Promotion of Learning in India during Muhammadan Rule (by Muhammadans) c10.39

c10.39

of the Sulṭān’s troops to the test, and also adds that along with these presents, which were surely of doubtful benefit to the Sulṭān if they were actually in the state mentioned by Ferishta, were offered a few other presents also.¹ Whichever account be true, it appears that the Sulṭān could not have been propitiated, had it not been for a complimentary poem sent to him at the time. Its poetry was so much admired by the learned men of India, Arabia and Persia attached to his Court, and Maḥmūd was so much pleased with it that in return he conferred on Nanda the government of 15 forts, among which was the strong fort of Kālañjar. This was indeed a rare example in all history, of the triumph of poetry and literature, the victory of idealism, and it speaks volumes in favour of the man through whom this triumph and this victory were achieved.