What is it about?
In an age when astrology was still seen as a science, the Mughal emperors of India included detailed discussions of their horoscopes to prove that they were born as masters of the world. A close look at these passages reveals, however, that the interpretations are adapted to meet this aim, and in ways that do not impress any astrologer. It follows that the Mughals used astrology as an instrument of propaganda for the common public and did not care much for using the scientific standards of their time.
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Why is it important?
This article examines the prominent role of astrology in the Mughal emperors' official representation, especially of those that have left us extensive chronicles: Akbar and Shah Jahan (whose chronicles are still unedited and largely not translated). It therefore contributes to the general understanding of Mughal imperial ideology, and will also be interesting for researchers of Renaissance astrology. The article also shows how the use of astrology changed over time to suit the emperors' policies.
Perspectives
With this publication, I would like to add an aspect of the Mughals' claim to power that has not been researched much up to now, due to the complexity of the subject and of the style of the chronicles as well. I hope to put it into a larger context of research on Mughal representation with further articles.
Dr Stephan Popp
University of Vienna
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Mughal Horoscopes as Propaganda, Journal of Persianate Studies, June 2016, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/18747167-12341293.
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