History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c11.s1.1

c11.s1.1

In the following year the Mughals again reappeared on the frontiers of India, when Dava Khan sent Kubak⁷² to avenge the deaths of 'Alī Bēg and Tartāq.⁷³ He crossed Indus with a large army and marched on to Ravi burning, murdering and pillaging. Another contingent of the Mughal force, which was commanded by Iqbālmand moved southwards and arrived near Nagor⁷⁴ creating havoc in that part of the country. 'Alāuddīn appointed Malik Naib Kāfūr to oppose the invaders and crush them out in a battle. To encourage his soldiers 'Alāuddīn ordered that every one of them shall receive one year's salary as bonus. Experienced generals like Malik Tughlaq, the Shahnāh-i-Bārgāh and the fief-holder of Deopalpur, and Malik 'Ālam were also sent with Malik Naib Kāfūr. On the eve of their departure the Sultan praised and flattered Malik Naib very much to encourage him to give a gallant fight.⁷⁵ The royal army made for the threatened region making "no distinction between the darkness of the night and the light of the dawn till they had reached their prey", Malik Tughlaq, who led the vanguard, one day suddenly sighted Mughal scouts, and he immediately informed Malik Kāfūr about the location of the Mughal army. Shortly after the rival forces stood face to face on the banks of the river Ravi,⁷⁶ but neither party was willing to open the attack. At last the Mughals advanced blowing conch shells and making immense noise. Kubak delivered the assault on the centre of the royal army, commanded by Malik Naib Kāfūr, and scattered it. But soon Malik Kāfūr rallied his men and fought so gallantly that in a very short time Kubak’s men were completely routed and made to fly. Kubak was taken prisoner just at a moment when he was on the point of being killed by some Delhi soldiers. The prisoners of war, who included women and children, were sent to the Sultan at Delhi.