History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c80.s5.3

v5.c80.s5.3

On Thursday, the 19th, Hamid-ud-din Khan, by the advice of astrologers submitted a petition for giving away an elephant worth Rs. 4,000 in alms (tasadduq) for averting evil influences from the Emperor. The dying man sanctioned it, but added across the petition, "The giving away of an elephant in charity is a custom of the Hindus and star-worshippers. Give, instead, Rs. 4000 to the Chief Qazi for distribution among the poor. Convey quickly to the first station and consign to dust this heap of dust." [M. A. 521 ; K. K. 549 adds, "Do not go to the ornament of a coffin."]