From the Cricket Field to History’s Court: The Link Between Jemimah Rodrigues and Emperor Akbar
- ‘Suleh-e-Kul’ and Secular India: Akbar’s Legacy in Today’s Triumphs
- How a Christian Cricketer’s Success Reflects the Inclusive Soul of India
Justice Markandey Katju draws a striking parallel between Jemimah Rodrigues’ cricketing glory and Emperor Akbar’s vision of unity in diversity — a tribute to India’s enduring secular spirit and collective pride.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Emperor Akbar
By Justice Markandey Katju
Many people may think the title of this article odd. What has the Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues, who is now in the limelight, got to do with Mughal Emperor Akbar? So let me explain.
India is a country of tremendous diversity, with several religions, castes, languages, ethnic and cultural groups, etc. Emperor Akbar ( 1542-1605 ) realised this and hence proclaimed the doctrine of 'suleh-e-kul' or giving equal respect to all religions and communities.
It was because of this wise policy that the Mughal Empire lasted so long, and made India the most prosperous country in the world, with about 25% of the world's GDP and world trade
In his book 'Discovery of India', Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, writes :
''Akbar’s success was astonishing, as he created a sense of oneness among the diverse elements of India.”
Thus, Emperor Akbar was the real Father of the Indian Nation, as he laid such a strong foundation of secularism in India that the soil of India does not tolerate communalism and communal hatred for long, despite all attempts by certain vested interests to create religious discord between us.
The most recent proof of this is the overwhelming praise and acclaim given by all Indians, of all religions, to Jemimah Rodrigues, for her splendid performance in the cricket World Cup tournament, which India won. Her unbeaten innings of 127 runs in the semi-final against Australia will surely be recorded in the annals of cricket history as an outstanding feat. Even famous Pakistani cricketers praised her batting
Jemima is a Christian in a country which is overwhelmingly Hindu. Earlier, attempts were made by certain bigoted right-wingers to disparage and troll her because of her faith.
Her membership of the Khar Gymkhana Club in Mumbai was revoked in October 2024 on false allegations that her father Ivan, was holding meetings in the Club to convert people, a charge which he strongly denied.
Now these same bigots are eating their words, or keeping their mouths shut
The whole nation is saluting Jemima.
But on this occasion, we must not forget to remember and give a reverential bow and salute to the great Emperor Akbar, who by his policy of suleh-e-kul has made Jemima, a devout Christian, proud to be a citizen of India, a country which is overwhelmingly Hindu, and Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains and others proud of her.
Long live Jemimah Rodrigues !
(Justice Katju is a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. These are his personal views.)
