Dara's design was to continue his advance until he had closed with Aurangzeb, and could attack him in person ; but, owing to the difficulties of the ground and to the fatigue that overcame him, he made a short halt. This hindered his winning the day; for if he had kept his original rate of progress, and maintained the vigour of his onslaught, the victory was his. Aurangzeb could have made no resistance with the small force left round him, for with a few men it was not possible to repel his enemy's victorious fighters, full of bravery and strength.
But Aurangzeb's lucky star worked in his favour, for while Dara was still halted news came to him that Chhatar Sal Rae had been routed and killed by Najabat Khan's force. Subsequently another still more unhappy report reached him (Dara). Rustam Khan who fought against Sultan Muhammad and Bahadur
Khan, was also dead and his division in disorder. These leaders were killed by the traitors in their ranks, it being the more easy to kill them that they were riding on high elephants.
Learning that the troops of the two deceased generals were still fighting valorously, he (Dara) turned off to reinforce those divisions, doing his work so effectually that he routed Sultan Muhammad and Najabat Khan, and failed not at all in that which is expected of a valiant general. If that coward traitor, Khalilullah Khan, had made the slightest effort in support of his Prince Dara, there can be no doubt that this day would have seen the destruction of the rebels, and have become a consolation to Shahjahan, a glory to Dara, and a day of peace for all Hindustan. For Shah Shuja', although a valiant soldier, had not a large army, nor had he much sense, and it would have been possible to defeat him quickly, of which we will speak hereafter.
But it seems as if God meant to punish the sins and lasciviousness of Shahjahan and the overweening pride of Hindustan ; for there came once more to Dara a piece of news still more overwhelming—that is, the death of Ram Singh, Rathor. This rajah attacked with such energy the Prince Murad Bakhsh that he penetrated the enemy's ranks and gave them much to do. He dispersed their vanguard with his brave Rajputs, captured their artillery, and, coming close up to Murad Bakhsh, stuck his elephant and its howdah full of arrows, and killed the cornac, or man who guides the elephant. Finally they planted three arrows in the face of Murad Bakhsh. He had as much as he could do to defend his life, to guide his elephant, and look after his restless infant son. The boy was so anxious to see what was going on that his father was forced to cover him with his shield and place one foot over his head.
There was no one on Aurangzeb's side who fought so well as this prince. Raging at this resistance, and
finding it impossible to slay him, Ram Singh, Rathor, and some of his Rajputs dismounted, and, like ravening dogs, leapt on the elephant, hoping to sever the girths by sword-cuts and lance-thrusts, and thus bring Murad Bakhsh to the ground. The latter, seizing the occasion, saw that he could make a good shot, and planted an arrow in the breast of Ram Singh, Rathor, who forthwith fell to the ground. The elephant turned and seized him with its trunk, and, throwing him beneath his feet, finished him off. Thereupon the Rajputs, seeing their beloved captain was dead, increased in rage and fury, and battled more violently than ever.
Already a victor in three encounters, Dara, when he heard this report, hastened with greater courage than ever to the reinforcement of the Rajputs against Murad Bakhsh. He felt certain that if this brother were put to death he could easily gain his purpose. But his evil fate would not concede to him the effecting of this, however great and glorious he held himself to be. There now came to pass a treason that had never been looked for, such as none had ever seen, none could ever have imagined. It was the cause of Dara's total loss and ruin, although this did not appear at the time.
What happened was that the astute traitor Khalt-lullah Khan, using the pretext of a good chance of seizing Aurangzeb, came to Dara and acclaimed him as victor, and spoke to him thus : " I know well that I have been in many battles and campaigns, and beheld the mighty deeds of renowned warriors, yet never have I heard of a prince like your Highness, who, appearing for the first time in the battlefield, accomplished such valiant acts. One thing alone remains to display to the world your qualities—that is, the capture of Aurangzeb. I feel compassion for the fatigues your Highness has already undergone, but it would be wrong to lose such a good opportunity. Yonder stands Aurangzeb with a scanty following;
68 THE TRAITOR, KHALILULLAH KHAN
let us go at once and seize him, as can be done without any difficulty. Let your highness be pleased to descend from your elephant and mount your horse, and ride at the head of your own cavalry and the squadrons committed to my charge. We will go together to the attack. It was for this alone that I saved my division, seeing that up to now there was no necessity for my engaging."
Poor Dara ! Without fully considering what he was doing and what would follow when he was no longer to be seen on his elephant, towards which all turned their gaze, but relying on the soft words oi Khalilullah Khan, by which he allowed himself to be persuaded and deceived, he took the advice, as it appeared to him that what had been said was very true. He alighted from his elephant, and this was as if he had quitted victory ; for the soldiers and commanders, who in the midst of battle kept an eye on Dara, not seeing him on his elephant, assumed that he must be already dead. For this reason they were thrown into great confusion.
I myself was in great astonishment and dismay, not knowing what to imagine, finding all in confusion, and Dara no longer on his elephant; meanwhile the whole army was fleeing to the rear, like dark clouds blown by a high wind, seeking safety for their lives in the belief that Aurangzeb, although still at a good distance, was already upon us. Dara, on beholding this great confusion and flight, fell into deep thought, and saw now the mistake he had made, and the plot laid for him by Khalilullah Khan. He repented him of the fault, but it was too late. Full of wrath and raging, he asked where was the traitor Khalilullah Khan. Let him be sought for and brought, for he meant to slay him. But the traitor was already afar off. His lord having dismounted from his elephant, and mounted his horse, he (Kbalflullah Khan) rejoined his division, with the object of transferring himself and his soldiers to the side of Aurangzeb. The
soldiers who followed him did not exceed five thousand horsemen ; the rest of those under his command were soldiers of King Shahjahan. But these latter fell into disorder like the others, finding themselves without a leader to direct them, owing to the treachery that had occurred.
These events of the battle which I have related occupied some three hours. The affair beginning at nine o'clock in the morning, it was near midday that the rout took place. A great many men and a still greater number of horses and other animals were killed. The reason of this was that our horses were much out of condition, and not used to the heavy work of a battle, while, on the contrary, Aurangzeb's horses were not overfed, and were used to work. Other causes were the great heat prevailing, the want of water, and the excessive dust. It seemed to me more died this way than by injury from weapons.
[Finding that the day was lost, and that it was impossible to rally his scattered army, Dara took flight in the direction of Agrah.]
The miserable and unfortunate Dara, by a hurried flight, reached the gates of the Agrah fortress at nine o'clock at night, and sought some repose. But he did not want to enter, fearing that Aurangzeb might invest it, and thus prevent his exit, when he would fall a prisoner, and be abandoned by everyone. At the same time he was greatly ashamed at appearing before his father. He remembered that Shahjahan had wished to be present in the battle, but he had withheld consent, whereat he was now exceeding sorry. So far had he lost his wits that he knew not what he said or did.
He sent this message to Shahjahan, his father, and his well-beloved sister, Begam Sahib: " What has now happened to me is what you foretold." He grieved them much, but as they loved him, in place of repining at his evil fate, and in spite of all differences, the good old man his father sent to him a 6
faithful eunuch called Faim (Fahim)
to console him (Dara), and assure him that he still cherished for him, and would for ever cherish, the same love and strong friendship that he had always had for him ; he felt deeply the misfortune that had befallen him. But he must not despair. There was still the other great army under Sulaiman Shukoh; with it he could renew the attack on the rebels, and routing them inflict vengeance on them for their temerity.
At the same time Shahjahan ordered to be sent to Dara mules laden with gold coin. He suggested his proceeding to the city of Dihli, and taking all the horses and elephants in the royal stables. Orders were sent to the governor of Dihli to open the gates to Dara, and to deliver to him the fortress, with all the treasures and other things within it. He was to be received with the same ceremonial and deference as if it were he (Shahjahan) in propria persona. For the execution of these orders trusty and well-known persons were sent in his suite, carrying letters to the above effect. He was advised to remain in Dihli, and not proceed farther. He (Shahjahan) gave his word of honour that he would do all he could to seize and chastise Aurangzeb. He would keep him (Dara) informed of everything that happened.
The eunuch delivered this speech, but Dara was to such an extent confused, enfeebled, and cast down, with his thoughts wandering and his mind full of tribulation, that he was unable to utter a word, and lay writhing on the ground. The eunuch tried all he could to console him on seeing him in this deep affliction, but he could not extract a single sensible word.
His sister, Begam Sahib, sent another faithful eunuch to him with some valuable jewels. She expressed her deep grief, telling him that she was even more discomfited than he; but she had not lost all hope of seeing him reign peacefully, that ever would she petition God in her prayers to look favourably
on him. After this talk Dara repaired hurriedly to his mansion, and ordered the removal of all the precious stones that could be carried off. At midnight he made a start, taking with him his three wives, his daughter, Jani Begom (Jan! Begam), his little son, Super Xacu (Sipihr Shukoh), and some chosen slave girls. On his departure for the city of Dihli he was followed by some five hundred soldiers, for the most part slaves of his household. It was a great affliction to see such a down-come.
On arriving at the city of Dihli he sent at once the orders of his father to the governor, requiring him to make over the fortress. But the governor, already averted by the letters of Aurangzeb, to whom he was well affected, declined to comply with Shah-jahan's orders. Thus the unhappy Dara was forced, after seizing what horses there were in the royal stables, to resume his march, and make for Lahor. Seeing our total defeat, I made in haste for the city of Agrah, where I arrived at ten o'clock at night. The whole city was in an uproar, for a Portuguese called Antonio de Azevedo, who early in the battle had witnessed the plunder of the baggage, rode off at full speed. On arriving at the city of Agrah, at two o'clock in the afternoon, his horse fell dead at his door. Thus the news spread that Dara had lost the battle, and the confusion was increased by Dara's own arrival. The curiosity of everyone was aroused to know how the defeat had happened, and men asked each passer-by about the safety of his master. This happened to me. An old woman asked me what had become of Khalilullah Khan. Owing to the rage I was in at his treachery, I replied at once that I was present when he was torn to pieces. The old woman was very disconsolate, and hastening her steps went off to give this news at his house. Much weeping and lamenting was caused thereby, they supposing it to be the truth, for I had entered into some details on purpose.
On learning that Dara was resuming his journey and making for Dihli, I decided that very instant upon rejoining him. But my steed was so worn out that he could hardly stand, just as were those of everyone who reached the city that night. I decided to take a rest for twenty-four hours, and after that to start and go in search of Dara.
Aurangzeb showed no want of promptitude in carrying out his designs. Within twenty-four hours he dispatched Bahadur Khan with several troops of cavalry to occupy the road to and from Agrah on the west. This was to hinder anyone following Dara. As a result, the first men to take to the road before the day dawned, among them several Europeans, found free passage; but the rest, not knowing that Bahadur Khan was already in position, started on the journey, only to be plundered of all they carried and sent away with a good beating, coming back to the city.
Without knowing these facts, at nine o'clock in the morning I made a start, riding my horse, followed by a loaded camel and some servants. Issuing from the city, I saw several squadrons dispersed in the plain. As I imagined these to be our men, I decided to join them. Then I saw that a body of some five hundred horsemen with its commander was bearing down upon me. On its drawing near, the leader advanced from it, attended by two horsemen. When quite close he asked me lovingly where I was going. I replied without subterfuge that I was on my way to find my master Dara. He took compassion on my youth and innocence, and said to me that if I followed his advice I should return home, for if I proceeded farther I ran great risk of losing my life. This captain was so generous that, to protect me, he escorted me safely to my house.
If he had not done this, there can be little doubt I should have been plundered by others posted on the road, or even by his own soldiers, who betrayed
every desire to plunder me had he not prevented them. Seeing me into my house unharmed, he advised me not to leave it again. The government had already changed hands, and Aurangzeb was victor. For that time I had escaped, and I looked out for a safer opportunity to start in search of Dara, for whom I had a great affection. If Aurangzeb had not barred the way, all Dara's people would have gone on to rejoin him. But they could not then do it, as I have told you, for they came in tired out by their flight, and their horses quite exhausted.
I remained in the city of Agrah, and observed the way in which Aurangzeb forwarded his designs. For on the eighth of the month of June, one thousand six hundred and fifty-six (correctly, 1658), four days after the battle, Aurangzeb and Murad Bakhsh arrived at Agrah. They posted their army close to a garden called Zafarabad (Ja'farabad or Zafarabad) near the city, at a distance of two miles. Thence Aurangzeb sent his eunuch, called Fahim, an able, astute, and loyal person, to visit his father, carrying a thousand beautiful protestations of love and submission. He professed to be much affected by what had passed, his excuse being that the ambitious and evil thoughts of Dara had forced him into resorting to all these extremities. As for the rest, he was highly elated at the good news of his (Shahjahan's) better health. He was now at the capital, ready to receive and obey his orders.
The eunuch Fahim made no stint either of obeisances or of soft and humble speeches. He dwelt on the goodwill and excellent intentions of Aurangzeb. Nor, on the other hand, was Shahjahan wanting in a plentiful display of loving satisfaction.
[There was much finessing, plots, and counterplots on both sides; but Aurangzeb had well-laid plans, and finally succeeded in occupying the fortress of Agrah and in making his father a prisoner.]
Finding himself already practically with control 6*
over all the nobles at court, and Shahjahan securely lodged in prison, Aurangzeb appointed his maternal uncle Shaistah Khan, governor of the city of Agrah. Taking out of the treasury whatever money he wanted, he and Murad Bakhsh started in pursuit of Dara. The latter was already in Lahor raising a new army, having lost all hope of aid from Sulaiman Shukoh.
On the day that the two armies quitted Agrah, which was in the beginning of June, I disguised myself as a holy mendicant and joined their train, meaning to stick to the service of Dara. The eunuch Shahbaz and the more intimate friends of Murad Bakhsh advised him to allow Aurangzeb to go after Dara by himself, while he should conduct an investment of Agrah and Dibit with his army, which was already far larger than before. But, not perceiving the finessing and wiliness of Aurangzeb, he relied on the promises and oaths of fidelity which had been made to him upon the Alcorao (the Quran). He neglected to listen to these faithful men, and allowed himself to be played with by that fabricator and
deceiver.
[Before the armies reached Dibit, Aurangzeb had carried out his intention of making his brother Murad Bakbsh a prisoner, and Manucci, anxious to rejoin his master, completed the last part of the journey alone.]
" Beholding all this [the capture of Murad Bakhsh] and hearing that Dara had decided to raise a fresh army in the province of Lahor, I started as a humble mendicant for the city of Dibit There I remained some fifteen days, awaiting the assembling of more travellers. For the villagers and thieves were plundering the highways, and created a good deal of tribulation to travellers, robbing them and slaying them. They were forced to do their stages with arms ready in their hands, while pursuing their way. Each night we took shelter in the saracs, where we were able to
take some rest in security. Every day we halted at noon to feed and rest the animals, and at two in the afternoon we resumed our march, until we reached another same somewhere before sunset. Once on this journey we were resting at midday near a town called Panipat (Panipat), distant from Dihl! four days' journey. When the time came to start again, my cart-man could not be found, and the convo}' set out. 1 knew not what to do, for after a good deal of effort I was unable to get hold of my cart-driver. By this trouble I was much put out, for I found that the oxen would not obey me, nor could I travel on foot, for fear of being attacked. The men of the place surrounded me, and wanted to rob me, which they did not do only because I had nothing. I was much perplexed. They advised me to continue my route, for during the night (as they assumed) someone would be able to kill me.
A Pepys of Mongul India (1653-1708) Page 8