Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.4.3

2.4.3

Jemla, who had by his address contrived to obtain frequent invitations to the court of Chah-Jehan, repaired at length to Agra, and carried the most magnificent presents, in the hope of inducing the Mogol to declare war against the Kings of Golkonda and Visapour, and against the Portuguese. On this occasion it was that he presented Chah-Jehan with that celebrated diamond which has been generally deemed unparalleled in size and beauty. He dilated with earnestness on the benefits which would accrue from the conquest of Golkonda, whose precious stones were surely more deserving of his consideration than the rocks of Kandahar, whither the Mogol was about to lead an army : his military operations in that kingdom ought not to cease, he said, until the conquest of his arms extended to Cape Comory. The diamonds may have produced their effect upon the mind of Chah-Jehan; but it is the more received opinion that he was glad of a pretext for raising an army which should restrain the growing insolence of his eldest son and that it was for this reason he entered into the views of Jemla.