HISTORICAL SUMMARY.
Heg. 964 (A.D.1556).—The young King Akbar fought a desperate battle at Paniput against Hamoo, vizier of Mahomed Shah Adily, who now claimed the throne. During the action, fifteen hundred elephants fell into the hands of Akbar, who, marching from Paniput, reached Delhi without opposition. Mankote was delivered up to the King after a siege of six months.
Heg. 965 (1558).—A reconciliation took place between Akbar and Beiram Chan, which was cemented by the latter marrying Sulima Sultana Begum, niece of the late Humayoon, which took place with consent of the King, who was present at the nuptials. Shortly afterwards the breach was renewed between the King and the Regent.
Heg. 966 (1558).—Beiram Chan assembled troops, in order to establish himself in the Punjab. Upon Akbar despatching a messenger to him, Beiram sent the ensigns of state, his elephants, banners and drums to the King, and declared his intention of proceeding to Mecca.
Heg. 967 (1559).—Beiram Chan having proceeded as far as Bhickanere, repented of his resolution to relinquish public life, returned to Nagoor, and began to levy troops. The King sent against him Moolla Peer Mahomed, who had lately returned from exile, to which he had been sent by the regent.
Heg. 968 (1560).—The ex-minister being reduced to the greatest distress, resolved to throw himself upon the King’s mercy. Akbar accepted his submission. On entering the court, Beiram hung his turban round his neck, and advancing rapidly, threw himself at the foot of the throne. Akbar, stretching out his hand, desired him to rise, and placed him in his former station at the head of his nobles.
Heg. 969 (1561).—One day, while hunting in the vicinity of Nurwar, a royal tiger crossed the road. The King urged his horse forward, and with a single sabre-stroke stretched it dead upon the plain. The nobles present, in the excess of their joy, ran to kiss the royal stirrup, and offered thanks to God for his preservation.
Heg. 970 (1562).—Sulim Shah having taken a number of Ghoorkas prisoners in war, ordered a prison at Gualior, wherein they were confined, to be blown up with gunpowder. Upon this occasion Kumal Ghoorka had the good fortune to escape, being only thrown to some distance, without receiving any considerable injury.
Heg. 971 (1563).—Akbar returning from Nurwar towards his capital, fell inwith a herd of wild elephants. He ordered his cavalry to surround and drive them into a kedda, or fold, which was effected with some difficulty. One of the male elephants, finding itself confined, broke through the palisades. Three trained elephants were despatched to secure it, and, before it was overpowered, it afforded the King much sport.
Heg. 972 (1564).—Akbar quelled a formidable conspiracy of Usbeck chiefs.
Heg. 973 (1566).—Juanpoor was captured by Akbar’s armies.
Heg. 974 (1566).—The Usbeck chiefs again rebelled, and were subdued.
Heg. 975 (1567).—This year was distinguished by the siege of Chittore, in which were eight thousand Rajpoots, with an ample supply of provisions. The King having invested the fort, employed five thousand workmen of different descriptions to conduct the siege. The approaches were made by sabat, a description of defence peculiar to India. The besiegers are protected by stuffed gabions, covered with leather, behind which they continue their approaches until they arrive near the walls of the place to be attacked. The governor appearing on the walls was shot with a matchlock by the King. The Rajpoots immediately performed the Johur, putting their wives and children to death. The fort was stormed by the Moguls, who obtained possession of it without further resistance.
Heg. 976 (1568).—Akbar obtained possession of Runtunbhore.
Heg. 977 (1569).—The favourite sultana gave birth to Prince Selim, who afterwards reigned under the name of Jehangire.
Heg. 978 (1570).—Prince Morad was born.
Heg. 980 (1572).—Akbar defeated Ibrahim Hoossein Mirza, and laid siege to Surat, which surrendered, and the King returned to Agra.
Heg. 983 (1575).—The Afghans were defeated by the King’s troops, and their general was taken prisoner. He was put to death by the Mogul leader, and his son, who had been severely wounded in the action, died a few days after. The Mogul general took possession of all Bengal, and sent the elephants and other spoils to the King.
Heg. 984 (1576).—Akbar went this year to Ajmere, and employed Shahbaz Chan Kumbo against Koombulmere, a strong fortress, in possession of the Rana of Oodipore, which was eventually taken.
Heg. 986 (1578).—Died Hoossein Koolly Chan Toorkoman, governor of Bengal.
Heg. 987 (1579).—A great fire happened in the Furash Khana, at Futtepore, which consumed many tents, lined with velvet and brocade of great value.
Heg. 989 (1581).—The King’s brother, Mahomed Hukeen Mirza, invested Lahore.
Heg. 991 (1583).—The King was taken dangerously ill, and the people became apprehensive of his death; but he recovered, and bestowed large sums in charity.
Heg. 992 (1584).—Mirza Khan was defeated by Akbar’s troops in a sanguinary battle.
Heg. 993 (1585).—Prince Selim, who afterwards ascended the throne under the title of Jehangire, married the daughter of Rajah Bhugwandas.
Heg. 995 (1586-7).—This year the daughter of Ray Singh was likewise married to Prince Selim.
Heg. 997 (1589).—Died the learned Azd-ood-Dowla Shirazz, who had lately come from Guzerat.
Heg. 998 (1589).—Mirza Azeez Koka was appointed governor of Guzerat.
Heg. 1004 (1596).—The Prince Morad Mirza and Mirza Chan laid siege to Ahmednugger, but finally entered into negotiations with the besieged, by which it was stipulated that they should still retain possession, but that Akbar should have the province of Berar.
Heg. 1011 (1602).—The celebrated Abul Fazel was attacked by banditti on his way from the Deccan to the capital, and murdered.
Heg. 1014 (1605).—Akbar died after a prosperous and glorious reign of fifty-one years and some months. He was certainly the greatest of the Mogul monarchs.