Deepak, Thanks for the info., on Hazrat Shah Jalal. It is crucial. I now recall reading about him converting Bengali hindus in the rural areas. I accept that conversion was a strong motive for many Sufis. All their travels around India, singing in villages, should remind one of Christian missionaries. The dropping of "Gow Manss" (cow meat) in village wells was a practice adopted by soldiers - well authenticated in Mughul records themselves.
You are right in your view, "Hindus worship anything with a hint of divinity". I went to the Ajmeer Dargha in Rajasthan, seeking inspiration. As I was claiming the ten or so steps to the Dargah, I was met by a man who took me to another man sitting at the entrance to the main hall. He came to the point straight away. "How much can you donate?" as he opened a Register, with his pen poised to write my name and the amount. I said I am travelling through Rajasthan. I need to make donations to the many Mandhirs I am visiting. Rs.80/- is all I can afford." He appeared to lose interest. He said, "Please give it to the man inside." Around the "samadhi", there were men standing with lots of rupee notes in their hands. To my surprise, there were three of them, one in each corner of the structure. I gave them each Rs.20/- (Rs.60/-), the other Rs.20/- I distributed to some people outside. To be honest, I had no time to focus on Saint "Chishti". I do not think I will go back there again. But I still enjoy some Sufi poetry.
