[It has already been mentioned that Sháh Jahán, with a small party of adherents, had proceeded to Thatta. In former years he had kept up friendly relations and correspondence with Sháh 'Abbás of Persia, and in his present difficulties he entertained the idea of going to him, hoping to receive a friendly reception, until by some means he got over his troubles. On approaching Thatta, Sharífu-l Mulk, the governor of the country, and a devoted servant of Shahriyár's, came forward arrogantly with 3000 or 4000 horse, and 10,000 infantry, collected from the country, to oppose Sháh Jahán's progress. The Prince had with him only 300 or 400 horse; but Sharífu-l Mulk was afraid to attack them, and retired into the fortress of the city. The fortress had been lately repaired, many guns had been mounted, and chosen parties of men held the various bastions, prepared to make a vigorous defence. Sháh Jahán forbad any attempt upon the fort, and desired to avoid a sacrifice of life from the fire of the fortress. A party of his brave fellows, not heeding his prohibition, made an attack; but the works were too strong, and the fire too heavy, so they were repulsed. Some days later another party, unable to repress their ardour, made another attack. The ground round the fortress was level and open, with not a mound, a wall, a tree, or any kind of shelter. So they placed their shields in front of them, and rushed forward. They came upon a broad and deep ditch, which was full of water. To advance was impossible, to return still more so. Trusting in Providence as their fortress, there they stayed. Sháh Jahán sent to recall them, but they did not retire. Some of his most devoted servants went to bring them back; but each one that went took part with them, and choosing the road to death, never returned.
Various events now occurred to prevent Sháh Jahán from proceeding to Persia. Prince Parwez was very dangerously ill, and the attempt to subdue Thatta seemed futile, so he determined to return by way of Gujarát and the country of Bihára (Birár?) to the Dakhin. Being weak and ill, he was obliged to travel in a pálkí. He now received intelligence of the death of Prince Parwez, and this hastened his movements. He pursued the route which Mahmúd of Ghazní had taken when he conquered Somnáth. Passing by Rájpiplíya, he arrived at Násik Tirbang in the Dakhin, where he had left his stores and equipage.]
[Nizámu-l Mulk, in concert with Fath Khán, son of Malik 'Ambar, took hostile measures, * * so Khán Jahán placed Lashkar Khán in charge of Burhánpúr, and marched to Khirkí to frustrate his attempts. * * Nizámu-l Mulk was in the fortress of Daulatábád. He made Hamíd Khán, an Abyssinian slave,* his commander-in-chief, and delivered over to him the general management of his State. Nizámu-l Mulk was thus kept under control like a bird in a cage; out of doors by the Abyssinian, and indoors by his wife.
When Khán Jahán's approach became known, Hamíd Khán
took three lacs of húns, and went to meet him. The Abyssinian's
wiles and the temptation of the money, led Khán Jahán from the
course of rectitude. He agreed to take the money, and to restore
all the country of the Bálághát, as far as the fortress of Ahmad-
One of these letters was sent to Sipahdár Khán, the commandant of Ahmadnagar. When Nizámu-l Mulk's officers went there, the Khán said, “Take possession of the country, for it belongs to you; but I will not surrender the fort without a royal farmán.” The representatives of Nizámu-l Mulk did their utmost to persuade him, but it was all in vain; he never swerved from his determination, and he busied himself in laying in provisions, and putting the fortress in a state of defence. Other commandants weakly surrendered the country of the Bálághát at the command of Khán Jahán, and repaired to Burhánpúr.
At this time died, in the seventy-second year of his age, Khán-khánán, son of Bairam Khán, one of the greatest nobles of the reign of the late Emperor Akbar, who had rendered honourable services and gained important victories. * *
Mahábat Khán, when he turned off from the road to Thatta, sent his men to meet the convoy of treasure which was on its way to him, and either to bring it after him, or bear it out of the Imperial territory. He concealed himself for some time in the hills of the Ráná's country, and then sent persons to Sháh Jahán to express his contrition. The Prince received his apologies kindly, called him to his presence, and treated him with great favour and kindness.*] * *