The Institutes of Akbar 315.1

315.1

He was a Brahman of the name of Mahesh Dás (Maásir; the Ed. Bibl. Indica of Badáoní, II. p. 161, calls him Brahman Dás), and was a Bhat, or minstrel, a class of men whom the Persians call bádforosh, ‘dealers in encomiums.’ He was very poor, but clear-headed, and remarkable for his power of apprehension. According to Badáoní, he came soon after Akbar’s accession from Kálpí to Court, where his bonmots in a short time made him a general favourite. His Hindi verses also were much liked, and Akbar conferred on him the title of Kab Rái, or (Hindu) Poet Laureate and had him constantly near himself. In the 18th year, Rájáh Jai Chand of Nagarkot, who was at Court, came to displease the emperor, and was imprisoned. Nagarkot was given to Kab Rái as jágír. He also received the title of Rajah Bir Bar. But Jai Chand’s son, Budh Chand (or Budhi Ch., or Badí Ch.,—the MSS. differ) shut himself up in Nagarkot, and Husain Qulí Khán (No. 24) was ordered to conquer it. The invasion of Ibráhím Husain Mírzá, as related above, forced Husain Qulí to raise the siege, and Bir Bar, in all probability, did not get his jágír. He accompanied Akbar on his forced march to Patan and Ahmadábád, 24th Rabí‘ II, 981. (Vide note to No. 101.) He was often employed in missions. Thus in the 21st year, he was sent with Rái Lon Karan to Dúngarpúr, the Rái of which town was anxious to send his daughter to Akbar’s Harem. In the 28th year, again, B. B. and Zain Kokah (No. 34) conducted Rajah Rám Chand (No. 89) to Court.