History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c9.65.3

c9.65.3

But unfortunately the rainy season set in; sickness broke out in the royal camp, and death took a dreadful toll of life. The troops were completely demoralised, and it became difficult to obtain supplies of provisions from Dihli. The hill tribes took advantage of the difficulties of the imperialists, and when the latter retreated through the narrow and difficult passes with their numbers thinned by disease and famine, the wily mountaineers out-flanked the wings of the army, and attacked it. The royal baggage was plundered, and the infuriated Hindus felled trees from the mountain tops so that the soldiers of the royal force were flung head-long into the abyss under their crushing weight, and many lives were lost. For seven days the army suffered heavily owing to the want of provisions. All communication posts were dismantled, and the garrison was driven away by the enemy. Only ten horsemen, according to Barani and three according to Ibn Batūṭah, survived to tell the story of that gruesome tragedy, which was largely due to miscalculation and defective strategy.³⁶ When the royal forces reached the low country, they found it inundated by rain, and men and beasts alike had to suffer great privations, particularly because no succour was available from any quarter. The retreat was disastrous, and seriously affected the military strength of the Sultan, for he was never afterwards able to collect such a large force to fight against his foes.