The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c31.156

v2.c31.156

The next important source in order of time for this expedition is the Arabic *Ta'rīkh-ul-Kāmil*⁴ of Ibn Athīr. This historian tells us that Maḥmūd started from Multān with 30,000 horse, besides volunteers "on the 10th Sha‘bān (416 A.H., 1025 A.D.). He carried with him provisions (water and corn) on 30,000 camels, as the way from Multān to India lay through a barren desert without inhabitants or food. After crossing the desert he captured a fort 'full of people, in which place there were wells,' and reached Anahilwāra at the beginning of Zu'lqa'da. The chief of Anahilwāra, "fled hastily, and, abandoning his city, went to a certain fort for safety and to prepare for war. Maḥmūd pushed on for Sūmnāt." After passing through a waterless desert and capturing several forts on his way, he reached Dabalwārah,⁵ two days' journey from Sūmnāt. Arriving at Sūmnāt on Thursday in the middle of Zu'lqa'da, he was desperately resisted by the Hindus for one day; but on the second it was captured with great slaughter, over 50,000 being slain. "After the capture of Sūmnāt, Maḥmūd received intelligence that Bhīm, the chief of Anhilwāra, had gone to the fort of Kandahat, which is situated about forty parasangs from Sūmnāt between that place and the desert. He marched thither, and when he came in front of the place, he questioned some men who were hunting as to the tide. From them he learned that there was a practicable ford, but that if the wind blew a little, he might be submerged. Maḥmūd prayed to the Almighty and then entered the water. He and his forces passed over safely and drove the enemy out of the place. Thence he returned, intending to proceed against Manṣūra."¹