1838.] from the Muhammadan historians. 301 



Account of the government of Chach and his marriage with the 



rani. 



When by the consent of the nobles, Chach was seated on the 

 throne, he opened the doors of the treasurj', and by bestowing largesses 

 on all ranks, made them subservient to his authority, increased the pay 

 of the soldiers, decreased the taxes, founded cities, cultivated all parts 

 of his dominions ; and married the rani according to the rites of his 

 religion. When these circumstances were generally known throughout 

 the country, other relatives of the late king, came from Jaudpur and 

 Chittir, to assert their claims to the throne, and having collected a 

 large army, prepared to dispute their rights. The commander of these 

 forces was Rana Mihrut Chitto'ri', who, when he arrived in the 

 neighbourhood of Jaisulmir, wrote to Chach saying, " You are a 

 brahmin ; the affairs of government cannot be carried on by you ; you 

 cannot fight : it is better that you seek retirement, and not rush on de- 

 struction." 



Chach took this letter to the rani, told her the contents of it, and 

 said, " a powerful enemy is at hand, what do you counsel ?" The rani 

 said, battle is better understood by men than women, if you are not a 

 man, give me your clothes and take mine, and I will go to battle with 

 the enemy." Chach was ashamed: the rani moreover advised Chach 

 saying, " You have abundance of wealth, use it liberally amongst your 

 subjects, so that they become attached and obedient to you." Chach 

 again opened the doors of the treasury, and after distributing large 

 sums of money, collected his force, and prepared to meet the enemy. 

 Suddenly Rana Mihrut arrived in the neighbourhood of Alor, on 

 learning which, Chach came out to meet him. When both armies were 

 drawn up for battle, and about to begin the contest, Rana Mihrut 

 cried out " Oh Chach ! why should these men destroy each other. 

 We are the principals in this quarrel, let us then decide the matter by 

 single combat and on foot ; if I fall, you shall have all I possess, and if 

 I am victorious, I will rule your country." To this Chach agreed, and 

 the two chiefs advanced in front of their respective forces. Chach 

 alighted from his horse, which he ordered his servant to bring slowly 

 after him ; but when the two chiefs approached each other, and were 

 about to begin the combat, the servant of Chach at a preconcerted 

 signal, brought his horse to his master, who quickly mounting and 

 drawing his sword, with one blow killed Rana Mihrut, whose army 

 seeing the fall of their leader, took to flight. Chach pursuing them, 

 killed the greater part, the rest fled; he did not quit the scene of action 





