The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c11.127.2

v1.c11.127.2

The northern boundaries of Multan in those days appears to have touched the Salt Range, for both ‘Utbī and Niẓām ud-Dīn tell us that Maḥmūd had to march through the territory of Multan to reach this place.³ The chief of Multan was far-sighted enough to see the danger to his principality from this Turkish dynasty. According to Firishta when Alp-tigīn (*c.* 963 A.D.) was still the ruler of Ghazni, Saikh Ḥamīd Lodī, the chief of Multan co-operated with the *Sāhi* prince Jayapāla and the Bhattia Rāja⁴ (Bijay Ray of Bhera) to oppose his general Sabuk-tigīn in Lamghān.⁵ But in the reign of Sabuk-tigīn he is reported to have ‘united himself with that prince,’ and Sabuk-tigīn, we are told, ‘from motives of policy avoided the districts of Shaikh Ḥamīd by every means in his power.’⁶ The statement of Firishta, that he owed allegiance to Sabuk-tigīn, is more than doubtful. Elliot has already pointed out that the word "tribute" used by Briggs in his translation is not 'authorised.'¹ What appears to be more likely was that Sabuk-tigīn by a shrewd diplomatic move dissolved the combination of the three powers which blocked his progress in the Indus Valley. Jayapāla being thus isolated was easily defeated. But the ruler of Multan soon found out his mistake, and again formed an alliance with the *Śāhis* to stop the progress of Maḥmūd.² But it was too late. Abu'l-Fatḥ Dā'ūd, the son of Naṣr, succeeded his grandfather Shaikh Ḥamid Lodī on the throne of Multan.