Beyond the Throne: Amir Barkal's Choice for the Inner Life

The Akbarnama, Abu'l Fazl's grand chronicle of Emperor Akbar's reign, meticulously traces the lineage of the Mughal emperors, highlighting figures of power, conquest, and administration. Yet, within this tapestry of worldly achievement, we encounter a figure whose story offers a different kind of wisdom: Amir Barkal, an ancestor who deliberately stepped away from the path of conventional greatness to pursue the "care of his own soul."

A Different Kind of High-Mindedness

Amir Barkal was the son of the distinguished Amir Ailangar Khân. At a time of transition, when his father departed this world, Amir Barkal found himself the sole surviving son. By lineage and circumstance, he was positioned to inherit significant responsibilities, likely within the military or administrative structures that defined the power of the Khâns.

However, the text tells us something remarkable about Amir Barkal: he was "very high-minded." This wasn't just about ambition for status, but a loftiness of spirit that directed him inward. He was "always occupied with the care of his own soul," a pursuit so consuming that he had "no leisure for other things."

Choosing Kesh Over Companionship

This deep internal focus led Amir Barkal to make a significant choice. Instead of embracing the "companionship of Khâns" and the demanding "paternal avocations" of leadership, he "transferred" these duties to his cousins. He chose a life of independence, settling in Kesh, a city known for its gardens and later associated with the rise of Timur.

His life in Kesh was not one of grand political maneuvering or military command. It was dedicated to spiritual growth. He was "assiduous in seeking God's favour and in acquiring virtues." This was his primary occupation, the work that filled his days and defined his existence.

Contentment and the Eternal Country

Amir Barkal's sustenance came not from the spoils of conquest or the wealth of high office, but from "the various estates and villages which belonged to his old possessions." He lived a life of quiet dignity, providing for himself from what he already had, and crucially, he "was content therewith."

In a world driven by ambition and the relentless pursuit of more, Amir Barkal's contentment stands out. His story, as preserved in the Akbarnama, is a testament to the value placed on inner peace and spiritual devotion within this historical context. He lived his life focused on the divine, remaining in his chosen neighbourhood, dedicated to his spiritual practices, "till he went to the holy kingdom and the eternal country."

The Enduring Relevance

Amir Barkal's choice reminds us that history is not solely defined by battles and empires. It also encompasses the quiet, internal journeys of individuals seeking a deeper connection to the divine. His decision to prioritize the "care of his own soul" over the demands of power offers a timeless perspective. In our own busy lives, his story prompts us to consider the importance of cultivating inner virtues and finding contentment, even amidst the pressures and expectations of the external world. His legacy is not one of conquest, but of a life dedicated to the enduring pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.