Why did Kashiram get into a violent fight with robbers over what was just a bag of sugar?

The confrontation between Kashiram and the robbers was about more than just sugar. As explained in Chapter 0, Kashiram was carrying that bundle of powdered sugar because he was following the advice of a saint, Janakidas Baba, to feed ants. The text states that this bundle was 'very dear to him,' indicating its spiritual importance. When the thieves, thinking the bundle contained treasure, tried to take it, Kashiram's protective reaction was intense. He decided he would not let it go, and when a thief dropped a sword, Kashiram used it to defend his sacred duty, ultimately killing two of the assailants before being struck down himself.