[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) › [Later Mughals (1707–1857)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later) › [ʿIbrat-nāmah](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi) › 'Ibrat-náma, of Fakír Khairu-d dín Muhammad (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) # 'Ibrat-náma, of Fakír Khairu-d dín Muhammad (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) Translation of [ʿIbrat-namah (ʿIbrat-nāmah)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi) - **Language:** English - **Date:** 1877 CE - **Translators:** [Henry Miers Elliot](https://indike.org/pramana/person/elliot), [John Dowson](https://indike.org/pramana/person/dowson) - **Extent:** 19 passages, 5,695 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 Mutiny against 'Imádu-l Mulk Gháziu-d dín.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.1) - [2 'Imadu-l Mulk Ghazi-u-d din seizes the widow of Mu'inu-l Mulk.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.2) - [3 Transactions of the year 1173 A.H. (1759-60 A.D.). Martyrdom of 'Alamgir II.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.3) - [4 Insult to Shah 'Alam.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.4) - [5 Thirtieth Year of the Reign, 1202 A.H. (1787-8 A.D.). · Atrocities of Ghulam Kadir.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5) — 2 parts - [6 Death of Ghulam Kadir.](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.6) ## Text ### [1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.1) \['Imádu-l Mulk, after arranging the revenue and other matters (upon the accession of 'Álamgír II.), set about a reformation of the cavalry and sín dágh system, which had fallen into a very corrupt state. He removed the Emperor from Sháh-Jahánábád to Pánípat, and then, taking away from the officials of the cavalry the lands which they held round the capital, he appointed his own officers to manage them. The chiefs of the cavalry, being hurt by the deprivation of their sources of income, and being encouraged by the Emperor and some of his councillors, were clamorous against the wazír, and sent their wakíls to him to demand their pay. The wazír directed Najíb Khán to inquire into the matter, and he set his son, Zábita Khán, to the work. \* \* The soldiers, dissatisfied with their wakíls, and ready for a disturbance, sent thirty or forty of their most violent leaders to get redress for their grievances. These men, complaining and railing against their officers, went to the pavilion of the wazir, and, collecting there in a mob, raised a great tumult. The wazir heard this, and, proud of his rank and power, came fearlessly out to quell the disturbance. The rioters seized him, and began to abuse him in terms unmentionable. Numbers gathered together from every side, and the mob increased. They tore off his clothes, and in the struggle his turban even fell from his head. Then they dragged him through the streets of Panipat to their camp. The wazir's forces, hearing of the disturbance, gathered and prepared to fight; but when they saw their master in the hands of the mutineers, they were helpless. The chiefs of the dagh went to the wazir with apologies, and brought him a turban and such garments as they could get. The wazir, seeing how frightened they were, flew into a rage, and reviled them. Meanwhile a message was brought from the Emperor to the officers, offering to make himself responsible for their pay if they would deliver over the wazir to him a prisoner, and telling them that if he escaped from their hands, they would have hard work to get their pay from him. The passions of the mob being somewhat quieted, their chiefs thought that the best way of saving themselves was to communicate the Emperor's message to the wazir. They came humbly before him, with importunities, and brought an elephant, on which they seated him. Hasan Khan, one of the chiefs, took his seat in the howda with him, and attended him as his servant to the door of his tent. As soon as the wazir had alighted, Hasan Khan also dismounted from the elephant, and mounting a horse went off to the camp. The wazir entered his tent, and sat down. He then inquired what had become of Hasan Khan, and on being told, he went out and mounted an elephant. His own officers and soldiers were collected there, prepared to act, and waited only for directions. He gave them orders to kill every man of that riotous party, whoever he might be, and wherever they might find him; not one was to be allowed to escape with life. The Rohillas of Najib Khan and other adherents fell upon the doomed band, and in a short space of time no trace of them was left. Many were killed, and a few with (only) a nose and two ears escaped by flight. 'Imadu-l Mulk was much hurt and troubled by the part the Emperor had taken. In a few days they returned to Dehli, and he, leaving the Emperor under the watch of his confidants, proceeded to Lahore.\] ### [2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.2) \['Imadu-l Mulk formed the design of recovering Lahore, and marched for that purpose from Dehli with a large army, taking with him Prince 'Ali Gauhar. They went forward as if on a hunting excursion. Under the advice of Adina Beg Khan, he sent forward from Ludhiyana a force under the command of Saiyid Jamilu-d din Khan, which accomplished the march of forty or fifty kos in one day and night, and reached Lahore early on the following morning. The widow of Mu'inu-l Mulk was asleep in her dwelling, and awoke to find herself a prisoner. She was carried to the camp of 'Imadu-l Mulk, who, upon her arrival, waited upon her, and begged to be excused for what he had done. Having consoled her, he kept her near himself, and gave the province of Lahore to Adina Beg Khan for a tribute of thirty lacs of rupees. Prince 'Ali Gauhar was annoyed by the complaints and reproaches of the widow of Mu'inu-l Mulk, and tried to induce 'Imadu-l Mulk to reinstate her; but the minister paid no heed to his remonstrances, and annoyed him in every way. The widow, hurt by the treatment she had received, let loose her tongue, and in a loud voice reviled and abused the wazir. She added, "This conduct of yours will bring distress upon the realm, destruction to Shah-Jahanabad, and disgrace to the nobles and the State. Ahmad Shah Durrani will soon avenge this disgraceful act and punish you." Ahmad Shah (Abdali), on hearing of this daring act of 'Imadu-l Mulk, came hastily to Lahore. Adina Beg Khan, being unable to resist, fled towards Hansi and Hissar. 'Imadu-l Mulk was frightened, and by the good offices of Prince 'Ali Gauhar, he succeeded in effecting a reconciliation with the widow of Mu'inu-l Mulk. When Ahmad Shah drew near to Dehli, 'Imadu-l Mulk had no resource but submission, so he sought pardon of his offence through the mediation of the widow. With all the marks of contrition he went forth to meet the Shah, and the widow interceding for him, he was confirmed in his rank and office, upon condition of paying a heavy tribute. On the 7th of Jumada-l awwal, 1170 A.H. (28 Jan. 1757 A.D.), he entered the fortress of Shah-Jahanabad, and had an interview with the Emperor 'Alamgir. He remained in the city nearly a month, plundering the inhabitants, and very few people escaped being pillaged. \* \* When Ahmad Shah demanded the tribute from 'Imadu-l Mulk, the latter asked how it could be thought possible for him to have such a sum of money; but he added that if a force of Durranis and a Prince of the house of Timur were sent with him, he might raise a large sum from the country of Sirhind. The Abdali named Prince 'Ali Gauhar, but that Prince had been greatly pained and disgusted by the wilfulness and want of respect shown by 'Imadu-l Mulk on their march to Lahore, so he declined. \* \* 'Imadu-l Mulk, having assembled a large force, went into Oudh, and Nawab Shuja'u-d daula marched boldly out of Lucknow to oppose him, and took post at Sandi. Conflicts between their advanced forces went on for several days, but an agreement was arrived at through the medium of Sa'du-llah Khan, by which Shuja'u-d daula agreed to pay five lacs of rupees in cash to furnish supplies.\] ### [3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.3) 'Imadu-l Mulk (Ghazi-ud din Khan), who was very apprehensive of Najibu-d daula, excited Datta Sindhia and Jhanku Mah- Mahratta to hostilities against him, and promised them several lacs of rupees, on condition of their expelling him from the country which he occupied. The Mahratta chiefs accordingly, at the head of their southern armies, attacked Najibu-d daula with impetuosity, and he, as long as he was able, maintained his ground against that force, which was as numerous as ants or locusts, till at last, being able to hold out no longer, he took refuge in the fort of Sakartal. The southrons laid siege to the fort, and having stopped the supplies of grain, put him to great distress. Sindhia, seeing Najibu-d daula reduced to extremities, sent for 'Imadu-l Mulk from Shah-Jahanabad, in order to complete the measures for chastising him. 'Imadu-l Mulk, suspicious of the Emperor, and knowing that 'Intizamu-d daula Khan-khanan was his chief adviser, murdered that noble in the very act of saying his prayers. He then treacherously sent Mahdi 'Ali Khan, of Kashmir, to the Emperor, to report that a most saintly darwesh from Kandahar had arrived in the city, who was lodged in the kotila of Firoz Shah, and that he was well worth seeing. The Emperor, who was very fond of visiting fakirs, and particularly such a one as had come from the country of Ahmad Shah, became extremely desirous of seeing him, and went to him almost unattended. When he reached the appointed place, he stopped at the door of the chamber where his assassins were concealed, and Mahdi 'Ali Khan relieved him of the sword which he had in his hand, and put it by. As he entered the house, the curtains were down and fastened to the ground. Mirza Babar, son of I'zzu-d din, son-in-law of the Emperor, beginning to suspect foul play, drew his sword, and wounded several of the conspirators. Upon this the myrmidons of 'Imadu-l Mulk surrounded and took him prisoner; and having taken the sword from him, placed him in a palankin, and sent him back to the royal prison. Some evil-minded Mughals were expecting the Emperor in the chamber, and when they found him there unattended and alone, they jumped up, and inflicting on him repeated wounds with their daggers, brought him to the ground, and then threw his body out of the window, stripped off all the clothes, and left the corpse stark naked. After lying on the ground for eighteen hours, his body was taken up by order of Mahdi 'Ali Khan, and buried in the sepulchre of the Emperor Humayun. This tragedy occurred on Thursday, the 20th of Rabi'u-s sani, 1173 A.H. (30th Nov. 1759 A.D.). On the same day a youth named Muhiu-l Millat, son of Muhiu-s Sunnat, son of Kam Bakhsh, was raised to the throne with the title of Shah Jahan II. 'Imadu-l Mulk hastened to Sakartal, and came to an understanding with Najibu-d daula. In the mean time, the report of Ahmad Shah Durrani's invasion spread among the people. 'Imadu-l Mulk, in fear of his life, saw no other means of safety than in seeking the protection of Suraj Mal, and accordingly departed without delay for that chief's territory. Please God, an account of the arrival of Shah Durrani shall be related hereafter. ### [4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.4) It is a custom among the Hindus that at the holi festival they throw dust upon each other, and indulge in practical jokes. On the 14th of Jumada-l awwal, in the twenty-eighth year of the reign of His Majesty Shah 'Alam, when this festival occurred, Anand Rao Narsi dressed up a person in fine garments to represent the Emperor, and applied long false mustaches and a beard to his lips and chin. The person was placed on an old bedstead, with a lad in his arms, in the dress of a woman, to represent the Emperor's daughter, whom he very tenderly loved, and always kept in his presence when he went out in a litter or on an elephant. The bedstead was carried on the shoulders of four men, and before it went several persons of low caste in the habit of the Emperor's attendants, with clubs, umbrellas, and other insignia of royalty in their hands. In this manner they proceeded in regular procession, beating drums, and surrounded by a multitude of spectators. They passed by the Jahan-numa palace, where the Emperor was sitting. This great insolence, however, excited no indignation in His Majesty's noble mind; but, on the contrary, he ordered a reward of five hundred rupees to be given to those persons. Shah Nizamu-d din, who was an enemy of Anand Rao, availed himself of the opportunity, and having succeeded in kindling the Emperor's anger, represented the matter on His Majesty's part to Maharaja Sindhia, in whose camp Anand Rao resided. \* \* The Maharaja was highly incensed on being informed of this disrespectful and impudent proceeding, and immediately ordered that the tents of Anand Rao should be plundered, and that he should be sent to Raj Muhammad, darogha of artillery. No sooner was the order passed than his tents and all his property were given up to plunder, and he himself was seized and placed in front of a gun. The Emperor, on being informed of the orders which the Maharaja had given, sent one of his eunuchs to tell the Maharaja that His Majesty was pleased to pardon the offender; but that he hoped, as a warning to others, the Maharaja would turn him out of his camp. Orders were accordingly given by the Maharaja, he was called back from the gun, and his life was spared; but he was disgraced and banished from the presence. Anand Rao remained concealed in the camp for a few days, and after having collected his property which was left from the spoil, he went away to Ujjain. ### Thirtieth Year of the Reign, 1202 A.H. (1787-8 A.D.). · Atrocities of Ghulam Kadir. ### [5.1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.1.1) \[When Ghulam Kadir Khan and Isma'il Beg Khan had made their way into Dehli by the contrivance of Nazir Mansur 'Ali Khan and the connivance of the Mughal chiefs, Ghulam Kadir assumed the chief authority. He began to oppress the citizens, and demanded money from the Emperor. These proceedings made the Emperor very angry. Ghulam Kadir went to the Emperor to ask him for the pay of the soldiers, and for some supplies to maintain his own dignity. The Emperor replied that if he possessed any money, he would not withhold it. Ghulam Kadir replied that one of the Princes must be placed in his charge, so that he might go and fight with the Mahrattas. The Emperor told him to go out of the city to hunt, and that Sulaiman Shukoh should then be sent to him. He accordingly departed, and fixed his head-quarters near the kotila of Firoz Shah. Afterwards the Prince was mounted on an elephant and was brought with his retinue to the camp. The officers presented their nazars, and five hundred horse, a regiment of foot and four guns were placed at the door of the Prince's tent as a guard. \* \* Ghulam Kadir proceeded to the palace, \* \* and urged the Emperor to procure money from somewhere and to give it to him for the pay of the troops. ### [5.1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.1.2) At this juncture a message was brought to Ghulam Kadir from the Malika Zamaniya (the queen dowager), offering to give him ten lacs of rupees, on condition of Shah 'Alam being deposed, of Prince Bedar Bakht, son of the late Emperor Ahmad Shah, being raised to the throne, and the fort and city being placed in his possession. Ghulam Kadir agreed to this, and confirmed the plan by his word and covenant, expressing his devotion to the house of Babar. On the 26th Shawwal, 1202 A.H. (31st July, 1788 A.D.), he went to the palace, attended by five hundred men, to demand money for the soldiers, and to express his fears of the Emperor. On the Emperor inquiring what he meant, he replied that his enemies and detractors had raised suspicions against him in the Emperor's mind, and to guard against this he required that the charge of the palace should be placed in the hands of his own people, so that he might come and state freely what he had to represent. The Emperor replied that he seemed destined to be the ruin of the royal house, and that his name would stand infamous on the page of history. Nazir Mansur 'Ali Khan observed that Isma'il Khan was present with a statement and agreement, and that (for confirming it by oath) he had also brought the Holy Kuran. He was called forward, the compact was confirmed upon the Holy Kuran, under the signatures of himself and Ghulam Kadir. The Emperor said, "I place myself under the protection of the Kuran, and submit to your wishes." ### [5.1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.1.3) Having obtained the Emperor's consent, the Nazir placed the gates of the palace in charge of Ghulam Kadir's men. \* \* Four thousand horse were posted in and about the palace, \* \* and all the environs were in the possession of the men of Ghulam Kadir and the Mirza (Bedar Bakht). They took possession of the doors of the female apartments, beat the eunuchs with stones and sticks, seized upon the goods and furniture, and took the wardrobe and the store-rooms out of the hands of the royal servants. A few personal attendants and eunuchs were all that remained with the Emperor. No one was left who could go out to ascertain what was passing, and the Emperor was in great trouble and anxiety. At that moment Prince Akbar said, "One choice is yet left : if you will allow us, we brothers will all fall upon those traitors, and will bravely encounter martyrdom." He replied, "No one can escape the decrees of the Almighty, there is no contending against doom ; the power is now in the hands of others." Prince Akbar raised a great cry, drew his sword, and placed it to his throat to kill himself. The Emperor snatched the sword from his hand, and put it to his own throat. A cry arose from all who were present, and the noise spread through the palace. Ghulam Kadir came in alarmed. ### [5.1.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.1.4) The Emperor, with great politeness, called him near, and placing his head upon his own breast, said in his ear, "Twenty lacs of rupees have been provided, but let them be expended in the business of the Mahrattas, and not in a way that will bring censure and lasting disgrace upon me." \* \* On the 27th Shawwal Ghulam Kadir, having come to an understanding with Isma'il Beg Khan, went into the presence of the Emperor, who was seated in his private apartments, and began to speak fawningly. The Emperor said, "I relied upon your promise and your oath on the Kuran, and kept myself in private, tell me what you require, for I have no remedy." Ghulam Kadir frowned and replied, "I have no reliance on you. He who speaks of sitting in private should give up the claim to sovereignty." At that moment Gul Muhammad Khan brought forward Prince Bedar Bakht. Ghulam Kadir insolently stepped forward, and took the Emperor's dagger from his girdle, while his companions wrested the swords from the hands of the Princes. The Emperor's personal attendants and the eighteen Princes were removed to the salatin. Ghulam Kadir then took the hand of Prince Bedar Bakht, and placed him on the royal seat. The chiefs who were present made their offerings, and the drums were beaten to proclaim the name of Bedar Bakht. He thus ascended the throne on the 27th Shawwal, 1204 A.H. (22nd June, 1790). ### [5.1.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.1.5) On the 8th Zi-l ka'da Ghulam Kadir sent his stern officers to Bedar Bakht for ten lacs of rupees. He excused himself, saying that the Imperial family had been swept clean, but he would send what he could scrape together. He sent some vessels of silver and other articles, and said that if more was required, application should be made to Sindhia and the Rajas who were well affected towards the Imperial throne. Rohilla 'Ali said, "Your Majesty must go into the private apartments, for the money will not be obtained without some trouble." He said, "If there is any more money, you are welcome to it. I came out of the salatin with a shirt and an old pair of trowsers, which I still have; but you know all about it." Ghulam Kadir took the gold and silver-mounted articles from the apartments of Shah 'Alam and the princes and princesses, then piled them in a heap and burnt them, and sent the metal to the mint to be coined. He took several cart-loads of swords, daggers, and muskets, belonging to the Emperor and Princes; some he gave to his companions, and some he sent to the store-house. ### [5.1.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.1.6) Shah 'Alam and the Princes were kept as prisoners in the Moti Mahall. Ghulam Kadir ordered that Prince Akbar and Prince Sulaiman Shukoh should be bound and whipped by the carpet-spreaders. Shah 'Alam exclaimed, "Whatever is to be done, do to me! These are young and innocent." Bedar Bakht now came in. Ghulam Kadir abused them, and put every one of them in the hot sunshine. Bedar Bakht, having sat there a little while, informed him how to find money, and said, "My servants are at your command, threaten them, and ask for it." The female attendants of the palace were then bound, and hot oil being poured on the palms of their hands and their feet, they gave information of two ice vaults from which a box of gold, silver and mounted vessels was taken. \* \* Shah 'Alam was sitting in the sun and complaining, when Ghulam Kadir said to some truculent Afghans, "Throw this babbler down and blind him." Those men threw him down, and passed the needle into his eyes. They kept him down safe on the ground for a time with blows of sticks, and Ghulam Kadir asked him derisively if he saw anything, and he replied, "Nothing but the Holy Kuran between me and you." All night long he and his children and the women of his palace kept up loud cries. Ghulam Kadir remained that night in the Moti Mahall, and hearing these cries, he writhed like a snake, and directed his servants to beat and kill those who made them. But some of these men dreaded the questioning of the day of judgment, and held their hands. ### [5.1.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.1.7) On the 9th Zi-l ka'da, \* \* Ghulam Kadir said to Bedar Bakht, "Come out, and I will show you a sight." Perforce, he went out of the door, and sat down. Ghulam Kadir went to Shah 'Alam, and said, "Find me some gold, or I will send you to join the dead." Shah 'Alam reviled and reproached him, saying, "I am in your power, cut off my head, for it is better to die than to live like this." Ghulam Kadir sprang up, and threw himself upon the Emperor's bosom, Kandahari Khan and Purdil Khan seized his hands, two of their companions held his feet; Kandahari Khan tore out one of his eyes, and that bloodthirsty reckless ruffian tore out the other with his own hands, amid the wailings of the Emperor. Ghulam Kadir then gave orders that the needle should be passed into the eyes of Prince Akbar, Sulaiman Shukoh, and Ahsan Bakht. The ladies came from behind their curtains, and threw themselves at the feet of Ghulam Kadir, to pray for mercy; but he kicked them on their breasts, and sent them away. The heart of Miyar Singh was in flames, and, overpowered with rage, he cried, "Ghulam Kadir! cease your fury, and withdraw your hands from these helpless (princes); for if you do not, you will hardly escape from me." Seeing his passion, Ghulam Kadir arose, and said, "Pinion all three of them, and I will consider what to do with them another time." He then ordered some of his followers who were present to beat them with sticks till they were senseless, and to put them in prison. ### [5.1.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.1.8) Then he called for a painter, and said, "Paint my likeness at once, sitting, knife in hand, upon the breast of Shah 'Alam, digging out his eyes." He then forbad his attendants to bring any food or water either to Shah 'Alam or his sons. ### [5.2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.2.1) The poor Emperor kept groaning and crying, but no one heeded him. Next day Bedar Bakht sent two surgeons to dress his wounds, and ordered him to be supplied with water. His servants reported to him that the poor Emperor's eyes were running with blood, and that the (only) water he had to drink was what flowed from his eyes. \* \* Ghulam Kadir went to Shah 'Alam, and seizing him by the beard, said, "I have inflicted all this severity upon you for your faults, but I spare your life for God's sake, otherwise I should have no scruple in tearing you limb from limb." On the 12th Zi-l ka'da he went into the jewel-house, and took out a chest and a box of jewels; he also took several copies of the Kuran, and eight large baskets of books out of the library. On the 13th his spies informed him that two sisters of Sulaiman Shukoh, one aged five years and the other four, had died from thirst. When he heard it, he laughed and said, "Let them be buried where they lie." One of his men went to Bedar Bakht, and said, "Ghulam Kadir wants the jewels you have." The Prince immediately brought them out of his private apartments, and handed them over. ### [5.2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.2.2) Next day Ghulam Kadir, taking Bedar Bakht with him, went to Malika Zamaniya and Sahiba Mahall, and said, "Where is the money that was promised?" They said, "What you demand from us is a mere fancy and dream of yours." When he heard this, he sent a person into the private apartments, with directions to bring them both out, with only the garments they stood upright in, and to seize upon all the money and valuables which could be found. Accordingly they took Malika Zamaniya and Sahiba Mahall in the dresses they were wearing (ba libas-i badan), and placing them in a rath, conducted them with three hundred attendants to the Moti Mahall. Workmen were then sent in to break down the roof and walls. Neither Nadir Shah, Ahmad Shah Durrani, nor Taraji Bhao, had ever dreamed of plundering the ladies of the harem; but now all the valuables, the accumulations of fifty or sixty years, were brought out. \* \* ### [5.2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.2.3) On the 25th Zi-l ka'da Ghulam Kadir called Prince Akbar, Sulaiman Shukoh, and the other Princes, nineteen in number, before him, and with harsh words called upon them to sing and dance before him. They declined; but he would not listen to them, saying that he had long heard praises of their singing and dancing. He then commanded his attendants to cut off the Princes' noses if they did not sing. The Princes and boys, seeing there was no escaping from his commands, did as they were directed, and sang and danced. He was very pleased, and asked them what recompense they desired. They said, "Our father and children are in great want of water and food, we ask for some." He gave his consent. He then turned all his attendants out of the room, and, placing his head upon the knees of Prince Akbar, went to sleep, leaving his sword and knife in their presence. He closed his eyes for an hour (sa'at), and then getting up, he slapped each of them on the neck, and said, "Can such (craven) spirits entertain the idea of reigning? I wanted to try your courage. If you had any spirit, you would have made an end of me with my sword and dagger." Then abusing them in foul disgusting words, he sent them out of his presence. ### [5.2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.2.4) Afterwards he called for Bedar Bakht and his brothers, and placed wine before them. With his own hands he several times filled the cups, and they continued drinking till evening, when they got up and danced and sang, and acted disgracefully. A eunuch came in, and told him that a daughter of Shah 'Alam, a child of ten years old, had died of hunger and thirst crouching on the earth. He cried, "Bury her just as she is, in the place where she lies." When Raja Mayar Singh heard of these things, he sent bread and provisions for Shah 'Alam and his children. Ghulam Kadir was angry—he sent for the Raja, and frowning at him, asked, "What concern have you with those men? Remove your people from the watch, for I will place Rohillas to keep guard." The Raja told him that the day of retribution for these deeds was approaching, and that it was not well to offend the chiefs. He replied that he would do whatever came into his heart. \* \* ### [5.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.2.5) On the 17th Zi-l ka'da (sic) Wai Khaili (his myrmidon) reported to him that he had probed the walls of the apartments of Malika Zamaniya and Sahiba Mahall till he had made them like sieves, that he had stripped everybody, and that no hole had been left unsearched by his fingers. He had found a few pearls. One of Bedar Bakht's ladies had died of fright at what was passing, and now the Afghans, having stripped the ladies, were thinking about taking them with (without?) gowns or bodices. He added, "The power is in your hands, but it is not well to cast such shame upon the honour of princes." It all depended on his pleasure, but Ghulam Kadir replied that when the Emperor's servants plundered his father's private apartments, they had done worse than that to his women. "Now," said he, "it shall be a sight for the time, for my men shall take the hands of kings' daughters, conduct them home, and take possession of their persons without marriage." He then ordered Wai Khaili to go and take possession of the house of Khairu-n nisa Begam, sister of Shah 'Alam, to strip her daughters and women naked, and to search for jewels. After taking \* \* all they could find, he asked the Princes for gold, and they replied, "You have taken all we have, and we are now ready to die." At his command the stony-hearted carpet-spreaders beat them so that the blood gushed from their mouths and noses. Then they placed the Princes in the salatin. ### [5.2.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.5.2.6) Ghulam Kadir heard from Wai Khaili of the beauty of the daughters of Mirza Haika and Mirza Jaika (?), and when he was sitting in the Moti Mahall in the evening, he ordered these unhappy ladies to be placed before him without veils or curtains. He was pleased with their beauty, showed them to his boon companions, and acted indecently to every one of them. When Bedar Bakht was informed of this, he beat himself upon the head and bosom, and sent an attendant to the ruffian, to dissuade him from such actions. He replied (sarcastically), "What power has this slave to do anything against His Majesty?" He (Bedar Bakht) then wrote to Raja Miyar Singh, who shuddered when he read the letter, and went to Ghulam Kadir. The Raja called Ghulam Kadir out of that private room, and said to him, "It is not right to deal thus with the daughters of enemies. No one seizes sons and daughters for the faults of their fathers. Shah 'Alam did not cast any evil looks upon the daughters or sisters of your father; refrain from such proceedings." Ghulam Kadir answered (in coarse terms to the effect) that he intended to take them into his harem and make them his concubines, and as for the other Princesses, he would give them to his Afghans, so that they might have a chance of bringing forth men of courage. Raja Miyar Singh, against the will of Ghulam Kadir, went into the room, cast a sheet over (the Princesses' heads), and sent them home.\] ### [6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot.6) \[It is said that on the 18th Rabi'u-l awwal, Ghulam Kadir (after being defeated by the forces of Sindhia), started off for Ghaus-kada, his home, with only a few trusted followers mounted on swift horses. In the darkness of the night his companions lost him ; he went one way, and they went another. He endeavoured to find them, but did not succeed. The road was full of water and mud, and the horse putting his foot into a hole, rolled Ghulam Kadir to the ground. The night was dark, and the way bristled with thorny acacias, so that he knew not which way to turn. When the morning came, he looked around, and seeing some inhabited place, he proceeded thither. On reaching the habitation, he put his head into the house of a brahman. The master of the house, seeing a stranger in such a state, asked him what was the matter. Ghulam Kadir answered that \* \*. But his own action betrayed him. He took off a diamond ring from his finger, and gave it to the housekeeper as an inducement to guard him all day, and to guide him at night towards Ghaus-kada. The brahman knew of his infamous character and evil deeds. The brahman himself, in days gone by, had suffered at the hands of the ruffian, and his village had been ravaged. His oppressor was now in his power, and he made the door fast. \* \* The brahman went in search of some chief who would appreciate the information he had to give, and was led by fortune to the tents of 'Ali Bahadur, to whom he communicated his intelligence. 'Ali Bahadur showed him great attention, and sent a large party of horse forward with him, while he himself followed. \* \* The horsemen entered the brahman's house, seized their prisoner, and bound him. With various indignities they brought him to 'Ali Bahadur, \* \* who sent him to the fort of the Mahrattas, \* \* under charge of Rana Khan, who put a chain upon his legs, a collar on his neck, and conveyed him in a bullock-carriage to Sindhia, guarded by two regiments of sepoys and a thousand horse. \* \* On the 4th Jumada-s sani, under the orders of Sindhia, the ears of Ghulam Kadir were cut off and hung round his neck, his face was blackened, and he was carried round the camp and city. Next day his nose and upper lip were cut off, and he was again paraded. On the third day he was thrown upon the ground, his eyes were torn out, and he was once more carried round. After that his hands were cut off, then his feet, and last of all his head. The corpse was then hung neck downwards from a tree. A trustworthy person relates that a black dog, white round the eyes, came and sat under the tree and licked up the blood as it dripped. The spectators threw stones and clods at it, but still it kept there. On the third day, the corpse disappeared and the dog also vanished. Maharaja Sindhia sent the ears and eye-balls to the Emperor Shah 'Alam. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.later.ibrat-namah-khair-al-din-muhammad-ilahabadi~en-elliot) · Pramāṇa