पृष्ठम्:हम्मीरमहाकाव्यम्.pdf/१६

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from most, and, not knowing from what quarter he may appear, circumspectly raise their eyes in every direction. The noblest of the Rajput families have disappeared before him, and he has now established his capital at Multán. The Rajas now come to seek the protection of your Majesty against this unrelenting enemy and his causeless persecution.”

 Príthvíråja was filled with anger whom he heard this account of the misdeeds of Shahâbu’d-dîn, his land was raised to his moustaché by the vehemence of his feelings, and he declared to the assembled princes that he would force this Shahabu'd-din to beg their pardon on his knees with his hands and feet heavily manacled and fettered, else he were no true Chohan.

 After some days, Prithviraja, with an efficient army, set out for Multan, and after several marches entered into the enemies country. Shahabud-dîn, whom he heard of the king's approach, also advanced to encounter him. In the battle which ensued, Prithviràja took Shāhābu'l-din 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, Prithviraja gave rich presents and gifts to the suppliant princes, and sent them to their respective homes. He also allowed Shahabud-din8 to go to Multan, bestowing on him like gifts.

 Shahabud-din, though thùs well treated, felt bitterly mortified at the defeat he had sustained. Seven times after this did he advanced on Prithviraja to avenge his defeat, each time with greater preparations than before, but each was signally defeated by the Hindu monarch.

 When Shahábud-din saw that he could no conquer

Prithviràj a 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 Ghataika[१]


  1. Might not this be a name for the modern Kumbheri