The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c12.160

v1.c12.160

The last portion of this passage appears to indicate that Jayapāla was taken by surprise and had to hasten to meet the enemy before his mobilization was complete. The battle that took place was well contested. Niẓām-ud-Dīn tells us that “the two armies fought with each other and showed much gallantry,” while Firishta refers to the struggle as obstinate. But in the end victory fell to Maḥmūd. According to ‘Utbī: “at the time of mid-day nearly 5,000 carcasses of the infidels cut in half by the sword lay upon the field of battle, as food for dogs and as a gift for wolves and fifty elephants were cut down by the strōke of arrows and of swords. Moreover, they seized Jayapāla with all his family and children and kindred, and a considerable number of his intimate officers, in the snaring rope of violence and brought them as prisoners before the Sulṭān.”¹