Promotion of Learning in India during Muhammadan Rule (by Muhammadans) c10.119

c10.119

advantages of literary life that a generous prince could shower on them. At Lahore, he visited Shaikh 'Uṣmān Turmūzī the most learned man of that age, but no presents or entreaties could prevail on him to remain out of his native country Tūrān. He twice sent messengers to Shīrāz to invite Shaikh Sa'dī the famous Persian poet, and forwarded with them some presents and also money to defray the expenses of the journey. His intention was to build a Khānqāh (monastery) for him in Multan and endow it with villages for its maintenance. The poet through the feebleness of old age was unable to accept the invitations, but on both the occasions, sent some verses in his own hand and made his apologies in writing, commending also in high terms the abilities of Amīr Khusrau the President of the prince's learned society.¹