Part 5 Summary

The chapter deals with the religious conflict between Muslims and Hindus. The Raja of Marh is determined to erect a Temple to Shiva just west of the Alamgiri Mosque, which is bad enough insofar as the Imam is concerned; but to make matters worse, the proposed Temple will have as it centerpiece the recently found Phallus of Shiva which will be placed directly between the mosque and Mecca. Tensions build up until there is a real threat of rioting in the city. The Deputy Superintendent of Police is left in charge in the absence of his superior and most of the police force is made up of Muslims who will not be pleased to fire on Muslim rioters. By charging the rioters from a blind corner, the police are able to quell the riot with a minimum of casualties. L. N. Agarwal, the...