History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c10.8

c10.8

According to Amīr Khusrau⁴ Rai Mahlak Deva of Malwa possessed thirty to forty thousand cavalry and an innumerable infantry.⁵ Mahlak's foster brother and commander-in-chief of the forces was Koka Pradhāna, an accomplished statesman and a brave warrior. Seeing their recalcitrant attitude 'Alāuddīn appointed a select body of 10,000 troops under the able commander 'Ainul Mulk Multani⁶ to march against Malwa. On their arrival the royal forces created consternation in the country. In an engagement Koka was killed on the field of battle where "so far as human eye could see, the ground was muddy with blood."⁷ His head was sent to Delhi to be trampled under the feet of the horses below the palace gates. Koka's death precipitated the flight of Rai Mahlak Deva to Mandu.