The Book of Akbar 112: Disobedience of Prince Salim.

112

Salim, the Prince Royal, had been sent against the Rana (of Údipur). His love of ease, encouraged by his improper companions, induced him to spend some time at Ajmir in pleasure. After a while, he hastened to Údipur, and the Rana then leading his forces in another direction, plundered Malpur and other places. Madho Singh was sent against him, and defeated him. But before this honourable service was accomplished, the Prince was induced by his evil counsellors to form the design of going to the Panjab, and of there following his own pleasure. But just at this time came the outbreak of the Afghans in Bengal, and upon the advice of Raja Man Singh, he proceeded thither. On the 1st Amurdad, he crossed the Jumna, four kos from Agra, and greatly pained Maryam Makani, the Emperor’s mother, by not going to see her. In her kindness she went out after him, to chide him for his neglect; but when he heard of her approach on his return from hunting, he entered his boat, and went off as fast as he could, leaving the venerable lady to return home with sorrowful heart. The Prince went on to Allahabad, where he seized upon many jagirs. He appropriated the revenues of Bihar, amounting to more than thirty lacs of rupees, and assumed the royal title. The Emperor, in his kindness and forbearance, did not believe all this, and his great nobles agreed with him. Letters were sent to the Prince questioning him upon his irregular proceedings, and he replied that he was doing good service, and was innocent of any wrong.