Ruqa'at-i ʿĀlamgīrī (=Letters of Awrangzīb) - The Ruka’at-i-Alamgiri (Letters of Aurungzebe)

Contents.

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All Rights Reserved
BY THE TRANSLATOR,
JAMSHID H. BILIMORIA, B.A.

PREFACE.

There are three collections of Aurungzebe’s Letters. First, the “Rūka’át-i-Alamgiri,” or the “Kalimát-i-Taiyibát,” collected and published by Ináyat Alláh, one of his principal secretaries; second, the “Rakáim-i-Karáim,” by the son of another secretary Abdūl Karim Amir Khán; and third, the “Dastūr-al-Amal Agháhi,” collected from various sources thirty-eight years after the emperor’s death by a learned servant of Rájá Ayá Mal under the Raja’s order. There is still another collection bearing the name of the “Adáb-i-Alamgiri,” and comprising letters written by Aurungzebe to his father, his sons, and his officers.

These letters have no dates and have no order. I have tried my best to assign dates to most of them. But it is impossible to do so in the case of each and every one of them, as some of them have no historical connection. Most of the letters seem to have been written when Aurungzebe was engaged in his great Deccan War (1683-1707), especially during the latter period of the war.

These letters generally depict Aurungzebe’s private life. Occasionally they allude to minor historical events which happened in his or in his father’s time. They exhibit Aurungzebe as a just, kind, and lenient king and as a religious and devout Mohemadan. Again they display his orthodoxy and fanaticism which brought ruin to his house and empire after his death. In these letters we find Aurungzebe giving advice to his sons about the duties of a king,—how to govern the state by preserving order and peace in the kingdom and by protecting the person and property of the subjects. “No person can be more alive than Aurungzebe to the necessity of storing the minds of princes, destined to rule nations, with useful knowledge. As they surpass others in power and elevation, so ought they, he says, to be pre-eminent in wisdom and virtue¹.”

These letters are full of many fine and instructive passages from well-known Persian poets and thus afford a proof of Aurungzebe’s Persian scholarship. “He (Aurungzebe) also discountenanced poets, who used to be honoured and pensioned, and abolished the office and salary of royal poet. It is even distinctly related that he prohibited the composition and recitation of poetry; but this extreme austerity must have been of very short duration, for his own notes and letters are filled with poetical quotations, and sometimes with extemporary verses made by himself².” “He (Aurungzebe) is a very elegant writer in prose, and has acquired proficiency in versification, but he abstains from practising it³.” Many Koranic verses are found in these letters. This proves that he was well versed in the Koran which he had learnt by heart. These letters were not meant for a literary purpose. As the language is from a royal pen, the style of the letters is generally polite. But at the same time, it is sweet and simple and sometimes figurative. Again, a large meaning is conveyed by a short sentence. Sometimes the language is Indianised and many Indian words occur in the epistles. The style is generally admirable.

“His (Aurungzebe’s) prohibition of history was more permanent; he not only discontinued the regular annals of the empire, which had before been kept by a royal historiographer, but so effectually put a stop to all record of his transactions that from the eleventh year of his reign, the course of events can only be traced through the means of letters on business and of notes taken clandestinely by private individuals⁴” (i. e. Kháfi Khán and others).

Alamgir (the Conqueror of the World) was a title conferred on Aurungzebe (the Ornament of the Throne) by his father Shah Jehan in order to pacify him when he made head against him during his dangerous illness. 1657. When Aurungzebe ascended the throne he assumed this title and styled himself as Alamgir (the First). Aurungzebe is generally known by this name among his co-religionists. It is not necessary to give here a life of Aurungzebe as it can be read in any ordinary Indian history.

The following books have been consulted:

1. The History of India as told by Its Own Historians, Vol. VII, by Sir H. Elliot.

2. The History of India, by Elphinstone.

3. History of The Mahrattas, by Grant Duff.

4. Aurungzebe, Rulers of India Series, by Lane Pool.

5. Travels in the Mogul Empire, by Bernier.

6. Ain-i-Akbari, by Abūl Fazl.

7. Mūntakhab-ūl-Lubáb, by Muhammad Háshim Kháfi Khán.

8. Ma’asiri Alamgiri, by Muhammad Sáqui Mūsta’idd Khán,

J. H. BILIMORIA.

AGIARI STREET, BILIMORA.

Ruka’at=i=Alamgiri
OR
AURUNGZEBE’S LETTERS.
INTRODUCTION.¹

In the name of God the Merciful, the Clement.

After praising² the King (God) whose kingdom is immune from decline and fall and then praising the Refuge of the World (Mahomet, the prophet of the moslems), the ring of whose servitude adorns the ears of all world-conquering, throne-adorning and auspicious kings, it is not hidden from the bright minds of appreciative wise men and intelligent eloquent persons that in this work entitled “Rūka’át-i-Álamgiri” (Aurungzebe’s Letters) otherwise styled “Kalimát-i-Taiyibát” (the Excellent Words), comprising the blessed letters of the just king Abūl Mūzaffar Mūhūdin Mahammad Aurung Bahádūr, the emperor of India—may God sanctify his tomb—, the words “the eldest son of sovereignty” (the heir-apparent) and “the happy son” stand for the eldest prince sultan Mahammad Mūazzam, otherwise known as Sháh Álam Bahádūr,³ and in some letters the words “the happy son” are also applicable to sultan Mahammad A’azam Sháh Bahádūr. The words “the unfriendly brother” are applied to Dárá Shekūh, the eldest brother of His Majesty (Aurungzebe). The words “the dear grandson” and “the brave grandson” are (respectively) applicable to Mahammad Ma’az-ūd-Din Bahádūr, the eldest son of Sháh Álam Bahádūr and to Mahammad Bidár Bakhta Bahádūr, the eldest son of Sultan Mahammad A’azam Sháh Bahádūr. The words “the grandson of high dignity” refer to Mahammad Azim-ūd-Din Bahádūr, the second son of Sháh Álam Bahádūr. The words “the pillar of the kingdom”, “the centre of affairs” and “that sacrifice” are applied to Asad Khán, who after the death of Sháyasta Khán was made Ameer-ul-Umará⁴ (the Grandee of the Grandees) of the court. The words “Khán Firūz Jang” (Victorious Khán) refer to Gházi-ūd-Din Khán Bahádūr Firūz Jang. The words “Nasrat Jang” (victorious in battle) mean Zūl Fikár Khán Bahádūr Nasrat Jang. The words “Mirzá Bakhashi” (the grandee, the paymaster) stand for Mirzá Sadr-ūd-Din Mahammad Khán Safavi. The words “meer átesh” (the master of ordnance) are applicable to Tarbiat Khán. By the word “Hamid” (the praiseworthy) is meant Hamid-ūd-Din Khán Bahádūr.

Letters addressed to Sultan Mahammad Muazzam,
Shah Alam Bahadur, the Crown Prince.¹

LETTER I.

Eldest son of sovereignty, happy son, Mahammad Mūazzam, may God protect and save you. His Majesty, having his abode in paradise (Sháh Jehán, Aurungzebe’s father), had a great desire to conquer the provinces of Balkh, Badakhshán, Khorásán, and Hirát which were the ancient possessions of our ancestors.² He often sent there the royal forces under the command of Mūrád Bakhsha.³

Most of the provinces were conquered; but owing to impatience, that unfortunate man (Mūrád) returned (to the capital) without having been recalled by His Majesty and thereby lost the favour of the people and the grandees of those provinces. The kingdoms conquered and possessed were lost; and money was wasted on them. It is for this reason that it is said that “A daughter is better than an unworthy son”. Attend to this (verse) that “If a father is unable to finish a work, the son must carry it out to completion”. This mortal creature (Aurungzebe) has a wish which is still unfulfilled. It was the desire of Sháh Jehán that I should send a grandson of His Majesty’s to those districts with a grand army and sufficient equipment. What more can I do? When you were here, I had insisted upon you to take Kandahár;⁴ but you have not conquered it. What of other cases, then.? Evidently you have not done the work entrusted to you by me. One who professes to know a thing must know it fully. This my perishable life is now like the sun (setting) on the top of a mountain. What does it concern me if I have these provinces or not? How will you shew your face to your rivals in this world and to the Holy, High, and Exalted God in the next world?

LETTER II.¹

Happy son, Mahammad Mūazzam, may God protect and save you. I came to know from the representation of a disinterested person that this year you observed the Nowroz² festival in the manner of the (present) Persians³. By God’s grace, keep your faith firm. From whom have you adopted this heretical innovation? Evidently you have been instructed by that Arab who lays claim to the title of Saiyad,⁴ (but) who is the cause of disgrace to some good persons (the Saiyads). Anyhow this is a festivity of the Majūsis.⁵ According to the belief of the infidel Hindus it is the coronation day of the accursed Vikramájit⁶ and the commencement of a Hindu era. Henceforward you should not observe it and repeat such folly. (Verse) “I have advised you often; but none of you (my sons) have searched after secrets”. I seek forgiveness from God, my Lord, for every sin that I have committed; and I turn to Him (in repentance).

LETTER III.

Eldest son of sovereignty, I came to read your letter (requesting me) to confer an additional honour upon your fourth son,¹ for whom you seem to have the greatest affection. It is impossible to bestow such a favour upon a younger brother in supersession to an elder one. (Again) it is strange that considering you are indifferent towards your family, you could have such affection for your son. Anyhow (verse) “May you live long because this (i.e. the fact of your favouring and loving your younger son instead of loving your whole family) is sufficient.” In order to please you I will pay attention to this request of yours in another way.

LETTER IV.

Eldest son of sovereignty, I came to know that you disregard the soldiers and care more for the highly paid servants. It seems that you intend going to Kandahár.¹ May the grace of God be with you. But I could not understand your request about returning to the capital of Láhore.² I degraded Násir Khán³ to Pán-Sadi⁴ and I dismissed that Hindu councillor from (my) service. (Verse) “Other persons act wrongfully because we shew them so much favour.”

LETTER V.¹

Eldest son of sovereignty, why have you displeased Fateh Alláh Khán² notwithstanding his good nature? When I was a prince I used to treat the nobles in such a way that all were pleased and whether present or absent praised me much. Nay, notwithstanding the merit and dignity of the unfriendly brother³ some of them deserted him and entered my service.⁴ I closed my eyes upon some of them, who, at the instigation of the unfriendly brother, practised unworthy actions and used abusive words. For the sake of justice they admitted my patience and endurance. And the impression of my generalship and bravery⁵ was made upon the tablet of the noble heart of His Holy Majesty (Sháh Jehán). Difficult acts were performed by the strength of the arm of this weak ant⁶. You have broken the heart of Fateh Alláh Khán, a soldier, brave and useful in all affairs, who would have been useful to you in important matters (after me).⁷ (Verse) “What benefit is there if you give a thousand gems and jewels but at the same time break the inward gem (i.e. the heart) of a person?” Done is done and cannot be undone. It will be better if you win his heart; and it will be more advantageous to you for putting your affairs in order. (Couplet) “I advise you, listen to the advice, don’t evade it. Listen to the advice given by a kind counsellor”. The sooner the better. Peace be upon those who follow the right path.

1686. LETTER VI.

Happy son, Mahammad Mūazzam, may God protect and save you. I came to know from a letter of a dear friend that you attend the court with a saffron-like (yellow) turban on your head and ‘palváni’¹ robe on your body. You have reached the age of forty-six. Bravo! With this (white) beard you put on a gaudy dress.

1704. LETTER VII¹.

Eldest son of sovereignty, I have despatched Mūna’am Khán² to you so that he may deliver my message soon to you. I am not conscious of myself. (I do not know) who I am and where I go and what will happen to this sinner, full of sins. Now I will say good bye to every one in this world and will entrust every one to the care of God. My famous and auspicious sons should not quarrel among themselves and allow a general massacre of the people who are the servants of God (after my death)³. May God, the changer of hearts, make His grace for the protection of the people who are His deposits (in this world) and His wonderful creatures, the light for the path of the kings (i.e. may God make the kings protect their subjects)⁴.

Letters addressed to
Prince Mahammad A’azam Shah Bahadur¹.

LETTER VIII.

Exalted son, I am much pleased with riding the ambling horse² which you sent to me this time. The horse reminds me of the sympathy felt for the old father by the fortunate son. Owing to great joy I have named him ‘Khūsh-Kharám’ (walking smartly). As you are perfectly skilled in finding out an appropriate name for everything, (I hope) you will give an appropriate name to each of my favourite horses and then write to me about it. A list of these horses along with the details of their colour and breed will be (shortly) supplied to you by the head groom.

LETTER IX.

Exalted son, I was much pleased with the ‘dáli’¹ of mangoes² sent by you to the old father. You have requested me to suggest names for the unknown mangoes. When you yourself are very clever, why do you give trouble to (your) old father? However I have named them ‘Sūdhá-ras’ and ‘Rasná-vilás’³.

LETTER X.

Exalted son, I remember the savour of your ‘khichadi’¹ and ‘biryáni’² during the winter. Truly, the ‘kabūli’³ cooked by Islám Khán does not surpass them (in point of relish and savour). I wanted to have from you (in my service) Salimán, who cooks ‘biryáni’; but you did not allow him to serve me as my cook. If you happen to find a pupil of his, skilful in the art of cookery, you will send him to me. However, happy is the day when you come, eat, and make others eat. (Couplet) “Happy is the day and happy is the time when a friend enjoys the company of (another) friend.”⁴ (Couplet) “The desire (for eating) has not entirely left me; (though) blackness has departed from (my) hair, it has not departed from (my) face” (i.e. though I have become old, I have not yet given up my former habit of indulging in the pleasures of the palate).⁵

1692. LETTER XI.

Exalted son, may God be praised that the grandson Bahádūr¹ has become brave and day by day his fortune is being improved. you should not be careless in training your son Bahádūr². If he can, in the province of Málwá³ he will get a victory over the Senápati⁴ and (then) punish the Játs⁵. I have issued an order that the great Rajput prince Rájá Basan Singh Kachavá⁶ should join him and that the fort-keeper of Akabarábád⁷ should provide him with artillery⁸ and other baggage necessary for war. You should go to the mouth of the Nurbaddá⁹, and then by the way to the right you should reach Islámábád, otherwise known as Mathūrá¹⁰ (in order to join your son).

LETTER XII¹.

Blessed son, His Most Exalted Majesty² used to say, “Hunting is the business of idle persons. It is very reprehensible for one to be absorbed in worldly affairs, and to disregard religious matters. Because this world is as a field in relation to the next world (i. e. as you sow so shall you reap)”. It is said of His Majesty (Shah Jehan) that he used to get up cheerfully at four o’clock³ in the morning; (then) he performed ablution at the ‘Ábshár-i-Taufeek’⁴ and engaged himself in reciting the daily portions of prayer. Before daybreak, after the cry of the ‘Mūazzin’,⁵ he said the morning prayer in the company of learned men. Then he went to the ‘Jharūkhá-i-Darshan’⁶ and favoured the ‘darshaniáns’⁷ with the blessed sight of his auspicious face. At about ten o’clock he went to the ‘Diván-i-Aam’⁸ (in order to hold a public audience). In this assembly all officers bowed down to and saluted the emperor. The ministers and the treasurers represented to His Majesty the arrangements made for the crown servants, the facts about their good services, and the loyalty of inspectors, police officers, supervisors and district officers; fulfilled the desires of every one and encouraged others. After the usual inspection of the imperial horses and elephants, at eleven o’clock, he illumined (i.e. went to) the ‘Diván-i-Khás.⁹ In this place the secretaries reported to him the facts about the newly appointed officers and received from him his final orders (regarding them). They (further) related to him important facts and events occuring in every province and considered orders, issued by him regarding every case, as final. These transactions were carried on till noon time. After this he directed his attention to take the special food which was emphatically prepared from lawful means. For strengthening the body, (having) strength for prayer, and giving justice (to his subjects), he took his dinner in proportion to the (need for) maintenance of life in the body. Then he inquired about the eating and drinking of those who were maintained by him and of those who were daily given food by him, most of whom were men of learning and excellence, seekers after knowledge, needy and poor persons, orphans, destitute and sick men; and he used to recognise most of them with an alchemy-like sight. (Then) he retired into his special sleeping room where he slept (nearly from eleven to one o’clock) for a time with an awakened mind. At two o’clock he came out from this room, performed ablution and engaged himself in reading the holy Koran. After saying the noon prayer, with sacred mutterings on his lips and a rosary in hands, he came to the ‘Asad Būrj’,¹⁰ and took his seat there. There the chief ministers presented themselves before him and engaged themselves in representing to and producing before him the financial and political questions and presented before him petitions to be signed. At four o’clock he returned to the ‘Diván-i-Aam’. At this time the registrar and the private secretary presented, before his august presence, those who were recently appointed (in the state service) and those who wanted estates. His Majesty inquired carefully into the personal and ancestral qualifications, the personal ability and the merit of each of them; and then issued orders for assigning posts and fixing sums of money as ‘Jághirs.’¹¹ After sunset he retired from the ‘Diván-i-Aam’, offered evening prayers and (then) entered his special private chamber. There were present sweet-tounged historians, eloquent story-tellers, sweet-voiced musicians and numerous travellers. The females (were sitting) behind the curtain, (while) the males, in front of it. In accordance with the dictates of His Majesty’s noblest and highest nature, each of them related stories of ancient great personages and kings and spoke about the wonders and antiquities of different countries. In short, His Majesty passed, till midnight, the hours of day and night, in this manner; and (thus) did justice to life and sovereignty (i. e. spent his time thus). As (my) paternal love regarding (my) son is from the heart (i.e. true and sincere) and not from the pen (i.e. false), I was obliged to write and inform (my) dear son what was good and valuable. I have penned what I have been able to recall to mind this time. Excuse me.

LETTER XIII.

Exalted son, Mahammad A’azam, may God protect and save you. It seems you ride very fast. (You rode) so fast that Saiyad, your canopy bearer, fell down on the ground and (soon) gave up the ghost. When you were here before me, you were indifferent and absent-minded. You have seen my manner of riding. Why have you acted contrary to that? (Verse) “Ride slowly and gently, but don’t ride pompously and fast; because a thousand dead bodies are buried in the ground beneath your feet”.

LETTER XIV.¹

Blessed son, Mahammad A’azam, may God protect and save you. In order to please the most stupid Afazal, you have not dismissed the tyrant, Hasan Beg of Chakleh Kūrá. The people there are lamenting and bewailing and are much distressed. They say (verse) “If you will not give us justice, there is the Day of Judgment (doomsday) for our justice (i. e. God will judge our cause)”. The real accountants² record the tyranny of the officers in your and my accounts. Know well for compensating these actions (of tyranny from Hasan Beg) and enquire into the conditions of the inhabitants of that place, otherwise the ‘jághir’ will be taken away from you and you will have no recompense for the loss.

LETTER XV.¹

Exalted son, I came to know that Mūstafá Kūlli Beg, your private secretary, performs your work carefully. This is sufficient. If you will write to me for giving an additional post to and conferring the title of a ‘Khán’ on him, I will favour him with them. An honest man is like unalloyed gold. (Couplet) “Human beings are found everywhere in this world, but their essence (i.e. honesty) is found very rarely (i.e. there are many men in this world, but honest men are very few)”. One day, the late Sa’ad Alláh Khán² after being disengaged from prayer, raised up his hands, for a long time, asking for blessings (from God). One of the impudent courtiers asked (him), “What is your wish?” He replied, “(I pray) to be an honest man”. Truly, he gave a (very) good reply. Though the quality of honesty and sincerity, bestowed by the High God upon (every) human being, is natural (in him from his very birth), it requires (the help of) encouragement and reward from the master, so that the servant may live in a comfortable condition and in proportion to his condition he may be free from any anxiety with regard to his livelihood, and consequently worldly needs will not corrupt his faith. (Verse) “Because a happy and contented servant works more.”

LETTER XVI.

Exalted son, you have requested me to give a ‘Máhi-i-Maráteb’¹ to Nasrat Jang². Though it is not a rule to give it to an inferior to a ‘Sesh-Hazári’³, I give it to him as he has accomplished your two important affairs and also to please you. He will get one of the ‘Máhi-i-Marátebs’ which have been brought (here), and thank (us) for this great gift which is above dignity.

LETTER XVII.

Exalted son, Mir Khán,¹ the superintendent of the provinces belonging to your army, refuses to govern the district of ‘Sakrá’ and wants another district in return for it. We have small sum of money and many have a demand for this (i.e. we have got a few provinces and there are many persons demanding them). The flesh and bones should be distributed equally. There is no possibility of getting a substitute for ‘Sakrá’. You should write to him to find out the difference between the two sums of money, produced by the district of ‘Sakrá’ and by the other district which he wants in return for ‘Sakrá’; and I will pay that difference to him in money.

1686. LETTER XVIII.

Happy son, Mahammad A’azam, may God protect and save you. I came to know from the events (that have happened) in the province of Málwá,¹ that the blind-minded² Pahár Singh, through his great pride and haughtiness, became the source of sedition and rebellion and raised the standard of rebellion against (us); (but) he was killed by Talūk Chand³, the assistant to (my) dear and fortunate son (i.e. A’azam)’s minister, and entered hell⁴. Thank God under any circumstance. (Couplet) “I sacrifice myself before Thee, O God, for Thy favour to me.” Truly, the accomplishment of this affair is through your generous encouragement (to servants); because you make the state servants do government affairs by encouraging and patronising them. For this I congratulate you and send you a necklace⁵ of pearls worth Rs. 50000.⁶ As this Hindu (i.e. Talūk Chand) has verified the proverb that ‘the sparrow (i.e. Talūk Chand being a Bania or Márwári) has bravely killed the hawk (i.e. Pahár Singh being a Rajput)’. I exalt him by giving him a personal (not hereditary) title of ‘Pán-Sadi⁷’, a hundred cavaliers, a (Hindu) title of ‘Ráo’,⁸ a robe of honour, a sword and a horse. You should also favour him, who has distinguished himself among his equals, by sending him a letter of encomium and praise and assigning him the independent governorship of a province, so that other servants may be induced to render good service in the expectation of a reward.

1704. LETTER XIX¹.

Exalted son, may God protect you. To take away the ‘faujdárship’² of Sorath³ from Fateh Jang Khán of the Báli⁴ tribe and to give it to the superintendent of the palace⁵ is like breaking a sound bottle with one’s own hand (i.e. will spoil the matter). In the province of Gujarát, the Báli tribe have great respect and pride for the military profession. To give the ‘foujdárship’ of that province to others save this tribe is far from wisdom. The ‘Panj-Hazáriáns’, like Hasan Ali Khán,⁶ son of Ali Vardi Khán,⁷ and Saf Shekan Khán⁸ and others, had been appointed to the ‘faujdárship’ of Sorath in order to manage it. It will be desirable if your superintendents follow the footsteps of the deceased Shūjá’ at Khán⁹. Otherwise as this is the province of Gujarat, may God forbid, there will be disorder and confusion¹⁰. It will take a long time to restore peace and order there. Other things depend upon your choice. (Couplet) “I wou’t tell you not to do this and to do that; listen to advice which will render your work easy”. May your end terminate in safety (i.e. All’s well that ends well).

LETTER XX.¹

Exalted son, through the representations of the spies I have come to know that the royal road between Bahádūr pūr² and Khūjasteh-būniád³ is not free from danger. Highwaymen rob the merchants⁴ and travellers of their goods. Wayfares cannot travel in security. When such robbery takes place near the quarters of your and my armies (at Ahmedábád and Būrhánpūr), woe to the condition of distant roads! It seems that the reporters⁵ do not furnish you with true accounts. Carelessness and indifference are contrary to the way of kingship and sovereignty. (Now) you should appoint new reporters and give them warning and punish the former ones. Prepare an army to extirpate these ruffians and to free the royal road from the machinations of these loafers. How long will you allow this shameful mismanagement to go on? (Couplet) “I don’t ask you either to suffer a loss or to gain an advantage. O You! who are losing an opportunity, whatever you want to do, do it soon (i.e. don’t lose the opportunity of doing a thing).” May you be happy.

LETTER XXI.

Dear and glorious son, a white water pot, of Chinese make and of good material, which is now very rare, and a ‘kachakrá’¹ chair, were presented to me. I have sent these two things to (you), my dear son. You should thank me for these two rarities; and, in return for these, send me a basket full of mangoes,² without minding what has already happened.

LETTER XXII.

Exalted son, I remember that one day I paid a visit to Miyán Abdūl Latif¹—may his tomb be sanctified. During the conversation, I said, “If you permit me I will fix (the income of) some villages of the Kaharkūn² district for (defraying) the expenses of the monastery”. He recited, with his holy tongue, these two hemestichs: “I am placed under an obligation when the king grants me villages; but I am not under an obligation when God gives me food”. I replied, “It is so; but I join the service of the mendicants and pious men, for the good and welfare of this world, for my own happiness, and for the fulfilment of (my) prayer for the increase of happiness and fortune, and not for putting them under any obligation”. The Miyán said, “Truly, the intention of the mind is good, if it is from the very bottom of the heart. Receive only half of the revenue which you now obtain from your subjects (peasants) and take less than even half from the hard-working and helpless peasants.³ Fix monthly allowances on the mendicants, who put faith in God, who do not beg, and live in deserts. Administer justice (carefully) to the oppressed in such a way that no one will be deprived of his right. Don’t allow the weak to be oppressed by the tyrants. (Then) you will see increase in your happiness”. Immediately these words of the Miyán reminded me of the complaints of the inhabitants of Chakleh Kūrá,⁴ and so involuntarily I wrote this letter to you. May you be happy.

1704. LETTER XXIII.¹

Exalted son, the artillery and palace superintendent² has been appointed (by you) the police officer of Naváh³ of Ahmedábád.⁴ He appoints his vulture-like (i.e. bribe-receiving) relatives and friends to ‘patelships’.⁵ The complainants against the power of the above-mentioned superintendent do not get admittance into your court. Robbers and vagabonds have become the companions of his son-in-law who afflict God’s people (our subjects). I wonder what answer we shall give on the day of judgment.⁶ The Holy and High God is just. If we appoint a tyrant (to a post), every act of oppression perpetrated by the oppressor appointed by us is just. It is we who allow oppression by giving power to tyrants and withholding justice from the oppressed. (Couplet) “Wheat grows from wheat, and barley, from barley; don’t be indifferent about the reward of (your) action (i.e. as you sow, so shall you reap).”

LETTER XXIV.

Exalted son, how long will the old lady like Záhedeh Bánū¹ remain in a miserable plight? She has a claim on you and me. Her grandsons suffered punishment for their actions. Her rights should not be disregarded. You will remember how one day when the elephant of Fateh Jang Khán² máde an attack upon you, Mir Badhū³ displayed bravery like Rustam⁴ He restrained the elephant from fury. (But) he did not accept a robe of honour granted by me (and said), “I have done my duty as a man born in this house; and why should I accept wages (i.e. the robe of honour) for this?” For the sake of God and for my sake, eradicate the old (feeling of) revenge from (your) heart. Favour this old lady who has no kind man except you to shew kindness (to her). (Couplet) “Increase your kindness to the old members of your family, because those favoured by you will never prove faithless.”

LETTER XXV.

Exalted son, the letter of A’atimád Khán¹ is not a revelation that it should be acted upon per force. After the necessary inquiry an order will be issued.

LETTER XXVI.

Exalted son, one day Sa’ad Alláh Khán¹ came late in His Majesty (Sháh Jehán)’s presence. H. M. asked the cause. He replied, “I was reading some passages from a book and copying them down in order to shew them to Your Majesty. (They are here, as follow). ‘The stability of the foundation of sovereignty depends upon justice. A kingdom and property increase through bravery and charity.²

You should keep company with the wise and the learned and avoid the company of fools. It is a sign of wisdom to act according to one’s conviction and to remain firm in the midst of hardships. You should not be deficient in worldly affairs (or duties) and should be pleased with your contrivance. One should thank God for the destiny of the permanency of his family. Shew mercy to the orphans. If you desire that you should never be in need, fulfil the desires of the needy. The execution of state affairs depends upon the advice and counsel of ministers. Conquest and victory depend upon the blessings of the mendicants. If you want to have sound health, pray (to God) for the remedying of the diseases of the sick. If you wish to have forgiveness for your crimes from God, first pardon the crimes of other criminals’.” His Majesty was was much pleased and kissed the forehead of the deceased Khán. At the end of the day (i.e. in evening) he presented the above-mentioned Khán some Mahmūdi³ bundles, embroidered in gold and of one colour. I thought that I should not enjoy the benefit of these maxims alone, consequently I wrote these things for my dear son. May the grace of God be with your actions in order to enable you to follow these instructions.

LETTER XXVII.

Happy son, Mahammad A’azam, may God protect and save you. It seems that the son of the superintendent of your palace gambles in the drummery.¹ Alas! alas! notwithstanding your claim to sovereignty (after my death) you shew so much indifference and carelessness.² Why do the reporters³ not supply you with information? They must be screening their friend (the son of the superintendent). Appoint new reporters and warn them against this.

LETTER XXVIII.¹

Exalted son, it seems that you passed one month in shooting cranes near the river Tal.² Though hunting³ is an occupation which gives pleasure and delicious food, yet it is more pleasant when indulged in after being disengaged from the execution of important affairs, to do which is your bounden duty; chiefly (after being disengaged from) performing the rights of sovereignty, which, according to religion and custom, should be done properly. The responsibilities of these (rights of sovereignty) are enjoined by reliable traditions, well-known histories and other works. They should be given priority to all other duties. If you are convinced of the execution of the affairs of one district, why don’t you engage yourself in the management of the affairs of Khán Jehán, A’akel Khán, Shūjá’at Khán, and Muhammad Beg?⁴ You (like) the pleasure of game while I enjoy myself in conquering fortresses and subduing rebels. Alas! what will be your position in this life and in the life after? (Couplet) “There are many who advise others, in this world; but there are very few who advise themselves.” Life passes away in vain and we can do nothing. What answer shall we give to God after death?⁵ (Verse) “O God! have mercy upon our condition.”

LETTER XXIX.

Exalted son, though the young son (A’azam) does not love the old father, the old father loves the young son. (Verse) “Come, and remove the mountain of grief (i.e., excessive grief) from our hearts.”

LETTER XXX.

Exalted son, Muhammad Anwar the merchant has no ability to manage the affairs of the sea-ports of Aslá. From this it appears that notwithstanding (your) perfect wisdom, sagacity, and deep consideration, you have appointed a thief to keep watch (which is absurd). You should not issue such a foolish order in future.

1704. LETTER XXXI.

Exalted son, the town of Dūhad,¹ situated in a district of Gujarát, is the birthplace of this sinner, full of sins (i..e, Aurungzebe himself). You should learn to shew proper kindness to the inhabitants of this town.² You should shew favour to Pir Mankhá,³ who has been the police officer of this town for a long time, and should keep him in his own post. For Pir Mankhá’s sake, you should not listen to the slander of the selfish, for whom it may be said that ‘in their heart there is a disease (of hypocrisy) which God increases.’⁴ (Verse) “A king must possess one general eye for shewing favour to the weak, and one special eye for shewing favour to some favourites (i.e., a king should shew his kindness and favour, generally to the weak and especially to his favourites).”

1704. LETTER XXXII.

Exalted son, Muhammad Beg,¹ your servant, deserted and went over to the misled and miserable enemy. It is said about him that he has been descended from the tribe of Mū’atemad Khán,² the minister of the Deccan. He (Muhammad Beg) was your minister and private secretary. Undoubtedly the new servants bore malice and spite against the old one (i.e., Muhammad Beg). You should recall this deserter and send him to me. The bad property should be attached to the beard of its master (i.e., Muhammad Beg should be surrendered to me). Otherwise you should write (to me) that after being informed of his condition, he may be called.

1704. LETTER XXXIII.

Exalted son, the bones of Shūjá’at Khán Muhammad Beg¹ are not yet rotten (i.e., he died only a short while ago). The rights of Shūja’at Khán’s service should not be overlooked. He has two survivors, two sons-in-law and one adopted son.² Why have you dismissed these heirs of Shūjá’at Khán for (their) slight offence, the truth or untruth of which is known to God (alone)? To dismiss a Mohemadan for the sake of a Hindu is an unreasonable act.³

LETTER XXXIV.

Exalted son, Mandeswar, the greatest district of the province of Málvá, has been granted to you as a ‘jághir.’¹ In former times Sar Būland Khán,² Hasan Ali Khán,³ and a great officer like Navázesh Khán-i-Rūmi, had been appointed police officers of this district. This light of my eyes (i.e., my dear son) should send there an intelligent, honest, and brave officer. One day it was said in the presence of His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) that the splendour of the house, the increase of property, and the prosperity of the ‘jághir’, districts, of Sa’ad Alláh Khán⁴ depended upon (the management of) Abdūl Nabi, his secretary, and that the Khán himself spent his time zealously in the (discharge of) state affairs. Once, His Majesty, by way of suggestion, told him, “I have heard that you possess the philosopher’s stone. (I hope) you will present it to me.” He replied, “I possess one (i.e., Abdūl Nabi) in the form of a man and which has the quality of producing gold.” His Majesty thanked God and spoke sweetly, “I praise you for this quality of yours (and) give away his services to you. An intelligent, honest, God-fearing, and well-behaving man is rare. (Couplet) ‘Human beings are found everywhere in this world, but their essence (i.e., honesty) is found rarely.’”⁵ The above-mentioned Khán bowed down to His Majesty.

LETTER XXXV.

Exalted son, I have come to know about the occupation and action of the manager of the district of your ‘jághir’ from the letter sent by the reporter. Why are you careless about the day of judgment?¹ (Verse) “Alas! alas! justice from the hand of negligence.”

1704. LETTER XXXVI.

Exalted son, I knew you to be (a man) of great sense and of good disposition in everything. (Verse) “May God protect your handsome face from an evil eye.” It is strange that you have dismissed Muhammad Beg Khán¹ and given the ‘faujdárship’² of Sorath³ to Sheer Andáz Khán. The results of personal and able affairs of mankind are clear. (Verse) “The outward appearance of a man is a mirror for his heart (i.e., the character of a man can be judged from his outward appearance).” Here in Sorath Kūtbūdin,⁴ the noble ‘Panj-Hazári,’ had been appointed. I won’t take any objection if you appoint Saiyad Kamál⁵ and Saiyad Mūrád, who are honoured and respected, in this province, to some extent. Under any circumstance, the ‘faujdárship’ of the above province, together with districts connected with this province, are given to you in ‘jághir.’ You should appoint over them a faithful servant whom you consider worthy (of the post). If Amán Alláh Beg⁶ and Bahádūr Beg Sherváni can induce themselves to be away from you, apparently you will entrust them with the ‘faujdári’. Honesty and ability play the greatest part in the management of political and financial affairs. The unfit and selfish are many; while the worthy and true are very few. His Majesty, having his abode in heaven (i.e., Akbar, Aurungzebe’s great grandfather), had (many) faithful servants. He entrusted them with (the work of gaining) successive victories and (of performing) many affairs. And in the time of His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) there came forward many brave and faithful servants, well-behaving officers, and able secretaries. Notwithstanding so many faithful servants, His Majesty, with his holy personality, looked after the transaction of (state) affairs very carefully. I remember that when His Majesty sent Mūrád Bakhsha⁷ to Balkh in order to conquer the provinces of our ancestors, an army registrar was wanted. Twenty persons, employed or unemployed (in the state), applied for this post. Now I want a true and able man for the ministership of Bengál; but I find none.⁸ Alas! alas! for the rarity of useful men.

1704. LETTER XXXVII.

Exalted son, notwithstanding your good intention, why are you indifferent to the actions (i.e., tyranny) of oppressors and to the infliction of punishment on those misled people (tyrants)? Everyday in the districts of Hájipūr,¹ Miyánpūr,² and other police stations, strife and quarrel, oppression and tyranny, take place. The Kolis³ plunder (the town of) Mairganj,⁴ situated close to the (quarters of the royal) army. They bind the inhabitants of the town and the poor travellers and carry them away. You have appointed Amán Alláh Beg⁵, the superintendent of the artillery and of the palace, the police officer of Naváh⁶. He gave ‘patelships’⁷ to his dishonest and corrupt relatives. The oppressed cannot complain to you against his power. Alas! alas! Time passes away like a sword (i.e., swiftly); and the reproach of the people of the world and the fear of the Glorious and High God are removed from the heart. The ‘faujdárship’ should be given to one of the Gujarátis, either to Safdar Khán-i-Sáni⁸ or to the sons of Bahlol Sherváni⁹, who, in the time of Shūjá’at Khán, had acquired a good name and who communicate with the inhabitants of the town (of Naváh). I say plainly that on the day of judgment we shall have to give an account of our actions before God for shewing favour to and connivance at (the actions of corrupt officers).¹⁰ You should send to the province reliable and cautious reporters, and send me daily reports of the results of the orders (issued by you), and should engage yourself in repairing the time. (Verse) “When on the day of judgment there will be an inquiry about my crimes, the records of the crimes of all the people of the world will be torn to pieces (i.e., the crimes of all people are insignificant in comparison to mine and therefore they will be forgiven by God on the day of judgment, but I will not be forgiven).”¹¹

1696. LETTER XXXVIII.

Exalted son, Kázi Abdūllá¹ joined God’s mercy (i.e., died). He used to please me and (my) subjects during his tenure of ‘káziship’. I do not know about the condition of his sons. Abdūl Majeed Khán, his eldest son, was, for a time, your ‘kázi rikáb’.² Write to me if he possesses the qualifications of learning, unselfishness, and goodness. There is no more important work than ‘káziship’, because the people of God (whose dignity is great) are imprisoned or sentenced to death by the decision of a ‘kázi’. Kázi Sheikh-ūl-Islám was helped, as it was necessary, by the divine grace in doing good, to inquire into and distinguish between right and wrong. A good man is very rare; and a rare thing is non-existent; (therefore, logically, a good man is non-existent; i.e., there is no good man in the world).

LETTER XXXIX.

Exalted son, I have heard (that) the superintendent, appointed by you before my final decision, is cautious. (But) here (in the court), Siávash Khán Sháh Mir is partial notwithstanding his high post and an adequate ‘jághir’. Honesty is an essential qualification in a servant. Write to me whether Asad-ūd-Din, the son of Diláver Khán, who is near you, possesses this quality (of honesty), in addition to intelligence; if so, I will summon him into my presence, and appoint him to the post. I, with a wounded heart, insensible, and needy, always seek for honest human beings. These honest people fall under the category of the phœnix¹ (i.e., like the phœnix, they are known by their names only, but never seen in the world; i.e., honest people are not to be found in this world).² A philosopher was asked “What’s the medicine for the disease of selfishness?” He replied, “Selfishness is an innate quality; which gives a polish to the deep and careful attention of the master, so that the servant may not remain needy in any way and his essence (i.e., honesty) may be bright and shining under any circumstance and its purity may not be destroyed by the rust of need.”

LETTER XL.

Exalted son, robbers are practising their profession often from Chamárkūndeh to Kádirábád.¹ Very few travellers traverse the road in safety. Most probably there must be some cause for this. A word to the wise is sufficient. You receive news soon whether from a distance or from near. For the bad plight, why don’t you think of the day of judgment? Attention with regard to the end of our life must be paid just now. It is just to favour a good servant for his distinction (in service) and to punish a bad one for his bad action. As you sow, so shall you reap. I am anxiously waiting for your reply. A tyrant asked for blessings for himself from a holy man. He replied, “Regarding the oppressors themselves they have no effect of blessings but giving justice to the oppressed (i.e., the only way for tyrants to enjoy the effect of blessings is to cease oppressing the people).”

LETTER XLI.

Exalted and dear son, I was pleased with some passages in the diary of His Majesty (i.e., Sháh Jehán). For my love to you, I have written them involuntarily to my dear son, so that I myself do not enjoy their benefit alone. (The passages are as follow). ‘Some actions are the best: not to countenance a bad man; not to disappoint a man by the non-fulfilment of his desire; not to afflict a man of a good temperament; not to beg notwithstanding extreme need; to keep company with the pious; to search for the worthy and the able; to avoid the company of fools; to give the deserving, as much as you can, before they ask for it; to honour the learned; to spend one’s time in justice (or in work); not to pay attention to the doctrines of the sacrilegious; not to be unconscious of the condition of the faithful agents; to derive benefit from the company of the holy who are strangers in this world; to encourage those who do good for the affairs of this and the next world’.

In this age also there are many good men; but where are those who search for such good men and encourage them by their favour?¹ Evidently, the succeeding generation will be worse. (Verse) “I am anxious about the condition of the times; because, may God forbid, there will be worse times than this”. You, who have an intention of (succeeding to) sovereignty (after me),² should desire, search for, employ, and favour (such good men).

LETTER XLII.

Exalted son, I liked very much ‘Gūlshan-rawán’, the fat horse you have sent me for riding. He has a graceful gait, a mane, a fine form and all the equestrian qualities. You are much pleased with often riding on ‘Nilūfar’ and ‘Chawá-chandan’ (two horses). I send you a Turkey horse, called ‘Khūsh-kharám’ and ‘Sabá-raftá’ (another horse), presented to me by Amánat Khán¹, and trained under the supervision of Alláh Yár Khán. But the miser head groom sheds tears (and says) “Why does Your Majesty give away (such) fine horses”? Notwithstanding, I will send them to you.

1700. LETTER XLIII.

Exalted son, you must have learnt, from the letter of the agent and the reports of the spies, the details of hardships in the invasion of the Ghauts.¹ The Mohemadans and the army had to undergo worse conditions and unbearable toils. God be thanked that the calamities of this invasion came entirely to an end and were compensated for by victory and success. Though such hardships are said to be caused by the sins of mankind, yet the action of the governor has a great effect upon the good and evil of people. The action of the governor suggests misery or misfortune on this poor and useless person (i.e., Aurungzebe himself). The fortress of Sattárá² is now called (by me) A’azam-tárá (and given to you). You should issue an order that the drum of victory will be beaten in your own name. You may remember the words uttered by you in your childhood, “Bábáji, dhūn, dhūn”.³ The fortress of Barnálá⁴ is now called (by me) Naval-tárá. Ask for the details of my expedition from your slave-girls.

1704. LETTER XLIV.¹

Exalted son, you have seen the dervish, Mir Arab, in Ahmedábád. Of course, you should again go to him and present him compliments from me who am ashamed of departing for the next world and who desire the pleasures of this world. You should request him to pray for our happiness and for the safety of our religion. Tell him that I am approaching death and have been far from good actions. (Tell him further that) the life of this negligent person (i.e., Aurungzebe) has been passed in vain and the remaining portion of it will also be passed without any fruit; (and that) death approaches while salvation recedes. (Verse) “Whatever I have done, even a blind man cannot do; I have lost God in this world (i.e., I did not remember God in this world).”

LETTER XLV.

Exalted son, the misbehaviour and impudent conduct of Mir Badhū,¹ (your) foster brother (towards you), have been fully laid bare to me by the reports of your expedition. The (following) couplet of ‘the Spiritual Leader’² applies to his case. (Couplet) “The favours of God treat you mildly; but if you go beyond (the mild treatment) you are disgraced (or punished by Him)”.³ You thought it necessary to reproach and to disgrace him, because he boasts of the claims of his old mother.⁴ (But) he does not know the (following) words of Sa’adi.⁵ (Couplet) “Don’t put the king, whom you serve, under any obligation; know that it is you who are obliged by the king by his giving service to you.” Any how the Obliging King (i.e., God) has endowed men with wisdom and (other) good qualities. It is better if you follow my advice and forgive him this fault; because, (verse) ‘Criminals are worthy of favour.’

LETTER XLVI.

Exalted son, His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) asked Sa’ad Alláh Khán,¹ “What are the means of satisfying the Creator and what are the good fruits of our life?” He replied, “Justice and charity with which God has endowed your most holy person.” A person said to the qualified Khán in a sarcastic tone, “Honest and faithful men are very rare in this world; possibly you know this.” He replied, “The world is not, in any way, devoid of honest people. A wise man must take good men into his service, look after their welfare, realise his desires through them, and not listen to the words of the selfish against them.” His Majesty observed, “Honest and respectable men and good officers are rare. He who is favoured by God with the highest position must inquire into the condition of honest and good people. He must not regard an able person worthless though he may be a stranger. He must avoid the company of foolish and worthless people though they may be equal to him in position. He must favour and patronise a good and friendly officer.”

LETTER XLVII.

Exalted son, one day His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) said privately to Dárá Shekūh,¹ “You should not be ill-disposed to and suspicious of the royal grandees.² You should treat all of them with favour and kindness and not listen to the words of the selfish and the liars against them. Because this advice will be one day useful to you.” As my heart warms towards you, I write to you what I ought not to write. To shew hypocrisy to worthy people is to spoil the business.

LETTER XLVIII.

Exalted son, one day His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) entered the ‘Ghosal Kháneh’¹ in a sad mood. Sa’ad Alláh Khán² and Ali Mardán Khán³ asked for the cause of distraction of his noble mind. His Majesty observed, “Some of the civil and financial officers have died. Other dignified persons are not found immediately to undertake such important affairs. My mind is not at peace for the thought lest order will be destroyed.” Kilich Khán⁴ said, “The well-being of the important affairs of the permanent sovereignty depends upon the auspices of your holy person. Your slave has, in a short time, trained five of his servants in such a way that they are fit for high posts in the kingdom, for services in provinces and for the management of affairs.” On hearing these words joy shone on the noble face of His Majesty who ordered Kilich Khán to bring the five servants into his presence in the evening in order to be inspected for appearance and character. (His Majesty further remarked), “How pleasant it is if affairs are transacted according to (one’s) desires!” Kilich Khán entered His Majesty’s presence (with his five servants) exactly at the appointed time. Having attained to the fortune of (being present into) His Majesty’s most holy service he spoke (to the emperor) about the good character and ability (of the five servants). Each of them was honoured with the favour and appreciation of the master of the world (i.e. Sháh Jehán), and was given a worthy and personal (not hereditary) post and assistants to serve under. His Majesty shewed special favours to the above-mentioned Khán also. He was given a personal title of ‘Yak-Hazári’,⁵ and, in addition, two hundred cavaliers. His Majesty observed, (verse) “May you (the Khán) be happy because you have made me happy.” Out of thankfulness for the acceptance of his request (by Sháh Jehán) and for the favours of the bountiful master (i.e. Sháh Jehán), the qualified Khán gave away in charity one thousand ‘Mohurs’⁶ to the deserving.

LETTER XLIX.

Exalted son, Kámyáb Khán, the clerk of the assistant of your secretary, has written me a letter. (Couplet) “He who draws the sword of oppression is killed by Providence with the same sword (i.e., he who practises oppression is oppressed in return).” What is done (by you) for order and discipline is done. It would have been better had you not made unallowable haste (in inflicting a capital punishment upon the oppressive officer—mentioned in the clerk’s letter). Nevertheless, though retaliation¹ is a just law, the affliction of (one’s) heart is the cause of displeasure to God. For this reason it is said (verse), “There is pleasure in pardoning a person, but there is no pleasure in retaliating on him.”

LETTER L.

Exalted and blessed son, Muhammad A’azam, may God save and protect you. You have known the condition of my riding horses. The Emperor Jehángir (Aurungzebe’s grandfather) punished so severely his head groom that it proved absurd to give him the title of ‘Saf Shekan Khán’ (lit. the master of the breaker of the files of an army). (Verse) “It is quite contrary to the nature of a negro to call him a ‘káfūr’ (camphor).”¹ His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) used to say, “A senseless man spoils the business. We are helpless in making suitable appointments in times of difficulties and hardships of journey and of arrangement in an emergency.” You should select one from your grooms and (then) write to me. (Verse) “We must put up with every class of people; what is to be done with them? they are also people.”

LETTER LI.

Exalted son, a reporter writes to his own brother from the district of Lauli (that) “The tolls on merchants and travellers bring forth every year from Rs. 15000 to 16000; but the district treasurer and the police officer do not send to the royal treasury more than Rs. 1000 or 2000.” Truly, this is not ‘ráh-dári’¹ (collecting tolls) but ‘ráh-zani’ (robbing the king of his property). The (use of the) property of the people (by the king for his private expenses) is unlawful². If these officers take five percent out of hundred and one percent out of forty (of the tolls) I will not grudge it. Suppose that the dishonest practice of the treasurer is disclosed, the first thing for enquiring into this is that an order should be issued in the names of the commissioner and the secretary. Then I know what to do about his dishonesty. The half of the produce of the land is allowable to the landlord and the remaining (half) is the property of the king.

In the reign of His Majesty (Sháh Jehán), a person, at the time of the passing of the royal procession, cried out in a loud voice, “This auspicious time is an aggregate of good actions. Just ruler and the greatest minister, (Your Majesty) is anxious to have honest secretaries. Your subjects are in a good and secure condition. It is a duty incumbent upon me to thank (God) for the divine favours upon (your) most holy personage.” On hearing these words, H. M. ordered the procession to halt for a time, called the special officers from a distance and raised up his hands for blessing the man; and then presented him a robe of honour. At that time Sa’ad Alláh Khán told H. M., “The necessaries of the life of a man are in proportion to his desires, and his desires are in proportion to his good nature.”

LETTER LII.

Exalted son, Sa’aeed Khán Bahádūr Zafer Jang¹ brought a person into the presence of His Majesty (Sháh Jehán); and out of good grace praised him. Sa’ad Alláh Khán allowed nothing to pass from truth (i.e., gave justice to the man) and said, “May Sa’aeed Khán be happy who presents such a man (before Your Majesty) and speaks to Your Majesty about his good manners.” Words passed from the auspicious tongue of H. M. (to the effect that), “It is your (i.e. officers’) business to bring servants into my presence, while my work is to patronise them in order to give lustre to affairs. The officers should oblige me by finding out and then presenting before me erudite and well-versed secretaries, honest officers and many respectable soldiers whom I want.” The prime minister² said, “The man of every class, who does every useful work in your holy reign, is, in the end, honoured with a worthy post and presented a costly robe of honour.” His Majesty ordered the prime minister to examine the ability of the man and then to give him a fine service. Sa’aeed Khán Bahádūr, out of thankfulness for the good favours of the appreciating potentate (i.e. Sháh Jehán), distributed Rs. 10000 among pious, virtuous and poor people.

LETTER LIII.

Exalted son, one day Pahár Amal, the secretary of the unfriendly brother,¹ produced a balance sheet before His Majesty (Sháh Jehán), and said, “Ten lacs of rupees, for the payment of the balance of the days in which we (i.e. Dárá and Pahár Amal) had accounts with each other, are to be paid from the royal treasury. Your Majesty should order the payment.” His Majesty handed over the balance sheet to Sa’ad Alláh Khán and said, “With a view to looking into details, examine the sheet and then speak to me.” The above-mentioned Khán said immediately, “Such a large sum of money should not be paid from the royal treasury. Next time the cash account will be settled for the payment of each other.” After the dispersal of the court, Dárá the Pompous uttered angry words to the prime minister (i.e. Sa’ad Alláh Khán). When the note sent by the officer of the ‘Ghosal Kháneh’² reached H. M., at once H. M. wrote a letter to the unfriendly brother and inserted the following couplet in it: (Couplet) “To quarrel with the good and the virtuous is to shew enmity to oneself; he who draws a dagger on a mirror draws it on himself.” (H.M. further wrote in the letter) “It is a special qualification of princes to distinguish between right and wrong. Pahár Amal wants to economise for you while Sa’ad Alláh Khán does to preserve my property. If the balance sheet was verified from your account book, it was your duty to inquire whether it was possible or impossible for Sa’ad Alláh Khán to pay the sum. Otherwise it is very bad to afflict (the hearts of) the royal servants, especially Sa’ad Alláh Khán. It is good to win the hearts of these men.³ Able and intelligent servants are the source of increase of property and of a good name to their masters.” In the evening His Majesty presented Sa’ad Alláh Khán some bundles of Mahmūdi⁴ cloth embroidered in one colour and three thousand ‘dinárs’⁵ in cash.

LETTER LIV.¹

Exalted son, this verbal story has reached my ears from a reliable source. I write it to you in details so that you may also know it. One day His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) honoured Ali Mardán Khán² and Sa’ad Alláh Khán³ with the distinction of special audience before H. M.’s presence; and said eloquently, “The order and management of the kingdom and property simply depend upon wisdom and justice. May God forbid, if an unworthy king attains to the dignity of sovereignty and appoints ministers and nobles having no sound judgment to posts (in the kingdom), absolute disorder will prevail in the management of the country. Then follow the ruin and poverty of the subjects, and the country yields a reduced revenue and (thus) is ruined. For pleasing God you should associate with the pious and the religious. After the five prayers you should pray for me that the splendour of the kingdom may not diminish and that no one may use abusive language. After my death the son who succeeds me⁴ will be helped with good graces. Many times I have been thinking that though the eldest son of sovereignty⁵ possesses dignity and pomp and grandeur and glory, he is an enemy of the good and a friend to the bad.⁶ (Verse) ‘He is good towards the vicious and unfriendly towards the virtuous.’ Shūjá⁷ possesses no quality except generosity. Mūrád Bakhsha⁸ has no virtue at all. He is engaged in eating and drinking and is constantly indulging in wine. But such and such a person, i.e. this humble mortal (i.e. Aurungzebe), seems to me to possess determination and foresight⁹. Most probably he will be king after me.” Sa’ad Alláh Khán recited the (following) hemistich of ‘the Spiritual Leader’¹⁰: “A foresighted man is auspicious.” His Majesty observed, (verse) “Who will be selected by God and towards whom will His inclination be?”

LETTER LV.

My dear son, it is said that on the day of ‘Chauki¹,’ Ali Mardán Khán², Abū Sa’aeed Marz, and Kilich Khán³ used to first offer the soldiers coffee; then at the time of breakfast, they used to serve them breakfast; at the time of dinner, dinner; and at the time of departure, perfumes and ‘páns⁴.’ They used to send various dishes to the family members of the soldiers and to say ‘Their wives and children do not taunt us for feeding the soldiers alone and for want of magnanimity (towards them) and are not grieved’.

In former times a person began to complain of the times before a great man. The great man said, “We should thank (God) for and praise the present time much; because man has no fear about his livelihood and no anxiety about his person and property (in Sháh Jehán’s time). There is no fear of relaxation in (one’s) religion and faith. In future, the intentions of mankind will be changed and severe oppression will take place. Justice and gratitude will totally disappear. Administrators and protectors of cities will be publicly engaged in plundering (people). The ruling king of the (future) time will not give justice to the oppressed. The nobles will try to support the tyrants for the (mutual) benefit of one another. The rights (of people) will be disregarded and be trampled under foot. Wives will display bravery while daughters will be honoured with ministerships. Men of merit, on account of discouragement and want of appreciation, will purposely abstain from helping in the improvement of affairs. Worthy officers, nothwithstanding their retirement from office, will not be safe (from oppression). The foolish and the inexperienced will manage the state affairs. The sons will afflict (their) fathers and the fathers will have no paternal love for (their) sons. Virtuous wives will weep for the debauchery and disaffection of (their) profligate husbands. There will not be timely rain. The governors, through their selfish ominous nature, will cause corn to be sold dearer. The countries will be ruined owing to the oppression of the rulers. Public women will live openly in the houses of nobles and great men. Men will like to be clad in the dress of women (i. e., will prove cowards).”

1690 or 1701. LETTER LVI.

Exalted son, Fázil Khán¹, your spiritual leader, died. I am sorry (for his death). He was confidential (or learned), careful about his business, and of a good disposition. He kept finance officers under his charge carefully and cautiously. He illumined the house of this humble creature (i. e., Aurungzebe himself) with his stewardship. You should not also doubt the good nature of Vazier Khán Háji Muhammad². Though Saiyad Muhammad Khán and Mir Nayáz are not bad, yet they are strict officers. When most of the officers under you are my servants, just now I want Kábil Khán and I require him from you. You should appoint Muhammad Mūhasan to the office held by Kábil Khán. In my court there is dearth of good men (i.e., are very few)³. Till his arrival here Ináyat Alláh Khán⁴ will act for him, though he has much work. Háfizeh Mariam⁵ claims a better right. Her son (i. e., Ináyat Alláh Khán) is known to me by his ability; but he is harsh towards his relatives. Directly and indirectly I often tell you by way of advice, “Ragūnáth Sa’ad Alláh Khán⁶ did not assign financial posts to his own brothers and used to say, ‘Those very brothers are (like) officers who bring ruin to the houses (of their masters). May God guide or kill them’.”

LETTER LVII.¹

Exalted son, the delicious mangoes (sent by you) sweetened the palate of the old father. May the happiness and fortune of the young son ((i.e., A’azam) be augmented. (Verse) “Whatever proceeds from a friend is good.”

1704. LETTER LVIII.

Exalted son, life of the father, produce of the life of the father (i.e., dear son), the province of Gūjarát¹ is not like Bengál, the Deccan and Cábūl (i.e., Gūjarát is in the middle of the empire and not on the borders, like Bengál, the Deccan and Cábūl) that owing to a great distance and a frontier of the kingdom, the appointment of commissioners (for Gūjarât) should be accepted volens nolens (by you) (i.e., the commissioners for Gūjarát must not be appointed by others but by ourselves, because it is situated in the middle of the empire). Henceforth you should act according to my system till the work is executed with promise and threat (to commissioners). The police officer of the district of Dohud², who is old and sickly, did not come into your presence on account of (his) physical infirmities. He should not be dismissed (from his post) by you and should be left to follow his own way.

LETTER LIX.

Exalted son, a saint wrote a tradition and brought it to me (and said), “His Holiness the Prophet (i.e., Mahomet) —may the benediction and peace of God be upon him and upon his family—asked the great (angel), Gabriel, ‘Which service is the best?’ The angel replied, ‘The service of kings which brings benefit and pleasure to the needy.’ I also wish to enter the service of kings and to fulfil the desires of the Mohemadans.” I said, “There is no objection against this (your serving me)”.

LETTER LX.¹

Exalted son, to refuse the presents brought by the nobles before you is a loss to the royal treasury. Though this time I forgive you for goodness’ sake, you should not do so in future.

LETTER LXI.

Exalted son, the Turkey horse¹ you sent this time has a good appearance and nature. He is again better than the first one. I have named him ‘Sabūk-sair’ (lit. of a light walk, i.e., swift), because this name harmonises with the thing named (i.e., the horse).

LETTER LXII.

Exalted son, at your suggestion I made Mūswi Khán¹ the chief paymaster. It is sufficient if the servant discharges his duty satisfactorily. His appearance is not bad. I don’t know his character. (Verse) “The wickedness of the soul (i.e., the character of a man) is not known for many years.” It is a general rule to inquire privately into the character of a man who is to be appointed to a post. Because in the beginning (of the service of servants) people are deceived by the performance of good service; but afterwards they find themselves to be served by selfish servants. Here after Eftikhár Khán² and Muhammad Ali Khán³, Fázil Khán⁴ and Fazáyal Khán⁵ managed the ‘Khámáni’ post well, from whose foreheads good signs were seen (to proceed). Physical diseases can be cured by doctors; but mental diseases, like selfishness, can be remedied only by the Changer of Hearts (i.e., God).

LETTER LXIII.

Exalted son, may the Great God protect thee. I wanted to make Diánat Khán Abdūl Kádir the secretary to (my) grandson Bahádūr¹; but his name does not agree with his nature (i.e., he is dishonest—Diánat Khán means ‘the honest Khán’). Honesty is not to be expected from him.

1704. LETTER LXIV.

Exalted son, you possess a sound judgment in executing (my) orders. Gūjarát is the ornament and jewel of India¹. Here are found men belonging to every kind of industry, art and profession. The sample (of an article) sent to me recently from the royal factory in Gūjarát is rough and costly. You should, of course, make an inquiry into this matter.

LETTER LXV.

Exalted son, from the detailed reports sent to me from the Nurbadá¹ (I came to know) that Amán Alláh Beg², the superintendent of the artillery of (my) dear son ((i. e., A’azam), totally defeated the Satan-like, wicked and shameless Santá³ and brought safe the provisions of Bák Khán and his own followers. Indeed, his endeavours and exploits, together with those of his followers, are worthy of praise and laudation. You should show him proper favours and recommend him to me also.

LETTER LXVI.

Exalted son, Mir Jalál-ūd-Din¹, who has resigned your service, is evidently the nephew of the late Himmat Khán²

who was my chief paymaster. He is a true Saiyad³, of noble birth, and of a good character. Why have you dismissed him?

LETTER LXVII.

Exalted son, why did the sons of Shamshir Khán¹ resign? There must be some cause for their resignation. To dismiss old servants for a slight offence and to appoint new ones (in their places) is totally useless. I am like the sun approaching the vault (of the sky—i. e., I am nearing death)². What do you think? Any how, if you come before my holy presence and become a king, I won’t mind it³.

LETTER LXVIII.

Exalted son, (couplet) “Your companion must be better than yourself, so that your wisdom and faith may increase.” For a long time I have heard that in your ‘Jághir’ districts oppression is practised openly. Justice does not remove the oppressors for the sake of the poor oppressed who have no access to the ruler. In the court of God the angels write down the acts of oppression in the account of the governor appointed (by you or by me)¹. What does it mean to give so much power to the second paymaster and to put great confidence in him so that no one has power of speak against his action? Though it is right to increase the independent power of a man of business in any way, it is simply foolish to give an absolute authority to a servant and not to pay any attention to the important affairs executed by him. (Quatrain) “Do not associate with an evil person; be a stranger to him (i.e., be far from him). If you eat his grain, you will fall into his snare (like a bird). The arrow, on account of its straightness, saw the bow crooked; behold, how it left its hollow! (i.e., as the arrow does not like the crookedness of the bow and consequently leaves it, similarly a good person should not desire the company of a bad one and consequently should abandon his company)”. (Verse) “Fear the sighs of the oppressed; because at the time of their prayer, acceptance comes to receive it from the court of God (i. e., the prayer of the oppressed is heard and accepted by God)”.

LETTER LXIX.

Exalted son, Eftikhár Khán¹, at the time of the service of (his) stewardship, owing to (his) good nature, experience, and careful attention, made me the (following) fine statement, “Dishonesty does not consist only in taking and dragging property, but in representing truth as untruth and untruth as truth.” I was much pleased (at these words); and I issued forth a strict order to all officers and royal servants (to the effect) that they should represent to me the facts about each person without any exaggeration and should not care for the dignities of relatives, acquaintances, and strangers.

LETTER LXX.

Exalted son, when His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) conferred the title of ‘Ráo’¹ upon Jasvant Khatri² and made him a private secretary, he told him, “You should be honest in relation to myself and those who want ‘jághirs’. When a list of the newly appointed persons and of additional titles or ‘jághirs’ is brought to me (for reference), you should bring before my presence four or five officers in the evening when I am looking at the maps of provinces and the designs of buildings in the courtyard of the ‘Ghosal Kháneh,’³ so that after examining the character and lineage of every one I will issue an order for ‘jághirs’.” In the same way he issued an order to the superintendent of the ‘dágh-tasihah’⁴ (to the effect) that he must receive any orders for branding (horses) with the seals of paymasters and then presenting them to His Majesty he must brand the horses; and that he must give an account of the expenses (of branding) to the secretary.

On account of the hardships of the difficult expedition I could not pay any attention to state affairs; consequently there was total disorder in the management of orders. His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) often used to say, “‘Sar-kūb’⁵ officers, treasurers, police officers, prefects giving final orders, ‘karori’⁶ paymasters, and (other) officers should acquire honesty and keenness which are the best of all (qualities)”.

LETTER LXXI.¹

Exalted son, from the reports sent to the royal court by reporters I came to know the details of the story of the impudence and misbehaviour of Hidáyat Keesh-i-Punjábi who, having drunk wine, walked on the enlightened tomb of Sháh Bandeh Naváz Gisū Daráz² and (thus) displayed his low spirit. When that wicked man had gone to that (holy) place in a drunken state, you ought to have sent your servants with an order to bind him hand and foot and to bring him (before you); and then having placed him in front, you ought to have sent him to me along with macebearers³. Evidently partiality should not be allowed to the reporter; for this, I have sent (to you) strict macebearers in order to bind the accursed (Punjábi) and to bring him (before me).

When unworthy persons, appointed to service, do such acts, in such cases I do not shew partiality to any of my sons; so what can I do for Ináyat Alláh Khán⁴ and others?

1707. LETTER LXXII.¹

(This letter was written in the enlightened writing in the state of death).

May peace be upon you and upon those who are near you. Old age arrived and weakness became strong (i.e., increased). Strength departed from the limbs. I came alone (in this world) and I go as a stranger (to the next world). I am unconscious about myself as to who I am and of what use I am. Time passed away without any devotion (to God). (Now) I have (only) to lament this passing away of time without any devotion. I was devoid of administrative (tact) and care for the welfare of the people. (My) dear life has been spent in vain. God is present in this world but I do not see Him. Life is not constant, and there is no sign visible of the past life; and there is no hope of a future life. Fever has left me (on account of being ashamed of me). Only the skin is left (i.e., there is no flesh upon my body, i.e., I am very weak). Though (my) son Kám Bakhsha² is gone to Bijápūr,³ he is near me. And, you, my exalted son (i. e., A’azam), are still nearer (to me—being in Málwá). The most favourite (son) Sháh Álam⁴ is at a greater distance than all (sons—i. e., at Cábūl). (My) grandson Muhammad A’azim⁵ is gone, through the will of God, to the frontier of India (i. e., near Cábūl). The whole (royal) army (in the Deccan) is confused and confounded. The army is restless like me, who have selected loneliness from God (i. e., who will not be accepted by God in paradise), and who am in perturbation, and who am restless like mercury. (But) the army does not understand that there is a greater master (i. e., God). I did not bring anything with me (in this world, i.e., I came here naked); (but now) I carry (with me) the fruits of sins (in the next world). I do not know in what punishment I shall be involved (there). Though I have strong hope in the favours and mercy (of God), my actions do not allow me to think over (i.e., I am afraid on account of my actions). I am unconscious of myself. (Verse) “What is done is done. I have steered the boat (of my life) in the sea (of nonentity—i.e., now I am dying)”. Though (my) subjects will be protected by God, it is necessary for (my) sons to cast their look on outward circumstances that the people of God (i.e., subjects) and (especially) the Mohemadans may not be killed unjustly. Present my last good wishes to the grandson Bahádūr⁶ whom I did not see at the time of his departure. I have (still) another desire (to make to you). Though outwardly the Begum⁷ is grieved, God is her protector. The short-sightedness of women has no fruit except disappointment. Good bye; good bye; good bye.

Letter addressed to
Kám Bakhsha¹.

1707. LETTER LXXIII².

(This letter was written by Aurungzebe to the prince Sultan Muhammad Kám Bakhsha at the time of his death).

My charming son, though in (this) world of free will (where men act according to their own will), I advised you about the divine will, and more than this, about the divine power, it was destined that you would not listen to and accept this advice. Now I go away (to the next world) as a stranger from all; and I pity you for your want of intelligence and ability; but now of what use? I carry with me (to the next world) the fruits of sins and crimes which I had perpetrated (in this world). Nature is wonderful that I came alone (i.e., naked—in this world) and go (to the next world) with this burden (of sins). Though fever attacked me for twelve days, (now) it could not bear (my leanness) and left me. Wherever I cast my glances I find nothing but God. The anxiety about my officers and army and for their future responsibility became the cause of the grief of my heart (i.e., I am in grief that my officers and army will not be treated and guided well by my successors who are weak). I am unconscious about myself. I committed many sins. I do not know how I shall be punished (by God). Though the subjects will be protected by the Master of both the worlds (i. e., God), it is a bounden duty of the Mohemadans and of (my) sons also to protect and save them according to outward circumstances. A’azam is also near me; and I have spoken to him what was necessary about you. You should also accept my last will³. It should not be that the Mohemadans be killed (in war); and the blame (of their being killed) will remain upon the neck of this useless (creature—i.e., Aurungzebe). I entrust you and your sons to (the care of) God and I myself ask your leave for departure (from this world). (My) condition is distracted (i. e., I am restless). Bahádūr Sháh is in the same place in which he was. (My) grandson, the glorious A’azim, is gone to the frontier of India. (My) grandson Bahádūr is in the neighbourhood of Gūjarát. Hiyát-ūn-Nisá (or Zinat-ūn-Nisá?), who has not enjoyed the pleasures of the world, is in grief. The Begum knows her own condition (i.e., her condition is so bad that it cannot be described). Udepūri,⁴ your mother, was with me in (my) sickness. She intends to accompany me (after my death—i. e., she will soon die after me like a Hindu ‘Sati’). Though my relatives and servants shew wheat and sell barley (i.e., are hypocrites), you should give them employment through kindness, mildness, and carelessness (towards their hypocrisy). You should cut the coat according to the cloth. May the peace of God be upon you.

Letters addressed to
Prince Muhammad Ma’az-ūd-Din Bahádūr¹,

the eldest son of Sultan Muhammad Mūazzam,
Sháh Álam Bahádūr (the crown prince).
1706. LETTER LXXIV.

Grandson Bahádūr, (your) victory over Malek Gházi and his defeat gave me much pleasure and I praise you for that. As a reward for (this) great service you are given the ‘faujdárship’ of Lakhi Jungle², a military title of ‘Dah-Hazári,³ and an additional title. Along with a mandate conferring these posts, a robe of honour, a sword, a horse, an elephant and jewels will be sent to you. You should pay greater and greater attention to conquering kingdoms and extirpating the rebels from the district (i.e., Lakhi Jungle), which should be the duties of princes. You should not wait for (my) order to punish the rebels, and you should not expect an additional title like (the government) servants, because the kingdom belongs to you (i. e., you are a prince). I am like the sun on the border of the horizon (i. e., I am old and nearing death).

LETTER LXXV.

Brave grandson, the sagacious sons should not write (to me) asking for additional titles to reporters. Why do you make me this unreasonable request? But if you think it proper, the service of reportership will be given to another, because the present reporter does not perform his duty well (he is not a true reporter). (Couplet) “When selfishness came, merit was concealed; a hundred curtains of hearts (i. e., men) fell on eyes (i. e., merit is not appreciated and rewarded by selfish people; they are blind to merit).”

Letters addressed to
Prince Muhammad Bidár Bakhta¹,

the eldest son of Sultan Muhammad A’azam Sháh Bahádūr.
LETTER LXXVI.

My grandson Bahádūr, from outside reports I came to know that during the time of your stay at Fatehpūr², wicked persons attacked the place of Doharah which was attached (given) to Jehán Árá Begum³ for the expenses of her garden. The Begum wrote this to you; and you tendered her a letter of apology. Why did you not communicate this circumstance to me? Why did you conceal the correspondence that passed between you and the Begum?

LETTER LXXVII.

Brave grandson, as you have before sent me a present for conquering the fortress of Bareetee Sháh, this (second) present for the same purpose is a repetition (only). As you are going on an expedition I do not accept the second present (because you will require more money for the expedition); but forgetfulness on your part cannot be justified.

LETTER LXXVIII.

Grandson Bahádūr, for removing physical diseases and avoiding dangers you should continue the morning prayer which is accepted by God. All erudite and learned persons unanimously agree that to blow on water by reciting ‘Sūrat-i-Ikhalás’ and ‘Sūrat-i-Shafa’a’¹ and then to drink that water is the great and immediate cure (of diseases). Though to weigh the entire body of a person against gold, silver, copper, corn, oil and other commodities is not the practice of the country of our ancestors and of the Mohemadans of this country (i. e., India), many needy and poor persons are benefited by this practice (therefore we must also observe this practice)². His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) also used to weigh (against gold, silver &c.) his auspicious body twice a year and (then) to distribute the gold and silver equal to the weight of his own body among the poor. If this light of my eyes (i. e., grandson Bahádūr) will weigh his body against various commodities, which are mentioned in the letter, fourteen times a year, it will be efficacious for removing mental and physical calamities. (Couplet) “You (i. e., God) know our (man’s) weakness, anxiety, and invalidity; and You also know the remedy and cure of our diseases.” God is the curer and healer of diseases; God is perfect; and God is holy.

LETTER LXXIX.

Dear grandson, why is your officer absent from performing state affairs? He should not be given a post in the state, because he does not serve the state and the army. You should not act like your officer. Send him to me or keep him as your servant. This (not performing the state affairs though being state servants) is the habit of Firūz Jang and Nasrat Jang¹. This light of my sight (i. e., grandson Bahádūr) should not follow such men. (Quatrain) “The time of permanency (i. e., of the world) passes away like the wind in the desert. Misery and happiness, beauty and ugliness, pass away (i. e., time does not stop for any one). Everything in the world perishes. The oppressor thought that he oppressed us (i. e., others); but the burden of oppression remained on his own neck and passed away from ours (i. e., the oppressor thinks that the oppressed are suffering under his oppression; but really the oppressed are free from the burden of oppression after a time, while the oppressor is never free from it in his life, because he will be punished for oppression in the next world)”.

LETTER LXXX.

My brave grandson, at this time there is a dearth of good men and women (i. e., are very rare).¹ Work must be done according to the dictates of the heart and not according to the sayings of bad people. More than this cannot be written; because it causes slander and sin. (Verse) “The wall has got ears; move your lips after thinking (i. e., think before you speak)”.

LETTER LXXXI.

My brave grandson, there is an enmity between the physically and mentally weak Khán Álam¹ and Nasrat Jang. You should make Ráo Dūlip² a mediator between them and reconcile them to each other. Having tried to win the heart of Nasrat Jang, appoint his secretary to the governorship of Málwá. Fidá Khán³ should be sent for stewardship.

LETTER LXXXII.

My dear grandson, may you be benefited and prosperous in religious and worldly matters. You conquered the fortresses of Tarkand¹ and Navalkand² from wicked and misguided people. May God be praised. The achievement of this dear son deserves much praise and laudation. Your Shamsheer Khán³ is also a good counsellor. A good work proceeds from a good man. I changed the name of Tarkand into Shamsheer Gadha (lit. the fortress of Shamsheer Khán). The conquest of the fortresses by one (i. e., by you) and the claim of the conquest by the other (i.e., by me) excite the special greed of the world conquering (i. e., my) treasury. (Couplet) “The sockets of the eyes of the greedy are never filled (i. e., the greedy are never satisfied). Till the shell was not contented it was not filled (with pearls—i. e., even the shell is not satisfied though it gets many pearls in it)”.

LETTER LXXXIII.

Grandson Bahádūr, to win the hearts of soldiers is the greatest part of success¹. He of a happy disposition and of a high birth (i. e., you) should try his best to execute this affair according to the entire sound advice of his forefathers. Because on the continent of India, this piece of bread (i.e., the Mogul Empire) is a generous gift (to us) from Their Majesties, the Lord of the Happy Conjunction (i.e., Tamerlane) and the Resident of Heaven (i.e., Akbar)². If, through the blessings of the bounties of the Transcendent God, you can do (something) for the stability and extent (of the empire), the eloquent historians will write down the details of it which will remain memorable upon the book of the pages of everlasting time. (Couplet) “If you are going to enjoy the garden, be quick; because the spring will pass away like the colour of lawsonia inermis (a colouring shrub—i.e., don’t delay in taking advantage of the opportunity offered to you; otherwise you will lose it and there will be no chance of your having it again)”.

1703. LETTER LXXXIV.¹

Grandson Bahádūr, the expenses incurred by Khán Firūz Jang for his followers (in receiving me when I was passing from Bahádūrgadh) appeared to me more than proportionate to his rank and salary. (During my reception by him) I observed guns, ‘rekhlás’², ‘báns’³, ‘rám-jangis’⁴, ‘jazáyars’⁵, ‘god-náls’⁶, ‘shūtūr-náls’⁷, ‘gaj-náls’⁸, riding horses with necessary equipments, horses and elephants equipped with armours stuffed with silk, other necessary things of pomp and dignity, and many other things which were either necessary or unnecessary. Therefore I confiscated many of the belongings of the Khán. Why do you, who have got things double those of the Khán, waste money and spend it without any cause? To spend money after useful things is necessary; but to spend it after other things (i.e., useless things) is for self-adornment.

1692. Letter LXXXV.

Grandson Bahádūr, I read (your) petition word by word. It enjoins two alternatives (i. e., you should choose one of the alternatives). I must go to Málvá and Akbarábád¹, and you, to the Deccan, or vice versa. Write to me which of the two alternatives you find suitable.

LETTER LXXXVI.

Brave grandson, this light of sight (i. e., dear grandson Bahádūr) writes in (the beginning of) many letters (to me) ‘May eternity join with fortune (i.e., may your—Aurungzebe’s —fortune be eternal)’. It is impossible that (one’s) fortune should last from generation to generation. (Then) how will it reach eternity? (i. e., fortune is not eternal). (Henceforth) you should begin every letter (thus): ‘By the blessings of the bounties of the Unrivalled Exalted God’. Because God says truly ‘Man is created helpless’¹. (Couplet) “Know that the opposition of an enemy and a friend is from God; because the hearts of both of them are in His possession (i. e., the source of enmity as well as friendship is God and not man; because man’s actions are subject to God’s will).”

Letters addressed to
Muhammad Azim-ūd-Din Bahádūr,¹

second son of Mūazzam Sháh Álam Bahádūr.
1704. LETTER LXXXVII.

(My) grandson, well versed in repeating the great and ancient Koran by heart, some political affairs are taken into consideration. I am excessively desirous of seeing this light of the eye (i. e., my dear grandson). Having looked after the exalted government affairs and being desirous to see me, you should, in obedience to my order, appoint Mūrshid Kūlli Khán² to the governorship of your place (i. e., Bengál) and (then) should come into my humble presence with elephants and the royal treasury. Nay, if you march (to see me) before receiving (my) order, it will be considered obedience on your part.

LETTER LXXXVIII.

Grandson Azim, it is not good to be careless, like myself, of the Generous God and of oppression upon people who are the deposits¹ of the Creator. Especially it is very bad for princes to practise oppression². You should always accept as right, heartily and secretly, the true (religious) doctrines of death, resurrection, ‘Sirát’,³ and divine punishment (after death). Every moment you should know that you are to depart from this world so that the new branch of hope will rise from the dust of expectance and the flowers of blessings will not be removed by the wind of the sigh of the oppressed (i. e., you will not be disappointed by the curses of the oppressed). Whence did you learn this peculiar habit (of oppression) which was neither practised by your grandfather nor by your father? It is better to eradicate this foolish habit (i. e., oppression) from your mind. I considered you better than other princes (i. e., my sons and grandsons) and I thought you to be a future king. (Verse) “What we think proves to be false (or contrary—i.e., man proposes, God disposes)”.

LETTER LXXXIX.

Grandson of high dignity, you have requested me regarding the assignment of the district of Shankarpūr as a ‘Jághir’ to Sháh Álijáh (i.e., your father). I did not know whence you acquired such well wishing. It is no matter had Álijáh himself requested me about what you requested. Otherwise remove such foolish ideas from (your) head; because they do not increase love and friendship (between us). Nay such foolish ideas are proper to be a cause of affliction to self conceit and pride.

LETTER XC.

Grandson Azim, though the produce of the ‘toddy’¹ of Mahál² is meant for acquiring wealth, it cannot be understood which dishonest ‘Kázi’ gave you a decision (in favour of selling and drinking ‘toddy’). You should regard such counsellors, who are the cause of ruin to families, as the enemies of your person and property and as the evil wishers of your present and future lives. You should thank the Holy and High God for His bounty that He has bestowed upon you fertile and productive districts and everything cheap and abundant. You should consider the protection of the subjects as the source of happiness in this world and in the next world.

Letter addressed to
Amir-ūl-Umará Sháyasta Khán¹,

Governor of Akabarábád.²

1659. LETTER XCI.

Faithful friend of auspicious nature, may you live under the protection of the Exalted God. I am anxious for you. On Tuesday, the 20th inst. of Rabi-ūl-Awal³—the day of writing this letter to you—Shūjá⁴, whose lot was defeat, encountered the victorious army which was under the victorious stirrup of this most needy person (i.e., Aurungzebe himself) to God Whose name is glorious, and found the return of evil actions in (his) lap, full of his own misfortunes (i.e., he was defeated by me). (Couplet) “From whose hand and tongue can come out the responsibility of thanksgiving to God fully (i.e., no one in this world thanks God fully for His bounties)?” The details of this great victory⁵ (of Cujwá over Shūjá) will be written to you afterwards. I pursued the cowardly Jasvant Singh⁶ who had joined the enemy (i.e., Shūjá) last night before the battle; but he fled away and went to Akbarábád. Evidently he has gone to his own native place (i.e., Rájpūtáná). He has suffered a great loss in this world (by being a coward) and will suffer it in the next world (by being an infidel; for he will not enter paradise). On hearing the purport of this royal order, this arm of sovereignty (i.e., Sháyasta Khán) should perform the necessary things for joy and pleasure (i.e., should observe the day of victory as a public festival); and should give thanks to the True Giver of Bounty (i.e., God); and should entirely engage in preserving this province belonging to you (i.e., Akbarábád). Immediately I sent my dear son, Muhammad Sultan Bahádūr⁷, in pursuit of this ungrateful man (i.e., Shūjá). I will soon come to Akbarábád.

Letters addressed to
Umadat-ūl-Mūlk (the Best of the Kingdom),
Madár-ūl-Mahám (the Pivot of State Affairs),
(i. e.,) Asad Khán.¹

1704. LETTER XCII².

According to the request of that sacrifice (for me—i.e., Asad Khán), the post of second secretaryship has been given to Sadr-ūd-Din Muhammad Khán Safavi.³ Now he should be summoned and be informed of this favour. Till his arrival that good natured man (i.e., you) should also examine the ledgers so that the clerks may not have a mischievous power by wickedness, and the business men may not suffer for the closing of the affairs. (Quatrain) “Every one must purify his mind, every one must polish his mirror (i.e., heart). Help those who are distressed; hear that this goblet (i.e., this world or life) will give its voice (i.e., you will have the reward of your actions in this life)”.

That sacrifice (i.e., you) should write to Khán Jehán Bahádūr⁴ (to the effect), “The horse merchants and others are complaining. This is a true tradition that ‘Oppression will cause darkness on the day of judgment.’ Why did you not remember this tradition? Why did you forget death which is near your artery (i.e., which is approaching you)? Fear the wrath of God and the punishment of the emperor (i.e., Aurungzebe)⁵. (Couplet) ‘The mildness of God deals leniently with you; but if you go beyond (the mild treatment) you are disgraced (or punished by Him).’”⁶

That sacrifice (i.e., you) should tell Nasrat Jang (your own son) and inform him that I will send him (as a present) an emerald ring which will not contain (on its collet) all his titles. If he agrees, only the name ‘Nasrat Jang’ will be engraved on it and then it will be sent to him as a present. (Verse) “Do you know what was engraved on Solomon’s ring?⁷ There was written in gold on the collet, ‘This world passes away.’”

I saw the saint brought into my presence by Rūh Alláh Khán⁸ (the Second). He was like a dandy and not like a former true saint. On seeing the saint I remembered the advice of Miyán Abdūl Latif⁹—may his holy tomb be sanctified—who, one day, spoke to this sinner (i.e., Aurungzebe), “You should not visit saints.”¹⁰ I said, “If we worldly men engrossed in sins do not perform God’s duties by paying the perfect saints a short visit, what will be our case and condition?” He replied, “The prohibition is meant for the saints of the present time who do not follow the ways of the great saints of the past. If you pay them a visit, you will be more blind (than before). And this is not good. May God protect you”. That sacrifice (i.e., you) should write the saint, “It is ordered by the emperor (i.e., Aurungzebe) that you should obey the order of God and give Him satisfaction. You are free to go wherever you like. Henceforth you should not disturb the emperor and me by your visits. You will be given a fixed allowance.”

1704. LETTER XCIII¹.

That sacrifice, let it be known to you that this sinner (i.e., Aurungzebe), who had refused to visit the above-mentioned saint (of Let. XCII), has pardoned him by reading true traditions of the doctors of the Mohemadan law. When I thought well (upon this), I found my refusal to visit the saint due to the deceit and deception of the worst passion². Otherwise how could I keep my desire (of visiting the saint) under control? (Verse) “Passion is a dragon (i.e., it injures others); how can it die? It lies congealed on account of the want of means (i.e., passion never dies in a man; whether it remains active or inactive in him)”. May God be praised that I have not yielded to passion and its deception. Especially, to rejoice at the loss of others is an act of passion. That sincere sacrifice (i.e., you) should request the holy saints to pray for (my) good, happiness, and escape from the fetters of passion. The (above-mentioned) saint himself is a virtuous and noble minded Saiyad (a true descendent of the prophet Mahomet). If he prays sincerely (for us) it is good. O God! let me live as a saint, make me die as a saint, and revive me on the day of judgment among the saints³. Amen! amen! amen!

LETTER XCIV.

According to the request of that sacrifice (i.e., Asad Khán), Ateek Alláh Khán has been made permanent in his post. For this he must observe many conditions. Firstly, he must every year increase the revenue of (his) district; secondly, he must not practise oppression upon the ‘Ahadis’¹ and must not ruin any village; thirdly, he must make free of robbers the boundaries of his own ‘faujdári’ and make them full of safety, so that travellers, way farers, merchants and ‘bipáris’² may travel without any anxiety. If he accepts these conditions and acts according to them, he will be given a written document for the post; otherwise, not. When the second Khalif Umar,³ the Lord of the Believers—may God be pleased with him—appointed, in his ‘khiláfat’, one the governor of a province, he made some conditions with him. (1) He must not allow the door keeper to have a watch near the door of the court so that people might represent their needs before him without any difficulty. (2) He must spend his time in rendering services to the people of God. (3) He must not ride (but walk on foot, so that people might represent their needs to him). (4) He must not take anything from the royal treasury for himself or for his family⁴. He must follow a profession and (thus) earn his livelihood by lawful means. If he cannot earn it on account of old age or sickness, he might, by the advice of the true believers, take (from the royal treasury) occasionally one or three ‘dirams’;⁵ more than this must not be allowed. (5) He must show (his) courage by dealing out justice to people; and in deciding cases he must not be partial to relatives and friends. Many other conditions are also written in chronicles and histories. We, who are the followers of the Khalifs, should try our best according to our ability. O God! guide us to the right path; and confer peace upon good and virtuous people.

1703. LETTER XCV.¹

That sacrifice, you should bring to-day Mūna’am Khán², the deputy of Sháh Álam, who has been also made his minister, into my presence for giving him permission to depart, so that I should acquaint him with particulars about the evil intention of the wicked Akbar³ who, with the hope of (receiving) help from the Persian Demon of the Forest⁴, has stayed in Hirát⁵, near Kandahár⁶, and through the suggestion of the governor of that province, does not move further; and who is waiting for my death. (Verse) “I did not forget the words of the musician who, at the time of applying his bow to the cups (or pots) which cause danger⁷, used to say ‘I do not know whether the stone of the sky of destiny (i.e., destiny itself) will break you (i.e., the pots) or me (i.e., the musician) sooner’”.⁸ Mūna’am Khán’s plan must be nothing but this that he should leave his own son at Cábul⁹ with a large army, that he should keep Muhammad Ma’az-ūd-Din Bahádūr¹⁰ at Mūltán¹¹ with great preparations, and that till the decision of this case, i.e., till the death of this mortal (i.e., Aurungzebe), there should be contentment in peace and in the division of the kingdom.

I tell you as a last advice from me that there have been many ambitious men, who by kindling the fire of warfare, have involved the kingdom into misery, passed their lives in bitterness and died with repentance. One of these men was Dárá the Pompous. Had he listened to the advice of His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) he would not have met with misery and misfortune. It was proper that he should suffer misery (because he did not pay attention to Shàh Jehán’s advice). Though ambition gives man rest for a time, it makes him restless (for ever).¹² O God! better the condition of the followers of Mahomet; and have mercy upon them in this world and in the next world.

1706. LETTER XCVI.

I have communicated my devoted servant (i.e., you) the report, sent to me by Amjad Khán, containing the mismanagement of the grandsons of the grandees and of the son of Muhammad Mūzaffar Bakhsha. You should write to Muhammad Iaar Khán¹, who is negligent of God like myself, according to my order, for imprisoning the rebels of the capital (i.e., Delhi or Agrá) and for not neglecting, in future, such worldly necessary affairs which are truly religious. Though it is not necessary I will also send you the order. (Verse) “You have got eyes; and the world is before you. There is no need of the teacher and of the teaching (i.e., man must get his experience from the world and not from books).”

I came to know from the letter of a friend that Muhammad A’azam (Aurungzebe’s third son) appointed his own servants, on the royal road, to the post of ‘dák chauki²’. Does he mean to receive the reports of the events (happening in his district)? It is strange that you have not represented to me this case. Possibly the prince is not in his mood (i.e., is careless and indifferent to his work). If he is not particular in his work, how will he manage the state affairs which are a sample of the affairs of the court of God (i.e., which are religious and divine)³? You should write to him to do away with that private (and not of state) invention (of ‘dák chauki’) which he has introduced; otherwise it will be abolished by force. I ask forgiveness from God for my every crime and turn to Him (for repentance). (Couplet) “We cease speaking. This is sufficient for the wise. We cried out whether there was any one in the village. (I.e., a word to the wise is sufficient. I have given the prince sufficient advice; now it is for him to act according to it)”.

The ring, with an emerald collet, which last night I selected for Kūlli Khán, is simple (i.e., not engraved). Now I remember that his title is Chin Kilich Khán⁴. You should write to the head of the jewelry department⁵ to call an engraver, to get the ring engraved with all his (Kūlli Khán’s) titles and then to send it to the above-mentioned Khán.

LETTER XCVII.

I read the letter sent to you by Rūh Alláh Khán¹, together with the report. But the letter did not please me. You will send Rūh Alláh Khán the map according to (the request in) his letter. Why should I accept your request for keeping Abdūlláh Khán² in his post when he has done nothing? But when the above-mentioned Khán (i.e., Rūh Alláh Khán) is his superior, I accede to your request; (because Rūh Alláh Khán will improve Abdūlláh Khán). God gives supplies and provisions to whom He wishes without any calculation. Now you should employ him (i.e., Abdūlláh Khán) in some difficult work so that this favour (of keeping him in his post) will not prove costly to us (by his doing something).

You have requested me to favour Ráo Dūlip³ with a ‘jaldū’⁴. Had he taken the fortress before your arrival there, it would have been allowable to favour him with a ‘jaldū’. When you arrived there, what importance should be attached to Ráo Dūlip? (And consequently he should not be rewarded with a ‘jaldū’). But after all he should be rewarded with a ‘jaldū’ for pleasing you or through mere kindness from me.

LETTER XCVIII.

This year Ameer Khán¹ sent (me) so late a basket (of mangoes) as a present that many of them were spoiled. You should write him to send me mangoes as soon as possible though I do not want them. (Verse) “O Bedil!² avarice is never contented; otherwise most of the things of our livelihood which we use would be useless (i.e., an avaricious man is never contented; because he covets more things than what are really useful to him)”.

1698. LETTER XCIX¹.

I condole that devoted servant for the death of Ameer Khán² though we must also die. (Verse) “Though the soul remains (in the body) the path of life is not endless (i.e., man is mortal)”. That sacrifice (i.e., you) should write to the minister of the capital of Láhore³, who is his (i.e., your) brother, “You should confiscate the property of the deceased (i.e., Ameer Khán) with the utmost endeavour so that not only ‘nakeer’,⁴ ‘katmeer’,⁵ ‘dámi’,⁶ and ‘dirami’⁷, but even a piece of straw is not left. And having also enquired (about his property) cautiously and fully from outsiders, and from his followers and servants by giving them hopes and threats, you should take into your possession whatever you find”. Because the property (of Ameer Khán) belongs to the subjects. When the king of the time shews, rightly or wrongly, a person more favour than what is mentioned necessary in the Koran, the rights of the true believers (i.e., Mohemadans) are done away with. During his (i.e., Ameer Khán’s) life time, I allowed him this crime⁸ (i.e., to enjoy his property) in order to win his heart; (but) now (after his death) why should I not take possession of his property? (Couplet) “I talked much; now I remain silent. I told you many problems; now I am quiet (i.e., I have said enough. Now I do not want to say further)”.

LETTER C.

Muhammad Khán¹ has been given an additional title of ‘Sadi’.² That sacrifice (i.e., you) should order the paymaster of the kingdom to register this title in the office records. Mūkhalis Khán³ will write the superintendent to assist the record keeper. Mūkaram Khán⁴ will do what he has to do.

1706. LETTER CI.

I gave a turban made of the Yaman¹ cloth to the son² of Muhammad Ameen Khán³. You should order the superintendent of the jewellery department⁴ to send me in the evening two or three turbans with their exact prices. Though it is not a rule to present a turban to a person whose post is lower than that of ‘Chehár-Hazári’,⁵ as he is a boy it matters not to give him such a present for pleasing him. His Majesty (Sháh Jehán) also had presented (a turban) to the son⁶ of Sadik Khán Bakhashi. (But) H. M. prohibited him from putting on such a turban (given as a present) when he arrived at the age of discretion and grew up to be a man.

LETTER CII.

Devoted servant of (my) court, Hūssain Ali Khán¹ quarrelled with (my) grandson Ma’az-ūd-Din Bahádūr², and without his permission left him and came here. The prince complains against him. He must be degraded from his post and his ‘jághir’ must be confiscated in order to set an example to others. (Couplet) “Much endurance will make people lose their dignity. When a bow is bent (often) it becomes soft and delicate (i.e., as the bow becomes useless when it is bent often, similarly a man loses his dignity when he is insulted often)”. I take refuge in God from the viles and temptations of passions and evil deeds.

LETTER CIII.

I read the letter written to that sincere devoted servant (i.e., you) by (my) dear son. The prince has requested (you) to add some portion to his fertile ‘jághir’ of which he is very fond. A portion should be annexed to his ‘jághir’. You should write something (more) to my son for pleasing him.

1703. LETTER CIV.

That sacrifice, you should think well that the departure of Fateh Alláh Khán¹ to Cábūl is most probably not advisable (for the following reasons): (1) he is the master of a large tribe; (2) he is also powerful; (3) he is irritable and talkative. He had been sent along with Rūh Alláh Khán² (the Second—as a subordinate at the siege of Parnálá). He treated the above-mentioned Khán (i.e., Rūh Alláh Khán) as if the Khán was his subordinate. Notwithstanding the gentility and mild treatment of the Khán and his own inferior post and a few men under him and my emphatic order to obey the above-mentioned Khán, he uttered such harsh and rude words to the Khán that he (i.e., the Khán) was ashamed and disgraced before people. You should watch the movements of such a man (like Fateh Alláh Khán) who is a ‘Seh-Hazári’ (i.e., has 3000 men under him), has got a title of ‘Bahádūr’³, goes to such a distant place (i.e., Cábūl), and is cautious and watchful like Sháh Bahádūr⁴. It won’t matter if that sincere servant (i.e., you) will think calmly on this movement (of Fateh Alláh Khán); otherwise it is better to keep him here near us⁵.

LETTER CV.

Sincere and devoted servant, Muhammad Ikhalás Ináyat Alláh Khán¹ said (to me) verbally, “The eldest son of sovereignty (i.e., Mūazzam, the crown prince) has incurred debts, and the pay of the soldiers is in arrears”. When he (Mūazzam), without considering the ability of men, gives them posts and salaries without any reason, and when he gives them presents and shews them favours unreasonably, why should he not incur debts? He knows the Koran by heart, and is an unrivalled learned man. Neither does he remember (the Koranic verse) ‘Don’t be extravagant in spending money’, nor does he read sometimes, through mistake, the commentary on this (verse). (Couplet) “Men have got their eyes, ears, and intellect open. I am confused of their deceit to God (i.e., though men have their eyes, &c., open, I do not see why they are blind to serve God and why they deceive Him)”. His secretary is also unknown to me, his native place being Cáshmere². An arrangement should be made. The secretaryship should be changed (and given to Islám Khán). Islám Khán is not (so) bad (as the present secretary).