The Administration of the Sultanate of Dehli c7.6

c7.6

A brief historical survey. India first came into political contact with the Muslims when Muḥammad bin Qāsim conquered Sind (711-713). Here was decided the vital question: What was to be the attitude of the Muslims towards the Hindus? Were the Hindus to be treated as dhimmīs and mu‘āhids, a protected and allied people, and taken into minor partnership, or, were hostilities to be carried to extremes? The Muslim lawyers were divided; but tolerance and political wisdom carried the day, and a precedent was established which was followed by subsequent conquerors and rulers. Muḥammad bin Qāsim employed the Hindus as revenue officials and treated their chiefs with consideration; he left them in possession of their territories on payment of tribute.¹ These principles were to be the fundamentals of Muslim policy in India.