Indian Painting under the Mughals, A.D. 1550 to A.D. 1750 c15.10

c15.10

Jahangir has suffered much from being measured by extraneous standards, but, regarded broadly, he was a typical example of a good Oriental despot. He had many faults, although when weighed in the balance his virtues more than turn the scale. After his own manner he was a fair administrator, as the empire continued to flourish under his benign rule; and, owing to his peaceful disposition, war, in its aggressive aspect, did not form any part of his policy. In his earnest and determined desire to do justice he endeared himself to all classes, and this was the key-note of his popularity throughout his entire reign. His method in this connexion was one of almost unvarying clemency, but when he struck, as he did at times, his punishments were swift and terrible—so terrible that the mind recoils in horror, and they were carried out with a publicity which left no doubt as to their intention—it made his people realize that their destiny was in his keeping; that while his desire was to show mercy, he also held their lives and happiness in his hands. In his manners he was singularly attractive. He was courteous and considerate to those who sought him in audience, but he was a victim of inconstancy, for as one who suffered wrote, ‘there can be no dealing with this king upon sure terms, who will say and unsay, promise and deny’.¹ His religious views are not easily defined. In spite of his birth he professed to be an orthodox Sunni, but he did not always conform to the tenets of this sect. This is most noticeable in the the Roman world, and the most important events of the reign of Antoninus Pius, are related by his biographer, and the reader will not be sorry to find them here in a more concise form. The reign of Antoninus Pius is marked by the rare advantage of furnishing very few materials for history; which is only another mode of saying that its happiness was complete. During the twenty-three years of his administration, the Roman empire was governed by the same invariable maxims of justice and peace. The natives of a vast extent of country were protected by the same laws, and enjoyed the same privileges. The frontiers were defended by the same legions, and the same spirit of moderation and equity prevailed in the councils of the emperor. The death of Antoninus was lamented as a public calamity; and the memory of his virtues was preserved by the gratitude of his subjects, and the imitation of his successor.