Digital Rare Book:
A Vindication of Aurangzeb
By Sadiq Ali of Kapurthala
Published in Kapurthala - 1916

Read Book Online:

http://bit.ly/PJ3hlq

Download pdf Book:

http://bit.ly/U0cffy

Excerpts from the Preface:

"My object in writing this essay is to caution students of the history of the Indian Mughals against credulity in regard to European historians, who have certainly made gross and unpardonable mistakes when describing events and making comments in their histories of India, particularly those portions treating of Aurangzeb's reign."

"It is not perhaps out of place to tell my readers that I was as much prejudiced against Aurangzeb as any Indian schoolboy could be, until a few years back. I had in fact imbibed all my notions on this subject from current Indian histories written by foreign authors."

"Then came a special opportunity and inclination to study history from the original Persian works, and from as many works of foreign authors on the subject as I could procure. As my natural turn of mind is what is termed as free-thinking-- for which people often blame me-- I am averse to unquestioned obedience to 'authorities' on matters in which I have an opportunity of making independent inquiries. I always take facts, evidence, and intuition for my guide in forming opinions and passing judgments. On studying the above-mentioned books and patiently reflecting on what they taught, I was surprised to find them running counter to all my preconceived ideas of Aurangzeb's life and character. This was to me a revelation, so I wished to communicate it to others;"

- Sadiq Ali of Kapurthala, The Punjab- September, 1916


Image:
Emperor Aurangzeb; reverse: calligraphic panel
A.H. 1028/ A.D. 1619

Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
H: 29.6 W: 20.1 cm
India

Copyright © 2012 Smithsonian Institution