A History of Agriculture in India v2.c70.s1: Classification of Men
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c70.s1
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Classification of Men
v2.c70.s1.1
Humayun was a poet, and was also interested in mathematics and astronomy. Khondamir states that Humayun had classified people who came into contact with him into three categories, viz. *Ahl-i Daulat* or men of power, *mushaikhs* or intelligentsia, and thirdly entertainers or people of pleasure, the *Ahl-i Murad*. ‘When the auspicious throne of royalty was filled by this dignified and brave monarch,’ states Khondamir, ‘all the officers of the State and inhabitants of the kingdom were divided into three classes. The brothers and relations of the king, the nobles and ministers, as well as the military men, were called *Ahl-i Daulat* (officers of the State), because it is evident that—according to the words, “There can be no dominion without men”—no degree of wealth and prosperity can be attained without the assistance of this class of brave and courageous people; and no one can obtain the throne and power without the aid of warriors and heroes.
v2.c70.s1.2
‘The holy persons, the great *mushaikhs* (religious men), the respectable *saiyids*, the literati, the law officers, the scientific persons, poets, besides other great and respectable men, formed the second class, and were denominated *Ahl-i Sa’adat* (good men), because to observe, honour, and regard these people, and to associate with such men, secures eternal prosperity, and enables men to rise to high dignities and ranks.
v2.c70.s1.3
‘Those who possessed beauty and elegance, those who were young and most lovely, also clever musicians and sweet singers, composed the third class, and the appellation of *Ahl-i Murad* (people of pleasure) was conferred on them, because most people take great delight in the company of such young-looking men, of rosy cheeks and sweet voices, and are pleased by hearing their songs, and the pleasing sound of the musical instruments, such as the harp, the sackbut, and the lute.
v2.c70.s1.4
'According to this classification, the wise King also divided the days of the week and appointed one day for each of these three classes.
v2.c70.s1.5
'Another invention of this King was that he got three arrows of gold made, and called them each after the name of the three classes above mentioned. Each of these was given to one of the most confidential persons of the respective classes, and this person was to manage all the affairs of that class.¹
v2.c70.s1.6
¹ Khondamir, *Humayun-nama*, in Elliot and Dowson, *The History of India*..., Vol. V, pp. 119-122, 124
Cites (1)
- Humāyūnnāma — Gulbadan Bēgam 1587, Persian