حبیب السیر 6.4

6.4

After he saw that his prayers had been heard, having mounted an elephant, he himself made an attack on the centre of the army of I'lak. The elephant seized Alamdar Khan, and threw him up in the air, and trampling under his feet many others, slaughtered them also. After this, Mahmud's army, the symbol of victory, at once rushed upon the enemy, and testified their perfect bravery and military ardour. The army of Mawarau-n nahr fled, and I'lak Khan and Kadr Khan, with extreme difficulty, escaped safe from that place of slaughter, and crossing over the Jihun, never again entertained the idea of subduing Khurasan. I'lak Khan died in the year 403 H. (1012-13 A.D.), and his brother Tughan Khan succeeded him. I am able to assert with correctness, that the victory which Sultan Mahmud gained over I'lak Khan happened during the year 397 A.H. (1006-7 A.D.). During this year also the Sultan turned his attention towards Hindustan, in order that he might punish Nawasa Shah, who had turned an apostate from the religion of the faithful, and had rebelled against Yaminu-d daula. Immediately on hearing of the approach of the Sultan, Nawasa Shah was overcome, and Mahmud, turning the reins of his desire towards the dwelling-place of his generosity, returned to Ghaznin.