Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 24.11.1

24.11.1

Radja Shytab-ray, originally a Cahtri by tribe, was a Kahut-suka-sun by race, and born at Shah-djehan-abad. He was bred in the family of Semsam-ed-dowlah, son to another Semsam-ed-dowlah, better known under the name of Qhandoran, Lord of Lords to Mahmed-shah; and he commenced by getting into the service of one Aga-soleiman, a Georgian, who was slave and steward to Semsam-ed-dowlah, as well as every thing in his house. He had at first but a small salary; but by his abilities in business, and by his meritorious services, he soon became the centre of all business in Aga-soleiman's house, and of course the absolute ruler of Semsam-ed-dowlah's affairs. On that nobleman's repairing to the mansions of God's mercy, and on that capital's becoming a continual scene of revolutions, he concluded that there was no safety for him in those parts; and he obtained the Imperial Divanship of Azim-abad, with the management of the Djaghirs of his master's son, being the districts of Poluch and Maria in Bengal. Thus provided, he came into these eastern countries, and, as it has been already mentioned, soon raised himself to the summit of power. He was a man of great sense, a Minister knowing in business, and a clerk of a quick dispatch, keen, and full of penetration in every thing he took in hand; and he had so many other valuable qualities besides, that I always thought him the most deserving, and the ablest man amongst the most eminent men of Hindostan.