The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c29.53

v3.c29.53

Chalabī Rūmī Khān caused the heavier guns to be loaded, for their second discharge, with copper coin¹, and this ammunition tore great gaps in the Hindu ranks, which were now at close quarters. Husain followed up the advantage with a general charge of his cavalry, which rode through the shattered ranks of the enemy, and Sadāshivarāya, now in personal peril, quitted his throne for his litter, and though his guards offered a determined resistance they were thrown into confusion by the repeated charges of the Muslim horse, supported by the elephants. One of these, driven beyond the rest, came up with the litter, and the driver, remarking its rich and costly adornment, but not knowing whom it contained, drove the elephant against it and overturned it, intending to secure it as spoil. The raja fell to the ground, and an attendant Brāhman cried to the driver, ‘This is Sadāshivarāya. Save his life and he will make you the greatest man in his kingdom!’ The driver at once caused the elephant to pick the raja up in his trunk and carried him to Rūmī Khān, who led him before Husain Nizām Shāh. He was beheaded on the spot, and the spectacle of his head, raised on a spear, completed the rout of the Hindus, who fled, without striking another blow, pursued by the victors as far as Anagondi. The number slain in the battle and the pursuit was computed at 100,000, and the spoil, which included large numbers of captives consigned to slavery, enriched the whole of the Muslim armies, for the troops were permitted to retain the whole of the plunder except the elephants.