History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c40.s5.11

v3.c40.s5.11

In utter scorn for such hypocrisy, Shah Jahan taunted Aurangzib with being a robber of other people’s property, while professing to be a true Musalman. The prince defended his conduct in a lofty strain of idealism: “You have written that it is contrary to the Muslim faith to seize another’s property. Know that the royal property and treasures exist for the good of the people……A kingdom is not a hereditary private property. The king is merely God’s elected custodian and trustee of His money for the good of the subjects.”