Notes on Muhammad Bin Qasim's Conquest of Sind

Q: Who was Muhammad Bin Qasim?

A: A 17-year-old Muslim general and nephew of Hajjaj bin Yousuf, sent to conquer Sindh.

Q: Why did Muhammad Bin Qasim attack Sindh? (Give one major reason)

A: Pirates from Sindh looted Muslim ships and enslaved Muslim women; Raja Dahir refused to help.

Q: What happened to the first army sent by Hajjaj bin Yousuf?.

A: It failed to defeat Raja Dahir.

Q: What was Muhammad Bin Qasim's first major conquest?.

A: The city of Deebal in 711 A.D.

Q: How did Muhammad Bin Qasim conquer Deebal?.

A: He ordered to shoot down the temple flag, which broke the enemy’s morale.

Q: What cities did Muhammad Bin Qasim capture after Deebal?.

A: Neuron, Siwastaan, and Sisum.

Q: How did Muhammad Bin Qasim treat the people of Sindh?.

A: He gave religious freedom, reduced taxes, and was kind and just.

Q: What happened after Deebal's conquest?.

A: Raja Dahir fled; Muhammad Bin Qasim chased him for a final battle.

Q: How did Muhammad Bin Qasim cross the River Indus?.

A: With the help of Moka, the Muslim army used boats and cut off Dahir’s supply line.

Q: What happened in the battle after crossing the River Indus?

A: Raja Dahir came out to fight, was defeated and killed, and the city fell to Muhammad Bin Qasim.

Q: What did Muhammad Bin Qasim do after defeating Raja Dahir?

A: He marched to Barhamanabad, besieged it for 6 months, and captured it peacefully.

Q: What happened to Raja Dahir’s son, Jay Singh?

A: He resisted at Barhamanabad but surrendered after a long siege.

Q: What other cities did Muhammad Bin Qasim conquer after Barhamanabad?

A: He conquered Sikkah and Multan, completing the conquest of Sindh.

Q: What cultural change did Muhammad Bin Qasim's conquest bring?

A: Islam spread rapidly in Sindh, and many locals converted.

Q: How did Arabic influence Sindhi language?

A: Arabic calligraphy influenced Sindhi writing style.

Q: How did Arabs integrate into Sindhi society?

A: They married local women, creating a mixed generation.

Q: What role did mosques play after the conquest?

A: They became centers of Islamic learning and preaching.

Q: What was Muhammad Bin Qasim’s approach to governance?.

A: He showed kindness, included non-Muslims in government, and promoted justice.

Q: How was Sindh governed under the Umayyads?

A: Sindh became a sub-province of Iraq, ruled by a Waali under the Governor of Iraq.

Q: What was special about Muhammad Bin Qasim’s rule in Barhamanabad?.

A: He appointed non-Muslim Kotwals, gave aid to citizens, and won their admiration.

Q: Why were cantonment areas created in Sindh?

A: To maintain internal peace and defend against foreign attacks.

Q: What happened when Arab soldiers married Sindhi women?

A: The cantonment areas turned into cities.

Q: How did the state earn revenue in Sindh?

A: By collecting Zakat and Sadaqaat from Muslims and Jaziya from Non-Muslims.

Q: Who dealt with Muslim disputes in court?.

A: Qazis (Islamic judges).

Q: Who handled Non-Muslim disputes?

A: Their local Panchayats.

Q: Were Non-Muslims allowed religious freedom?.

A: Yes, they were free to follow their religion and customs.

Q: What role did Brahmans have under Muhammad Bin Qasim?

A: They collected Jaziya and kept their 3% share of state revenue.

Q: Why did Brahmans support Muhammad Bin Qasim’s rule?

A: Because of his fair treatment and continuation of their privileges.

Q: What was the role of mosques in Sindh?.

A: They were centers of learning, religion, and student care.

Q: What subjects were taught in mosques?

A: Islamiat, Philosophy, Logic, and Moral Education.

Q: Who came to Sindh to spread Islamic knowledge?

A: Scholars from Basra and Koofa.

Q: What was the result of religious tolerance and education in Sindh?

A: A large number of people converted to Islam.