Marco Polo's Voyage to Indian Seas: 57: Dispute between Barka Hoolaku

Year 1261.
There arose a dispute between two monarchs - Barka and Hoolaku. It was about a province on their boarder. Both of them thought that the ruler of the province would yield. And both of them decided to seize it. They declared war against the province, made greatest preparation. In six months each had assembled full 300000 horsemen, well armed forces to wage a war. Alau, the lord of East then set out with all his troops, and having rode many days, reached a wide plain between the Iron Gates and the sea of Sarain. There he pitched his camp.  He resolved to wait and see if Barka would come.  Barka pitched his camp at ten miles distance.  His army was large having 350000 horsemen.  While they rested Barka
addressed his men:

"Noble chiefs, you know how, since coming to the sovereignty, I have loved you as brothers and sons. You have accompanied me in many great battles, and aided me in conquering much territory.  Alau, a great and powerful prince, proposes wrongfully to fight against us, but having the right on our side, we may confidently expect to conquer, especially ours is a large force.  In this confidence, nobles and chiefs, let us prepare in three days to engage, arranging wisely, and displaying valour, that our fame may spread over world."  He was then silent.

It is time for us to go to his opponent's camp.  Knowing the preparation in his enemy's camp, where the prince said, "Noble brothers and friends, throughout all my life you have supported and aided me, enabling me to conquer many battles.  Wherever we fought we were victorious. We have come here to combat great Barka, who has a massive force. But we are braver and we will win. He is coming to battle for three days.  Be prepared to die on the field with honour, than to suffer disgrace."

"Note:-
1. Barka: Berke Khan was the ruler of Golden Horde, a division of the Mongol Empire.  He was responsible for the first official establishment of lslam in a Khanate of the Mongol Empire.
2. Halook Khan: Hulegu Khan who founded IIKhanate dynasty in Persia.
The word IIKhanate comes from Mongolian word IIKhan, which means a subordinate Khan or a Vassal Khan.
3. Alau: Same Hulegu Khan.
4. Iron Gates and Sea of Sarain:
Iron Gates refers to Derbant Pass, also known as Iron Gates of Alexander, a narrow mountain pass located in present day Russia's North Caucasus region, near the city of Derbent.  A strategically important location, controlling passage between Europe and Asia.  Caspian sea was historically known as Sea of Sarain or Sea of Saray.

End of the Section 

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