18SB. ] from the Muhammadan historians. 303 



sacrifice of power and eiftpire, he intended, to fulfil the predictions of 

 the astrologers, by marrying his own sister. To this measure his coun- 

 cil expressed the utmost abhorrence, representing, that it would not 

 only bring reproach on the country, and violate the laws of the religion 

 they professed ; but, that so unnatural a proceeding, would not fail to pro- 

 duce insurrections and disturbances throughout his dominions. These 

 arguments however were of no avail to stifle the superstitious fears of 

 the raja, who after some days, was married in the presence of his nobles, 

 and according to the forms of the Hindu religion, to his own sister. 

 When the news of this marriage reached Burhamanabad, Dihir was 

 greatly incensed at his brother's conduct, and wrote to him in terms of 

 expostulation, entreating him to repair if possible, the disgrace he had 

 brought upon the memory of their father Chach, by absolving himself 

 from so unholy a connection. The brother's arguments were of no 

 avail, Da'hir replying, " That he had but fulfilled his destiny, from 

 which it was vain to attempt to flee." In short, Dihir enraged with 

 his brother, collected a force and marched to Alor to punish him. 

 Da'hir prepared to oppose his brother, and for this purpose encamped 

 at some distance from the city ; awaiting his arrival. In the mean- 

 while, Dihir marching by another route, reached the gates of Alor y 

 thinking in his brother's absence to make an easy capture of the place; 

 but the walls were manned, and the defence so vigorous, that Dihir 

 was driven to the westward of the city. Da'hir, learning the arrival of 

 his brother's forces, threw himself with his army into Alor. The next 

 day he proclaimed a general feast, and sent some of his confidential 

 men, with presents and viands, to his brother Dihir, with a view to 

 pacify his wrath, and bring about a reconciliation; but Dihir would 

 neither accept them, or listen to overtures of peace. These messengers 

 were followed by the mother of the princes, who used her influence to 

 reconcile the younger to his brother's conduct, telling him, that beyond 

 the mere forms of marriage with his sister, Da'ihr had committed no 

 sin ; moreover, that this was understood by all classes of the subjects, 

 and every where accepted, as a sufficient justification of the raja's pro- 

 ceedings. The mother's arguments prevailed, and the following day was 

 appointed for an interview ; and public reconciliation between the princes. 

 The next day the raja Da'hir came out with a large retinue to meet his 

 brother, who alighting from his horse, advanced and kissed the raja's foot, 

 in token of submission to his authority. Da'hir also, with much display 

 of affection, alighted, embraced and kissed his brother, and taking him 

 by the hand, led him to his tent, where they remained for some time, 

 Da'hir relating all that had occurred. In the evening Dihir returned 

 2 Q 



