Riyaz al-salatin 27.2

27.2

Some say that fire-worship was introduced by Ibrahim Zardasht in the time of Gashtasp, Emperor of Persia, and spread to Kabul and Sistan and throughout the empire of Persia, and that, in process of time, the kingdom of Bengal became subject to the Rais of Hindustan, and the Rais of Bengal paid revenue and sundry tributes. After this, Shangaldip, emerging from the environs of Koch, became victorious over Kedar, and founded the city of Gaur, and made it the seat of government, and for a period ruled over the Kingdom of Bengal and the whole empire of Hindustan. When Shangaldip collected four thousand elephants, one lak cavalry, and four laks of infantry, the breeze of insolence wafted in the recesses of his brain, and he ceased to pay tribute to the Emperors of Persia, as was hitherto the practice with the Rais of Hindustan. And when Afrasiab deputed some one to demand the tribute, he rebuked and insulted him. Afrasiab flew into rage, and despatched his General, Piran-visah, with fifty thousand Mongols, thirsty for blood. In the mountains of Koch, near the limits of Ghoraghat, in Bengal, an engagement took place; for two days and nights the fighting continued. Although the Mongols displayed deeds of bravery, and put to the sword fifty thousand of the enemy, yet owing to the overwhelming numbers of the Indian army, they could effect nothing.