Later Mughals v1.c9.s29.4

v1.c9.s29.4

Compliance with this order did not fall in with Husain Ali Khan's plans; for his brother's, Qutb-ul-mulk's, letter had already warned him that his presence was necessary at Court. He had already made up his mind to return to Hindustan, and the fiction of having found a son of Prince Akbar was only part of this design, and in fact a mere excuse. He had given out in open darbar that he expected the arrival from Satara of a Prince, Muin-ud-din Husain, son of Prince Akbar. When Prince Akbar, after rebelling against the Emperor Alamgir, left India for Isfahan, this son had been, it was said, left behind. Equipage suitable for a Prince of the Gurgani family was prepared; scarlet tents, a throne, and a crown were made ready. The Mir Bakhshi at the same time announced that he was about to pay a visit to Hindustan. The youth selected for the rôle of royal pretender was the son of a Qazi in one of the Dakhin towns, good looking, talented, and with some external resemblance to the Princes of the royal house. Muazzam Khan, a *jamadar*, was deputed to bring to camp the so-called Prince. The news-writers and intelligencers asked for instructions as to what entry they should make. The Nawab replied that he would in a short time make a report, and himself write detailed letters to Court. Next day the tents were pitched outside the city; more soldiers were enlisted and a month's pay given to them in advance. Terms were come to with Rajah Sahu, and payment to him of the *chauth*, or one-fourth of the revenues of the Dakhin, was agreed to. Husain Ali Khan also obtained the services of Mahrattas at the daily rate of one Rupee for each man, to be paid from the time of crossing the Narmada until their return home. After three or four days, Muin-ud-din Husain was placed on an elephant in a high-sided canopy, with a white cloth over it to keep out the dust. Red and white tents were erected, a deep ditch was dug all round his camp, sentinels were set, and all the externals of royalty were assigned to him. To keep up appearances, Husain Ali Khan went daily to have a *mujra* or ceremonious interview with his prisoner, such as would be necessary in the case of a real Prince. [Kamraj 64*b*.]