The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.261

v3.c20.261

The booty was enormous, but it was the reward of an exploit as daring and impudent as any recorded in history. ‘Alā-ud-dīn’s objective, the capital of a powerful kingdom, was separated from his base by a march of two months through unknown regions inhabited by peoples little likely to be otherwise than hostile. He knew not what forces might oppose his advance, and he was unable to secure his retreat, which, by reason of the wealth which he carried with him, was more perilous than his advance, but fortune befriended him and his own resourcefulness and high courage sustained him, and he reached Kara safely with all his treasure.