History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c9.86

c9.86

But there is no indication of warlike relations between the two countries through the long vista of centuries. On the contrary here is clear evidence to show that Muhammad's relations with China were of a definitely friendly character. Towards the close of Jamadal-Sani, 742 A.H. (December 1341 A.D.), the Mongol emperor Shunti or Toghan Timour sent an embassy to the court of Muhammad Tughluq to obtain permission to rebuild the Buddhist temples in the Qarachil or Himalaya mountain.⁴³ In this mountainous region there was a city, called Samhal by Ibn Batūṭah, which the Chinese pilgrims used to visit. During the Qarajal or Qarachil expedition, of which mention has been made before, the Sultan's forces had devastated the place and its temples.⁴⁴ The Chinese mission brought valuable presents which consisted of 100 slaves, both male and female, 500 pieces of *Kinkhob* of which 100 were made of the fabric of *Zaytan* and 100 of *Khimsa*, five *mans* of musk, five robes studded with jewels, five quivers of cloth of gold and five swords. Muhammad Tughluq reciprocated the mission and selected Ibn Batūṭah, who was at that time in Sindh as his envoy. Perhaps his choice was determined by the fact that Ibn Batūṭah was a man who had considerable experience of travelling in foreign countries. He was to convey to the Chinese emperor the message that the reconstruction of the temples could not be permitted according to the laws of Islam unless he paid Jeziya or poll-tax which was enjoined on all non-believers, but if the emperor agreed to do so, permission would be granted. Ibn Batūṭah gives a schedule of the presents which he carried to the Mongol emperor of Cathay.⁴⁵ These gifts far exceeded in value and magnificence those of the Chinese ruler, and consisted of 100 Hindu slaves, 100 slave girls, accomplished in song and dance, 100 pieces of a cotton fabric called *bairami* of matchless beauty priced at 100 *dinars* per piece; 100 pieces of silk called *juz* of variegated tints; 104 pieces of *Salahiyah* (صلاحية) 100 pieces of *Shirinbāf*, 100 pieces of *Shanbāf*, 500 pieces of *muraz*, a kind of woollen fabric of various colours; 100 pieces of *Katan Rumi* (كتان رومي) 100 gowns without sleeves; a tent and six pavilions, four golden candle-sticks and four embroidered with silver, four gold basins and six of silver, and ten dresses of honour embroidered; ten caps one of which was embroidered with jewels, 10 quivers one of which was studded with pearls, and 10 swords the scabbard of one of which was inlaid with pearls and jewels, 10 gloves embroidered with pearls and 15 young slaves.⁴⁶