1/ How often we Delhi kids have passed by Feroz Shah's tomb during our visits to Hauz Khas, & regaled ourselves with cricket at Kotla stadium! But how many of us know of his bigotry and persecution of Hindus, documented in his own words (Futuhat-I-Feroz Shahi).
A thread.
A thread.
2/ Feroz Shah mentions a village Maluh (probably Mewat region), where there was a sacred 'kund' where many Hindu temples were built, and on certain days Hindus assembled here in thousands for worship.
This was destroyed mercilessly!
@ReclaimTemples @LostTemple7
This was destroyed mercilessly!
@ReclaimTemples @LostTemple7
3/ As per the tyrant, this religious congregation at Maluh kund was 'abuse', and he was incensed that some Muslims also participated in it. He labelled it at an offence to Islam, and on one such day of assembly went to Maluh in person to order the death of its Hindu leaders
4/ Feroz Shah says " I destroyed their idol temples, and instead thereof raised mosques"
"Where infidels and idolators worshipped idols, Muslims now perform devotions to the true God."
"Where infidels and idolators worshipped idols, Muslims now perform devotions to the true God."
5/ Feroz Shah goes on to talk about construction of a new temple at Salihpur, and how Hindus had started worshipping there. He sent some men to destroy the temple and put a stop to the abomination.
6/ Feroz also mentions the village Kohana, and how Hindus used to assemble at a newly constructed temple there and perform 'idolatrous rites'. He summoned these worshippers and ordered their death in front of the gates of his palace.
7/ Feroz Shah ordered that all infidel books, idols, and vessels used for worship be publicly burnt!
8/ While living in this fear of persecution, Hindus also had to struggle with 'zar-i-zimmuiya' and 'jiziya' i.e. additional taxes to be paid in lieu of being tolerated and for continue being Hindus during his reign (and for not losing their lives)
9/ In spite of the above (and more) evidence in his autobiography, some historians claim that his reign broke the long chain of tyranny in the annals of Delhi Sultanate, and call him 'benevolent, and 'lenient as Sultan' 🙏
10/ The places mentioned in the thread are tough to trace, and have been lost in history to persecution and bigotry.
While we cannot change what happened, shedding a silent tear for our ancestors and their art, which we have lost forever 🙏
Thread ends.
While we cannot change what happened, shedding a silent tear for our ancestors and their art, which we have lost forever 🙏
Thread ends.
