Mughal Administration c12.s5.1

c12.s5.1

The tradition of the Emperor being the spiritual guide of the people and of his initiating personal disciples, continued in Aurangzib's reign, though that Emperor attracted men by his reputation for strict orthodoxy, ascetic rigour of life and power of working miracles, for which he was called *Alamgir*, *zinda pir* or 'Alamgir the living saint.' In 1690, when the Emperor was encamped at Badri on the bank of the Krishna, Salabat Khan the *Bir-i-tuzuk* presented to him in the court of justice a man, who said, "I have come from the far-off land of Bengal, wishing to be your Majesty's disciple. I hope that you will favour me by granting my desire." Aurangzib smiled a sarcastic smile and gave the Khan about Rs. 100 in cash and some bits of gold and silver to be presented to the man, saying, "Tell him that the favour he is really expecting from me is *this*!" The man flung the money away and threw himself into the river. He was rescued by the Court attendants.