Storia do Mogor 63.2.4

63.2.4

I was anxious to find out the descent of this queen, and I came to know for a certainty that she was the daughter of a Persian who arrived from Persia as a camel-driver in the service of some Armenian merchants. He brought with him his wife, who was enceinte. On the way, near the fortress of Candar (Qandahar), she was delivered of a child, and one of the merchants lent him an ass on which to convey the woman in that state of distress. The child that was born in this miserable plight came to be this most famous queen (Nur Jahan). Through her influence the court of the Great Mogul was filled with great nobles from Persia [108]. This king was very fond of carrying out works for the benefit of the public and the adornment of his kingdom. To this intent he issued orders to have trees planted on the royal highways from one end of the country to the other, commencing at the city of Moltan (Multan), and going as far as the city of Ilavas (Allahabad) — that is, for five hundred and thirteen leagues. At the distance of one league apart are to be seen something like pyramids, and by these the traveller can reckon the distance he has traversed. Near to every such pillar there is a village for the refreshment of those passing by. On these roads are found saraes, reservoirs, gardens, and villages.