Tarikh-i Iradat Khan 11.1

11.1

When Jahandar Shah, by the intrigues and support of the Amiru-l umara Zu-l fikar Khan, had triumphed over his three brothers, and ascended the throne of empire, without the fear or dread of a competitor, all the customs of time were changed. He was himself a weak man, effeminately careful of his person, fond of ease, indolent, and totally ignorant of the arts of government. He had also blemishes and vices unworthy of royalty, and unknown among his illustrious ancestors. He made the vast empire of Hindustan an offering to the foolish whims of a courtezan. The relations, friends and minions of the mistress usurped absolute authority in the State; and high offices, great titles and unreasonable grants from the Imperial domains were showered profusely on beggarly musicians. Two krors of rupees annually were settled for only the household expenses of the mistress, exclusive of her clothes and jewels. * *