Geography and History of Sindh
Thirteen hundred years ago, the region of Sindh was far more extensive than its present boundaries.
To the west: up to Makran
To the south: up to the Arabian Sea and Gujarat
To the east: up to present-day Malwa and Rajputana
To the north: reaching deep into Multan and southern Punjab
According to Arab historians, this entire region was called “Sindh”. The historical background of Sindh is also very ancient, and it has not been possible to determine when this land was first inhabited or when and how it came to be named “Sindh”.
The Aryan Period
When the Aryans came here, they called it “Sindhu”, which in their language meant “river”. Later this name was shortened to “Sindh”, which remains in use to this day.
Changes to the Name of Sindh
- The Iranians changed “Sindh” to “Hind” in their dialect.
- The Greeks, replacing “h” with a hamza, called it “Ind”.
- The Romans derived “India” from “Ind”, which came to be called “India” in English.
An Account of the Rulers of Sindh
Before Islam, Sindh was ruled by the “Rai dynasty”, who were followers of Buddhism.
- This rule lasted for 137 years.
- Notable rulers:
- Rai Diwanch
- Rai Sehras
- Rai Sah Si
- Rai Sehras II
- Rai Sah Si II
The Reign of Raja Dahir and His Marriage to His Sister
During the reign of Raja Dahir, an immoral and controversial incident took place.
- After the rule of the Chach dynasty: After Chach’s death, his sons Dharsiha and Dahir ruled different parts of Sindh.
- On the advice of astrologers, Dahir married his sister so that power would not slip from his hands.
- Dharsiha, who was Dahir’s brother, became angry at this decision and raised an army. However, Dharsiha died due to an epidemic, and Raja Dahir became the complete ruler of Sindh.
- Dahir’s reign remained famous for infamy, plunder and piracy, and under his patronage pirates continued to find refuge.
The Arrival of Islam in Sindh
The Arrival of Arab Muslims
Islam first reached the Indian subcontinent in the south, through Arab traders and missionaries.
In the seventh century CE: soon after the passing of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ (632 CE), Muslim traders began to arrive on the coasts of Malabar and the south.
- Traders and missionaries: Their manners, honesty and character impressed the local people.
- Result: Islam spread in Malabar and other coastal areas, and many people embraced Islam, to the point that the ruler of Malabar had also accepted Islam.
Factors Behind the Spread of Islam in South India
- Religious conflict between Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.
- The inclination of people wishing to be freed from the system of caste and untouchability towards Islam.
The Regular Campaigns of Islam in Sindh
Period of Faruq:
In the time of Caliph Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), Uthman ibn Abi al-As, the governor of Bahrain and Oman, sent an expedition to the Indian coastal town of Thana (near Mumbai).
Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) expressed displeasure that the expedition had been sent without permission.
Uthmani period:
In the time of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), Abdullah ibn Amir, the governor of Iraq, sent Hakim ibn Jabala to learn about the border conditions.
According to his report, Sindh had little water, poor fruit, and bold bandits, so sending an expedition was avoided.
Period of Muawiya:
In the time of Amir Muawiya (may Allah be pleased with him), the commander Muhallab ibn Abi Sufra made a successful advance as far as Lahore. In other campaigns, the people of Qiqan were defeated.
Period of Walid ibn Abd al-Malik:
In 712 CE (93 AH), Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh. Muhammad bin Qasim conquered cities such as Debal, Nerun, Sewistan, Brahmanabad and Multan.
Muhammad bin Qasim’s Entry into Sindh
The reason for Muhammad bin Qasim’s invasion:
The main cause of Muhammad bin Qasim’s invasion was to come to the aid of oppressed Muslims.
The incident: The ruler of Serendib sent gifts for Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, but at the coast of Debal, pirates looted these gifts and the Muslim women.
Hajjaj’s action:
Hajjaj ibn Yusuf wrote a letter to Raja Dahir demanding the release of the captives, but Dahir refused. Hajjaj then sent Muhammad bin Qasim to launch a military campaign against Sindh.
Conquests and Administrative Policy
Muhammad bin Qasim conquered all the major cities of Sindh and treated the people with gentleness. He granted non-Muslims freedom in their religious affairs and imposed jizya. He protected temples and allowed Hindus to perform their religious rites.
The Martyrdom of Muhammad bin Qasim
A false narration: According to some narrations, the daughters of Raja Dahir complained to Caliph Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik that Muhammad bin Qasim had dishonoured them.
Punishment: An order was given to kill Muhammad bin Qasim by sealing him in an ox-hide.
The reality: This narration is full of contradictions, and reliable Arab historians did not mention it. Muhammad bin Qasim was imprisoned because of the caliph’s opposition and died in prison.
Factors in the Spread of Islam
- The manners and honesty of traders
- The teachings of the Sufi saints
- The tolerance and justice of Muslim rulers
- Islam’s message against the caste system
The Importance of Sindh
Sindh became the gateway for Islam’s entry. Mosques, madrasas and Islamic institutions were established here. Arab rulers had the Quran translated in Sindh and spread the teachings of Islam.
