When the sultan had completed these campaigns and lifted those tribulations from the Muslims, (1) he returned to Damascus under divine support and victory, delighting the eyes and gladdening the hearts. Envoys of the various kings (2) came to him with congratulations from every region and land (3), bearing robes of honour and presents that dazzled the sight. The caliph then wrote to the sultan, reproaching him on several counts: that, for the glad tidings of the victory at the Battle of Ḥaṭṭīn, he had sent a Baghdadi youth (4) of low station and no standing; that he had announced the conquest of the Holy City of Jerusalem through a mere courier (najjāb); and that he had styled himself al-Malik al-Nāṣir in imitation of the Caliph al-Nāṣir.
He received these criticisms (5) with good cheer and courtesy, showing nothing but hearing and obedience. He sent an apology, explaining (6) that the press of war had prevented him from careful deliberation in many matters, (7) and that the title al-Nāṣir had been his since the days of the Caliph al-Muṣṭaḍī. Nonetheless, whatever title the Commander of the Faithful may bestow upon me, that is the one from which I shall never depart. (8) He thus displayed the utmost deference to the caliph, although he had no real need of him—may Allah, Most High, have mercy upon him.
In this same year a great battle took place in the land of India between King Shihāb al-Dīn al-Ghūrī of Ghazna and the great king of India. The Indians advanced with a vast number (9) of troops and fourteen elephants. They met and fought a fierce fight, (10) and the Muslim right and left wings were routed.
The king was urged, “Save yourself!”, yet that only (11) increased his boldness. He charged the elephants, wounding some of them—an elephant’s wound never heals—whereupon one of the mahouts hurled a spear into his fore-arm, the point exiting from the other side, and he fell to the ground. The Indians rushed upon him (12) to seize him, but his companions shielded (13) him, fighting around him with great ferocity. A tremendous clash ensued there, the like of whose severity had never been heard in any engagement, (14) and he prevailed.