The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.529

v3.c20.529

In June, 1398, the deadlock at Delhi was brought to an end by a series of acts of extraordinary perfidy and treachery. Mallū, resenting the dominance of his benefactor, Muqarrab Khān, deserted Mahmūd and joined Nusrat, whom he conducted in triumph into Jahānpanāh, after swearing allegiance to him on the Koran. Two days later he suddenly attacked his new master and drove him to Fīrūzābād and thence to Pānīpat, where he took refuge with Tātār Khān. Although Nusrat had thus disappeared from the scene the contest was maintained for two months by Mallū on the one hand and Muqarrab Khān, with Mahmūd, on the other. At length Mallū feigned a reconciliation with Muqarrab Khān, who entered Jahānpanāh in triumph with Mahmūd Shāh while Mallū remained in Sīrī. Almost immediately afterwards Mallū treacherously attacked Muqarrab Khān in his house at Jahānpanāh, captured and slew him, and, having gained possession of the person of Mahmūd Shāh exercised the royal authority in his name.