[The twenty-first year of the reign began on the 10th Jumáda-s sání, 1035 H. * * An answer to the dutiful letter of Sháh Jahán was written and forwarded, with a mace set with diamonds, valued at a lac of rupees, a studded girdle, etc.] * *
[It has previously been mentioned that 'Arab Dast-ghaib had been sent to Mahábat Khán in Bengal, to bring the elephants, and to summon the Khán to Court. Mahábat Khán, having first sent the elephants, came himself to the vicinity of the royal camp. His recall was owing to the instigation of Ásaf Khán,* whose object was to bring him to disgrace, and to deprive him of honour, property, and life. But Mahábat Khán had cleverly seen through Ásaf's designs, and had brought with him 4000 or 5000 Rájpúts, brave men united in one cause. He had also brought the wives and families of many of them, so that, if driven to extremity, they would fight to the last for the lives and honour of themselves and their families.
Although strong observations were made about the manner in which Mahábat Khán had come, Nawáb Ásaf Khán treated the matter with indifference and negligence. When his arrival was reported to the Emperor, a message was sent forbidding him to attend at Court until summoned. The elephants which he had brought were to be forwarded to Court.
Mahábat Khán had, without the royal permission, affianced his daughter to the son of Khwája 'Umar Nakshabandí. The Emperor made a great noise about this. He sent for the young man, and having treated him with great insult and harshness, he gave orders for binding his hands to his neck, and for taking him bare-headed to prison. Fidáí Khán was directed to seize what Mahábat Khán had given to the youth, and place it in the Imperial treasury.
The abiding place of the Emperor was on the bank of the river Behat, and Ásaf Khan, notwithstanding the presence of such a brave and daring enemy, was so heedless of his master's safety, that he left him on that side of the river, while he passed over the bridge to the other side, with the children and women, and the attendants and officers. He sent over also the baggage, the treasury, the arms, etc., even to the very domestics.
* Mahábat Khán perceived that his life and honour were at stake, and that he had no resource, for he had not a single friend left near the Emperor. With 4000 or 5000 Rájpúts who had sworn fidelity to him, he proceeded to the head of the bridge. There he left nearly 2000 horsemen to hold it, and to burn the bridge rather than allow any one to pass over. Mahábat Khán then proceeded to the royal quarters. The writer of this Ikbálnáma at that time held the offices of bakhshí and mír-túzak; therefore he had not gone over the river, but passed the night in the antechamber. After prayers, and saying good morning to his comrades, he went round to inspect. A cry arose that Mahábat Khán was coming, and the thought occurred to me* that perhaps he had gone to the door of the private apartments. Then it was said that he had left the private apartments, and had come to the state-apartment, to give expression to his feelings. On reaching the entrance of my ante-room, he inquired how matters stood. When his voice reached my ear, I drew my sword, and went out of the tent. When he saw me, he addressed me by name, and asked after His Majesty. I saw that he had with him about 100 Rájpúts on foot, carrying spears and shields, and leading his horse in the midst of them; but the dust prevented me from seeing any one's face distinctly. He hastened to the chief entrance, and I entered the state-apartment by a side door. I saw a few men of the guard in the state-room, and three or four eunuchs standing at the door of the bath-room. Mahábat Khán rode to the door of the state-room, and alighted. When he proceeded towards the bath-room, he had about 200 Rájpúts with him. I then went forward, and in my simplicity exclaimed, “This presumption and temerity is beyond all rule; if you will wait a minute, I will go on in, and make a report.” He did not trouble himself to answer. When he reached the entrance of the bath-room, his attendants tore down the boards which the door-keepers had put up for security, and threw them into the middle of the state-room. The servants who were in attendance on His Majesty informed him of this daring action. The Emperor then came out, and took his seat in a pálkí which was in waiting for him. Mahábat Khán advanced respectfully to the door of the pálkí, and said, “I have assured myself that escape from the malice and implacable hatred of Ásaf Khán is impossible, and that I shall be put to death in shame and ignominy. I have therefore boldly and presumptuously thrown myself upon Your Majesty's protection. If I deserve death or punishment, give the order that I may suffer it in your presence.”
The armed Rájpúts now flocked in, and surrounded the royal apartments. There was no one with His Majesty but 'Arab Dast-ghaib, * * * and a few other attendants. The violent entrance of that faithless dog had alarmed and enraged His Majesty, so he twice placed his hand on his sword to cleanse the world from the filthy existence of that foul dog. But each time Mansúr Badakhshí said, “This is a time for fortitude, leave the punishment of this wicked faithless fellow to a just God: a day of retribution will come.” His words seemed prudent, so His Majesty restrained himself. In a short time the Rájpúts occupied the royal apartments within and without, so that no one but the servants could approach His Majesty. The villain then said, “It is time to go out riding and hunting; let the necessary orders be given as usual, so that your slave may go out in attendance upon you, and it may appear that this bold step has been taken by Your Majesty's order.” He brought his own horse forward, and urged the Emperor to mount it; but the royal dignity would not permit him to ride upon his horse. So he called for his own horse, and ordered his riding garments to be taken into the private apartments. But that shrewd villain would not allow him to go inside.