The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c17.s5.431

v1.c17.s5.431

One of the factors that helped to save Orissa from spoliation in the hands of the Turks for such a long time is brought out by the account of the retreat of Sulṭān Fīrūz Shāh. We are told by Shams-i-Sirāj that on his way home the Sulṭān lost his way and that for six months " the army ascended mountain after mountain, and passed through *jangals* and hills until they were quite in despair and utterly worn out with the fatigues of the march. No road was to be found, nor any grain. Provisions became very scarce, and the army was reduced to the verge of destruction."²