"The Sultan requested the wise men to supply some rules and regulations for grinding down the Hindus, and for depriving them of that wealth and property which fosters disaffection and rebellion. ... The people were brought to such a state of obedience that one revenue officer would string twenty khiits, mukaddims, or chaudharis together by the neck, and enforce payment by blows. No Hindu could hold up his head, and in their houses no sign of gold or silver, tonkas or jitals, or of any superfluity was to be seen. These things, which nourish insubordination and rebellion, were no longer to be found. Driven by destitution, the wives of the khuls and mukaddims went and served for hire in the houses of the Musulmans.... The Hindu was to be so reduced as to be left un- able to keep a horse to ride on, to carry arms, to wear fine clothes, or to enjoy any of the luxuries of life. .... I have, therefore, taken my measures, and have made my subjects obedient, so that at my command they are ready to creep into holes like mice. Now you tell me that it is all in accordance with law that the Hindus should be reduced to the most abject obedience.I am an unlettered man, but I have seen a great deal; be assured then that the Hindus will never become submissive and obedient till they are reduced to poverty. I have, therefore, given orders that just sufficient shall be left to them from year to year, of corn, milk, and curds, but that they shall not be allowed to accumulate hoards and property.""
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Alauddin Khalji
1296 – 1316
Alauddin Khalji (r. 1296 – 1316), born Ali Gurshasp, was an emperor of the Khalji dynasty that ruled the Delhi Sultanate in the Indian subcontinent. Alauddin instituted a number of significant administrative changes, related to revenues, price controls, and society. He is noted for repulsing the Mongol invasions of India.
36 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Alauddin Khalji →
Related Quotes
"They went by daily marches through the hills, from stage to stage, and when they arrived at their destination at earl…"
"They took captive a great number of handsome and elegant maidens, amounting to 20,000, and children of both sexes, 'm…"
"'So the temple of Somnath was made to bow towards the Holy Mecca; and as the temple lowered its head and jumped into …"
"'The tongue of the sword of the Khalifa of the time, which is the tongue of the flame of Islam, has imparted light to…"
"When he advanced from the capital of Karra, the Hindus, in alarm, descended into the earth like ants. He departed tow…"
"'But see the mercy with which he regarded the brokenhearted, for, after seizing the rai, he set him free again. He de…"
"'When the blessed canopy had been fixed about a mile from the gate of Arangal, the tents around the fort were pitched…"
"'After returning to Birdhul, he again pursued the Raja to Kandur' The Rai again escaped him, and he ordered a general…"
"'After five days, the royal canopy moved from Birdhul on Thursday, the 17th of Zi-l Ka'da, and arrived at Kham, and f…"
"When Sultan Alau-d din, the Sultan of Delhi, was well established in the centre of his dominion and had cut off the h…"