The Akbarī Generations 33.1

33.1

The beginning of this year corresponded with Monday, 2nd Ramazan, 974 H. (12th Feb. 1567). At the beginning of this year, which was near the Nauroz, His Majesty determined to go out for a Kamurgha hunt. An order was issued to all the great amirs for forty miles round Lahore to drive the animals together into a large plain, situated about five kos from Lahore. Accordingly the amirs, under the direction of Mir Muhammad Atka, drove together about fifteen thousand animals, deer, nilgaos, jackals, foxes, etc., into that plain. The extent of this hunting ground was five kos on every side, and the Emperor's tent (kasar), which he used in his campaigns, was brought here and set up. The Emperor then mounted, and went out to hunt. The amirs and the khans daily drew their lines closer, and narrowed the circle. When several days had passed in this sport, His Majesty graciously gave his attendants permission to shoot, and afterwards made the permission general, so that there was no soldier or any person who did not get several kinds of game. After the sport was over, the Emperor returned towards the city, and on reaching the river of Lahore, he plunged into the water on horseback and swam over. Of the attendants who followed His Majesty, Khush-khabr Khan Yasawal and Mir Muhammad, son of Sher Muhammad Kurdar, were drowned.