ent of the Punjab, and then
marched, by way of Delhi, to Fatehpur-Sikri. 'He now,' writes the
chronicler, 'remained for some time at Fatehpur, administering
justice, dispensing charity, and arranging public business.'

{128} Apparently he continued to reside there throughout the year
following. Rebellion was still smouldering in Bengal, but the Emperor
was represented there by capable officers who reported constantly to
him, and to whom he as constantly despatched instructions. The
disaffection was not very serious, but it was harassing and
interfered greatly with the collection of the revenues.

The beginning of 1584 found Akbar still at Fatehpur-Sikri. The
principal events of the year were, the pacification of Bengal; the
outbreak and suppression of a rebellion in Gujarat; the revolt of the
ruler of Asirgarh and Burhanpur; disturbances in the Deccan; and the
death of the brother of Akbar, the then ruler of Kabul. The revolts
were put down and a new governor was sent to Kabul. Prosperity
reigned over the empire when the year closed.

Among the firmest of the protected allies of the Emperor was Bhagwan
Das, Raja of Jaipur, who had not only himself rendered splendid
military service to Akbar, but whose nephew, Man Singh, held a very
high command in his armies. At the period at which we have arrived
this Rajput prince was governor of the Punjab. From his family Akbar
now selected a wife for his son, Prince Salim, afterwards the Emperor
Jahangir. The marriage was celebrated at Fatehpur-Sikri, with great
ceremony and amid great rejoicings. Until this reign the Rajput
princes had scornfully rejected the idea of a matrimonial alliance
with princes of the Muhammadan faith. But it was the {129} desire of
Akbar to weld: to carry into action the cardinal principle that
differences of race and religion made no difference in the man. He
had many prejudices to overcome, especially on the part of the Rajput
princes, and to the last he could not conquer the obstinate
resistance of the Rana of Mewar.

The others were more complaisant. They recognised in Akbar the
founder of a set of principles such as had never been heard before in
India. In his eyes merit was merit, whether evinced by a Hindu prince
or by an Uzbek Musalman. The race and creed of the meritorious man
barred neither his employment in high positions nor his rise to
honour. Hence, men like Bhagwan Das, Man Singh, Todar Mall, and
others, found that they enjoyed a consi