The two pre-Muslim dynasties of Gandhara and Kabul were called Shasi (Sahi). These dynasties were qualified as Turks and Hindus. The word 'Shahi' is also known from Ibn Hauqual (D 976) Albiruni has done a great service to the early medieval rulers of North-West India and Afghanistan by investigating their history. The history of the Eastern branch of the Turks Sahis, with Kabul and Gandhara as its centre of Power is very obscure. Side by side with historical works, the Arabs developed a vast amount of geographical literature dealing with climates, roads, rivers, mountains, trade, products, exports, etc. of the different parts of the Islamic world. Most of the modern writers studied the Sahis merely against the evidence of their coins, which was imperfectly understood. The coinage of the Sahis is the most involved question of their history. A vast amount of numismatic literature has appeared on the subject. The Palaeography of coins and inscriptions are ascribable to the time of the Sahis. Some new inscriptions of great importance to the history of the Sahis are discussed for the first time in the book. The book also deals with the archaeological sites, forts, citadels, temples and art and architecture of this period. A brief account of the results of excavations conducted is also included.
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