हम्मीर महाकाव्यम् (रणथम्भौर चौहान वीरगाथा एवं इतिहास)

18

from rest, and, not knowing from what quarter he may appear, circumspectly raise their eyes in every direction. The noblest of the Râjput families have disappeared before him, and he has now established his capital at Multân. The Râjas now come to seek the protection of your Majesty against this unrelenting enemy and his causeless persecution." Pṛithvirâja was filled with anger when he heard this account of the misdeeds of Shahâbu'd-dîn, his hand was raised to his moustache by the vehemence of his feelings, and he declared to the assembled princes that he would force this Shahâbu'd-dîn to beg their pardon on his knees with his hands and feet heavily manacled and fettered, else he were no true Chohân. After some days, Pṛithvirâja, with an efficient army, set out for Multân, and after several marches entered into the enemy's country. Shahâbu'd-dîn, when he heard of the king's approach, also advanced to encounter him. In the battle which ensued, Pṛithvirâja took Shahâbu'd-dîn captive, and was thus enabled to fulfil his vow: for he obliged the haughty Muhammadan on his knees to ask forgiveness of the princes whom he had despoiled. His vow now fulfilled, Pṛithvirâja gave rich presents and gifts to the suppliant princes, and sent them to their respective homes. He also allowed Shahâbu'd-dîn to go to Multân, bestowing on him like gifts. Shahâbu'd-dîn, though thus well treated, felt bitterly mortified at the defeat he had sustained. Seven times after this did he advance on Pṛithvirâja to avenge his defeat, each time with greater preparations than before, but each time was signally defeated by the Hindu monarch. When Shahâbu'd-dîn saw that he could not conquer Pṛithvirâja either by the force of his arms or by the ingenuity of his stratagems and tactics, he communicated an account of his successive defeats to the king of the Ghaṭaika¹⁰

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¹⁰ Might not this be a name for the modern Kumbheri?