excerpts from Book: Pakistan or Partition of India , Chapter 4:Breakup of Unity
It was left to Aurangzeb to make a final attempt to overthrow idolatry.
The author of ' MA ' ATHIR-i-ALAMGIRI dilates upon his efforts to put down Hindu teaching, and his destruction of temples in the following terms :
" In April, A. D. 1669, Aurangzib learned that in the provinces of Thatta, Multan and Benares, but especially in the latter, foolish Brahmins were in the habit of expounding frivolous books in their schools, and that learners, Muslims as well as Hindus, went there from long distances.... The ' Director of the Faith ' consequently issued orders to all the governors of provinces to destroy with a willing hand the schools and temples of the infidels; and they were enjoined to put an entire stop to the teaching and practising of idolatrous worship.. ...Later it was reported to his religious Majesty that the Government officers had destroyed the temple of Bishnath at Benares. " 14
