Chapter 4
THE SWORD AND INDIA:
THE MOGHUL CONQUEST
As early as the eighth century, with the conquest of Persia still fresh,
Muslim eyes looked to the east, pondering the vast wealth of the Indian
subcontinent. This was not a new idea, as the old rulers of Persia had also
tried to extend their power east, and it was natural for the Muslim over-
lords of the old Persian lands to try the same.
In 711 the Ummayaid Persian Empire, only recently taken by Islam,
sent eastward a small army commanded by one of the most remarkable
generals in history. This was Muhammad bin Qasim, a young man of but
seventeen years. His army of just 6,000 horsemen and a few auxiliaries
rode against Daibil, the principal port of Brahman-ruled Sind. The young
man’s genius was sufficient to outweigh his youth, and the small army,
supported by a huge fireball-shooting catapult, took the place in short
order. Bin Qasim then proceeded not only to reduce the balance of the
Brahman kingdom, but also to set up an effective Muslim administration
that offered remarkable rights to the Buddhists and Brahmans who made
up the bulk of the population, thus ensuring that their talents would remain
available to the Muslim conquerors.
Bin Qasim’s conquest set the basis for modern Pakistan and Afghani-
stan and was the first step in Islamic occupation of India. Some of those
that followed his lead would be able indeed, but few could match the
wisdom and courage of the young commander. Sadly, his life and service
were not lengthy. Recalled under charges of corruption, the discredited
hero died in 720.