The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c31.595

v2.c31.595

“In the year 591 H.(1195 A.D.) when Quṭbu-d-Dīn was again at Ajmīr, intelligence was brought to him that a party of seditious Mhers, ‘who were always shooting the arrow of deceit from the bow of refractoriness,’ had sent spies and messengers towards Nahrwāla, representing that a detachment of the army of the Turks had arrived at Ajmīr, of no great strength and numbers, and that if from that quarter a force could be immediately sent to join them, before the enemy could find the opportunity of putting themselves in a state of preparation, they could make a sudden night attack upon them, and might rid the country of them, and if any one of the Turkish army were to escape from the talons of the eagle of death, he must necessarily take the road to flight, and with his two horses would make three stages into one, until he reached Delhi in a state of distraction.

When this treacherous plan was revealed Quṭbu-d-Dīn determined to anticipate it, and during the height of the hot season, ‘before the sun arose, fell upon the advance guard of the black infidels, and like lions attacked them right and left.’ The action lasted during the whole day, and next morning, the immense army of Nahrwāla came to the assistance of the vanguard, slew many of the Musulmāns, wounded their commander, pursued them to Ajmīr, and encamped within one parsang of that place.

In this predicament, a confidential messenger was sent to Ghazna, ‘to explain before the sublime throne the position of the army of the infidels, and to ask for orders as to future proceedings.’ ‘A royal edict was issued conferring all kinds of honours and kindness upon the Khusrū, and leaving to his entire discretion the subjection and extirpation of the turbulent.’ A large army was despatched to reinforce him, under the command of Jahān Pahlawān, Asadu-d-Dīn, Arslān Kalij, Nasīru-d-Dīn