The Institutes of Akbar 34.3

34.3

The Mursall, which is the name of a tune played by the mursil; and afterwards the bardásht, which consists likewise of certain tunes, played by the whole band. This is followed by a pianissimo, and a crescendo passing over into a diminuendo; 2. The playing of the four tunes, called ikhlátí, ibtidáí, shírází, qalandarí nigár qatrah, or nukhúd qatrah, which occupies an hour. 3. The playing of the old Khwárizmite tunes. Of these his Majesty has composed more than two hundred, which are the delight of young and old, especially the tunes Jalálsháhí, Mahámír karkat (?), and the Naurózí. 4. The swelling play of the cymbals. 5. The playing of Bá miyán daur. 6. The passing into the tunes azfar, also called ráh i balá, after which comes a pianissimo. 7. The Khwárizmite tunes, played by the Mursil, after which he passes into the mursalí; he then pauses, and commences the blessings on his Majesty, when the whole band strikes up a pianissimo. Then follows the reading of beautiful sentences and poems. This also lasts for an hour. Afterwards the surná-players perform for another hour, when the whole comes to a proper conclusion. His Majesty has such a knowledge of the science of music as trained musicians do not possess; and he is likewise an excellent hand in performing, especially on the naqqárah. Mansabdárs, Ahadis, and other troops are employed in this department. The monthly pay of a foot-soldier does not exceed 240, and is not less than 74 dáms.