Chapter X: Part 10

At this time Mir Zahiru-d-din, the grandson of Mir Miran, s. the famous Shah Ni`matu-llah, came from Persia and waited on me, and received as a present a dress of honour and 8,000 darbs. Ujala Dakhani obtained leave to go to Raja Bir Singh Deo with a gracious farman in order that he should act as sazawul and collect the men. Previously to this, on account of the great regard and abundant affection I bore to Khurram and his sons, at the time when his son (Shuja`) was very ill, I had determined that if God Almighty would grant him to me I would not again sport with a gun, and would inflict no injury on a living thing with my own hand. Notwithstanding my inclination and love for hunting, especially with a gun, I had given it up for five years. At this time, when I was greatly distressed at his unkind behaviour, I took again to sporting with a gun, and gave orders that nobody should remain in the palace without one. In a short time most of the servants took a liking to shooting with guns, and the archers, [578] in order to perform their duties, became cavalry soldiers.

On the 25th of the month, corresponding with the 7th Shawwal, at the favourable hour that had been chosen, I turned towards Lahore from Kashmir (apparently means Srinagar, the capital). I sent Bihari Das Brahman with a gracious farman to Rana Karan to the effect that he should bring his son with a body of men to pay his respects to me. Mir Zahiru-d-din was promoted to the mansab of 1,000 personal and 400 horse. As he represented to me that he was in debt, I made him a present of Rs. 10,000. On the 1st of Shahriwar I encamped at the fountain of Achbal, [579] and on Thursday I had a feast of cups beside the fountain. [580] On this auspicious day my fortunate son Shahriyar was appointed to the Qandahar expedition, and was promoted to the mansab of 12,000 personal and 8,000 horse. A special dress of honour, with a nadiri with pearl buttons, was also given him. At this time a merchant had brought two large pearls from the country of Turkey, one of them weighing 1 1/4 misqals, and the second 1 surkh less. Nur Jahan Begam bought the two for Rs. 60,000, and presented them to me as an offering on the same day. On Friday, the 10th, by the advice of Hakim Mumina, [581] I was relieved by bleeding from the arm. Muqarrab K., who has great skill in this art, always used to bleed me, and possibly never failed before, but now failed twice. Afterwards Qasim, his nephew, bled me. I gave him a dress of honour and Rs. 2,000, and gave 1,000 darbs to Hakim Mumina. Mir Khan, at the request of Khan Jahan, was promoted to the mansab of 1,500 and 900 horse.

On the 21st of the month the feast of my solar weighing took place, and the 54th year of the age of this suppliant at the throne of God began auspiciously and happily. I hope that the whole of my life will be spent in fulfilling the will of God. On the 28th, I went to see the waterfall of Ashar [582] (?). As this spring is famous for its sweetness and agreeable flavour, I weighed it in my presence against Ganges water, and that [583] of the valley of Lar. The water of Ashar was 3 masha heavier than that of the Ganges, and the latter was 1/2 masha lighter than that of the valley of Lar. On the 30th the camp was at Hirapur. Though Iradat K. had done his duty in Kishtwar well, yet as the ryots and inhabitants of Kashmir complained of his treatment of them, I promoted I`tiqad K. to the governorship of Kashmir. I bestowed on him a horse, a dress of honour, and a special enemy-piercing [584] sword, and appointed Iradat K. to do duty with the army of Qandahar. Having brought Kunwar Singh, the Raja of Kishtwar, out of the fortress of Gwalior, where he was imprisoned, I bestowed Kishtwar on him, and gave him a horse and a dress of honour, with the title of Raja. I sent Haidar Malik to Kashmir (i.e., Srinagar) to bring a canal from the valley of Lar to the Nur-afza garden, giving him Rs. 30,000 for the materials and labour. On the 12th of the month I came down from the hill country of Jammu, and pitched at Bhimbhar. The next day I had a qamurqha hunt. To Dawar-bakhsh, s. Khusrau, I gave the mansab of 5,000 personal and 2,000 horse. On the 24th I crossed the Chenab. [585] Mirza Rustam came from Lahore, and waited on me. On the same day Afzal [586] K., Khurram's Diwan, bringing a petition from him, waited on me. He had clothed his immoderate acts in the garment of apology, and had sent him with the idea that perhaps he might carry his point by flattery and smooth speeches, and so correct his improprieties. I [587] paid no attention, and did not listen to him. The Diwan Khwaja Abu-l-Hasan and Sadiq K. Bakhshi, who had hastened to Lahore to make provision for the army of Qandahar, had the good fortune to kiss the threshold. On the 1st of the Divine month of Aban, Amanu-llah, s. Mahabat K., was promoted to the mansab of 3,000 personal and 1,700 horse. A gracious farman was sent to summon Mahabat K. At this time `Abdu-llah K., whom I had sent for for service at Qandahar, having come from the district of his jagir, paid his respects. On the 4th of the same month I entered the city of Lahore auspiciously and happily. Alf K. was promoted to the mansab of 2,000 and 1,500 horse. I gave [588] an order to the chief Diwans to levy the pay of the force of servants of the State who had been appointed for service at Qandahar out of the jagirs of Khurram, which were in the Sarkar of Hisar, and in the Du-ab and those regions. In the place of these he might take possession of districts from the Subah of Malwa and the Deccan, and Gujarat and Khandesh, wherever he wished. Presenting Afzal K. with a dress of honour I gave him leave to go. An order was passed that the Subahs of Gujarat, Malwa, the Deccan and Khandesh should be handed over to him (Khurram), and he might take up a permanent residence wherever he might wish, and employ himself in the administration of those regions. He was to send quickly the sazawuls who had been appointed to bring the servants of the State who had been summoned to my presence on account of the disturbance at Qandahar. After that he was to look after his own charge, and not depart from order: otherwise, he would repent. On this day I gave the best tipchaq horse that was in my private stable to `Abdu-llah K. On the 26th Haidar Beg and Wali Beg, envoys of the ruler of Persia, had an audience. After performing the ceremony of salutation they produced a letter from the Shah. My son Khan Jahan, according to order, having come post from Multan, waited on me. He presented as offerings 1,000 muhrs, 1,000 rupees, and 18 horses. Mahabat K. was promoted to the mansab of 6,000 personal and 5,000 horse. I gave an elephant to Mirza Rustam. Raja Sarang Deo was appointed sazawul to Raja Bir Singh Deo. I told him to produce him at Court as quickly as possible. On [589] the 7th of the Divine month of Azar the ambassadors of Shah `Abbas, who had come at different times, were presented with dresses of honour and their expenses, and given leave to go. The letter he had sent by Haidar Beg making excuses in the matter of Qandahar has been given in this record of good fortune (Iqbal-nama) along with my reply.

Letter of the King of Persia.

(After compliments, and good wishes for that "brother dear as life" the letter proceeds as follows):

"You will be aware that after the death of the Nawab Shah Jannat-makan (Shah Tahmasp) great misfortunes befell Persia. Many territories which belonged to our saintly family passed out of possession, but when this suppliant at the throne of Grace became sovereign, he, by God's help, and the excellent measures of friends, recovered the hereditary lands which were in the possession of enemies. As Qandahar was held by the agents of your lofty family, I regarded you as myself, and did not make any objection. From feelings of unity and brotherhood we waited, thinking that you would, after the manner of your ancestors [590] who are in Paradise, voluntarily take the matter into your consideration. When you neglected to do this, I repeatedly, by writing and verbal messages, directly and indirectly, asked for the disposal of the question, thinking that perhaps that petty country (Qandahar) was not regarded as worthy of your notice. You said several times that by making over the territory to our family, the notions of enemies and censurers would be disposed of, and praters, enviers, and fault-finders would be put to silence. A faction [591] formerly delayed the settlement of this matter. As the truth of the affair was known to friends and enemies, and as no clear answer, either of refusal or concession, came from you, it occurred to me that I would go to Qandahar to see it, and to hunt. In this way the agents of my distinguished brother, in accordance with the ties of friendship which exist between us, might welcome us and wait upon us. By this means the relationship of union would be renewed, and would be made evident to the world, and the tongues of the envious and the evil-speaking be shortened. With this view, I set off without apparatus for taking forts, and when I came to Farah I sent a rescript to the governor of Qandahar, mentioning that I intended to see the place and hunt there. I did this in order that he might treat me as a guest. We also called the honourable Khwaja Baqi Kurkaraq, and sent a message to the governor and the other officers in the fort to the effect that there was no difference between Your Majesty and ourselves, and that we were aware of each other's territories, and that we were coming to see the country. Therefore they were not to act in such a way as to give umbrage or to vex anyone. They did not receive the conciliatory order and message in the proper way, but showed obstinacy and a rebellious spirit. When I came to the fort I again called the honourable aforesaid (K. Baqi), and sent him with the message that I had directed my troops not to invest the fort till the lapse of ten days. They did not receive the wholesome advice, and were stubborn in their opposition. As there was nothing more to be done, the Persian army set about taking the fort, though it was in want of appliances, and soon levelled the walls and bastions with the ground. The garrison became straitened, and asked for quarter. We, too, maintained the ties of love which had existed from of old between the two exalted dynasties, and the brotherly relation which was formed between you and me when you were prince (Mirza), and which was an object of envy to contemporary sovereigns, and from my innate kindness forgave their errors and offences. Encompassing them with favours, I sent them safe and sound to your Court along with Haidar Beg Qurbashi, who is one of the sincere Sufis of this family. Of a truth, the foundation of love and union, both inherited and acquired, on the part of this seeker after affection, has not grown old or decayed, and is strong so that no rupture in it can take place on account of any things which may have transpired owing to the action of Fate.

VERSE.

Between us and you there cannot be trouble,
There can be naught but love and trust.

"It is hoped that you, too, will preserve your affection for us, and that you will not approve of certain strange actions, and that if any suspicion about friendship arise you will endeavour by your innate goodness and continual love to efface it. May the ever-vernal flower of union and cordiality remain in bloom, and every effort be made to strengthen the foundations of concord, and to cleanse the fountains of agreement which regulate temperaments and territories. You will regard all our dominions as belonging to you, and will extend your friendship to everyone (in them?), and will proclaim that it (Qandahar) has been given up to him (`Abbas) without any objection, and that such trifles are of no importance, and that though the governor and officers who were in the fort did some things which were obstacles to friendship, yet what took place was done by you and me. They performed the duties of service and life devotion. It is certain, too, that Your Majesty will be gracious to them, and will treat them with royal kindness, and will not shame me before them. What more need I write? May thy star-brushing standards ever be associated with the Divine aids!"

Reply to the Letter of Shah `Abbas.

"Unfeigned thanks, and pure thanksgivings are due to the sole object of worship (God) for that the maintenance of the compacts and treaties of great princes is the cause of the order of Creation and the repose of mankind. A proof of this is the harmony and unity which existed between us and the exalted family (of Persia), and which were increased during our time. These things were the envy of contemporary sovereigns. The glorious Shah--the star of heaven's army, the ruler of the nations, the adorner of the Kayani tiara, the fitting occupant of the throne of Chosroes, the fruitful tree of the gardens of sovereignty, the splendid nursling of the parterres of prophecy and saintship, the cream of the Safawi dynasty--hath without ground or reason, engaged in disturbing the rose-garden of love and friendship and brotherhood in which for long periods there has been no possibility of a breath of confusion. Clearly the methods of union and concord among princes require that they make oaths of friendship to one another, and that there should be perfect spiritual agreement between them. There should be no need of physical contact, and still less should there be any necessity for visiting one another's countries for 'shooting and spectacle' (sair u shikar).

VERSE.

Alas, a hundred times for the love passing thought!

"By the arrival of your loving letter apologizing for the 'spectacle and shooting' (sair u shikar) of Qandahar, which came with the honourable Haidar Beg and Wali Beg, I became apprised of the bodily health of your angelic personality, and the flowers of joy were scattered over the world. Let it not be hidden from the world-adorning mind of my exalted and prosperous brother that until the arrival of the letter and messages brought by Zambil Beg no mention had been made by you in letters or verbal messages of your wish for Qandahar. At the time when we were engaged in visiting the delightful land of Kashmir, the Deccan lords, in their shortsightedness, extended their feet beyond the limits of obedience, and trod the path of rebellion. Accordingly it became necessary for me to chastise them. I moved my standards to Lahore, and appointed my worthy [592] son Shah Jahan to proceed against them with a victorious army. I myself was proceeding to Agra when Zambil Beg arrived, and produced your loving letter. I took it as a good omen, and went off to Agra to put down the enemies and the rebels. In the jewelled and pearl-dropping letter there was no mention of a wish for Qandahar. It was mentioned verbally by Zambil Beg. In reply, I said to him that I made no difficulty with regard to anything that my brother wished. Please God, after settling the Deccan affair, I would send him back in a manner suitable to my sovereignty. I also said that as he had made long marches he should repose for some days in Lahore, and that I would afterwards send for him. After coming to Agra, I sent for him and gave him leave to depart. As the favour of God attaches to this suppliant, I withdrew my mind from victories and proceeded to the Panjab. My intention was to send him away, but after disposing of some necessary matters I went to Kashmir on account of the hot weather. After coming there I sent for Zambil Beg in order to give him his leave. I also wished to show him something of that delightful country. Meanwhile news came that my prosperous brother had come to take Qandahar. This idea had never entered my mind, and I was entirely astonished. What could there be in a petty village that he should set out to take it, and that he should shut his eyes to so much friendship and brotherly feeling? Though truthful reporters sent the news, I could not credit it! When it became certain I immediately gave orders to `Abdu-l-`Aziz K. not to transgress in any way the good pleasure of that prosperous brother. Up to now the relationship of brotherhood stands firm, and I do not value the world in comparison therewith, nor do I consider any gift equal to it. But it would have been right and brotherly that he should have waited till the arrival of the ambassador. Perhaps he would be successful in the object [593] and claim for which he had come. When he (`Abbas) takes such steps before the return of the ambassador, to whom will mankind ascribe the merit of keeping compacts and of preserving the capital of humanity and liberality! May God preserve you at all times!"

After I had given leave to the ambassadors, I devoted all my energy to urging on the Qandahar force, and presented my son Khan Jahan, who had been sent for for certain matters, with an elephant, a special horse, a jewelled sword and dagger, and a dress of honour. I sent him on as an advance guard, and directed him to remain in Multan until the arrival of Prince Shahriyar with the victorious army. Baqir K., who was faujdar of Multan, was summoned to Court, and I appointed `Ali-quli Beg Darman to assist him (Khan Jahan), and raised him to the mansab of 1,500. In the same manner, having raised M. Rustam to the mansab of 5,000, I appointed him to the duty of assisting that son with the (Qandahar) army. Lashkar K. came from the Deccan, and waited on me, and was also attached to that army. Allah-dad K. Afghan, M. `Isa Tarkhan, Mukarram K., Ikram K., and other Amirs, who had come from the Deccan and from their fiefs, after being presented with horses and dresses of honour, were sent with Khan Jahan. `Umdatu-s-saltana Asaf K. was sent to Agra to bring to Court the whole of the treasure in muhrs and rupees which had accumulated from the beginning of the reign of my father. Asalat K., s. Khan Jahan, was promoted to the mansab of 2,000 and 1,000 horse. Muhammad Shafi`a, Bakhshi of Multan, had the title of Khan conferred on him. I gave leave to Sharif, Vakil of my fortunate son Shah Parwiz, to go with all possible haste, and bring my son to wait on me with the army of Behar, and writing a gracious farman with my own hand I urged him to come.

On this day Mir Miran, the grandson of Shah Ni`matu-llah, died suddenly. I hope that he will be among the pardoned. A raging elephant threw down the huntsman Mirza Beg and killed him: I assigned his duties to Imam-wirdi.

As in consequence of the weakness that came over me two years ago and still continues, heart and brain do not accord. I cannot [594] make notes of events and occurrences. Now that Mu`tamid K. has come from the Deccan, and has had the good fortune to kiss the threshold, as he is a servant who knows my temperament and understands my words, and was also formerly entrusted with this duty, I gave an order that from the date which I have written he shall hereafter write them with his own hand, and attach them to my Memoranda. Whatever events may occur hereafter he should note after the manner of a diary, and submit them for my verification, and then they should be copied into a book.

FROM THIS PLACE THE NOTES ARE WRITTEN BY MU`TAMID KHAN. [595]

As the whole of my world-opening mind was taken up with the preparation of the Qandahar army, and the remedy for that business, the unpleasant news that reached me of a change in the condition of Khurram, and his want of moderation, became a cause for aversion and dissension. I accordingly sent Musawi K., who is one of the sincere servants who knows my temperament, to that wretch (bi-daulat) to lay before him the threatening messages and my wishes, and to give admonitions that might sharpen his intelligence, so that by the guidance of good fortune he might awake from the dream of carelessness and pride, and that he (Musawi) having gained a (true) knowledge of his futile ideas and aims might hasten to my presence, and carry out whatever appeared to be necessary. On the 1st of the Divine month of Bahman the feast of my lunar weighing took place. At this auspicious ceremony Mahabat K., having come from Kabul, paid his respects, and was the recipient of special favours. I appointed Ya`qub K. Badakhshi to Kabul, exalting him with the gift of drums. About this time report came from I`tibar K. from Agra that Khurram, with the army of adversity, had left Mandu and started in that direction. He had evidently heard the news that the treasure had been sent for, and fire had fallen into his mind, and having let fall from his hand the reins of self-control, had started (with the idea) that on the road he might lay hold of the treasure. Accordingly I thought it best to proceed for a tour, and in order to hunt to the bank of the river of Sultan-pur (the Beas). If that wretch by the guidance of error should place his foot in the desert of audacity, I might hasten farther forward and place the punishment of his unbecoming behaviour in the skirt of his fortune. If matters turned out in any other way I might take steps accordingly. With this purpose, on the 17th of the same month, at an auspicious hour, I marched. Mahabat K. was dignified with a dress of honour. Rs. 1,00,000 were ordered to be given to Mirza Rustam and Rs. 2,00,000 to `Abdu-llah K. by way of advance of pay. I sent Mirza Khan, s. Zain K., with a gracious farman to my fortunate son Shah Parwiz, and renewed my urgency for his attendance. Raja Sarang Deo had gone to summon Raja Bir Singh Deo: he came, and having paid his respects, reported that the Raja, with a proper force and an equipped army, would join me at Thanesar. At this time constant reports [596] came from I`tibar K. and other servants of the State from Agra that Khurram in revolt and disloyalty (bi-daulati) had changed what was due by him for rearing into undutifulnesses, [597] and having placed the foot of ruin in the valley of ignorance and error, had started in that direction. They therefore did not consider it advisable to bring the treasure, and were engaged in strengthening the towers and gates, and providing things necessary for the defence of the fort. Similarly a report came from Asaf K. that the wretch had torn off the veil of respect, and turned his face towards the valley of ruin, and that the odour of good came not from the manner of his approach. As it was not for the advantage of the State to bring the treasure, he had entrusted it to God, and was himself on the way to wait on me. Accordingly, having crossed the river at Sultanpur, by successive marches I proceeded to punish that one of dark fortune, and gave an order that henceforth they should call him Bi-daulat (wretch). Wherever in this record of fortune "Bi-daulat" is mentioned it will refer to him. From the kindnesses and favours bestowed upon him I can say that up till the present time no king has conferred such on his son. What my reverend father did for my brothers I have done for his servants, giving them titles, standards, and drums, as has been recorded in the preceding pages. It will not be hidden from the readers of this record of prosperity what affection and interest I have bestowed on him. My pen's tongue fails in ability to set them forth. What shall I say of my own sufferings? In pain and weakness, in a warm atmosphere that is extremely unsuited to my health, I must still ride and be active, and in this state must proceed against such an undutiful son. Many servants cherished by me for long years and raised to the dignity of nobility, whom I ought to employ to-day in war against the Uzbeg or the Persian, I must punish [598] for his vileness and destroy with my own hand. Thank God that he has given me such capacity to bear my burdens that I can put up with all this, and go on in the same path, and reckon them as light. But that which weighs heavily on my heart, and places my eager temperament in sorrow is this, that at such a time when my prosperous sons and loyal officers should be vying with each other in the service against Qandahar and Khurasan, which would be to the renown of the Sultanate, this inauspicious one has struck with an axe the foot of his own dominion, and become a stumbling-block in the path of the enterprise. The momentous affair of Qandahar must now be postponed, but I trust that Almighty God will remove these griefs from my heart.

At this time it was reported to me that Muhtarim K., the eunuch, Khalil Beg Zu-l-qadr, and Fida'i K., the Master of the Ceremonies, had allied themselves with Bi-daulat, and opened the gates of correspondence with him. As it was no time for mildness and winking at matters, I imprisoned all three, and as, after making inquiry into the circumstances, no doubt remained as to their falseness to their salt, and about the evil designs and malevolence of Khalil and Muhtarim, and as Amirs like Mirza Rustam swore to the insincerity and malevolence of Khalil, having no remedy I punished them [599] capitally. Fida'i K., the dust of whose sincerity was free of suspicion and pure, I brought out of confinement and promoted. I sent Raja Ruz-afzun by post (dak-chauki) to my son Shah Parwiz that he might bring him with all haste to wait on me; so that Bi-daulat might be brought to punishment for his improper conduct. Jawahir K., the eunuch, was appointed to the post of Ihtimam-i-darbar-i-mahall (superintendent of the harem).

On the 1st of Isfandarmuz the royal army arrived at Nur-saray. On this day a report came from I`tibar K., that Bi-daulat had arrived in all haste in the neighbourhood of Agra, in the hope that before the fort was strengthened, the gates of strife and mischief might be opened, and he might attain his end. When he arrived at Fathpur, he found the gates closed against him, and, being struck with the disgrace of ruin, he had halted. The Khan-khanan and his son and many of the royal Amirs attached to the Deccan and Gujarat had come with him as companions on the road of rebellion and ingratitude. Musawi K. saw him at Fathpur, and showed him the royal orders, and it was settled that he should send his servant Qazi `Abdu-l-`Aziz with him to Court to put his requests before me. He sent to Agra his servant Sundar, [600] who was the ringleader of the people of error and the chief of the seditious, to take possession of the treasures and hidden wealth of those servants of the State who were at Agra. Amongst [601] others he entered the house of Lashkar K., and seized Rs. 9,00,000. In the same manner, wherever he suspected there was property in the houses of other servants (of the Court), he stretched out his hand to seize it, and took possession of all that he found. When nobles like Khan-khanan, who had been distinguished with the rank of Atalik and arrived at the age of seventy years, made their faces black with rebellion and ingratitude, how could one complain of others? It may be said that his very nature was seditious and ungrateful. His father (Bairam K.) at the end of his life behaved in the same unbecoming way towards my reverend father. He, following the example of his father, at his age made himself accursed and rejected to all eternity.

In the end a wolf's cub becomes a wolf
Although he grow up with man. (Sa`di.)

On this day Musawi K. arrived with `Abdu-l-`Aziz, the envoy of Bi-daulat. As his requests were unreasonable, I did not allow him to speak, but handed him over to Mahabat to be kept in prison. On the 5th of the month I pitched on the bank of the river of Ludiyana (the Sutlej). I promoted Khan A`zam to the mansab of 7,000 with 5,000 horse. Raja Bharat, the Bandila, from the Deccan, and Dayanat K. from Agra, came and waited on me. I pardoned the offences of Dayanat K., and gave him the same mansab that he had previously held. Raja Bharat was raised to the mansab of 1,500 and 1,000 horse, and Musawi K. to that of 1,000 and 300 horse. On Thursday, the 12th, in the pargana of Thanesar, Raja Bir Singh Deo, having waited on me, reviewed his army and elicited great praise. Raja Sarang Deo was promoted to the mansab of 1,500 with 600 horse. In Karnal Asaf K., coming from Agra, lifted up the head of honour in kissing my stirrup. His coming at this time was the herald of victory. Nawazish K., s. Sa`id K., having arrived from Gujarat, paid his respects. When Bi-daulat was at Burhanpur, at his request I had appointed Baqi K. to Junagarh. He had been ordered to come to Court, and now came and shared in my service. As my march from Lahore took place without previous notice, and time did not admit of delay or reflection, I came with the few Amirs who were in attendance. Until I arrived at Sihrind only a few men had the good fortune to accompany me, but after passing beyond it, great numbers of the army came in from all sides and quarters. Before arrival at Delhi such a force had come together that in any direction in which one looked the whole plain was occupied by troops.

As it was reported that Bi-daulat had left Fathpur and was coming in this direction, and making continuous marches towards Delhi, I gave the victorious army orders to put on their chiltas (quilted coats). In this disturbance the pivot of the management of affairs and the arrangement of the army were entrusted to Mahabat K. The command of the vanguard was given to `Abdu-llah K. Of the selected young men and experienced sipahis, whoever was asked for by him was enrolled in his corps. I ordered him to march a koss ahead of the other forces. He was also entrusted with the intelligence department and the control of the routes. I was ignorant of the fact that he was in league with Bi-daulat, and that the real object of that evil-natured one was to send news from my army to him. Previously to this he used to bring long written slips of true and false news, saying that his spies had sent them from that place. The purport was that they (the spies) suspected some of my servants of being in league with Bi-daulat, and of sending him news. Had I been led away by his intrigues and become alarmed at this time when the wind of disturbance was blowing strongly I would have been obliged to destroy many of my servants. Although some faithful servants suspected his evil intentions and untruthfulness, the time was not one for removing the veil openly from the face of his deeds. I guarded my eye and tongue from doing anything which might carry terror into his evil mind, and showed him more attention and favour than before, with the idea that possibly he would be struck with shame, and might turn away from his evil deeds, and give up his evil nature and sedition. That rejected one to all eternity, in whom a tendency to vileness and falsity was natural, did not fail to do what was in accordance with himself, as will be related hereafter.

The tree [602] that is bitter in its nature
If you plant it in the garden of Paradise,
And water it from the eternal stream thereof,
If you pour on its root pure honey,
In the end it shows its natural quality,
And it bears the same bitter fruit.

In fine, when I was near Delhi, Sayyid Bahwa Bukhari, Sadr K., and Raja Kishan Das came out of the city, and had the good fortune to kiss my stirrup. Baqir K., faujdar of Oudh, also on this day came to the victorious camp. On the 25th of the month, passing by Delhi, I pitched my camp on the bank of the Jumna. Girdhar, s. Ray Sal Darbari, having come from the Deccan, had the honour to pay his respects. He was promoted to the mansab of 2,000 and 1,500 horse, and obtained the title of Raja, and was clothed in a dress of honour. Zabar-dast K., Master of the Ceremonies, was honoured with a standard.

THE EIGHTEENTH NEW YEAR'S FEAST AFTER THE AUSPICIOUS ACCESSION

On the eve of Tuesday, the 20th of Jumada-l-awwal, A.H. 1032 (March 10, 1623), the sun that lights the world entered his house of honour in Aries, and the eighteenth year from the beginning of my reign commenced auspiciously and happily. On this day I heard that Bi-daulat, having gone to the neighbourhood of Mathura, had encamped the army tainted with ruin in the pargana of Shahpur, and reviewed 27,000 cavalry. It is hoped that they will soon be subdued and miserable. Raja Jay Singh, grandson [603] of Raja Man Singh, came from his native country, and had the good fortune to kiss my stirrup. I dignified Raja Bir Singh Deo, than whom in the Rajput caste there is no greater Amir, with the title of Maharaja, and promoted his son Jograj to the mansab of 2,000 with 1,000 horse. Sayyid Bahwa was presented with an elephant. As it was reported to me that Bi-daulat was coming by the bank of the Jumna, the march of the victorious army in that direction was also decided on. The array of the army that resembled the waves of the sea was divided into the van, the right and left wings, the altmish, the tarah (reserve), the chandawul (rear), etc., and arranged in a manner suitable to the circumstances and according to the locality. Close upon this came the news that Bi-daulat, with the wretch Khan-khanan, had turned his reins from the right road and gone towards the pargana Kotila, 20 koss towards the left, along with the brahman Sundar, who was his guide to the desert of error, with Darab, s. Khan-khanan, and many of the Amirs who had accompanied him on the road of rebellion and rascality, such as Himmat K., Sar-buland K., Sharza K. `Abid K., Jado Ray, Uday Ram, Atash K., Mansur K., and other mansabdars, who were attached to the Deccan, Gujarat, and Malwa, the recital of whom would take too long, and all his own servants, such as Raja Bhim, s. Rana, Rustam K., Bairam Beg, the Afghan Darya, Taqi, and others whom he had left to confront the royal army. There were five [604] armies (corps?). Although nominally the command was in the hands of the wretch (bar-gashta-i-ruzgar) Darab, yet in reality the leader and centre of the whole affair was Sundar, of evil deeds. These men of darkened fortune pitched in the neighbourhood of Baluchpur to their ruin. On the 8th I pitched at Qabulpur. On this day the turn to take the rear fell upon Baqir K. We had left him behind all the rest. A body of the rebels attacked him on the march, and stretched out the hand of plunder. Baqir planted firmly the foot of courage, and succeeded in beating them back. Khwaja Abu-l-Hasan got news of this, and turned his reins to support him. Before the arrival of the Khwaja the rebels (mardudan), not being able to stand, had taken to flight. On Wednesday, the 9th of the month, having separated 25,000 horse under the leadership of Asaf K., Khwaja Abu-l-Hasan, and `Abdu-llah K., I sent them to attack the rebels who did not look to the end of things. Qasim K., Lashkar K., Iradat K., Fida'i K., and other servants, to the number of 8,000 horse, were appointed to Asaf K.'s force. Baqir K., Nuru-d-din Quli, Ibrahim Husain Kashghari, and others, to the number of 8,000 horse, were appointed to support Abu-l-Hasan. Nawazish K., `Abdu-l-`Aziz K., `Azizu-llah, and many of the Barha and Amroha Sayyids, were ordered to accompany `Abdu-llah. In this army 10,000 horse were enrolled. Sundar had arranged the army of ruin and put forward the foot of shamelessness. At this time I sent my special quiver by Zabar-dast K., Master of Ceremonies, to `Abdu-llah K., that it might be the means of animating his zeal. When the encounter of the two sides took place, that black-faced one to all eternity, in whom the tendency to rebellion and ingratitude was innate, taking to flight, joined the rebels. `Abdu-l-`Aziz K., the son of the Khan Dauran, God knows whether knowingly or not, went off with him. Nawazish K., Zabar-dast K., and Shir-hamla, who were in the corps of that shameless one (`Abdu-llah K.), planted firmly the foot of courage, and were not disturbed at his going. As the aid of Almighty God is ever near this suppliant, at this crisis, when a leader of the army such as `Abdu-llah K. threw 10,000 cavalry into confusion and joined the enemy, and there was nearly a great disaster, a shot from a mysterious hand reached Sundar. At his fall the pillars of the courage of the rebels shook. Khwaja Abu-l-Hasan also drove before him the army in front of him and defeated it. Asaf K., when Baqir K. arrived, showing great activity, finished the affair, and a victory which might be the tughra (sign manual) of the victories of the age showed its face of purpose from the hidden world. Zabar-dast K., Shir-hamla, Shir-bacha, his son, and the son of Asad K., the architect, and Muhammad Husain, brother of Khwaja Jahan, and a number of the Sayyids of Barha who were in the corps of the black-faced `Abdu-llah, having tasted the sweet-flavoured wine of martyrdom, obtained everlasting life. `Azizu-llah, grandson of Husain K. (Tukriya), being wounded by a gun-shot, got off safely. Although at this time the desertion of that rejected hypocrite was a secret help, yet it is probable that if he had not performed this detestable action in the crisis of the battle, many of the rebel leaders would have been killed or captured. It chanced that he was known to the common people by the title of La`natu-llah (God's curse), and as he had received this name from the hidden world I also called him by it. Hereafter, wherever the expression La`natu-llah is used it refers to him. Briefly, after the rebels, whose end was evil, took to flight from the field of battle, and turned their faces towards the valley of ruin and could not reassemble, La`natu-llah, with all the rebels, did not turn his rein till he reached Bi-daulat, who was at a distance of 20 koss.

When the news of the victory of the servants of the State reached this suppliant to God, he prostrated himself in thankfulness for this gift, which was from the renewed favour of Allah, and summoned the loyal ones into his presence. On the next day they brought before me the head of Sundar. It appeared that when the ball struck him he gave up his soul to the lords of hell, and they took his body to a neighbouring village to be burnt. When they were about to light the fire, an army appeared in the distance, and for fear lest they should be taken prisoners, everyone took to flight. The Muqaddam (head man) of the village cut off his head, and for his own acquittal took it to Khan A`zam, as it occurred in his jagir. He was brought to me (with the head): the head was quite recognizable and had as yet undergone no change, but they had cut off the ears for the sake of the pearls in them. No one knew by whose hand he had been shot. In consequence of his destruction, Bi-daulat did not gird his loins again. One might say his good fortune and courage and understanding lay in that dog of a Hindu. When, with a father like me, who in truth am his ostensible creator, and in my own lifetime have raised him to the great dignity of Sultanship, and denied him nothing, he acts in this manner, I appeal to the justice of Allah that He may never again regard him with favour. Those servants who in this disturbance had done fitting service were honoured with more and more favours, each according to his degree. Khwaja Abu-l-Hasan was raised to the mansab of 5,000, original and increased, Nawazish K. to that of 4,000 and 3,000 horse, Baqir K. to that of 3,000 and 500 horse, with drums, Ibrahim Husain Kashghari to that of 2,000 and 1,000 horse, `Azizu-llah to that of 2,000 and 1,000 horse, Nuru-d-din Quli to that of 2,000 and 700 horse, Raja Ram Das to that of 2,000 and 1,000 horse, Lutfu-llah to that of 1,000 and 500 horse, Parwarish K. to that of 1,000 and 500 horse. If all the servants were to be written in detail it would take too long. Briefly I remained at that place one day and marched on the next. Khan `Alam, having marched from Allahabad, had the good fortune to kiss the threshold. On the 12th of the month I encamped at the village of Jhansa (?).

On this day Sar-buland Ray came from the Deccan and waited on me, and was honoured with a special jewelled dagger, with a phul katara. `Abdu-l-`Aziz K. and some of those who had gone with La`natu-llah released themselves from the hand of Bi-daulat, and paid their respects, and represented that when La`natu-llah charged, they thought it was for a cavalry encounter. When they found themselves in the midst of the rebels they saw nothing for it but to submit and pay their respects, but now they had found an opportunity and had obtained the good fortune of kissing the threshold. Though they had taken 2,000 muhrs from Bi-daulat for their expenses, as the times were critical I made no inquiry, but accepted [605] their statement.

On the 19th the Feast of the culmination was held, and many of the servants of the State were raised in mansab, and had suitable favours conferred on them.

Mir `Azudu-d-daulah, having come from Agra, waited on me. He brought a vocabulary [606] of words that he had prepared. In truth he had taken much pains, and collected together all the words from the writings of ancient poets. There is no book like this in the science.

Raja Jay Singh was raised to the mansab of 3,000 with 1,400 horse, and a special elephant was presented to my son Shahriyar. The post of `Arz-mukarrir (examiner of petitions) was conferred on Musawi K. Amanu-llah, s. Mahabat K., was given the title of Khan-zad Khan, was favoured with a mansab of 4,000 personal and horse, and was honoured with a flag and drums.

On the 1st of the Divine month of Urdibihisht I pitched on the bank of the lake at Fathpur. I`tibar K. came from Agra and waited on me, and was graciously received. Muzaffar K., Mukarram K., and his brother also came from Agra, and had the good fortune to wait on me. As I`tibar K. had done approved service in the charge of the Agra fort he was dignified with the title of Mumtaz K., and I gave him the mansab of 6,000 personal and 5,000 horse, and having bestowed on him a dress of honour, a jewelled sword, a horse, and a special elephant, I sent him back to his duty. Sayyid Bahwa was promoted to the mansab of 2,000 and 1,500 horse, Mukarram K. to that of 3,000 and 2,000 horse, and Khwaja Qasim to that of 1,000 with 400 horse. On the 4th Mansur K. Farangi, whose circumstances have been recorded [607] in the preceding pages (?), with his brother [608] and Naubat [609] K. Dakhani, by the guidance of good fortune separated themselves from Bi-daulat, and came into my service. I sent Khawass K. to my fortunate son Shah Parwiz. Mirza `Isa Tarkhan, having come from Multan, had the good fortune to kiss the threshold. A special sword was given to Mahabat K. On the 10th the camp was pitched in the pargana of Hindaun. Mansur K. (the Farangi) was raised to the mansab of 4,000 personal and 3,000 horse, and that of Naubat [610] K. to that of 2,000 and 1,000 horse. On the 11th was a halt. As on this day a meeting with my fortunate son Shah Parwiz had been arranged, I ordered that the powerful princes and the illustrious Amirs and all the devoted servants should go out to meet him, and bring him to wait on me in a fitting manner. After midday had passed, at an auspicious chosen hour he kissed the ground and illuminated the forehead of his sincerity. After the usual salutations had been performed and the customary ceremonies gone through I embraced my fortunate son with the greatest pleasure and affection, and loaded him with more and more favours. At this time news came that Bi-daulat, when he was passing through the township (hawali) of the pargana of Amber, which was the hereditary abode of Raja Man Singh, had sent a band of scoundrels and plundered that cultivated spot.

On the 12th I pitched outside the village of Sarwali. I had previously sent Habash K. (Abyssinian) to repair the buildings at Ajmir. I promoted my fortunate son Shah Parwiz to the high mansab of 40,000 and 30,000 horse. As it was reported that Bi-daulat had sent off Jagat Singh, s. Raja Baso, to his own country to raise disturbances in the hills of the Panjab, I promoted Sadiq K., chief Bakhshi, to the governorship of that province, and ordered him to punish him, giving him a dress of honour, with a sword and an elephant, and making up his mansab, original and increased, to 4,000 personal and 3,000 horse. I also honoured him with a standard (tugh) and drums.

At this time it was reported to me that the younger brothers of Mirza Badi`u-z-zaman, s. Mirza Shahrukh, who was known as Fathpuri, had attacked him unawares and killed him. About this time his brothers came to Court and paid their respects. His own mother also waited on me, but did not make a claim, as was proper, for her son's blood, and (so) proceedings [611] could not be taken according to law. Although his disposition was so bad that his murder was not to be regretted, but on the contrary was opportune and advantageous, yet, as these wretches had shown such audacity with regard to their elder brother, who was to them in the position of a father, I ordered them to be put in gaol, and afterwards what was deemed proper should be done to them. On the 21st Raja Gaj Singh and Ray Suraj Singh arrived from their jagirs, and had the good fortune to kiss my stirrup. Mu`izzu-l-mulk, whom I had sent to Multan to summon my son Khan Jahan, came and waited on me, and presented me with a letter about his severe illness and weakness. He had sent his son Asalat K. with 1,000 horse to wait on me, and expressed great regret at being deprived of the honour of meeting me. As his apology was evidently sincere, I accepted it. On the 25th my fortunate son Prince Parwiz, with the victorious army, was sent in pursuit to overthrow Bi-daulat. The reins of authority over the powerful Prince, and the centre of the ordering of the victorious army, were given into the hand of Mu'taminu-d-daula Mahabat K. Of the illustrious Amirs and life-sacrificing brave men who were in attendance on the Prince of lofty fortune, this is the detail.

Khan `Alam, Maharaja [612] Gaj Singh, Fazil K., Rashid K., Raja Girdhar, Raja Ram Das Kachhwaha, Khwaja Mir `Abdu-l-`Aziz, `Azizu-llah, Asad K., Parwarish K., Ikram K., Sayyid Hizbar K., Lutfu-llah, Ray Narayan Das, and others to the number of 40,000 horse, with much artillery. Rs. 20,00,000 (twenty lakhs) of treasure were sent with them. At a propitious hour they were started with my son, and bridle to bridle with victory. Fazil K. was appointed Bakhshi and newswriter to the victorious army. A special dress of honour was bestowed on the Prince, with a nadiri of gold brocade, and pearls on the collar and skirt worth Rs. 41,000, prepared in the royal establishment, and a private elephant of the name Ratan Gaj, ten [613] female elephants, a private horse, and a jewelled sword, the value of the whole of which was Rs. 77,000. These were all given to the Prince. Nur Jahan Begam also gave him a dress of honour, a horse, and an elephant, as is the custom. To Mahabat K. and the other Amirs, according to their standing, horses, elephants, and dresses of honour were presented. The immediate attendants of the prince were also honoured with favours. On this day Muzaffar K. received a dress of honour on appointment to the post of chief Bakhshi. On the first of the Divine month of Khurdad Prince Dawar-bakhsh, s. Khusrau, was appointed to Gujarat, and Khan A`zam to the high dignity of tutor to him. I conferred on the prince a horse, an elephant, a dress of honour, a private jewelled dagger, a standard (tugh), and drums. Khan A`zam, Nawazish K. and other servants were honoured with presents according to their standing. Iradat K. was appointed Bakhshi in place of Fazil K. Ruknu-s-saltana Asaf K. exalted his head with the dignity of the Subadarship of Bengal and Orissa. A special dress of honour, with a jewelled sword, were conferred on him. Abu Talib (i.e., Shaista K.), his son, was appointed to accompany him, and promoted to the mansab of 2,000 with 1,000 horse. On Saturday, the 9th, corresponding with the 19th Rajab, A.H. 1032 (May 9, 1623), the camp was pitched at the Ana-Sagar lake outside Ajmir. Prince Dawar-bakhsh, being honoured with the mansab of 8,000, and 3,000 horse, was granted Rs. 2,00,000 of treasure for the expenses of the army which accompanied him. Rs. 1,00,000 I also gave as an advance to Khan A`zam. Allah-yar, s. Iftikhar Beg, who was in the service of my fortunate son Shah Parwiz, was at his request granted a standard. Tatar K. took leave on his appointment to the charge of Fort Gwalior. Raja Gaj Singh was appointed to the mansab of 5,000, with 4,000 horse.

On this day news came from Agra that Her Highness (hazrat) Maryamu-z-zamani, [614] by the decree of God, had died. I trust that Almighty God will envelop her in the ocean of His mercy. Jagat Singh, s. Rana Karan, having come from his native place, had the good fortune to pay his respects. Ibrahim K. Fath-jang, governor of Bengal, had sent thirty-four elephants by way of offering, and they were submitted to me. Baqir K. was appointed faujdar of Oudh, and Sadat K. to the Du-ab. The Mir Mushrif was made Diwan-i-buyutat.