हम्मीर महाकाव्यम् (रणथम्भौर चौहान वीरगाथा एवं इतिहास)

29
Some days after this, Hammîra inquired of his spiritual
guide, Viśvarûpa, as to the efficacy of the merits arising from
the performance of a sacrifice called the Koṭi-yajña, and being
answered by the high priest that admittance into Svarga-loka
was secured by the performance of the sacrifice, the king ordered
that preparations should be made for the Koṭiyajña. Accord-
ingly, learned Brâhmans from all parts of the country were
convened, and the sacrifice was completed according to the ordi-
nances laid down for its performance in the holy Śâstras. The
Brâhmans were sumptuously feasted, and handsome dakshiṇas
were given to them. To crown all, the king now entered on the
Munivrata, which he was to observe for an entire month.
While these things were taking place at Raṇathambhôr,
many changes had occurred at Dehli, where 'Alâu'd-dîn was
now reigning. Apprised of what was passing at Raṇatham-
bhôr, he commanded his younger brother Ulugh Khân¹⁶ to
take an army with him into the Chohân country and to lay
it waste. "Jaitrasingh," he said, "paid us tribute; but
this son of his not only does not pay the tribute, but takes every
opportunity of showing the contempt in which he holds us.
Here is an opportunity to annihilate his power." Thus com-
manded, Ulugh Khân invaded the Raṇathambhôr country
with an army of 80,000 horse. When this army reached the
Varṇanâśâ river, it was found that the roads which led into
the enemy's country were not practicable for cavalry. Ulugh
Khân, therefore, encamped here for some days, burning and
destroying the villages in the neighbourhood.
The king at Raṇathambhôr, not having yet completed
the Munivrata, was unable to take the field in person. He
therefore despatched his generals, Bhîmasingh and Dhar-
masingh, to drive away the invaders. The king's army came
¹⁶ Malik Mûizzu'd dîn Ulugh Khân, called "Aluf Khan" by Briggs in his
translation of Firishtah.