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In 1586, Akbar finally resolved to settle this intricate Afghan question once for all. The chief command of the Imperial Forces was entrusted to Zain Khan Koka, the Emperor's foster-brother, and to Raja Bir Bal, one of the closest personal friends of Akbar. The Mughals, though far superior in number and equipment, could make little headway. At last in one of the gorges between Swat and Bajaur, they were all of a sudden surrounded by the Afghans, who overwhelmed them with showers of stones and arrows. Finally, when they saw that the Mughals had lost their morale, they, rushing down the sides of the hills, fell upon the bewildered soldiers. All attempts to preserve discipline were of no avail. The defeat turned into a rout; men, horses and elephants were huddled together in their flight. A terrible slaughter followed and most of the Mughal officers were killed. Nor was Zain Khan more fortunate. At night when an alarm was heard that the Afghans were coming, his remaining troops again took to heels and not a bullet was fired in defence. Taking cover of the night, Zain Khan escaped on foot and made his way to Attock with great difficulty. The news of this
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