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Home , History of Sindh, Institute of Sindhology

Ancient , 15, 2018-19: 81-88

Laghari, M.H• Khowaja, I.A.•• & Tooba Shafaq***

ECONOMIC TRADE ROUTES OF MANSURAH DURING ARAB PERIOD OF SINDH FROM 711 AD TO 950 AD

ABSTRACT – The geography of Sindh have major role in the development of ancient cultures and from Stone Age to the medieval period. The ancient shows Arab dynasties ruling over Sindh from 8th Century to 10th Century AD. Arab understood commercial potential and availability of resources at larger scale and hence decided to include Sindh into their domains of domination. Besides other social factors the Arab’s had trade links from Basra to Qandabil to Gujarat, Malabar, and up to Cylon. In that time, Brahman dynasty ruling the state was the prince of Brahmanabad. conquered Sindh in 711 AD and rule. They extend national and international trade with Islamic states and used different routes of dry and naval for export of goods. This research focuses on trade and economy of the period and Mansurah city has become the Islamic city.

INTRODUCTION

Sindh is one of the Provence, whose history is as old of and has history of economic trade. After the discoveries of Archaeological sites of Pakistan and its preliminary excavation reports shows the early economic trade of Sindh. The first evidences of exporting and importing comes from the Archaeological site of which is located in belongs Neolithic –to the era of Indus Valley civilization dated 7000 BCE -2000 BCE (Allchin, 1982). When the site of Mehrgarh was excavated by French Archaeological Mission under the supervision of George F. Jarriege from 1977 to 1981 reports eight different phases the lowest phase called Pre Neolithic which was divided into four A,B,C and D phases mention imported precious stones as Turquoise and Carnelians for manufacturing beads (Allchin 1982). In the age of Indus Valley Civilization (2450 BCE – 1750 BCE) the local products of chert stone found in Hills was distributed in raw and finished objects throughout the Indus valley Civilization and beyond. The chert stone nodules, fine flints, finished flint blades which were worked at vast factory sites (Allchin, 1982:183). In the same way Balakot near Las Bella on the coast of Balochistan (Dales, 1977) and Chanhu-Jo-Daro Nawab Shah Sindh were the Centre for the shell working and bangle making (Mackay 1934). and Chanhu-Jo-Daro Sindh were the centers for the manufactures of precious stones beads. Other important goods like gold was import Karnataka (India) Silver from

• Department of Anthropology and , , •• Department of Economics, University of Sindh, Jamshoro *** Department of Archaeology , Shah Abdul Latif University, 81 or Copper from Khetri in Rajasthan, lead from south India Lapis Lazuli come from Badakashan in north-east Afghanistan, Turquoise from Central Asia or Iran, agates from Saurashtra and western India and Jade from Central Asia. The transportation of these things depends on sea ships riverine route and bullock-carts (Allchin, 1982). At the end of civilization in 1750 BCE some cultures introduce in the different regions. The land of Sindh introduce Jhukar culture which have own relationships with neighboring towns (Pathan 1974. The earliest history of Sindh begins with the conquest of Alexander the great, who entered its boundaries in the year 325 BCE. In his time, Sindh was divided into two zones as upper Sindh its capital was and lower Sindh Patala was its headquarters (Pathan, 1974). He marched from Patala to Sewistan and on his way home by Sea. Later two years he back home land. (Pathan, 1974:17). After that, Kushan dynasty, Gupta Dynasty, Rai and Brahmans ruled over the state. In his period famous Arab Invasion of Sindh took place, under the command of Amad-u-din bin Qasim Thaqfi brought to an end of the Brahman dynasty in Sindh and makes headquarter the city of Mansurah which was already occupied city of Rai and Brahman and given the name of the city called Brahmanabad (Pathan 1974). The literature review of historic books make controversial about his name and location author investigate the area and explore the realities

BRAHMANABAD / MANSURH

The ruins of Mansurah, which is called the first capital of early Muslims in the South Asia subcontinent; which flourished in between early 8th-13th century AD. It is situated 15 Kilometers south east of Shahdadpur District Sanghar, Sindh (Map # 1) & 5 Kilometres west of present modern town of Jhol in district Sanghar (Pathan 1974, p.157). The whole site is surrounded by cultivated land (Laghari, 2017 ). When they mention The Arab geographers and historians like Baladhuri, 1932:139; Astakhri, 1927:87; Ibn Howkal 1887:61; Masudi 1861:114 and Bukhari, 1991 mentioned Mansurah regarding its location, its layout and architectural features. The writer of Ahsan Al-Qasim mentions that “it is located 12 kilometres from the distance of Brahmanabad.” (Bishari, 1906 p.156 as cited by Pathan, 1974). The literary sources describe that it was a fortified city with four gates namely (i) Babe Toran, (ii) Babe Bahar, (iii) Babe Sandan and (iv) Babe (Map # 1). The ruin of Mansurah is spread over a vast area measuring about 2770 X 1385 meters and rise to a maximum height of 11metres from the surrounding fields (Farooq 1974-86:27-35).

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Fig.# 1:

83 TRADE AND ITS ROUTES OF MANSURAH

Rai and Brahman dynasties have good system of trade they were interlinked national and international trade. Internally linked with Bhanbhore, Sewistan, Aror, Nerunkot, Bhiro Bham, Qasim Keerio / Gujrri, Mano Khan Jamali, Ratto kot, Shah Hassan and others towns (Plan # 1) externally linked with Qunoj () Chitor (Rajasthan) Arma bil, Qandabil, Malabar, Gujarat, Sarandeep, Cylon, Basra, Damuscus, Bahrain, Oman and others (Plan # 2). Arab’s used three principal routes which connected Mansurah with the western world. Among them two were land route and one was Sea; the first which was used frequently came from Iran by way of Sea coast through Makran. It started from Kech, Panjgor Las Bella , Nerunkot, and ended Mansurah and other route through north-west Balochistan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Gandawah and Multan to Mansurah.

In the same time the trade links of Arabs of Basra with Malabar, Gujarat and Maldeep remained intact but they ignore the country of Sindh. Heavy loaded ships with gifts, trade goods and beautiful slave girls of Cylon were sent to the Viceroy of Damascus. When they cross near Debal the Pirates were looted some of them desired to perform Haj. When these ships reached in the vicinity of Debal a group of thieves looted their riches and made the women’s prisoners (Baladhuri; 1932 p441). One of these Muslim women belonging to the tribe of Bannu Aziz (Baladhuri 1932: p.441) she cried loudly “Oh Hajaj come to my help, Oh Hajaj come to my help” when Hajaj received intelligence of this fact he impatience to answer “So I am here, so I am here” than, Hajaj immediately dispatched an envoy to Raja Dahar the ruler of Sindh demanding early release of the women’s. Mismanagement, evil activities were over control reasoning native people looted the ships. Hajaj, the governor of Basra appointed Umaad-udin Muhammad bin Qasim with the chief command of army infantry Battalion as footman, horseman and camel rider and naval Battalion with five Catapults (this is war machine to throw the stone balls) Ameer-ul- Bahar Jaaoba named catapult opretor (Molaie 2015:193) through the stone ball and destroy the fortification walls of Bhanbhore and he fallen the flag (Baladhuri 1932:437) one of them Catapult is called Al-Uroos. They came from Basra viva Kirman and attack Panjgor conquered it and stay 06 months than marched Armabel Present Las Bella conquered it and stay there long times (Nadvi 2008:48-49) Makran to Debal and also use dry route of coastal region and also use Naval route of Arabs and the people of Sindh which shows the early trade links. The Arab’s rule over Sindh from three dynasties.

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Ummyed 712-750 AD, (ii) Abbasid 751-855 AD and (iii) Habbari 751-950 AD. The people of Debal have large trade links national and international through and on Indian Ocean. The inhabitants of Debal they purchased the items at low price store them in their ware houses resale in large profits by black marketing became rare. (Idrisi, 1954:28) The chief imports of Debal were silk and silken cloth from China and perfumes and aromatic from India (Al- Idrisi, 1954:28) Debal was also famous for the manufacturing of swords which were celebrated in the world for their sharpness and durability (Al Masudi, 1861:142). While Sindh was purely agricultural land, among its principal crops the sugarcane has remained cash crop and grow throughout Sindh (Al- Istakhri 1927:173, Ibn Hauqal 1887:130)). The fruit were rare only two varieties mango and lemon were grown in large quantity. In Habbari rule over Sindh Sugar industry was chief industry, (Pathan, 1974) weaving was another and wheel spinning was introduced by Arabs (Pathan, 1974). The Sindh was also famous for the manufacturing of trunks and big boxes which were built in large numbers for exporting (Molaie, 1957:193). There were big factories for the manufacturing of swords one of them was Mansurah and other was Debal (Ibn Hauqal, 1887:326). The Sindhi swords made with a name in the Arab world known as Masnd belonging to Mansurah and were famous for their sharpness and durability (Al Masuadi, 1861:142). Other great industry of Mansurah was manufacture of copper goods for cosmetics uses and ivory goods for ornaments which were used by the people of Mansurah (Al- Istakhari, 1927:172). In 8th Century AD, the development of several port cities were reported. On the Gulf the Arabian Sea coast, sea of Oman and East African coast. The significant coastal cities were in Pakistan, Siraf in Iranian coast in the Gulf, Suhar in Oman, Menda in Kenya on the East African coast and Mantai on the northern coast of Sri Lanka. The maritime network extended to Southeast Asia and beyond to Japan and China on the east and Egypt and Iraq on the west (Mughal 1992:271) A famous historical book mentions that Mansurah were close relation for trade and commerce with other eastern and western countries (Molaie, 1915: 182).

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Plan # 1: Shows the Dry and Naval route for Internal Trade

Plan # 2: Shows the External Trade with western states

TRADE CENTERS OF FAMOUS ITEMS

The famous trade items of export and import at various centers are mentioned as below:

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S. #. Country Product 1. Russeua Leather 2. Khursan Gold and silver thread, brocade silky worked with gold and silver flowers and Vases, Dry fruit 3. Kirman Silky clothes 4. Damascus Soft and colored clothes 5. lamps, tents, Sugar 6. Egypt Wine 7. Sindh Indigo, Perfumes, chilies, Ivory and Cotton

Table #. 1 Shows Country and its Product

TRADE MECHANISM AND TAX SYSTEM For the purpose of internal or external trade; Arab’s coins were circulating. The source of revenue was mainly though Kharaj, Khums, Ushr and . Kharaj means land tax, Khums was the share of Bayt al Mal; Ushr the tax on merchandise and Jazya poll tax was imposed on non-Muslims only who came under the protection of Muslims (Pathan, 1974:119-127).The kingdom of Mansurah had a variety of coins, legal currency minted Al-Mansurah the other coins. These coins were known as Qahiryat. The Qahiryat belonging to Qahirah the Fatimid coins of Egypt during the later period of Habbarid rule over Sindh. Qahri coins, were equal to 5 Dirhams (Idrisi,1927:173). Ibn Haukal mentions that; a new name for the Qahiryat and he calls it Qandhariyat which according to the tradition were minted at Qandhar in modern Afghanistan (Elliot & Dowson, 1934:45).

SUMMERY

Brahmanabad / Mansurah an Archaeological site covers nearly four Kilometers. The site Mansurah was totally fortified with locally made burnt bricks having four main entrances each from all directions. The extend position and architectural features explain the site was highly developed and extended its large and small units; one of them is called Mahfuzah, which was fortified and known as residence of prime minster of the first Ummayyed ruler such as Depar Ghanghro, Dalour, and Jarrari. The trade was carried through different dry and Sea routes. It is possible that the people of Mansurah exchange the things as painted and decorated vessels on reciprocal bases or gift bases. And the people of Mansurah earn the capital to develop the city.

87 R E F E R E N C E S

Bridget and Raymond Allchin, 1982 - The Rise of Civilization in India and Pakistan, Published by the press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, Pitt Building Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 IRP 32 East 57th Street, New York USA. Bukhari Mastoor F., 1991 - The Archaeological site of Aror. Jamshoro, University of Sindh, Pakistan: Institute of . Elliot & Dowson, 1976 - The as told by Historians Vol. I. published by Islamic book services, 40 A, bazzar Lahore, Pakistan Al-Baghdadi Ahmed Ibn Yaha Ibn Jabir Al-Baladhuri, 1932 - Futuh-ul-Baldan, published in Cairo, Ibn Haukal, Abu-Al-Qasim Muhammad, 1887 - Kitab-al-Masalik al Mamalik, (ed: M. J. de Goeje), Leiden. Farooq A.A., 1974-1986 - Pakistan Archaeology, Number 10-22. , Pakistan: Department of Archaeology and Museum Ministry of Culture. Idrisi Muhammad Ibn Muhammad, 1954 - Nuzhat al Mushtaq (Section on India (ed: S. Maqbul Ahmed) Aligrah. Istakhari, Abu Ishaq Ibrahim Ibn Muhammad Al Farsi, 1927 - Kitab al Masalik wal Mamalik Leiden Laghari M.H., 2017 - Conquest of Sindh reality and Facts, Department of Sindhi, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology Karachi. Mackay, 1934 - Further Excavation at Chanhu-Jo-Daro. Nadvi Sayed Suleman, 2008 - Tarrikh Sindh, published by Sindhica Academy B-24 National Auto Plaza, Marston road Karachi. Pathan Dr. Mumtaz Hussain, 1974 - Arab Kingdom of Al-Mansurah in Sindh, Published by , University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Sheedai Moalai Rahimdad, 1957 - Janatul Sindh, published by Jamshoro Elliot & Dowson (1976)”The History of India as told by Historians” Vol. I. published by Islamic book services, 40 A, Urdu bazzar Lahore, Pakistan Masudi Abu Al-Hasan Ali, 1861-77 - Muruj Al Zahab wa Maadin al Jawahir, Published in Pairs. Mughal Muhammad Rafique, 1992 - Early Muslim cities in Sindh and patterns of International trade, published in Islamic studies Volume 31, No 03, Islamic research Institute, International Islamic University, Islamabad. Dales G.F., 1977 - The Balakot Project: Summery of four years excavations in Pakistan, South Asian Archaeology, Volume I, Edited by Taddei, Naples 1979.

______AUTHORS’ ADDRESS: MUHAMMAD HANIF LAGHARI, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro (SINDH-PK) E-mail: DR. IMDAD ALI KHOWAJA, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, (Sindh-PK) Email: TOOBA SHAFAQ, PhD Researcher Scholar, Department of Archaeology, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur (Sindh-PK) Email: [email protected]

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