History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c10.13

c10.13

'Ainul Mulk Multānī administered the country well and peace was soon established. A short time after he marched with his forces against Mandu which, according to Khusrau was "the key to the conquest of Deccan." A contingent of Mahlak Deva, under the command of his son, encountered the invaders but it sustained a defeat and the prince was slain. The fort of Mandu was beleaguered. Meanwhile a traitor from the town pointed out to the Muslim general a private passage and he entered the fort in the darkness of the night. Mahlak Deva and his garrison were taken aback at the sudden appearance of the enemy inside the fortress and in the confused flight that followed the Rānā was killed and the royal army gained mastery of the city, 5th of Jamādi-ul Avval 705 (November 23rd. 1305).⁸