Words of Wisdom... from the original Akbar

[Shyriath]

As told by Akbar's son, Jahangir, after mentioning relations with his Hindu subjects."On this subject I must however acknowledge, that having on one occasion asked my father why he had forbidden anyone to prevent or interfere with the building of these haunts of idolatry, his reply was in the following terms:'My dear child,' said he, 'I find myself a powerful monarch, the shadow of God upon earth. I have seen that he bestows the blessing of of his gracious providence upon all his creatures without distinction... With all of the human race, with all of God's creatures, I am at peace: why then should I permit myself, under any consideration, to be the cause of molestation or aggression to any one?'Besides, are not five parts in six... either Hindus or aliens to the faith; and were I to be governed by motives of the kind suggested in your inquiry, what alternative can I have but to put them all to death! I have thought it therefore my wisest plan to let these men alone. Neither is it to be forgotten, that the class of whom we are speaking... are usefully engaged, either in the pursuits of science or the arts, or of improvements for the benefit of mankind, and have in numerous instances arrived at the highest distinctions in the state, there being, indeed, to be found in this city men of every description, and of every religion on the face of the earth.'"(Taken from p.102 of The Human Record: Sources of Global History, Volume II, by Andrea Overfield... an old textbook which I am very glad not to have thrown away. )

[Unknown]

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