The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 40.1

40.1

The relaters of historical tales have stated, on the authority of Rámsiah Brahmin, that among the Mussalmans there was a man called Shujia Habashí (Abyssinian). His bravery was unbounded, and in the field of battle he had already worked miracles. He now came before Muhammad Kásim, and solemnly swore: “I shall not eat or drink till I have faced Dáhar and wounded his elephant. As long as my soul is in my body I shall fight on till I become a martyr.” It was on Thursday, the 10th of the sacred month of Ramazán 93, that Dáhar came forth seated on a white elephant and ready for battle. The Abyssinian who was on a black horse, then advanced and engaged in fight. Rái Dáhar was informed that the man was coming to have a combat with him, and Rái Dáhar turned towards him and drove his elephant at him. The Abyssinian too spurred his horse and brought it before the elephant. But the animal frightened at the sight of the elephant, tried to turn aside. The Abyssinian then immediately took off his turban, and tied the horse’s eyes with it, and rushing on the elephant, wounded its trunk with a single blow. Rái Dáhar placed a bifurcated arrow of the shape of scissors on his bow string, and with his usual firmness and skill discharged it at the Abyssinian, and it sheered off the Abyssinian’s head from his neck, his body still remaining on the horse. Dáhar then shouted out: