Page:History of India Vol 5.djvu/93

 MAHMUD MARCHES AGAINST KANAUJ 65 king but the all-powerful Gushtasp had been able to take, as has been related in certain histories of the Magians. Between Ghazni and Kanauj the journey occupies three months, even for camels and horses. The Sultan therefore bade farewell to sleep and ease, and praying to God for success, he departed with his valiant war- riors. He safely crossed the Sihun (Indus), Jihlam, Chandraha, libra (Ravi), Bah (Biyah), and Sataldur (Sutlaj). All these rivers are deep beyond description; even elephants' bodies are concealed in them, so it may easily be imagined what is the case with horses. The currents of these streams carry along large stones, so that camels and horses are in danger of being swept down the stream. In every country traversed by the Sultan, ambassadors were sent to him proffering sub- mission, insomuch that Sabli ibn Shahi ibn Bamhi, who held the passes leading into Kashmir, also came for- ward, offering his allegiance and his services as a guide. He led the way, crossing forest after forest. At mid- night the drum sounded for the march, and the Mussul- mans mounted their horses, ready to bear the incon- venience' of the journey; and they marched on until the sun began to decline from the meridian. On the twentieth of Rajab, 409 A. H. (December 2, 1018 A. D.), they crossed the river Jumna. The Sultan took all the lofty hill forts which he passed on the road, and at length arrived at the fort of Baran in the country of Hardat. When Hardat heard of this invasion by the warriors of God, who advanced