| [[91]] When the
conquest of Mankot had thus been completed [through its surrender] and
Sultan Sikandar had by becoming a suppliant of the sultanate conveyed himself
into safety, the charge of the fort was made over to Abu'l-Qasim, the brother
of Muhammad Qasim Khan Mauji. On [31 July 1557] the army, after a stay
of six months odd, left the slopes of the Siwaliks for Lahore, in order
that it might proceed to Agra after having arranged the affairs of the
Panjab.
On the way Bairam Khan's mind became troubled on account of midunderstanding, and of his not appreciating the favour shown to him. The account of this affair is as follows. During the last days of the siege of Mankot the Khan-Khanan fell ill. Some boils formed which prevented him from mounting a horse. During that time H. M. the Shahinshah turned his attention, as a means of diversion, to elephant-fights. Many times did he apply himself to this sport, which has hundreds of nice points involved in it. One day there was a prolonged contest between two of the royal elephants called Fatuhi and Lagna. By chance those two [[92]] during their fight came near the Khan-Khanan's tent. The crowd of people and the general uproar caused apprehension and annoyance to the Khan-Khanan, and he came to suspect that perhaps the thing had occurred at the sublime suggestion (of Akbar). He was confirmed in this suspicion by some strife-mongers. He sent one of his confidential servants to Maham Anaga with this message: "I am not conscious of having committed any offence in this sphere-circled threshold, and I have not displayed anything except well-wishing respect. Why then have mischief-makers imputed some offence to me, and caused such unkindness as that furious elephants should have been let loose against my tent?" Maham Anaga by soothing expressions quieted his disturbed mind. ===========
|
== Akbar-nama
vol. 2 == Abu'l-Fazl == Glossary
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