The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c12.164

v1.c12.164

After this victory, Maḥmūd pressed his advantage by a forward push, and commanding the army “to fly forth into the province of Hindustan,” went to Bhatinda, “the place of residence of Jaypāl and reduced it after a siege.”³ According to ‘Utbī Maḥmūd then made “friendship with him (Jayapāla) and took his son as a hostage *for the confirmation of his promise*, and dismissed him to his own country.” Niẓām-ud-Dīn is silent on the point, but Firishta says that the prisoners were released “on payment of a large ransom, and on their stipulating for *an annual tribute*.''" According to both 'Utbī and Firishta, Jayapāla after being released resigned the crown to his son. He "shaved his head, and threw himself into fire and went into the lowest pits of hell." But they differ as to the reasons which led him to this decision. 'Utbī says: "Now in mid-India it had been a long time established as a rule that if any king fell as a prisoner into the hands of the Muslims, he should no longer hold his kingdom and that no more allegiance should effectually appertain to him." But Firishta says: "It is said that, in those days, a custom prevailed among the Hindus that whatever *rājā* was twice overpowered by strangers became disqualified to reign." As Jayapāla was defeated more than twice, I think the tradition contained in the *Kitāb-i-Yamīnī* is more reliable.