Though in the beginning of his rule Jahangir followed the humanistic rule
of his father Akbar the great -the policy of sulehkul even issued a
proclamation against the forcible conversion of Hindus to Islam, he revoked
Akbar's orders that those who have been forcibly converted from Islam could
return to Hinduism. He severely punished Kaukab, Sharif and Abdul Latif for
showing inclination to Hinduism. He also prohibited the free inter-marriage
customs between Hindus and Muslims in Kashmir. Hindus marrying Muslim girls
and those who had already married were given a hoice between Islam and
death. Many were killed.
Jahangir's
torture of Guru Arjun Dev ji:
Guru was imprisoned at
Lahore fort. He was chained to
a post in an open place exposed to the sun from morning to evening in the
summer months of May to June. Below his feet a heap of sand was put which
burnt like a furnace. Boiling water was poured on his naked body at
intervals. His body was covered with blisters all over. In this agony Guru
used to utter.
Tera Kiya Metha lage, naam padarath
Nanak mange(whatever you ordain appears sweet. I
supplicate for the gift of name)
The Guru was ordercd to be executed. In
addition a fine of Rupees two lakhs was imposed on him. Some historians say
that, as a measure of clemency at the intervention of Mian Mir, this fine
was imposed in lieu of the sentence of death. The Sikhs offered to pay the
fine themselves but the Guru forbade them to do so. He replied to the
Emperor,
"Whatever money I have is for
the poor, the friendless and the stranger. If thou ask for money thou mayest
take what I have; but if thou ask for it by way of fine, I shall not give
thee even a Kaurz (penny)." The Guru accepted death by torture.
Jahangir
(1605 C.E. - 1628 C.E.)
