The Institutes of Akbar 242.4

242.4

In the 39th year Akbar recalled M. ‘Aziz, as he had not been at Court for several years; ‘but the Mirza dreading the religious innovations at Court,’ marched against Diu under the pretext of conquering it. He made, however, peace with the ‘Firingi’ and embarked for Hijaz at Balawal, a harbour town near Somnat. accompanied by his six younger sons (Khurram, Anwar, ‘Abdullah, ‘Abdullatif, Murtaza, ’Abdulghafur), six daughters, and about one hundred attendants. Akbar felt sorry for his sudden departure, and with his usual magnanimity, promoted the two eldest sons of the Mirza (M. Shamsi and M. Shadman). M. ’Aziz spent a great deal of money in Makkah; in fact he was so ‘fleeced,’ that his attachment to Islam was much cooled down; and being assured of Akbar’s good wishes for his welfare, he embarked for India, landed again at Balawal, and joined Akbar in the beginning of 1003. He now became a member of the ‘Divine Faith’ (vide p. 208, l. 4,) was appointed Governor of Bihar, was made Vakil in 1004, and received Multan as Jagir. In the 45th year (1008) he accompanied Akbar to Asir. His mother died about the same time, and Akbar himself assisted in carrying the coffin. Through the mediation of the Mirza, Bahadur Khan, ruler of Khandes, ceded Asir to Akbar towards the end of the same year. Soon after, Prince Khusrau married one of ’Aziz’s daughters.