The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c19.30

v4.c19.30

Aurangzīb had claimed the throne as the champion of pure Islām against the heretical practices and opinions of Dārā Shukoh. Soon after his grand coronation (June, 1659), he issued a number of ordinances for restoring the orthodox rules of conduct taught by the *Qurān*. He abolished his ancestors’ practices of stamping the *kalima* (the Muslim *credo*) on their coins and of observing the *naurūz* or New Year’s day of the pagan Persians; forbade the cultivation of *bhang* (*Cannabis indica*) throughout his realm; and appointed a censor of public morals (*Muhtasib*) in every large city to enforce the Prophet’s laws and put down forbidden practices, such as drinking, gambling and the illicit commerce of the sexes. The punishment of heretical opinions, blasphemy and omission of the five daily prayers or of the Ramazān fast by Muslims lay within the province of this officer.