The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.149

v3.c20.149

After the king’s return from Mālwa a serious religious disturbance broke out at Delhi, where a large community of fanatics of the Ismā‘īlī sect had gradually established itself. They may have been irritated by persecution but they appear to have believed that if they could compass the king’s death they might be able to establish their own faith as the state religion. They plotted to assassinate Iltutmish when he visited the great mosque for the Friday prayers, which he was wont to attend unostentatiously and without guards. One Friday, accordingly, while the congregation was at prayers, a large body of Ismā‘īlīs ran into the mosque armed, drew their swords, and attempted to cut their way through the kneeling multitude to the Sultan, but before they could reach him he made his escape and, the alarm having been given, the people crowded the roofs, walls, and gateways of the mosque and with a shower of arrows and missiles annihilated the heretics. Such adherents of the sect as remained were diligently sought and were put to death.