The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c7.s2.8

c7.s2.8

Mahmud Ghaznavi collected lot of wealth from regions of his visitations. A few facts and figures may be given as illustrations. In his war against Jayapal (1001-02 C.E.) the latter had to pay a ransom of 2,50,000 *dinars* for securing release from captivity. Even the necklace of which he was relieved was estimated at 2,00,000 *dinars* (gold coin) and twice that value was obtained from the necks of those of his relatives who were taken prisoners or slain⁴³ A couple of years later, all the wealth of Bhera, which was as wealthy as imagination can conceive, was captured by the conqueror (1004-05 C.E.). In 1005-06 the people of Multan were forced to pay an indemnity of the value of 20,000,000 (royal) *dirhams* (silver coin). When Nawasa Shah, who had reconverted to Hinduism, was ousted (1007-08), the Sultan took possession of his treasures amounting to 400,000 *dirhams*. Shortly after, from the fort of Bhimnagar in Kangra, Mahmud seized coins of the value of 70,000,000 (Hindu Shahiya) *dirhams*, and gold and silver ingots weighing some hundred maunds, jewellery and precious stones. There was also a collapsible house of silver, thirty yards in length and fifteen yards in breadth, and a canopy (*mandapika*) supported by two golden and two silver poles.⁴⁴ Such was the wealth obtained that it could not be shifted immediately, and Mahmud had to leave two of his most confidential chamberlains, Altuntash and Asightin, to look after its gradual transportation.⁴⁵ In the succeeding expeditions (1015-20) more and more wealth was drained out of the Punjab and other parts of India. Besides the treasures collected by Mahmud, his soldiers also looted independently. From Baran Mahmud obtained, 1,000,000 *dirhams* and from Mahaban a large booty. In the sack of Mathura five idols alone yielded 98,300 *misqals* (about 10 maunds) of gold.⁴⁶ The idols of silver numbered two hundred. Kanauj, Munj, Asni, Sharva and some other places yielded another 3,000,000 *dirhams*. We may skip over many other details and only mention that at Somnath his gains amounted to 20,000,000 *dinars*.⁴⁷ These figures are more or less authentic as Abu Nasr Muhammad Utbi, who mentions them, was the Secretary to Sultan Mahmud, so that he enjoyed excellent opportunities of becoming fully conversant with the operations and gains of the conqueror. He clearly notes the amount when collected in Hindu Shahiya coinage or in some other currency, and also gives the value of all acquisitions in the royal (Mahmuds) coins. A little error here or there does in no way minimise the colossal loss suffered by north India in general and the Punjab in particular during Mahmuds invasions.