The History of Shēr Shāh (Tārīkh-i Shērshāhī) 3.1.3

3.1.3

His chiefs replied: "* * * It is expedient under present circumstances that His Majesty the Sultan should send letters to the chiefs of the tribes in the Roh country to this effect: 'God in his goodness has granted the kingdom of Dehli to the Afghans, but the other kings of Hind wish to expel them from the country. The honour of our women is concerned; the lands of Hind are broad and rich, and can afford maintenance to many. Come, then, to this country; the name indeed of sovereignty shall remain with me, but whatever countries we may conquer shall be shared between us as brothers. Sultan Mahmud of Jaunpur is now besieging Dehli, where the families of the Afghans are. If you feel disposed to assist me, you must do so now, and with a large force.'" * * The king, approving of this advice, issued farmans to the chiefs of the various Afghan tribes. On receipt of the farmans, the Afghans of Roh came, as is their wont, like ants and locusts, to enter the king's service. When they drew near to Dehli, a force was sent by Sultan Mahmud Sharki to give them battle. Fath Khan Hirawi, Sipah-salar of Sultan Mahmud, had with him a large force, and elephants like mountains; but the Afghans, in a moment, overthrew his army and levelled it with the dust. When Sultan Mahmud heard of the death of Fath Khan, he fled without fighting; and of the countries of Hind a considerable portion fell on this occasion into the possession of Sultan Bahlol.