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 ;

HAR

60

majesty's absence, gained possession of the countries situated on the northeast side of the Ganges, and fixed his own residence at Belgram, but despatched his son Aleg Myrza with a considerable force to seize on the provinces of Joanpur, Kurra, and Manikpur. As soon as this intelligence reached the prince Hindal, the king's youngest brother and representative at Agra, he collected an army and marched to Canouge ; iii consequence of this event Sultan Muhammed recalled his divisions and encamped with all his force on the northern bank of the Ganges to oppose the royal troops; in this situation the contending armies remained for some time. At length the emissaries of Hindal discovered a ford about ten miles above Canouge. The prince immediately took advantage of this circumstance, and having ordered that his camp should remain standing, marched quietly in the night, and without being perceived by the rebels crossed the river with all his troops.

As soon as the day broke the two armies drew up in order of battle; but just as the engagement was about to commence a very violent storm from the north-west arose, and raised such a dust that the sky was obscured, and blew with so much force in the faces of the rebels that they could not distinguish friend from foe, in consequence of which they took The pnnce Hindal having to flight, and proceeded towards Joanpur. thus gained possession of the district of Belgram followed the enemy, and again came up with them in the vicinity of Oudh but as the forces of the two armies were now nearly equal, a considerable time was lost in skirmishing, and endeavouring to gain the advantage of each other. At length Muhammed Sultan, having received information that the king had returned in health and safety to his capital, was afraid to contend any longer, and fled with all his family towards Couch Behar, which adjoins the territory of Bengal. The prince Hindal then proceeded to Joanpur and took possession of that district." (Pages 7-8 of Memoirs of Humd"



yun.) "

The

following day the king,* attended by the whole army, left the city plains of AUypur ; he then reviewed and mustered the troops, the number of which amounted to 90,000 cavalry, but as some of them were not properly equipped his majesty ordered them to be well supplied from the arsenal. He also conferred honorary dresses and other marks of distinction on all the principal officers, and omitted nothing to

and encamped on the

rouse the spirits and encourage the soldiers for the ensuing campaign; After a few days' march the army reached Canouge, which is situated On the western bank of the Ganges, and here learned that Shyr Khan was encamped on the other side of the river at this time an express arrived

from Eaja Perb^han of Aroul offering to join him with troops, provided the king would meet him atPute. His majesty, however, would not agree to this measure, but gave orders for the army to cross the river at Canouge." (Pages 20-21 of Memoirs of Humayun.)

The sisting

hattle of Bilgrdm.

—

Humayfin had raised an enormous army conof 100,000 men, with nearly 800 guns, including swivels. He

moved down

to

Mehndighat near Kanauj Humayun^



Sher Shah encamping opposite