The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c5.s4.t22.12

c5.s4.t22.12

By the identification of *Kasyapapura* with the *Kaspeira* of Ptolemy I have shown that Multân was situated on the bank of the Râvi in the first half of the second century of the Christian era. Hwen Thsang unfortunately makes no mention of the river; but a few years after his visit the Brahman Rajah of Sindh, named Chach, invaded and captured Multân, and the details of his campaign show that the Râvi still continued to flow under its walls in the middle of the seventh century. They show also that the Biâs then flowed in an independent channel to the east and south of Multân. According to the native chronicles of Sindh, Chach advanced to *Pâbiya*, or *Bahiya** on the south bank of the Biâs, from whence he advanced to Sukah or Sikkah on the bank of the Râvi, at a short distance to the eastward of Multân. This place was soon deserted by its defenders, who retired towards Multân, and joined Raja Bajhra in opposing Chach on the banks of the Râvi. After a stout fight the Multânis were defeated by Chach, and retired into their fortress, which after a long siege surrendered on terms.†