The History of Fīrūz Shāh (Baranī) 1.8

1.8

The intimate friends of the Sultán, such as 'Ádil Khán, Tabar Khán, and others of the old Shamsí Slaves, who, through the protection of the Sultán, still occupied exalted positions, often said to him—Sovereigns, like Kutbu-d dín Aibak and Shamsu-d dín, our former patrons, conquered Jhain, Málwá, Ujjain, Gujarát, and other distant countries, and carried off treasure and valuables, and elephants and horses from the Ráis and Ránas. "How is it that with your well equipped and disciplined army you do not undertake any distant campaign, and never move out of your territory to conquer other regions?" The Sultán replied, "The thoughts which you have expressed have also been very active in my mind, but you have not considered the hordes of Changíz Khán, and the evil they have brought upon the women and children, the flocks and herds of my frontiers. These Mughals have established themselves in Ghazní, in Turmuz, and in Máwaráu-n Nahr. Hulákú, the grandson of Changíz Khán, with a vast horde, has subdued 'Irák and occupied Baghdád. These accursed wretches have heard of the wealth and prosperity of Hindústán, and have set their hearts upon conquering and plundering it. They have taken and plundered Láhor, within my territories, and no year passes that they do not come here and plunder the villages. They watch the opportunity of my departure on a distant campaign to enter my cities and ravage the whole Doáb. They even talk about the conquest and sack of Dehlí.