The New York herald., 1870-06-19
RELIGION IN INDIA.
The New Asiatic Sect OF the Wahabees-
Native Puritanical Ref0rmers and Wave
Spread Of FauatIcism.

Native Puritanical Ref0rmers and a Wave
Spread Of FauatIcism.
From the Calcutta Engshman.l
SO much misrepresentation still appears TO exist exist
Indian Wahabees, that 1t may be worth while to give
brief sketch OF their antecedents. In tne nrst
ee ey sSe o WsR a
the fact that both are Puritanlcal relormers:
The term Wahabecs was originally applied
by the orthodox conservative Mahommedans, con-
tented with the existing state OF Things ana averse
to new-langled notions OF reform. The founder OF
this sect was Syud Ahmed, British subject born at
Bareily. who took military service under Ameer
Khan, Nawab OF Tonk. On the subjugatlon OF that
paired to Delhi, where he established himself as an
eXpounder and reiormer OF Islam. Many OF MS
cay SH 70 his Vews Se Ss saS TO-
have succeeded TO his mantle. For two
whole years syud Ahmed conrved to wage
the Punjaub, being permitted, through the ndirer-
ence and supineness OF the magistrates to recruit
his forces from the British territories. Too little
quainted with International law TO protest against
this hostile recruitment among the subjects OF an
ally or too conscious OF his weakness to insist upon
redress Runeet Singh was at times hard bestead TO
hold his own against MS Ant@us-llke enemy. fne
Syuds recruits were principally drawn from the
nor was there any lack or either lnen or money for
this war against the unbelleving Sikh. In the end,
however he was signally defeated and himself slain
on the field OF battle. This disaster naturally led
TO the dispersion OF his disciples His own family
fed to TOnk anu the majority OF mis- followers
escaped into British territory, while the less IOrtu
nate made their way to the movntains above Pc
shawur and settled down among their old friends
the Yusufzais. Thus was established the nucleus
OF that colony OF fanatics at Sittana who have since
caused us so much trouble ana annoyance.
On the death or Syud Ahmed, preaching and
intrigue succeeded TO open action. hs doctrines ss
his jealous disciple, Mouvie Ishmael, and found
favor with many Mahommedans at Delhi Bareiily.
Agra ana Aygurh. In the last named district sew.
eral men OF good family and high position renounced
government employment and sought service
with the Ameer OF Tonk. who held the same
ever, constant correspondence has been main
ti tained with the refugees in me PeshaWur
coined TO their difficult Businesses 'every one
that was in distress, and every that was IN debt
ana every one that was discontented"-a goodly
muster Of vagabonds OF all classes. The annals OF
the frontier force VIII tell how often these turbulent
spirits have been reused by the AknoOnd of swat to
wild sensecss inroads into British territory Muir
der and devastation mark their course, and though
easily driven back to their almost inaccessiD G
heights they still continue there as fostering thorn
in our size and occasion the loss OF many useful
lives ana the waste OF no small sums OF money. But
while the actual seat and stronghold of these Wana
bee fanatics Is situated In the mountains bordering on
Afghanisan, the Lower Provinces have not been en-
trey exempt from The commotiOns which 1t seems
to be ther mission TO excite. 1t cannot be yet
forgotten how, some forty years ago. Two OF Syud
Ahmed's disciples named Tttt0O Meer and Doodia
Khan-better known 60 the Bengalis rs the Moula-
bees, an evident corruption OF MOuvies-stlrfed up
disaiectton among multitude or ignorant Mahom-
medans OF low condition and led TO serious out
break at Baraset about the middle OF 1881. This riot
or revolt was summariy suppressed by Lord
william Benilnck, who was first made &C
quaned with the movement through let
ter addressed To Calcutta firm Dy an IN
dlgO planter settled in that district-the local
magistrates being bssfully unconscious OF what
was passing outside their very doors. This sect is
now not only numerous, but well supported by funds
subscribed by men who might be supposed capable
Of making better use OF their money, but whose
completely will shortly be brought home 10 then In
the neighborh0Od OF Calcutta and Dacca the Waha-
bees are better known as Firajees. Though too re-
gardful of their persons and property to take an
active part against the government. these iomenters
OF discOrd supply funds to the Sttana cOonsts and
are deeply involved in the troublesome II pointess,
intigues of the ever restless Moslem population. The
government is at length in possession OF clue to
the compile ated maze OF intrigue and Will ere long
be In position to bring to justice those who have
been most prominently engaged in stirring up dis
affection towards the rulers under whom they have
the unappreciaLed good fortune to live. 1t is as WELL
perhaps that 1t has been In no hurry to move, for
now 1t holds within its tolls the principal headers
and accompces In this covert sedtiOn. and before
many months are passed We may hope to see the
evil doers convicted and punished, and the fOrbear
ance and justice, not less than the strength OF the
government satisfactorily vindicated.