Indian Muslims: Who Are They c7.16

c7.16

The poor converted more easily and in larger numbers. Of the temptations given for conversion were an audience with the Emperor, a robe of Honour, and a daily allowance which generally ranged from four annas to seven rupees⁴⁶; even four annas was a high amount in those days. A Deccanese was converted to Islam and given Rs. 2000.⁴⁷ Obviously economic inducement was a great temptation for the poor. Criminals were given remission from sentence if they converted to Islam. The *Maasir-i-Alamgiri* mentions a case in which a Hindu clerk killed the seducer of his sister, but escaped execution by embracing Islam.⁴⁸ There were many more similar cases.⁴⁹ In September, 1681, an order was issued that all prisoners who would accept Islam were to be set at liberty.⁵⁰ The practice was so common that no other specific cases need be mentioned.