Beheading of Dara

“During the time that Aurangzeb was in Kashmir his usual diversion was going out to hunt, of which he was always very fond. It happened once that, tired out, he sat down in the shade of a tree, having with him only one huntsman  a great favorite, who had formerly served Dara in the same capacity. They held together conversation on various subjects, and encouraged thereby, the huntsman asked Aurangzeb why he ordered Dara’s head to be cut off. Such a question put the royal person into some fear, and so he answered that it was his (Dara’s) ill luck. Then, rising, he made for the palace, where he commanded that his huntsman should never again appear in his presence. The mere sight of the man acted as a reproof for his unjust deed. “

~ Storia do Mogor; or, Mogul India 1653-1708; (1907) by Niccolò Manucci (1638 – 1715).

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Abanindranath Tagore’s Aurangzeb Examining the Head of Dara. Around 1908.

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