Storia do Mogor 73.2

73.2

But here it is fitting to relate how one day Aurangzeb ordered to be brought before him all the elephants of Shahjahan, more than three thousand in number, of which the principal ones were decked out with gold and silver, and bore housings of brocade. On the first day they wished to produce the captain of all the elephants, an animal of wonderful size, 12 cubits in height, and highly esteemed by Shahjahan; its name was Calecdad (Khaliq-dad)—that is to say, 'Given by the Creator.' But, for all the drivers could do, they could not succeed in making him enter the fortress. Thus they were forced to leave him behind and take the others to the royal presence. On arriving there, according to signs from the drivers, the elephants either raised their trunks as a mark of respect, or went down on their knees. Aurangzeb was told that the elephant Khaliq-dad would not enter the fortress. He informed the drivers that he would not hear of any objection and they must bring the said elephant to his presence, unless they wanted to be turned out of the service and beaten. Frightened at such a threat, the drivers left the elephant three days without food or drink, expecting to force him through hunger and thirst to do the king's pleasure. After three days they decorated the streets with green branches and sugar-cane, brought out the elephant, and got it into the fortress.