The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c11.86.4

v1.c11.86.4

Some believe that the body is made of wood, some deny this; but the body is not allowed to be uncovered to decide the point. The eyes of the idol are precious gems, and its head is covered with a crown of gold.¹ It sits in a quadrangular position on the throne, its hands resting upon its knee, with the fingers closed, so that only four can be counted." This account differs from that of Mas‘ūdī on one important point. According to the latter the offering to the idol formed one of the important sources of revenue of the Arab State of Multan; but according to Iṣṭakhrī, they were spent on the temple and its devotees. Iṣṭakhrī adds another interesting detail to the story of the utilisation of the idol in wars against the Indians. He tells us that but for this ruse the Indians "would destroy Multan." This statement not only supports our contention about the wars between the Arabs of Multan and the Gurjara-Pratīhāras but also indicates that the Arabs had also by this time lost all their early conquering vigour and enthusiasm, being reduced more or less to a moribund condition. Iṣṭakhrī further tells us that "the Mālik is of a tribe of Quraish, and is not subject to the ruler of Manṣūrah but reads the Khuṭba in the name of the Khalifa." The chief, we are told, lived in a large cantonment outside the city, and never entered Multan except on Fridays, when he went to the city on the back of an elephant, in order to join in the prayers of that day.