King Pratapaditya of Kashmir was comparable to Indra

Sham S. Misri
King Pratapaditya of Kashmir also known as (Durlabhaka) 637-687 A.D. The virtuous Durlabhaka was comparable to Indra. He ruled for fifty years. 
An Anecdote
The king had a rich minister who built a village for the" habitation of the Brahmans. This powerful king built a beautiful town named Pratapapura where merchants from many places came and settled. Among them was Nona who built Nonamatha for the habitation of the Brahmans. The king was pleased with him, and invited him; and. the merchant passed with him a day and a night amidst entertainments befitting a king. In the morning the king asked how he was, the merchant complained of headache on account of the smoke of the lamp that was burning in his room. Afterwards, the king was invited by the merchant. The king saw that a rich stone, instead, of a lamp, lighted his room. Astonished at the luxury and riches of the merchant, and being well entertained by his host, the king stayed there for two or three days.
During this period the king saw the beautiful wife of the merchant. She being alone in the house, the king felt a desire for her. On the other hand the lady's female attendant pointed out the king to her, and she also became hooked of the king. This mutual love might have sprung up as a consequence of the love that existed between them in their previous birth. He hid for a short time behind a pillar, she gazed on the king, and as she went away she frequently looked behind on him. The king returned to his capital, but his constant and anxious thoughts of her made him lean. Though he often rebuked himself, and reasoned with himself, it was all of no avail. The king thought in the heart of hearts, “what a sinful affection has grown up in my heart! How powerful is love, that it overcomes reason, and reigns in the heart alone! As a king, I should be afraid of bad deeds, but what sinful temptations have come across me! If the king robs another man’s wife, who shall punish the guilty?" Thus reasoning he could neither leave the path of virtue, nor forget the lady. The king's health gave way, and he was on the point of death. When the merchant heard from the people the cause of the king's ill health, he privately advised his ruler. Now that he was reduced to that state, virtue should no longer oppose his will, for when life is in danger; there is nothing that should not be done. In such a state even learned men, whose opinion is authority, have yielded. Life should not be forsaken for reputation, for when a man dies, fame is at an end, “king," continued the merchant, " you need not respect me, for your benefit I can give up my life, why not then, an object of pleasure? If' even now you refuse, to accept the offer, I shall send her as a dancing girl, for she dances well, and then you can accept her." Thus urged by the merchant and by his own affection, the king, much abashed, accepted the lady.

A (Batah) Hindu holy man

A (Batah) Hindu holy man

There was once a very brave and courageous holy man. He prayed to man for justice. He had a very high opinion of himself to ask for grace also. “Only give me my deserts,” he said, “and I shall fare all right.”

This good man once dined with a friend, and according to custom placed the remainder of his dinner within his wrapping cloth (Tshadar). On the way home it happened that the rice and vegetables were changed into a human head and a knife, both of which were saturated with blood that dropped upon the road as he walked along.

A policeman observed this.  He came closer and enquired about the matter. The policeman told him what was in the wrapping cloth. The holy man without any hesitation opened his wrap, and lo! There was a human head and a knife.

The pious man was immediately caught and sent to police lock up. On the next day the court sent him a notice. The poor pious man was taken to the judge were many had assembled.  There was a lot of excitement.

The case was tried and the whole evidence was against the poor man. The judge considered the case patiently and for long hours. At last finding no way out by which he could possibly acquit the poor prisoner, he was about to pronounce the sentence of death upon him, when there came from the heaven the sound of a voice saying, “The man is not guilty, let him go free.”

Ever afterwards this man asked for grace also, when he prayed.

Batah miskeen, na duniya te nah din.

The poor Hindu has neither the world nor the religion. The Mohammadans quote this saying.

The Batahas of valley would not touch garlic or onion.