Storia do Mogor 109: A Ridiculous Occurrence.

109

The holiday in Kashmir gave rise to a ridiculous affair. Udepuri, a Georgian by race, who had been formerly a wife of Dara, became afterwards a much-loved wife of Aurangzeb. She was in the habit of drinking spirits, and that more liberally than discretion allows; thus frequently she was intoxicated. The other wives and concubines were jealous that Aurangzeb was so fond of Udepuri. They waited until one day this queen was in liquor, then went all in a body to the presence of Aurangzeb. He was pleased at such a visit, chiefly because they came in great glee, and resorted on this occasion to those cajoling ways, which never fail women when they mean to conquer their husbands' heart. After a little talk, they prayed him to call for the attendance of Queen Udepuri, so that the conversation might take a more elevated tone. He sent a message to his beloved asking her to come and enjoy the cheerful hour. The maidservant replied that Udepuri was somewhat indisposed.
This answer caused the other ladies to laugh loudly, hoping to arouse the king's suspicions of something wrong. He therefore sent a second message that she should come only to show herself and please the other queens and ladies, who so desired. Once more the servants sent back word that being oppressed by headache she could not leave her apartments. This reply only made those jealous of her to laugh the more, and in this way Aurangzeb in person went to see the patient.
She was all in disorder, her hair flying loose and her head full of drink. Aurangzeb seated himself by her, and touched her with his hand. Thinking it was her servant-girl she asked (drunk though she was) for more. Aurangzeb was upset by the odour of spirits and by such a request. He came downcast out of her apartments, and, although she did not lose the love he had for her, he turned in a fury upon the doorkeepers, who were bastinadoed for want of vigilance over the gates.
During the time that Aurangzeb was in Kashmir his usual diversion was going out to hunt, of which he was always very fond. It happened once that, tired out, he sat down in the shade of a tree, having with him only one huntsman, a great favourite, who had formerly served Dara in the same capacity. They held together conversation on various subjects, and encouraged thereby, the huntsman asked Aurangzeb why he ordered Dara's head to be cut off. Such a question put the royal person into some fear, and so he answered that it was his (Dara's) ill luck. Then, rising, he made for the palace, where he commanded that this huntsman should never again appear in his presence. The mere sight of the man acted as a reproof for his unjust deed.