The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 8.7

8.7

(Then) valiant warriors from both armies met in fight, till a large number on each side was killed. When the king Maharat saw that brave soldiers on both sides had been mowed down by the blood-thirsty sword, he addressed Chach in the following words: “I and you are the only two rivals for the kingdom; let us fight with each other, and let him who survives have the kingdom.” Chach confronted him and said: “I am a man of the Brahmin class and am unable to fight on horseback. Fight me (therefore) on foot and lay my head low, if you can.” The king of Chitor had complete confidence in his own bravery and strength. He thought within himself: “How can a Brahmin dare to measure arms with me in battle? I will pick up his head like a bird and tear it from his body.” He immediately dismounted and advanced on foot. Chach also came down from his horse and instructed his stirrup-holder to bring up the horse behind him. When the two came almost to close quarters with each other, Chach jumped upon his horse, made a sudden attack on him and with one blow severed the head of king Maharat from his body. (Seeing this) the army of Chach made an assault on the opposite army of Chitor, and (that army) took to flight. Some of them, seeing the king Maharat slain, asked for quarter and surrendered themselves, and some were put to the sword. Chach returned to the fort of Alor with joy and victory.