The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 74: The expedition to Siwistan.

74

After Muhammad Kasim had settled affairs at Nirun, he equipped his army, and under the guidance of the Samani took it towards Siwistan. He arrived by regular stages at a place called Bahraj, thirty parasangs from Nirun. There also was a Samani, who was chief of the rest of the inhabitants. In the fort the nephew of Dahir was governor; his name was Bajhra, the son of Chandar. All the Samanis assembled and sent a message to Bajhra, saying, we are nasik devotees. Our religion is one of peace and quiet, and fighting and slaying is prohibited, as well as all kinds of shedding of blood. You are secure in a lofty place, while we are open to the invasions of the enemy, and liable to be slain and plundered as your subjects. We know that Muhammad Kasim holds a farman from Hajjaj, to grant protection to every one who demands it. We trust, therefore, that you will consider it fit and reasonable that we make terms with him, for the Arabs are faithful, and keep their agreements. Bajhra refused to listen to them. Muhammad Kasim sent spies to ascertain whether the citizens were unanimous or inimical. They reported that some armed men were outside the fort, and prepared to fight. Muhammad Kasim encamped opposite the gate leading to the sandy desert, because there was no opportunity to attack him there, as the inundation had risen on account of the rains, and the river Sindhu Rawal flowed to the north of the selected ground.