The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c7.s2.2

c7.s2.2

Amir Subuktigin (977-997 C.E.) made frequent expeditions into Hindustan, or more precisely into the Hindu Shahiya Brahman kingdom of Punjab which extended up to Kabul, in the prosecution of holy wars, and there he conquered forts upon lofty hills, in order to seize the treasures they contained. When Jayapal, the ruling prince of the dynasty, had ascertained from reports of travellers about the activities of Subuktigin, he hastened with a large army and huge elephants to wreak vengeance upon Subuktigin, by treading the field of Islam under his feet.³⁰ After he had passed Lamghan, Subuktigin advanced from Ghazni with his son Mahmud. The armies fought successively against one another. Jayapal, with soldiers as impetuous as a torrent, was difficult to defeat, and so Subuktigin threw animal flesh (beef?) into the fountain which supplied water to the Hindu army.³¹ In consequence, Jayapal sued for peace. But for greater gains, Subuktigin delayed negotiations, and Jayapals envoys were sent back. Jayapal again requested for cessation of hostilities and sent ambassadors, observing: You have seen the impetuosity of the Hindus and their indifference to death, whenever any calamity befalls them, as at this moment. If, therefore, you refuse to grant peace in the hope of obtaining plunder, tribute, elephants and prisoners, then there is no alternative for us but to mount the horse of stern determination, destroy our property, take out the eyes of our elephants, cast our children into the fire, and rush on each other with sword and spear, so that all that will be left to you, is stones and dirt, dead bodies, and scattered bones.³²