India, May 25 -- If the Chandala, i.e., untouchable, hears the Veda, then molten lead must be poured into his ears; if he recites the Veda, then his tongue should be cut off; if he memorises Veda, then his body must be cut into two parts (Gautama D S 12.4-6; Atri Samhita 1.19; Skanda Purana V.iii.200.6; Brihaspati Smriti 20.12).

O Hindu,

For six thousand years, You have said: You are not, Except as our shadow, Our broom, our drain. Our enemy. Our example of what not to be.

You lined up the scriptures Like barbed wire: Varna, ashraf, ajlaf Chatur varna sadism, Islamic cruelty, A whole metaphysics Built to convince the world That some souls Are born closer to god/Allah, And some are Born sewage.

Hindus and Muslims drew on purity Into t...