The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 17.4

17.4

Seek the Alafi’s advice, and consult him in this matter, and he is sure to show you the right way.” Accordingly, Dahar seated himself on his elephant, and went to him and addressed him as follows:—“O Arab Chief, I have been kind to you, and have treated you with respect, in order that we may receive assistance from you, on an occasion like this. Now, a powerful enemy has invaded our country: tell us, what, in your opinion, ought to be done, and what you know, and what you can do.” The Alafi said: “Your Majesty should be all at ease as to this matter. Do not feel anxious at all, for I have a plan to check them efficiently. Give me a few selected horsemen from your own royal guard, that I may go on a round, and learn their strength and mode of life; while you, at about a league (from the city), order a ditch to be dug and make a stand there.” Dahar liked this plan; so he remained there, and the Alafi had a turn round the enemy by way of reconnoitring, and came to know that they slept soundly at night, and entertained no fear whatever. The Alafi therefore taking his 500 Arabs as well as the warriors of Hind with him, made a nocturnal attack. They came from all the four directions, with loud war-cries, and fell upon the camp of the king of Ramal. A great noise and confusion ensued, and a hand-to-hand fight took place, in which a large number of the enemy was killed, and 80,000 brave men and 50 elephants were captured.