In the first excitement of the conquest , the Hindû temples were destroyed , all the emblems of their worship were crumbled to dust , and all the books written in the vernacular language burnt , as convicted or suspected of containing the precepts and doctrine of idolatry . They intended also to exterminate all that part of the population which would not soon be converted : and this was their wish not then alone , but even two centuries after , when there was one person recommending with a magisterial gravity this measure to the Government . But India was not America . If in this could the European conquerors exterminate in a short time the indigenous races , weak , and totally savage , and repeople the country with inhabitants imported from Europe ; the long distance at which is placed the Indian territory from the metropolis , and especially the invincible resistance , which was naturally offered by a numerous people , amongst whom the higher classes had attained an elevated degree of civilization , compelled the conquerors to avoid all open violence , and prefer indirect , though not mild , means , to obtain this end . “
J H da Cunha Rivara