Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s4.52

c7.s4.52

II. Vices.—Their vices like their virtues were few and deep-rooted. They may be almost summed up in two words—wine and woman. In other words, excessive indulgence in physical pleasures of a great variety stands out very prominently as the besetting sin of the age. Young and old, Hindu and Muslim, rich and poor freely indulged in these vices, indifferent to consequences and religious prohibitions, as far as their means and health permitted them.⁴ Needless to say, the vast masses of peasants and workmen were forced to lead a clean and sober life.