The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c12.167

v1.c12.167

Jayapāla was succeeded by his son Ānandapāla in about 1001-02 A.D. At this time the extent of the territories of the *Śāhis* in the south reached the borders of the Amirate of Multan and included the principality of Bhera (Bahātīh, Bhātīāh) situated on the west bank of the Jhelum under the Salt Range. Taking advantage of the misfortunes of Jayapāla, its feudatory *rājā* Bijay Rāy appears to have "refused to pay his proportion of tribute to Ānandapāla." Maḥmūd made this a pretext to invade the *Śāhi* dominions again in 1004 A.D. Firishta says that Maḥmūd undertook this invasion because "the tribute from Hindustan has not been paid." It is not unlikely that Ānandapāla represented to the Sulṭān that he was unable to pay anything so long as he was not paid by the *rājā* of Bhera. But what appears to be more probable is that next to Peshawar Maḥmūd wanted another stronghold on the plains of the Punjab, to serve as a base for his ambitious programme of plunder and temple spoliation. Bhera was such a place. In the picturesque language of ‘Utbī: “this city had a wall whose height could be reached only by eagles. Its sentinel, if he wished, might hold converse with the stars, and its watchman, if he desired, might give kisses upon the lip of the planet Venus.”¹ From its safe retreat therefore he could deal easy blows against the Muhammadan principalities of the lower Indus valley, and what was more important, crush the *Sāhis*, whose territory blocked his advance into the rich countries of the trans-Gangetic plain. The *rājā* of Bhera “relying on his lofty hill and drunk in the pride of his numerous followers, came out of the city and trusting in the might of his heroes and the majesty of his fortune, stood the engagement.” For three days successively the battle raged fiercely outside the walls of the city, until the Indians were driven into the fortress, which was besieged. Bijay Rāy escaped from the fort with a few followers but being pursued “drew his piercing *khanjar*, and falling, resigned his fearless life, and impure soul……amidst the ranks of hell.” Maḥmūd there-upon “spread the carpet of the Muhammadan religion and law, and drew the people of those provinces into the bond of Islam, and arranged the construction of mosques and pulpits.”²