The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.56

v3.c20.56

From Beyt Shankhodhar Mahmūd returned to Anhilvāra, where he halted for some time to refresh his troops. It is difficult to believe that the climate and situation of the city and the reputed existence of gold mines in its neighbourhood induced Mahmūd seriously to propose that the court should be transferred thither. The historian responsible for this statement adds that Mahmūd’s proposal was successfully combated by his counsellors, who impressed upon him the impossibility of controlling from Anhilvāra the turbulent province of Khurāsān, the acquisition and retention of which had been so difficult and so costly; and Mahmūd prepared to return to Ghaznī. The line of retreat chosen was through the desert of Sind to Multān, for Mahmūd was loth to risk his booty in a battle with the raja of Sāmbhar, who had closed with a great army the line by which he had advanced.