History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c81.s4.30

v5.c81.s4.30

When, after surrendering Buland Akhtar, Durgadas arrived at the portico of the Audience Hall, in the camp at Islampuri on the Bhima, he was ordered to be ushered in unarmed, like a prisoner. Without a moment's hesitation or protest, he took off his sword. Hearing of it, His Majesty ordered him to enter with his arms on. As he entered the imperial tent, the finance minister Ruhullah Khan advanced to him, tied his wrists together with a handkerchief and conducted him to the Emperor. [This was a theatrical action by which, in Mughal times, the offender had to beg the royal pardon and soothe the royal dignity.] His Majesty now graciously ordered Durgadas's arms to be untied, appointed him a commander of 3,000 horse (nominal rank), presented him with a jewelled dagger, a gold pendant (*padak*), and a string of pearls, and advanced him one lakh of Rupees from the imperial treasury. (Ishwardas, 167a—168b, M. A. 395.)