Akbar and the Sikhs
The complaint against the Granth
Rivals tell Akbar that the scripture insults Islam. Bhai Buddha and Bhai Gurdas read it to him and he makes an offering.
In the Encyclopaedia's telling, opponents complained to Akbar that the book spoke against Islam and other faiths. He called for it while camped at Batala, and Guru Ji sent Bhai Buddha and Bhai Gurdas with the volume. Akbar pointed to a place, the book was opened at random, and the hymn read out praised God, and the others tried did the same. He gave 51 gold mohars for the Granth and robes of honour for the two Sikhs and Guru Ji.
Macauliffe tells this with Chandu as the instigator, and has him insist that someone else who could read Gurmukhi should check the reading.
How do we know?
The sources conflict on this story, or scholars doubt it.
The 1596-97 date comes before the Granth was finished in 1604, unless it refers to material in progress. No Mughal source for this was found in the sources read.
- ScholarshipPlaces Akbar at Batala and says the visit to Goindwal came earlier.[EoS]
- ScholarshipInstead has Bhai Gurdas recite to Akbar at Kartarpur in 1596-97, with Prithi Chand behind the complaint.[EoS]
- Later traditionPlaces the complaint at Gurdaspur and blames Chandu.[Macauliffe]
- ScholarshipDates Akbar's stay at Batala to 1605.[Gupta]
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