The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c31.165

v2.c31.165

The *Habīb us-Siyar* of Khond Amīr, however, gives us the following account of Maḥmūd's march from Multan to Naharwāla.³ We are told that Maḥmūd's army, which mainly consisted of about 30,000 cavalry, travelled from Multan "by way of the desert." The soldiers were obliged to carry water and forage for many days; and in addition the Sulṭān loaded 20,000 camels with water and provisions. "Having passed that blood-thirsty desert, they saw on the edge of it several forts filled with fighting men, and abounding with instruments of war but the omnipotent God struck fear into the hearts of the infidels, so that they delivered the forts over without striking a blow. Sulṭān Maḥmūd went from that place towards Naharwāla and he killed and plundered the inhabitants of every city on the road at which he arrived."⁴