Muntakhab al-lubab 156.3

156.3

The brother of Lal Kunwar, Khushhal Khan, who had received a mansab of 5000 and 3000 horse, was named Subadar of Agra. Zu-l fikar Bakhshiu-l Mulk purposely made a delay of several days in the preparation of the farman and other deeds. Lal Kunwar complained of this to Jahandar, and he asked Zu-l fikar Khdn what was the cause of the delay in the drawing out of the documents. Zu-l fikar Khan was very free-spoken to Jahandar, and he replied, "We courtiers have got into the bad habit of taking bribes, and we cannot do any business unless we get a bribe." Jahdndar Shah smiled, and asked what bribe he wanted from Lai Kunwar, and he said a thousand guitar-players and drawing masters [ustdd-i nakkdshi). When the Emperor asked what he could want with them, he replied, "You give all the places and offices of us courtiers to these men, and so it has become necessary for us to learn their trade." Jahanddr smiled, and the matter dropped.