Page:History of India Vol 3.djvu/49

 ADVANCE TO THE JUMNA AND GANGES 25 fell upon the enemy's flanks, the Sultan's main battle flung itself into the ravine and the position was stormed. The river ran blood, the pass was a shambles; but the Hindus fled, their famous elephants were captured, and their town gave up its spoil. There was no lack of volunteers to aid in the Holy War. Mahmud's victories were known all over the East, and twenty thousand warriors came to him from the country beyond the Oxus, praying to be granted the privilege of fighting for the faith, and so, perchance, attaining the crown of martyrdom. With a large army, stiffened by these zealots, the Sultan fought his greatest campaign in 1018, and pushed farther east than ever before. He marched upon Kanauj, the capital of the Tomara rajas, reputed to be the chief city of Hindustan. The march was an orgy and an ovation. Everywhere envoys waited on the conqueror, bearing proffers of homage and welcome. The chief who held the passes of Kashmir, which immemorial jealousy had guarded with infinite precaution from foreign footsteps, ten- dered his fealty and his service as a guide. One after another the rivers of India were crossed, Indus, Jih- lam, Chinab, Eavi, Sutlaj, with scarcely a check. Forts and cities surrendered as the great Sultan passed by; abject chiefs placed their followers at his disposal; through the thick jungle he penetrated " like a comb through a poll of hair/' fighting when necessary, but more often triumphing by mere prestige. Early in December he reached the Jumna and stood before the walls of Mathura, an ancient home of Hindu worship,