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108

HISTORIANS OF SIND.

not to proceed by water on account of its turbulence. In compliance with this advice he travelled along the bank (sáhil) until he reached a stage some parasangs distant from the country of Kashmír, when the waters subsided.[1] In that place he built many houses and villages. The sea in Hindí is called Sávandar (Samudra).[2] Hence that place was called Sávandí, and it exists to this day. He also built temples and superb cities in many places. At length, intelligence of an enemy came to him from Kashmír, he then returned to his country, and suppressed his foes. The Government remained for a length of time in the hands of his descendants, and all the Hindús were obedient to them. In the country of Sind there were three kings, until at length the territory of the Hindús came under the authority of King Kafand, after he had by his valour subdued them. A bráhman had blessed him and said that the whole sovereignty should devolve upon him.
HISTROY OF KING KAFAND[3].—This Kafand was not a Hindú, but through his kindly disposition and equity all became obedient to him. He made fine speeches and praised the Hindús and their country. He raised their hopes by his virtues, and realised them by his deeds. He was cotemporary[4] with Alexander the Greek. He had visions, of which he asked the interpretation from a brahman,and he sought peace from Alexander, to whom he sent his daughter, a skilful physician, a philosopher, and a glass vase.[5] In the Shahnama he is called Kaid the Hindú. This story will also be related

    meanings, and the latter view is supported by the use of the word sáhil, coast; but it is difficult to conceive that the author supposed it possible to return to Kashmír by sea.]

  1. [Sir H. Elliot introduced some slight emendations into the the text of this passive, which seem preferable to the words printed by Reinaud, and have been followed in the translation. The original words are . Elliot reads .]
  2. This appears to be an allusion to the Sumundúr, mentioned in the ’Ajáibu-l Makhlúká, fol. 197, v. Mihrán. [See Boládurí and Chach-náma, post.]
  3. [See Thomas in Jour. R.A.S1865. Vol. I. p. 453.]
  4. [Quatremère’s emendation of for is essential.]
  5. [See Mas’udi. Chap, xxvi.]