History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c26.5

v2.c26.5

The Arabs, as the most impetuous, and nearest the centre, were the first to break their bounds; and in the course of the 7th century Syria, Persia, Egypt, and the north of Africa became theirs. Spain was conquered, and India nearly shared the same fate. Under Mu’âwiah, the first Khalîfah of the Umayyades, attempts were made to cross the Indus by the southern route—that which the Skythians had successfully followed a short time before. Both these attempts failed, but under Walid, Muhammad ibn Qâsim, A.H. 93 (A.D. 712), they did effect a settlement in Sindh. It proved a barren conquest, however; for though a Muhammadan dynasty was established there, it soon became independent of the Khalîfat, and eventually died out.