[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) › 216.1 # The Institutes of Akbar 216.1 The Áín i Akbari (Blochmann, Jarrett) 216.1 - **Language:** English ### [216.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.216.1) His Majesty calls pigeon flying ’ishqbází (love-play). This occupation affords the ordinary run of people a dull kind of amusement; but His Majesty, in his wisdom, makes it a study. He even uses the occupation as a way of reducing unsettled, worldly-minded men to obedience, and avails himself of it as a means productive of harmony and friendship. The amusement which His Majesty derives from the tumbling and flying of the pigeons reminds of the ecstacy and transport of enthusiastic dervishes: he praises God for the wonders of creation. It is therefore from higher motives that he pays so much attention to this amusement. The pigeons of the present age have reached a high state of perfection. Presents of pigeons are sent by the kings of Írán and Túrán; but merchants also bring very excellent ones in large numbers. When His Majesty was very young, he was fond of this amusement; but afterwards, when he grew older and wiser, he discontinued pigeon-flying altogether. But since then, on mature consideration, he has again taken it up. - [Previous: 215](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.215) - [Next: 216.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.216.2) - [Up: 216](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.216) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.216.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.admin.ain-i-akbari~en-blochmann-jarrett.216.1) · Pramāṇa