History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c11.66

c11.66

The army was stationed in a very secure position at Kīlī. On the one side was the Jumna and on the other side were thorns and bushes and in between these two stood the royal forces.⁴² 'Alāuddīn drew up his army in the traditional style. Malik Hizabruddīn Zafar Khān, the governor of Samanah, the Punjab and Multan was entrusted with the command of the right wing, and with him were attached some Rajas of Hindustan—a group of veteran warriors. Ulugh Khān was put in command of the left wing, with orders to reinforce any other wing which showed signs of weakness in the course of the battle. The king with Nuṣrat Khān and 12,000 men commanded the centre.⁴³ Twenty-two elephants were stationed in front of each division as bulwark against a terrific assault by the enemy. Having thus dispositioned his troops the Sultan personally reviewed the whole army, and ordered that nobody should move from his place without his orders.⁴⁴