Temple blackmail

When the unbelievers march against mUltAn, and the faithful do not feel themselves strong enough to oppose them, they threaten to break their idol, and their enemies immediately withdraw”. Another writer (this one from persia), al-ishtakhri also mentions the same state of affairs regarding the defense of the city against hindu invaders. The self proclaimed butshikan-s were forced to take refuge behind the famous ‘but’ of their capital to retain their kingdom. - al-masUdI

Counterexamples

  • shivAji’s resisting attempts by afzal khan and shaiste khan to rouse him to rashness by temple destruction.