Muhammad bin Qasim (695 AD - 715 AD)

Full name: Imad-ud-Din Muhammad ibn Qasim al-Thaqafi
Born: 31 December 695 AD at Ta'if, Arabia
Died: 18 July 715 (aged 20)
Allegiance: Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, Governor to Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I
Rank: General, Emir
Religion: Islam
Father name: Qasim ibn Yusuf
Spouse name: Zubaidah (daughter of Hajjaj)
Important events: Muslim conquest of Sindh and South Punjab, Battle of Rewar (Raor) 712 AD

Muhammad bin Qasim was the first arab general who conquered the Sindh and Punjab regions of the Indus River for the Umayyad Caliphate. These areas are now a part of modern day Pakistan. Muhammad bin Qasim is know for his generous and fair treatment of the local population after the conquest. His successful campaign is the start of expansion of Islam into south asian subcontinent.

Muhammad bin Qasim was born and raised in the city of Taif (in modern day Saudi Arabia). His father died when he was young, so his mother and his uncle Hajjaj ibn Yusuf took care of him. Hajjaj taught him necessary skills of warefare, governance and statesmanship. He married Hajjaj's daughter Zubaidah before going on the campaign.

Conquest of Sindh
Arabs had been trading with Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka) for centuries. Recently the hostile coastal kingdom of Sindh and pirates had become a challenge on this route. In 710 AD an arab ship was intercepted by pirates on this route. Trade goods were stolen and the crew imprisoned. Pirates were protected by Raja Dahir, the ruler of Sind kingdom. Hajjaj bin Yusuf demanded the return of ship along with cargo and crew. Raja Dahir claimed that he had no conrol over pirates. Hajjaj asked for permission to launch a major campaign against Dahir, which was granted by Caliph Al Waleed.
Muhammad bin Qasim prepared for six months before the campaign. During 712 AD Muhammad bin Qasim reached Debal with a force of 12,000 warriors. 6000 of them were Syrian horsemen and 6000 camel mounted warriors. Supplies were carried along on 3000 Bactrian camels. Five large catapults were carried along, largest of which was named Uroos (arabic for 'bride') which required 500 men to operate.
The first victory was achieved at coastal strip of Makran, after which Armabil was taken with little resistance. Debal offered some resistance but after their flag was targeted and struck down by catapults, it fell.

Administration and policies
Muhammad bin Qasim is known mainly for his fair and just policies in the conquered region of sindh.
Muhammad bin Qasim ordered 12 dirhams weight of silver for each local man because their property was damaged.
He appointed locals as the tax collectors to give the population a feeling of strength and protection.
He maintained Brahman’s dignity protecting them from violence and entrusting them with ranks in public offices.
Religious freedom and privacy was given to the local population allowing them to worship as they like and live as they like in their homes.
Due to these policies Muhammad bin Qasim became a legendary figure in the Sindh region. Some hindus made his idols and worshiped them.

Strategy

References
Chachnama
Impact Of Hindu Culture On Muslims by Mohsen Saeidi Madani
History of India by N. Jayapalan
A Brief History of Pakistan by James Wynbrandt