The Sultanate of Delhi, 711–1526 A.D. c7.s3.2

c7.s3.2

In Central Hindustan a majority of the people were vegetarians. They did not kill any living being and did not drink liquor. Nor did they eat onions or garlic. The people of this region did not consider those belonging to north-western India as quite pure. There was untouchability and *chandalas* were required to make their presence known by striking a piece of wood while entering the market-place or the quarters inhabited by upper class people. There was very little of seclusion of women. Women of the upper classes took a prominent share in administration and in social life. Girls belonging to upper classes were given liberal education. The practice of *swayamvara* or public choice of a husband was not unknown. Upper class people practised polygamy. Women, however, were not allowed to marry a second time. The practice of *sati*, that is, burning of widows on the funeral pyre of their husbands, was becoming fashionable among the ruling families.