[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) › [Jahāngīr (1605–1627)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.jahangir) › [Pādshāh-nāmah](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.jahangir.padshah-namah-abd-al-hamid-lahauri) › [Badshah-nama, of 'Abdu-l Hamid Lahori (Elliot & Dowson, extracts)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.jahangir.padshah-namah-abd-al-hamid-lahauri~en-elliot) › 35 # Padshah-namah 35: The Peacock Throne. Bádsháh-náma, of 'Abdu-l Hamíd Lahorí (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 35 - **Language:** English ### [35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.jahangir.padshah-namah-abd-al-hamid-lahauri~en-elliot.35) \[p. 62.\] In the course of years many valuable gems had come into the Imperial jewel-house, each one of which might serve as an ear-drop for Venus, or would adorn the girdle of the Sun. Upon the accession of the Emperor, it occurred to his mind that, in the opinion of far-seeing men, the acquisition of such rare jewels and the keeping of such wonderful brilliants can only render one service, that of adorning the throne of empire. They ought therefore, to be put to such a use, that beholders might share in and benefit by their splendour, and that Majesty might shine with increased brilliancy. It was accordingly ordered that, in addition to the jewels in the Imperial jewel-house, rubies, garnets, diamonds, rich pearls and emeralds, to the value of 200 lacs of rupees, should be brought for the inspection of the Emperor, and that they, with some exquisite jewels of great weight, exceeding 50,000 miskáls, and worth eighty-six lacs of rupees, having been carefully selected, should be handed over to Be-badal Khán, the superintendent of the goldsmith's department. There was also to be given to him one lac of tolas of pure gold, equal to 250,000 miskáls in weight and fourteen lacs of rupees in value. The throne was to be three gaz in length, two and a half in breadth, and five in height, and was to be set with the above-mentioned jewels. The outside of the canopy was to be of enamel work with occasional gems, the inside was to be thickly set with rubies, garnets, and other jewels, and it was to be supported by twelve emerald columns. On the top of each pillar there were to be two peacocks thick set with gems, and between each two peacocks a tree set with rubies and diamonds, emeralds and pearls. The ascent was to consist of three steps set with jewels of fine water. This throne was completed in the course of seven years at a cost of 100 lacs of rupees. Of the eleven jewelled recesses (takhta) formed around it for cushions, the middle one, intended for the seat of the Emperor, cost ten lacs of rupees. Among the jewels set in this recess was a ruby worth a lac of rupees, which Shah 'Abbas, the King of Iran, had presented to the late Emperor Jahangir, who sent it to his present Majesty, the Sahib Kiran-i sani, when he accomplished the conquest of the Dakhin. On it were engraved the names of Sahib-kiran (Timur), Mir Shah Rukh, and Mirza Ulugh Beg. When in course of time it came into the possession of Shah 'Abbas, his name was added; and when Jahangir obtained it, he added the name of himself and of his father. Now it received the addition of the name of his most gracious Majesty Shah Jahan. By command of the Emperor, the following masnawi, by Haji Muhammad Jan, the final verse of which contains the date, was placed upon the inside of the canopy in letters of green enamel. \* \* \* On his return to Agra, the Emperor held a court, and sat for the first time on his throne. \* \* Yaminu-d daula Asaf Khan was promoted to the dignity of Khan-khanan. \[Conquest by Najabat Khan of several forts belonging to the zamindars of Srinagar, and his subsequent enforced retreat.\] - [Previous: 34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.jahangir.padshah-namah-abd-al-hamid-lahauri~en-elliot.34) - [Next: 36.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.jahangir.padshah-namah-abd-al-hamid-lahauri~en-elliot.36.1) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.jahangir.padshah-namah-abd-al-hamid-lahauri~en-elliot.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.jahangir.padshah-namah-abd-al-hamid-lahauri~en-elliot.35) · Pramāṇa