The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.536

v3.c20.536

The invader’s rapid and devastating advance struck terror and dismay into the hearts of Mahmūd Shāh and Mallū, for the limits and resources of what remained to them of the kingdom were so restricted that no adequate preparations for resistance were possible, but such troops as remained were collected within the walls of the city, which was also crowded with the host of fugitives who had fled before Tīmūr’s advance. On December 12, as Tīmūr, who had led a reconnaissance in force across the river, was returning to Lonī, Mallū attacked his rearguard. Two divisions were promptly sent to its assistance, Mallū was defeated and driven back into Delhi, and the only fruit of his enterprise was a terrible massacre. Tīmūr had collected in his camp about 100,000 adult male Hindu captives, and when Mallū delivered his attack these poor wretches could not entirely conceal their joy at the prospect of a rescue. The demonstration was fatal to them, for Tīmūr became apprehensive of the presence in his camp of so large a number of disaffected captives, and caused them all to be put to death.