The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c16.454.3

v1.c16.454.3

After the conquest of Bihār "a number of astrologers, wise men, and counsellors of his kingdom" represented to him that it was written "in our books of the ancient Brahmans" that this country would fall into the hands of the Turks. They assured him that the Turks had subjugated Bihār, "and next year they will surely come into this country." Under the circumstances they advised the king to "be removed from the country in order that we may be safe from the molestation of the Turks.'' On the Rāi hesitating, they gave him the description of the conqueror, which on verification was found to agree with the physical appearance of Muḥammad ibn Bakht-yār. When they became assured of these facts, "most of the Brahmans and inhabitants of that place retired into the province of Sankanāt (سنکنات or سكنات), the cities and towns of Bang, and towards Kāmrūd ; but to begin to abandon his country was not agreeable to Lakhmaṇīah. In the following year Muḥammad caused a force to be prepared, and advanced upon Nūdiāh, so swiftly that no more than 18 horsemen could keep up with him, and the other troops followed after him.'' On reaching the gate, Muḥammad proceeded at once to the palace, and surprised its guards. The Rāi, who was at his table, fled bare-footed by the back part of his palace. In the meantime the rest of Muḥammad's army arrived, and the whole city was captured. Lakhmaṇīah, got away towards Sankanāt and Bang, and there the period of his reign shortly came to a termination.