History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c6.9

c6.9

It were these developments which had impelled 'Alāuddīn to start for Delhi at once. So heavy were the rains that year that "Ganga and Jumna had become vast rivers and every (paltry) stream looked like a Ganga or Jumna." The roads had become impassable through mud and mire. Yet 'Alāuddīn struck the tents. He exhorted his officers and nobles to do their best to raise a large army, and not to be mindful in fixing high salaries. In addition, a small minjniq⁵ was constructed and at every halt five *man* of gold coins were hurled from it.⁶ This reckless squandering of wealth had the desired effect and people "military and non-military" flocked to him in large numbers. When 'Alāuddīn arrived near Badaon his army had swelled to 56,000 horses and 60,000 foot. Here he detached a contingent from the main force, and placing it under Zafar Khān ordered him to march on to Delhi by way of Kol (modern Aligarh), while he himself marched at the head of the main army through Badaon. He had instructed Zafar Khān to march at a rate corresponding to that of his so that the armies might converge on the Capital at the same time.