The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c32.s4.207

v2.c32.s4.207

This battle practically put an end to the sovereignty of the Cāhamānas of Śākambharī. After this battle Quṭb ud-Dīn appears to have captured Ajmer from ‘Kola,’ who according to Elliots’ interpretation of *Tāj-ul-Ma‘āthir*³ was the ‘natural son’ of the Rāi of Ajmīr. He appears to have been taken prisoner but ‘managed to obtain his release or at least immunity from punishment.’ But on account of his ‘ancient hatred against the Musulmans’ which was deeply rooted and concealed in the bottom of his heart, he ‘appears to have been detected in some intrigue.’ Orders were therefore issued for his death and ‘the diamond-like sword severed the head of that abandoned wretch from his body.’ “The son of Rāi Pithaura,” continues Ḥasan Niẓāmī, “in whose qualities and habits the proof of courage and the indexes of wisdom were apparent, and who, both abroad and at home, exhibited familiarity with rectitude, and prognostications of goodness was appointed to the government of Ajmīr.” Delhi and Meerut were captured soon after. Everything seemed to have been settled now so far as the Cāhamānas are concerned. But Niẓāmī tells us that Quṭb ud-Dīn soon received intelligence “from Rantanbor that Hirāj, the brother of the Rāi of Ajmīr, had gone into rebellion and had turned his face towards the siege of the fort of Rantanbor and that the son of Pithaurā, who had been advanced under the protection of the sublime court, was in a state of extreme danger. On receiving this intelligence, “Ḳuṭb ud-Dīn . . . . . departed for Rantanbor, passing over hill and desert like a wild ass or an antelope. When Hirāj heard of the arrival of the auspicious standards . . . . . he placed the hand of weakness in the skirts of flight, and for the fear of the blade of the scimitar fled like the wind with his resurrectionless army.........The son of Rāi Pithaurā was favoured with a robe of honour and other kindnesses; and in return for his friendship, he sent abundant treasure for the service of the state, together with three golden melons, which with extreme ingenuity had been cast in moulds like the full moon.”¹ “The Rāī who had fled from Delhi had raised an army of idolatrous, turbulent, and rebellio us tribes, the vapour of pride and conquest having entered his thoughtless brain. Ḳuṭb-ud-Dīn pursued him and when the wretch was taken, his head was severed from his body and sent to Delhi, which had been his residence and capital.”²