हम्मीर महाकाव्यम् (रणथम्भौर चौहान वीरगाथा एवं इतिहास)

22 Apprised of these circumstances, Shahâbu'd-dîn thought this a favourable opportunity for destroying Harirâja and his power. He therefore marched his army into the country of Harirâja. Ever since the death of Pṛithvirâja, Hari- râja had vowed not to see even the face of the hated Muslim, and he passed his time, as described, in the company of women. He was therefore ill prepared to meet Shahâbu'd-dîn in the battle-field. As a last resource, Harirâja determined to per- form the 'sak.' He gathered together all the members of his family, and ascended the funeral pile along with them, and so went to the other world. Harirâja had no son, and Shahâbu'd-dîn pressed his followers hard. In the utmost confusion and misery, therefore, they assembled in council to deliberate on the course they had best adopt. They were now, they said, without a leader, while their army was so disorganized that it could not look the enemy in the face. Shahâbu'd-dîn was a great warrior and they were weak. It was impossible that they should be able to protect themselves and their capital. They therefore resolved to abandon the country to its fate, and go and live under the protection of Govindarâja, the grandson of Pṛithvirâja, who, having been banished the kingdom by his father, had by his bravery acquired a new kingdom and established his capital at Raṇa- thambhôr. They accordingly gathered in all the remnants of Harirâja's power and wealth and started for Raṇathambhôr. Ajmer, vacated by Harirâja's party, was now pillaged and burnt by Shahâbu'd-dîn, who took possession of the city. The followers of Harirâja were well received by Govinda- râja, and appointed to suitable offices in the kingdom. Govindarâja was paralyzed at the sad news of the fall of Ajmer, and the death of Harirâja, to whom he paid the last rites. For some years after this Govindarâja ruled well and justly. At last he died and went to heaven.