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THE DYNASTIES OF RAJASTHANA
139
"The kings of the west suffering greatly at the hands of Sihäb-uddin came to Pịthvīrāja headed by Govindarāja. They reported the matter of the harassment at the hand of Sihäb-ud-din who had destroyed the kings, pillaged and burnt most of their cities, defiled their women and reduced them altogether to a miserable plight. Sihāb-ud-din had, at that time, established his capital at Multan.
Přthvirāja, filled with anger, set out for Multan with an efficient army. In the battle which ensued Ppthvirāja took Sihāb-ud-din captive. He obliged the haughty Muhammadan on his knees to ask forgiveness. Then he allowed him to go free to Multan.
Sihāb-ud-din, though not ill-treated, felt bitterly mortified at the defeat he had sustained. Seven times after this he advanced on Pșthvirāja to avenge his defeat, each time with greater preparations than before, but each time was signally defeated by Pșthvirāja.
Eight times he invaded with the aid of the king of Ghataika (modern Kumberi) and at once captured Delhi. The inhabitants were panic-stricken and fled from the city in every direction. Pșthvīrāja at that time was surprised, but, elated with his former victories, encountered the enemy with small force. This time Sihāb-ud-din won over from their allegiance, the king's master of the horse and the royal musicians, with promises of large sums of money. He then sent a large number of his Muhammadans secretly to the enemy's camp, who entered it early in the morning. All was now uproar and confusion in the king's camp.
While the king's followers were thus preparing to meet their assailants, the disloyal master of the king's horse, as advised by his seducers, saddled and brought forth a horse styled Nāțyārambha (leader of the dance) and when the king had mounted the musicians began to play upon their instruments tunes that were the king's favourites. At this the royal horse began to dance proudly. The king was diverted with this performance for a time and forgot the all-important business of the moment.
The Muslims took advantage of this opportunity and made a vigorous attack. The Rajputs under these circumstances could do little. Seeing this, Pșthvīrāja alighted from his horse and came on the ground. With the sword in his hand he cut down many Muslims. Meanwhile a Muslim, taking the king unawares, threw from behind his bow round his neck and drew the king prostrate to the ground, while others bound him captive. From this time the royal captive refused all food and rest.
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