Growth of Muslim Population in Medieval India, A.D. 1000–1800 c21.15

c21.15

⁹ Here is one such story cited in the Census of India Report, 1901, Vol. VI, Pt. I Bengal, pp. 165-181. "While the Muhammadan population was still scattered, it was customary for each householder to hang an earthen water-pot (badana) from his thatched roof, as a sign of his religious belief. One day a Maulvi, after some years' absence, went to visit a disciple, who lived in the centre of a Hindu village, but could not find the 'badana'. On enquiry he was told that the Musalman villager had renounced his faith and joined an outcaste tribe. On his return to the city, the circumstances being reported to the Nawab, a detachment of troops was ordered out, the village surrounded, and every person in it compelled to become Muhammadan." Also See M.L. Roy Chowdhury, "Preaching of Islam in Bengal (Turko-Afghan Period)", in *Proceedings of the Indian History Congress*, Twentythird Session, Aligarh, 1960, Pt. I, pp. 168-181, esp. p. 171, where quotations from Bijoygupta's *Padma-Puran* and Jayananda's *Chaitanaya Mangal* show some methodas of forcible conversions.