The Nāṣirī Generations 140.9

140.9

The narrator, ’Abd-ul-Ghaffar, then adds, that “no sovereign ever acquired such power over Ghur as the martyr, Mas’ud, did; for, although the first the people had their eyes upon him, and affection towards him was instilled into their minds. Notwithstanding that his father used to act in a rebellious and contumacious manner towards Amir Sabuk-Tigin, and his son, Sultan Mahmud, Amir Abu-’Ali at all times used to manifest his fidelity and allegiance towards the Sultan; and he was in the habit of writing letters containing the expression of his fealty and his affection, and despatching them to Ghaznin, the capital. When the contumacy and defection of his father went beyond the bounds of forbearance, Sultan Mahmud brought an army against him from Ghaznin; and, after considerable effort, the Sultan succeeded in securing the person of Amir Muhammad-i-Suri, and took him away along with him towards Ghaznin, and bestowed the government of Ghur upon Amir Abu-’Ali, his son. As soon as Amir Abu-’Ali became installed in the government of Ghur, he conferred great benefits upon the people, and directed the erection of many buildings of public utility. Masjids and colleges were founded in Ghur, and he also built a Jami’ Masjid, and liberally endowed the whole of them. He held priests and ecclesiastics in great respect, and considered it incumbent on himself to venerate hermits and recluses.