Chandar of Sindh

Chandra or Chandar (Sindhi: چندر‎) ^[1] was a Brahmin ascetic who succeeded his brother, Chach of Alor, as king of Sindh. An account of Chandar's reign is presented in the Chach Nama, a recording of this period of Sindhi history.

Life and activity prior to reign

According to the Chach Nama, the Brahmin Chach of Alor was chamberlain and secretary to Rai Sahasi II, king of Sindh. Chach ascended to the throne by marrying the king's widow, and appointed Chandar as his deputy. Chandar assisted in the administration of the kingdom during Chach's successful campaigns of expansion, and succeeded Chach upon his death.^[2]

Conflict with Kannuaj

After Chach's death, Matta, the ruler of Sehwan Sharif in Siwistan, began to conspire against Chandar. Matta had formerly been the autonomous chief of Siwistan; however, he had been subjugated during one of Chach's campaigns, and intended to regain independence. He sent an emissary to Siharas, ruler of Kannauj, noting that Chandar was a monk who allegedly spent his entire day at prayer, and who would thus be a weak foe. He asked Siharas to invade Sindh, and to cede a portion of these lands to Siwistan. Siharas refused, but conceded to Matta's request for a governorship if he succeeded in conquering Sindh. Matta agreed to pay tribute to Siharas in exchange for this post.

Aligned with Chach's grandson, Siharas entered Sindh and besieged Chandar in Alor. During a parley with Sindhi forces, Siharas was seized; he agreed to end the war, sending hostages with robes of honor to Chandar. Chandar eventually formed an alliance with Siharas. Chandar’s reign lasted for eight years, according to the Chach Nama; his nephew Raja Dahir, Chach's eldest son, succeeded him after his death.

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