Tímúr, the invincible and world-conquering, had given to Prince Pír Muhammad Jahángír the provinces of Kunduz, Bakalán, Kábul, Ghazní, and Kandahár, with all their dependencies as far as the confines of India. The prince accordingly took possession of these territories, and ruled with justice and liberality. Under the orders of the Emperor he collected the troops of his provinces, and marched forth to conquer other countries with a large army and valiant chiefs. * * * He plundered the Aghánís of the Koh-i Sulaimán, and crossing the river Indus he took the town of Uch by storm. From thence he marched to Multán and laid siege to it. Multán at that time was governed by Sárang, elder brother of Mallú Khán. After the death of Sultán Fíroz Sháh these two brothers raised his grandson Sultán Mahmúd to the throne, and seized upon the government of Hindustán. Mallú remained at Dehlí in attendance on the Sultán, and Sárang had taken possession of Multán. The prince's forces having invested Multán, they every day made two vigorous assaults. The intelligence of these proceedings being carried to Tímúr was the cause of his going to Hindustán. Just at that time he had resolved to assemble forces from all his dominions, and to march against China,* with the intent of destroying the idol temples, and of raising mosques in their places. He had previously heard that the standards of the faith of Islám had been raised in Dehlí and other places, and that its profession of faith was impressed upon the coins, but that the country in general was polluted by the inhabitants being infidels and idolaters. Impelled by the desire of waging a religious war, he resolved to march against Multán and Dehlí. He consulted with his nobles and chiefs, and they concurred in the propriety of making the invasion.
In the month of Rajab, 800 H. (March 1398 A.D.), nearly corresponding to the year of the Leopard, he began his march towards Hindustán, with an army as numerous as the leaves of the trees. * * * When he arrived at Indaráb, the chiefs of that country came and cast themselves at his feet, saying that they were Musulmáns, and that the infidel Kators and Siyah-poshes exacted sums of money every year as tribute from them; and in default of payment, the infidels slew the men, and made their women and children prisoners. Their statements kindled the anger of the emperor, and he resolved to suppress these infidels. * * * He arrived at Kháwak, and ordered the fort of that place, which was in ruins, to be repaired. The soldiers and many of the amírs left their horses there, and ascended the mountain of Kator on foot. * * * The infidels of this country are tall, stout, and vigorous. They generally go about naked. Their chiefs are called 'Udá and 'Udáshú.* They have a very peculiar language, different from Persian, Turki, and Hindí. Most of them know no language but their own. If men of the neighbourhood had not mixed with them, and learned their language so as to be able to interpret, no one would know anything about this language. * * * After three days' continuous fighting Tímúr's troops prevailed, and the enemy sued for quarter. Tímúr sent to them Ák Sultán, proposing that if they would surrender and become Musulmáns, he would spare their lives and property, and confirm them in the possession of their country. When they were informed of these terms by means of interpreters they, on the fourth day, hastened with Ák Sultán to the court of Tímúr, made their profession of the faith, and with tears offered excuses for their conduct. They declared themselves to be his slaves, and ready to obey his commands. Tímúr, in his kingly generosity, gave them robes and dismissed them. When night came on, these black-hearted renegades made an attack upon Amír Sháh Malik. Some few of them, wounded and maimed, escaped, but 150 of them were taken prisoners, and were despatched to hell with the sword. The whole army of Islám then ascended the mountain and put all the men to the sword, and carried off the women and children. On the summit of the mountain pyramids were built with the heads of these infidels, who had never bowed their heads in adoration of God. An account of the victory was engraved upon stone, with the date of the month Ramazán 800 H., together with the date used in the locality. * * *
Tímúr marched from Bánú, and on the 8th Muharram he reached the banks of the Indus, at the place where Sultán Jalalu-d dín Khwárizm Sháh flying from Changíz Khán cast himself into the river and swam over. Changíz Khán did not pass the river, but halted there and then returned. Tímúr gave orders for the construction of a bridge over the river. The work was immediately commenced, and in the course of two days a safe bridge constructed of three-legged trestles (sih-páyah) and boats was completed. * * *
On Monday, 12th Muharram 801 H. (24th Sept. 1398), crossed the river with his army and encamped on the borders of the Chol,* which is a large desert, called in books of history the Chol-i Jalálí in consequence of Sultán Jalálu-d dín's escape thither. The ráís and chiefs of the Júd mountain came respectfully to pay homage to Tímúr and make presents. Some time before this Amír Rustam Taghí Buká Birlás, under the orders of Tímúr had marched towards Multán. He passed near the mountain of Júd and remained there some days. The ráís had then carefully attended upon him and had supplied him with provisions. This was the reason why Tímúr now treated them with such favour. They returned home happy and full of joy.