CHAPTER 15 -- Capture of the fort of Mankot, and return of the Shahinshah's army to Lahore, and other fortunate occurrences.

    [[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.

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