Indian Antiquary Vol 51

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 192

184
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
[ SEPTEMBER, 1922
reinforced German army of communication in front. There can be only one result in such & situation. The Mughal Army fled and Humayun barely escaped across the Ganges with his life, while his harem fell into Sher Khan's hands. Sher Khan, however, never fought with the hotpless--peasants, women and children--but protected them all.
The effect of the battle of Chaunsê was to make Sher Khan de facto king of Benga). Bihar and Jaunpar. Even now he acted with his habitual prudence and foresight, and made no serious attempt to follow up Humâyon or to march on Agra. He was specially severe to Mughal and lenient to non-Mughal prisoners, and he recognised that in many respecte, for all bis victories, he was still an upstart in the eyes of such Afghân families as the Lodis, Far. mális, Sarwanis, and their like. So he proceeded with caution until his unquestioned position with the people was such as to induce the old nobles, on the proposition of Masnad-i-âlâ'Isê Khan Sarwanf, to proclaim him at Gaur as sovereign of the territories stretching from Kansuj to the Bay of Bengal, under the style of Sher Shah As-Sultan-al-'Adil, in December 1539, when he was 53 years of age.
Sher Shah now found, like other conquerors, that when he had reached to more than his ambition he had to act with greater vigour than ever to keep the position he had attained. His course was not easy. He made overtures for support to the rulers of Gujarat and Malwa. which were abortive because they did not properly appreciate the consequences of his achievements; and then he had to go after Humayun still in active defence at Agra. In this pursuit his son, Quli Khân Sûr, met his death at the hands of Humâyûn's forces in an attempt to capture Kalpi for his father, owing to want of support from Qadir Shah (Malla Khân) of Milwa, on which Sher Shah had confidently calculated. This shows that even he at times made mistakes.
(To be continued.)
NOTES AND QUERIES. NOTES FROM OLD FACTORY RECORDS. be disperat to Severall parts of the Countrey, 36. A Civil Servant's Dismissal for Negloot
which we hope will be an effectuall means for their
returne, when we may devide them to our Soverall of Duty. 13 April 1691. Consultation at Fort St George.
fortifyed Settlements, especially to Bombay, where
they are in great want of Europeans. Op. cit., loc. Mr. James Johnson the Essaymaster, continuing
cit. hia Nogligont idle life, and being little or noe wayes
38. Proclamation relating to Counterfeit Serviceable in the Mint, Tis orderd he be dismist
Gold Coins. the Right Honble. Companyes Service and that what due to him to this time for sallary and
16 May 1891. Consultation at Fort St George. dyett money be paid him by the Paymaster
PaymasterThere being of late great complaints of many after his delivery the Mint Stores to the Mint
counterfeit faloe Pagodes of the Same Stamp as master. (Records of Fort St. George. Diary and
our but not half their finess or Vallue, a strange Consultation Book of 1691.)
instance whereof appeard to us this day in a Summ
of about 1000 Pagodas now brought by Mr Fraser 37. Amnesty for fugitive Europeans.
and Mr Gray to be paid into the Right Honble. 13 April 1691. Consultation at Fort St George.
Companyes Caab upon Mr. Moge deceased his The President haveing notice of many English
Accompt, whereof were found 86 of these base fugitives, at least 100, Scatterd about the Countrey,
Pagodan, but cannot tell of whom they received and haveing used all possible means to recall them.
them; wherefore by threats and perswasions, but not being able
Tis orderd that Proclamation
be made by boat of drum and affixt upon the Gate to provaile, they being fearfull of Justice; there.
to cry down these counterfeit Pagodas and their fóre to recover them, as also to prevent their apostateing from the Christian to the Moors (Muham-Payude "P
payments upon Seveer penaltyes. Op. cib, loc. cil meden) zeligion, Tis orderd that a Generall pardon .
R. C. TEMPLE