Jawamiʿ al-hikayat wa lawamiʿ al-riwayat 2.1

2.1

[I. II. 16.] When Bahrám resumed the government, and again exercised a beneficial influence over his subjects, he desired to examine the country of Hindústán, and bring it under subjection. So he placed his army and country in charge of his brother Zasi, and clothing himself in the garb of a merchant he went to Hindústán. At that time the Rái of Hind was named Shankal, who in dignity and prosperity, in territories, treasures, and armies, excelled all the other Ráis. Bahrám arrived in his territory, and made himself acquainted with all its affairs. It happened that at this time a huge elephant made its appearance in the forest without the city, and so distressed the people that all traffic on the road was put a stop to. The King's men were unable to prevent this, but Bahrám went out against it, and, single-handed, killed it. This exploit being reported to the Rái, he called Bahrám before him, and asked him who he was, whence he had come, and for what reason he had hitherto kept aloof from him. These questions Bahrám answered by saying that he was a native of Irán, that he had fled thence to save his life, which had been attempted by the king of that country, who for some reason had become inimical to him. On hearing this, Shankal treated him with great kindness and received him into his especial favour.