Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 223.2.4

223.2.4

for it is scarcely possible to invest a place of such extent. Many of the roads from the fort are steep, and difficult of access. That leading to the south, known by the name of the Tarapoor gate, is so rough and steep that cavalry can with difficulty be led up, and on whatever side it is approached a pass must be surmounted; so that the enemy’s force, though it occupies the several accessible roads, is necessarily divided, and one party may be cut off without receiving assistance from another. The road on the north leading to the Dehly gate is by far the most easy of access. Ahmud Shah, finding it useless to besiege a fort of this nature, sent out detachments from the army to occupy the surrounding country, himself marching through Oojein towards Sarungpoor. Sooltan Hooshung took advantage of his retreat to make forced marches by a more direct route; and reaching Sarungpoor before him, he sent a communication to the King of Guzerat, in order to delay his approach, saying, “The blood of the faithful depends on us; ‘let us restrain, then, our hands from mutually destroying the true believers. I beseech you, therefore, to desist from this warfare, and return to Guzerat; meanwhile let hostilities cease, and receive my ambassador with the usual offerings, who has power to conclude an eternal peace between us.” Ahmud Shah, relying with confidence on so solemn an appeal, neglected the ordinary military precautions necessary in an enemy’s country;