The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 31.3.1

31.3.1

Meanwhile Rái Dáhar questioned the scientific men of Hind and the astrologers and philosophers of Sind, saying: “I have just heard that Muhammad Kásim has come down as far as Nerún and has encamped in the outskirts of that fortified town, with a large army and is ready for battle. What do you find from your books of history and astrology and what information do you get from the position of stars with regard to the (present) time and the revolution of the year”? The astrologers, after praising him, said: “May the king live long! we have come to know from ancient books and histories of the past, and the system of astrology as founded by the philosopher Jamash that, in one of the months of the year 92, the fortified town of Nerun will fall into the hands of the army of Islam, and in 93, the whole of Hindustan, with all its forts that are superior in strength to the mighty wall built by Alexander, will be the property of the Mussalmans, and that victory is to be gained by Muhammad Kasim. That predicted time has drawn very near.” Then Rai Dahar asked Samani Budh, who was the ruler of the fortified town of Nerun, to go to Nerun and to inform him about the state of affairs there. Accordingly, the Samani came to Nerun, and accompanied by 5 chiefs went to Muhammad Kasim in the Arab camp. He took with him the letter of Hajjaj, and made Bananah son of Khantalah his intercessor.