BRAHMANABAD: UNRAVELLING THE GEOGRAPHICAL ENIGMA OF AN ANCIENT METROPOLIS

HISTORY

ABSTRACT Nestled within the pages of the early medieval history of Sindh lies Brahmanabad, an ancient metropolis that has captivated the curiosity of scholars and enthusiasts alike. In the annals of Sindh, Brahmanabad stands as a prominent capital that thrived during the rule of Hindu dynasties before the Arab conquest of the region. It held sway not only over its immediate surroundings but also governed vast territories, including Nirun, Debal, the lands of the Lohanas, the Lakhas, the Sammas, and the entire southern coast of Sindh. The city’s strategic importance is emphasized by its central position between Alor and Debal, which established its role as a political and administrative centre, managing a vast region of cultural and economic significance. The Ashkal-ul-Bilad (dated 1193 CE), believed to be a reproduction of Ibn Haukal’s work, reinforces the significance of Mansura by explicitly identifying it as one of the twenty countries within the dominion of Islam. Its position, therefore, was one of great importance, but despite the historical eminence of Brahmanabad, the exact location of the city remains uncertain. This research endeavours to unravel the geographical enigmas surrounding Brahmanabad for centuries, a city that holds the whispers of past civilizations and the echoes of forgotten stories.

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