Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s4.69

c7.s4.69

The Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to go very far in regulating the use of drinks. He personally believed that moderate drinking was positively good, provided a person consulted a physician and took due care of his health; further, that such drinking did not lead to the commission of a public nuisance. The Emperor therefore ordered public bars to be opened under official supervision. There was a fixed rate of charges and a register of the particulars of sale to satisfy the State that proper regard was being paid to the health of the people and their public behaviour. Other bars were opened for common drunkards where probably fewer restrictions were enforced. This was the measure of a statesman and administrator, and as such, was naturally misunderstood by narrow-minded theologians.²