The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c14.40

v4.c14.40

The siege of the fortress was protracted until the Hindus were reduced to distress, and at length Pūran Mal came forth on receiving a solemn oath that the lives and property of himself and his relations would be safe. For a while, he and his clansmen were lodged in peace, but the widows of the slaughtered Muslims of Chanderī assembled and, waiting by the roadside, assailed Sher Shāh with loud lamentations. Sher Shāh’s blood boiled, but he was perplexed by the oath on the Qur’ān which had enticed Pūran Mal from his stronghold. The Muslim casuists set his mind at rest by declaring that an oath which should never have been sworn bound none, and Sher Shāh prepared for the deed which has left the deepest blot on his memory.