How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"You'd better be more careful with your pets. I wouldn't like to step on them." I started to speak, but Dara continued, "After all, Hindus believe we can be reincarnated into such creatures."
I failed to see how I might become a cricket, but remained silent. Dara knew much more about such subjects. (1.18)
Dara loooooooves Hinduism, and we can't blame him. On one level, Hindu belief advocates kindness, compassion, and adherence to the Golden Rule through the idea that you can be reincarnated in many forms. After all, if you think you might be an insect one day, you'll definitely think twice the next time you go to stomp on one. Who knows who or what that insect was in a past life?
Quote #2
Hindus and Muslims bustled about, for under Father's rule the Red Fort sheltered both sets of people. Though we Muslims ruled Hindustan, we comprised a minority of the populace. Our position was somewhat precarious. As Father often maintained, only by treating Hindus with respect could we retain control. (1.43)
"Somewhat precarious" is an understatement. The hold Jahanara's father has over peace in Hindustan is a tense hold, because not everyone feels the same way about the right of people to practice different religions. (*cough* Aurangzeb *cough*)
Quote #3
Dara started to make a sweeping gesture but, sighing, let his hands drop. To me, he seemed serious for his age. But then, so did I to my friends. "Hinduism," he said, "even if my view is unusual among Muslims, is a beautiful religion. I love its gods, its karma. But I don't agree with the Hindu belief in the caste system. Why should someone with lighter skin be held above the rest, or a merchant be worth more than a laborer?"
"I suppose it allows them some sort of order."
"Impartial laws, Jahanara, create order. Not discrimination."
"But are we so different? Are you and a boy working in the fields considered equals?"
"I know," he admitted, nodding slowly. (3.26-30)
These guys have some pretty deep conversations about religion at a very young age. These are questions that are still largely unanswered to this day, so what hope do a bunch of kids have in understanding these things? On the other hand, wow, it's pretty cool that these kids are educated and developed enough to actually formulate these questions.