Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v1.c20.s5.26

v1.c20.s5.26

For seven years Sagra had a spurious homage paid to him amidst this desolation, the ruined pride of his ancestors. But it is gratifying to record, that not even by this recreant son of Chitor could the impressions formed in contemplating such scenes be resisted ; and Sagra, though flinty as the rock to a brother and nephew, could not support the silent admonition of the altars of the heroes who had fallen in her defence. The triumphal column raised for victory over a combination of [355] kings, was a perpetual memento of his infamy; nor could he pass over one finger's breadth of her ample surface, without treading on some fragment which reminded him of their great deeds and his own unworthiness. We would be desirous of recording, that a nobler remembrancer than ‘coward conscience,’ animated the brother of Partap to an act of redeeming virtue; but when the annals tell us, that “the terrific Bhairon (the god of battle) openly manifested his displeasure,” it is decisive that it was not less the wish for greatness, than the desire to be “ without the illness should attend it ”; and sending for his nephew, he restored to him Chitor, retiring to the isolated Kandhar.¹ Some time after, upon going to court, and being upbraided by Jahangir, he drew his dagger and slew himself in the emperor's presence : an end worthy of such a traitor.²