Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s4.27

c7.s4.27

C. *Loyalty to a certain conduct (chivalry).*—Yet another and in some respects nobler form of virtue, was the spirit of loyalty to a particular line of conduct or behaviour. Tradition was a most sacred and binding heritage in those days, to an extent that can hardly be overemphasized. In any case, it was almost the only creed sacred in the eyes of martial people, especially the clans of the Rajputs. It was a common and well-known rule of Rajput society to extend their protection and shelter to a refugee who sought to escape from the fury and revenge of the powerful Sultan of Delhi. It was equally clear that the chief who ventured to shelter an enemy of the Sultanate, was courting a war against himself and the almost certain ruin and extermination of his family. Martial tradition, however, scorned to calculate the consequences of a course of action which honour bade them follow. We shall take a few examples to illustrate this sentiment of chivalry and honour. The history of Rajput warriors is natural lyour main source for illustrations.