Note 42 — Chapter III · MUGHAL VICEROYS. a.d. 1573–1758.

To this time belongs an imperial decree imposing the jazyah or head tax on all subjects not professing the Muhammadan faith, and another regulating the levy from Musalmáns of the zakát or poor rate.42 In 1681 a severe famine led to riots in Áhmedábád. As the Chapter III. Mughal Viceroys. Aurangzíb Emperor, 1658–1707. Muhammad Amín Khán Umdat-ul-Mulk Thirty-sixth Viceroy, 1674–1683. viceroy Muhammad Amín was returning in state from the Íd prayers Abu Bakr an Áhmedábád Sheikh instigated the people to throw stones and dust. The viceroy’s bodyguard attacked the mob, but owing to the viceroy’s forbearance no serious results followed. On hearing of the riot the emperor ordered the city to be put under martial law. The more politic viceroy contented himself by inviting Sheikh Abu Bakr and others to a banquet. After dinner he gave a piece of a poisoned watermelon to Abu Bakr, who died and the riot with him. In a.d. 1683 Muhammad Amín the viceroy died. According to the Mirăt-i-Áhmedi, Muhammad Amín was one of the best of Gujarát governors. The emperor Aurangzíb used to say ‘No viceroy of mine keeps order like Amín Khán.’