Akbar and the Jain Rock Temples

A Baltimore exhibit brings together three moments in Islamic history when religious tolerance and exchange were the order of the day. Abul Fazl, the chronicler of Akbar is one of figures represented.

Abu'l Fazl wrote a biography of Akbar, and the illustrations of the book highlight the first rooms of the exhibit. Wall texts report that as Akbar's military expanded into western India, his court became familiar with the observances and devotional objects of the Hindu, Jain and Christian inhabitants.

His response was admirable, given the Koranic ban on representations of the deity in temples.

During a campaign in the 1590s, Akbar discovered that some Jain idols carved into a mountain had been "disfigured by ill-intentioned people." The aggrieved king's response: "Whatever perfect, virtuous, wise person repairs these idols, to him I will give as much wealth as he desires from my treasury."

I have highlighted the above because of the wholesale destruction of "so called" Un Islamic monuments that ISIS is doing in Iraq. They are destroying the heritage of mankind. Taliban did the same when they dynamited the famous Banyan Buddhist rock temples.

That is why the views of Akbar makes for such a pleasant change.

Originally posted by: melovesja

Tfs

Akber's thought , tolerance and high regard towards other religions make him king of hearts and we salute him for preserving the heritage in his regime which many cannot do in morden days. If people read akber nama then they understand about tolerance and secularism.

Originally posted by: sharmacatty

Tfs!!