Indian Antiquary Vol 08

Author(s): Jas Burgess
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 90

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u'd-din's advent before the fort was not felt to be a burden to, or an aggravation of, the sufferings of the Rajputs. The Muhammadan chief at once saw that he had to deal with men of no ordinary resolution and courage, and he sent a message to Hammira saying he was greatly pleased with his bravery, and would be glad to grant any request such a gallant enemy might wish to make. Of course this was bidding in some way for peace. Ham mira, how ever, replied that as 'Alâu'd-din was pleased to grant anything he might set his heart upon, nothing would gratify him so much as fighting with him for two days, and this request he hoped would be complied with. The Muhammadan chief praised very much this demand, saying it did justice to his adversary's courage, and agreed to give him battle the next day. The contest that ensued was furious and desperate in the last degree. During these two days the Muhammadans lost no less than 85,000 men. A truce of some few days being now agreed upon by both the belligerents, fighting ceased for a time.
On one of these days the king had. Rådha Dêvi dancing before him on the wall of the fort, while there was much company round him. This woman, at stated and regular intervals, well understood by those who understand music, purposely turned her back towards 'Alâu'd din, who was sitting below in his tent not far from the fort, and who could well see what was passing on the fort wall. No wonder that he was incensed at this conduct, and indignantly asked those who were about him if there was any among his numerous followers who could, from that distance, kill that woman with one arrow. One of the chiefs present answered that he knew one man only. who could do this, and that man was Uddân a singh, whom the king had in captivity. The captive was at once released and brought before 'A lâu'd-din, who commanded him to show his skill in archery against the fair target. Uddânasingh did as he was bid, and in an instant the fair form of the courtesan, being struck, fell down headlong from the fort wall.
This incident roused the ire of Mahimâsahi, who requested permission of the king to be allowed to do the same service to 'Alâ u'd-din that he had done to poor Rádha Devi. The king replied that he well
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[MARCH, 1879..
knew the extraordinary skill in archery possessed by his friend, but that he was loth 'Alâu'd-din should be so killed, as his death would deprive him of a valiant enemy with whom he could at pleasure hold passages of arms. Mahim à é & hi then dropped the arrow he had adjusted on his bowstring on Udd âna singh, and killed him. This feat of Mahimâsâhi so intimidated 'Alâa'd-din that he at once removed his camp from the eastern side of the lake to its western side, where there was greater protection from such attacks. When the camp was removed, the Rajputs were able to perceive that the enemy, by working underground, had prepared mines, and had attempted to throw over a part of the ditch a temporary bridge of wood and grass carefully covered over with earth. The Rajputs destroyed this bridge with their cannon, and, pouring burning oil into the mines, destroyed those that were working underground. In this manner all 'A lâu'd-din's efforts to take the fort were frustrated. At the same time he was greatly harassed by the rain, which now fell in torrents. He therefore sent a message to H a ma mira, asking him kindly to send over to his camp R a tipâ la, as he desired very much to speak with him, with a view to an amicable settlement of the differences subsisting between them.
The king ordered Ratipâ la to go and hear what 'Alâu'd-din had to say. Ranamalla was jealous of R&tipâla's influence, and did not at all like that he should have been chosen for this service.
'Alâu'd-din received Rati pâ la with extraordinary marks of honour. Upon his entering the darbâr tent, the Muhammadan chief rose from his seat, and, embracing him, made him sit on his own gadi, while he himself sat by his side. He caused valuable presents to be placed before Rati påla, and also made promises of further rewards. Ratipâla was delighted with such kind treatment. The wily Muhammadan, observing it, ordered the rest of the company to leave them alone. When they had all left, he began to address Ratipâla. "I am," said he, "'Alâ u'd-din, the king of the Muhammadans, and I have up to this time stormed and carried hundreds of fortresses. But it is impossible for me to carry Ranathambhor by force of arms.