Amidst the Sands of Sind: Humayun's Trials and the Dawn of Akbar

After the devastating loss of his Indian empire, Emperor Humayun found himself navigating the complex and often treacherous landscape of Sind. This was a period of immense hardship, marked by dwindling resources, unreliable allies, and the painful disloyalty of his own kinsmen. Yet, it was also in this crucible of adversity that a new dawn broke, promising a future far brighter than the troubled present.

The Shifting Sands of Sind

Humayun's journey through Sind was one of constant movement and dashed hopes. He sought refuge and support from local rulers, hoping to regroup and reclaim his throne. Initially, he lingered near places like Luhri and Pat, engaging with the ruler of Tatta, but sincerity proved elusive. His own Mirzas—royal princes and relatives—added to his woes. Mirza Hindal, instigated by Yadgar Nasir Mirza and others, abandoned Humayun and headed for Qandahar. The Emperor's attempts at reconciliation, sending trusted envoys like Mir Abu'l-baqa, were met with deceit, tragically resulting in Mir Abu'l-baqa's death near Bhakkar.

The situation grew dire. Humayun laid siege to the fort of Sehwan, but supplies ran low, and desertions became common. Even trusted men, whose 'notions of rectitude had departed,' slipped away, seeking better fortunes elsewhere. The loyalty of those who remained was tested daily.

The Perilous Path to Maldeo

Facing insurmountable difficulties in Sind, Humayun turned his gaze towards the Rajput ruler Maldeo, who governed territories like Ajmer and Nagor. Maldeo had sent messages of devotion, presenting himself as a potential ally with a strong army and resources. Humayun's advisors, however, were wary. They urged caution, sensing potential perfidy. A clever system of signals was devised: a messenger would clasp all five fingers if Maldeo was sincere, but only the little finger if he was not.

The journey to Maldeo's territory was arduous, traversing harsh deserts. Near Phaladi, the signal arrived—the clasped little finger. Maldeo's intentions were indeed hostile; he planned to capture Humayun. Forced to turn back, the small imperial party faced a skirmish near Phaladi, where a small band of loyalists bravely repelled Maldeo's forces, proving that even in retreat, courage could prevail.

Refuge in Amarkot

The retreat led Humayun and his companions into the desolate Thar Desert, a 'wilderness of mirages.' They faced extreme hunger and thirst. Their destination was the fortress of Amarkot (Umarkot), ruled by Rana Parsad. Despite the hardships, they eventually reached the fort, finding unexpected hospitality and service from the Rana.

It was in this relatively safe haven, amidst the stark beauty of the desert, that a moment of profound significance occurred. The Akbarnama recounts a 'marvel' during the journey—a sudden craving for a pomegranate by Her Highness Maryam-makani (Hamida Banu Begam), who was pregnant. In the barren 'Sahara where it was difficult to find any trace of corn,' a man miraculously appeared with a bag of millet, and within it, a large, juicy pomegranate. This was seen as a divine omen, a sign of blessings to come.

The Birth of the Lord of Time

The culmination of this period of trial and movement came in Amarkot. As the text describes, 'the period of the appearance of the light of fortune and the rise of the star of glory and grandeur... were approaching.' On the night of Sunday, 5th Rajab, 949 Hijri (October 15, 1542), in the fortress of Amarkot, Hamida Banu Begam gave birth to a son. This child was Akbar, who would become one of India's greatest emperors.

The birth was seen as a moment of immense joy and divine intervention, ending the 'sorrows of mortals' and bringing 'balm of assuagement' to Humayun's 'sorrow-pelted heart.' It was the 'ascension-point of glory and storehouse of fortune's jewel.' Swift messengers were dispatched, and though they were still en route, Humayun's heart was brightened by the 'life-giving good news.' He prostrated himself in thanksgiving, recognizing the blooming of 'fortune's rose in the thorn-brake of misfortune.'

A Turning Point

The birth of Akbar in Amarkot marked a crucial turning point in Humayun's life and the history of the Mughal dynasty. It was a symbol of hope and destiny amidst despair. Though challenges remained, and the path to reclaiming his empire was still long and arduous, the presence of the 'Unique of creation's workshop' provided a new focus and renewed purpose. The Akbarnama, in recounting these events, emphasizes the role of divine will and the inherent greatness of the newborn prince, suggesting that his very existence was a blessing that would ultimately lead to the restoration and expansion of the empire.

This historical episode reminds us that even in moments of deepest adversity, seeds of future greatness can be sown, and that perseverance, coupled with a belief in destiny, can pave the way for unexpected triumphs. The story of Humayun in Sind and the birth of Akbar in Amarkot is a testament to the unpredictable turns of fortune and the enduring power of hope.