The Institutes of Akbar 184: AIN 13. · THE FARMAN I BAYAZI.

184

Some matters connected with the Government do not admit of delay, or must not to be known to every one. Such an order receives only the Imperial seal, and is called a Farman i Bayazi. The farman is folded up, and two edges are made to meet, when a knot of paper is put over them, which is sealed up, in such manner, that the contents cannot be seen. The sealing wax is made of the gum of the Kunar, the Bar, the Pipal, and other trees. Like wax, it gets warm when exposed to fire, but gets, afterwards, cool and hard. When thus sealed, the farman is put into a golden cover; for His Majesty looks upon the use of external signs of grandeur as an act of divine worship. Such farmans are carried by Muncabdars, Ahadis, or common foot-soldiers, to the parties concerned. When an officer receives such an order he proceeds a proper distance to meet it, performs various acts of obeisance, puts it on the crown of his head, makes the sijdah, and rewards the messenger according to the favour conferred upon himself, or according to his circumstances. According to His Majesty’s wishes, the bags in which reports are sent, are secured in the same manner as a Farman i Bayazi, so that no alterations are possible. In consequence of this, much trouble is avoided, and dishonest practices are put a stop to.