The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c16.54

v4.c16.54

The gross inefficiency of Vazīr Khān compelled Akbar to recall him, and in September Shihāb-ud-dīn Ahmad Khān was transferred from the government of Mālwā to that of Gujarāt. Akbar was now at Ajmer, whence he marched, by Merta and Nārnaul, to the Punjab, occupied on the way by the issue of regulations for the reform of the administration of the imperial mints. At Nārnaul he lodged with the saintly Shaikh Nizām-ud-dīn, “a *Sūfī* who had attained the first stage of recognition of God, had overcome his desires, and had acquired complete hope in God’s mercy”,¹ but he was disappointed, when he attempted to lure the Shaikh into the paths of vague speculation in which he himself was wandering, to find that he was a staunch Muslim. Akbar had already assumed the character of a spiritual guide, for since leaving Ajmer he had rated Todar Mal for what Abu-’l-Fazl styles his “bigotry and prejudice”. In the hurry of departure the images before which the Hīndu was wont to perform his morning devotions had been mislaid, and he would neither eat, sleep nor work until he could perform his devotions after his rule. According to Abu-’l-Fazl Todar Mal’s “good fortune” led him to give ear to his master’s advice and he returned to his work.