The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c12.184.2

v1.c12.184.2

The archers were opposed by Gukkurs, who, in spite of the king's efforts and presence, repulsed his light troops and followed them so closely that no less than 30,000 Gukkurs with their heads and feet bare, and armed with various weapons, penetrated into the Muhammadan lines, where a dreadful carnage ensued, and in a few minutes 5,000 Muhammadans were slain. The enemy were at length checked, and being cut off as fast as they advanced, the attacks became fainter and fainter, till on a sudden, the elephant, upon which the prince who commanded the Hindus rode, becoming unruly from the effects of the naphtha balls, and the flights of arrows, turned and fled. This circumstance produced a panic amongst the Hindus, who seeing themselves deserted by their general, gave way and fled also.”² In the pursuit 20,000 Hindus are said to have been killed, but it is surprising that after such a victory the spoil that fell to the Sulṭān was only 30 elephants. This is also confirmed by Niẓām ud-Dīn ; but ‘Utbī gives the number as 60. The serious nature and obstinate character of the contest is however confirmed by the following extract from the last historian: "And from the time that the falcon of morning took his flight from the nest of the horizon, until the crow of darkness, closed her wing, the fire of battle burnt, and the pieces of men's bodies, hacked by the sword coloured the earth as if by anemones.