Muntakhab al-tawarikh 40: Translation of the Mahá-bhárat.

40

[Text, vol. ii. p. 320.] In the year 990 His Majesty assembled some learned Hindus, and gave them directions to write an explanation of the Mahá-bhárat, and for several nights he himself devoted his attention to explain the meaning to Nakíb Khán, so that the Khán might sketch out the gist of it in Persian. On a third night, the King sent for me, and desired me to translate the Mahá-bhárat, in conjunction with Nakíb Khán. The consequence was that in three or four months I translated two out of the eighteen sections, at the puerile absurdities of which the eighteen thousand creations may well be amazed. Such injunctions as one never heard of — what not to eat, and a prohibition against turnips! But such is my fate, to be employed on such works. Nevertheless, I console myself with the reflection, that what is predestined must come to pass!
After this, Mullá Shí and Nakíb Khán together accomplished a portion, and another was completed by Sultán Hájí Thánesarí by himself. Shaikh Faizí was then directed to convert the rough translation into elegant prose and verse, but he did not complete more than two sections. The Hájí aforesaid again wrote it, correcting the errors which had appeared in his first translation, and settling the conjectures which he had hazarded. He had revised a hundred sheets, and, nothing being omitted, he was about to give the finishing touch, when the order was received for his dismissal, and he was sent to Bakar. He now resides in his own city (Thánesar). Most of the scholars who were employed upon this translation are now with the Kauravas and Pándavas. May those who survive be saved by the mercy of God, and may their repentance be accepted!
The translation was called Razm-náma, and when fairly engrossed and embellished with pictures, the nobles had orders to take copies, with the blessing and favour of God. Shaikh Abu-l Fazl, who had already written against our religion, wrote the Preface, extending to two sheets. God defend us from his infidelities and absurdities!