Note 61 — PART I.—DESCRIPTION.

Násir-ud-dín was succeeded by his younger son (Mehmúd a.d. 1512–1530), who, with the title of Mehmúd the Second, was crowned with great pomp at Mándu. Seven hundred elephants in gold-embroidered velvet housings adorned the procession.61 Shortly after his accession Mehmúd II. was driven out of Mándu by the revolt of the commandant Muhâfiz Khán, but was restored by the skill and courage of Medáni Rái his Rájput commander-in-chief.62 A still more dangerous combination by Muzaffar II. (a.d. 1511–1526) of Gujarát and Sikandar Sháh Lodi (a.d. 1488–1516) of Dehli, was baffled by the foresight and energy of the same Rájput general. Mehmúd, feeling that his power had passed to the Hindus, tried to disband the Rájputs and assassinate Medáni Rái. Failing in both attempts Mehmúd fled from Mándu to Gujarát, where he was well received by Sultán Muzaffar (a.d. 1511–1526).63 They advanced together against Mándu, and in a.d. 1519, after a close siege of several months, took the fort by assault. The Rájput garrison, who are said to have lost 19,000 men, fought to the last, consecrating the close of their defence by a general javar or fire-sacrifice. Sultán Mehmúd entered Mándu close after the storming party, and while Mehmúd established his authority in Mándu, Muzaffar withdrew to Dhár. When order was restored Mehmúd sent this message to Muzaffar at Dhár: “Mándu is a splendid fort. You should come and see it.” “May Mándu,” Muzaffar replied, “bring good fortune to Sultán Mehmúd. He is the master of the fort. For the sake of the Lord I came to his help. On Friday I will go to the fortress, and having had the sermon read in Mehmúd’s name will return.” On Muzaffar’s arrival in Mándu Mehmúd gave a great entertainment;64 and Muzaffar Appendix II. The Hill Fort of Mándu. History The Málwa Sultáns, a.d. 1400–1570. retired to Gujarát leaving a force of 3000 Gujarátis to help to guard the hill.65 Immediately after Muzaffar’s departure, as Sultán Mehmúd was anxious to recover Chanderi and Gágraun, which still remained in the possession of Medáni Rái and his supporters, he marched against them. Rána Sánga of Chitor came to Medáni’s aid and a great battle was fought.66 Mehmúd’s hastiness led him to attack when his men were weary and the Rájputs were fresh. In spite of the greatest bravery on the part of himself and of his officers the Musalmán army was defeated, and Mehmúd, weakened by loss of blood, was made prisoner. Rána Sánga had Mehmúd’s wounds dressed, sent him to Chitor, and on his recovery released him.67