses. You must return your banner, kettle-drum, and all other marks of honour.’’ So all signs of dignity were immediately taken away from him, and ho became simple Pir Muhammad. Some days afterwards he was taken to the fort of Bay&na, under Kh&n-kh&n&n’s orders, and from thence was sent to Mecca; but he proceeded to Gujar£t,

and there remained until after the fall of Bair&m Kh&n, when he returned to Court.

The office of mMl to Kh&n-khaii&n, which was thus taken from Pfr Muhammad, was given to H&ji Muhammad Sist&ni, who was one of the Khdn’s servants. At this time the dignity of SaddmUi mamdlik (oflSco of Lord Chief Justice) was conferred upon Shaikh Gad&f, son of Shaikh Jani&l iJIambii of Dehli, through the interest 9f Khdn-kh&ii4n, who remembered the kindness which ho liad received from the Shaikh during the time of his exile in Gujardt.^ The honour thus conferred gave the Shaikh precedence over the grandees {akdbir) of Hindust&n and Khur&sdn. At the same period also that pattern of great men, Mir ’Abdu-1 Latif Kazwini, was appointed tutor to His Majesty, and His Majesty used often to read with him ghazaU in mystic language.*

The fort of Gwalior was celebrated for its height and strength, and had always been the home of great rdjds. After the time of Salim Kh&n (IsUm Shdh) the fort had been placed in the charge of Suhail, one of his ghuldms^ by Sultan Muhammad ^Adali. When the throne of Akbar had been establislied at Agra, Habib ’Ali Sultan, Maksud ’Ali Kor, and Kiy& Khdn were sent to take the fort. They invested it for some days, and the garrison being in distress surrendered.®

The beginning of this year corresponded with Friday, the 2nd Jumada-1 dkhir, 966 ii. (10th March, 1559 A.n.). In this year Khdn-zamdn was sent to reduce Jauupur, the capital of the Sharkiya kings, which was now in possession of the Afgh&ns. He accordingly marched thither with a large force, "and having

^ According to Abd-l Fazl he exercised great influence over BairfliniCh&n, and this appointment had a baleful effect. — Akbar^n&ma, ^1. ii. p. 100.

won great victories, he annexed that country^ to the Imperial dominions. In this year Habib ’Ali Ehan was sent against the fort of Rantambhor. During the rule of Sher Kh&n Afgh&n this fort was under the charge of H&ji Kh&n, one of his ghuldm^ and this Haji Kh&n had now sold the fort to B&i Surjan,^ a relation {az khlshdn) of R&i IJdi Singh, who held great power in these parts. He had brought all the parganas under his rule, and had enforced his authority. Habib ^Ali, with his army, invested the fort, and ravaged all the neighbourhood j the amira then departed to their ydgrlrs.

Shaikh Muhammad Ghaus arrived at Ag,ra from Gujarat ; but as a memoir of the Shaikh is given among the memoirs of the shaikhs of the age in this work, it is unnecessary to dilate upon the subject here. To be brief, in the year 966, the Shaikh arrived with his disciples and a large party at Agra, and was honoured with a royal reception. But there was ill-feeling between him and Sliaikh Gad&{, and Shaikh Gad&i held great ascendancy over Kh&n-kh&n&n; the consequence was tliat Shaikh Muhammad did not receive that attention from the Kh&n-kh&n&n that ho had expected. Ho was greatly annoyed at this, and went off to Gwalior, which was his place of residence, and there remained until the end of his days, discharging the duties of a Shaikh. His Majesty settled upon him one kror (of tankas?) as a pension.

At this time, while the Court was at’ Agra, Bahadur Kh&n,* brother of Kh&n-zam&n, marched to effect the contjuest of M&lwa, which had formerly belonged to the Khiiji inonarchs, but which had been brought into subjection by B&z Bahadur, son of Shuj&' Kh&n Afgh&n.^ He had reached the town of Siri when the. agitation arose about Bair&in Kh&n, and under the orders of the Kh&n he returned.

^ ** And Benares.’ — 7. Alfii ^ Sea Bloohmann’s Atn*i AkbaA^ voL L p. 400.

The beginning of this year was Saturday, 16th Juniada-1 dkhir, 967 H. (10th March, 1560 A.n.). The general management Imperial affairs was under the direction of Bair&m Kh&n ; but there were envious malignant men, who were striving to ingratiate themselves in His Majesty’s favour, who lost no opportunity of speaking an ill word to pervert the mind of the Emperor. Pro- minent among these men was Adham Kh&n, wlio, being the son of Maham Anka,^ held a higher position than all the other courtiers. In accord with his mother, he constantly showed his malice; but Kh&n-kh&ndu’s wisdom and ability were so manifest, that Adhara‘‘s ill-natured observations did not meet with the royal approval. But at length, on the 8th Jum&da-s sAni, 967 B., His Majesty crossed the river Jumna on a hunting expedition, and Khan-khandn remained behind at Agra in charge of the government. His Majesty reached the town of Sikandar, half way to DeblL At this time Shah&bu-d din Ahmad Khdn Naishapuri* held the government of Hehlf, and Her Highness Mariam Mak&m, inothor of the Emperor, was

^ This name has been printed in Firishta, Bad&dnf^ and other works as ** Atka," and the ti’aiislator of Firishta has accordingly called ** M&ham Atka’* the fiUJher, instead of mother of Adham Kh&n. Firishta’s explanation is useful, lie says that

a nurse's husband and her male relations are called Atha ; the wet-nursQ herself, in Turkf, is called Anha (or according to the pronunciation marked by the Calcutta Chaghat&i Dictionary '^amgah*') ; a foster brother is termed Koha'* (or, with the affix of unity, Keikalidehy' which Abd-l Fazl writes ** Ookaltdsh**), Mkham Anka was Akbar’s wet-nurse, and, as Mr. Blochmann quotes/* she attended on him from the cradle till after his accession.” In the Akbar-ndma her position and the influence she exercised are made very apparent. She was Akbar's nurse (see suprd, p. 226), and when he grew up she was the chief of his harem. Shq exorcised groat influence over him, and in the direction of public affairs, ller share in bringing about the fall of Bairhm Kh&n appears in the text, and after that event she became, acoordiiSg to AbO-1 Fassl, the governing spirit and real minister. It does not appear who was her husband, but she was related to Shahhbu-d din Ahmad Khhn. Mr. Blochmann says of Adham Khkn, her son, that ** the name of his father is unknown : he is evidently a royal bastard.” There is a mystery about the paternity, but this statement seems in- consistent with the respectful terms used by Abd-1 Fazl iu speaking of the . lady. Softe passages relating to this remarkable woman will be found among the Extracts from the Akbar^ma, See Briggs’ Firishta, vol, ii. p. 211. Blochmann’s AfnA AkbarS, p. 323.

^ See Blochmann’s Aln-i Akbarif -vol. i. p. 332.

in that city. M&ham Anka, who was related to Shah&bu-d din Ahmad Kh&n,^ settled in her own mind that the best thing she could do was to incite the Emperor to proceed to Dehli, where, in collusion with Shahdbu-d din Ahmad, she (Anka) might settle what was the best course to pursue. In furtherance of this plan, she represented to the Emperor that Her Highness Mariam Makani was in a weak ailing state, and had a great desire to see him. This statement distressed the Emperor, and he determined to go on to Dehli.® Shahabu-d din came out in state to meet His Majesty, and was graciously received.

Maham Anka, in agreement with Shahabu-d din, seized every opportunity of saying sometliing to set the mind of tho Emperor against Baird rn Khan. Thus, she® insinuated that so long as Bairdm Khdn was in power, tho Emperor would have no will of his own over tho affairs of State, — that the whole power was in the Khdn’s hands, and His Majesty was under his control. At length she said that when Khdn-khdndn discovered that she had been tho cause of the Emperor's proceeding to Dehli, he would have a grudge against her, and that she was quite unable to contend against his animosity. She therefore begged His Majesty to give her leave to proceed to Mecca, so that at the holy city she might offer up prayers for His Majesty in absence, instead of serving him in presence. The assiduous attention of Mdham Anka had won the regard of the Emperor, and he would not listen to the suggestion of separation from her. He said he would request Ehdu-khdndn to overlook her offenco, and he sent a,^nessage to the Khdn to this effect: ^‘As I have come all this way without consulting you, my attendants have &llen under your suspicion. Kow you must make yourself quite at ease about them, so that you may continue to serve me with a tranquil mind.^"* Shahdbu-d din Ahmad was very vigilant and

^ TUis sentenoe is found only in the MS. of the Bast India Library.

a « He reached Dehli on the 28th Jura&da-l hkhir.”

3 The verb throughout this passage is m the plural, but the context makes it clear that Mhham Anka is tho unexpressed nominative.

cautioas hi his proceedings. He began to strengthen the forti- fications, and took every precaution to get a control over State affairs ; all the while exerting himself, in concert with Maham Anka, to set the attendants of the Emperor against tho minister.

Kh&n-khan&n, on receiving the Emperor'*s message, sent £hw&ja Aminu-d din Mahmud Hiji Muhammad Sist&ni and Tarsun Beg,^ who held important offices, to Dohli, to wait upon His Majesty, with this statement : Tho devotion and loyalty of your servant would never allow him to do anything to any servant of the State against His Majesty’s wishes ; for nought but kindness and favour is due to all those who faitlifully discharge their duties.’’

The royal ears had been filled with injurious stories and state- ments against Khdn-kh&n&n, so the Kh&n’s message did not receive His Majesty’s approval, and tho messengers were sent back. When the report of His Majesty’s displeasure with Khfo-khdndn became public, all men turned their backs upon him, and their faces towards the Emperor. Among the first who were admitted to royal favour was Kiyd Kh&n Gang * Sfialidbu-d din Ahmad Khan, with the assistance of M&harn Anka, inspired every one who came to Court with the hope of receiving dignities ani jdgirs suitable to their condition.

Kh&n-khdn&n had long entertained a desire to go on pil- grimage to the holy places. He informed the amirs and khdns who still held to him of the project ho had formed, and then quitted the Imperial service. He sent along with these men Bahddur Khdn, whom he had called from Mdlwa, and leaving Agra,® he proceeded towards Nagor on his pilgrimage to the holy places. When he arrived at Bay&na, he set at liberty Muhammad Amin Diw&na, who was there confined, and sent him to Court. As soon as intelligence of Khdn-kh&ndn’s

'. See Blochmann’s Ain^i Akhari^ yol. i. pp. 842, 374. * JA p. 848,

^ He left Agra for N&gor on the 12th Uajab, and on reaching Bay&na he liberated Sh&h AbO-l Ma*&U, and Muhammad Amin Biw&na, directing them to proceed to the }9thperor. Bui^ says Abh-l Fazl, his object in setting free such iurbulcnt pmsoim Was only to foment disturbances.— vol. ii. p. 126.

departure from Jigm arrived, Shah&bu-d din Ahmad Kh&n and Mdham Anka represented to His Majesty that he had left Agra with the intention of attacking the Panjdb. His Majesty then sent Mir ’Abdu-1 Latif to the Khdn-khandn with this message :

“ As I was fully assured of your honesty and fidelity, I left all important affairs of State in your charge, and thought only of my own pleasures. I have now determined to take tlie reins of government into my own hands, and it is desirable that you should now make the pilgrimage to Mecca, upon which you have been so long intent. A suitable jdgir out of the parganas of Hindustdn shall be assigned for your maintenance, the revenues of which shall be transmitted to you by your agents.”

^yhen Mir ^Abdu-1 Latif communicated this message to Khdn- khdndn, he listened attentively, and having parted from the Mir, he left Mewdt on his way to Nagor. Of all his fol- ^ lowers there now remained with him only Wali Beg Zu-1 Kadar, liis sons Husain KiiU Beg and IsmaHl Kuli Beg, who were relations of his, Shdh Kuli Mahrim, Husain Ehdn his sister’s son, and his son-in-law Mahdi Kasim Khdn. Upon reaching Nagor, he sent his banner, kettle-drums, and all other marks of nobility, to the Emperor by the hands of Husain Kuli Beg. The Emperor had left Dohli, and was proceeding towards the Panj&b,^ He had reached tho pargana of Jhajhar when Husain Kuli Beg waited upon him. Among the persons present (with the Beg) was Shdh Abu-1 Ma’dli, who, being mounted on horseback, endeavoured to overtake His Majesty. This greatly offended the Emperor, who ordered tho culprit into confinement, and placed him in the custody of Shahdbu-d din Ahmad. The surrender of the banner and the other insignia of nobility gratified the Emperor.

Pir Muhammad Khdn Shirwdni, whom the Khdn-khdndn bad banished from the country and sent to Mecca, had waited in Gujardt for the proper season (of sailing). On hearing of the disgrace of the Khdn-khdndn, he returned to Court lyith all 1 vol il.p. 12e. ^

possible «peed. He niet with a very gracious reception, and was honoured with the title Nddru-l Mulk^^ as well as with a banner and kettle-drums. He was then sent with a force to hasten Kh&n-kh&n&n's departure for Mecca, and accordingly inarched after jam. After this His Majesty returned to DeliU, and a farmdn was issued, summoning Mun’im Kh&n from K&bul.

As Mai Deo of Joudhpdr held a strong and threatening position in the way to Gujardt, with the intention of attacking Bairiin Kh&n, the Kh&n delayed his movements, and eventually marched from N&gor towards Bikanir. ll&i Kaly&n M&l and his son E&I Sing,^ who were the zdminddrs of that country, received him with great kindness, and treated him most hospita- bly. After staying there a few days, and resting from the fatigues of the journey, he learnt that Pir Muhammad Kh&u had*been sent to pursue liim, and this greatly annoyed and dis- tressed him. Some evil-minded persons, having found their opportunity, played upon the feelings of the Kh&n-kh&ii&n, and inciting him to rebellious acts, he went towards the Panjab.

When he arrived at the fort of Tabarhindh (Sirliind), which was the jdgir of Slier Muhammad Diw&na, one of his old servants,* to whom he had shown great kindness, in full confi- dence of his faithfulness, Kh&n-kh&n&n left there his son Mirz& Kh&n ['Abdu-r Rahim], who was then in the third year of his age, but who is at the present day exalted to the dignity of Kh&n-kh&n&n and dpdh-saldr (commander-in-chief). Ho also left his females and property, and proceeded on his course. Slier Muhammad thereupon appropriated all the property, and ^treated the dependents of the Kh&n-kh&n&n with great indignity. The Kh&n-kh&n&n was in the pargam of Dip&lpur when ho was informed of these proceedings. He sent his diwdn Khw&ja Muzaffar ^AU (who afterwards became Muzaffar Kh&n^) along with

They belonged to the tULthors of Bikanir, and will fSrequently appe^, in the pagoi. See Blocbmann's Ain^i Ahbari^ toI. L p. 357.

3 Bad&dni (vol. ii. p. 40) calls him the reputed son {piaarA khwdndih) of EhCA-kh&ii&n.

® Blochiuann's AUiA Akbari, vol. i. p. 348.

Darwesh Muhammad Uzbek to expostulate and intercede with Sher Muhammad, but the latter seized Muzafiar ^Ali, and sent him prisoner to the Emperor. Sorely troubled by these acts, the Kli&n went on to Jdlandhar.

On the Emperor being informed of Kh&n-kh&naii's advance towards the Panjdb, he despatched Shamsu-d din Muhammad Khdii Atka,^ his son Yusuf Khan,® Husain Kh&n a relation of Shahdbu-d din Ahmad Khdn, and a body of nobles to the Panjdb. AVhen the royal forces reached the town of Dagddr,® and proceeded from thence to the pargana of Kond,^ they hemmed in Khdn-khdndn, so that he was obliged to fight. Compelled to action, he drew up his forces, and confronted the royal army. A sharp action ensued, with considerable loss to both sides,^ and Khdn-khdndn, being defeated, fled towards the Siwdlik hills. Wall Beg Zu-1 Kadar and his son Isma’il Kuli Beg (who now holds a position among the great nobles), Ahmad Beg, Ya’kub Beg Harnaddni, and all Iiis brothers, were taken prisoners, and great booty fell into the hands of the royal troops. This victory was gained in the fifth year of the Ilahi, agreeing with 967 A.n.

After Shamsu-d din Muhammad Khdn Atka had marched for the Panjdb, the Emperor left Khwdja ’ Abdu-1 Majid Harawi (who had been admitted to the position of a minister {silk i wuzard)^ and had been honoured with the title of Asaf Khdn,® in charge of Dehli, and on the 2nd Zi-1 ka’da, 967, himself marched to the Panjdb. He placed Husain Kuli Beg, son of Wali Zu-1 Kadar, ♦by way of precaution, in custody of Asaf Khdn, with

• Blochraann’s Atn-iAkhari^ vol. ii. p. 321. * ** Ih» p. 323.

3 “ In the Yicinity of J&landhar, between the Satlej and Biyah.*' — Ahhar^ndma^ vol. ii, p. 140.

^ Bad&dni (p. 40) calls it “Kanfir.’' Abd-1 T'azl, “Konajdr.” Paizi says

** Kon&chdr,” one of the villages of pargana ll&hdn.

• According to Abdd Fazl and Faizi, the Imperial forces were at first repulsed, and the victory was gained only by the great gallantry and desperate exertions of the Imperial generals.

^ Asaf was the wazir of Suhdm&n, and proverbial for his wisdom. See Bloch- maan*8 Aln^i Akhari^ vol. i. pp. 366, 86S.

directions to treat him generously, and do him no harm. When the Emperor reached J&Iandhar, Mun’im Kh&n, who Lad been summoned from K&bul, arrived,^ and was accompanied by Mukim Kh&n, sister’s son of Tardi Beg Kh&n, and several other amirs.' Mun’im Klidn was raised to the dignity of minister (tvakdlat), and received the title of Khdn-kh&ndii, and the nobles in his company received favours and honours suitable to their respective positions.

At this place Akbar received the intelligence of the vic- tory gained by Shamsu*d din Muhammad Khdn. Those who had been taken prisoners in that engagement were brought into the royal presence captive and forlorn, and were committed to safe custody. One of the number, Wall Beg, who had received a severe wound, died in prison. So his head was cut off and sent to Dehli. The Emperor then marched onwards toward the Siwalik hills,® in pursuit of the Khdn-kh&nd.ii. He reached the neighbourhood of Talw&ra, a district in the Siwalik, belonging to Rdjd Gobind® Ohand, where the Kh&n-khS.n4n had sought refuge. A party of adventurous soldiers dashed forward into the hills, and surrounding the place put many of the defenders to the sword. Sult&n Husain Jalair was killed in the action. When they brought his head into the presence of the Kh&n- kh&n&n, in a burst of feeling he exclaimed, This life of mine is not worth so much, that a man like this should bo killed in my defence.” Depressed and anxious, the Kh&n instantly sent one of his followers, Jam&l Eh&n, to the Emperor with this message: “ I deeply repent my deeds, which have not been entirely under my own control j but if I am favoured with the royal clemency,

' the 15th Zf-1 ka’da.' — Ahhar^ndma^ vol, ii. p. 143. Mukim Khkn afterwards became Shuj&’at Kh&n. See Blochmann’s A.{a% Akbar vol. i. p. 371. Bad&dni says the meeting was at L(idhiyhna.-~Badhdni, vol. ii. p. 43.

. * He first went to Lahore, which ho reached on the 26th Zi-1 hijja.— vol. ii. p.*145.

Abd-1 Fazl says: Rhj& Ganes of Talw&ra, a strong place in the midst of the Siw&lik hills and, according to him, tho royal forces had a good deal of fighting with the hill people,— JlArdffr-spdwm, vol. ii. p. 146. ^

I will throw the veil of oblivion over my misdeeds, &nd will present myself in your presence, and hope for your forgiveness,”

When this message was brought to the ears of the Emperor, the recollection of old services rose up in his memory, and he gave orders that MauI4.n4 ’Abdu-lla Sultdnpuri, who had received the title of Makhdumu-1 Mulk, should proceed, with several other attendants of the Court, to Ehdn-khan&n, and having assured him of the Emperor’s kindly feeling, should bring him to his presence.^ When the Khaii-kh&n&n approached the royal camp, all the amirs and khans went out, by the Emperor’s order, to meet him, and conducted him to the Emperor with every mark of honour. On his coming into the royal presence, the Khan placed his sad countenance upon the ground of supplication, and craved forgiveness for his offences. The Emperor received him with the most princely grace, and presented him with a splendid robe of honour. Two days afterwards, he gave him permission to depart on a pilgrimage to Mecca^ and the holy places. The royal camp then moved on its return to DeliU, and the Emperor went towards Hisar-Firozah hunting.

Ehan-khdndn, with his people, took the road to Gujardt. He reached the city of Pattan, in Gujardt, and there rested for some days. This city was then under the government of Musa Khdn Lodi Pulddi. Khdn-khdnan went about examining the city, and one day he went out to the Koldbi (lake), a place within sight of the city, and famous for Sahasnak.® They call it in the Hindi language Nard. A temple Hdndmand, like a thousand temples, stood there, and gave it celebrity. After visiting this place, he went about (the*lake) in a boat. When he disembarked and returned home, an Afghdn, named Mubdrak Khdn Lohdni,

^ Bad&tini (vol. ii. p. 44) says it was Mua’im Kh&n who conducted him to the Emperor, and that he placed all his tents and attendants at the fallen minister's disposal. , .1

2 According to Bad&diii (vol. ii. p. 44), the Emperor furnished him with money, and the nobles, great and small, and the courtiers, lent their assistance, and made up the supply of money and goods which the Turks call * Ckandogh.* "

^ Sahuas Lang.*’ — Badkdni, vol. iL p. 45.

whose father had been killed in an action with the Mughals,^ came to wait upon the Kh&n-kh&ndn, with the intention of wreaking vengeance upon him. When they were shaking hands, he assassinated him with his dagger.® The words “ Muhammad Bair&in’’ contain the date of this murder. Some scoundrels then plundered the encampment of the deceased. Muhammad Amin Diw&na and B&b& Zambdr, with several of the eunuchs, rescued from the fray Mirzd ’Abdu-r Bahim, the son of the Khdn-kh&n&n,® who was then a child of only four years of age, but in these days has been e:$:alted to the dignity of Khan- khan&n. They conducted the boy to Ahmadabdd, and from thence they carried him to the Court of the Emperor, in the hope of obtaining his protection. The Emperor received the child with the most princely favour, and the good qualities which he exhibited so won upon the Emperor’s mind, that his prosperity went on growing until he attained the dignity of Kh&n-kh&ndn.

When the Khan-kh4nan (Bairdm Kh&n) went to Gujar&t, the Emperor proceeded towards Hisdr-Firozah on a hunting excursion, but the army was sent on to Dehli, the capital, by the direct route. Having hunted with some leashes of a kind of leopard, which is called cliUa in Hindi, on the 4th Eabfu-l awwal, 968 ii. (9th Nov,, 1560), he arrived at Dehli, and there stopped awhile for a little rest and enjoyment. On tho 2nd Rabi’u-s sdni he started for Agra by boat, and arrived there on the 12’th of the 6an\e month.

The beginning of this year was Sunday, 24th Jumdda-1 dkhir, 968 H. (10th March, 1561). In this year the marriage of Muhammad Baki Elian was celebrated with a lady whose family

^ He had been put to death by order of the Kh&n-Khdn&n. — Bad&dnf, yol. ii. p. 45.

^ Be had thirty or forty companions. He stabbed the Eh&n with his dagger in the bock, so tha^tho point came <out of his bosom, and one of tho assassin’s com- panions finished the business with his sword. — T. Alfi^ 165.

’ His mother and the attendants were also rescued by tho courage of Muhammad Amia and his followers.— 51 Alji.

connexions have been explained in another place. The ceremony was performed with great magnificence, and was followed by rejoicings and feasting for several days.

In the days of Sher Khdn the country of Mdlwa had been held by^ Shuj&’at Khdn,^ who was one of his own clan {Khdssd hhail)^ and after his death it had come into the hands of his son Bfi.z Bah&dur. It now came to His Majesty’s knowledge that B4z Bahadur had given himself up to sensuality,^ and cared nothing for ''the country. Tyrannical and overbearing men had consequently oppressed tlie poor and helpless, and the peasantry and people had been reduced to distress. The honour of the Imperial throne required that this country should be again brought under its control, and find peace and security. So Adham Khan, Pir Muhammad Khan, Sadik KhSn, Kiyd Kh&n Gang, ’Abdii-lla Khdii Uzbek, Shah Muhammad Kandahdri, and some other amirs^ were nominated to eflFect the conquest of that country .3 They accordingly marched thither, and when they came within ten kos of Sdrangpur in that country, Bdz Bahadur, who was in that city, awoko from his slumber of neglect, and took up a position, which he fortified, two Im from the city.

Bdz Bahddur was the most accomplished man of his day in the science of music and in Hindi song. He spent much of his time in the society of singers and musicians. When the Imperial army was at ten kos from Sdi’angpur, Adham Khan sent forward an advanced force to the entrenchments which Bdz Bahddur had thrown up around his army. Several attempts were made to entice him out of his lines, and the royal forces drew together in order to surround him. Bdz Bahddur then threw off his apathy, and marched out to give battle. But the Afghdn nobles in his army were disaffected, and made their escape, and he himself was obliged to take flight.^ Bup-mati, his favourite

^ He was, as before stated, commonly called Shuj&wal £h&n,” but Bad&dni (vol. ii. p. 47) goes a little wider, and calls him *<§az&wal

• “With five or six thousand men." — Faizi.

• “Towards Kb&ndesb and Borh&npdr." — ^Faizi.

wife, who used to recite poetry, several other wives, and all his treasure Tell into the hands of the Imperial forces. As the fugitives were making off, a eunuch of Baz Bahadur’s wWnded Rup-mati with a sword, to prevent her falling into the hands of straugers; and when Adham Khdn summonod her to his presence, she took poison and killed herself.

Adham Khan wrote an account of the victory to the Emperor. He retained all the ladies and musicians and singers, but he sent some elephants, under charge of Sadik Khdn, to Court. This retention of the ladies and other spoils displeased the Emperor, and made him deem it necessary to proceed in person to Mdlwa. On the 21st Sha’bdn, 968 H., the Emperor left A'gra, and marched towards Mdlwa. When he reached the fort of Gdgrun, which is celebrated among the fortresses of Mdlwa for its strength and ^height, he gave orders for its reduction. But the commandant of the fort hastened to surrender, and presented his tribute. This greatly pleased the Emperor, who made a forced march in the night, and arrived by dawn in the vicinity of Sdrangpur.' Adham Khdn had left Sdrangpur in order to besiege Gdgrun, so he mot the Emperor at three hos distance from tliat place, ^ and was graciously received. Then they rode on to the city, and Adham Khdn’s abode was given up to His Majesty. Adham Khdn now collected all his spoils, and presented them to the Emperor, who stayed a few days to refresh and enjoy himself, and then returned to Agra.

At that place Pir Muhammad Khdn Shirwdni and other nobles who had jdglrs in Mdlwa, waited upon the Emperor. They were honoured with gifts of robes and horses, and were then sent back to their Jdgirs. When the Emperor was near Narwar,

1 The journey was performed in sixteen dfiys. — Faizi.

^ ** As he knew nothing of the Emperor's approach, he was astounded, and Pondered what was the reason/* — T,AlfL Ahd-1 Fazl also describes the amazement of Adham Kh&n at the sudden appearance of the Emperor, who had marched so fast that he outstripped the messengers sent by Mkham Anka to warn Adham Kh&n. He also describes how Adham Khhn surrendered his spoils, and how reluctantly he at last gave up the womou and the singing and dancing g^rls of Bhz Bahhdur.--ul^dar ndnWf vol. ii. p. 178.

a formidable tiger came out of the jungle. The Emperor slowly approached the beast, and with one blow of his sword brought her to the ground. Some of his attendants killed the young ones with swords and spears.

Muhammad mir-mumhi^ who was celebrated^ fi)r the ^

beauty of his writing and composition, was now appointed Jfir- mtmshi, and received the title of Ashraf Kh&n. On the 29th Eamazdn, 968, the Court reached Agra.

When ^Adali, the Afghan, was slain by the sons of Muhammad Kh&n Bangali,' who was one of the nobles of Salim Kh&n Afghdn, ’Adairs son, Slier Khdn, took his seat upon the throne of Govern- ment, in the fort of Ohundr, and then led an army to attempt the conquest of Jaunpur. Thereupon Khdn-zamdn sent infor- mation to the Imperial Court, and the amirs who held Jdgirs in ^ that part of the country were commanded to support Klian- zamdn. Ibrdliim Khan Uzbek, Majnun Khdn Kdkshdl, Shdham Khdn Jaldir, Kamal Khdn Gakhar, and many other chiefs, in obedience to the royal order, joined KuU Khdn (Khdn-zamdn).^ The Afghdns, having crossed the river, gave battle, but Khdn- zarndn exerted himself gallantly, and put them to flight.

Various actions of Khan-zamdn excited a suspicion of his intention to rebel, so towards the close of the year His Majesty proceeded towards Jaunpur, on a progress of hunting and pleasure. On appijoaching Kdlpi, the camp was about to be pitched, when ’Abdu-lla Khdn Uzbek, who held Kdlpi in jdgir^ came forward, and begged His Majesty to honour his house by taking up his quarters there. The proposal was graciously accepted, and ’Abdu-lla Khan rendered the services due from him, and presented his offerings, for which he was honoured by . His kjajesty’s tpprobation.

When the Court reached Karra, ’Ali Kuli Khdn Ehdn-zamdn

^ The force of the enemy was nearly 20,000 horse, 60,000 foot, and 600 elephants'. Kh&n-zamhn declined to meet them in the open. When the enemy crossed the river, he bore all before him, hut h's force was eventually cut up in the streets and saWrha of JaunpOr. — AMar^idma, vol. ii. p. 186.

and his brother Bah&dur Kh&n came up by forced marches from their jdgir of Jaunpur, and on being received, they presented suitable offerings. Their fidelity and services being recognized, they received presents of horses and robes, and were then dis- missed to their On the 17th Zl-1 hijja, of the sixth year of the Ilahi, corresponding with 968 h., the Court reached ^gra.

Shainsu-d din Muhammad Atka,^ who bore the title of Khdn^i ^azam^ and held the government of the Panjdb, now came to Court. He was graciously received, and the direction of the affairs of the State was committed to his charge.^ About the same time, Adham Khdu, in obedience to a royal command, came from Mdlwa to the capital, and was welcomed with due honour.

On the 8th Jumdda-l awwal, 969 h., the Emperor started to pay a visit to the tomb of Kufcbu-1 auliyd Khwdja Mu’inu-d din Chishti.^ When he reached the town of Sdmbar, Edjd Bihdrl Mal,^ one of the chief rajda of that country, came with great loyalty and respect, along with his son Bhagwdn Dds,® to pay

^ Shamsu-d din Muhammad was a natlvo of Ghaznf, and began life as a common soldier under Prince K&mrhn. It was ho who assisted tho Emperor Hum&jiin out of the river after tho disastrous battle of Eanauj {jsitprd^ p. 20$). IIo accompanied the Emperor in his exile, and his wife was one of the nurses {anka) of Akbar. As foster father {jsttJca) of Akbar, he received the title of Atka Khkn, and his sons were the kokas or kokaltdslm of the Emperor. His family is sometimes called tho Atka^ khail, — Blochmann’s Ain~i Akbar vol. i. p. 321.

• “ This appointment greatly annoyed Mhham Anka, who, from her superior intelli- gence and many services, had deemed herself permanent minister {wakil i aaltamt hc^ iatikldl), Mu’nim Khkn, who had been the ostensible minister, was also aggrieved.** — Akhat^ndma^ vol. ii. p. 189.

3 He was a native of Sistkn, and is called also Sanjari. — Akbar^ndnta, vol. ii. p. 196.

• Bihkri Mai was a Kachhw&hah, and was the hmt Bkjpiit chief who joined Akbar. He is often called, as in our MS., Bihkrk Mai. He and his family played distinguished parts in the reign of Akbar, and intermarried with the Imperial family. His four brothers were named Pdran, Bttpsi, Askaran, and Jag Mai. had three sons in Akbar*B service, Bhagwkn Dks, Jagannkth, and Salh&di; the first of whom was a most distinguished officer, and on one occasion saved the Emperor’s life. He is also called Bhagwan and Bhagwant D&s. The son of the latter, named Mkn Sing, was no less distinguished, and attained the highest rank. — See Blochmonn’s Akbiirif vol. i. pp. 328, 333, 339,

• The MSS. have << Gobind D^** but Badkdni (vol. ii. p. 60) is right in calling him Bbagw&n B&s.”

hta services to His Majesty. He was received with great honour and attention, and his daughter, an honourable lady, was accepted by His Majesty, and took her place among the ladies of the Court. From thence he proceeded to Ajmir, and he dispensed many gifts and pensions among the inhabitants of that noble city. Mirz4 Sharafu-d din Husain, who held a jdgir in the territory of Ajmir, came to pay his homage. He was sent with several other amin of that province to effect the conquest of the fort of Mirtha,^ about twenty Aos from Ajmir, which was hold by Jai Mai.® His Majesty then started for Agra, and making forced marches, he performed the distance, one hundred and twenty Aos, in a day and night.®

The boginning of this year corresponded with Tuesday, 7th Rajab, 969 h. (10 March, 1662). At the beginning of this year Mirza Sharafu-d din Husain besieged the” fort of Mirtha, being assisted by Shdli Bid4gh Khdn,^ and his son 'Abdu-1 Matlab Khan, Muhammad Husain Shaikh, and somo other nobles. Groat exertions were made on both sides, but at length it was agreed that the garrison should march out with their horses and arms (JzamcM)^ but leave behind all their property and effects. When the victorious army went to take possession of the fort, Jai Mai marchod out with his men. But Deo-das, in shame oind pride, set fire to the property which was in the fortress, and then sallied forth at the head of a party of B&jptits, and passed in front of the royal army. Mirz4 Sharafu-d din and other nobles followed Deo-dds, and when they came up with him, he turned round and attacked them. Many of the royal soldiers fell, and nearly 200 Rdjputs were slaifi. Deo-dds himself was

• Mirtha, or Moirtha, forty miles west by north irom Ajmir.'*

• Jai Mai was the commandant on behalf of Ehi Mhl Deo. — jibar-ndma, vol. ii. p. 204.

® Dar 8habdn~roz, Tho T, Alft gives the more probable time of " three days,” and AbO-l Fazl says *Mess than three days.”

• See Blochmann’s Akbart, vol. i. p. 371.

unhorsed*^ and being overtaken as he lay upon the ground, he was cut to pieces*^ The fort of Mirtha was then occupied by the Imperial forces.

“ About this time Pir Muhammad Kh&n,® who, after the depar- ture of Adhara Khan, held the government of M&lwa, assembled the forces of that province, and marched to subdue the countries of Asir and Biirhdnpur. He laid siege to Bijdgarh, the prin- cipal of all the fortresses of that country, which he took by storm, and put all the garrison to the sword.® He then marched against Asir, a well-known place in Khdndesh. Crossing the river Nerbadda, he gave many of the towns and villages to the sword and destruction, and came to Burhanpur. Th^it city also he took by storm, and gave orders for a general massacre. Many of the learned men and saiyids of the place he caused to be decapitated in his presence. The governors of Asir and Burhdnptir, and Baz Bahddur, who lived in this vicinity since his flight from Mdlwa, now concerted together, and, assisted by all the zaminddrs of the country, they assembled a force with which they assailed Pir Muhammad Kh&n.^ Unable to resist, Pfr Muhammad fled towards Mandu, and when he came to the Nerbadda, he, and all the nobles with him, plunged into its waters. It so happened that a camel came up and bit the horse upon which he was riding. He was thrown off into tho water and drowned, thus receiving tho recompense of his deeds.® The other nobles, on reaching M&lwa, found that tho country was lost, so they pursued their course to the Court of the Emperor.

1 << Some say he was wounded, but escaped, and after some years re-appoarcd in tho guise of a jogL Some recognized, others repudiated, him. At length he was killed in one of their quarrels.**— ZVr/M-t Alfi,

8 “ Whose boldness and courage were greater than his judgment.’*—

« “He next proceeded against SulthnpCr, and annexed it to the Imponal tern-

• As his men “were pursuing their straggling march homewards, laden with spoil. Pfr Muhammad made an attempt to beat off the pursuers, but he was ill supported.**

• Badhdnl (vol. ii. p. 61) is eloquent upon the subject: “By way of water he went to fire ; and the sighs of orphans, poor wretchS, and captives settledhis hutiiiess.**

Baz Bah&dur pursued theruj and brought the whole pf Malwa once more into his power. The amirs who had abandoned M&lwa, and had come to Court without orders, were imprisoned for a time, and then set at liberty.

’Abdu-lla Khdn Uzbek now received orders to retrieve this

disaster in Malwa, and Mu’inu-d din Ahmad Kh&n Farankhddi,

and several other Kh&ns, were directed to assist him. Towards the

end of the year 969 ii. (1562 a.d.), *Abdu-lla and his auxiliaries entered M&lwa, and B&z Bah&dur, being unable to withstand him, took to flight.^ A force was sent in pursuit, and coming up with the fugitives, killed many of them. B&z Bah&dur found protection for some time with B&n& Udi Sing,^ one of the chief rdjds of M&rw&r, and afterwards he repaired to Grujarat, but eventually he threw himself upon the mercy of the Emperor, and sought a refuge from the frowns of fortune.® •Abdu-lla Kh&n remained at Mandti, and the other amirs returned to their jd^lrs, MuMn Kh&n, after setting the affairs of the country in order, returned to Court.

An intimacy and friendship had existed between the late Emperor Hum&yun and Sh&h Tahm&sp S6fi of Persia. When Hurn&yun died, and was succeeded by Akbar, the Shah was desirous of keeping up friendly relations. He accordingly sent his nephew, Saiyid Beg, son of Ma’sum Beg, to whom he gave the title Umrau-ughli (uncle’s son), as his ambassador, with costly presents. When Saiyid Beg approached iSigra, many kh&ns and great men were sent forth to meet him, and to bring him into the city with suitable honours. The sum of seven kics of tankas was appropriated to him. He remained at Agra two months, and having received a horse and a robe, he took his departure, carrying with him presents from Hinddst&n.

1 “ To the hills of Kambalmlr.*’ — T. Alfi,

® “At Ohitor and UdipCir.”— Bad&dnf, vol, ii. p. 61.

3 Ho vras imprisoned for som^ time, hut (soon after his release) be died. — ^Badddni, vol. ii. p. 61. Faizi says he was granted a manaa^ of 2000. See Blochmann’if AM AUari^ voL i. p. 428, # . *

The beginning of this year corresponded with Wednesday, 18th Kajab, 970 h. (13 March, 1563 a.d.). A tragical event occurred in the course of this year.^ Adham Kh&n Kokalt&sh, son of M&ham Anka,^ could not endure to see the elevation of his compeers.^ In the presumption of youth, and pride of wealth and station, he yielded to the incentives of Shah&bu-d din Ahmad £h&n,^Mu^nim Kh&u Khdn-khan&y, and several other nobles, and murdered Kh&n-i ’azam [Shamsu-d din Muhammad Atka], then prime minister, as he was sitting in his public office. Then trusting to the favour and kindness which had been shown to him by the Emperor, he wont and stood at the door of the harem. His Majesty rushed o^t of the harem, sword in hand, and the assassin was bound hand and foot, and cast over the parapet in punishment of his crime.^ This murder was com- mitted on the morning of Sunday, 12th Ramaz&n, .970 H. All those who had taken part in the conspiracy fled, and hid them- selves through fear of punishment. Mu’nim Kh&n and Mu- hammad K&sim Ehdn Mir-i bahr (commander of the boats) went over the Jumna, and destroyed the bridge by whiclfthey crossed. Shabdbu-d din Ahmad Khan Ifaishapuri concealed himself. His Majesty showed great solicitude for the sons of the deceased minister, and for Mdham Anka; but the latter, in anger and in grief for her son, fell ill and died forty days afterwards.

^ Abtl-1 Fazl and most other writers place this event one year earlier.

2 He was her younger son. His brother was Muhammad B&kl Kh&n. Sec Akbar* ndmOf vol. iL p. 218. Blochmann*s AinA Ahhariy vol. i. pp. 323 and 381.

• 3 xhe T. Alfi represents him as gratified with the death of Bair&m Khfin, who had always been suspicious and watchful of him.

• Badhdni places this assassination in 969 k, He says the unfortunate minister was out to pieces ( and he adds that as a spark of life was left in the assassin after his fall, the Emperor ordered him to be thrown over the parapet again. He was buried one ^y before his victim. Fi^hta’s account agrees ; but the trans* lation is inaccurate in two points. It calls the minister Shah&bu-d din instead of ShamsU'd din, and m|ikes M&ham Anka father of the minister instead of mother of the assassin. See Extract from Ahtfir-ndma^ iufrd.

Next day (after the murder) Ashraf Kh&n Mlr-mumhi re- ceived orders to seek out and bring back to His Majesty Mu'nim Kh&n, Shah&bu-d din Ahmad Kh&n, and K&sim Hh&n. The thought of having participated in this plot weighed upon the mind of Mu^nim KhS,n, so although he held the title* of £h&n- kh&u&n^ and held the offices of minister (wakdlat) and tutor (atdlik), he having found an opportunity left Agra by night, and went off along with K&sim Khdn, commander of the boats, to- wards K&bul, where his son ^Abdu-1 Ghani Khdn was then^iving. When they came to the pargam of Sarut, in the Doab, the jdgir of Mir Mahmud MunsM^ one of the MunsMs officers, Easim Ali Sistdni, who was shikkddr of the district, having heard of their arrival as^fugitives from the Court, went out with a party of the inhabitants, an<t made them prisoners. They were then sent to His Majesty, who winked at their offence, and reinstated them in their offices.

Tljp country of the Gakhars lies upon the banks of the river Sind, well known as the NU-db. This territory, from the Siw41ik hills to the borders of Kashmir, has been from all time the possession of the Gakhars, although other tribes, such as the Khari, Jdnuba, Jatriya, Bhukiydl, and Jat dwell in those parts in subordination to the Gakhars. From the beginning of the reign of the late Emperor Bdbar to the present time, this tribe would not suffer any intermission of loyalty to the illustrious dynasty, but remained steadfast in their obedience and devotion. Sarang Sult&n was especially noted for his fidelity and loyalty. When Sher Kh4n acquired the supreme power in Hinddst&n, he wanted to bring the Gakhars under his authority, and used strenuous exertions to effect his purpose, but made little progress, until he succeeded, after much trouble, in getting Sprang Sultdn into his hands as a prisoner. He ordered Sdrang Sultdn to be flayed, and shut up his son Kam&l Eh4n in the fort of Gwalior.

After tha death of S&rang, his brother Adam became the chief of the clan. He also espoused the cause of the Imperial family, and opposed the Afghans.