________________
An ironical smile appeared on the face of Lok ha with the thought 'Had these jewellers gone blind?' Mohammada ha observed it and felt that something was fishy. He kept both the pearls into Lok ha's hands and ordered him to evaluate them.
Lok ha placing one pearl in the king's hand said - “This is perfect and best one. But the other is a defective; it has the mark of fish. So it is useless”. Immediately a microscope was brought and the pearl was examined. Mohammada ha was astonished to see the fish mark in it. The B da ha ordered the other jewellers to examine it. All of them saw the fish mark clearly in it and every one praised the neophyte jeweller and his skill in testing the gems.
Mohammada ha developed an instant fondness towards Lok ha. He bought the jewellery taking the advice of Lok ha. He sent away all the jewellers except Lok ha, and having come to know all the details about Lok ha, appointed him as the Royal Treasurer of P a a.
Lok ha shifted to P a a with his wife and son. He carried out his duties honestly and sincerely. Impressed by his honesty and workmanship, Mohammada ha within a short time summoned him back to Ahmadabad and appointed him as his personal officer. In spite of holding a distinguished rank Lok ha never behaved arrogantly. He always tried to help the distressed and endeavoured to see that justice is rendered to them. His benevolence and generosity continued to increase. His spiritual practices like periodic contemplation, study of scriptures and self analysis etc. continued unhindered.
Thus he served under Mohammada ha for 10 years in Gujarat. r R ma N laka ha in his text "Gujar ta no Samk ipta Itih sa' (Brief history of Gujarat) mentioned that - nearly in Vikram 1507 Mohammada
ha attacked Gamg d sa of C p nera and besieged P v gadha from all four sides. On being informed, the Sult na of M lawa marched towards P v gadha with a mighty army to help Gamg d sa. Hearing this news, a frightened Mohammada ha retreated from Pāvāgadha with his army. Enraged by his cowardice, some of his officers killed him giving poison. His son Kutuba ha succeeded him to the throne of Ahmadabad.
235
