Storia do Mogor 65.7.6

65.7.6

There happened in the reign of Shahjahan an event which will with difficulty be credited in our Europe, being a thing that may never have been heard of in that part of the world. It was this: The governor of Sindi (Sind) wrote a letter to the king offering congratulations on the prosperity of his kingdom, which he ruled with such care; nor had it ever been heard that any other king did so much to keep his realm in peace. Every day he (the governor) ordered proclamation by beat of drum that if anyone had a complaint he should present his plea in the royal presence. Months passed without a single complaint being heard of. But the midwives informed him that a girl only nine years of age had given birth to a male infant. Shahjahan ordered that the child should be forwarded to court, and gave him the name of Avalvast — that is to say, 'Before Time.' He was the son of an oilman. When he had reached a proper age he received charge of the lamp department at the royal court. Although it may be a very improbable thing, this [early child-bearing] was, nevertheless, not impossible, more especially in India, where the climate is so hot. There even the nobles are forced to go about with a simple cabaya (qaba, a long loose shirt), and nothing more; and they sleep uncovered in the dew, or on the damp ground upon a simple mat.