The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c17.s5.428

v1.c17.s5.428

“ After the hunt was over, the Sulṭān directed his attention to the Rāī of Jājnagar, and entering the palace where he dwelt he found many fine buildings. It is reported that inside the Rāī's fort there was a stone idol which the infidels called Jagannāth, and to which they paid their devotions. Sulṭān Fīrūz in emulation of Maḥmūd Subuk-tigīn, having rooted up the idol, carried it away to Delhi, where he subsequently had it placed in an ignominious position. The Sulṭān then resolved upon pursuing the Rāī into his island; but the Rāī sent some of his Brahmans (*pātar*) to wait upon the Sulṭān. As Sulṭāns consult with their clear-sighted ministers, so do *rāīs*, *rānas*, and *zamindars* take counsel with their *mahtas* on matters of war. In the country of Jājnagar the *mahtas* are called *pātars*, and the Rāī of Jājnagar had twenty *pātars*, otherwise called *mahtas*, under whose advice he conducted the affairs of his State. In great fear, the Rāī sent five of these *pātars* to wait on the Sulṭān, and make his submission, they represented, with much respect, that the Rāī had long been a dependant and subject of the Sulṭān, and they desired to ascertain the Sulṭān's intentions.