History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c36.s3.9

v3.c36.s3.9

∗ A. N. 819—840; Bernier, 391—428 (entirely wrong about the year, see Storia, ii. 66). According to M. A. (46) and K. K. (ii. 176) a terrible accident during the outward journey depressed Aurangzib's mind and made him resolve to give up the idea of visiting Kashmir in future. "While crossing the terrible Pir Panjal Pass, a frightened elephant turned back from the front and ran towards Bhimbar like a sudden calamity or a whirlwind. A terrible confusion fell on the men and animals in that narrow pass. Some female elephants and porters fell into the pit of destruction at the attack of this moving mountain and were so thoroughly destroyed that not a bone (of them) could be seen. On hearing of this accident the heart of the gracious Emperor was greatly moved and from that very time he resolved never again to visit Kashmir." It is surprising that the detailed official history, A. N., is silent about the incident, which Bernier, an eye-witness, also gives (407) though in a different form.