Question

Here is an excerpt from a letter written by Aurangzeb to a Jogi in 1661-62: The possessor of the sublime station, Shiv Murat, Guru Anand Nath Jio! May your Reverence remain in peace and happiness ever under the protection of Sri Shiv Jio! … A piece of cloth for the cloak and a sum of twenty-five rupees, which have been sent as an offering, will reach (Your Reverence) … Your Reverence may write to us whenever there is any service which can be rendered by us.

Identify the deity worshipped by the Jogi. Describe the attitude of the emperor towards the Jogi.

Answer 1

1. The Jogi worshipped the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva.
   • This is evident from the text where the Jogi is addressed as the “Shiv Murat” (the embodiment of Shiva) and is wished protection under “Sri Shiv Jio!”
2. Emperor Aurangzeb shows an attitude of deep reverence, respect, and political humility toward the Jogi.
   • High Respect: He uses highly elevated titles to address the Jogi, calling him the “possessor of the sublime station” and addressing him as “Your Reverence.”
   • Generosity: He sends material gifts as a token of respect, explicitly mentioning an offering of a “piece of cloth for the cloak” and a sum of “twenty-five rupees.”
   • Submissiveness: The emperor positions himself as a helper rather than a ruler, asking the Jogi to write to him “whenever there is any service which can be rendered by us.”