The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 30.1

30.1

Muhammad Kasim now determined to carry on war at Arman Belah, in order to clear his way for his advance into the interior of the country. When he reached his camp, he received a letter which Rai Dahar had written to him. The letter ran thus: "In the name of the great God, the lord of Unity and the God of Selaij. This is a letter from Dahar son of Chach, the King of Sind, and the Sovereign of Hind and the ruler over land and water, to Muhammad Kasim, the vain insane who is fond of killing and slaughtering people, and is merciless towards his own army and has brought ruin on many other men. Some time ago another person had also come hither in the same manner with absurd dreams in his head, and with an awful and terrible presence. Abilas son of Hakam had also joined him, and he was led away by the vain idea of conquering Hind and Sind, and bringing those countries under his sway. But one or two of our meanest Thakurs, who then happened to go on a hunting excursion in the vicinity of Debal, killed him and his army was put to flight. It appears that the same mad thoughts have risen in Muhammad Kasim’s head, and he will ultimately bring ruin upon himself and his army owing to his foolhardiness. Be it known to you that the fortified town of Debal which you have taken is an insignificant town, where only traders and artisans reside. It contained neither a strong fortress, nor was it occupied by a garrison of any importance with whom it was worth your while to fight.