The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 28.1.6

28.1.6

One of these especially belonged to the Commander of the Faithful, the Khalifah. Its name was “the Wee Bride.” It required a force of 500 men to work its recipient and active portions for discharging stones. In the heart of Debal there was a magnificent idol-temple, of a towering height, with a dome built on its top, and a green silken flag fixed on it. The building of the temple was 40 cubits high, and the dome on it was also 40 cubits in height. The flag-staff when hoisted was of the same length. The banner had four tongues or ensigns, each flying in a different direction, and appearing like so many towers suspended from above. When the army of Islám was in sight, this fourfold flag was removed from the top of the pole, and the occupants of the fortified town came out to give battle. But the Arab forces were not permitted to engage with them. In this manner 7 days passed away, and the Arab army remained encamped in one place. Every day letters were received from Hajjáj, in which they were asked to wait. On the 8th day, however, the letter of permission came, and immediately Muhammad Kasim arrayed his army and made an assault, and the enemy’s force was compelled to seek protection within the walls of the fort. All of a sudden, then, a Brahmin came forth from the garrison, and cried for mercy. He said: “May the just Governor live long!