The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.130

v3.c20.130

Early in November, 1210, Aibak's horse fell upon him as he was playing *chaugān* or polo and the high pommel of the saddle pierced his breast, inflicting a wound so severe that he died almost immediately. The nobles, in order to avoid the confusion and strife inseparable from a delayed or disputed succession, hurriedly proclaimed Ārām Shāh, sometimes described as Aibak’s adopted son but usually believed to have been a son of his body.