Avenging the Fawn: Qabila Khan's Defiance of Cathay
Published on 4/17/2024
The lineage that would one day lead to the mighty Mughal emperors was forged not just in grand conquests, but in moments of fierce loyalty and swift retribution. One such pivotal event, recounted in the Akbarnama, details the conflict between Qabila Khan, a key ancestor, and Altan Khan, the ruler of Cathay (China).
This wasn't a war born of territorial ambition alone, but one ignited by diplomatic blunders and a tragic act of revenge.
From Fear to Fatal Insult
Altan Khan of Cathay harbored a deep-seated fear of the noble race from which Qabila Khan descended. Seeking to manage this apprehension, he initially maintained friendly relations, even inviting Qabila Khan's father, Qabal Khan, for a visit. Qabal Khan, characterized by the sincerity of his family, accepted, leaving his kingdom in the capable hands of Qaculi Bahadur, the Commander-in-Chief.
The visit seemingly went well, filled with pleasure and enjoyment. However, upon Qabal Khan's departure, some of Altan Khan's less noble advisors sowed seeds of doubt, causing the Cathay ruler to regret the farewell. He sent messengers to recall Qabal Khan, but the latter, sensing a trap, refused, citing the inauspicious timing of his return journey. Enraged, Altan Khan ordered troops to bring him back by force.
Qabal Khan, warned by a friend, evaded his pursuers and reached his camp. In a stark display of defiance, he seized Altan Khan's messengers and put them to death. The retaliation from Cathay was swift and brutal: Altan Khan's men captured Qabal Khan's young son, Uqin Barqaq, described as a 'delicate fawn' sporting near the wilderness edge, and tragically put him to death in retribution for the slain messengers.
Qabila Khan Rises to Avenge
When Qabila Khan, who succeeded his father Qabal Khan, ascended the throne, the memory of his brother's cruel death fueled his resolve. Supported by the wisdom and military prowess of Qaculi Bahadur, who remained steadfast in his high office of Commander-in-Chief, Qabila Khan gathered his army.
He marched against Altan Khan, not just for territory, but to avenge the profound personal insult and the loss of his kin. A great battle ensued. The text records that the Cathayans suffered a 'sore defeat' and were plundered, a clear victory for Qabila Khan and his forces.
This triumph, achieved with the crucial support of Qaculi Bahadur, demonstrated the strength and determination of the lineage. It wasn't merely a military success, but a powerful statement that insults and injustices against this noble house would not go unanswered.
A Legacy of Strength
The victory over Altan Khan, born from a chain of events starting with fear and ending in bloody conflict, highlights the resilience and martial spirit of Qabila Khan and his people. It underscores the importance of loyalty and the willingness to fight for family honor, traits that would continue to shape the destiny of this remarkable lineage for generations to come.