The Nāṣirī Generations 45.3

45.3

I cannot but coincide with Abu-l-Fazl, the secretary [but never “minister”] of Akbar, in his remarks upon the accounts of India, written by early travellers, such as Al-Biruni and others. He says, in the Ain-i-Akbari [I give the pith of his remarks merely], that Fanakati, Hafiz-Abru, and others, wrote down all the nonsense that was palmed off upon them; and, therefore, what they state is contrary to facts, and not to be depended upon, while other writers have wilfully perverted them. Now could it be otherwise, when such persons knew nothing of the languages of India, or of its people, or their customs ? They could neither make investigations themselves, nor could they obtain efficient interpreters, or reliable information. See R. A. S.’s Journal, vol. iv. p. 356. Farther investigation, since the above remarks were written, has, I think, enabled me to throw some light upon the situation of what is called Wahind and Bahind, and as to its correct name. The Tarikh-i-Mir’at-i-Jahan Numa, a general history by Muhammad Baqa, contains the following respecting Mahmud’s two first ‘expeditions against Hindustan. “In 390 H., Mahmud set out for Hindustan and captured the fortress of Barjanid or Barjunid [possibly but this word is not quite certain], and again retired. In Shawwal, 391 H., he again set out towards Hindustan, and reached Peshawar with 10,000 horse, and defeated Jai-pal, who, with fifteen brothers and sons, was taken captive. This took place on Saturday, 8th Muharram, 392 H.