Indian Muslims: Who Are They c6.s4: Malwa
Indian Muslims: Who Are They c6.s4
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Malwa
c6.s4.1
Since the days of Khalji and Tughlaq sultans of Delhi, there were large number of Muslims in Malwa, both indigenous and foreign.³⁵ These numbers went on growing during the rule of the independent Muslim rulers of Malwa, the Ghoris and Khaljis (1401-1562). The pattern of growth of Muslim population in Malwa was similar to that in the other regions. Captives made in campaigns against Kherla, Orissa, and Gagraun, in the first quarter of the fifteenth century, would have added to Muslim numbers. Similarly, when sultan Mahmud led an expedition against the Hara Rajputs in 1454, he put many of them to the sword, and sent their children into slavery at Mandu.³⁶ In 1468 from the ravaged and burning town of Karahra (near Chanderi), 7,000 prisoners were taken.³⁷
c6.s4.2
The harem of Malwa sultans formed a great source of proselytization. The seraglio of Ghayas-ud-din (14691500) was filled with beautiful slaves girls and daughters of Rajas and Zamindars.³⁸ The number of its inmates was 16,000 according to Nizamuddin and 10,000 according to Ferishtah.³⁹ However, with the rise of Rajputs to power in Malwa, the enslavement of Hindus and the proselytizing activity of Malwa rulers may not have been as sustained as in other regions. Foreign elements in the Malwa army and administration were also not conspicuous.