Alone in the Wilderness: Humayun's Arduous Journey to Sind
Published on 7/29/2024
The dust had barely settled on the battlefield of Kanauj (947 AH / 1540 CE), where Emperor Humayun suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Sher Khan Sur. The once-mighty Mughal army was scattered, and the Emperor himself narrowly escaped the swirling waters of the Ganges, saved by the timely aid of a water-carrier. But the physical defeat was perhaps less painful than the unraveling of family bonds that followed, forcing Humayun onto a path of hardship and uncertainty towards the distant lands of Sind.
The Unraveling of Loyalty
In the immediate aftermath of Kanauj, the situation was dire. Humayun's brothers, who held key territories, failed to rally effectively. Mirza Kamran and Mirza Askari, instead of consolidating forces to support their elder brother, retreated towards Kabul. This left Humayun isolated, with a dwindling band of loyal followers.
Mirza Hindal and Yadgar Nasir Mirza initially accompanied Humayun, heading towards the region of Sind. However, even this fragile alliance fractured. Swayed by their own counsel and perhaps lacking the fortitude for the difficult path ahead, Hindal and Yadgar Nasir Mirza eventually separated from the Emperor, leaving him with a small, weary group to face the harsh realities of the journey.
A Perilous Trek Through the Desert
Abandoned and vulnerable, Humayun's path turned towards the desolate desert leading to Bhakkar in Sind. This was no grand march, but a desperate struggle for survival. The text from the Akbarnama paints a stark picture: they found no water, grain was scarce, and they pressed on guided only by sheer endurance and reliance on divine providence. It was a test of faith and resilience, stripping away the trappings of royalty and exposing the raw human will to survive against overwhelming odds.
A Chance Reunion and Arrival in Sind
Remarkably, fate intervened in the wilderness. After days of wandering, Humayun's small group heard the distant sound of a kettle-drum. It belonged to Mirza Hindal and Yadgar Nasir Mirza, who were also traversing the same desolate landscape, perhaps equally lost and uncertain of their next move. Humayun, ever the forgiving brother, sent messengers to guide them, and the Mirzas rejoined the Emperor. Though their earlier abandonment had been a bitter blow, this reunion, however fragile, provided a measure of relief.
Together, the reunited group continued their arduous journey, eventually reaching the territory of Bhakkar in Sind (947 AH / 1541 CE). They encamped near Luhri, opposite the fort of Bhakkar, hoping to find refuge and support.
A Cautious Welcome, or Something Else?
Upon arrival, Humayun sent a mandate to Sultan Mahmud, the governor of Bhakkar under Mirza Shah Husain Arghun, requesting entry and supplies. Sultan Mahmud, however, proved evasive. Citing his loyalty to Shah Husain, he refused to hand over the fort or provide immediate assistance, instead laying waste to the surrounding territory and securing the boats on his side of the river. Shah Husain himself, while receiving Humayun's envoys with outward respect, offered alternative territories and delayed a personal meeting, displaying a cautious, perhaps even calculating, approach.
This marked the beginning of a new chapter of challenges for Humayun. Having survived the battlefield and the desert, he now faced the complexities of political maneuvering and uncertain alliances in Sind, a far cry from the secure throne he had lost.
Reflection
The period following Kanauj highlights the brutal political landscape of the time, where even familial bonds could buckle under pressure. Humayun's journey to Sind, marked by betrayal and hardship, underscores his personal resilience but also the deep divisions that plagued the early Mughal leadership. It was a time of profound testing, the outcome of which would shape the future of the dynasty in India.