The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c12.149.2

v1.c12.149.2

Situated as they were, there could be no lasting peace between these two states, and we are told that after this, Sabuk-tigīn "proceeded to the country of the infidel traitor, and wheresoever he came he plundered and sacked the country until it was annihilated. He dug up and burnt down all its buildings and killed these deceivers and infidels, carrying away their children and cattle as booty. He made the territory of *Lamghān*, which had been the most populous and flourishing of all that country, entirely stript and bare. He mastered several other territories, and, destroying their temples, their sacred buildings, and their churches built mosques in their stead, making the light of Islam visible." On this Jayapāla "invoked help, and despatched letters seeking succour, to the various provinces of India imploring aid." Niẓām-ud-Dīn does not mention the names of the *Rājās* of Hindustan, but Firishta particularly mentions the names of the princes of Delhi, Ajmer, Kalinjar and Kanauj who assisted Jayapāla with men and money.² All the authorities however are agreed that the army of Jayapāla mainly consisted of 100,000 cavalry. To this Niẓām-ud-Dīn adds "many elephants" and Firishta, "an innumerable host of foot." Evidently Jayapāla was making a supreme effort to crush his foe. Starting from his kingdom he marched "towards the capital of Islam" (Ghazni).