History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c85.s6.28

v5.c85.s6.28

Man-worship of the grossest form degraded the character of the masses. Besides the adoration of *gurus* and *mohants* by Hindus and Sikhs, the Muslims, equally with the members of those two creeds, venerated saints and religious mendicants, and besought them to work miracles, and give them amulets spells or marvellous medicines. * Pre-tended magicians did a roaring trade in these things, as well as in the philosopher's stone,—being patronised by the nobles as well as the common people. Alchemy was believd to be a science and men of the highest status and education supported and encouraged the professors of this art, even undertaking to introduce them to the Emperor.