The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c10.s3.14

c10.s3.14

The Bhakta saints attempted to resist Islamism in two ways - by removing internal weaknesses of Hindu society and resisting proselytization. Both Kabir and Nanak denounced the caste system which was responsible for many evils in Hindu society. Nanak declared himself to be with those who are low-born among the lowly,¹⁰⁷ But like other Bhakta saints Kabirs denunication of the caste system was as much an inspiration of Muslim example as response to its pull of conversion.¹⁰⁸ When Kabir denounced caste and ritual of the Hindus, he also denounced the superstitions and rituals of the Muslims; or, conversely, the idea is best expressed in the words of his disciple Naudhan Pandit (whom Sikandar Lodi executed): Islam was true, but his own religion was also true.¹⁰⁹ This was an open challenge to Muslim propagandism and proselytization. No wonder that Bhakti reformers were disliked by some Sufi Mashaikh, who looked upon them as competitors.¹¹⁰ If a Muslim changed his religion he was liable to be condemned to death for apostasy. But under the influence of these saints many Muslims were converted to Bhakti Hinduism. Namdeva,¹¹¹ Ramdas, Eknath, Ramanand, Kabir, Nanak and Chaitanya and several other saints had Muslim disciples, Chaitanya openly converted Muslims to Bhakti Hinduism.¹¹² The *Bhaktamala* relates many instances of conversions that Pipa effected.