The Akbarī Generations 72.4

72.4

Muzaffar Khan, since his appointment to the government of Bengal, had not sent a single article of the productions of the country, or any portion of its revenue, to the Imperial treasury ; but he now sent five lacs of rupees in cash, various goods and articles of the country, and elephants and rarities of great value, which were graciously accepted. Muhammad Ma'sum Kabuli also sent thirty-nine elephants as tribute. On a Friday in this month notice was given for all the poor and needy to assemble on the chaugan ground. Sultan Khwaja Kalij Khan distributed the alms to them one by one. Nearly a lac of persons assembled, and there was such a crowd and crush that eighty weak women and children were trampled to death. When the Emperor was informed of this, he ordered that for the future the people should come a few at a time, and not make a crowd. Kutbu-d din Atka, a nobleman of high rank, was now appointed tutor to Prince Salim. In celebration of this appointment he gave a grand feast, and the young prince honoured him with his presence. There was a grand assemblage, and Kutbu-d din made many offerings of elephants and Arab horses, jewels and cloths. According to the usual custom, Kutbu-d din Muhammad Atka carried the prince upon his back, and raised his aspiring head to the pinnacle of grandeur. He made presents of money and jewels to the prince, and the clamour of congratulations reached the sky.