A Green Emperor, a lesson for policymakers

By Shahab Sabahi

Energy and Environment - Policy analysis research group

A year and so into my vegetarian diet, I now feel further discipline in my life. My temper is under control and I can deal with daily affairs much better than before.

So it seems that is the time to share one of the interesting historical facts which describes how vegetarianism strategy changed the structure of a society and caused peace and prosperity.  (My research work on society development and evolution in EAST)

Agra, a city in India, sits on the banks of the river Yamuna and surrounded by eyes-delighted green landscape. The city is well known for the Taj Mahal, a magnificent architecture that built during the Mughal Empire reign in the sixteen century. However it is not the only historical landmark over there.

Agra reflects the history of the South East Asia’s golden age when people of that part of the world lived in peace and prosperity.

Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors had significant share in the golden age development. His effective policies brought social development and economic growth for his kingdom. He left behind a rich legacy of tolerance and cooperation that had been strikingly demonstrated in his own days’ policies. During his reign, the nature of the state changed to a secular and liberal one, with emphasis on cultural integration and human values. What really influenced his behaviour?

To control his aggression and mind, out of sensitivity to Hindus, he became a vegetarian, gave up hunting a sport he greatly enjoyed and forbade the sacrifice of animals on his birthday and any holy rituals. This move made available a plenty of food for younger generation and also as an environmental benefits sustained the exploitation of natural resources for the future generations. Furthermore vegetarianism gave Akbar a sense of ethical treatment of tolerance for humankind.

When an emperor could be in command of his internal forces thus his subjects would follow him and consequently the whole society would enjoy.   

The point is not to correlate vegetarianism and development. The message of the story is that vegan is not just a diet. In effect vegetarianism grants discipline and balance, where balance in lifestyle and discipline in bahaviour lead to stability, openness and dynamic resource allocation which are necessary for advancing society. 

Civilization can lead to universal peace when a generous, liberal society is created by policymakers who believe to discipline and practice it and check everything in balance