The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c34.s1.219

v2.c34.s1.219

The above inscriptions give dates for Samarasiṁha from V S. 1330 to 1358, corresponding to *c.* 1273-1301 A. D. Not much is known about this long reign of about 30 years. The Abu inscription dated in V. S. 1342 (*c.* 1285 A.D.) seems however to contain some information of his conflict with the Muslims. We are told that "like unto the primeval boar, having the sword for his flashing tusk, he in a moment lifted the deeply sunk Gurjara land out of the Turuṣka sea." As Ghiyāth ud-Dīn Balban (1266-87 A.D.) was at the time of the record the Sulṭān of Delhi, this may refer to a conflict with him. Jinaprabha in his *Tīrtha-kalpa* tells us that when Ulugh Khān, the younger brother of 'Alā ud-Dīn, proceeded on his expedition against Gujarat in V. S. 1386 (*c.* 1299 A.D.), Samarasiṁha, the ruler of Citrakūṭa saved his country from devastation by doing homage to him.² Though this is not mentioned in the Muslim chronicles, Ojha rightly points out that as the Jain author was a contemporary, his statement is reliable.³ It was shortly after this incident that we find 'Alā ul-Mulk, the *Kotwāl* of Delhi, urging the conquest of Chitor amongst other places upon 'Alā ud-Dīn Khaljī (1296-1316 A. D.).⁴ The contemporary writer Amīr Khusrau in his *Ta'rīkh-i 'Alāī*⁵ gives the following short description of the Sulṭān's campaign against Chitor.