Historians have in different ways recorded the departure of Behrâm to India, his adventures there, and the manner of his return to his own country. The following account is compiled from the narratives of Ebn Athir, and Muhammad Bin Jarir Tabari: When Behrâm had victoriously returned to his own country, he remitted the tribute due to him by his own subjects, and surrendered the reins of the administration into the hands of Nursi, who was one of the most intelligent men of the age, and of the lineage of Behmen Bin Esfendiar, and all of a sudden conceived the idea of examining the state of the kings and governments of India, and to see all the curiosities of that part of the world. Accordingly he entrusted all the affairs of his kingdom to his accomplished wazir Nursi, and began his journey, after duly performing which he reached the capital of India. There he constantly occupied himself with the chase and with travelling, greatly astonishing the Hindus by his horsemanship and archery. It was reported to the King of India that a handsome cavalier had arrived from Persia, the like of whom in beauty of person and in bravery had never been seen. Before any meeting had taken place between the king and Behrâm, a report was spread in the city that a very powerful elephant came out daily from a certain desert, posted himself on the road, and killed any person who attempted to pass that way. This news having been brought to the notice of the king, he appointed some Hindu warriors to remove the savage animal, but their efforts were not successful, numerous persons were destroyed, and traffic on the said road ceased. This event spurred the courage of Behrâm, who proceeded thereon to attack the elephant, but was accompanied by a man whom the king had sent with him, for the purpose of bringing back a true account of the conflict. Accordingly the man took up his position on the top of a tree, whence he observed Behrâm arriving, and the elephant advancing towards him. The lion-hearted sovereign then drew an arrow from his quiver, and so hit the elephant on the forehead as to despatch him immediately into non-existence. Then he alighted from his charger, and grasping the trunk of the elephant with both hands, drew it towards himself, so as to make him drop on his knees; then he separated with his scimitar the head of the brute from the body. When Behrâm had arrived from the desert, he erected the head of the elephant in a public thoroughfare, so that the champions of Hindustân became astonished at his valour. The messenger reported the whole transaction to the king, who then ordered Behrâm to be presented to him, and when he asked him who he was, Behrâm replied: ‘I am a Persian officer, and was for some time in the service of Behrâm Gûr, who is the monarch of that land. He had been made inimical to me by some envious and ill-disposed persons; I feared his displeasure, and took refuge in this country, hoping to enjoy safety and peace under the shadow of your majesty’s protection.’ The King of India being pleased with the affability and demeanour of Behrâm, gave him many presents, and enrolled him among his courtiers.
The bravery of Behrâm became daily more and more known, and he rose in the favour of the king. A powerful enemy having afterwards attacked the king, Behrâm advised him to march out and to encounter his foe. Accordingly the King of India left his city for the purpose of fighting, and when the two armies came in sight of each other, they were drawn up in lines. Behrâm then stepped forward, and enjoined the Indian warriors to keep watch in his rear, so as to enable him to fight boldly in front. Then he turned his face towards the enemy, and with every arrow he shot he prostrated a warrior to the ground, and in every onslaught he made with his sword he split in twain the body of some celebrated champion. When the enemies perceived the strength of his arm, they took to flight, and the King of India returned victoriously to his capital, where he overwhelmed Behrâm with honours, gave him his daughter in marriage with a rich dowry, desiring to make him viceroy of the kingdom, and his successor on the throne. On this occasion Behrâm revealed what he had for so long a time kept secret, and said: ‘I am Behrâm Gûr.’ At these words the king became afraid, and asked: ‘What are thy commands?’ Behrâm replied: ‘Be comforted, I have no need of thy kingdom; but if convenient, restore a few of my towns on the frontier, and now in thy possession. Continue, however, to govern them, nevertheless, but pay annual tribute for them into my treasury.’ The king assented, and Behrâm, having married his daughter, returned with her and abundant property to his own country after an absence of two years.
After his return from India he ordered his wazir Nursi to invade Rûm with forty thousand cavalry, he himself marching at the same time with the Persian army to Qostantiniah [Constantinople], the governor whereof he compelled to obey him, and to pay him tribute. When Behrâm had returned from Rûm, he marched in person to Yaman, where he slew many men, plundered numerous localities, and then retraced his steps to his own country.
It is related that when the close of his life was at hand, Behrâm, whilst engaged in the chase, had fallen into a well and could not be found. His mother went to the spot, and by her command as much soil was drawn out from the well as might have reached up to the firmament, but no trace of the corpse of Behrâm could be discovered. According to the most authentic and general statement, the duration of his reign amounted to sixty-three years.*