Page:History of India Vol 3.djvu/143

 PERSECUTION OF THE HINDUS 111 held that government was one thing and law another, and so long as what he ordered seemed to him good he did not stop to inquire whether it was according to law. One day, however, he saw the learned kadi of Biana at court, and addressing him said he had some questions to ask to which he required truthful replies. " The angel of my fate seems to be at hand," cried the kadi in alarm, " since your Majesty wishes to question me on matters of religious law." The Sultan promised not to kill him, and a curious conversation ensued. Ala-ad-din wished first to know the legal position of Hindus, and the kadi replied: " They are called payers of tribute, and when the revenue officer demands silver from them, they should, without question and with all humility and respect, tender gold. If the officer throws dirt (or spits) into their mouths, they must un- reluctantly open their mouths wide to receive it. By doing so they show their respect for the officer. The due submission of the non-Moslems is exhibited in this humble payment and by this throwing of dirt into their mouths. The glorification of Islam is a duty, and con- tempt of the Religion is vain. God holds them in con- tempt, for He says 'keep them under in subjection.' To keep the Hindus in abasement is especially a relig- ious duty, because they are the most inveterate enemies of the Prophet." The Sultan said that he did not understand a word of the learned man's argument, but he had taken his measures to reduce the pride of the Hindus, and had succeeded in making them so obedient that " at my