[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Mughals (1526–1857)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal) › [Akbar (1556–1605)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar) › [Akbarnāma](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.akbarnama) › [The Akbarnama (H. Beveridge), vols. I–II](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.akbarnama~en-beveridge) › 328.3.4 # The Book of Akbar 328.3.4 The Akbarnama (H. Beveridge), vols. I–II 328.3.4 - **Language:** English ### [328.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.akbarnama~en-beveridge.328.3.4) One great marvel was that at the time when the expedition started from Jalandhar for the conquest of India, and the extirpation of Hēmū, an order was given one day to the master of the ordnance to prepare fireworks as a treat to the soldiers, and that among other things they should make an image of Hēmū, fill it with gunpowder, and set it on fire. The workmen quickly prepared a pyrotechnic display (gulzār-i-ātish, lit., a rosegarden of fire), and they brought the image of Hēmū there and set it on fire. In appearance it was simply keen amusement, in reality it was extinguishing a malevolent life. Certes, it is fitting that one who does such great deeds under the guise of sport and fun should, men being what they are, retire behind a veil and not show his spiritual beauty and that in his work he should appear as if unconcerned. Assuredly and incontestably there was no such masterpiece on the occasions when former great-hearted, nobly-born ones formed the design of conquering India and did great deeds. This will be evident on a little consideration to those who know ancient history. For on none of those former occasions was there a ruler of India, possessed of such courage, enterprize, and plan (as Hēmū). On the contrary they were backward in the management of their own dominions. It was otherwise with this virile spirit, he was ever meditating the conquest of distant climes and kept hidden in his heart the designs of great expeditions. - [Previous: 328.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.akbarnama~en-beveridge.328.3.3) - [Next: 328.3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.akbarnama~en-beveridge.328.3.5) - [Up: 328.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.akbarnama~en-beveridge.328.3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.akbarnama~en-beveridge.328.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.akbarnama~en-beveridge.328.3.4) · Pramāṇa