The History of Shāhjahān (ʿInāyat Khān) 3: Despatch of a Candlestick to the Glorious City.

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Among the events of this year was the despatch of a candlestick studded with gems to the revered tomb of the Prophet, (on whom be the greatest favours, and blessings !) an account of which is here given. Some time previous to this it was represented that a wonderfully large diamond from a mine in the territory of Golkonda had fallen into the hands of Kutbu-l Mulk ; whereupon an order was issued, directing him to forward the same to Court ; when its estimated value would be taken into account, as part of the two lacs of huns (pagodas), which was the stipulated amount of his annual tribute. He accordingly sent the diamond in question, which weighed in its rough state 180 ratis, to Court ; and after His Majesty's own lapidaries had cut away as much of the outer surface as was requisite to disclose all its beauties, there remained a rare gem of 100 ratis weight, valued by the jewellers at one lac and 50,000 rupees. As such a valuable diamond as this had never been brought to the threshold, resembling the Elysian abode, since his accession to the throne, the pious monarch, the bulwark of religion, with the best intention, and the utmost sincerity of purpose, made a vow to send it to the pure sepulchre of the last of the Prophets (on whom be peace !). Having therefore selected out of the amber candlesticks that he had amongst his private property the largest of them all, which weighed 700 tolas, and was worth 10,000 rupees, he commanded that it should be covered with a network of gold, ornamented on all sides with flowers, and studded with gems, among which that valuable diamond should also be included.
In short, that incomparable candlestick cost two lacs and 50,000 rupees, of which one lac and 50,000 was the price of the diamond, and the remaining lac the worth of all the gems and gold, together with the original candlestick. Mir Saiyid Ahmad Sa'id Baharl, who had once before conveyed charitable presents to the two sacred cities, was then deputed to take charge of this precious offering; and an edict was promulgated to the effect, that the revenue collectors of the province of Gujarát should purchase a lac and 60,000 rupees worth of goods for the sacred fane, and deliver it over to him, so that he might take it along with him from thence. Out of this, he was directed to present 50,000 rupees worth to the Sharif of Mecca; to sell 60,000 rupees worth, and distribute the proceeds, together with any profit that might accrue, amongst the indigent of that sacred city; and the remaining 50,000, in like manner, amongst those of the glorious Medina. The above-named Saiyid, who was only in receipt of a daily stipend, was promoted to a suitable mansab, and having been munificently presented with a dress of honour and a donation of 12,000 rupees, received his dismissal.