Page:The Seven Cities of Delhi.djvu/241

Delhi before the Moghal Conquest ALA-UD-DIN, also called Sikandar Sani (the second Alexander), though crowned at Karra,was not to ascend the throne at Delhi without at least a show of force, for the widow of Jalal-ud-din placed her son on the throne in the Green Palace at Kilokri. But when the army of Ala-ud-din encamped outside the north-east gate of Old Delhi, after a march in the rainy season, there was only a parade in battle array, and the opposing army was withdrawn within the walls. De- sertions naturally followed, and Ala-ud-din was able to enter in triumph; he proceeded to the Red Palace of Balban, where he ascended the throne. To please his subjects he distributed largess from catapults, and organized games, thus becoming the object of admiration, instead of detestation on account of his crime. His rival cousin had fled to Multan, but was there invested ; he was captured, brought to Delhi with his brother, blinded, and soon afterwards murdered in prison at Hansi.

Once again the Moghals invaded the Punjab,once again they were defeated with great loss,and a massacre of prisoners followed at Delhi,women and children not being spared. On returning from an expedition into Guzerat the mercenary Moghal soldiery revolted, but they were defeated, and the king, who had remained 185