The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c12.149.1

v1.c12.149.1

Sabuk-tigīn was convinced of the truth of Jayapāla's statement, and consented to the terms offered. According to 'Utbī these were: "by way of ransom 1,000 packets of 1,000 *dīnārs* sterling, and five stables full of elephants,"³ and cession of "some cities of Hindustan and some fortresses within the heart of his kingdom" and the supply of hostages "until the terms of the treaty should be carried into effect……when the territories and fortresses should be restored." We are told by this writer and all subsequent authorities that when Jayapāla "had gone a few stages and was in safety, and was secure in the midst of his kingdom,⁴ his base and evil nature led him to infringe the treaty. He entered upon measures contrary thereto, and as certain persons were with him, by way of doing him honour and for the purpose of taking possession of the fortresses and territories ceded by the agreement, he threw them into prison, by way of reprisal for some of his comrades and company, who were detained at the Amīr's court as a measure of retaliation." Niẓām-ud-Dīn clearly states that Jayapāla "imprisoned the agents of Amīr Nāṣir-ud-Dīn, in retaliation for the imprisonment of the men whom he had left as hostages."¹ The Muslim historians, as usual, throw all the blame on Jayapāla; but it is not unlikely that this was a mere pretext for renewing hostilities on both sides.