Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/23

Rh These straights are believed by the Indians, who look very little abroad, to be the sources of the Ganges; and a rock 15 miles distant from them, bearing some resemblance to the head of a cow has joined in the same part of the kingdom two very important objects of their religion; the grand image of the animal which they almost venerate as a divinity, and the first appearance of that immense body of holy water which washes away all their sins.

A GREAT multitude of Indians were assembled, probably for the celebration of a feast, at the straights of Kupele. They made some shew of resistance against Tamerlane's army, but were no sooner attacked than dispersed. The field of victory is the most distant term of Tamerlane's conquests in India and on the globe.

HE now prepared to return to his capital of Samarcande, and repassed the Ganges; after which he directed his march along the foot of mount Caucasus, until he arrived at the southern frontiers of Kashmire, the mahomedan king of which country sent ambassadors to make submission. As this rout was through countries which the army had not hitherto passed, the sword was not yet sheathed, but large detachments were making excursions to the south, whilst Tamerlane reserved to himself the task of subduing the mountaineers who made any resistance, or refused to acknowledge his sovereignty.

FROM the frontiers of Kashmire to the frontiers of Indostan, the army passed through countries which had submitted to Tamerlane at his entrance into India; and the march out of India was through the mountains of Sheberto, a part of the Caucasus. From hence Tamerlane hastened to Samarcande. Having reposed a few months in this capital of his vast dominions, he set out on the great expedition in which he subdued Syria and the Kalif of Egypt, vanquished Bajazet, and by the addition of these conquests to those he had made before, rendered himself lord of an empire which extended from Smyrna to the banks of the Ganges.