Growth of Muslim Population in Medieval India, A.D. 1000–1800 c11.136

c11.136

But if Moreland's estimate of 100 million seems to be certainly low, ours of 160 to 165 millions is too high because it is based on pure mathematical calculation on the basis of Nizamuddin's number of big cities and on the strength of Akbar's army which after all was never called to muster at one time. This calculation overlooks some patent political and economic phenomena of the medieval period. Although the political scene had changed with the establishment of Mughal rule, wars were as common as before and natural calamities like famines and pestilences constantly recurred throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. All these served as brakes on any acceleration of demographic growth. Medieval means of transport and communication could not effectively mitigate the horrors of famine and contemporary writers bear witness to great loss of life during periods of scarcity. *Tarikh-i-Daudi* details measures which Sikandar Lodi (A. D. 1489-1517) took to ameliorate the condition of the people in times of drought, which shows that during his reign famines occurred frequently. In the Mughal period we have detailed and graphic accounts of some occurrences of scarcity and pestilence. The Coromandel Coast witnessed a severe famine in 1540. Abul Fazl and Badaoni record a terrrible famine in 1555-56 in northern India, caused by the failure of rains. It was followed by plague which spread through most of the cities of Hindustan.⁹⁷ The dearth lasted for two years and was particularly severe in the Agra-Delhi region.⁹⁸ As the famine raged, and people fleeing for life died in large numbers, the roads got littered with the dead. Some even resorted to cannibalism. Agricultural activity came to a standstill. Delhi was devastated and the mortality as enormous.⁹⁹