1838.1 from the Muhammadan historians. 305 



punish them, or return the property which had been seized. This reply 

 was conveyed to Hijjaj, with every particular respecting the coun- 

 try, and at the same time the necessary orders were issued from 

 the seat of authority at Bagdad, for assembling a large force to 

 subdue Sindh. The command of this army was entrusted to Ma- 

 hommad Bin Kassim, a cousin of the Khalifs ; the expenses of its 

 equipment were directed to be paid from the public treasury, under 

 the direction of Hijjaj Bin Yusuf. In one month Hijjaj 

 collected 15,000 men (of these 6000 were horse, 6000 mounted 

 on camels, and 3000 infantry), and marched them upon Sindh, 

 sending with them 30,000 dinars for expenses. The marching of this 

 army took place in the year 92 of the Hejira. God is great. 



Account of the conquest of Sindh by Mahommed Bin Kassim, 

 and of the death of Da'hir. 

 Kazi Ismael Bin Ali, Bin Mahommed Bin Mu'sa, Bin Thai' 

 has related, that during the time of the reign of Walli'd Bin Abdu'l 

 Mulk, Hijjaj Bin Yusuf Su'kufie, sent Mahommed Bin Ha- 

 ru'w from Bagdad to Mukran, and he conquered Mukran, and the 

 countries on the bank of the river Kulzum. In the year 92 Hejira, 

 Mahommed Bin Kassim, cousin of the Khalifs, and son-in-law of 

 Hijjaj Bin Yusuf, with the army of the faithful, marched to attack 

 Sindh, being for some time employed in Kerrnan, in preparing his 

 forces, passing through Kich and Mukran, he marched towards Sindh. 

 When Da'hir heard of the arrival of the army of the faithful, he pre- 

 pared to advance to Mukran and attack them ; the great men of the 

 state however dissuaded him from this, representing, that Bin Kas- 

 sim's army was composed of Arabs, who were instigated by revenge 

 and hatred of the Hindu religion to conquer the country ; that it was 

 necessary to be cautious, and if possible to satisfy Bin Kassim with 

 overtures of tribute, but in case of such overtures not being accepted, 

 then said they, " Let us make some other arrangement, and having col- 

 lected a great army with the assistance of the treasury of the state ; let 

 us preserve the country from the calamity with which it is threatened." 

 Rahi' Da'hir approved of this advice, and delayed his march until 

 the army of the faithful had arrived at the fort of Neirunkote, which 

 they besieged, and after much fighting captured, killing most of the 

 infidels : the rest fled to the capital Alor. Elated with this success, 

 Bin Kassim marched upon Tattah, which place he soon reduced, 

 releasing the prisoners who were there, and sending them to Hijjaj; 

 he then directed his steps towards the neighbourhood of Secustan. The 

 2 q 2 



