Indian Antiquary Vol 28

SR No.: 032520
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 356
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 40 MB

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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
(JUNE, 1899.
given to them. This signal victory had the effect of greatly weakening the power of Narayana and dispiriting his army.
Simultaneously with this affair the Shabzadah joined the camp of the Sultân, and a number of the nobles and ministers were sent out to meet him. When the Shâbzâdah saw the Sultân he hastened to salute him. The Sultân called him to him, caught him to his breast, kissed him on the face, and asked him about his journey and the affairs of his army. The Shahzâdah gave him clear answers, and the Sultan was astonished at his shrewdness and sagacity, and presented him with a special robe of honour and many other royal distinctions.
On the following day the Sultan ordered an assault on the fortress; but afterwards perceiving that this would entail the loss of many brave men at the hands of the infidels, which was contrary to tbe laws of religion and manliness, he countermanded the assault and formed a cordon round the fortress, and dug a trench completely round it, Bo that it might more easily be taken.
For four months they were engaged in the siege of Mudhol: at last the infidels being reduced to extremities paid two years' revenue into the royal treasury besides promising to pay the future revenue ; and agreed that after the return of the royal army they would be submissive to the court, and endeavour by every means in their power to atone for their past offences.
The army then encamped within sight of the fortress of Miraj. The Sultan spent two months in pleasure and recreation in that open country; the troops also passed their time in ease and leisure.
After that the Sultan determined to conqner the country of the Koņkan, and started with his army for that district, marching by stages, and hunting and shooting on the way. The soldiers hunted the tiger, and they emptied the face of the country as well as the air of wild beasts, pelicans and cranes.
When the Sultân -- the cream of the race of Bahman - passed Kharepatan, the people of that district on becoming aware of his approach, left their dwellings, and from terror of the army fled to the mountain-tops and hills and interior parts and valleys. The troops plundered all the cattle and pastares of the Hindús. The camp remained in that place nearly two months, the army resting from the fatigue of the march.
. They then moved towards Sagar and when they encamped in its neighbourhood, all the feudal lands belonging to those forts and districts having been annexed to the Sultan's dominions, were assigned to the agents of the court, each of whom, according to bis worth and rank, was distinguished by royal favours.
After that the Sultân crossed the river Bhimå and taking tribute from Sedam and Malkaid he advanced towards Kalburga.
Kir Khan, who in tyranny and injustice exceeded Namrâd and Shidad, hastened to wait on the Sultan and was distinguished by a robe of honour and other dignities; but after three days, by the seduction of the black-faced Kalah Muhammad, he fled from the royal army, and the Sultan himself went in pursuit of that impare, base one. The army and baggage of Ķir Khân being captured, suddenly a great flood came on the road and drowned most of his followers; but he himself being apart from them at the time, escaped, and with much difficulty reached Kutur.
The Sultân having returned from the pursuit of Kir Khân marched towards the fort of Kalliana which was then occupied by Kalah Muhammad, who from his innumerable crimes was nicknamed the “black-faced." The Sultan being determined to take the place divided the different sides of the fortress among his troops, who formed a cordon round it; and the besieged were reduced to helplessness.