The History of Fīrūz Shāh (Baranī) 4.28

4.28

Alm&s Beg took a boat and reached Karra in seven or eight days. When he arrived, 'Al&u-d din ordered drums of joy to be beaten, saying that now all his apprehensions and fears were removed. The crafty counsellors of 'Al&u-d din, whom he had promoted to honours, advised the abandonment of his designs upon Lakhnautí, saying that the Sultán, coveting the treasure and elephants, had become blind and deaf, and had set forth to see him in the midst of the rainy season — adding, "after he comes, you know what you ought to do." The destroying angel was close behind the Sultán, he had no apprehension, and would listen to no advice. He treated his advisers with haughty disdain, and set forth with a few personal attendants, and a thousand horse from Kílú-gharí. He embarked in a boat at Dhámaí, and proceeded towards Karra. Ahmad Chap, who commanded the army, was ordered to proceed by land. It was the rainy season, and the waters were out. On the 15th Ramazán, the Sultán arrived at Karra, on the hither side of the Ganges. 'Aláu-d din and his followers had determined on the course to be adopted before the Sultán arrived. He had crossed the river with the elephants and treasure, and had taken post with his forces between Mánikpur and Karra, the Ganges being very high. When the royal ensign came in sight he was all prepared, the men were armed, and the elephants and horses were harnessed.