Hindus opposing the Jizya tax [7]

Question 1

Why did Hindus oppose the Jizya tax due to its financial burden?

Answer 1

• Hindus opposed the Jizya tax because it was an extra financial burden when taxation was already high.
• The tax applied only to non-Muslims, who made up 75% of the population, leading to widespread resentment.
• It was also seen as a way to remind non-Muslims that they were subjects in an Islamic state.
• As Hindus were the majority, the opposition to the tax was firm.

Question 2

How did the use of Jizya tax revenue contribute to Hindu opposition?

Answer 2

• Hindus believed the money collected from Jizya was used against their community.
• Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb used much of the Jizya tax revenue to fund wars against the Marathas, who were Hindus.
• This heightened resentment, especially as Aurangzeb demolished Hindu temples and used the tax money to build grand mosques like the Pearl Mosque.

Question 3

Why did Hindus view the Jizya tax as an attempt to convert them to Islam?

Answer 3

• Hindus saw the Jizya tax as a tactic to pressure them into converting to Islam.
• They were particularly concerned about the “Untouchable Caste,” who were poor and mistreated.
• Conversion to Islam would exempt them from the tax and improve their status.
• Although exemptions existed for the poor and sick, fear of conversions caused further resentment and opposition to the tax