Agham Lohana

Agham was the powerful king of Brahmanabad, (in Sindh, modern Pakistan)[1] contemporary and opponent to Chach of Alor. Agham was a Buddhist and belong to Lohana clan.

Biography

Agham lohana is described in the Chachnama as a ruler of Brahmanabad; he is also noted to have controlled other adjacent territories known as Lakha Lohana, Sama Lohana and Sahata Lohana. He is estimated to have ruled around 632 AD.Agham lohana professed Buddhism[2][3]

Chach after consolidating his hold on Alor began expansion of his territories and sent a letter to Agham lohana to submit. Chach wrote a letter to Agham Lohana[4]

You consider yourselves kings of the time, from your power and grandeur, origin and lineage. Though I have not inherited this kingdom and sovereignty, and this wealth and affluence, this power and dignity, from my father and grandfather, and though this country has not been ours before, still my elevation and my improved fortunes are due to the grace of God. It was not by my army that I won them, but the One God, the Peerless, the Incomparable, the Creator of the world, has given me the kingdom by the blessing of Selaij; and it is from him that I receive help in every thing. I do not depend upon any other person for assistance. He is the Accomplisher of my undertakings and the Giver of help in all my movements. He is the Bestower of victory and success in all contests and oppositions. We have been graciously javoured with the blessings of both the worlds. If (you think) your power and prestige are the creation of your own bravery, courage, resources, and splendour, then, without doubt, your fortunes will decay, and the vengeance of death is but the legitimate due of your soul.

In this letter rai Chach acknowledge old linage of Agham Lohana's royalty but Agham Lohana did not acknowledge supremacy of rai Chach.[5] however, conflict broke out between the two, and Agham was killed. His son was established as governor of Brahmanabad, but Chach's forces occupied the lands formerly ruled by Agham lohana.

Chach married Agham’s widow in a political maneuver, and likewise wed his own niece to Agham’s son Sarhand.[6] Further, Chach laid restrictions on Lohanas, [3] to reduce the potential for resistance and to lower their social status; among these were bans on riding saddled horses, wearing silk and velvet, wearing headgear, and carrying weapons. The Lohanas were also forced to wear black and red scarves.

The town of Agham Kot is named after Agham lohana.

References
  1. History of mediaeval Hindu India by C. V. Vaidya. p. 163.
  2. Sindhi culture. p. 14.
  3. Decline and fall of Buddhism: a tragedy in ancient India by K. Jamanadas
  4. Chachnama. p. 32.
  5. Sindhi Culture Cradle by U. T. Thakur. p. 57.
  6. The History Of India As Told By Its Own Historians Vol 1 by Dowson Profeddor John. p. 148.
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