Later Mughals v1.c6.s29.15

v1.c6.s29.15

On the 24th January the envoy appeared again before the throne and received a gold ornament with pearl tassels for the dagger already given to him. Bahadur Shah asked that the Dutch musicians might be sent to perform. Three men were accordingly sent at night and played on the violin, harp and hautboy before His Majesty and his queens who were seated behind a screen. In return the envoy was invited to an inspection of the Shalimar garden, of which he gives a description, and a few days afterwards he visited the Pari Mahal or ‘nymphs’ palace’ in the town, where in a large gallery he saw an artificial alabaster image representing Our Saviour surrounded by angels. A visit to the eldest Prince Jahandar Shah followed, and he also asked for the musicians to be sent to him and witnessed the manoeuvres of the Dutch soldiers commanded by Ensign Nythart. After this the envoy fell ill, and on the 16th February Bahadur Shah sent to enquire for him. On the 21st Mr. Ketelaar reappeared at darbar. He was so well received that he thought his affairs wore a most promising aspect and that they would be able “to leave that unhealthy climate” and return to Surat. On the 27th they learnt that in spite of Azim-ush-shan’s opposition the first request of the Company had been granted and the order signed and sealed by the diwan Wazarat Khan and the other officials. The other demands were agreed to, and His Majesty had ordered their reduction to writing without delay.