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him captive and then dismissed him with honours. Shahabu'ddin was not pleased with this noble speaker, to whom he replied sharply that councillors like him were the sure (destroyers of kingdoms. The angry Shahābu'd-din then ordered that Prithviräja should be taken into the fortress. When this order was given, all the brave people hung their necks with shame; and the righteous, unable to suppress the tears gathering in their eyes, lifted them towards heaven. Prithviràja a few days after this breathed his last and went to heaven.
When Udayarāja learnt of the death of his friend, he thought that the best place of abode for him now was that only whither his late friend had sped. He therefore gathered together all his followers and led them into the thickest of the battle, and there fell with his whole army, securing for himself and them eternal happiness in heaven.
When Hariràja learnt the sad news of the death of Prithviràja, his sorrow knew no bounds. With tears gushing from his eyes, he performed the funeral ceremonies for the deceased monarch and then ascended the throne. He had not ruled long when the king of Guj'arāt, in order to Secure his favour, sent to him some dancing women from his country as presents.[१] These girls were exceedingly beautiful and highly accomplished, and they drew to themselves the king's heart so much that all his time was usually spent in their company, in listening to their music and seeing their dancing. At last matters came to such a pass that most of his revenues were squandered on musicians and dancers, and nothing was left with which to pay the salaries of the servants of the state, who naturally were disgusted with the king and his manners. His subjects also were dissatisfied.
- ↑ Gujarat in ancient times was famous for the number and beauty of its dancing girls. One of its kings was forced to give his daughter in marriage to an ancient Persian king, who took with him from the country 1200 dancing girls.The professional dancing girls of Persia are said have been the descendants of this stock. Vide Ás. Res, vol. IX., “Bickram and Sālibahan.”
