The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c11.86.3

v1.c11.86.3

but we are told by Mas'ūdī that 'through this town passes one of the (five) rivers which form together the river Mihrān (Indus) in Sind.'² The success of the Arabs of Multan was probably due in a large measure to the decline of the Gurjara-Pratīhāra empire in the first quarter of the 10th century.³ Al-Iṣṭakhrī, who visited India a few years after Mas'ūdī, tells us that 'Multan was a city of about half the size of Manṣūrah.' He also repeats the story of its idol, and the pilgrimages undertaken to it by the people from the most distant parts. But his account contains some interesting details about this temple. According to him the vast sums of money which these pilgrimages brought to the god, were "spent upon the temple and on those who lead there a life of devotion."⁴ "The temple of the idol," we are told, "is a strong edifice, situated in the most populous parts of the city, in the market of Multan, between the bazar of the ivory-dealers and the shops of the copper-smiths. The idol is placed under a cupola in the midst of the building, and the ministers of the idol and those devoted to its service dwell around the cupola. In Multan there are no men either of Hind or Sind who worship idols except those who worship this idol and in this temple. The idol has a human shape and is seated with its legs bent in a quadrangular posture on a throne made of brick and mortar. Its whole body is covered with a red skin like morocco leather, and nothing but its eyes are visible.