From the news-letter of Ahmadabad, then governed by Ibrahim Khau, the Emperor learnt that the Khan used to go to the Jama Mosque riding a palki. As even the princes could not go [to church] in a nalki without the special permission of the Emperor, the news-writers had asked him ‘What should we write?’ and he had replied ‘Write whatever you like.’
On the sheet of the report His Majesty wrote, “Ibrahim Khan is a hereditary servant, aware of my wishes. He has been enrolled among the amirs (higher commanders) from the time of Shah Jahan (now in heaven), and can never act contrary to the rules. As he was twice governor of Kashmir, he is used to ride in jhampans, which the news-writers here call palki from mere resemblance, (in spite of its) difference of shape. Let the prime-minister write to him, ‘Why should you do an act which gives a handle to the news-writers [to complain against you]?’ The punishment of the newswriter for his wrong conception is that [though] he is retained at his post, his rank is decreased by 50 and his jagir reduced to the same extent.”
Text.—Ir. MS. 18b & 19a.
Notes.—Ibrahim Khan, son of Ali Mardan Khan, was appointed subahdar of Gujrat in 1705, but arrived at Ahmadabad just at the time of Aurangzib's death (Life in M. U. i. 295). He had previously governed Kashmir, 1659—1662, 1677—1689, and 1700—1705. During his administration of Bengal (1689—1697) Rahim Khan's rebellion broke out. Jhampan or dandi is a boat-shaped chair carried on men's shoulders in the hills. Nalki is an open palki or litter.