The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.112

v3.c20.112

In the hot season of 1197, when Aibak was at Ajmer, the Mers, who inhabited the neighbourhood of that city, rose in rebellion and invited Rāja Bhīm of Gujarāt to aid them in expelling the Muslims. Aibak heard of these communications, and in spite of the great heat of the season marched from Ajmer and attacked the Mers early one morning before their ally had joined them, but their superior numbers enabled them to maintain the conflict throughout the day, and when the battle was renewed on the following day Bhīm’s army arrived and overpowered the Muslims, driving them back into the city. Here Aibak was besieged until the news that a large army was marching from Ghaznī to his relief caused the Mers and Rāja Bhīm’s army to retreat. The reinforcements reached Ajmer late in the year, and in December Aibak marched on Anhilvāra by way of Sirohī to avenge his defeat. He found Bhīm’s army awaiting him at the foot of the Ābū hills in a position so strong that he hesitated to attack it, and his caution enticed the Hindus from the position which constituted their strength. Aibak, now on equal terms with his enemy, attacked shortly after dawn and was obstinately resisted until midday, when the Hindus broke and fled. They suffered severely: 15,000 were slain and 20,000 captured and twenty elephants and much other plunder were taken. Aibak advanced, unopposed, to Anhilvāra, plundered the city and returned with much wealth, of which he transmitted a due proportion to Muhammad and to Ghiyās-ud-dīn.