The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c31.776

Language: English

v2.c31.776.1

Sāraṅgadeva was succeeded by Karṇadeva, popularly known as *Ghelaro* or the 'insane prince'⁶ in *c.* 1296-97 A.D. Merutuṅga assigns him the period V.S. 1353 to 1360 (A.D. 1296-97 to 1303-04). According to Abu'l Faẕl he reigned for 6 years 10 months and 15 days.⁷ All accounts agree that he was the last Vāghelā king of Anhilvad. We have already noticed conflicts between the Muslims and the Caulukyas in the time of Bhīma II and Vīradhavala. On that occasion the Muslims advanced from the region of Mathura southwards to Medapāṭa. After about 50 years' inactivity they again renewed their depredations on the Caulukya dominions. Unfortunately for Karṇa, his accession nearly synchronised with that of 'Alā ud-Dīn Khaljī (1296-1316 A.D.) one of the ablest military leaders among the Turkish Sulṭāns of Delhi. Within a short time of his usurpation of the crown 'Alā ud-Dīn turned his attention to the fertile plains and wealthy ports of Gujarat.¹ Baranī tells us that at the beginning of the 3rd year of his rule "Ulugh Khān and Nuṣrat Khān, with their *amīrs* and generals, and a large army marched against Gujarat. They took and plundered Naharwāla and all Gujarat. Karan, Rai of Gujarat, fled from Naharwāla and went to Rām Deo of Deogīr. The wives and daughters, the treasure and elephants of Rai Karan, fell into the hands of the Muhammadans.

v2.c31.776.2

All Gujarat became a prey to the invaders and the idol which, after the victory of Sulṭān Maḥmūd and his destruction of (the idol) *Manāt*, the Brāhmans had set up under the name of Somnāth, for the worship of the Hindus, was removed and carried to Delhi, where it was laid down for people to tread upon. Nuṣrat Khān proceeded to Kamāya (Cambay) and levied large quantities of jewels and precious articles from the merchants of the place who were very wealthy. He also took a handsome slave from his master (afterwards known as) Kāfūr Hazār-dīnārī, who was made *Malik-nāib*, and whose beauty captivated 'Alā ud-Dīn. Ulugh Khān and Nuṣrat Khān returned with great booty.''² Firishta adds the information that amongst the wives of Karṇa, who were captured in this expedition was ‘Kowla Devy,’¹ whose ‘beauty, wit and accomplishment so captivated ‘Alā ud-Dīn that he took her into his harem.’² The *Mirat-i-Ahmadi* states that before Karṇa fled he engaged the Muslim generals in battle; and the *Zafar ul-Wālih* informs us that it was ‘a hard struggle.’ This campaign did not however completely end Karṇa’s career. He appears to have maintained his independence in the hilly territory known as Baglan in Nasik;

v2.c31.776.3

and Firishta tells us that when in 1306 A.D., according to the instructions of Malik Kāfūr, Alaf Khān tried to join him in ‘the borders of the Deccan’ from Gujarat ‘by the route leading through the mountains of Buglana, so as both to enter the Deccan together,’ he was successfully opposed by Karṇa. Immediately before this Malik Kāfūr had tried to persuade the Caulukya king to hand over to him Devaladevī, his daughter by Kāvalādevī. For we are told that at her request the Sulṭān had issued express injunctions to his generals to seize her daughter and send her to Delhi. But ‘The Rāja could by no means be brought to agree’ to this demand. Finding that his own military efforts had no effect on local rajas, he directed Alaf Khān to join him in Gujarat. But Firishta relates that for two months Karṇa defeated all his efforts to force a passage, fighting several actions. At this time Saṅkara the son of the Devagiri Yādava Rāmadeva made offers of help to Karṇa, who agreed to give him his daughter, who was only 13 years of age.

v2.c31.776.4

When Bhīmadeva, Saṅkara’s brother, was escorting the girl to Devagiri, and had nearly reached the capital city, a section of the troops of Asaf Khān, numbering about 300, who had gone ‘without leave to see the caves of Eloora, in the neighbourhood of Dewgur’ surprised the escort and captured the young bride.³ According to Firishta, before this incident Alaf Khān, being much concerned at the reports of these marriage-arrangements and fearing for his head, had made one supreme effort to pierce Karṇa's mountain-defences. His army, we are told, 'entered the mountains in all directions and engaging the Raja gave him total defeat. Kurrun Ray fled to Dewgur, leaving his elephants, tents and equipage on the field.' After this history loses sight of Karṇa, and he probably died as a refugee somewhere in the Deccan.¹