Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes II, III

Hindustanهندوستان

hen-doo-STAHN

India.

In the poem: First at C4.1, Praise for Sultan Mahmud; last at E6.53, Caesar Seeks the Cross of Christ
Named: 21 times, in 17 sections
Main stories: D10 The Bahram Goor Cycle: Justice, Foreign Adventures, and End of a Reign (6); C5 Lohrasp (2); D6 The Ashkanian Dynasty (2)

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Hindustan most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Hindustan. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

C4.1

Praise for Sultan Mahmud

Ferdowsi praises Mahmud and his vizier Fazl son of Ahmad, laments his own age and poverty, claims his poem will outlast any building, and turns to Kay Khosrow’s wars, warning that the avenger of Siavash was himself cast off by the world.

C4.1.59
The lord of Chin, the lord of Hindustan,The lord of Iran and the lord of Turan,

Hindustan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C5.2

Goshtasb Departs in Anger

Lohrasp’s sons Goshtasb and Zarir outshine everyone, but the Shah prefers Kay Kavus’s grandsons. Goshtasb demands to be named heir, is refused with a parable about an overfed stream, and rides for Hind by night with three hundred horsemen. Riders are sent after him in every direction.

C5.2.42
Ride swiftly toward Hindustan; may no landBecome a place where sorcerers command.”

Hindustan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C5.3

Goshtasb Returns with Zarir

Zarir overtakes his brother near Kabul. A noble argues that a Shah must not submit to idolaters in Hind, and Goshtasb turns for home; Lohrasp rides out to meet him and feasts him. But the Shah still favors Kavus’s line, and Goshtasb begins planning to leave alone.

C5.3.23
We cannot then consent that you should standSubject to Hindustan’s foreign command.

Hindustan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.21

Esfandiyar Spreads the Faith of Zardosht

Goshtasb gives Esfandiyar a gold crown, treasure and the command of Iran, and sends him to bring the world to the Faith. He converts Rum and Hindustan, kings write asking for copies of the Zand-Avesta, and he reports that the world is won and at peace.

C6.21.14
Through Rum and Hindustan his banners passed,Through sea and darkness, over regions vast.

Hindustan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D3.1

Darab Builds the City of Darabgird

After a prologue praising Mahmud, Darab tells his nobles that God gave him the throne and justice must repay it. Envoys arrive from India and Rum. He has a lake drained by foreign engineers, founds Darabgird, lights a fire there, and garrisons the frontiers.

D3.1.15
Then out of Hindustan and Rum’s far shore,From every wealthy march and distant door,

Hindustan named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D7.2

Ardeshir and the Daughter of Ardavan

Ardeshir marries Ardavan’s daughter. Her brother in Hind sends poison; she mixes it into a cup, the cup breaks, and hens fed the spilled food die. Ardeshir orders her killed, but she is pregnant, and his minister hides her, gelding himself and sealing the proof in a casket.

D7.2.5
In Hindustan the eldest brother stayed;His name was Bahman; there his plans were laid.
D7.2.9
In Hindustan two brothers live in pain,Together bearing hardship’s bitter chain.

Hindustan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D10.26

Bahram’s Embassy to Shangul of Hind

A vizier warns that Shangul of Hind is raiding toward Iran. Bahram has a letter written demanding tribute, then carries it himself in the guise of an envoy. He reaches Ghanooj, is admitted to the crystal-roofed hall, and delivers his own message to Shangul.

D10.26.4
From Hindustan to Chin’s remotest lands,He fills the roads with many robber bands.
D10.26.31
None of our kings allowed Hindustan’s landTo fall behind in tribute or command.
D10.26.50
Toward Hindustan he rode with all his band,Past Jadustan’s waters, in the sorcerers’ land.

Hindustan named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D10.34

Bahram’s Flight from Hind to Iran

Sapinud has learned who her husband is. Bahram tells her he means to flee; she times the escape by her father’s forest festival and excuses him from it as sick. They ride out at night, and Bahram swears a caravan of Iranian merchants who recognize him to silence.

D10.34.7
I mean to quit the land of Hindustan;Will you consent to flee with me to Iran?
D10.34.39
For if this secret spreads through Hindustan,A sea of blood will cover soil of Iran.

Hindustan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

All 17 sections that name Hindustan