The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c5.s5.4

c5.s5.4

Kings and nobles gave large salaries to astrologers. The astrologers prepared horoscopes of princes and the elite. Muslim kings got horoscopes of all princes like Salim, Murad and Daniyal cast by Hindu Pandits.⁵¹ Jotik Ray, the court astrologer of emperor Jahangir used to make correct predictions after reading the kings horoscope. He was once weighed against gold and silver for reward.⁵² There were men and women *Rammals* (soothsayers) and clairvoyants at the court.⁵³ In short, the practice of consulting astrologers was common with high and low. The people never engaged even in the most trifling transaction without consulting them. They read whatever is written in heaven; fix upon the *Sahet*, and solve every doubt by opening the Koran.⁵⁴ No commanding officer is nominated, no marriage takes place, and no journey is undertaken without consulting Monsieur the Astrologer.⁵⁵ Naturally, the astrologers who frequented the court of the grandees are considered by them eminent doctors, and become wealthy.⁵⁶