The Book of Akbar 312.3

312.3

We found in these almanacs (aurāq-i-kulpatra) that they have calculated the beginning of the lunar month from the opposition (of sun and moon) that is, from the season of advancing darkness! In the Hindi language this is called Kishnpacc. So those darkened ones, out of pure formalism, ignorance, and excessive eccentricity and error, have based their month upon darkness! In addition to the fact that the folly of this empty and baseless arrangement is too clear for argument, it has been reported to us by orthodox religious teachers of this people, and has been shown by them from their old authoritative books, that in the time of the ancients the lunar month began with the lighting up of the side of the moon which is towards us, and which is called in their tongue Shuklpacc; and that this rational practice ceased from the time of Bikramājīt, on account of the prevalence of the heterodox and of the disorder and confusion which then existed. The propriety of making the first of the month coincide with the beginning of the emergence of light is one of the clearest first principles. Accordingly, an order has been promulgated that astrologers, almanac-makers, and casters of horoscopes, throughout our territories, shall base their calendars on the pure method of the Shuklpacc. As a precautionary measure, and in order to make things simple and easy, a calendar was prepared and sealed with the sacred seal, and was sent by us so that they might take it as a model.