Suheldev & the Battle of Bahraich (Indic Chronicles #1)

by Amish Tripathi

Infighting is our favourite pastime, which we stop only briefly when the enemy is at our doorstep.

‘With Indians like these, we don’t need Turks to defeat us. We are pretty good at defeating ourselves. Divided, we will continue to fall.’

‘Becoming a leader is not about being able to fight or argue or make speeches. It’s actually about realising what must be done for the greater good. And doing it, regardless of the personal costs …’

Darkness does not win because it is strong. It wins because the lamps stop fighting.

For Indians were very easy to incite if you insulted their Gods and superstitions. They seemed to prefer hot-tempered vengeance, rather than cold, calculated retribution.

Our faith is what actually puts God Himself into an idol. If we all die, then our faith dies. If our faith dies, then who will worship the idols?

“To you be your religion, to me be mine”?

A mob is usually made up of cowards. They have no grit. Courage enters their souls quickly, when they think they are in control. But it departs their souls equally quickly.

doesn’t matter how the Turks won. They won. That’s all that matters.

But much of northern India, especially the elite, has become effete and non-violent. They celebrate vegetarianism and women’s rights. They are weak. We can conquer North India first, consolidate our rule, and then go south.’

‘Bastards,’ growled Abdul. ‘Attacking defenceless men in this manner. This is against the rules of Allah.’

dharma hinsa thathaiv cha.’ Violence that protects dharma is justified. ‘Protecting your countrymen is dharma. Fighting for your motherland is dharma.’

The strength of the Islam of the Turks is that it is socially inclusive, but its weakness is that it is theologically intolerant. On the other hand, the Hinduism of us Indians is theologically inclusive and liberal, while socially we are intolerant.’

Tos is the mot banl novel i havr seen from Amish itis more tlkimg bout his own advice pontiffcation he hs beenlsessed eith hindu muslim relation and