Article Review of Jahāngīr's Vow of Non-Violence by Ellison B. Findly
Within Jahāngīr's Vow of Non-Violence by Ellison B. Findly, we find an argument not for some broad unrecognized period in Jahangir's life, but for a glimpse of personal development that focuses on the importance of non-violence not only in regards to people but animals hunted for sport as well. Ellison Findly points to a vow made by Jahangir in 1618 where he proclaims, “Sixteen or seventeen years ago I had vowed with my God at Allahabad that when I reached fifty I would give up shooting with gun and bullet, and would injure no living thing with my own hand."[247] This vow is the central focus of the article and is the foundation that leads to Findly's main argument that in his own words is, “a pivotal component in the development of his personality …show more content…
It seems as though Findly feels that many other authors write of Jhangir as a brash or severe ruler, and don’t focus on his acts of kindness or promotion of non-violence. While there isn’t a sense of extensive criticism towards other scholars, I feel that Ellison Findly views Jhangir as a misportrayed historical figure, at least in some respects. One such area of emphasis where non-violence is present is when pointing out various gestures focused towards Jainism. Findly uses the examples of policies during Jahangir's reign including an act in, “1608, by Emperor Jahangir ordering new work on Jain temples and resting-places, allowing them to visit their Shatrunjaya Tirtha tax free, and prohibiting animal slaughter on certain days.”[253] This principle of of non-violence that was prevalent within Jainism seems to be a motivating factor in how Jhangir dealt with his feeling of guilt or remorse as they appear to have implications dealing with his father
Within Jahāngīr's Vow of Non-Violence by Ellison B. Findly, we find an argument not for some broad unrecognized period in Jahangir's life, but for a glimpse of personal development that focuses on the importance of non-violence not only in regards to people but animals hunted for sport as well. Ellison Findly points to a vow made by Jahangir in 1618 where he proclaims, “Sixteen or seventeen years ago I had vowed with my God at Allahabad that when I reached fifty I would give up shooting with gun and bullet, and would injure no living thing with my own hand."[247] This vow is the central focus of the article and is the foundation that leads to Findly's main argument that in his own words is, “a pivotal component in the development of his personality …show more content…
It seems as though Findly feels that many other authors write of Jhangir as a brash or severe ruler, and don’t focus on his acts of kindness or promotion of non-violence. While there isn’t a sense of extensive criticism towards other scholars, I feel that Ellison Findly views Jhangir as a misportrayed historical figure, at least in some respects. One such area of emphasis where non-violence is present is when pointing out various gestures focused towards Jainism. Findly uses the examples of policies during Jahangir's reign including an act in, “1608, by Emperor Jahangir ordering new work on Jain temples and resting-places, allowing them to visit their Shatrunjaya Tirtha tax free, and prohibiting animal slaughter on certain days.”[253] This principle of of non-violence that was prevalent within Jainism seems to be a motivating factor in how Jhangir dealt with his feeling of guilt or remorse as they appear to have implications dealing with his father