History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v1.c14.26

v1.c14.26

Unable to secure boats, with scarcity of provisions in his camp and with sickness too among his men and horses, Mahomed Kasim was in great difficulties. But he was a resolute and a fortunate man. Hajjaj who backed him from Irān was also a resolute and a fortunate man. He sent him 2,000 fresh horses and a contingent of fresh soldiers and he gave him sound advice which is well worth repeating here. He wrote him "there are four ways of acquiring a kingdom : 1st conciliation and alliance, 2nd expenditure of money and generous gifts, 3rd adoption of expedient measures at the time of disagreement and 4th the use of overpowering force, strength and majesty. Try to grant every request made by the princes and please them by giving solemn promises." These four methods are the same as mentioned in Indian books on politics viz. Sāma, Dāna, Bheda and Danda or conciliation, payment, division and punishment. You can conquer an enemy by conciliating him or paying him large presents or by creating division in his camp or finally by using force pure and simple. The first two ways were not to be thought of for Dahar was implacable and rich. The other two remained and Mahomed Kasim succeded in finding an opportunity of creating division and defection. There was an island in the course of the river and this Bet was in possession of one Mokah Bassaya. He had probably cause to be dissatisfied with Dahar and he went over by a stratagem to Mahomed Kasim who promised to make him big grants of territory. And Moka Bassaya in all subsequent operations of the Arabs faithfully and zealously assisted Mahomed Kasim. He was in fact the Bibhīshaṇa of the story of the conquest of Sind. He was a Rajput and perhaps even a Brahmin and was conscious apparently of his duty to his country for he is said to have written to Kasim as follows (p. 106 Chachanāma): "The country of Sind is our native country. It is an acquisition of our fathers and grand-fathers and our heritage. There is a consanguinity between us and Rai Dahar. He is also a king over other kings of Hind. It should be our duty therefore to stand by him and co-operate with him. We are also affected by his pleasure and pain and we are partners in the same country. But reason and wisdom suggest and mystic philosophy proves that the country will go out of our hands" and therefore it is wiser for him to surrender to Kasim. Traitors like Moka Bassaya have usually betrayed their country's cause with similar casuistry to save their conscience in the history of India from the king of Taxila in Alexander's days down to the Nāgara minister of Rai Karna of Gujarat in later days and these traitors in whatever country found can never indeed be too much execrated.