Brahmin Dynasty

Brahmin Dynasty: Raja Dahir’s Defiance and Assassination Sealed its Fate

The Brahmin Dynasty of Sindh, also known as the Chach Dynasty or Silaij Dynasty, or Hindu dynasty that governed the Sindh region following the fall of the Rai Dynasty. The dynasty played a significant role in the region’s history, with its rulers exercising control until the Arab conquest of Sindh.

Origins and Establishment

The Brahmin Dynasty was founded by Chach of Aror, a Brahmin who originally served as a minister under Rai Sahasi II, the last king of the Rai Dynasty. After Rai Sahasi II’s death, Chach married his widow and ascended the throne, effectively overthrowing the Buddhist Rai Dynasty and establishing his own rule. His authority was consolidated by eliminating opposition, including Rai Sahasi’s brother.

Political and Administrative Structure

The Brahmin rulers maintained a structured monarchical form of government. Their administration was influenced by Hindu traditions, Sanskrit culture, and local Sindhi governance systems. The capital of the dynasty was Aror, a significant city in Sindh. The official languages of administration were Sanskrit and Sindhi.

Major Rulers of the Brahmin Dynasty

The known rulers of the dynasty include:

• Chach (r. 632–671 CE): The founder of the dynasty, he expanded his rule through military campaigns.
• Chandar (r. 671–679 CE): Chach’s successor, who maintained stability in the kingdom.
• Raja Dahir (r. 679–712 CE): The last ruler of the dynasty, known for his resistance against the Arab invasion led by Muhammad bin Qasim.
• Jaisimba (Jaisiah): The son of Raja Dahir, who briefly reclaimed parts of Sindh before being defeated by the Umayyad governor.
• Dahirsiya: Another son of Raja Dahir, who ruled from Brahmanabad before being overthrown.

Invasion by Arabs

The fall of the Brahmin Dynasty was marked by the invasion of Muhammad bin Qasim, a general of the Umayyad Caliphate, in 712 CE. The conflict was triggered by an incident where Sindhi pirates seized a tribute ship sent by the king of Serendib (Sri Lanka) to the Umayyad Caliph. In response, Caliph Al-Walid I ordered an expedition, leading to the conquest of Sindh.

Battle of Aror and Fall of Sindh

During the Battle of Aror, Raja Dahir’s forces, including Hindu and Buddhist warriors, confronted Muhammad bin Qasim’s army. Despite fierce resistance, Dahir was killed, and Sindh was annexed into the Umayyad Caliphate. While some local Jat clans supported the Arabs due to historical grievances against the Brahmins, medieval chronicles such as Chach Nama, Zainul-Akhbar, and Tarikh-i-Baihaqi document conflicts between the Jats and the Arab invaders.

Aftermath and Legacy

Following the conquest, members of the Brahmin Dynasty continued to administer parts of Sindh under Umayyad rule, with Hullishāh and Shishah serving as local governors. The dynasty’s legacy remained influential in Sindhi history, with its rule symbolizing a transition between ancient Hindu-Buddhist governance and Islamic rule in the region.

The Brahmin Dynasty of Sindh played a crucial role in shaping the region’s history, marking the end of Hindu rule in Sindh and the beginning of Islamic governance under the Umayyads. Today, its historical significance is studied as part of South Asian and Sindhi heritage, reflecting the diverse political and cultural influences in the subcontinent.

Bottom-line

The Brahmin Dynasty of Sindh met a tragic end in 712 CE with the assassination of Raja Dahir, its last ruler. As Arab forces advanced into Sindh, Raja Dahir fought bravely but was ultimately killed in battle. His head was severed and sent as a trophy to the Caliph in Damascus, marking the brutal conclusion of his rule.

After Raja Dahir’s death, his family suffered a grim fate. His two daughters, Surya Devi and Premala Devi, were taken hostage and sent to the Umayyad court. They were held captive before being presented to the Caliph. However, to preserve their honor, they ultimately chose death over humiliation.

The fall of the Brahmin Dynasty was not just a political shift but a turning point in Sindh’s history. It marked the beginning of new rulers and the end of a Hindu-Buddhist era. Raja Dahir’s martyrdom is remembered as a symbol of resistance against foreign invasions, and his sacrifice remains significant in regional history.