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the merciful deeds of the Emperor.) He used to recite these verses in the presence of the Emperor, who always held a high opinion about him. When Sānticandra started for Gujarāt in 1587A.D., the Emperor issued farmāns prohibiting the slaughter of animals, and proclaiming the abolition of the Jaziā tax (a tax levied on Hindus). For six months out of the year, animal-slaughter was prohibited. The six month consisted of the previous 12 days which include 8days of Paryusanā, the Naoroz day all Sundays, days of Sophian Id, equinoxes, the month of his birth, days of Mihira, the month of Rajab, and the birth-days of his sons."
In support of this, we find in Al-Badaoni, (p.321, Blochman) :- “In these days (991 H. E.- 1583 A. D. and thereafter) new orders were given. The killing of animals on certain days was forbidden, as on Sundays, because this day is sacred to the Sun; during the first eighteen days of the month Farwardin; the whole month of Aban (the month in which His Majesty was born) and on several other days, to please the Hindus. This order was extended over the whole realm, and capital punishment was inflicted on every one who acted against the command. Many a family was ruined, and his property confiscated.” (Lowe).
The term “Hindus" in the extract above means "Jainas”, because Jaina only made endeavours to preach and practise the prevention of animal-slaughter.
Akbar fasted during these days. Abul Fazl says: -“During the time of these fasts, His Majesty abstained altogether from meat, as religious penance, gradually extending the several fasts during a year over six months and even more, with a view to eventually discontinuing the use of meat altogether." Aine Akbari, Vol. I, p. 200).
Mr. Vincent Smith, in his "Akbar”p. 167, says:-“Akbar's action in abstaining almost wholly from eating meat and in issuing stringent prohibitions resembling those of Asoka, restricting to the narrowest possible limits the destruction of animal life, certainly was taken in obedience to the doctrine of his Jain teachers."
Šānticandra went to Gujarāt, leaving Bhānucandra in his place. 3. Bhānucandra
Bhānucandra and his pupil Siddhicandra continued to stay at Court during the remaining part of Akbar's life and during the rule of Jahāngir also. Bhānucandra had accompanied Akbar to Kāśmir. While the Emperor was strolling on the banks of the lake named Jayanal Lankā, he requested
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