AL BILA′DURI′.
knocked down the upper part of the minaret of the temple and converted it into a prison. At the same time he began to repair the ruined town with the stones of the minaret; but before he had completed his labours, he was deprived of his employment, and was succeeded by Hárún, son of Abí Khálid-al Marúrúzí, and he was slain there.
Muhammad, son of Kasím then went to Nírún,[1] the inhabitants of which place had already sent two Samanís, or priests, of their town to Hajjáj to treat for peace. They furnished Muhammad with supplies, and admitting him to enter the town, they were allowed to capitulate. Muhammad conquered all the towns successively which he met on his route, until he had crossed a river which runs on this side of the Mihrán [Indus]. He then saw approaching towards him Sarbídas, the Samaní, who came to demand peace in the name of the inhabitants. Muhammad imposed tribute upon them, and then went towards Sahbán, and took it. Then he went to the banks of the Mihrán, and there remained. When this news reached Dahír, he prepared for battle. Muhammad, son of Kasím, had sent Muhammad, son of Mus’ab, son of ’Abdu-r Rahmán as Sakifí, to Sadúsán, with men mounted on horses and asses, at whose approach the inhabitants solicited quarter and peace, the terms of which were negotiated by the Samaní. Muhammad granted them peace, but he imposed tribute on the place, and, took pledges from them, and then returned to his master. He brought with him four thousand Jats, and left at Sadúsán an officer in command.
Muhammad sought the means of crossing the Mihrán, and effected the passage in a place which adjoined the dominions of Rasíl, chief of Kassa, in Hind, upon a bridge which he had caused to be constructed. Dahír had neglected every precaution, not believing that the Musulmáns would dare to advance so far. Muhammad and his Musulmáns encountered Dahír mounted on his elephant, and surrounded by many of these animals, and his Takákaras [Thákurs] were near his person. A dreadful conflict ensued, such as had never been heard of. Dahír dismounted and fought valiantly, but he was killed towards the evening, when the idolaters fled, and the
- ↑ [Goeje’s text has “Bírún,” but he says the MS. had
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