[Text, vol. iii. p. 436.] When Sháhbáz Khán marched against Bhátí, a force was sent under Wazír Khán to Burdwan, against Katlú. But the time was passed in doing nothing, until Sádik Khán arrived. He was an active and intelligent officer, and soon worked a change. The rebel fled in shame to Orissa, and the Imperial officers pursued him to Takarohí, where he was so pressed that he was obliged to seek refuge in the forests of Dharmpúr. Unwilling to molest him farther, and weary of the campaign, the amírs renewed to him the former offer of allowing him to remain ruler of Orissa, as a tributary of the Empire. He accepted the terms, sent his nephew to Court to express his allegiance and duty, and made an offering of sixty choice elephants.
[Text, vol. iii. p. 437.] Sháhbáz Khán occupied a position on the Panár river, a branch of the Brahmaputra. Here he entered into negociations with the rebels, in the expectation of being able to win them over to his views. 'Ísá received his propositions very respectfully, and for a time kept up communications. But it became apparent that his words and his intentions were not in unison, and so the war again began. For seven months the Imperial forces obtained victories from time to time, and the rebels were disheartened by failure. But Sháhbáz Khán, in his self-conceit, had paid little regard to the feelings of the amírs in his army. They combined to thwart him, and ill-feeling waxed powerful. Death was busy among them, and their position became insupportable. The enemy knew that the Imperial army was dispirited, and although, by good fortune, there had been little rain, the men were listless and in low spirits. The enemy brought up a number of labourers, and cut the banks of the Brahmaputra in fifteen places, and turned the waters into the Imperial camp. When the batteries were flooded, they brought up to them large boats, called in the language of the country biyára. A fire of cannons and musketry was opened on both sides, and suddenly a great stroke of fortune happened to the Imperial forces, when a musket-ball from their ranks killed the commander of the assailants Some of the boats came in collision, and suddenly the waters began to fall. This compelled them to take flight, and many of their men were drowned. They were defeated on all sides, except in the battery of Saiyid Husain, thánádár of Dacca, who was taken prisoner.
'Ísá now awoke from his dream of ignorance, and opened communications through the medium of this prisoner. Sháhbáz Khán received his overtures favourably, and 'Ísá consented to submit to the supremacy of the Emperor, and to acknowledge himself a servant. The port of Sunárgánw was to receive an Imperial dárogha. Ma'súm was to be sent on the pilgrimage to Mecca, and tribute was to be transmitted to the Emperor. He won the hearts of the amírs by his munificent presents, and the royal army retired.
Sháhbáz Khán crossed the river, and reached the confines of
Bhowál, looking for the fulfilment of the agreement; but the
mind of 'Ísá had been perverted by evil counsellors. He now
made new propositions and conditions, which led to sharp contentions.
Preparations for renewing the war went on, and on
the 19th Mihr he offered battle. The amírs in the royal army
were so short-sighted and weak in judgment, that they looked
for their own advantage in the failure of Sháhbáz Khán, and
thought to profit by his defeat. The first to leave him was
Muhibb 'Alí Khán, and he was followed by others, who each
pursued his own course. Sháh Kulí Khán Mahram made a
stand against the enemy; but he was wounded, and was ill-
'Ísá was too cautious to leave his own country, but he induced Ma'súm to advance to Sherpúr. A detachment of the rebels overran the country as far as Málda, and to within twelve kos of Tánda. Wazír Khán did not feel sufficient confidence to go out and attack them; but he held his ground, and secured that important city. The royal messengers now arrived, and turned Sháhbáz Khán back with words of censure. He was told that if more forces were necessary, Rájá Todar Mal and other chiefs should be ordered to join him; but he replied that his army was now numerous, and the men full of ardour. On the 18th De, he entered Bengal, intent on the conquest of Bhátí, and the rebels retreated before him. On reaching the Jumná,* he learnt that Ma'súm was at Sherpúr, and did not expect that his opponents would cross the river. Sháhbáz Khán immediately determined to cross the river and advance; but the amírs dissented from his design. However, he skilfully conveyed some troops over this great river, and immediately upon their approach the enemy fled, leaving many prisoners and much spoil behind them. * * * Sa'íd Khán and * * went in pursuit of the enemy, who fell back as he approached. After the country was clear of the rebels, the amírs returned to Sherpúr Míraja. * *
While the Imperial forces were at Sherpúr, Ma'súm Khán proceeded towards Fathábád in Orissa, and Dastam Khán Kákshál also remained in that neighbourhood, in the hope that if the Imperial army were divided, he might find an opportunity of striking a blow, and before any intelligence was received about Ma'súm, this rebel (Dastam Khán) had overrun the country to within twelve kos of the Imperial camp. A force was sent against him, before which he retired. [Dissensions of Sháhbáz Khán and the amírs.]
At length it was agreed that as the enemy had two armies, the Imperial forces should also be divided. One under Wazír Khán and * * was to march against Ma'súm; while Sháhbáz Khán and * * remained where they were, to watch over and keep in check the rebels of that quarter. * *