The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.31

v3.c20.31

Mahmūd marched with such rapidity through the Punjab as to forestall Bijayapāl’s preparations, and found the shrine at Thānesar undefended. He entered it without encountering serious opposition¹, plundered it of its vast treasures, and destroyed its idols, except the principal object of worship, which was sent to Ghaznī to be buried in a public thoroughfare, where it might be trodden underfoot by the people. After this easy success Mahmūd wished to march on Delhi, but was over-ruled by his advisers, who were averse from advancing so far into India until the annexation of the Punjab should have furnished a base of operations within its borders.