History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c16.s2.7

c16.s2.7

Charlatanism was discouraged and punished. "Blood sucking magicians," says Amīr Khusrau, were severely punished by being stoned to death.¹⁷ Although Baranī does not make mention of any steps against sorcerers and magicians, yet his assertion, that in 'Alāuddīn's time nobody had the courage to profess knowledge of "alchemy or magic" from fear of the Sultan, is significant. It is quite probable that in those days of superstition and universal belief in witchcraft, people may have been terrorised by certain magicians and quacks and 'Alāūddīn put an end to their nefarious trade.