The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c12.65.3

v1.c12.65.3

After this defeat the Arabs “ransomed Abu-‘Ubayda for 500,000 dirhams.” The cities of Sijistān, being “ aided and abetted ” by Ratbīl, became for a time at least free from the control of the representatives of the Caliph. Balādhurī informs us that “when ‘Abd ul-‘Azīz ibn ‘Abd Ullāh ibn ‘Amir arrived as *Wāli* over Sijistān in the time of az-Zubair (c.A.H. 64=683 A.D.), he was compelled to stop in the city of Zaranj because Ratbīl was at war with him.” But soon after “ *abu-‘Afrā’ ‘Umair al-Māzini killed Ratbīl and the polytheists were put to rout.*” But the war did not end with the death of this prince. In about A.H. 73 (A.D. 692) ‘Abd Ullāh was appointed to rule over Sijistān. “ He made war on Ratbīl (the successor as king to the former Ratbīl, who had been killed). He stood in awe of the Moslems,” and when ‘Abd Ullāh arrived at Bust, he offered to make peace for a sum of 1,000,000 dirhams, but the treaty fell through, for the Arab general wanted his tent to be filled with gold. Fighting was therefore resumed. “Ratbīl did not oppose his advance into the land until he had penetrated deep into it, when he seized the mountain paths and passes against him, asking the Moslems to cease hostilities and offering to refrain from despoiling them.