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Akbar the Great Mughal
Aug 22 2007 | Views 313 |
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From the book 'Akbar and the Jesuits' pg 8-9 and 12-12 by Father Pierre Du Jarric. (Note that Jesuit missionaries had arrived at Akbar's court at his request and hence the information they provide us with is first hand information about what they have themselves observed):
Akbar possessed an alert and discerning mind; he was a man of sound judgement, prudent in affairs, and, above all, kind, affable, and generous. With these qualities he combined the courage of those who undertake and carry out great enterprises. He could be friendly and genial in his intercourse with others, without losing the dignity befitting the person of a king. He seemed to appreciate virtue, and to be well disposed towards foriegners, particuarly Christians...
He was interested in, and curious to learn about many things, and possessed an intimate knowledge not only of military and political matters, but of many of the mechanical arts. He took delight in watching the casting of pieces of artillery , and in his own palace kept workmen constantly employed in the manufacture of guns and arms of various descriptions.
In short, he was well informed on a great variety of matters, and could discourse on the laws of many sects, for this was a subject of which he had made a special study....He enjoyed entering into debate with learned doctors. He always entertained at his court a dozen or so of such men, who propounded many questions in his presence. To their discussions, now on one subject, now on another, and particularly to the stories they narrated, he was a willing listener.
Akbar was by temperament melancholy...so that to divert his mind, he had recourse to various forms of amusement...he amused himself with elephants and camels that had been trained to dance to the tune of certain musical instruments, and to perform other strange feats...He was also fond of watching fencing bouts... But in the midst of these diversions--and this is a very remarkable thing--he continued to give his attention to affairs of the state, even to matters of grave importance...
The king of whom we are speaking made it his particular care that in every case justice should be strictly observed. He was nevertheless, cautious in the infliction of punishment, especially the punishment of death. In no city where he resided could any person be put to death until the execution warrant had been submitted to him, some say, as many as three times. His punishments were not ordinarily cruel...
In brief the light of clemency and mildness shone from this prince, even upon those who offended against his own person. He twice pardoned an officer high in his service, who had been convicted of treason and conspiracy, graciously restoring him to favor and office. But when the same officer so far forgot himself as to repeat his offence a third time, he sentenced him to death...
Akbar seldom lost his temper. If he did so, he fell into a violent passion; but his wrath was never of long duration. Before engaging in any important undertaking, he used to consult the members of his council; but he made up his own mind, adopting whatever course seemed to him the best....If anyone expressed an adverse opinion, he would listen patiently, answer his objections, and point out the reasons for his own decision. Sometimes, in view of the objections pointed out to him, he changed the plans he had made...
This is what we have been able to ascertain about the Great Mughal and his state.
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