History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c21.59

c21.59

It was on a Friday that the belligerant armies came in conflict on the plain of Lahravat, a village now untraceable but then surely situated between Delhi and the Hauz-i-Khās. Khusrau Shah himself commanded his troops. According to Yahya a short but stiff engagement was fought in which the royalists hurled back the forces of Ghāzī Malik.⁴¹ But in this battle Malik Talbagha Nagori, one of the staunchest supporters of Nāsiruddin, was killed; and Shayasta Khan, son of Qirat Qimār, fled away from the field of battle, although he did not forget to plunder the camp of Ghāzī during his flight. In spite of these losses Khusrau Khan held on till the evening, fighting gallantly and desparately all the time. His stubborn resistence moved Ghāzī Malik to a quick and determined action. He collected his troops and exhorted them to fight with all the might they could muster. His stirring appeal had the desired effect and about three hundred of his loyal and chosen horses fell fiercely upon their adversaries. The force of this charge made an irreparable breach in the ranks of Nāṣiruddīn. The Delhi army sustained a crushing defeat and fled in confusion.