The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c8.s1.7

c8.s1.7

In India the decision of Muhammad bin Qasim to accord to the Hindus the status of *Zimmis* (protected people against payment of *jiziyah*) paved the way for subsequent Muslim rulers to follow the same precedent; else Hindus as idolaters could not be given this concession reserved for *Ahl-i-Kitab* (or the People of the Book) Christians and Jews - and could only be given a choice between conversion and death. In all their discussions the Ulama and Sufis never conceded the status of *Zimmis* to the Hindus. In this regard the declaration of the secular Alim and Sufi, Amir Khusrau, may be taken as final: Happy Hindustan, the splendour of Religion, where the Law finds perfect honour and security. The whole country, by means of the sword of our holy warriors, has become like a forest denuded of its thorns by fire Islam is triumphant, idolatry is subdued. Had not the Law granted exemption from death by the payment of poll-tax, the very name of Hind, root and branch, would have been extinguished.²⁰ If the sultans treated Hindus as Zimmis, it was because of the compulsions of the Indian situation.