The Events of Mushtāqī 3.4

3.4

Every year he called all his relations, male and female, from Dehli to Agra, to see them. On their departure he asked them all what they wished to have, and gave them what they asked. Whenever, by way of charity, he paid the expenses of a marriage ceremony, whether the bridegroom was his relation, neighbour, or a stranger, he gave the bride money, clothes, a bed with its appurtenances, and also a palki if she were of sufficient rank. In short, he did all that is required of a father. If any guests came into the house of those who lived on his estate, he sent all kinds of food for them from his own kitchen in such quantity that not only was it sufficient for them, but for their servants also. During the anniversary days of the Prophet's death (may peace be to him!) food of the value of two thousand tankas was daily prepared during the twelve days. On the first and last day of the festival, victuals of all kinds, and of good flavour, and halwa were prepared in large quantities, at the expense of four thousand tanhas. It should be considered what would now be the value of four thousand tanhas of those days. At last, when Sultan Sikandar died, he lost his Government. Ahmad Khan, son of Khan Jahan Saiyid, and he both continued without any employment; and they had saved no money to live on. Still many people continued faithfully to serve him, and he also continued benevolent to all, according to the extent of his means; but he was often in want of money to meet his expenses.