Islam and Bahawalpur State during Nineteenth Century

Abstract

This article examines the significant parameters of the religious perspective in the Muslim State of Bahawalpur and the strides made by its rulers Daudputras towards the formation of an Islamic entity. The study articulates the idea that, notwithstanding being outsiders to this realm, how the rulers of state maintained their rule over locals by creating a balance between Islam and other religions and local norms of area. They introduced laws and regulations which were acceptable for all. Daudputras ruled this area for more than 200 years and successfully maintained the rule of Islam. However, they adopted a policy of flexibility towards local norms to create social harmony; for instance, they abolished those ancient rules for which Islam had laid clear cut ideology. On the similar analogy, the nawabs adhered to the policy of religious tolerance and cultural pluralism towards the people belonging to the other religions, therefore, non-Muslims had the latitude for actively participating in administrative structure as well as commercial sphere. In terms of the religion, the nawabs were sunni Muslims so initially they did not tolerate different sects of Islam but with the passage of time they even accommodated other sects of Islam too.