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.