History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c13.s1.1

c13.s1.1

From Dwarsamudra Kāfūr started for M'abar¹⁹ on the 18th Shavvāl 710 (10th March, 1311). According to the author of *Futūhus Salātīn* the vanquished Hoysala now accompanied Malik Kāfūr on his expedition into the far south, and guided the path of the imperial general in an unknown country. The land through which the royal army marched was very unpropitious and hilly so much so that "the pointed stones tore the horse's hoofs;" and every night the soldiers slept on ground "more uneven than a camel's back." After five laborious marches they reached the frontier of M'abar. According to 'Iṣāmī a reconnaissance party consisting of great generals like Bahram Kara, Katla Nihang, Maḥmūd Sartiha and Abaji Mughal was attached with the royal forces. Every day one of these five commanders used to go in advance with a few persons who knew the language of that country, and used to bring news to the imperial commander about the affairs in the enemy territory. Suddenly Abaji Mughal thought of deserting the royal army and taking service under the Rai of M'abar. He even thought of killing Malik Kāfūr. He settled with some people that they would take him to the Rai of M'abar and secure for him an honourable job there. But as he was marching ahead of the main army his troops came in conflict with a detachment of the M'abar army. Abaji confused and perplexed, hurriedly retreated and joined Kāfūr. When the imperial general came to know of these developments he put Abaji in chains and continued to proceed onward.²⁰