Page 47 - SST Class 07

It is for these magnificent achievements that a diamond as great, in the middle an emerald.
Akbar is called Akbar the Great. Through his His sash was wreathed about with chain of Great
wise policies, he provided a strong foundation for pearls, rubies and diamonds. About his neck he
the Mughal Empire. carried a chain of most excellent pearlsm, rubies
Mughal Court and diamonds. At his elbow, armlets with dia-
mond and on his wrists three rows of several
Sir Thomas Roe was an emissary from James-I
stones.”
of England. The East India Company wanted
concessions from the mughals. So, they sent two Foreign travellers missionaries and merchants
ambassadors – Captain William Hawkins and Sir who visited India in the 16th, 17th and early
Thomas Roe to Jahangir’s court. He was dazzled 18th centuries have left a detailed account of the
to see the pomp and splendour of the Mughal- reigns of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. The most
Court. Here is a description given by him, when well-known is Bernier, who wrote ‘Travels in the
he saw Jahangir in cerenonial attire - “The Mughal Empire (1656-58).’ He was equally
emperor’s belt was of gold, his buckler and sword impressed — ‘I doubt whether any other mon-
were set all over with great diamonds and rubies. arch possesses more of the species of wealth i.e.,
On his head, he wore a rich turban with plume of silver …. ’.
herne tops, not many but long, one side pung a The other are Tavernier – Travels in India
ruby unselft, as big as a walnut, on the other side (1640-67) and Manucci’s – Storia do Mogor.

Terminology

Heritage : property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance
Conqueror : a person who conquers a place or people; a vanquisher
Artillery : large-calibre guns used in warfare on land
Testimony : a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law
Alliance : a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or
organisations
Mausoleum : a stately or impressive building housing a tomb or group of tombs

Inside Story
Inside Story
g In India, the Mughal Empire was one of the greatest empires ever.

g The decisive encounter with the sultan, Ibrahim Lodi, took place on the historic battlefield of
Panipat on April 21, 1526.

g Sher Shah Suri (1540-1545) was an Afghan leader who took over the Mughal Empire after
defeating Humayun in 1540.

g Akbar had three hundred wives including some who were Hindus.
g Akbar gradually asserted his independence and freed himself for the domination of his
guardian Bairam Khan.
g Aurangzeb ascended the throne in 1658 and ruled supreme till 1707.

Social Science-7 47