The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.226

v3.c20.226

Balban, now eighty years of age, was at the height of his prosperity and glory when he received a blow which darkened the brief remainder of his days. The Mughuls, under Tamar Khān, invaded the province of Multān in great force and Muhammad Khān attacked and defeated them, but was surprised by an ambush and slain on March 9, 1285. The historian Baranī gives an affecting account of the behaviour of the aged king in his affliction. He would in no way compromise his dignity, and gave audiences and transacted business with his usual stern and grave demeanour, though the weight of the blow which had fallen on him was manifest to all; but at night, and in the privacy of his chamber, he rent his clothes, cast dust upon his head, and mourned for his son as David mourned for Absalom. The dead prince was henceforward always known as *Shahīd*, ‘the Martyr,’ and his youthful son Kaikhusrav was sent from Delhi with a large staff and a numerous force to take his father’s place as warden of the marches.