The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c9.45

c9.45

Iltuniah had obviously been promised a large share in the spoils of the conspirator’s victory; but the murder of his friend, Aetigin, destroyed his hopes; for the time being his party was disorganised. To rally it again with the same secrecy and on the same basis seemed to require longer time and greater opportunities than he could hope to possess. It is true, Bahram had permanently estranged his former supporters; two of them, Maliks Salari and Qaraqash left his court and joined Iltuniah at Bhatinda¹. But a better plan suggested itself. To marry the captive princess and then lay claim with armed force on her throne seemed to assure better returns and easier success. It suited Raziah also. In August of the same year, she accordingly married the former rebel and having adopted the regal insignia, they marched to occupy the capital by force². Bahram’s regular troops however, proved more than a match for their mercenary forces and sent them flying back to Bhatinda. On the way, near Kaithal, their troops deserted and on the 25th Rabi I, 638/13th October, 1240, while resting under a tree, they were both murdered by Hindu robbers³.