The life-sacrificing lover who stood on that threshold
Gave up his life with joy and regarded death as a trifle.
At the request of Mahabat K. the mansab of Lachin Qaqshal, original
and increased, was fixed at 1,000 personal and 500 horse.
It has been mentioned [522] that on the day of the Dasahara festival
in Kashmir, I had perceived in myself a catching and shortness of
breath. Briefly, from excessive rain and the dampness of the air,
a difficulty in drawing breath showed itself on my left side near
the heart. This by degrees increased and became intensified. Of the
physicians who were in waiting on me, Hakim Ruhu-llah first tried
his remedies, and for some time warm, soothing medicines were of use,
for there was evidently a slight diminution (of the symptoms). When I
came down from the hills, they came on again violently. This time for
some days I took goats' milk, and again camel's milk, but I found no
profit whatever from them. About this time Hakim Rukna, who had been
excused from the journey to Kashmir, and whom I had left at Agra,
joined me, and confidently and with a show of power, undertook my
cure, and relied on warm and dry medicines. From his remedies, too,
I derived no advantage; on the contrary, they appeared to increase
the heat and dryness of my brain and temperament, and I became very
weak. The disease increased and the pain was prolonged. At such a
time and in this state, at which a heart of stone would have burnt
(been distressed) about me, Sadra, [523] s. Hakim Mirza Muhammad,
who was one of the chief physicians of Persia (was in attendance on
me). He had come from Persia in the reign of my revered father, and
after the throne of rule had been adorned by this suppliant, as he
was distinguished above all others by natural skill and experience
(tasarruf-i-tabi`at), I was attended to by him, and I distinguished
him with the title of Masihu-z-zaman (Messiah of the Age). I made his
position more honourable than that of the other Court-physicians, with
the idea that at some crisis he would help me. That ungrateful man,
in spite of the claims which I had on him, though he saw me in such
a state, did not give me medicines or treat me. Notwithstanding that
I distinguished him beyond all the physicians who were waiting on me,
he would not undertake my cure. However great attention I showed him
and troubled myself to soothe him, he became more obstinate (sullab),
and said: "I have no such reliance on my knowledge that I can undertake
the cure." It was the same with Hakim Abu-l-Qasim, s. Hakimu-l-mulk,
notwithstanding his being a khanazad, and what was due for his
bringing up; he professed himself suspicious and afraid, and that
considering the matter in his mind, he was terrified and vexed, and
how, then, could he prescribe a remedy? As there was no help for it,
I gave them all up, and weaning my heart from all visible remedies,
gave myself up to the Supreme Physician. As drinking alleviated my
sufferings, I took to it in the daytime, contrary to my habit, and
gradually I carried this to excess. When the weather became hot, the
evil effects of this increased, and my weakness and laboured breathing
were augmented. Nur Jahan Begam, whose skill and experience are greater
than those of the physicians, especially as they are brought to bear
through affection and sympathy, endeavoured to diminish the number of
my cups, and to carry out the remedies that appeared appropriate to
the time, and soothing to the condition. Although previously to this
she had approved of the remedies made use of by the physicians, yet at
this time I relied on her kindness. She, by degrees, lessened my wine,
and kept me from things that did not suit me, and food that disagreed
with me. I hope that the True Physician will grant me perfect recovery
from the hospital of the hidden world.
On Monday, the 22nd [524] of the same month, corresponding with the
25th of Shawwal, A.H. 1030 (2 September, 1621), the feast of my solar
weighing took place auspiciously and happily. As in the past year
(of my life) I had suffered from severe illness, I had passed it in
continuous pain and trouble. In thankfulness that such a year ended
well and in safety, and that in the commencement of the present year
the signs of health became apparent, Nur Jahan Begam begged that her
Vakils might make the arrangements for the entertainment (of the
solar weighment). In truth, they prepared one which increased the
astonishment of beholders. From the date on which Nur Jahan Begam
entered into the bond of marriage with this suppliant, although in
all weighing entertainments, both solar and lunar, she had made such
arrangements as were becoming to the State, and knew what were the
requirements of good fortune and prosperity; yet on this occasion she
had paid greater attention than ever to adorn the assembly, and arrange
the feast. All the servants of approved service and the domestics who
knew my temperament, who in that time of weakness had constantly been
present and been ready to sacrifice their lives, and had fluttered
round my head like moths, were now honoured with suitable kindnesses,
such as dresses of honour, jewelled sword-belts, jewelled daggers,
horses, elephants, and trays full of money, each according to their
positions. And though the physicians had not done good service, yet
in consideration of the slight contempt [525] with which they had
been treated for two or three days, they received various favours,
and on the occasion of this feast also, they received presents in
jewels and cash.
After the conclusion of the weighment, trays of gold and silver were
poured out by way of nisar (coin-scattering) into the hope-skirts of
the ministers of amusement (ahl-i-nishat), and of the poor. Jotik
Ray, astrologer, who had given the glad news of my recovery and
restoration to health, I had weighed against muhars and rupees, and
by this method a present was made [526] him of 500 muhars and 7,000
rupees. At the end of the entertainment the offerings she (Nur Jahan)
had prepared for me were produced. Of the jewels, jewelled ornaments,
cloths and various rarities I selected what I approved of. Altogether
the cost of this great entertainment which Nur Jahan Begam gave was
recorded to be two lacs of rupees, exclusive of what she laid before
me as offerings. In previous years, when I was in health, I weighed
3 maunds and 1 or 2 seers more or less, but this year, as a result
of my weakness and leanness, I was only 2 maunds and 27 seers.
On Thursday, the 1st of the Divine month of Mihr, I`tiqad K., the
Governor of Kashmir, was promoted to the mansab of 4,000 and 2,500
horse, and Raja Gaj Singh to that of 4,000 and 3,000 horse. When the
news of my illness reached my son, Shah Parwiz, without waiting for a
farman he came to see me, being unable to restrain himself. On the 14th
[527] of the same month (September 25, 1621), at an auspicious hour
and propitious time, that fortunate son had the good fortune to kiss
the threshold, and went three times round the couch (takht). However
much I adjured him and forbade him to do so, he insisted the more
in lamentation and importunity. I took him by the hand and drew him
towards me, and by way of kindness and affection held him fast in an
embrace, and displayed great love to him. I hope that he may enjoy
a long life with prosperity.
At this time Rs. 20,00,000 were sent to Khurram for the expenses
of the army of the Deccan by Allah-dad K., who was honoured with an
elephant and a standard. On the 28th Qiyam K., chief huntsman, died
a natural death. He was a confidential servant, and apart from his
skill in hunting, looked over every trifling detail relating to it,
and consulted my pleasure in it. In short, I was much grieved at this
event. I hope that God may grant him forgiveness.
On the 29th the mother of Nur Jahan Begam died. Of the amiable
qualities of this matron (Kad-banu) of the family of chastity what
can I write? Without exaggeration, in purity of disposition and in
wisdom and the excellencies that are the ornament of women no Mother
of the Age [528] was ever born equal to her, and I did not value
[529] her less than my own mother. With regard to the attachment
that I`timadu-d-daula bore towards her it is certain that no husband
was equal to him. Here one must imagine what had happened to that
grief-stricken old man. Also with regard to the attachment of Nur Jahan
Begam to her mother what can one write? A son like Asaf K., exceedingly
intelligent and clever, rent in pieces his robe of patience and left
off the dress of men of the social state (lit., men of dependence,
or connection). At the sight of his dear son, the grief and sorrow of
the father, wounded at heart, increased more and more. However much
we admonished him, it had no result. On the day on which I went to
condole with him, as the disturbance of his mind and grief of his heart
had commenced, I spoke a few words of admonition by way of affection
and kindness, but did not urge him. I left him until (the sense of)
his calamity should abate. After some days I ministered to his inward
wound the balm of kindness, and brought him back to the position of
sociable beings. Although in order to please me and satisfy my mind
he outwardly controlled himself, and made a show of resignation, yet
with regard to his affection for her what resignation could there be?
On the 1st of the Divine month of Aban, Sar-buland K., Jan-sipar K.,
and Baqi K., were honoured with the gift of drums. `Abdu-llah K. had
gone to his jagir without the leave of the Subahdar [530] of the
Deccan: I accordingly told the Chief Diwans to deprive him of his
jagir, and I`timad Ray was ordered to act as a sazawul, and to send
him back to the Deccan.
It has been recorded with regard to the case of Masihu-z-zaman (Hakim
Sadra) that, notwithstanding what was due from him for his bringing-up
and my kindness to him, he had not the grace to attend upon me in
such an illness, and more strange still is it that he suddenly threw
off the veil of modesty and asked for leave to undertake a journey
to the Hijaz, and make a pilgrimage to the holy house. Inasmuch
as at all times and under all circumstances the reliance of this
suppliant is on the Lord, that needs no return, and the gracious
Creator, I gave him leave with an open brow. Though he had all kinds
of things (for the journey) I made him a present of Rs. 20,000 in aid
of his expenses, and I hope that the Supreme Physician, without the
assistance of physicians and the means of medicine, may grant this
suppliant complete recovery from the Dispensary of His mercy.
As the air of Agra, in consequence of the increase of the temperature,
did not agree with me, on Monday, the 13th of the Divine month of
Aban and 16th year (of my reign), the standards were raised to go
towards the hill country of the North, so that if the air of that
quarter should be equable, I might choose some spot of ground on
the bank of the River Ganges, and found a city there, to make a
permanent place of residence for the hot weather, or else turn the
reins of purpose in the direction of Kashmir. Leaving Muzaffar K. to
guard and administer Agra, I dignified him with drums, a horse, and
an elephant. Having appointed his nephew, M. Muhammad faujdar of the
city, I gave him the title of Asad K., and selected him for increase
of mansab. Having exalted Baqir K. to the duty of the Subah of Oudh,
I dismissed him. On the 26th of the said month my prosperous son Shah
Parwiz obtained leave to proceed from Mathura to Bihar and his jagir. I
gave him leave after presenting him with a special dress of honour,
a nadiri, a jewelled dagger, a horse, and an elephant. I hope that
he may enjoy long life. On 4 Azar, Mukarram K., governor of Delhi,
was exalted with the good fortune of paying his respects. On the 6th I
alighted at Delhi, and having halted two days in Salimgarh I employed
myself with the pleasure of sport. At this time it was reported to me
that Jado Ray Kaitha (or Kathiya), who is one of the leading Sardars
of the Deccan, by the guidance of good fortune and reliance on God,
had elected for loyalty, and had been enrolled amongst the loyal
servants. Bestowing on him a dress of honour and a jewelled dagger,
I sent a gracious farman to him by the hand of Narayan Das Rathor. On
the 1st of the Divine month of Dai, corresponding with the 7th Safar,
A.H. 1031, Maqsud, brother of Qasim K., was honoured with the title
of Hashim K. and Hashim Beg Khushi [531] with that of Jan-nisar K.
On the 7th of the same month the camp was pitched at Hardwar on the
bank of the Ganges. It is one of the most famous places of worship
of the Hindus, and many brahmans and recluses have chosen a corner
of retirement in this place and worship God according to the rule
of their religion. I gave alms in cash and goods to each of them
according to his requirements. As the climate of this skirt of the
hills was not approved by me, and I could not see a spot of ground
on which to make a permanent residence, I proceeded towards the skirt
of the hill country of Jammu and Kangra.
At this time it was reported to me that Raja Bhao Singh had died in
the Deccan (become a traveller on the road of non-existence). From
excess of wine-drinking he had become very weak and low. Suddenly a
faintness came over him. However much the physicians tried remedies
for him and burnt scars on the top of his head, he did not come to his
senses: for a night and a day he lay without perception, and died the
next day. Two wives and eight concubines burnt themselves in the fire
of fidelity for him. Jagat Singh, his elder brother, and Maha Singh,
his nephew, had spent the coin of their lives in the wine-business,
and the aforesaid, not taking warning from them, sold sweet life for
bitter fluid. He was of very good disposition and sedate. From the
days when I was a prince he was constantly in my service, and by the
blessing of my education had reached the high rank of 5,000. As he
left no son, I dignified the grandson of his elder brother, though of
tender years, with the title of Raja, and gave him the mansab of 2,000
personal and 1,000 horse. The pargana of Amber, his native place,
was assigned to him as jagir, according to former custom, in order
that his family might not be dispersed. Asalat K., s. Khan Jahan,
was promoted to the mansab of 1,000 personal and 500 horse. On the
20th [532] of the same month I halted at the saray of Alwatu. [533]
As I am constantly engaged in the pleasure of hunting, and the flesh
of animals I have killed with my own hand is very much to my taste, in
consequence of the suspicions and caution that I have in such matters,
I order them to be cleaned in my presence, and myself inspect their
stomachs to see what they have eaten and what the food of the animals
is. If by chance I see anything to which I have a dislike I forbear
from eating the flesh. Before this I was not inclined towards any
kind of waterfowl except the sona (golden duck?). When I was at Ajmir
I saw a tame sona duck eating horrible worms. From seeing this, my
taste turned against it, and I gave up eating tame sona ducks until
now, when a duck was caught, and I ordered them to clean it in my
presence. From its crop there first came out a small [534] fish:
after this there appeared a bug [535] so large that I could not
believe till I saw it with my own eye that it could swallow a thing
of such a size. Briefly I this day determined that I would not eat
waterfowl. Khan `Alam represented that the flesh of the white heron
(`uqab-i-safid) was very delicious and tender. I accordingly sent for
a white heron, and ordered them to clean it in my presence. By chance
there came out of its crop ten bugs in a manner disgusting to me,
at the remembrance of which I am distressed and disgusted.
On the 21st the garden of Sirhind brought joy to my senses, and on
the day of halt there I delighted myself by going round and looking
at it. At this time Khwaja Abu-l-Hasan came from the Deccan, and had
the good fortune to wait on me. He had great favour shown him. On
the 1st of the Divine month of Bahman I halted at Nur-Saray. [536]
The mansab of Mu`'tamid K., original and increased, was ordered to
be 2,000 personal and 600 horse. Khan `Alam was made governor of
Allahabad, [537] and having been presented with a horse, a dress
of honour, and a jewelled sword, took his leave. Muqarrab K. was
selected for the mansab of 5,000 personal and horse. On Thursday,
when I was encamped on the bank of the Biyah (Beas), Qasim K. came
from Lahore, and had the good fortune to wait on me. Hashim K., his
brother, with the Zamindars of the country bordering on the hills,
had the honour of kissing the threshold.
Baso'i, [538] the zamindar of Talwara, brought me a bird, which the
hill-people call jan-bahan. Its tail resembles the tail of the qirqawul
(pheasant), which is also called the tazru, and its colour is exactly
like that of the hen-pheasant, but it is half as large again. The
circle round the eyes of this bird is red, while the orbit of the
pheasant is white. The said Baso'i stated that this bird lived in
the snow-mountains, and that its food was grass and other stuff. I
have kept pheasants and have reared young ones, and have often eaten
the flesh both of young birds and of mature ones. One may say that
there is no comparison between the flesh of the pheasant and this
bird. The flesh of the latter is much more delicate. Among the birds
which I saw in the hill-country one was the phul-paikar, [539] which
the Kashmiris call sonlu. It is one-eighth (nim sawa'i?) less than
a pea-hen. The back, tail, and wings resemble those of the bustard,
and are blackish, with white spots. The breast to the end of the
bosom is black, with white spots, and some red ones. The ends of the
feathers are fiery red, and very lustrous and beautiful. From the end
of the back of the neck it is also brilliantly black. On the top of
its head it has two fleshy horns of a turquoise colour. The skin of
its orbits and round its mouth is red. Below its throat there is skin
round it enough to cover the palms of two hands, and in the middle
of this the skin is of a violet colour of the size of a hand, with
blue spots in the middle. Around it each streak is of a blue colour,
consisting of eight plumes; round the blue streak it is red to the
breadth of two fingers, like the peach flower, and again round its
neck is that blue-coloured streak: it has red legs also. The live
bird, which was weighed, came to 152 tolahs. After it was killed and
cleaned it weighed 139 tolahs. Another bird is of a golden colour:
this the people of Lahore call Shan [540] (?) and the Kashmiris
put. Its colour is like that of a peacock's breast. Above its head
is a tuft (kakul). Its tail of the width of five fingers is yellow,
and is like the long feather (shah-par) of the peacock, and its body as
large as that of a goose. The neck of the goose is long and shapeless:
that of this one is short, and has a shape.
My brother, Shah `Abbas, had asked for golden birds, [541] and I sent
some to him by his ambassador. On Monday [542] the ceremony of my lunar
weighing took place. At this entertainment Nur Jahan Begam gave dresses
of honour to forty-five of the great Amirs and private servants. On the
14th of the same month the camp was pitched at the village of Bahlwan
[543] belonging to the Siba district. As I constantly longed for the
air of Kangra and the hill-country above-mentioned, I left the large
camp at this place, and proceeded to inspect the said fort with some
of my special servants and attendants. As I`timadu-d-daula was ill
I left him in the camp, and kept Sadiq K., the chief Bakhshi, there
to look after him and guard the camp. The next day news came that his
state had undergone a change, and that the signs of hopelessness were
apparent. I could not bear the agitation of Nur Jahan Begam, and,
considering the affection which I bore towards him, I returned to
the camp. At the end of the day I went to see him. It was the hour of
his death agony. Sometimes he became unconscious and sometimes came
back to his senses. Nur Jahan Begam indicated me, and said: "Do you
recognise (him)?" At such a time he recited this couplet of Anwari:
Were a mother-born blind man present
He'd recognise Majesty in the World-Adorner.
I was for two hours at his pillow. Whenever he was conscious,
whatever he said was intelligent and rational. In fine, on the 17th
of the said month (Bahman) (about the end of January, 1622), after
three gharis had passed he attained to eternal mercy. What shall I
say about my feelings through this terrible event? He was a wise and
perfect Vizier, and a learned and affectionate companion.