The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c12.218

v1.c12.218

Kalhaṇa describes the defeat of Trilocanapāla as only an incident in the rapid decline of 'the royal glory of the *Sāhis*.' In his time (*c.* 1150 A.D.) the very name of the *Sāhi* kingdom had nearly vanished, and one asked oneself whether "with its kings, ministers, and its court, it ever was or was not."⁵ But he also bears ample evidence to the profound impression that was produced on the minds of all contemporaries by their destruction. The following statement of al-Bīrūnī not only corroborates the Indian historian, but also shows how powerfully even the Muslims, the worst enemies of the *Sāhi's* were impressed by their greatness."⁶