Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s4.4

c7.s4.4

To put it in two words, we may describe the strong points of Hindu character as *Loyalty* and *Charity* in their widest sense. Abu'l Fazl has given for our guidance a longer catalogue of Hindu virtues which may however be resolved into these two basic categories.¹ The list of conventional Muslim virtues of an early date recommends the cultivation of a number of pious virtues which, however, are not different from this estimate in any substantial degree.² As a rule the Muslims overemphasize loyalty to the State, treating it as one of the cardinal virtues, but the reasons for this are obvious. In any case, this emphasis does not change the character of the quality which is sought to be inculcated.¹ Loyalty and charity may thus be taken as the characteristic national virtues of the Indians of our period. We shall take up the discussion of loyalty first, as it appears to have been the ethical religion of Hindustan throughout the ages. For the sake of convenience, we shall discuss it in three different aspects in relation to the objects for which it was brought into play, namely loyalty to a master or superior, loyalty to a friend or an equal, and loyalty to a form of conduct (or chivalry). The relations with a person of inferior status may better be discussed under ‘Charity’.