[Reader-list] Advisory on Non-Muslims (by the Sufi (?) 'Shah Hamdan' of Kashmir)

[anupam chakravartty]

Dear Kshmendra,

The Mir is also known Saa'dat, who was very popular among the
Kashmiris in the 14th Century. Whether the possible conversions that
happened during his time by coercion or through free will is still
unproven. One cannot say whether this Tajik thinker and poet was
exclusively referring to Hindus because it is in form of a categorical
imperatives ("thou shalt not...") typically characterised by a
negation, which usually is used to exclude one set of people from
others (here for example, they were the Muslims). In this case, the
mannerisms prescribed in form of imperatives are also asserting the
characteristics of the Muslims as distinct and a finite identity from
people following other religions although the injunctions are directed
towards non-Muslims (for which no definite characteristics have been
stated but only those which is in contrast with the Muslims)

However, we are talking about a 14th-century society when several
rulers following varied customs and traditions were molding the mores
of the society. The British, for example imposed their administration
which many of us were very happy to follow although some of it is in
deep contrast to so called mores of an Indian society.

If he is popular in Kashmir, it is not because of these imperatives
but because he was also considered a figurehead as asserted many of
the sources mentioned by you. Moreover, Kshmendra, what is your
motivation bringing this "list" on to Sarai ? Do you want to say that
there are section of hardcore Islamists who want to impose these rules
again in Kashmir? What's so new about it? Dont we have Bal Thackerays,
Togadias, Singhals around?

With regards,
Anupam

On 10/13/09, Kshmendra Kaul <kshmendra2005 at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Dear Anupam
>
> I forgot to include the crowning-glory edict which follows the "List". It is
> something like:
>
> """"" If the "Dhimmis" (Non-Muslims under 'protection') do not follow the
> 'conditions', they will not enjoy security and it will be lawful for Muslims
> to take their lives and possessions as though they were the lives and
> possesions of unbelievers in a state of war with the faithful."""""""
>
> I presume "take their lives" meant to take them into "slavery". Or was it
> 'death'?
>
> There was no 'painful' reasearch by me. The translation is
> extensively documented in a number of published works.
>
> I do not have access to the original text. It is listed in the collection of
> British Museum. Microfilm available at University of Chicago Library. It ia
> also listed in the collection of  National Library of the Czech Republic
> (199 folios).
>
> The "List" is apparently translated from folios 94a-95a. (I cannot confirm
> from which 'original text').
>
> The "List' is reproduced in the following published works:
>
> 1. (As I wrote earlier) ...in Dr Abdul Qayum Rafiqi's book "Sufism in
> Kashmir". Dr Rafiqi is considered to be an authority on Sufism in Kashmir.
> He is a former Head of Deptt. of History in University of Kashmir.
>
> 2. "Kashmir: Past and Present - Unravelling the Mystique" by Prof Mohan Lal
> Koul
>
> 3. "A History of Muslim Rule in Kashmir (1320-1819)" by R K Parimu
>
> 4. "Sources of Indian Tradition" Ed A T Embree (it so appears)
>
> 5. "History and  Culture  of the  Indian People" R C Majumdar (it so
> appears)
>
> 6. "Ethics of Civilization" by Sanderson Beck (quoted from 'Sources of
> Indian Tradition')
>
> You might also want to look at this translation provided by Prof Alexandra
> Cuffel
> http://www.macalester.edu/~cuffel/hamadani.htm
>
> Kshmendra
>
>
> --- On Tue, 10/13/09, anupam chakravartty <c.anupam at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> From: anupam chakravartty <c.anupam at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Reader-list] Advisory on Non-Muslims (by the Sufi (?) 'Shah
> Hamdan' of Kashmir)
> To: "Kshmendra Kaul" <kshmendra2005 at yahoo.com>
> Cc: "sarai list" <reader-list at sarai.net>
> Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 4:34 PM
>
>
> Dear Kshmendra and all,
>
> Painful research on your part, I must say. Can you also reproduce the
> original text, as it has been seen on many occasions we are misled by
> such translations?
>
> I tried looking for it and still trying.
>
> Anupam
>
>
>
> On 10/13/09, Kshmendra Kaul <kshmendra2005 at yahoo.com> wrote:
>> The 'advisory' listed below is apparently from a translation in Dr Abdul
>> Qayum Rafiqi's book "Sufism in Kashmir". Dr Rafiqi is considered to be an
>> authority on Sufism in Kashmir.
>>
>> The list is from "Zakhiraat ul Mulak", written by Mir Syed Ali Hamdani
>> (14th
>> century) who is much reverred in Kashmir as "Shah Hamdan".
>>
>>   1) The Hindus will not construct any new temples under the rule of
>> Muslims.
>>
>>   2) They will not repair old temples fallen into ruins.
>>
>>   3) They will respect Muslims.
>>
>>   4) They will not dress like Muslims.
>>
>>   5) They will not ride a horse with saddle & bridle.
>>
>>   6) They will not put on a ring on their fingers.
>>
>>   7) They will not carry swords or bows & arrows.
>>
>>   8) They will not adopt Muslim names.
>>
>>   9) They will not harbour spies or act as spies.
>>
>>   10) If any relation of theirs wants to embrace Islam, they will not
>> oppose
>> it.
>>
>>   11) If a Muslim comes to attend a Hindu meeting he will be respectfully
>> received.
>>
>>   12) They will receive Muslim travelers into their houses & provide them
>> hospitality.
>>
>>   13) They will not prevent Muslim travelers from staying in their temples
>> &
>> shrines.
>>
>>   14) They will not mourn their dead loudly.
>>
>>   15) They will not buy Muslim slaves.
>>
>>   16) They will not build houses in neighbourhood of Muslims.
>>
>>   17) They will not sell intoxicating drinks.
>>
>>   18) They will not carry their dead near the grave-yards of Muslims.
>>
>>   19) They will not openly practice their customs & usages among Muslims.
>>
>>   20) They will not give up their traditional dress so that they can be
>> distinguished from  Muslims
>>
>>
>> Kshmendra
>>
>>
>>
>>
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