The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.35

v3.c20.35

Mahmūd continued his march and on December 20 arrived before Kanauj, the capital of the Rāhtor Rājputs, whose raja, Jaichand, terrified by the numbers, the discipline and the achievements of the invading army, withdrew from his strong city, the ramparts of which were covered by seven detached forts, and left it open to Mahmūd, who occupied both the city and the forts. The raja returned and preserved his city from destruction by making submission to the conqueror and surrendering eighty-five elephants, much treasure and a large quantity of jewels.