The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c15.125.3

v1.c15.125.3

When the ‘Rāe of Kāmrūd’ became aware of the passage of the Muslim troops, he is said to have despatched trustworthy persons, saying: “It is not proper, at this time to march into the country of Tibet, and it is necessary to return and to make ample preparations, when in the coming year I, who am the Rāe of Kāmrūd agree that I will embody my own forces, and will precede the Muḥammadan troops, and will cause that territory to be acquired.'' But Muḥammad did not accept this salutary advice and turned his face towards the mountains of Tibet. The troops made their way, unmolested apparently, through defiles and passes and lofty mountains, till on the 16th day they reached the open country of Tibet. The whole of that tract was under cultivation, with tribes of people and populous villages. When they reached a place where there was a fort and began plundering the country around, the people of the fort and the town engaged the invaders in a fierce contest which raged from 'daybreak to the evening prayer,' and killed and wounded a great number of the Musalman troops. At night Muḥammad heard of the approach of an army of about 50,000 'valiant Turk horsemen, archers.' After a consultation with the Amīrs, he ordered the fatigued and worn out troops to retreat.