Indian Antiquary Vol 51

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 211

OCTOBER, 1922]
HISTORY OF THE NIZAM SHAH KINGS OF AHMADNAGAR
203
the court poets attended and sang the praises of the building and its builder. Among those Was Maulana Malik Qumi, some of whose verses on this occasion are here recorded.
It is said that some dispute arose in this assembly among the poets who were present regarding the order of precedence in which they should recite their poems and that Maulåna Sairafi SÅwaji, who was one of the poets present would not recite his poem, although he had a copy of it with him. This matter was reported to $al&bat Khân, who called Şairaff to him and asked him about his poem. The Maulana related to Şal&bat Khan the story of the dispute regarding precedenoe. Salábat Khân said to Sairafi, who was a will looking man, 'Wash your face, for it is best that this matter be washed out. XOVI.-SHAK SILIH OBTAINS ACCESS TO THE KING, AND IS HANDED OVER TO SALIBAT KHAN.
When SalAbat Khân had got all power in the state into his own hands, and was acting as though he were in truth the king, he took greater care than ever to keep the king well guarded and had the garden and all the approaches to it so closely watched by sentries and confidential officers that it might almost be said that neither the birds nor the air could obtain acoess to the garden. Nobody had access from without to the king save a young eunuch who was in Şal&bat Khan's confidence.
But Shah Şalih, son of Maulana Shah Muhammad Nishâbûri, who had been one of the closest attendants on the king and was much annoyed by his inability to attend, as heretofore, on the king's person, determined at all costs to see his master and in his anger regarded not at all what was likely to be his fate. On the first of the month when, in accordance with the practice in the Dakan, all the army assembled to congratulate the king and to wish him good fortune, Shah Salih, putting his trust in heaven alone, succeeded in approaching the wall of the garden, scaled it, and dropped down into the garden. He knew not where the king's lodging was, and the darkness of the night prevented him from distinguishing it. The king, however, was walking in the garden and Shah Salih happened to meet him. It was a long time since any stranger had had access to the garden, and the king, perceiving that somebody had now gained access, advanced with his sword drawn to find out who it was and why he had come. Shah Şalih, when he saw the king, threw himself at his feet and began to pray for his long life and prosperity. The king recognized him and spoke kindly to him, bidding him have no fear and encouraging him to make his petition. Shah Şalih explained his grievances and told the king how hardly Salabat dealt with his subiccts and how he quarrelled with Sayyid Murtaza. The king did not go to bed that night but spent the whole night in inquiring into the condition of his kingdom and his subjects. When the day broke the king issued an order summoning Şal&bat Khan to him and Şal&bat Khån entered the garden in fear and terror and, having made his obeisance afar off, stood before the king. The king called him up and asked about Shah alih. Salábat Khân replied that Shah Salih had left the country some time ago. The king then called up Shâh Salih and showed him to $albat Khan. Salábat Khan was overcome with shame and confusion and prostrated himself to ask for forgiveness. The king in his clemency pardoned him and ordered ShAh Salih to embrace bim. He then confided Shậh zalih to Şal&bat Khan's care and gave him strict injunctions to treat him with all kindness and consideration. SalAbat KLån took Shah Salih by the band and led him out of the garden. He then had a tent pitched for him in the neighbourhood of the garden and set a guard over him. He then put to death, as an example to others, the sentries through whose negligence Shah Şalih had been enabled to obtain access to the garden.
(To be continued.)