Some Hidden Pearls — Page 40
towards the British, and the British rule in India. These people ignore the specific conditions prevailing in the country at the time of British advent in this sub-continent, of which certain evident aspects impelled the Promised Messiah in all sincerity of purpose, to bestow just and well merited measure of praise and appreciation on the British. The background of history, which made the Promised. Messiah favourably disposed towards the British rule at that time, has two special aspects, which no fairminded person will find it in his heart to dismiss lightly and thoughtlessly. In the first place, the advent of the British had been precedby a widespread anarchy in the punjab and all over India, especially in this part of the country where the Promised Messiah lived. Leaving aside, to some extent, the reign of Maharajah Ranjit Singh, there had been the greatest lawlessness and barbarism, almost of every kind, so much so that in the villages the Muslims were even forbidden to announce the Azan, the 40