Sandhan

History

The place is probably the Sindhan described by Arabs. About 820, Fazl, son of Mahan, formerly a slave of the house of Samma, took, and, building a Jama mosque, had the prayers read in caliph Al-Ma'mun's name. Fazl was succeeded by his son Muhammad, whose place was treacherously usurped by his brother Mahan, when he was absent on an expedition against the Meds of Hind. To win the goodwill of the caliph Al-Mu'tasim, Mahan sent the largest and longest teak tree that had ever been seen. But the people of Sandhan, preferring his brother, killed Mahan and crucified him. Shortly after, they declared themselves independent, but spared the mosque which the Muslims continued to use every Friday. In 912 Sandhan, one of the countries of Sindh, is mentioned as a place where teak trees and canes grow. A few years later (943 - 968), it was said to be a strong and great city with a Jama mosque, where Muslim precepts were openly observed and where mangoes, coconuts, lemons and rice grew in great abundance.