Conclusion of peace with Dáúd. His interview with Khán-khánán.

After his defeat, Dáúd fled to Katak Banáras (Cuttack), in the centre of Orissa, and Khán-khánán, who remained stationary on account of his wounds, held a council, in which he and his amírs determined to pursue Dáúd.* Rájá Todar Mal and * * * were directed to proceed after him, and it was agreed that Khán-khánán himself would follow as soon as his wounds permitted. The Rájá and his amírs accordingly started, and did not halt until they reached Kalkal-ghátí.* After resting there a while, the scouts brought in the intelligence that Dáúd and the Afgháns, with their wives and children, were shut up in the fort of Katak Banáras. Reduced to extremities, and having no other refuge, the men were resolved upon fighting, and fugitives from the field of battle daily gathered round them. Rájá Todar Mal sent a report of the state of affairs to Khán-khánán,* and the Khán set out for Katak Banáras, never resting till he came within two kos of that place. Then he held a council with his amírs, and having pitched his camp on the banks of the Mahá-nadí, which is half a kos from Katak, he began to collect materials for a siege.

Dáúd had suffered several defeats in succession, and Gújar Khán, his mainstay and support, was slain. Death stared him in the face; so, in his despair and misery, he sent a messenger to Khán-khánán with a message to this effect: “The striving to crush a party of Musulmáns is no noble work. I am ready to submit and become a subject; but I beg that a corner of this wide country of Bengál sufficient for my support may be assigned to me. If this is granted, I will rest content, and never after rebel.” The amírs communicated this to Khán-khánán, and after considerable discussion, it was determined to accept the proposal,* upon the condition that Dáúd himself should come out to meet Khán-khánán, and confirm the agreement by solemn binding oaths.*

Next day* Khán-khánán ordered a grand Court to be held, and all the nobles and attendants to be present in their places in fine array, and the troops drawn up in arms in front of the tents. Dáúd came out of the fort, attended by his Afghán nobles and officers, and proceeded to the tent of Khán-khánán. When he approached it, Khán-khánán, with great courtesy and respect, rose up and walked half-way down the tent to meet him. When they met, Dáúd loosened his sword from the belt, and holding it before him, said, “I am tired of war since it inflicts wounds on worthy men like you.” Khán-khánán took the sword, and handed it to one of his attendants. Then gently taking Dáúd by the hand, he seated him by his side, and made the most kind and fatherly inquiries. Food and drink and sweetmeats were served, of which the Khán pressed him to partake.

After the dishes were removed, the terms of peace came under discussion. Dáúd protested that he would never take any course hostile to the Imperial throne, and he confirmed his promise by the most stringent oaths. The treaty of peace was drawn up, and then Khán-khánán brought a sword with a jewelled belt of great value out of his stores, and presenting it to Dáúd, said, “You have now become a subject of the Imperial throne, and have promised to give it your support. I have therefore requested that the country of Orissa may be settled upon you for your support, and I feel assured that His Majesty will confirm my proposition—granting this to you as my tankhwáh has been granted to me. I now gird you afresh with this war­like sword.” Then he bound on the sword with his own hands; and showing him every courtesy, and making him a great variety of gifts, he dismissed him. The Court then broke up, and Khán-khánán started on his return.

On the 10th Safar, 983, he reached Tánda the capital, and sent a report of his arrangements to the Emperor, who was greatly delighted and satisfied with the conquest of Bengal. Splendid robes and jewelled swords, and a horse with a golden saddle, were sent to Khán-khánán, and all the arrangements he had made were confirmed.