Page:History of India Vol 4.djvu/189

EIOTS AND INSURRECTIONS 147 mis. The neighbouring Rajputs and other Hindus began to become infected with the spirit of rebellion, and every day saw fresh additions to the strength of the rioters. The Satnamis fought with the courage of despair and the exaltation of martyrs, but the end was not doubtful; thousands were slain, and the revolt was suppressed. The next step in the policy of persecution was the reimposition of the hated jizya, or poll-tax on unbe- lievers, a few years later. In vain the people wailed and cursed around the palace. Aurangzib had by this time abandoned the salutary custom of appearing at stated hours before his subjects at the levee window the adulation of the multitude savoured of idolatry to his puritanical mind. But seclude himself as he might, and thereby lose that close touch with the populace which had been his father's strength, he could not shut his eyes and ears to the uproar which the new enactment excited. When he went to the mosque, crowds of ex- postulating and even riotous Hindus blocked his way; and though his elephants forced their path over their bodies, he could not subdue their repugnance to the new tax on religion. His dealings with the Rajput princes kindled these sparks of discontent into a flame. He endeavoured to get Jaswant Singh's two young sons sent to Delhi to be educated (and doubtless made Mos- lems) under his own supervision. The Rajputs' loyalty and pride alike forbade such ignominy to their heredi- tary chiefs; and when they learned that the ancient law of Mohammed was revived which imposed a tax