[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate) › [Tārīkh-i Fīrūzshāhī](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tarikh-i-firuzshahi-afif) › [Tarikh-i Firoz Shahi of Shams-i Siraj 'Afif (extracts)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tarikh-i-firuzshahi-afif~en-elliot) › 40 # The History of Fīrūz Shāh (ʿAfīf) 40: Fourth Mukaddama. — Engagement with the army of Thatta. Táríkh-i Fíroz Sháhí of Shams-i Siráj 'Afíf (extracts) 40 - **Language:** English ### [40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tarikh-i-firuzshahi-afif~en-elliot.40) The Jám, and Bábíniya the arrogant, came forth from their fort with a large force of horse and foot, and drew up in array against the royal forces. When the Sultán heard of their advance, he also drew out his forces, and, upon examination, there proved to be hardly one-fourth cavalry. Famine also had broken down the vigour and spirit of his men. Still, like a valiant king, he made ready for battle, and arranged his forces in three divisions — a centre and two wings. The elephants were divided among the three divisions. He then put on his armour, and, baton in hand, rode through the whole array, encouraging and cheering the men. This raised the spirits of his people and incited their devotion. The Sultán passed along in front of his forces speaking words of encouragement, and all men offered up their prayers for him. Although he affected not to fear the vast force of his enemies, still, in his heart, he looked with apprehension on the weakness of his own army, and prayed to God for assistance. The enemy's numbers amounted to about 20,000 cavalry and 400,000 infantry. With all this enormous force the enemy were unable to force an action, but discharges of arrows were interchanged. Heaven fought on the side of the Sultan, and such a storm of wind arose that the men were unable to open their eyes. Still, the brave men on both sides maintained a struggle. The Sultán, notwithstanding the weakness of his force, resolved to advance, and the whole army, making one vigorous and united charge, the enemy fled and took refuge in their fort. \* \* \* The Sultan was thus left master of the field. He then held a council, and announced his intention to retire upon Gujarát and reinforce his army, but he added that if God spared him he would return again the following year and push his enterprize. - [Previous: 39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tarikh-i-firuzshahi-afif~en-elliot.39) - [Next: 41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tarikh-i-firuzshahi-afif~en-elliot.41) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tarikh-i-firuzshahi-afif~en-elliot.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.sultanate.tarikh-i-firuzshahi-afif~en-elliot.40) · Pramāṇa