The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c25.55

v3.c25.55

In 1487, while he was hunting at Hālol, near Chāmpāner, a company of horsedealers complained to him that the raja of Ābū had robbed them of 403 horses, which they were bringing to Gujarāt for him by his order. Mahmūd paid them the full price of the horses and gave them a letter to the raja demanding restitution of the stolen property. The raja was terrified, and restored 370 horses, paid the price of 33 which had died, gave the merchants valuable gifts for Mahmūd, and begged them to intercede with him. Mahmūd, content with this display of his power and the raja's humiliation, permitted the merchants to retain the horses as well as their price.