Chapter 20 - A Little Housecleaning
(Barind, Hindustan)
"I'm afraid it's time to say goodbye, sultan. I feel honored that I could be your tutor. Now, I feel that you have nothing to learn from me because you have surpassed me. I wish to return to my school to continue teaching our people."
"Jyeshtadeva, I am glad that you were willing to become my tutor. Your teachings have taught me much and yet I feel there are still so much I can learn. I know I cannot force you to stay but please accept my donation to your school. I hope your students will serve this nation well now and in the future."
"I will try my best, sultan. Before I leave, I hope to learn what your plans on for the upcoming years. The Renaissance will bring about a new age for science, literature and religion but I doubt you'll be satisfied with just that."
"I knew my tutor knows me best. I do plan on expanding my nation. Civil war is cruel because you fight against your own people. Now that we are united once again, we can focus on the external enemies."
"If you don't mind me suggesting, I think the Hindu states should be your first target. They have, in more than one occasion, supported revolts while we were in a civil war. You mustn't let them get away with it."
"It looks like we both had the same idea. The Hindu states are a problem and I will deal with them personally. Looks like it's getting late. I wish you good luck with your school. Maybe, you just might make it an university one day."
"Goodbye, sultan. I know that Allah is with you. Make us proud."
Jyeshtadeva then left the court and went back to his school. With the generous donation by the sultan, the school quickly expanded to accommodate a large percentage of lower and middle class people. The literacy rate of the capital city of Hindustan improved steadily. The city itself became the home to many scholars, many of whom were escaping from war in their own nation.
Mahmud, the sultan of Hindustan, declared Jihad against five Hindu states that posed the biggest threat to some of his provinces. Many rebels were supplied by these five states and many citizens of Hindustan, as a result, died in the conflicts. The violence has not only spilled a lot of blood but also affected the economy of the provinces. Seeing how these states stirred trouble during the civil war, Mahmud knew that they would continue their operations unless they were wiped out completely. Even for a great ruler, Mahmud had a limit to tolerance and he felt the Hindu States tested his limits. His men and generals, now veterans due to experience gained from the civil war, easily overwhelmed his enemies. Soon, the five Hindu states fell and all accepted annexation. For Hindustan, Southern India is now completely under her control.
"Sultan, they stood no chance. I fear there is a small problem."
"What do you mean we have a problem, Abhaya?"
"The men felt that the enemy were defeated too easily. They barely had time to enjoy their glory and the Jihads just ended."
"I see, do you have suggestions?"
"Yes, sultan. There are four other targets we can take. They have sent raiding parties into our borders and caused problems. We need to teach them a proper lesson."
"Interesting, I approve your plans."
"Thank you, sultan."
"Before I leave, there's one more thing, sultan."
"Go ahead."
"There's Arakan. Our armies have occupied them and they're waiting for your order."
"I thought I said to extract a good sum of ducats and those kingdoms can go free."
"If that was the case, I would follow your orders. However, I realized that Allah has given this mission to your uncle. I was cleaning the storeroom when I came across the document."
"What did the document say?"
"Much of it has been unclear. I could still make out 'Allah' and 'Remove Arakan from the map.' I am almost sure that it meant that Arakan must be annexed."
"Let me see it. I'll give you some time to bring it."
"I have it with me, sultan. Here it is."
"I agree that it's quite clear. Annex them then."
"Yes, sultan."