Indian Antiquary Vol 08

Author(s): Jas Burgess
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 89

MARCH, 1879.] THE HAMMIRA MAHÅKÅVYA OF NAYACHANDRA SŪRI.
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on which the Muhammadans would conclude a numerous impregnable forts, like Dêvagadha, peace with Hammira. Pending negotiations, whereas the fame of the god rests on the H&mmira's people allowed the invading army successful capture of the fort of Tripura alone. to cross the dangerous pass unmolested. The Hammira, who had listened with impaKhân now posted his brother on one side of the tience to the ambassador's speech, was incensed road known as the Man di Road, and he him- at the insulting message delivered to him, and self occupied the fort of Sri Mandapa. The said to Sri Molhana Deva that if he had forces of the allied princes were stationed all not been there in the capacity of an accredited round the tank of Jaitra S&gara.
envoy, the tongue with which he uttered those Neither party was sincere. The Muham- vannting insults should ere this have been cat madans thought they had artfully secured an out. Not only did Hammirà refuse to advantageous position from whence to com- entertain either of the conditions submitted mence their operations; whilst the Rajputs were
by the envoy, but on his part he proposed of opinion that the enemy had so far advanced the acceptance by 'Alau'd-din of as many into the interior that he could not now possibly sword-cuts as the number of the gold mohors, escape them.
elephants, and horses he had the impudence The Khan's ambassador at Ranathan- to ask for, and told the envoy he would look bhôr, admitted into the fort by the king's upon the refusal of this martial offer by the order, from what he saw there, was inspired Muhammadan chief as tantamount to his ('Alauwith a dread of Hammîra's power. However, 'd-din's) feasting on pork. Without any further he attended the darbâr held to receive him, and, ceremony, the envoy was driven from the after the exchange of the usual courtesies, presence. boldly delivered himself of the message with The garrison of Ranatha bhôr now which he was charged. He said that he was prepared for resistance. Officers of approved deputed to the king's court as the envoy of ability and bravery were told off to defend Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khân, the two various poste. Tents were pitched here and brothers of the celebrated 'Al&u'd-din; that there on the ramparts to protect the defenders he had come there to impress on the king's mind, from the rays of the sun. Oil and resin were if possible, the futility of any resistance that kept boiling in many places, ready to be poured he could offer to so mighty a conqueror as on the bodies of any of the assailants to scald 'Alau'd-din, and to advise him to conclade a them if they dared come too near, and guns were peace with his chief. He offered to Ham. mounted on suitable places. The Muhammad. mira, as the conditions of peace, the choice an army, too, at last appeared before Raņabetween paying down to his chief a contribu- thambhôr. A desperate struggle was carried tion of one hundred thousand gold mohors, on for some days. Nusrat Khan was presenting him with four elephants and three killed by a random shot in one of the engagehundred horses, and giving his daughter in ments, and, the monsoon having set in, Ulugh marriage to 'Alau'd-din; or the giving up to him Khan was obliged to stop all further operathe four insubordinate Mongol chiefs, who, tions. He retired to some distance from the having excited the displeasure of his master, fort, and sent a despatch to 'Alau'd-din, were now living under the protection of the informing him of the critical situation he was in. king. The envoy added that if the king desired He also sent him in a box Nusrat Khan's the enjoyment of his power and kingdom in body for burial. Upon this intelligence reachpence, he had the opportunity at hand of securing ing 'Alau'd-din, he started at once for Raņahis object by the adoption of either of these than bhôr. Arrived there, he immediately conditions, which would equally secure to him marched his army to the gates of the fort and the good graces and assistance of 'A 18 u'd-din, invested it.
invested it. a monarch who had destroyed all his enemies, Hammira, to mark his contempt of these who possessed numerous strong forts and well proceedings, had caused to be raised, on many furnished arsenals and magazines, who had put places over the walls, flags of light wickerto shame Mahadeva himself by capturing work. This was as much as to say that 'A14
2. Elliot and Dowson's History, vol. III. p. 172.-ED.