[Text, vol. iii. p. 390.] In the previous year Khán-i 'Azam Mirzá Koka received the Imperial commands to put aside his work of punishing the rebels of Bihár, and to devote his energies to the conquest of Bengal. By good fortune, the rebels of Bihár had been put to flight before the arrival of the Imperial forces. But the rainy season came on, and the campaign was deferred for that year. When the rains subsided, Sádik Khán, Shaikh Ibráhím, and Shaikh Faríd Bukhárí took their departure from Court. Officers were also sent by different roads to all the chiefs of Illahábás, Oudh, and Bihár. In a short time a large force was collected in Hájípúr, and was eager for the advance. Khán-i 'Azam, with an escort of chosen troops, proceeded by way of Garhí. Tarsún Khán * * and others crossed over the river to co-operate on the other side, but being greatly impeded by the abundance of trees, ravines, and water and mud, they recrossed the river and joined the army near Mongír. Tarsún Khán and * * then went forward one or two stages in advance. The rebels occupied a position near Káli-gang, and were prepared to fight. Mirzá Sharfu-d dín Husain, Bábá Khán Kákshál, and many other leading rebels were dead, so Ma'súm Kábulí had succeeded to the command. Katlú Lohání headed the rebels in Orissa, and part of Bengal also was in his power. On hearing of the advance of the Imperial army, Ma'súm Kábulí fell back towards Katlú, with whom he entered into negociations, and succeeded in obtaining a promise of support in men and munitions, when the Imperial forces should arrive. After making this agreement, Ma'súm hastened to Ghorá-ghát and won over Jabbárí, Mirzá Beg, and all the Káksháls. To give them a feeling of security, he left his family and children at their abodes. He himself, with a body of rebels, proceeded to the Káli-gang,* and there made ready for battle.
On the 9th Farwardín, the advanced force of the Imperial army made an easy capture of Garhí, which is the gate of that part of the country. The amírs pushed on, and, fortune favouring them, they, on the 16th, came in sight of the enemy, and arrayed their forces for action. They placed batteries on the banks of the Káli-gang, and made ready their war-boats. As the generals were apprehensive of an attack from Katlú, they detached 4000 horse, under the command of Wazír Khán, towards Balkana, and this force went about twelve kos from the Imperial camp, to watch the movements of the enemy and guard against surprise.
Skirmishes with muskets and bows went on, and some valiant deeds were performed. But the idle talk and timid suggestions of ignorant people began to take effect upon the leaders of the army. The strength of the enemy's force was greatly exaggerated. So an application was made to the Emperor for reinforcements. The Emperor expressed his opinion that news of victory would soon arrive, but he directed Mirzá Khán, Zain Khán Koka, and * * many others to march eastwards with additional forces. But before they were ready to march, intelligence arrived of victory, and of the flight of the enemy. * * *
The Imperial army had been lying nearly a month in face of the enemy, and interchanges of cannonade and musketry went on daily. Deeds of valour were shown on either side, but a panic at length fell upon the enemy, and the royal army obtained the victory on the 4th of the month. The enemy then fled and dispersed. While a warm action was going on, Kází-záda, a leading man among the rebels, arrived from Fathábád, bringing with him many war-boats and supplies of munitions. He was struck dead by a cannon-ball. Ma'súm Khán then ordered Kálá Pahár, a distinguished rebel, to take his place; but he soon met with the same fate. Dissensions arose among the enemy, and Ma'súm Khán, the Kákshál clan, and Khálidín distrusted each other. The Imperial amírs took advantage of this disunion. Khálidín was first won over, and induced to take the oath of allegiance. Mirzá Beg Kákshál and Jabbárí also made terms, secretly engaging not to fight any more, and to proceed homewards. After a few days they came into the Imperial camp. The enemy being greatly downcast and discouraged, took to flight. 'Azam Khán endeavoured to pursue them, but his efforts were countervailed by the faint-hearted and frivolous objections of some of his officers. So the discomfited enemy made his escape. When the news of this victory reached the Court, orders were given to stop the march of the reinforcements.
Ma'súm, after his defeat, fled to the home of the Káksháls, in order to save his family and children from harm, now that there was ill-feeling between him and the Káksháls. Mirzá Muhammad Kákshál received him in a friendly spirit; but the Káksháls in general had posted their forces about Ghorá-ghát, and were prepared to fight. Ma'súm plundered Ghorá-ghát, and was about to attack the Káksháls. But Khán-i 'Azam sent * * with about 4000 horse, under the command of Tarsún Khán. He arrived, just as matters were going hard with the Káksháls, defeated the enemy, and drove him to Ghorá-ghát. Mirzá Beg, Khálidín, Wazír Jamíl, and others renewed their promises, and went away from the royal camp.
* * After this defeat of Ma'súm Khán, the royal forces prepared to march against Katlú, but Khán-i 'Azam had suffered from the elimate, and sought to be relieved of his command. The royal order was for one of the amírs to take command of the army and the management of the country for a few days; and either to return to Bihár or stay where they were. Shortly afterwards, on the 8th Khurdád, Sháhbáz Khán was appointed to the command.