South India and her Muhammadan Invaders c10.9

c10.9

Honest counsels were not wanting at court. Alau-d-din’s ambition was known to several, who also understood that it was the want of gold that kept him from prosecuting his ambition. Ahmad Chap, the faithful Chamberlain of the Sultan, offered the piece of advice that ‘ Elephants and wealth when held in great abundance are the causes of much strife ; whoever acquires them becomes so intoxicated that he does not know his hands from his feet. Alau-d-din is surrounded by many of the rebels and insurgents who supported Malik Chhaju. He has gone into a foreign land, without leave, has fought battles and won treasure. The wise have said “ money and strife, strife and money ”, that is, the two things are allied to each other. My opinion is that we should march with all haste towards Chanderi to meet Alau-d-din and intercept his return. When he finds the Sultan’s army in the way, he must necessarily present all his spoils to the throne whether he likes it or not. The Sultan then can take the silver and gold, the jewels and pearls, the elephants and horses, and leave the other booty to him and his soldiers. His territories also should be increased, and he should be carried in honour to Delhi.’ Sounder advice in the circumstances, it would be hard to find ; but the Sultan neglected it with the reflection ‘ what have I done to Alau-d-din that he should turn away from me, and not present the spoils ? ’ He went much farther and accepted the treacherous counsel of a creature of Alau-d-din at court. Alau-d-din was able safely to return to his headquarters, and slowly worked the confiding Sultan to consent to pay him a visit at Karra, where, under circumstances of peculiar atrocity, the old Sultan was murdered under his very eyes without Alau-d-din raising his little finger to defend his guest; nor did he exhibit the slightest contrition when the deed had been done. The Sultan was Alau-d-din's guest having discarded all his attendants, and was practically murdered in the arms of Alau-d-din.