The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c12.179

v1.c12.179

Al-Bīrūnī informs us that this epistle was sent to Maḥmūd when the relations between them "were already strained to the utmost." "The same prince," says he, "cherished the bitterest hatred against the Muhammadans from the time when his son was made a prisoner."² Though all will share al-Bīrūnī's admiration for the "noble bearing and sentiment" of the prince, historians will nevertheless deplore that by his inaction Ānandapāla lost the only chance of crushing his foe whose unscrupulous ambition unchecked by any moral considerations was soon to bring about the extinction of his line. His short-sighted policy was again responsible for the defeat of his son Sukhapāla, who had returned to the Hindu fold and had thrown off his allegiance to Maḥmūd. This prince took full advantage of the pre-occupations of Maḥmūd in Khurāsān and expelled all the officers of the Sulṭān from India; but unaided, he was no match for Maḥmūd, who soon after his great victory over Ilak Khān “ marched with a great expedition towards India.” Sukhapāla was defeated, taken prisoner, and after being compelled to pay 400,000 dirhams was imprisoned for the rest of his life.¹ The nemesis of his faulty policy came in 1008 A.D. when Maḥmūd, disregarding all his noble sentiments, invaded his territories under the pretext of an unfriendly act when Maḥmūd attacked Multan in 1005 A.D. According to Firishta, “ Ānandapāl, hearing of his intentions, sent ambassadors on all sides inviting the assistance of other princes of Hindūstan, who now considered the expulsion of the Mahommedans from India as a sacred duty. Accordingly the *rājās* of Ujain, Gwalior, Kalinjar, Kanauj, Delhi, and Ajmer entered into confederacy, and collecting their forces, advanced towards Punjab with the greatest army that had yet taken the field²......The Hindu women on this occasion sold their jewels, and melted down their golden ornaments (which they sent from distant parts), to furnish resources for the war; and the Gukkurs and other warlike tribes joining the army, surrounded the Mahommedans, who were obliged to entrench their camp.” ³