Growth of Muslim Population in Medieval India, A.D. 1000–1800 c10.6

c10.6

During the reigns of Nasiruddin and Balban (1246-86) warfare for consolidation and expansion of Turkish dominions went on apace. Trailokyavarman, who ruled over Southern U.P., Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand, and is called 'Dalaki va Malaki' by Persian chroniclers, was defeated after great slaughter (1248). In 1251, Gwalior, Chanderi, Narwar and Malwa were attacked. The Raja of Malwa alone had 5,000 cavalry and 200,000 infantry and would have been defeated only after great loss of life. The inhabitants of Kaithal were given such severe punishment (1254) that they 'might not forget (the lesson) for the rest of their lives'. In 1256 Ulugh Khan Balban carried on devastating warfare in Saimur, and 'so many of the rebellious Hindus were killed that numbers cannot be computed or described'. Ranthambhor was attacked in 1259 and 'many of its valiant fighting men were sent to hell'. In the punitive expedition to Mewat (1260) 'numberless Hindus perished under the merciless swords of the soldiers of Islam'. In the same year 12,000 men, women and children were put to the sword in Hariyana.