The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c11.209.2

v1.c11.209.2

(1296 A.D.), then we must conclude that the Sammas, who appear in the list of Rānās of Sind as early as the time of Nāṣir ud-Dīn Qabācha (died in 1228 A.D.), must have established an independent power long before their overthrow of the Sūmras in the middle of the 14th century. In that case both the tribes must have ruled simultaneously for some time before one ousted the other, a phenomenon by no means unique in Indian history.¹ But unfortunately we cannot dogmatise, because we are not sure of the accuracy of the chronological arrangement of our source. Our doubts find support from the fact that Shams-i-Sirāj, the contemporary historian of the period, describes a brother of Rāi Unar as the contemporary of Fīrūz Tughluq. If this brother is identified with Jām Jūnā of Abu'l Faẓl, then the whole chronological scheme of *Ta'rīkh-i-Ma'ṣūmī* crumbles to the ground. But unfortunately Shams-i-Sirāj does not mention the name of this Jām, and it may not be impossible that the prince to whom he refers was another brother of Rāi Unar. According to Mīr Ma'ṣūm the next prince, Tamāchī (Tamājī) was carried with his family to Delhi as captive by 'Alā ud-Dīn, and had children there. These children, he tells us, were brought by the tribe to Tharī, and kept prisoners, while it took the business of government into its own hands. After the lapse of some time, and the death of Jām Tamāchī his son Malik Khair ud-Dīn returned to Sind from Delhi and assumed the government.