CHAPTER CXXX.
VICTORY OF THE IMPERIALISTS AND DEFEAT OF THE DECCANĪS.

On account of the affair of Aḥmadnagar and the dissensions* (among the imperialists), the Deccanīs fell into evil thoughts. They did not open their eyes to daily-increasing fortune, and set their hearts upon fighting. Prince Sulān Murād formed the idea of giving battle, but the officers were critical and did not agree to this. A confidential meeting was held, and they sate down to consider how 718 things should be remedied. M. Shahrukh was chosen as the leader, and the Khān-khānān obtained leave to command many brave men. Treasure, elephants and artillery were also properly arranged for. They relied on the Divine aid and drew up in battle array. In the centre were M. Shahrukh, the Khān-khānān, M. 'Alī Beg, S. Daulat, I'tibār K., Wafādār K., Afẓal Tulakcī, Sher Afkan, Mīr Sharīf Gilānī, Muḥammad K., 'Alī K., Mīr Niām, Qādir Qulīkoka, Islām K., Mīr Qub-ud-dīn, Mīr Muḥammad Amīn Mandūdī, Hazāra Beg, Mīr ūfān, Mīrak Beg, 'Alī Qulī, Sā'id Guāliyārī and others.

(Here follow long lists of names).

With devout hearts and high courage they marched from Shāhpūr towards the enemy and chose Ashtī 12 kos from Pāthrī as the battle-field. The enemy also arranged their forces and sought for battle. The Niāmu-l-Mulk's soldiers were in the centre. 'Ādil khānīān on the right wing, the Qutbu-l-mulk army on the left 719 wing. On the 28th Bahman, 8 (?) February 1597, when a watch of the day had passed, they crossed the river Ganges (the Godavery) and set their hearts on battle. The battle began with the Ūqlīs (archers ?) on the right wing, and Sher Khwāja performed wonders. The enemy had taken up a strong position and stood firm. They used their firearms and did not move. Active men came out on every side and fought. At the close of the day there was a great engagement, and brave men became intermingled. On account of the numbers of the enemy and their abundant firearms many lost the foot of courage. Jagannāth with some men, and Rai Durgā and Rāj Singh and other Rājpūt leaders, drew their rein and kept their ground. The 'Ādilkhānīāns attacked the ruler of Khandes. He stood firm and bravely fell. Thirty-five noted men, and 500 ser­vants, gave up their lives in his company. M. Shāhrukh, the Khān-khānān and M. 'Alī Beg drove off the enemy in front of them and became spectators of the jugglery of fortune. Saiyid Qāsim and other warriors also prevailed over their opponents. The enemy thought that the ruler of Khāndes was in the centre and that his death involved the defeat of M. Shahrukh and the Khān-khānān. On that dark night the opposing forces separated and stood still. Both thought* they had won and mounted their horses. Many who had fled out of fear returned. The leaders of the army thought that Rajah 'Alī K. had joined the enemy, or had retired. On this account they plundered his quarters. Dwārikā Dās in the vanguard, and Saiyid Jalāl on the right wing, nobly played away their brief lives. Rām Cand, who had fought strenuously on that day, received twenty wounds in Rajah 'Alī K.'s army and lay on the ground. On that night he was mingled with the elect. On the morning he was lifted up and taken to a house.* After some days he died. In the morn­ing, although the victorious army was 7,000 strong, and the enemy 25,000, they gave their minds to battle. As the whole night they had suffered from thirst they hurried towards* the river. The enemy, who were in two minds, thought of fighting on seeing this inopportune movement, but after a short contest they took to flight. Many of them were slain. Ankas K., Mīān Zainu-d-dīn, Haibat K., Sharīf K., Sarkash K., Bhīlun K., Sarmast K., Rūmī and other leaders of the 'Ādilkhānīs were killed. Shamsheru-l-Mulk, 'Āzīu-l-Mulk, Dilpat Rai, Yāsīn K., Azhdar K., of the Niamu-l-Mulkīs, were killed. Ikhlāṣ K., āhīr K. and some others of the Qubu-l-Mulkīs were killed. As the victorious troops were wearied with the long fighting they did not pursue the enemy, but remained where they were and returned thanks. Though the enemy were more than 60,000 horse, and the imperial servants 15,000, a great victory was obtained by God's help, and high and low* were aston­ished. Forty chosen elephants and a park of artillery were taken. 720 Next day Rajah 'Alī was recognised on the battle-field, and his body was taken up. The evil-thoughted and the foolish talkers were ashamed. The understanding of the story of a battle is like that of the blind men and the elephant. Every one relates it differently. He who knows about both armies is not to be found, and each party has a confused knowledge. It is better to stop contented with what has been said.

At this time Zain Koka was sent off to Kabul. As Qulīj K. had not managed Afghanistan well, this chosen servant was sent there after receiviug valuable instructions. Kabul was made his fief, and the jāgīrdārs there were enjoined to act under his orders. On the 6th (Isfāndarmaẕ) the festival of the lunar weighment took place, and H.M. was weighed against eight articles. There was a time of rejoicing, and high and low enjoyed* themselves.