The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.10

v3.c20.10

In September, 1001, Mahmūd left Ghaznī with 15,000 horse and advanced to Peshāwar, where Jaipāl I of the Punjab was prepared to meet him with 12,000 horse, 30,000 foot and 300 elephants. The raja was expecting reinforcements and was in no haste to engage before their arrival, but Mahmūd’s impetuosity left him no choice, and on November 27th the two armies advanced to the attack, discharging clouds of arrows. Those of the Hindus did great execution, but the Muslims had the better mark, and their arrows, as well as the swords of their horsemen, rendered many of Jaipāl’s elephants unmanageable or useless. The Hindus could not withstand the impetuosity of the Muslim horse and by noon were in full flight, leaving 15,000 dead on the field or slain in the pursuit. Jaipāl and fifteen of his relations were captured, and their jewels, including a necklace of enormous value worn by the raja, formed part of Mahmūd’s plunder.