Just at this time accounts arrived of the operations which Mír Mu'izu-l Mulk and the other nobles were carrying on against Bahádur Khán and Sikandar, whom Khán-zamán had sent to create disturbances and make a diversion in the sarkár of Sarwár. When intelligence of the approach of the royal forces reached them, they halted where they were, and sent persons to Mír Mu'izu-l Mulk to assure him that they had no wish to contend against him, and entreated him to be the mediator to obtain their forgiveness from the Emperor. They promised to send the elephant which they had as an offering, and to return to their duty upon pardon being vouchsafed to them. Mu'izu-l Mulk sent to say that their offences could be purified only by the sword. Bahádur Khán again sent a person to Mu'izu-l Mulk to propose that he should wait upon him, and discuss the matter. Mu'izu-l Mulk agreed to this, and went to the border of his camp, whither Bahádur Khán came to meet him, and to make his propositions of peace. But Mu'izu-l Mulk would hear of nothing but war, so Bahádur Khán returned disappointed, and resolved to make ready for battle.
Lashkar Khán Mír Bakhshí and Rájá Todar Mal* now arrived with reinforcements for the royal army,* and Bahádur Khán and Sikandar Khán renewed their proposals of peace, and asked for a delay until it was ascertained what answer was given by the Emperor to the mother of Khán-jahán and to Ibráhím Khán, who had been sent to sue for forgiveness. But Mu'izu-l Mulk was so eager for war* that he would not listen to their words, and so brought upon himself defeat.
Mu'izu-l Mulk drew out his forces for battle, and sent on his advanced guard under Muhammad Amín Díwána, Salím Khán, 'Abdu-l Matlab Khán, Beg Múrín Khán, and other veteran soldiers; he himself took post with the main body. On the other side Sikandar had command of the advance, and Bahádur of the centre. In this order they advanced, and a warm action ensued. The royal forces defeated the advanced division under the command of Sikandar. Muhammad Yár, his son-in law, was killed, and he himself fell back to the Black River, which was in his rear. Many of his soldiers were drowned in the river, and many others died by the sword. The victorious forces then broke up in search of plunder. Mu'izu-l Mulk, with a few men, kept his position, and Bahádur until now did not stir from his post. But now he seized the favourable moment, attacked Mu'izu-l Mulk, and drove him from his position. Muhammad Bákí Khán and other of the amírs, under pretence of securing the baggage, and some others, treacherously withdrew themselves and stamped themselves with disloyalty. Sháh Bidágh Khán, observing the condition of affairs, hastened forward, and in the heat of the fight was unhorsed. His son 'Abdu-l Matlab Khán rushed forward to rescue his father; but just at that juncture a party of the enemy made a charge and took Bidágh Khán prisoner, and it was only by dint of great exertion that 'Abdu-l Matlab made his escape. Mír Mu'izu-l Mulk was compelled to turn his back and flee. Rájá Todar Mal and Lashkar Khán, who were in reserve, struggled valiantly till night, and maintained their position; but as the centre had been driven away, their efforts were fruitless.
Next day all the defeated forces assembled in one place,* and made for Kanauj, after sending a report of the engagement to His Majesty.
It has already been related how Khán-khánán conducted the mother of Khán-zamán and Ibráhím Khán, with Mír Hádí Sadr and Nizám Áká, to the Court of the Emperor. Ibráhím Khán, with uncovered head and with a sword and shroud upon his neck, stepped forward, and Khán-khánán entreated forgiveness. He urged that the services of Khán-zamán and his brother to the Imperial throne were manifest to all men, and the services they had rendered were invaluable. By the influence of their destiny they had now been guilty of an offence; but he trusted that the boundless mercy and kindness of His Majesty would look with an eye of tenderness upon the faults of such useful servants.
When this old servant thus besought forgiveness for past offences with a face full of hope, the Emperor, out of the kindness that he felt for Khán-khánán, said, “For your sake, I forgive their offences, but I am not satisfied that they will remain faithful.” Khán-khánán then inquired what the order was as regarded their jágírs, and His Majesty replied, “As I have pardoned their offences, what question can there be about their jágírs? But so long as I remain in this neighbourhood they must not come over the river. When I return to the capital, they must send their vakíls there, and farmáns for their jágírs shall then be issued, under which they may take possession.” Khán-khánán cast a look of joy to heaven, and sent the good news of the pardon to the mother of Khán-zamán. By command of the Emperor, the sword and shroud were taken off the neck of Ibráhím Khán. Khán-zamán's mother immediately sent messengers to Sikandar and Bahádur Khán, to carry the glad tidings of the pardon, and to inspire them with hope. She also advised them to send directly to Court the elephants which they possessed. Sikandar and Bahádur were greatly delighted at this information, and sent the elephants called Koh pára and Saf-shikan, along with other gifts, to His Majesty.
At the same time the report arrived from Rájá Todar Mal and Lashkar Khán upon the action which had been fought, and upon the misconduct of some of the amírs, as above related. His Majesty had pardoned the offences (of Sikandar and Bahádur Khán), so he said “their faults have been forgiven;” and to carry out his decision he sent orders to his amírs to return to Court. Mír Mu'izu-l Mulk, Rájá Todar Mal, and Lashkar Khán, accordingly returned; but those who had acted disgracefully were forbidden to make their appearance for a time.
The Emperor then went to visit the fort of Chunár, celebrated for its height and strength. He made three days' march from Jaunpúr to Benares, and there rested several days. From thence he went to the fortress, and having surveyed it, he ordered it to be repaired and strengthened. Here he was informed that there were many elephants in the jungles of Chunár, so he set off with a party of his attendants on a hunting expedition. At ten kos distance they found a herd, and having captured ten, they returned to the fort of Chunár, and from thence to the Imperial camp.
It has been above related how Khán-zamán was pardoned, and his jágírs restored, upon condition that he did not pass over the river without permission. But when the Emperor had gone to Chunár, he crossed the river, and went to Muhammadábád, one of the dependencies of Jaunpúr, and from thence sent parties of troops to occupy Gházípúr and Jaunpúr. As soon as the Emperor returned to his camp, he was informed of this evil proceeding of 'Alí Kulí Khán's, and he said reproachfully to Khán-khánán, “No sooner had I quitted this neighbourhood than 'Alí Kulí Khán broke the conditions of his pardon.” Khán-khánán looked mortified, and endeavoured to make excuse.
Orders were given for Ashraf Khán Mír-bakhshí to go to Jaunpúr, and make prisoner the mother of 'Alí Kulí Khán, who was in that city, and to confine her in the fort of Jaunpúr. He was also to secure every rebel he could lay hold of. Khwája Jahán and Muzaffar Khán were to remain with the camp, and lead it by regular marches. The Emperor himself, with a considerable force, started off upon a rapid march against 'Alí Kulí Khán. Ja'far Khán, son of Karák Khán Turkomán, who had come from 'Irák, went to the fort of Gházípúr, intending to make a dash at it; but 'Alí Kulí Khán's people, who were in the fort, hearing of his intention, let themselves down from the walls on to the river Ganges, and went to Muhammadábád.