History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c8.16

c8.16

The attack on Jaisalmer was a mere raid as compared to the invasion of Ranthambhor. In fact Ranthambhor⁸ was the first state to be selected for the trial of strength with the Rajputs; firstly, because of its proximity to Delhi; secondly, because of the failure of Jalāluddin to capture it; and thirdly, because of its reputed impregnability. Added to these were a handy excuse and a justification. The Mughal rebel Muḥammad Shah and his brother Kehbru, the leaders of the mutiny near Jalor, had been given shelter by the Rana of Ranthambhor. Though no contemporary historian gives this fact as a cause for the invasion but circumstantial evidence supported by later writings unmistakably does strengthen the hypothesis.⁹