भारतीय इतिहास के ६ स्वर्णिम पृष्ठ (वीर सावरकर - विदेशी आक्रान्ताओं पर विजय गाथा)

much ability and skill, as Allauddin himself. The ageing Allauddin began to call the slave Maliq-Kafur. Later still, he began to run the whole administration of the empire with the latter’s advice. The second Muslim campaign on Ratanbhor 730. It has already been told that Jalalludin was defeated by the Hindus of Ratanbhor. In order to avenge that defeat, Allauddin marched again for the second time on the fort of Ratanbhor in A.D. 1301. Even the then Rana Hameer of Ratanbhor fought to the last, and laid down his life along with thousands of his soldiers in that furious battle, and on seeing the fall of the Rajput warriors, hundreds of Rajput ladies including Hameer’s queen standing on the ramparts of the fort, leapt into the blazing fire according to a pre-settled plan and burned themselves to death. How often have the Hindu warriors and their brave wives done such magnificent deeds of valour and sacrificed their lives! That is the only reason why the Hindu nation could still remain alive! Invasions of Chitod Subsequent to the fall of Ratanbhor 731. The most beautiful daughter of the Rajput king of Ceylon, named Padmini, was married to Rana Bheemsingh of Chitod. According to the shameless but proud vaunt of the Muslims in general that to kidnap the non- Muslim beautiful women openly was a Muslim’s religious duty, Allauddin openly demanded from Rana Bheemsingh his charming queen, and as the Rajputs spurned it, Allauddin marched on Chitod round about A.D. 1302. While describing the battles at that time, the Rajput history tells a story how in order to deceive Allauddin, the Rajputs promised to send Padmini to him but actually sent armed gallant fighters disguised as women in several palanquins and successfully executed a daring plan of rescuing the captured Bheemsingh, but the paucity of space prevents us from narrating it in any detail. Finding it impossible to crush the mighty Rajput valour even in that furious battle, Allauddin had to return to Delhi. This incident clearly shows that Rajputs, too, could resort to cunning. 732. In order to avenge the defeat inflicted by the Rajputs in this battle and for the sake of Padmini, Allauddin once again invaded Chitod in A.D. 1303, when once again the brave Rajputs donned the ‘ Kesaria’ (saffron garments) and fought till the end, slaying hundreds of Muslims, and died to a man. Seeing the victory smile upon the Muslims and fortune darken upon the Rajputs, about ten thousand Rajput women, including Rani Padmini, leapt into the blazing fire with their children at their breasts. Allauddin conquered