The Mulfuzāt Timūry = $b or, Autobiographical memoirs of the Moghul emperor TimūrTimur
History
The Mulfuzāt Timūry = $b or, Autobiographical memoirs of the Moghul emperor Timūr
Timur
Asia, Central -- History; Asia, Central -- Kings and rulers -- Biography; Timur, 1336-1405 -- Early works to 1800
In the year 775, being then thirty-nine years of age, I was informed
that Kummer Addyn, the slave and commander-in-chief of the army of the
Khān of the Jetes, had raised his scymitar and said, “by the force of my
sword, I will take the kingdom of Maveralnaher from Amyr Timūr.” On
hearing of this, my honour was so roused that I could not sleep, and
although the weather at this period was very cold, I nevertheless
mounted my steed, and marching with great expedition, I arrived at the
caravansery of Kutfān. At this place the cold was excessive, but my
troops collected great quantities of wood, lighted fires, and dressed
their provisions; unfortunately soon after, the snow began to fall with
great violence, and the quadrupeds being much distressed, many of them
died. On this my chiefs waited on me, and having bent the knee,
represented that numbers of our followers and cattle were perishing from
the severity of the winter; it would therefore be better to return to
Samerkund.
As I had previously determined to erect huts for the army, and to remain
out during the winter, I said to the chiefs, “we ought not to have
commenced a campaign at this season of the year, but having done so, it
would be very prejudicial to my interest to return, and very beneficial
for me, to remain where we are; God be praised, that every requisite is
here procurable, and when a King has resolved on any measure, he should
not deviate from his purpose; I have determined not to return till I
have made Kummer Addyn repent his boasting, or taken him prisoner.” I
therefore passed forty days at the (Rebat) caravansery, and when the
cold had decreased, I gave the command of the advanced division to the
Prince Jehangyr, but sent with him the Amyrs Muhammed Byan Seldūz, and
Aādil Shāh Jelayr, at the head of the tribe of Jelayr, and many other
troops.[113]
When the Prince and the illustrious chiefs reached Jarun, they learned
that Kummer Addyn, with his army, were encamped at Kuruk Tupē, and were
waiting there for reinforcements. On hearing this news, the Prince
placing his trust in God, made a forced march, and beat up the Jete camp
during the night; Kummer Addyn was much terrified, took to flight, and
sought refuge in a pass called the Birkē Ghuryān.
When the day broke, my troops seized a number of the enemy’s followers,
and took much plunder, after which they proceeded towards the pass; that
day the Jetes defended the pass, but when night came on, they again
fled; a number of their soldiers and other infidels became the food of
the swords and arrows of the Muselmāns.
As soon as the letters of the Prince Jehangyr reached me, I placed my
foot in the stirrup, and marching with great rapidity, joined the
advanced division, just after they had seized and plundered Kummer
Addyn’s followers.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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