The Book of Akbar 210: CHAPTER XXXIII.
The Akbarnama (H. Beveridge), vols. I–II 210
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CHAPTER XXXIII.
210.1
Sam Mirza, the Shah’s honoured brothers came and welcomed him. In Jumada-al-awwal, 951 (July, 1544), the Shah himself welcomed him with all the observances of respect and honour, and had an interview with him in which all the conditions of reverence and veneration were fulfilled. In a noble palace, on the gilding of which skilful artists had long been engaged and in which they had displayed miracles of craftmanship, an enchanting picture-gallery received its inauguration by the interview with his Majesty Jahanbani. A regal assemblage took place, and in accordance with the canons of magnanimity and the requirements of condolence and exalted inquiries after welfare there was sympathy and mutual discourse. The gates of sincerity and honouring having been unclosed, those of sociability and gaiety opened of themselves, and high converse ensued. Mirza Qasim of Gunabad in his book of poems (Masnavi) in which the Shah is celebrated has spoken as follows of the interview between those two illustrious potentates:— Verse. Two Lords of Conjunction in one banquet-hall Made a syzygy like the sun and moon. Two lustrous visions for Fortune’s eye, Two blessed 'Id for month and year, Two stars making heaven resplendent Side by side in one spot like the Farqadain, Two eyes of the world in companionship Joining in courtesy like two eye-brows, Two auspicious portents in one sign (burj), Two glorious pearls in one casket (darj).
210.2
The Shah observed “The glorious Creator and Bestower of Worlds made the conquest of India, achieved by his Majesty Giti-sitani Firdaus-makani, the key of the treasure-house of universal sway for your world-compassing sword. Every failure and infirmity which hath in these days appeared in administration and world-rule arose from the disservice and discord of disloyal brothers. Over this you had no control. In mundane affairs fraternal unanimity is of high import, and is a disentangler of perplexities. In this present regard ourselves as your younger brother and know us to be a helper and a supporter, for—our life on it—we shall succour you to the height of your desire. We acknowledge old ties, and shall fulfil whatever assistance may be necessary. Should we be required to go in person as your auxiliary we will go.” He spoke many sincere words and such as bore the impress of magnanimity. For several days they held Cyrus-like festivities. His Majesty the Shah entered personally into all the arrangements, and every day had a novel entertainment. There was increase of formal and spiritual beauty, and day by day he waxed more and more friendly and affectionate. How can feasts be described when so great a Shah was in his own person the caterer? What gold-embroidered velvet and silken canopies there were and what numbers of wrought pavilions and lofty tents there were!
210.3
Far as the eye could reach, silken rugs and precious carpets were laid out and thereby were spread pleasure and joy. What account can be given of how in the important matter of the distribution of presents and rareties he gave his personal attention to the subject? How tell of the choice horses of Media with embroidered and golden saddles and the splendid housings and trappings, of the adorned mules of Bard'a, of the strangely shaped camels, male or female, with valuable coverings, of the many scimitars and daggers set with jewels and the like, of the fine linen, and the robes (pūstīn) of the marten (kesh) and the red fox, the ermine (sanjāb), and the squirrel (tīn), and also the dresses of gold brocade, velvet, silk (tāfta), satin, figured silks from Europe (mushajjar-i-Firangī), and Yezd, and Kāshān. Many basins, ewers, and candlesticks of gold and silver set with rubies and pearls, many gold and silver dishes, ornamented tents, grand carpets, the marvel of the age for size and beauty, and other regal articles were brought one by one before his Majesty’s holy glance. Money and goods were distributed to all the followers, and royal courtesies were interchanged. His Majesty Jahānbānī on the day of the great festival presented to the Shāh as the gift of a traveller a diamond of great value—worth the revenues of countries and climes, together with 250 Badakhshān rubies.
210.4
Without a doubt, all the expenditure which the Shāh, whether from his privy purse, or through his officers, incurred on account of his Majesty Jahānbānī from the time of his entering the country to his exit therefrom was hereby repaid more than four times over. From thence they went to Sulṭānīya and there held Cyrus-like festivities. In the intervals between these glorious seasons of fortunate conjunctions a cloudiness of heart was created on both sides through the instigation of sundry strife-mongers, but the turbidity did not last long, and was washed away by the waters of cleansing. His Majesty the Shāh made every day new arrangements for pleasure and joy. Among other things he ordered the amusement of a hunting-drive (shikār-i-qamargha), and his army drove the beasts of the plain a ten days’ journey up to a spring known as the Sāvūq Būlāq which is the first stage of the Yailāq Bīlāq. His Majesty Jahanbani and the Shah entered the hunting-ground together and gave new lustre to the arts of horsemanship and game-slaying. After that Bahram Mirza, Sam Mirza, and after them Bairam Khan, Haji Muhammad Koki, Shah Quli Sultan Muhrdar (seal-keeper, or chancellor), Roshan Koka, Hasan Koka, and many others of his Majesty Jahanbani’s trusty followers were permitted to enter the qamargha.
210.5
Several of the Shah’s officers were bidden to enter, such as ‘Abdulla Khan Istajlu, son-in-law of the great Shah Isma’il, Abul Qasim Khalfa, Sundak Sultan, Qurci Bashi Afshar, Badar Khan Istajlu and some others. After a time a general permission to enter was given. Everyone of the soldiers and troopers engaged in seizing and binding the game. Meanwhile Bahram Mirza, who had a grudge against the Khalfa intentionally shot an arrow at him so that he died. Out of consideration for the Mirza no one mentioned this to the Shah. After this troops were sent away in order that a fresh qamargha might be made at Sulaiman’s Pool (Hauz-i-Sulaiman). When they assembled, hunting, more majorum, was resumed, and here they spent some time also in playing polo and in archery. On this day as the archery was keen (lit. the qabaq bazar was hot) Bairam Beg received the title of Khan and Haji Muhammad Koki that of Sultan. At the close of this reunion the list of the 12,000 horse who had been designated to march with the Shah's son Prince Murad as the king's auxiliaries was presented to his Majesty together with the list of supplies which were to be despatched along with his Majesty Jahanbani. The following is the list of the exalted persons who were appointed to take part in this expedition:—