[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [State papers](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin) › [Āʾīn-i Akbarī](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari) › [The Ain i Akbari (Blochmann, Jarrett)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett) › 119 # The Institutes of Akbar 119: AIN 69. · THE MULE STABLES. The Áín i Akbari (Blochmann, Jarrett) 119 - **Language:** English ### [119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.119) The mule possesses the strength of a horse, and the patience of an ass; and though it has not the intelligence of the former, it has not the stupidity of the latter. It never forgets the road which it has once travelled. Hence it is liked by His Majesty, whose practical wisdom extends to every thing, and the breeding is encouraged. It is the best animal for carrying burdens, and travelling over uneven ground, and has a very soft step. People generally believe that the male ass couples with a mare, but the opposite connexion also is known to take place, as mentioned in the books of antiquity. The mule resembles its dam. His Majesty had a young ass coupled with a mare, and they produced a very fine mule. In many countries just princes prefer travelling about on a mule; and people can therefore easily lay their grievances before them, without inconveniencing the traveller. Mules are only bred in Hindustan in Pak’hali, and its neighbourhood. The simple inhabitants of this country used to look upon mules as asses, and thought it derogatory to ride upon them; but in consequence of the interest which His Majesty takes in this animal, so great a dislike is now nowhere to be found. Mules are chiefly imported from ’Iráq i ’Arab and ’Iráq i ’Ajam. Very superior mules are often sold at Rs. 1,000 per head. Like camels, they are formed into qatdrs of five, and have the same names, except the second mule of each qatár, which is called bardast, \[instead of peshdarah, vide Aín 61, end\]. Mules reach the age of fifty. - [Previous: 118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.118) - [Next: 120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.120) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.119) · Pramāṇa