Monk and Monarch

Author(s): Vidyavijay
Publisher: Deepchand Banthia

Page 42

15
of musk among his men and said, "I have nothing else to give to you. I therefore offer you this fragrance of musk. May my son's same spread far and wide like the fragrance of this musk."
Scholars are divided about the birthdate of Akbar. Some say that he was born on Sunday, the 15th of October, 1542. But Vincent Smith says that he was born on Thursday, the 23rd of November, 1542; but later on the 15th of October was declared as his birthdate. So also his name was changed from Badaruddin Muhammad Akbar to Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar. His authority for the above statement is that Humayun's trustworthy man Jauhar, who was present at the time of naming the son, has noted in his diary the above date and name. But Akbar's birthdate is generally known and accepted to be the 15th of October, 1542 and his name to be Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar.
Akbar was the grandson of Babar and was seventh in gəneration from Taimur Lang. He was, thus, a Turk from his paternal side.
Humayun had arranged for Akbar's training when he was five years old. His first teacher did not teach him the three R's, but tought him to catch and fly pigeons. Four teachers were changed; but Akbar learned nothing. It is said that even up to the last he had not learnt even to write his name. Some scholars say that he was able to write and read; but others say he had no such knowledge. But Akbar had keen intellect, and even without being able to read and write he used to take keen interest in all the discussions with the learned. He used to make others read out to him, and thus he had several poems by heart. His favourite poets were Hafiz and Jalaluddin Rumi; and it was due to their influence that he did not become a fanatic.
But due to the uncertain fortune of his father, Akbar had to suffer great hardship in his childhood. Humayun soon quarrelled with his patron, the king of Amarkot, and then left Amarkot. He went to Gandhar, where his brother Kamran was the king. Kamran and Askari tried to capture Humayun and his family; but Humayun was able to run away with his wife, leaving, however, Akbar behind him. Askari took away the child and entrusted him to his wife.