The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c11.86.5

v1.c11.86.5

Ibn Ḥauqal, who visited India about the same time, but finished his work in about 976 A. D. confirms most of the statements of Iṣṭakhrī. He also notices the decadent condition of the Arab State of Multan which was only saved from destruction by the Indians by the latter's fear of desecration of the idol of that city. But he adds the interesting information that the sums collected from the offerings of the pilgrims at the shrine were first taken by the Amir of Multan, who then distributed them amongst the servants of the temple. Multan, in his days was strongly fortified. Prices were low, but Manṣūrah was much more fertile and populous. His chronicle makes it clear that the chief of Multan still belonged to the same family which ruled in the time of Mas‘ūdī. He owed no allegiance to the chief of Manṣūrah, but still read the Khuṭba in the name of the Khalīfa.