| In
A.D. 1022, Bhima, the son of Nagaraja (the brother of Durlabharaja) by the queen
Lakshmidevi (the daughter of the Chahamana of Naddula), came to the throne of Anahilavada
Patan. Nagaraja was the grand son of Mularaja whose guardian deity was Somanatha. Mahmud's raid on Somanatha was a spectacular venture even if some of
the details furnished by the Muslim chroniclers are accepted.1 On the morning of
Monday, October 18, 1025, Mahmud left Ghazni at the head of an army, which consisted of
30,000 regular cavalry. Elaborate preparations were made for food and water. Thirty
thousand camels carried the supply of water; in addition, each trooper was provided with
two camels for carrying water for him.
1 TKA. IX 48. |
