Twilight of the Sultanate c17.s4.7

c17.s4.7

With the advent of Islam the position of the Brahmans in Indian society received a set-back. Although they were exempted from taxes which other Hindus paid, they were no longer advisers or ministers of the Sultans. The destruction of temples in preceding centuries must have affected their social and economic position as priests and teachers, but in the fifteenth century Hindus had regained much power. Hindu learning also revived; it put its impress on the teachings of the Socio-religious reformers about whom we shall read in the next chapter. Consequently the position of the Brahmans improved during our period of study. Besides, among the Hindus the Brahmans always enjoyed a position of respectability.⁵⁰