[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) › 31.3 # The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 31.3 The Chachnamah, an Ancient History of Sind 31.3 - **Language:** English ### [31.3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.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. ### [31.3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.31.3.2) When the message was duly delivered, Muhammad Kasim said: “I am ready to obey this written order, but I regret to say that when our army arrived here, the gates of the city were close against us. This has produced a very bad effect upon our minds. When you claimed to be our allies, it was not proper for you to close the gates of the city against us, and cause (thereby) great scarcity of corn in our camp.” Hearing this, the Samani gave excuses, and appealed to the general’s reason and good sense, saying: “The management of our affairs depends upon the will of Rai Dahar, and as I was not present here, the people were much confused, on your arrival here, and feared lest, on your return to the place, you might cause some harm to the residents of the city. But as soon as I came here, I duly discharged the duties of friendship and allegiance. I am much obliged to you, and am ready to do as you are pleased to direct.” Then Muhammad Kasim gave him a dress of honour, showed many favours to him, treated him very kindly, and sent him back. The Samani went back and opened the gates of the city and sent presents and offerings to Muhammad Kasim. Then the troops entered the city to make purchases and to carry on bargains. The next day when the king of stars appeared in the blue vault, Muhammad Kasim mounted a horse, and, accompanied by his chiefs and nobles, came to the gate of the city. He built a mosque in place of the idol-temple, and performed two genuflexions. ### [31.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.31.3.3) He appointed a man of the family of Zahal, from amongst the people of Basrah as his deputy in the city, and then left the place. He called the Samani to himself (in order to utilise his services), when crossing the river of Sind. Some of the chief men of Rasal Samani, and several headmen of the Bhattis came forward to do homage to Muhammad Kasim, and seek his pardon. He concluded a treaty with them on the terms stated in the letter of Hajjaj. Then he proceeded to the fortified town of Ishbha. It was in the month of Muharram 93 that he arrived in the vicinity of that town. The fortress was strong and impregnable, and its inmates were quite ready for a fight, and had made a deep moat round it. They had called the Cotanis and other country people living in the suburbs to the west, to come and take shelter in the fort. Muhammad Kasim commenced warfare by laying siege to the fort. The people held out for a week, during which time they were wavering what to do. But after that period, they were obliged to surrender and beg for mercy. Those who submitted fixed a tribute on themselves and opened the gate of the fort, and Muhammad Kasim, accompanied by his trustworthy staff, entered the fort and handed over the keys to some of his confidential and faithful officers, and appointed an honest man to administer the fort. He wrote a report to Hajjaj about his conquering that fort and giving pardon to, and sparing the lives of, the warlike tribe of Channas. ### [31.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.31.3.4) After staying for some time in that town, and leaving a representative there, he proceeded to the country of Raor, and alighted on the bank of the river Mehran on the western side, where he was joined by Jasen the ruler of Bet. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.31.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.conquest.chachnama~en-kalichbeg.31.3) · Pramāṇa