[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Mughals (1526–1857)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal) › [Akbar (1556–1605)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar) › [Ḥālāt-i Asad Bēg](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg) › Wikáya, of Asad Beg (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) # Wikáya, of Asad Beg (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) Translation of [Halat-i Asad Beg (Ḥālāt-i Asad Bēg)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg) - **Language:** English - **Date:** 1875 CE - **Translators:** [Henry Miers Elliot](https://indike.org/pramana/person/elliot), [John Dowson](https://indike.org/pramana/person/dowson) - **Extent:** 31 passages, 7,084 words - **Text:** complete digital text - **Source:** archive.org · The History of India, as told by its own Historians. The Muhammadan Period. The posthumous papers of Sir H.… · Public domain (published before 1930) ## Contents - [1 Murder of Abu-l Fazl.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.1) — 9 parts - [2 Of my deputation to the army of Ray-rayan to inquire into the conduct of the officers.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.2) — 4 parts - [3 Of my appointment to bring back Mir Jamalu-d din from the Dakhin.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.3) - [4 Description of Bijdpur.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.4) - [5 Akbar orders a servant to be thrown off a tower.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.5) - [6 Introduction of Tobacco.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.6) — 4 parts - [7 Mission to the Dakhin.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.7) - [8 Account of the Death of His Majesty, and of other matters in connexion with it.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.8) — 9 parts - [9 Of the ascension of His Majesty the Emperor Nuru-d din Muhammad Jahangir to the throne of his fathers and ancestors.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.9) ## Text ### Murder of Abu-l Fazl. ### [1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.1.1) This least of the servants of Allah, Asad, son of Muhammad Murad, has written the following: When the auspicious life of the most learned Nawab, Shaikh Abu-l Fazl, son of Shaikh Mubarak, came to a close, and that most excellent of the men of genius of his age and most rare one of his time was killed at Sarai Barar, a dependency of Sironj, at prayer time on Friday, the 7th of Rabi’u-l awwal, in the year 1010, and when the news of that dire calamity and dreadful event reached that shadow of God, the Emperor Akbar, he was extremely grieved, disconsolate, distressed, and full of lamentation. That day and night he neither shaved, as usual, nor took opium, but spent his time in weeping and lamenting. It was then that the love of that Emperor of the world shone forth; for in the midst of his distressing grief and uneasiness, he thought of the author of these lines, and said to those around him, “What has become of Asad?” They, not knowing what had happened to this broken-winged one, could not answer. Just then Mirza Ja’far Asaf Khan came in, and could not refrain from weeping, on seeing his sovereign in the depths of grief and sorrow. His lord asked him what news he had of Asad? whether he was with Abu-l Fazl, or not? ### [1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.1.2) That noble chief, drying his tears, replied with courtesy, “Asad Beg was with him as far as Sironj, but the deceased Shaikh appointed him to govern the conquered provinces in Malwa, leaving with him the troops he had brought from the Dakhin, while he himself, taking those which Gopal Das Nakta had enlisted in Malwa, set off for the Court. Asad was most unwilling to obey, and being much distressed, he begged permission to escort him to Gwalior; but the Shaikh would not consent, and left him with his veterans at Sironj. It is pretty certain that Asad was not with him in the fight.” The Emperor immediately ordered Asaf Khan instantly to write a farman with his own hand to Asad, ordering him to leave all the followers of the deceased Shaikh with Gopal Das at Sironj, and to come with his own people to Court as soon as possible. Asaf Khan sat down, and did as his lord directed, then sealing it with his seal, delivered it to Miyan Gada, with orders to send it by one of his own brothers to Asad at Sironj, and bring him away with his attendants. ### [1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.1.3) It was decreed by the will of Providence, that the most learned should travel thus, and his fortune was perfidious; therefore it was that, following the advice of Gopal Das Nakta, he went unattended and unguarded to the place of his death, as I will now explain: When that most learned one reached the city of Sironj, the wretched villain Gopal Das had been for a long time ruler of those parts, and had raised about 300 irregular cavalry, most of them low Rajputs, who did not receive more than twenty rupees a month. Meanwhile that learned one, and we also, had heard in the Dakhin the account of Raja Nar Singh Deo’s depredations, and never a day passed but despatches on this subject reached us from Abu-l Khan and the rest of our faithful friends. Still, Fate so ordered it, that that learned one never paid the least heed to them. When we reached Sironj, Gopal Das persuaded him that the troops which he had brought with him from the Dakhin were many of them sick and fatigued from the speed of their march, and that it would be well to provide for them there, leaving them with Asad Beg to fight against Indrajit Bundela, and taking with him as his guard the fresh troops which he had raised. The ill-fated learned one agreed to this unwise proposition, and throwing away his life, preferred those fresh troops, who had never faced a single enemy, to his own victorious soldiers, tried in a thousand fights. In fact, many of these men did not even arrive in time to be of any use. ### [1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.1.4) He had taken Gadai Khan the Afghan and his son with him, but left their troops with me; had he but had a hundred of them with him, that disastrous accident had never occurred. True, Gadai Khan was a tried courageous man, but he fought alone; he fell, charging the enemy; his son escaped with a wound. Another Afghan, Jalal Khan by name, charged and fell; and two others, Salim Khan and Sher Khan, were taken prisoners, and put to death for refusing to betray the most learned. Mansur Chabuk too, one of the Nawab Khan-khanan’s servants, who had resigned his former office and come to Sironj, under pretence of turning fakir, and had been employed in the kitchen, charged and fell; he was of the Turkoman race. Mirza Muhammad Khan Beg was also among the slain, as well as Jabbar Khassa-khail, an Abyssinian, who was with them. When the Nawab was pierced and fell, he slew the Rajput who had wounded him, and rushed upon the enemy. He had still life in him when Nar Singh came up with the main body. He first trod Jabbar under foot, and then cut off the head of the great 'Allami. Excepting those I have mentioned, all, whether veterans or raw troops, escaped. Had they set off, as Mirza Muhsin, son-in-law of Fazl Khan of Badakhshan, advised, when he told them that robbers were lying in wait, they would have arrived safely; but as Fate had decreed, so it occurred; there was no help for it. ### [1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.1.5) The day when the deceased 'Allami gave me a dress of honour and a horse at Sironj, and dismissed me in the presence of Gopal Das, Mahdi 'Ali the Kashmirian, and all the attendants, with tearful eyes, I entreated to be allowed to escort him as far as Gwalior with the troops that he had left with me; but he would by no means consent, for the hour of that great man had arrived, and it was decreed that he should go. When he mounted to start, I too mounted, in order to follow him; but he peremptorily forbade me to do so, or even to come out of my house, and dismissed me from that place. \* \* ### [1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.1.6) When 'Allami arrived at Sarai Barar and dismounted from his horse, a religious beggar came to him, and told him all particulars about Nar Singh Bundela, how he intended to attack him the next day on his march; but he only dismissed him with a present of money, such as he used to give to others of his class. That night he passed in careless security. On Friday morning he rose, and, performing his ablutions, clothed himself in the white garments usually worn on Friday, and in the gold-embroidered robes of victory. He then courteously dismissed all who had attended him from the neighbouring provinces on the part of the jagirdars and receivers of revenue, such as the servants of Mirza Rustam, who had a jágír in the neighbourhood, and had sent forty or fifty horsemen, and Shaikh Mustafa, governor of Kalabagh, who had a guard with him, and several other persons of that sort, amounting in all to about 200 horsemen, who would have been of great service had he retained them. But it is in vain to lament. When Fate droops its wing from heaven, the most able men become deaf and dumb. ### [1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.1.7) As the sun rose, that rising sun set off with Ya’kub Khan, with whom he was at that time very familiar. The attendants hearing the drum beat for marching, prepared to follow. The private tent of Abu-l Fazl was yet standing, when the troops of the Bundela appeared from behind the Sarai with a shout, and fell upon the camp. All the attendants who were ready, mounted and escaped along the road, while Mirza Muhsin of Badakhshan, who was in the act of mounting, got on his horse and advanced towards the robbers to reconnoitre. When he had gone a little way, he came upon Nar Singh’s main body. After carefully surveying these forces from an eminence, he, like a courageous man, cut his way through them all, horse and foot, and reached ’Allami. As soon as he came up with the escort, he saw at a glance that they were all quite off their guard, marching in disorder, careless, and without their arms. Going forward, he reported what he had seen of the robbers. As soon as the Shaikh heard it, he halted, and asked him what was to be done. He advised him to proceed rapidly. The Shaikh said, “You mean we are to fly?” He answered, “It is not flying; only let us go on thus,” and, striking his spurs into his horse, he set forward at a rapid pace, saying, “Let us proceed in this way; as I am going, so do you go, as far as Gwalior.” ### [1.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.1.8) While ’Allami was halting thus long, a troop of the robbers caught the elephant which bore the standard and drum, and fell upon the escort; so the fighting commenced. The Shaikh turned back, and had just reached the drum and ensign, which was at the distance of a bow-shot, when the noise of Nar Singh’s army, which consisted of about 500 horsemen clad in mail, was heard. Gadai Khan the Afghan, with several other armed horsemen who were on in front, charged, and seizing the bridle of the Shaikh’s horse, exclaimed, “What have you to do here? Do you begone! This is our business.” With these words that brave soldier attacked the enemy, with his son and others before mentioned, and fell. At that moment one of the strangers in the company said, “The robbers are armed, and your attendants are not; we had better escape to the skirts of the hills; perhaps we may save our lives.” So he took the bridle of the Shaikh’s horse and turned about. Just then the robbers made an onslaught, spearing every man within reach. A Rajput came up and struck the Shaikh with a spear in the back, so that it came out through his breast. There was a small stream in the place, and the Shaikh tried to leap his horse over it, but he fell in the attempt. Jabbar Khassa-khail, who was close behind, slew that Rajput, and then dismounting, drew the Shaikh from under his horse and carried him a little off the road; but as the wound was mortal, the Shaikh fell. ### [1.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.1.9) Just then Nar Singh coming up with the rest of the Rajputs, Jabbar concealed himself behind a tree. But the horses of the Shaikh attracted the attention of Nar Singh, and he halted. The driver of the Shaikh’s female elephant was with him, and pointed out his wounded lord. As soon as Nar Singh saw him, he dismounted, and taking his head upon his knees, began to wipe his mouth with his own garment. Jabbar, observing from behind the tree that Nar Singh was in a compassionate mood, came forward and saluted him. Nar Singh asked who he was. Just then the Shaikh unclosed his eyes. Nar Singh, sitting as he was, saluted him, and telling his attendants to bring the farman, said to the Shaikh with blandishment, “The all-conquering lord has sent for you courteously.” The Shaikh looked bitterly at him. Nar Singh swore that he would carry him in safety to him. The Shaikh began to abuse him angrily. Nar Singh’s attendants then told him he would not be able to convey him away, for the wound was mortal; upon hearing which, Jabbar drew his sword, and, slaying several Rajputs, had nearly reached Nar Singh, when they killed and trampled him under foot. Nar Singh then rose from the Shaikh’s head, and his attendants despatched him, and, cutting off the head of that great one, started off, meddling with no one else, but even releasing those whom they had taken prisoners. ### Of my deputation to the army of Ray-rayan to inquire into the conduct of the officers. ### [2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.2.1) After two or three months, news came from the army which had been sent under Ray-rayan to chastise Nar Singh. A number of the most distinguished officers had accompanied him, and Ziau-l Mulk Kasi was second in command. All at once despatches came from them to this effect : “We had completely routed Nar Singh, and driven him into the walled fort of Iraj, with a body of 400 Rajputs ; we had invested the fort and made our approaches, and it seemed inevitable that he must fall into our hands the next day. The fort is situated on the banks of a broad deep river, the other three sides being exposed to the land. The general, Ray-rayan, undertook himself to guard the river bank, placing the other officers on the three remaining sides. At midnight, when sleep was heavy upon all, the Rajputs got out. Cutting through the wall on the river-side, they led their horses down the glacis, and mounting upon the river bank, crossed over at a place where there was some kind of a ford, passing through the Ray-rayan’s elephant stable, and by the time your slaves and the other chiefs had discovered what had happened, he had advanced far on his way. By this stratagem he has escaped.” ### [2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.2.2) When the despatches had been read, the Emperor, who thirsted for the blood of that wretch, fell into the greatest conceivable passion, and turning to Shaikh Farid, said he must go and investigate by whose fault this had happened; for the Ray-rayan reports that Nar Singh escaped through the lines of the Raja of Gwalior, and the Raja, in his turn, writes that he passed through the camp of the general, while the second in command declares that treachery has been at work, as he was completely entrapped. In short, each lays the blame on the other. The Shaikh represented that Shaikh Abu-l Khair, ’Allami’s brother, was very clever in investigations. As soon as he heard that name. His Majesty exclaimed, “I have it: send for Asad.” It chanced that I was on guard that night, and sitting in the guard-room with Aka Mulla. ### [2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.2.3) About eight o’clock messengers arrived with orders for me to come immediately to the fort. As soon as I was announced, His Majesty called for me. I made my obeisance, and seeing marks of anger and rage in the royal countenance, I feared he was about to put me to death. When His Majesty and the courtiers saw my alarm, they smiled, and throwing me the despatches, bade me read them. I first perused that of the Ray-rayan, and was proceeding with the rest, when he asked me whether I had understood the contents. I replied that I had partly done so. He said, “Now this has happened, do you go to the camp and inquire whose fault it is, and investigate the whole affair, for I am very much annoyed at this accident, and therefore have determined to send you.” I made my obeisance, and replied that I would use my utmost endeavours to fail in nothing. \* \* \* As soon as the Raja and all the officers were assembled, I produced a sheet made of pieces of cloth sewn together, upon which was drawn a plan of the fort of Traj, with the river on one side, and the gates and towers on the other three. The encampment of each chief was marked thereon, with the number of his forces. I then called Ziau-l Mulk, and made him write the name of each chief in the place which his forces had occupied, and made them all attach their seals to it. I also marked the place where Nar Singh had made his exit, and the spot at which he passed the river. ### [2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.2.4) When the chiefs had all affixed their seals to this sheet, I asked them whether they had thus represented it. After we had eaten betel and received perfumes, I took leave of all. The son of Muhammad Khan Tatar, a near connexion and relative of mine, was appointed to escort me with 1000 horse to Gwalior. \* \* \* I went myself with Musahib to the Court, and reported myself to Ram Das, who conducted me to the foremost railing, where I made my obeisance. His Majesty called me with the greatest impatience; and after presenting a gold mohur and nine rupees, I prostrated myself. His Majesty immediately said, “Whose fault was it?” I bowed, and replied that I would relate all particulars; but he again insisted that I should tell him what fault I thought there had been. Seeing his impatience, I replied, “I cannot say that any one has erred intentionally. There has only been great neglect, and all are alike guilty; that is my humble opinion.” Shaikh Farid said, “Neglect is also a fault.” I answered, “That is a fault which is committed intentionally, and that is carelessness which happens without any ill intention.” I was going to say more to the Shaikh, when His Majesty rose, and said, “Asad is right.” From the way he spoke, it was evident that he was very much pleased, and I saw that my words had been agreeable to him. \* \* ### [3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.3) When the Emperor was at Burhanpur, he had sent Saiyid Mir Jamalu-d din Husain Inju on a mission to ’Adil Khan Sawai, in order to form an alliance with him; for since that Prince had professed himself a follower of the Emperor, it was thought right to exalt him to the highest rank, by uniting his daughter in marriage with the high and fortunate Prince Daniyal. The Saiyid had gone about that business long before, and made such unnecessary delay, that the Emperor was displeased with him. Just at the time I am speaking of, a joint report from the Khan-i khanan and the Saiyid reached the Emperor, written in such an improper spirit, to make excuses for further delay, that His Majesty became exceedingly angry, and exclaimed, “He has seduced that noble too from his allegiance. By God’s will, I will send some one to bring him back with dishonour.” He then cast a glance along the ranks of his servants, and when the lightning eyes of that shadow of God fell upon me, the least of his slaves, he called me, and, caring as he did for the least, said to his great officers, “I will send Asad to bring him back without giving him time to eat or drink.” Then turning to me, he said, “I have appointed you to the Dakhin, on a service that will secure you abundant wealth.” \* \* \* In a few days I had made all ready, and the royal farmdns were all prepared. A very gracious farmdn was written with all possible courtesy to ’Adil Khan of Bijdpur. Its contents were as follows: “We find by the despatches of the Saiyid that you desire the town of Gwalior. Very good. If you are really anxious about the matter, open your mind to the faithful servant Asad, and we will issue orders according to your wish, and bestow it upon you for ever, so that you may appoint your own governor there.” To Mir Jamalu-d din I bore orders to this effect: “If thou dost not return to Court with Asad, thou shalt see what will happen to thee and to thy children.” ### [4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.4) That palace, which they called Hajjah, was so arranged, that each house in it had a double court. Where there are two courts, they call it in those parts Hajjah. All round the gate of my residence were lofty buildings with houses and porticos; the situation was very healthy and airy. It lies in an open space in the city. Its northern portico is to the east of a hdzdr of great extent, as much as thirty yards wide and about two hos long. Before each shop was a beautiful green tree, and the whole hdzdr was extremely clean and pure. It was filled with rare goods, such as are not seen or heard of in any other town. There were shops of cloth-sellers, jewellers, armourers, vintners, bakers, fishmongers, and cooks. To give some idea of the whole hdzdr, I will describe a small section in detail. In the jewellers’ shops were jewels of all sorts, wrought into a variety of articles, such as daggers, knives, mirrors, necklaces, and also into the form of birds, such as parrots, doves and peacocks, etc., all studded with valuable jewels, and arranged upon shelves, rising one above the other. By the side of this shop will be a baker’s, with rare viands, placed in the same manner, upon tiers of shelves. Further on a linendraper’s, with all kinds of cloths, shelved in like manner. Then a clothier’s. Then a spirit-merchant’s, with various sorts of china vessels, valuable crystal bottles, and costly cups, filled with choice and rare essences, arrayed on shelves, while in front of the shop were jars of double-distilled spirits. Beside that shop will be a fruiterer’s, filled with all kinds of fruit and sweetmeats, such as pistachio-nuts, and relishes, and sugar-candy, and almonds. On another side may be a wine-merchant’s shop, and an establishment of singers and dancers, beautiful women adorned with various kinds of jewels, and fair-faced choristers, all ready to perform whatever may be desired of them. In short, the whole bazar was filled with wine and beauty, dancers, perfumes, jewels of all sorts, palaces, and viands. In one street were a thousand bands of people drinking, and dancers, lovers, and pleasure-seekers assembled ; none quarrelled or disputed with another, and this state of things was perpetual. Perhaps no place in the wide world could present a more wonderful spectacle to the eye of the traveller. ### [5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.5) At that time the Emperor used to retire for a long interval, after evening prayers, during which time the servants and courtiers used to disperse, assembling again when they expected His Majesty to re-appear. That evening he happened to come out sooner than usual, to hear the news from the Dakhin, and at first found none of the servants in the palace. When he came near the throne and couch, he saw a luckless lamplighter, coiled up like a snake, in a careless death-like sleep, close to the royal couch. Enraged at the sight, he ordered him to be thrown from the tower, and he was dashed into a thousand pieces. In the midst of his anger, the unhappy Khwaja Amiru-d din, whose watch it was, came in sight. Akbar addressed him with harshness and anger, and after abusing and disgracing him, turned him out of the tower, and ordered him instantly to start off and join the Prince’s camp. He severely reprehended Daulat Khan, who was also on guard at the time, and disgraced and dishonoured him. Even Ram Das had a share in that misfortune, but he was not so severely punished. The Emperor then sat down on the royal couch, and in great fear I approached and saluted him. As soon as his eyes fell upon me, he bestowed upon me the office which Khwaja Amiru-d din had held for some years, and in which he had enjoyed great respect and honour, and at the same time said to Ram Das, I have bestowed the office of that wretch on Asad : we shall see how he conducts himself. Bring him now to do homage.” ### Introduction of Tobacco. ### [6.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.6.1) In Bijapur I had found some tobacco. Never having seen the like in India, I brought some with me, and prepared a handsome pipe of jewel work. The stem, the finest to be procured at Achin, was three cubits in length, beautifully dried and coloured, both ends being adorned with jewels and enamel. I happened to come across a very handsome mouthpiece of Yaman cornelian, oval-shaped, which I set to the stem ; the whole was very handsome. There was also a golden burner for lighting it, as a proper accompaniment. ’Adil Khan had given me a betel bag, of very superior workmanship; this I filled with fine tobacco, such, that if one leaf be lit, the whole will continue burning. I arranged all elegantly on a silver tray. I had a silver tube made to keep the stem in, and that too was covered with purple velvet. His Majesty was enjoying himself, after receiving my presents, and asking me how I had collected so many strange things in so short a time, when his eye fell upon the tray with the pipe and its appurtenances ; he expressed great surprise, and examined the tobacco, which was made up in pipefuls; he inquired what it was, and where I had got it. The Nawab Khan-i ’Azam replied: “This is tobacco, which is well known in Mecca and Medina, and this doctor has brought it as a medicine for Your Majesty.” His Majesty looked at it, and ordered me to prepare and take him a pipeful. He began to smoke it, when his physician approached and forbade his doing so. ### [6.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.6.2) But His Majesty was graciously pleased to say he must smoke a little to gratify me, and taking the mouthpiece into his sacred mouth, drew two or three breaths. The physician was in great trouble, and would not let him do more. He took the pipe from his mouth, and bid the Khan-i ’Azam try it, who took two or three puffs. He then sent for his druggist, and asked what were its peculiar qualities. He replied that there was no mention of it in his books; but that it was a new invention, and the stems were imported from China, and the European doctors had written much in its praise. The first physician said, “In fact, this is an untried medicine, about which the doctors have written nothing. How can we describe to Your Majesty the qualities of such unknown things? It is not fitting that Your Majesty should try it.” I said to the first physician, “The Europeans are not so foolish as not to know all about it; there are wise men among them who seldom err or commit mistakes. How can you, before you have tried a thing and found out all its qualities, pass a judgment on it that can be depended on by the physicians, kings, great men, and nobles? ### [6.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.6.3) Things must be judged of according to their good or bad qualities, and the decision must be according to the facts of the case.” The physician replied, “We do not want to follow the Europeans, and adopt a custom, which is not sanctioned by our own wise men, without trial.” I said, “It is a strange thing, for every custom in the world has been new at one time or other; from the days of Adam till now, they have gradually been invented. When a new thing is introduced among a people, and becomes well known in the world, every one adopts it; wise men and physicians should determine according to the good or bad qualities of a thing; the good qualities may not appear at once. Thus the China root, not known anciently, has been newly discovered, and is useful in many diseases.’’ When the Emperor heard me dispute and reason with the physician, he was astonished, and being much pleased, gave me his blessing, and then said to Khan-i ’Azam, “Did you hear how wisely Asad spoke? Truly, we must not reject a thing that has been adopted by the wise men of other nations merely because we cannot find it in our books ; or how shall we progress?” The physician was going to say more, when His Majesty stopped him and called for the priest. The priest ascribed many good qualities to it, but no one could persuade the physician ; nevertheless, he was a good physician. ### [6.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.6.4) As I had brought a large supply of tobacco and pipes, I sent some to several of the nobles, while others sent to ask for some ; indeed, all, without exception, wanted some, and the practice was introduced. After that the merchants began to sell it, so the custom of smoking spread rapidly. His Majesty, however, did not adopt it. ### [7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.7) At last orders were passed, that royal farmdns should be addressed to the governors of the provinces of the Dakhin, namely, Bijapur, Golconda, Bidar, and the Carnatic. His Majesty said to me, “You went before, in great discomfort, to fetch Mir Jamalu-d din and the daughter of ’Adil Khan and the presents, because it was necessary. But this time you must go in state to the four provinces of the Dakhin, and remain in each place so long as may be necessary, to collect whatever they may have of fine elephants and rare jewels throughout their dominions, to bring back with you. Their money you may keep. I want nothing but their choice and rare elephants and jewels. You must secure things of this kind for the Government, the rest I give you. You must not relax your efforts as long as there is one fine elephant or rare jewel out of your grasp in the Dakhin.'” In short, I was sent for these purposes. But nearly two months passed from the time of my first appointment before I received my dismissal. Again His Majesty said, “Don’t trouble yourself about money; all those countries are at your disposal, and shall come to you.” I made my preparations according to these gracious and kind orders. Though I was only a commander of 200, I enlisted 600 chosen horsemen of I’rak, Khurasan, and Turkistan; many among them being men of rank. To each servant I gave a fine horse and three or four months’ pay in advance. Even commanders of 1000 or 2000 could not boast of so well-accoutred a train as was then assembled. I appointed Shah ’Ali of Ispahan, a beautiful writer, as my bakhshi, and hired 100 musketeers, 100 guards and servants, and 100 archers. In short, I made great preparations. ### Account of the Death of His Majesty, and of other matters in connexion with it. ### [8.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.8.1) As I, Asad, wandering in the wood of evil destiny, had started for the second time as envoy to the four southern provinces, Bijapur, Golconda, Bidar, and the Carnatic, I was not present when that peerless sovereign departed this life. When the question of my embassy was in agitation, the Emperor was also projecting a combat between the elephants Chanchal and Giranbar. His Majesty, now at rest, ordered me not to depart till I had seen the elephant fight; but Fate had ordained otherwise, and I was not sorry for it, for, as I shall relate, His Majesty had cause for severe anger at that elephant fight, which came off after my departure. ### [8.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.8.2) A few days after I left Agra, His Majesty had been taken somewhat ill, and in a short time was very much broken down. While he was in this condition, the combat of the elephant Chanchal with the elephant Giranbar, belonging to the royal Prince, came off. While the fight was going on, an angry dispute arose between the servants of Prince Salim and Sultan Khusru, and both overstepped the bounds of courtesy. When His Majesty heard of it, he became exceedingly angry, vexed, and enraged, and this so much increased his illness, that the chief physician, one of the most skilful of his time in the healing art, could do nothing more. During the Emperor’s illness the weight of affairs fell upon the Khan-i ’Azam, and when it became evident that the life of that illustrious sovereign was drawing to a close, he consulted with Raja Man Singh, one of the principal nobles, and they agreed to make Sultan Khusru Emperor. They were both versed in business and possessed of great power, and determined to seize the Prince (Salim), when he came, according to his daily custom, to pay his respects at Court, thus displaying the nature of their mind, little considering that the sun cannot be smeared with mud, nor the marks of the pen of destiny be erased by the pen-knife of treachery. He whom the hand of the power of Allah upholds, though he be helpless in himself, is safe from all evil. ### [8.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.8.3) The next day that chosen one of Allah, not dreaming of the treachery of his foes, went, as was his wont, to pay his respects at Court, and entered a boat with several of his attendants. They had reached the foot of the tower, and were about to disembark, when Mir Ziau-l Mulk of Kazwin arrived in great agitation, and jumped into the boat. He brought word of the hopeless state of the Emperor, and of the treachery and perfidy of those evil men. The boat returned, and His Royal Highness, with weeping eyes and a sore heart, re-entered his private palace. So that, through the endeavours of that faithful friend and sincere well-wisher, the arrow of those perfidious enemies missed its mark. When the raw attempt of those wretches had thus been brought to light, and the lofty-flying phoenix had escaped their treacherous snare, and the curtain which concealed their intentions had been torn, they were obliged to throw off all dissimulation. At that time the breath was still in the Emperor’s body, and all his servants and officers were assembled in the audience-room in great distress and agitation. The Khan-i ’Azam and Raja Man Singh sat down, and calling all the nobles together, began to consult with them, and went so far as to say, “The character of the high and mighty Prince Sultan Salim is well known, and the Emperor’s feelings towards him are notorious; for he by no means wishes him to be his successor. ### [8.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.8.4) We must all agree to place Sultan Khusru upon the throne.” When this was said, Saiyid Khan, who was one of the great nobles, and connected with the royal house, and descended from an ancient and illustrious Mughal family, cried out, “Of what do you speak, that in the existence of a Prince like Salim Shah, we should place his son upon the throne! This is contrary to the laws and customs of the Chaghatai Tatars, and shall never be.” He and Malik Khair, who was also a great chief and well skilled in business, with others of their opinion, rose and left the assembly. The Khan-i ’Azam, who was at the bottom of all these evil designs, concealed his rage, and could say nothing. The assembly broke up, and each went his own way. Raja Ram Das Kachhwaha, with all his followers, immediately went to guard the treasury, and Murtaza Khan left the fort, and retiring to his own residence, took steps to assemble the Saiyids of Barah and his own followers. Meanwhile Mirza Sharif and Mu’tamad Khan came and asked him what he intended to do. Knowing them to be his friends, he said, “I intend to go to the Prince.” Mu’tamad Khan expressed his readiness to do the same, and Murtaza Khan bade him go first to the Prince, and say that he would be there immediately with his followers. So he went to His Royal Highness. As soon as the Prince, following the advice of Mir Zia, had retired to his own palace, all the foolish people round him began to alarm him, saying, “Why does Your Highness sit careless here? ### [8.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.8.5) Your enemies have completed their work, and placed Sultan Khusru on the throne, and declare that they will point the guns of the fort against this house.” Their evil counsels were nearly taking effect upon the Prince, and he was about to order his private boats, to save himself by flight, when Shaikh Ruknu-d din Rohilla, one of his best servants, who had a large body of followers, and was a man of known courage, came and besought him to compose himself, and wait for two hours to see what would happen. The Prince was still occupied in listening to this brave advice, when all at once Mirza Sharif came in, and told him how the assembly of his enemies had broken up, and that Murtaza Khan was coming to join him. His Royal Highness was much delighted, and began to encourage his people, when Para Beg came and made salutations, and Mir Murtaza Khan arrived with a large body of attendants and many of the noble Saiyids of Barah, and saluting him, began to beat the drums to celebrate the day. The Prince forbad the music, on account of the sad state of the Emperor, but honoured Mir Murtaza Khan with a special dress of honour and a jewelled scimitar. People began to flock in, each striving to be the first to arrive, till at last, in the evening, the Khan-i ’Azam came in great shame and paid his respects. The Prince took not the least notice of his ill-conduct, and bestowed all royal kindness upon him. ### [8.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.8.6) When Raja Man Singh saw the change in the aspect of affairs, he took Sultan Khusru with him to his own palace, and prepared boats, intending to escape the next day to Bengal. As soon as the Prince was relieved from all anxiety as to the course affairs were taking, he went with the great nobles, and Mir Murtaza Khan at their head, without fear, to the fort, and approached the dying Emperor. He was still breathing, as if he had only waited to see that illustrious one. As soon as that most fortunate Prince entered, he bowed himself at the feet of His Majesty. He saw that he was in his last agonies. The Emperor once more opened his eyes, and signed to them to invest him with the turban and robes which had been prepared for him, and to gird him with his own dagger. The attendants prostrated themselves and did homage; at the same moment that sovereign, whose sins are forgiven, bowed himself also and closed his life. A loud lamentation rose on all sides, and groans and cries ascended from the world and race of men, and the voices of the angelic cherubims were heard saying, “God created him, and to God he has returned.” When the Emperor Akbar died, Groans arose from Earth to Heaven. ### [8.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.8.7) After that sad occurrence, that gracious Emperor Jahangir bade all his confidential servants and faithful friends perform the obsequies of the deceased sovereign, with all the ceremonies due to his rank. When they had gone through the funeral rites prescribed by religion and tradition, and had arrayed the royal corpse in all state, the Emperor, in great pomp, with weeping eyes and a sad heart, took the foot of the bier of the deceased King upon his shoulder, and carried it as far as the door of the public reception room; from thence, the great nobles, each anxious for the honour, relieving one another in quick succession, carried His Majesty as far as the gate of the fort. Thence the nobles and ministers, and courtiers and imams, and all his servants and troops, followed the bier with heads and feet uncovered. \* \* \* ### [8.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.8.8) When His Majesty had concluded this necessary business, he entrusted the fort and treasury to Raja Ram Das, and praised and consoled him much. Leaving the fort, he then went to his own palace, where intelligence reached him that Raja Man Singh, taking with him Sultan Khusru, was embarking on board boats for Bengal, with all his servants and troops. Although the royal heart was vexed at hearing this, yet he sent Madhav Singh, his brother, who was present, to re-assure and bring him back. Madhav Singh went to the Raja, and reproving him strongly, asked what he meant by acting thus towards such a sovereign, and of what use it was? He replied, “What can I do? The Prince is young, and knew nothing of all these matters. I was obliged to act as I have done, to satisfy him.” Do you go and say, ‘Let a promise be given that he may be relieved from all fear, and that I may be satisfied that no harm will befall him, and I will bring him to Your Majesty’s feet.’” ### [8.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.8.9) Madhav Singh returned and reported Raja Man Singh’s wishes and petition to His Majesty, who gave his promise, with the utmost grace and kindness, that no harm should happen to him from any one, and sent him back confirming his word with solemn oaths. The next day Raja Man Singh came to Court, and brought Sultan Khusru to the feet of his royal father. His Majesty treated him with the greatest kindness, and clasping him to his bosom, kissed his face. After a moment he dismissed him to his own house. When His Majesty had concluded that business, he passed some days in mourning and distributing alms, till at last the day arrived for him to ascend the throne. ### [9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot.9) On that day he held a Court, and after going through all the usual ordinances, left his own palace in great pomp and state, with all show and grandeur, and embarking in a boat, went to the fort, where he disembarked, and mounting the stately litter, entered the fort scattering gold and silver. There all the nobles of rank and powerful ministers were in attendance. When he arrived, he ascended the throne of the Empire, and after adopting the title of Jahangir, began to win the hearts of all the people, and to re-arrange the withered world. He honoured many of the greatest nobles and powerful ministers and brave amirs with honourable titles and acceptable dignities; for the consolation of the hearts of his people, he suspended the chain of justice with golden bells, and removed the rust of oppression from the hearts of his people. \* \* \* Some days after his ascension, intelligence arrived that Muhabat Khan and Sharif Khan, who were of the highest rank in the Empire, had come to offer their congratulations. Muhabat Khan was made commander-in-chief, and Sharif Khan was honoured with the title of Amiru-l Umara. Day by day the Empire of that just and liberal sovereign increased in splendour and efficiency. In the first few days he repealed and gave up all transit duties and fees, the poll-tax on Hindus and tax on orphans’ property, and remitted them throughout the whole of the hereditary dominions. He also remitted and removed, root and branch, the whole of the duties and imposts levied on the produce of the sea or of mines, so that throughout the whole of Hindustan, and wherever the jurisdiction of the Emperor extended, no one could so much as name them. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.akbar.halat-i-asad-beg~en-elliot) · Pramāṇa