1874.] G. H. Damant— Notes on Sliah IsmaHl Ghazt. 219 
The valour and spirit with which Isma’il and his companions under¬ 
took the expedition, gave every prospect of success, but as the Raja was 
one of the greatest heroes of his time and possessed good military talents, 
the conquest of Kamrup seemed likely to be more difficult than that of 
Madaran. The Raja himself took the field, and advanced with his vast 
army to the border of his kingdom, while Isma’il with his troops went to 
meet him. A battle took place on the field of Santosh within the borders 
of Islam, but the unfavourable position in which the royal army was placed, 
proved fatal to them. A great number were killed on both sides, and 
amongst them the 120 wise men, who fell after performing prodigies of 
valour and were buried on the battle-field. The only survivors were Isma’il, 
his nephew Muhammad Shah, and twelve Paiks, by whose aid the fortress of 
Barapaika was erected in the neighbourhood. Leaving Muhammad Shah 
in charge of the fort, Isma’il marched with two regiments to Jala Maqam, 
a piece of land completely covered with water, where he lifted up his hands 
and prayed God to create a piece of land on which he might pray. A voice 
replied—“ Throw in a shield full of earth, and land will be created,” and so 
it came to pass. Isma’il garrisoned his troops there, and sent a message to 
the Raja to say, “ Sultan Barbak has appointed me to receive your sub¬ 
mission, you must present yourself before me, ready equipped for a journey, 
in order that I may take you to the Sultan, and recommend him to grant 
you your life, and restore you to your own kingdom and preserve your 
standard. If you do otherwise, you must suffer the consequences.” The 
letter was given to an envoy to take to the Raja. The envoy arrived at 
the Raja’s court, and when his business was known, was admitted to the 
Raja’s presence and delivered the letter. As soon as the Raja learnt its 
contents, he became violently enraged, and gave vent to his feelings in very 
bitter words saying, “ I save your life, because it is not my custom to slay 
envoys ; however, tell Shah Isma’il to meet me on the field of battle. I 
order him to meet me there. Tell him that I am not that Gajpati whom he 
has conquered and whose kingdom he has subdued. Let Isma’il remember 
what befel his first army. When all his zealous comrades have fallen, what 
can he do with his single arm ?” The envoy returned, and told Isma’il all 
that had occurred, and after reciting the text from the Qoran, 1 A victory 
from God and a success at hand,’ he speedily made his preparations and 
marched against Kamesar. The armies approached, but as night came on, 
both parties were obliged to delay their strife. Isma’il, taking advantage 
of the darkness of the night, put on a disguise and riding amongst the dis¬ 
orderly multitude succeeded in passing unnoticed through the city gates, 
and penetrated to the room where the Raja and Rani were lying asleep in 
each other’s arms. He did not kill them as he might easily have done, but 
fastened their hair together, and unsheathing a sword which was lying near 
