Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v1.c20.t1.74

v1.c20.t1.74

Bappa undertook the conduct of the war, and the chiefs, though dispossessed of their estates, accompanied him from a feeling of shame. The foe was defeated and driven out of the country ; but instead of returning to Chitor, Bappa continued his course to the ancient seat of his family, Gajni, expelled the ‘ barbarian ’ called Salim, placed on the throne a chief of the Chaura tribe,² and returned with the discontented nobles. Bappa, on this occasion, is said to have married the daughter of his enemy. The nobles quitted Chitor, leaving their defiance with their prince. In vain were the spiritual preceptor (*Guru*) and foster-brother (*Dhabhai*) sent as ambassadors : their only reply was, that as they had ‘ eaten his salt,’ they would forbear their vengeance for twelve months. The noble deportment of Bappa won their esteem, and they transferred to him their service and homage. With the temptation of a crown, the gratitude of the Grahilot was given to the winds. On return they assaulted and carried Chitor, and, in the words of the chronicle, “ Bappa took Chitor from the Mori and became himself the mor (crown) of the land ” : he obtained by universal consent the title of ‘ sun of the Hindus (*Hindua suraj*), preceptor of princes (*Raj Guru*), and universal lord (*Chakravartin*) ’ [228].