The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c11.s6.5

c11.s6.5

This was the practice throughout the medieval period. Furthermore, it was also a matter of policy with the Muslim rulers and their army commanders to capture and convert, destroy or sell the male population, and carry into slavery women and children. Ibn-ul-Asir says that Qutbuddin Aibak made war against the provinces of Hind He killed many, and returned home with prisoners and booty.¹⁰³ In Banaras, according to the same authority, Muhammad Ghauris slaughter of the Hindus was immense. None was spared except women and children." No wonder that slaves began to fill the households of every Turk from the very beginning of Muslim rule in India. Fakhr-i-Mudabbir informs us that as a result of the Muslim achievements under Muhammad Ghauri and Qutbuddin Aibak, even a poor householder (or soldier) who did not possess a single slave before became the owner of numerous slaves of all description (*jauq jauq ghulam har jins*)¹⁰⁵