AURANGAZEB?S LETTER TO HIS TEACHER
Sir! What do you expect from me? Is there any justification in your asking that I, in my
capacity of a famous Muslim ruler, should take you into my court? May be your request would
have been reasonable if you had imparted education to me in proper way. A student, who
receives good education, should respect his teacher as he respects his father. But, what have you
taught me?
Firstly, you taught saying that Europe means a small island called Portugal, that the king of that
country alone is great, in the next position is the king of Holland and then comes the king of
England. You also said the king of the France and Spain are like the petty rulers in our country
and that the King of Hindustan are greater than all those Kings, that they are the emperors who
conquered the whole world and the kings of Persia, Uzbek, Tartar, China, Eastern China, Pegu,
Machina, will shiver at the mere mentioning of the names of Hindustan kings.
Ah! You have taught excellent history and Geography, indeed! Instead, you should have taught
me about the different countries in the world and their varied interests, the strengths and
weaknesses of those kings, their war strategies, their customs, religions, Government policies,
the advantages, History, progress, downfall, what disasters and blunders had led to great changes
and revolutions-you should have taught me all these things. I did not learn anything from you
regarding the great men, who established the Mughal empire. You did not teach me anything
about their life histories. You did not teach about the policies and the strategies that the
Read the passage above and answer the following questions:
a. Why does Aurangzeb refuse to admit his teacher into his court? (2)
b. Why does Aurangzeb think that learning about the history of different countries, their
strengths, and weaknesses is important for a ruler? (3)
c. Describe the tone of the letter writer. (2)
d. Do you agree with Aurangzeb?s opinion of his teacher? Justify your answer by giving