The Book of Akbar 149: CHAPTER XXI.

149

Account of Mirza Kamran's coming to the Panjab.
When Mirza Kamran heard of the demise of his Majesty Giti-sitani Firdus-makani, he, out of an inordinate spirit, made over Qandahar to Mirza 'Askari and proceeded to India in hope that some advantage might accrue to himself. But whenever felicity's diadem hath exalted the head of a fortunate one and the Divine protection is watching over him, what save evil (tabahi) can happen to the evil-disposed (tabah)? It is stated that at that time Mir Yunus 'Ali was, in accordance with the orders of Giti-sitani Firdus-makani, Governor of Lahor. Having laid his plans, Mirza Kamran one night pretended to be enraged with Qaraca Beg and used violent language towards him. Next night Qaraca Beg fled with his soldiers from the Mirza's camp to Lahor. Mir Yunus 'Ali regarded his coming as of much importance and received him with great kindness and frequently invited him to his own quarters. They were on friendly terms. But Qaraca was watching his opportunity, till at length on one night when there was a convivial party, and Yunus 'Ali's best soldiers were away at their quarters, he seized him and, putting him in prison, placed his own men in charge of the Fort gates. He then hurried off a message to Mirza Kamran. The Mirza (who was in expectation of this) came post to Lahor and took possession of the city. He released Mir Yunus 'Ali, apologized to him and said that if he would remain, he might continue to be Governor of Lahor. Mīr Yūnus 'Alī did not consent to serve him and taking leave, went off to his Majesty Jahānbānī Jannat-āshiyānī. Mīrzā Kāmrān appointed his own creatures to the parganas of the Sirkar of the Panjāb and took possession up to the Satlaj (which is known as the Water of Ludhiyāna). Then he craftily sent skilful ambassadors with protestations of loyalty and sincerity and begged that he might be confirmed in the province. His Majesty Jahānbānī, partly because the sea of his liberality had been set in motion, and partly from a desire to observe the precepts of his Majesty Gītī-sitānī Firdaus-makānī, made over the province to him and issued a decree appointing him to the charge of Kābul, Qandahār and the Panjāb. The Mīrzā returned thanks for this unexpected favour and sent presents to the Court. He followed this up by opening the gates of correspondence and by sending eulogiums of his Majesty Jahānbānī. Among them was the following ode:—