EARLY ARAB GEOGRAPHERS.
devoted to its service dwell around the cupola. In Multán there are no men, either of Hind or of Sind, who worship idols, except those who worship this idol and in this temple. The idol has a human shape, and is seated with its legs bent in a quadrangular posture,[1] on a throne made of brick and mortar. Its whole body is covered with a red skin like morocco leather, and nothing but its eyes are visible. Some believe that the body of the idol is made of wood; some deny this; but the body is not allowed to be uncovered to decide this point. The eyes of the idol are precious gems, and its head is covered with a crown of gold. The hands rest upon the knees, with the fingers all closed,[2] so that only four can be counted.[3] The sums collected from the offerings of the pilgrims at the shrine are taken by the Amír of Multán, and distributed amongst the servants of the temple. As often as the Indians make war upon them and endeavour to seize the idol, they[4] bring it out, pretending that they will break it and bum it. Upon which the assailants retire, otherwise they would destroy Multán. There is a strong fort in Multán. Prices are low, but Mansúra is more fertile and populous. The reason why Multán is designated “the boundary of the house of gold” is, that the Muhammadans, though poor at the time they conquered the place, enriched themselves by the gold which they found in it. About half a parasang from Multán are several edifices called Chandráwár,[5] the cantonment of the chief, who never enters Multán, except on Fridays, and then on the back of an elephant, in order to join in the prayers of that day. The Governor is of the tribe of Kuraish, of the sons of Samáh, the son of Lawí, who first occupied the place. He owes no allegiance to the chief of Mansúra . He, however, always reads the Khutba in the name of the Khalífa.
- ↑ [
.]
- ↑ [Ibn Haukal says, “with expanded fingers.” Zakaríyá Kazwíní, following Istakhrí, says “closed hands.” The Ashkálu-1 Bilád concurs with Istakhrí, as quoted by M. Kosegarten De Mohammede Ibn Batuta, p. 27. Idrísí speaks of four hands, instead of four fingers, and a very slight change in the original would authorize that reading. See post.
- ↑ [Sir H. Elliot's printed text terminates here, and so the remainder of the translation has not been revised.]
- ↑ [According to Kazwíní it is the Muslmáns who do this.]
- ↑ This most resembles the word in the Ashkálu-l Bilád. See Note A. in Appx.
