ABSTRACT
The Hindu and the Mohammedan states were both based upon the monarch, who ruled by divine right and headed all branches of government. Akbar, who was contemporary with Elizabeth the Great of England, extended his empire continuously by force of arms, less from personal choice than in response to the dynamics of the situation, for his real interest was in statecraft, not war. Money was their aim, money and riches in abundance, and, knowing that in the climatic and sanitary conditions of the day that time would probably be short, they were often ruthless exploiters in their pursuit of gain. The Directors of the Company had laid down stringent regulations on the taking of presents, an immemorial Indian custom that had accompanied every transaction and one that resulted in an inconceivable variety of abuse against justice to the interests of both the individual and the Company.
