Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s4.23

c7.s4.23

Innumerable examples of friendship may be cited both from Hindu and Muslim social history. We shall confine ourselves to relating two of them. Students of Mughal history are familiar with the name of Prince Kamran and his repeated rebellions against the Mughal Emperor Humayun, his own brother. Few have appreciated that beneath his somewhat rough and brutal exterior, the Prince carried a very loving heart and an extraordinary capacity for making and retaining friends. When Kamran was finally captured and blinded, he was exiled to Mecca by Humayun. It is related that when the blinded prince was starting for exile, the Emperor asked Koka, a common friend, if he would accompany the exile in his miserable loneliness or rather choose to stay with him (the Emperor) amidst the usual comforts and share his favours. Without the slightest hesitation Koka chose to follow the blind exile and explained to the Emperor that if ever friendship and personal devotion were put to test, this was the opportunity for serving an old friend. Accordingly, Koka went into a self-imposed exile.²