~Sikhs.~--Notwithstanding heavy losses by plague Sikhs have increased by 37 p.c. A great access of zeal has led to many more Sikhs becoming _Kesdharis_. _Sajhdharis_ or _Munas_, who form over one-fifth of the whole Sikh community, were in 1901 classed as Hindus. They are followers of Baba Nanak, cut their hair, and often smoke. When a man has taken the "_pahul_," which is the sign of his becoming a _Kesdhari_ or follower of Guru Govind, he must give up the _hukka_ and leave his hair unshorn. The future of Sikhism is with the _Kesdharis_. [Illustration: Fig. 39. Mosque in Lahore City.] ~Muhammadans.~--In the eastern districts the conversions to Islam were political, and Hindu and Muhammadan Rajputs live peaceably together in the same village. The Musalmans have their mosque for the worship of Allah, but were, and are still, not quite sure that it is prudent wholly to neglect the godlings. The conversion of the western Panjab was the result largely of missionary effort. _Piri muridi_ is a great institution there. Every man should be the "_murid_" or pupil of some holy man or _pir_, who combines the functions in the Roman Catholic Church of spiritual director in this world and the saint in heaven. The _pir_ may be the custodian of some little saint's tomb in a village, or of some great shrine like that of Baba Farid at Pakpattan, or Bahawal Hakk at Multan, or Taunsa Sharif in Dera Ghazi Khan, or Golra in Rawalpindi. His own holiness may be more official than personal. About 1400 A.D. the Kashmiris were offered by their Sultan Sikandar the choice between conversion and exile, and chose the easier alternative. Like the western Panjabis they are above all things saint-worshippers. The ejaculations used to stimulate effort show this. The embankment builder in the south-western Panjab invokes the holy breath of Bahawal Hakk, and the Kashmiri boatman's cry "Ya Pir, dast gir," "Oh Saint, lend me a hand," is an appeal to their national saint. ~Effect of Education.~--The Musalmans of the western Panjab have a great dislike to Sikhs, dating from the period of the political predominance of the latter. So far the result of education has been to accentuate religious differences and animosities. Both Sikhs and Musalmans are gradually dropping ideas and observances retained in their daily life after they ceased to call themselves Hindus. On the other hand, within the Hindu fold laxity is now the rule rather than the exception, and the neglect of the old ritual and restrictions is by no means confined to the small but influential reforming minority which calls itself Arya Samaj. ~Christians.~--The number of Christians increased threefold between 1901 and 1911. The Presbyterian missionaries have been especially successful in attracting large numbers of outcastes into the Christian Church. [Illustration: Fig. 40. God and Goddess, Chamba.]