The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 191: Answer of Rai Har Chandar of Kanauj.

191

Rai Har Chandar replied, "This country for about one thousand six hundred years has been under our rule and governance. During our sovereignty no enemy has ever dared to encroach upon our boundary, nor has any one ventured to oppose us, or to lay hands upon our territory. What fear have I of you that you should revolve such propositions and absurdities in your mind. It is not proper to send an envoy to prison, otherwise, for this speech and for this impossible claim you would deserve such treatment. Other enemies and princes may listen to you, but not I. Now go back to your master, and tell him that we must fight against each other in order that our strength and might may be tried, and that either I may conquer or be conquered by you. When the superiority of one side or the other in warfare and courage shall be seen, then peace or war shall be determined on." When the message and letter of Rai Har Chandar was delivered to Muhammad Kasim, he took the advice of all the chiefs, nobles, commanders, and warriors, and said, "Up to this time, by the favour of God, and the assistance of the heavens, the Rais of Hind have been defeated and frustrated, and victory has declared in favour of Islam. To day we have come to encounter this cursed infidel who is puffed up with his army and elephants With the power and assistance of God, it behoves you to exert yourselves that we may subdue him, and be victorious and successful over him." All were ready to fight against Rai Har Chandar, and united together, and urged Muhammad Kasim to declare war.