Growth of Muslim Population in Medieval India, A.D. 1000–1800 c16.s1.10

c16.s1.10

In 1231 Sultan Iltutmish attacked Gwalior, and ‘captured a large number of slaves’.³¹ Minhaj Siraj Jurjani writes that ‘his (Balban’s) taking of captives, and his capture of the dependents of the great Ranas cannot be recounted.’’’³² Talking of his war in Avadh against Trailokyavarman of the Chandela dynasty (Dalaki wa Malaki of Minhaj), the chronicler says : ‘All the infidel’s wives, sons and dependents...and children . fell into the hands of the victors.’³³ In 1253 in his campaign against Ranthambhor also Balban appears to have captured many prisoners.³⁴ In 1259, in an attack on Hariyana (the Shiwalik hills), many women and children were enslaved.³⁵ Twice Balban led expeditions against Kampil, Patiali, and Bhojpur, and in the process captured a large number of women and children. In Katehar he ordered a general massacre of the male population of over eight years of age and carried away women and children.³⁶