The History of Fīrūz Shāh (ʿAfīf) 21.1

21.1

When Shamsu-d dín heard that Sultán Fíroz had retreated towards Dehli, he made up his mind to pursue him. Some writers say that Fíroz Sháh left his camp (rakht) standing, others that he caused part of his baggage to be burned. Sultan Shamsu-d dín came out in pursuit with a force which consisted of 10,000 horse, 200,000 infantry like the infantry of Subuktigín, and fifty mighty elephants. Fíroz Sháh had marched seven kos, and the place where he was lying in wait was on the bank of the river where the eddies had formed a ford. His baggage was in the act of crossing at this ford, when, unexpectedly, the Sultan of the Bengális came up and rushed to the attack. * * * * When the Sultan heard that the enemy had arrived in great force, he proceeded to draw up his army in three divisions. Malik Dildn, the Mír-shikár, had command of the right wing, consisting of 30,000 horse, and the left wing, also consisting of 30,000 warriors, was commanded by Malik Hisám Nawá. The centre, consisting likewise of 30,000 men, was under Tátár Khán. The Sultán himself proceeded from one division to another, encouraging his men. * * * The elephants were divided among the three divisions. * * * All preparations being made, the drums were beaten, and the din of war arose between the two armies. When Shamsu-d dín perceived the Sultán's army drawn up in battle array, he feared and trembled like a willow-leaf, for he found that he had been deluded by the kalandars to bring his forces out of his stronghold;