The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c11.127.4

v1.c11.127.4

1010) soon after the capture of Ghūr, Maḥmūd again attacked Multan. According to Firishta, the cause of this invasion was the rebellion of Dā'ūd.³ Multan was conquered, and annexed and Maḥmūd 'put most of the schismatics and heretics who were there to the sword ; he cut off the hands of some, and ordered others to be imprisoned in a fort where they died.' Dā'ūd was taken to Ghazni and died as prisoner in the fort of Ghurak.⁴ Soon after this the Sulṭān attacked Quṣdār which was, as we have seen, one of the earliest conquests of Sabuk-tigīn. The prince of that place, who appears to have ceased to pay tribute was surprised, and compelled to pay 'five hundred packets of a thousand dirhams which was due.' Maḥmūd also seized fifteen yoke of elephants, which that prince had stored up for times and seasons of war and compelled him to 'pay dutiful submission and obedience.'⁵ According to some historians, Maḥmūd while returning from his expedition against Somnāth (A. H. 416=1025 A.D.) followed a route through lower Sind in order to avoid the combined resistance of the Hindu chiefs who were blocking his retreat through Rajputana.¹ Ibn Athīr tells us that during the course of this march he proceeded 'against Manṣūrah, the ruler of which was an apostate Muhammadan. When the news of Maḥmūd's approach reached this chief, he fled into the date-palm forests.