[Text, vol. iii. p. 640.] This country had always been governed by independent rulers. Among them was one named Partáb Ráo, whose son, Nar Singh, strove against him, and took an opportunity of poisoning him. Mukund Deo, a native of Telingana, and a servant of the late Rájá, rose up in opposition to the new ruler. Upon the pretence that his wife was going to pay a visit to the usurper, he sent a number of dúlís, filled with arms, and a number of active men as ostensible guards of his tribute. They were admitted into the fort, and soon put an end to the usurper. Although it was the rule and custom that new rulers should not expend the treasures accumulated by their predecessors, Mukund broke open seventy chests, and appropriated their contents. He was very liberal in the use of them, but his act alienated the feelings of the people.
When Sikandar Khán Uzbek left the Imperial service and joined Sulaimán Kirání, the latter sent his son, Báyazíd, by way of Jhárkand, the Benares of that country, against Orissa; and he sent Sikandar with him. The Rájá sent two of his chiefs to oppose him, but many of their men were lured by money to desert them and abandon their master. Some fighting followed, in which Mukund and his general Ishat Ráí were killed. Power then fell into the hands of Rakh Banj (?), but Sulaimán got him into his power, and made an end of him. He then established his power over the whole country.
In the time of Khán-khánán Mun'im Khán and Khán-jahán, a large portion of this country had been brought under the Imperial rule; but through the incompetency of the amírs it had been wrested from them by Katlú Lohání. When Katlú died, and Rájá Mán Singh withdrew his forces, as before related, his course was disapproved by many wise men; but a treaty was patched up. The evil spirits of the country now strove to overthrow each other, but so long as Katlú's vakíl 'Ísá lived, the treaty was observed. When he died, the turbulent Afgháns seized upon the temple of Jagannáth, and plundered the country of Hamír, who had proved himself loyal.
Rájá Mán Singh regretted the treaty he had formerly made, and projected another campaign, for which he received the Imperial permission. The forces of Bengal and Bihár were named for the service. On the 23rd Ábán, he set off by water, but Tolak Khán and * * the other amírs proceeded by land. Mádhú and Lakhí Ráí and * * other zamíndárs were sent by way of Jhárkand under the command of Yúsuf Khán, the ruler of Kashmír. When the army reached Bengal, Sa'íd Khán, the ruler of the province, was ill; but as the business was urgent, the Rájá pushed on without him. When Sa'íd recovered, he followed the army, and joined it with * * many chiefs and 6500 horse. A great part of the country was occupied. The crafty Afgháns sought to make peace; but experience had shown what their professions were worth, and a deaf ear was turned to their propositions, though some of the amírs of Bengal were in favour of an amicable settlement. The enemy took up a position in the forests of Midnapúr, a place in the middle of Orissa. [Disposition of the royal forces.] On the 31st Farwardín, Rájá Mán Singh ordered an advance. * * The enemy then crossed the river, and set their forces in array. Their centre, under the command of Nasíb Khán and Jamál Khán, sons of Katlú, consisted of 3000 horse, and twenty-five elephants. In the wings were 2000 horse and twenty-five elephants, and in their advance were 1200 horse and eighty elephants. Battle was joined and was well contested, the result being for some time doubtful. * * But victory declared in favour of the Imperial forces. The Afgháns had 300 men killed, and the royal army lost forty men.