An Account of the manner in which the Khwája 'Abdú-l Majíd Ásaf Khán conquered the country of Panna* and Garha-katanka, by the eternal good fortune of His Majesty.
It is not unknown to those who are acquainted with the events of this period, that Khwája 'Abdú-l Majíd Harawí was originally a scribe, who had, during the reign of the late blessed monarch, been constantly employed in transacting the affairs of the household. During His Majesty's fortunate reign, he had also held similar offices of trust. Step by step he obtained promotion, and received the title of Ásaf Khán. A jágír was given him in the sarkár of Garha-katanka, which is a very spacious country. Katanka is a separate village near Garha. In the year 970, and the eighth year of the reign, his experience induced him to desire to gain possession of the land of Panna, which adjoined his own possessions. He sent an urgent message to Rájá Rám Chand, whose ancestors had always ruled that country, and with whom Ghází Khán Tátár had taken refuge after his flight from the Court of the Asylum of the Universe. He counselled him strongly for his own welfare to become a subject of His Majesty, and pay him tribute. He also recommended him to send Ghází Khán, who had been a rebel, and received shelter from him, to the Protector of the World.
Ram Chand's ill-fortune and pride prevented him from being moved by these representations, and he made preparations for war. Ásaf Khán, being free from apprehension, and trusting in the eternal success of His Majesty's arms, brought an army against him. Rájá Rám Chand, aided by Ghází Khán Tátár, and a vast multitude, like locusts and ants, also drew up in battle array. Both parties did their best, and fought valiantly; but, at last, Rám Chand was routed, and Ghází Khán and many others were put to the sword. Rájá Rám Chand fled thence to the castle of Mándhún, which is noted for being one of the strongest fortified places in Hindústán. Much plunder fell into the hands of the victorious troops. Shortly afterwards Rájá Rám Chand, repenting of what he had done, by the assistance of several of the chief Rájás who were faithful subjects of the King, was admitted into the train of the submissive and obedient. A royal farmán was despatched to the effect, that as Rájá Rám Chand had taken the best course for his own good, and submitted himself, his country was not to be invaded. On the receipt of this order, Ásaf Khán returned to his own jágír, and took measures for the reduction of Garha, which was near his own territory.
* The chief place of that country is Chaurágarh. The land contains 70,000 inhabited villages. It is bounded on one side by Málwa and the Dakhin, on another by Garha. It is a separate principality, governed by a Rání named Durgávatí, who was remarkable for her beauty and loveliness. Ásaf Khán, whose possessions her country bordered on, and whose people were constantly going to and fro, managed to make himself well acquainted with its general condition, and the state of its revenues. He began to ravage and plunder the villages in its districts, waiting for an opportunity of taking more extreme measures. At last, in the year 971, in the ninth year of the reign, he valiantly set out with 10,000 horse and foot, purposing to take possession of the country. His valour made him look on this as a matter of easy accomplishment. The Rání, owing to her pride and confidence in her own skill and courage, attended to her own affairs, and utterly disregarded the fact that she had a neighbour whose valour had been proved on several occasions, particularly in the case of Báz Bahádur, who had attacked him with the Afgháns of the tribe of Míyánah, and whom he had vanquished. She had always kept up a force of 20,000 horsemen, but she was suddenly told that the valiant troops of His Majesty had arrived at Damúda, one of her chief towns, at a time when her troops were dispersed. She had only 500 men with her. Adhár, who was entrusted with the management of the whole business of that country, informed her how affairs stood. The Rání said, “This is through your stupidity. I have long ruled this country, and never acted in such a manner as to bring disgrace on myself. Now, from what you tell me, if the King were here in person, I would present myself before him; but now there is no remedy but war!” The Rání made four marches from that place, and found herself face to face with the Imperial army.
Ásaf Khán had gone as far as Damúda with great speed, but he delayed there. The Rání thus had time to collect some 4000 men, and her courtiers recommended her to give battle, advising her, however, to post herself in some strong position until the arrival of more troops. The Rání agreed to this counsel, and retreated into the jungles and strong places, so that Ásaf Khán became ignorant of her whereabouts. Ásaf Khán turned back from that place, and on reaching Garha, he took possession of its villages and territories. In the mean time, 5000 men had been collected. When Ásaf Khán was informed of the Rání's movements, he left a force in Garha, and proceeded in person against her. The Rání was informed of this, and said to her people, “How long shall we take refuge among the trees and jungles?” She then made up her mind to fight, and mounting her elephant, she went amidst her troops, endeavouring by suitable exhortations to encourage and prepare them for war. When both armies met, a desperate battle began. Three hundred Mughals obtained martyrdom, and the Rání pursued the fugitives.