Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 3.12.8

3.12.8

and, in consideration of his studious habits, and the time which he necessarily devotes to the affairs of the foreign department, he is exempted from the ancient ceremony of repairing twice a day to the assembly, for the purpose of saluting the King; the omission of which, subjects other Omrahs to a pecuniary penalty. To Dianet-Kan, Aureng-Zebe has intrusted the government of Kachemire, a little kingdom nearly inaccessible, and considered the terrestrial paradise of the Indies. Ekbar became possessed of that delightful country by stratagem. It boasts of authentic histories, in its own vernacular tongue, containing an interesting account of a long succession of ancient kings; sometimes so powerful as to have reduced to subjection the whole of Hindoustan, as far as the island of Ceylon. Of these histories Jehan-Guyre caused an abridgment to be made in the Persian language; and of this I procured a copy. — It is proper to mention in this place that Aureng-Zebe cashiered Nejabetkan, who greatly distinguished himself in the battles of Samonguer and Kadjoue; but he seems to have brought that disgrace upon himself by continually dwelling upon the services he had rendered the King.