Hindu Temples: What Happened to Them v2.c19.s2.35

v2.c19.s2.35

Khatib Ali under charge of a servant, ordering him to take the greatest care of him, and produce him in court when required to do so. The Rai then returned, and having called his minister, made over temporary charge of the Government to him, stating that he intended to seclude himself for three days from public business in his harem, during which seclusion he desired to be left unmolested. That night, Rai Jai Singh, having mounted a dromedary started from Nahrwala for Kambayat and accomplished the distance, forty parasangs, in one night and one day. Having disguised himself by putting on a tradesmans dress, he entered the city, and stayed a short time in different places in the market place, making inquiries as to the truth of Khatib Alis complaint. He then learnt that the Muhammadans were oppressed and slain without any grounds for such tyranny. Having thus learnt the truth of the case, he filled a vessel with sea-water and returned to Nahrwala, which he entered on the third night from his departure. The next day he held his court, and summonning all complainants he directed the Khatib to relate his grievance. When he had stated his case, a body of the infidels wanted to intimidate him and falsify his statements. On this the Rai ordered his water-carrier to give the water pot to them that they may drink from it. The Rai then told them that he had felt unable to put implicit confidence in any one because a difference of religion was involved in the case; he had himself therefore gone to Kambayat, and having made personal enquires as to the truth, had learnt that the Muhammadans were victims of tryanny and oppression. He said that it was his duty to see that all his subjects were afforded such protection as would enable them to live in peace. He then gave orders that two leading men from each class of Infidels, Brahmans, Fire-worshippers and others should be punished. He then gave a lac of Balotras²⁶ to enable them to build their mosque and minarets. He also granted to Khatib four articles of dress. These are preserved to this day, but are exposed to view on high festival days. The mosque and minaret were standing until a few days ago.²⁷