The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c10.63

c10.63

To curb the growing power of the Chauhanas Balban led an expedition in 646/1248 towards Ranthambhor and Mewat³. The chronicle records the destruction of a great number of towns, but Balban was evidently repulsed in his attack on the fortress in course of which one of his leading generals was killed⁴. That he could make little headway against Ranthambhor on this occasion is proved by the fact that during his banishment from the court to his iqta of Nagaur, he is reported to have successfully raided the territories of "Ranthambor, Bundi and Chitrur (Chitor)"⁵. Although the Rai, whom Minhaj calls Nahardeo, opposed him with a large force, Balban is yet credited with returning with immense booty and spoils⁵. Such expeditions were continued until his accession; in 657/1258 we are told of a similar expedition against the "infidels of Ranthambhor", who however, do not appear to have suffered any appreciable loss¹.