[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Conquests (711–1206)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest) › [Chachnāma](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama) › [The Chachnamah, an Ancient History of Sind](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg) › 28 # The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 28: Muhammad Hárún starts with Muhammad Kásim. The Chachnamah, an Ancient History of Sind 28 - **Language:** English ## Contents - [28.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.1) — 7 parts - [28.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.2) — 7 parts ### Muhammad Hárún starts with Muhammad Kásim. ### [28.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.1.1) It is related by Banú Mustír Bahrí that from there Muhammad Kásim started in the direction of Armanbelah, and Muhammad Hárún also went along with him. Though he was not quite well he willingly joined Muhammad Kásim in his undertaking. But on account of the troubles of the journey, and repeated attacks of illness, he grew worse. When they arrived at the camp of Armanbelah, his life came to its close, and he gave up his precious soul to God. His body was buried at that place. From there, Muhammad Kasim started with his army for Debal. At that time Jaisiah son of Dahar was at Nerun. He wrote a letter to his father informing him that Muhammad Kasim had come from the Arab empire, with an army, and had arrived in the vicinity of Debal, and asking for orders to go and battle with him. Dahar called the Alafis, and made enquiries from them (about the Arab general). The Alafis told him “Muhammad Kasim is a cousin to Hajjaj. He has a very large army with him, consisting of famous warriors, sons of nobles and chiefs, brave soldiers and horses, all well equipped and quite prepared to fight with you. Do not oppose them at all, for, a man from the family of Samah has just arrived and states that every horseman in this Arab army is come determined to take revenge against Dahar.” Hearing this Dahar forbade his son to fight with the Arabs. ### [28.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.1.2) When Muhammad Kasim conquered Armanbelah, he received a letter from Hajjaj at that very place. It contained instructions in the following words: “When you arrive at stages, within the limits of Sind, and come within sight of Debal, be very careful about your camping places. When you arrive at Nerun, dig a ditch round your camp, that it may give you protection and safety. Be awake for the greater part of the night; and let those of you, who can read the Koran, be busy reading it, while the rest should devote their time to prayer and be watchful at the same time. Make taciturnity an ornament of yours. Be repeating the praises of the great and glorious God, and ask help of the divine grace that the most glorious and most high God may give you assistance. Seek His protection by often reciting the well-known religious saying: ‘There is no power nor virtue but in God, the great and glorious.’” When you come in the vicinity of Debal, make a ditch, 12 cubits wide and 6 cubits deep. When you hear enemy, be silent; and (even) if the enemy shout at you, “and use obscene language, and assault you, do not engage in (a pitched) battle, till I send orders to that effect. You will be constantly hearing from me, and you must make it a point to follow literally the instructions I may give you, and the plan I may suggest. By taking my opinion as the right one, and following it, you will be successful in your undertaking, if the great God wills it. ### [28.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.1.3) When the expedition marched out from Armanbelah, Muhammad Kasim appointed Sahib son of Abdurrahman to lead the van, and Jehm son of Kais Jaafi to bring up the rear. He put Utbah son of Saad Aofi in charge of the right wing, and Músa son of Sinán son of Salmah Hazli in charge of the left. The remaining warriors and swordsmen and selected soldiers, who formed the flower of the army, were put in the centre to go in front of him. In this order, the army marched on till, on Friday, the 10th of Muharram of the year 73, they arrived in the vicinity of Debal. The boats containing the weapons and implements of war also arrived, the same day, under Hazim son of Amri, and Abu Mughairah, and despatches from Hajjáj were handed over to Muhammad Kásim, who had ordered a big ditch to be made in order to fight with the enemy at an advantage. The contents of these despatches were as follows: “I have appointed very respectable men in your service. One of them is Abdurrahman son of Salm Kalbi whose bravery and prowess have been put to trial on several occasions, and whom no enemy will ever be able to oppose in a skirmish or a battle. Another is Safyán Abrad, who is famous for his wisdom and rectitude, and is honest and righteous. There is also Kais son of Bark Kilábi, who is generous, honourable and true. In any task entrusted to him he will acquit himself creditably, and to your entire satisfaction. He is free from foibles, and has always been of great help to Hajjáj. ### [28.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.1.4) Jarrah son of Abdulláh again is a man of vast experience, and has seen many battles. He is to be preferred to many a man of wisdom and learning. Then there is Mujashiah son of Nadbah Azdi. All these men are the pick of my personal staff, I have no others more trustworthy and righteous than these. I am sanguine that they will never go against your wishes, and will never take the side of your enemies. Out of the men, to whom I have referred above in my letter, I may particularly mention Hazim son of Amr than whom there is none dearer to me, on account of his bravery and lion-heartedness. He is one of the selected few, who are very honourable, and is known for truthfulness and honesty, like his father and his forefathers. When Hazim becomes your friend, I shall not entertain any fear, since he is gifted by nature, with virtuous habits and an approved character. He will never allow any creature to work against you or to harm you. Never keep him aloof from you. When you read my letters, neither eat nor drink till you have written a reply to me communicating the state of affairs there in full detail.” ### [28.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.1.5) Hajjaj was particularly fond of Amir Muhammad Kasim, and, owing to his excessive love, he, after Muhammad Kasim’s departure and in his absence, on several occasions, gave alms and offerings, and asked blessings for him. Bakr son of Wáil, and Adil son of Farah, were intimate friends of Muhammad Kasim. They sacrificed a camel for his safety and success, in his absence, and paid its price from the ornaments of their wives and daughters, in order that it should be a lawfully obtained property. Adil read the following verses:— Verses.—“They laid violent hands on the ornaments of their daughters, Not leaving even their golden wristlets and necklets, The girls, with their ears reft of pearls and rubies, almost lost their identity, And could hardly be recognised when seen on their riding animals (donkeys). The Amirul Mominin (Commander of the Faithful) sent the sacrificers an invitation (to take from him what they might need), but they did not accept the invitation and disobeyed the order.” The far-seeing philosophers and the judicious sages have related on the authority of Abul Hasan, who said that he had heard it from Abi Muhammad, a freed slave of the Banizamim family, that Muhammad Kasim arrived in the vicinity of Debal, and ordered a ditch to be made. The troops unfurled their banners, and sounded their kettle-drums, and their several divisions encamped at the places appointed for them. Catapults were (also) taken out and fixed. ### [28.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.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! ### [28.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.1.7) We have learnt from our science of the stars that the country of Sind will be conquered by the army of Islam, and the infidels will be put to flight. But be it known to you that the standard of the idol house, yonder, is a talisman. As long as that standard of the temple stands in its place, it is impossible for the fort to be taken by you. You must, therefore, try your best to blow off the dome of this temple, and break its flag-staff into pieces only your success will be complete.” ### [28.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.2.1) Hearing this, Muhammad Kasim called his Engineer Jaibat Salmi, and said: “Can you manage to break this flag-pole and the dome of the temple with the stones of the mangonels? If you can I shall give you a reward of ten thousand dirams.” Jaibat said: “Let two ram-rods be removed from that special catapult of the Khalifah, called the ‘Wee Bride,’ and with three stones I will blow off the flag and the pole, and break the dome of the temple.” Muhammad Kasim said: “if you break the flag-pole of the temple I shall give you 10,000 dams by way of reward; but if you not only fail to break down the temple but spoil the catapult in the bargain, what should be your punishment?” Jaibat replied: “If I miss the mark, then let the hands of Jaibat be cut off.” Muhammad Kasim, thereupon, wrote a letter to that prince of Governors, Hajjaj son of Yusif, in which he mentioned the conditions fixed by Jaibat. On the ninth-day a reply was received, via Kirman, sanctioning the acceptance of the terms fixed between them. It contained the following fresh instructions: “When you advance in a body for battle, see that you have the sun behind your backs, as (then) its glare will not prevent you from having a full view of the enemy. Engage in fight on the very first day, and supplicate the help of the great God. If anyone of the people of Sind ask for mercy and protection, do give it to him, but not to the residents of Debal, whom you must not spare on any account.” ### [28.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.2.2) Just then one of the soothsayers of the place came out of the fort and said: “I was always in the habit of consulting the book of fate, and when I came to know that the kingdom of Hind had come to its close, and that the rule of Mussalmans was about to commence, I consoled and comforted the Mussalman prisoners and women in the fort, with the news of the advent of the army of Islam. Now, if the general gives a written pardon to me and promises to spare the lives of my family and children, I would go back and cheer up the spirits of the prisoners.” Muhammad Kasim complied with his request, and gave him pardon. He was sent back to inform the prisoners, that the followers of Hajjaj had come up, that the fort would soon fall into their hands, and that they would soon set them at liberty. The next day, which was the ninth after their arrival at Debal, when the sun rose from his eastern abode, Muhammad Kasim called Jaubat, and the mangonel was removed to the place which had been appointed (by the latter), and the army was arrayed at the positions marked out for the different divisions, and a general assault was made on the fort from every direction; and volleys of arrows were shot and 500 men were brought to pull the ropes of the Khalifah’s catapult. Jaubat shot the first missile, and the Mussalmans uttered their war-cry: “God is great.” With the first blow the banner was torn asunder and was severed from the pole. ### [28.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.2.3) The second missile was, under the order of the general, aimed at the dome of the temple in which the pole was fixed. The pole and the dome were broken into pieces, and the talisman of the magicians was frustrated, and the Debalese were much frightened and, as ordained by the great and glorious God, the fort was (eventually) levelled to the ground. Muhammad Kasim distributed his army in different directions. First he posted Jehm son of Kais Jafi to the east of the fort, and Ata son of Malik A'shi to the west. Bananah son of Hanzalah Kilabi was ordered to fight towards the northern wall, and Aon son of Talet Dimishki towards the southern. The main or central body was put in charge of Zakwan son of Alwan Bakri, Hazim and Abu Mughairah. Thus divided, the Arabs pressed from all directions. The first man who got over the ramparts was Saadi son of Khuzaimah of Kufah. Next to him was Ajal son of Abdul Malik son of Kais Danti of Basrah. When thus the army of Islam scaled the walls of the fort, the Debalese opened the gates and asked for mercy. Muhammad Kasim replied that he had no orders to spare anyone in the town, and that the armed men had to do slaughtering for 3 days. Jahin son of Masaid managed to throw himself out of the fort at night time. Dahar son of Chach had already sent horses and camels for him. When he came out, he rode on to the river Mehran and arrived at a place called Karmiti, which was situated on the eastern bank of the river. ### [28.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.2.4) From there, he sent a messenger on an elephant to Dahar to communicate to him the sad news of the fall of Debal. Dahar asked the man: “Where is Jahin Budh?” The man replied: “At Karmiti,” which word means saltish earth. Hearing this ominous name, Dahar said: “May dust lie on your head! No evil name should be mentioned in the presence of kings lest they interpret it into a bad omen. Do not say that he has come to Karmiti, that is to me” (for he has left to come to me and your words may imply that I am like salt earth). Then Muhammad Kásim came to the temple. Those who had taken shelter in the temple wanted to close the door, and burn themselves to death. The two door-keepers, however, were dragged out and killed, and entry was then made. 700 beautiful females, who were under the protection of Budh, were all captured with their valuable ornaments, and clothes adorned with jewels. Four men at a time were admitted into the fort. Some say 400 men came in at once, and took away by force their ornaments. ### [28.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.2.5) Muhammad Kásim then desired to see those men to whom he had tendered pardon. When they came, he told them: “Now bring out those male and female Mussalman prisoners whom you have so long detained as hostages, those who were captured in the boats coming from Sarandeb; also those of the army of Bazil, who were taken prisoners, and men confined in your prison-house.” They were immediately brought out, and set at liberty. Then he appointed those men who had been confined in the fort of Debal, to be in charge of the occupants of the fort, saying: “As they have so long been in prison, they may now well enjoy some rest and pleasure as some amends for their past troubles and sufferings; let them experience happiness (now) at the hands of ever changing time, and try their best to keep watch over the fort and its occupants.” At the head of the Hindús of Debal was a person by name Kublah son of Musárayeh. He was a wise and ingenious man, a great philosopher of Hindús, a clever maker of plans. and a man of thorough knowledge. The prisoners of Bazil’s party and of Sarandeb had been under his keeping and control. Muhammad Kasim called this man and ordered him to be punished But he said: “O Amir, first enquire from the Mussalman prisoners as to how I have been treating them, and how I have been trying my utmost to console and comfort them. When your Excellency learns this, my life will be spared.” ### [28.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.2.6) Then Muhammad Kasim called his dragoman, and told him: “Ask this man what kindness he did to the prisoners.” The man replied: “Make that enquiry from the prisoners themselves that the real state of things and the truth of my assertion may become known to His Highness.” Thereupon, Muhammad Kasim ordered the prisoners to be brought to him. He then asked them: “What kindness and sympathy has this Kublah shown to you, oh prisoners?” All of them said: “We are much obliged to him. He did all he could to mitigate our misery and to comfort us. He used, at all times, to console us by giving us hopes of the speedy arrival of the army of Islam and of the conquest of Debal.” Muhammad Kasim then called upon him to accept the religion of Islam, and on his agreeing to the proposal Kublah was exalted to the honour of Islam, by his repeating the formula of the Mussalman faith regarding his belief in the unity of God and the prophetship of Muhammad. He was appointed superintendent over the accountants or revenue officers of Debal, who were now ordered to seek his advice in administrative matters, and to render account of the collections as well as of the expenditure to him, while Hamid son of Darad Najdi was made a supervising officer over them all, and the entire administration of the province was entrusted to him. ### [28.2.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28.2.7) It is related by the writers of history, on the authority of Hakam son of Urwah, who heard it from his father and grandfather, that the name of the Brahmin who had prayed for and received pardon was Sud-dev, and that it was from him that Hakam’s grandfather received the following piece of information, namely: When Debal was conquered and the Mussalman prisoners were released, the slaves were brought out, and Muhammad Kasim ordered one-fifth of the spoils to be set apart in obedience to the religious law, and sent to the royal treasury. Accordingly the fifth part of the booty secured at Debal was sent to the treasury of Hajjaj, while the booty secured at the conquest of Arman Belah was distributed among the troops, according to their merit and rank—a horseman receiving double the share of a camelman or a foot soldier. What remained of the cash and slaves and other spoils was collected and sent to Hajjaj along with the two daughters of the ruler of Debal. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.28) · Pramāṇa