History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c6.102

c6.102

The leading states in Rajputana in the fourteenth century were Jesalmer and Mewar both of which had been overrun by ‘Ala-al-Din. Mewar was conquered in 1303 A.D. and the fort of Chittor was entrusted to Prince Khizr Khan.⁴² Jesalmer soon reverted to its former condition, for the Sultan of Dihli found it impossible to keep his hold on that inhospitable region. It is interesting to trace the history of the relations between Mewar and Dihli during these years. In describing the events of 1304 A.D. Firishta writes: ‘At length finding it of no use to retain Chittor, the Sultan ordered Prince Khizr Khan to evacuate it and to make it over to the nephew of the Raja. The Hindu line in a short time restored the principality to its former condition and retained the tract of Chittor as tributary to ‘Ala-al-Din during the rest of his reign. He sent annually large sums of money besides valuable presents and always joined the imperial standard in the field with 5,000 horse and 10,000 foot.’⁴³ Firishta’s date is incorrect. There is an inscription at Chittor dated the 10th Zil-hijjah, A.H. 709 (1310 A.D.) which mentions Alauddin as the ruler.⁴⁴ Had the fort been previously