The Emperor learnt from the letter of the nazir accompanying Bidar Bakht Bahadur that he had at first greatly exerted himself to capture the fort of Sinsani, belonging to Rajaram Jat, and that it became afterwards known that he had sent a verbal message to the latter, which was evidently this that he should give his brother's daughter to the prince and himself go out of the fort.
Across the sheet the Emperor wrote, “There is no harm. Giving a daughter is a mark of submission. He may go out of the fort, but where will he go outside the imperial territory? But (verse)
What sort of man was he who was less than a woman?
A man submissive to women is worse than a woman.
The bringing up of children belongs to fathers and not to grandfathers. Prince Alijah (Muhammad Azam), out of his negligent nature and affection for Bidar Bakht's late mother, has brought matters to such a pass. To wise men a straitened condition which is [caused by] punishment in money is the greatest calamity and distress. For one year reduce the jagir of his rank (mansab) by one-half.”
Text.–Ir. MS. 21b & 22a; MS. N. 27a & b differs a good deal, but only verbally.
Notes.–Muhammad Bidar Bakht, the son of Prince Muhammad Azam and Jahanzeb Banu Begam (the daughter of Dara), was born 4th August, 1670. All three of them were greatly loved by Aurangzib, and Bidar Bakht was the old Emperor's special favourite. With Khan-i-Jahan he led an expedition against Rajaram Jat, the rebel chief of Sinsani, who was slain on 4th July, 1688, (M. A. 311). Sinsani was captured by him in January, 1690 (M. A. 334). History of Aurangzib, v. 298).
‘Late mother’ is incorrect, as the lady died long afterwards, in March, 1705. (M. A. 494).