The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c16.454.2

v1.c16.454.2

We are told by Minhāj that "Fear of him operated exceedingly in the hearts of the unbelievers of the different parts of the territories of Lakhaṇavatī and Bihār, and the countries of Bang and Kāmrūd." To the same historian we are indebted for an almost contemporary account of the advance of Islām into Bengal. His story which was collected largely from anecdotes current at his time, and is not free from exaggerations, may be summarised as follows: Rai Lakhmaṇīah was "a very great Rāi," and "had been on the throne for a period of 80 years." His seat of government was the city of Nūdīah. His father died when he was still in his mother's womb. "The crown was placed on the belly of his mother, and all girded up their loins in her service. The Rāis of Hind used to hold their family in great importance, and were wont to consider him in the position of Khalīfah by descent." When the birth of Lakhmaṇīah drew near, the astrologers represented that if the child should be born at that hour, it would never attain to sovereignty; but if it should be born two hours later, it would reign for 80 years. Whereupon the queen-regent kept herself suspended with her head downwards and legs bound together. When after two hours she was taken down, she gave birth to Lakhmaṇīah and immediately after died. Lakhmaṇīah reigned for 80 years; never did tyranny proceed from his hand;'' he was also famous for his magnificence.