Maʾathir al-umaraʾ 1: Mahabat Khan Khan-khanan Sipah-salar.

1

Zamana Beg was son of Ghuyur Beg Kabuli, and belonged to the Saiyids of the pure Razwiya stock. Khan-zaman, son of Mahabat Khan, in a history which he wrote, traces the descent of his ancestors from the Prophet Moses. They were all men of position and wealth. Ghuyur Beg came from Shiraz to Kabul, and settled among one of the tribes of that neighbourhood. He was enrolled among the military followers of Mirza Muhammad Hakim, and on the death of the Mirza he obtained employment in the service of the Emperor Akbar, when he distinguished himself greatly in the campaign against Chitor. Zamana Beg in his youth was entered among the ahadis of Prince Salim (Jahangir), and, having rendered some acceptable services, he, in a short time, received a suitable mansab, and was made Bakhshi of the shagird-peshas. When Raja Uchaina made a treaty and agreement with Mu'azzam Khan Fathpuri at Allahabad, and came to wait upon the Prince, the city and its environs swarmed with his numerous followers. Whenever he went out, all men, high and low, gazed with wondering eyes at his followers. This annoyed the Prince, who said one night in private, "Why should I be troubled with this man?" Zamana Beg said that if permission were given, he would that very night settle his business. Having received directions, he went alone with a servant at midnight to the dwelling of the Rája, who was drunk and fast asleep. He left his servant at the door, and telling the Raja's servants to wait outside, because he had a royal message to deliver, he went into the tent, cut off the Rája's head, wrapped it in a shawl, and came out. Telling the servants that no one must go in, because he had an answer to bring, he took the head and threw it down before the Prince. Orders were immediately given for plundering the Rája's followers. When these discovered what had happened, they dispersed, and all the Raja's treasure and animals were confiscated to the State. Zamana Beg received the title of Mahábat Khan, and at the beginning of the reign of Jahángír he was raised to a mansab of 3000, and sent in command of an army against the Rána. * * *