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INTRODUCTION.
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His Majesty's desire to confer the title “Upadhyāya" upon the monk. The news spread like wild fire and filled all who received it with delight. One of the old and wise heads of the community, however, pointed out to the friend of Akbar (Abul Fazl) that only the Head of the Jaina Church-the Acārya Guru-had the power to confer any title upon any one in the Order, and that titles thus conferred were only recognised by the Jaina community. So, he said, the Emperor's decision, would have to be at least ratified by the Head, to give it any validity. Thereupon the Saikh wrote out the imperial firmān and despatched it to the Head (Hira Sūri) who was at that time residing at Rājadhanyapura (Rādhanpur). Hira Sūri readily confirmed the contents of the firmān and sent consecrated vasaksepa and a letter of appointment to Bhānucandra, thus making valid his competence to hold the title “ Upādhyāya"40.
Third Chapter-[First Visit to Kās'mir: Kāśmir was annexed in 1586 A. D. It was Akbar's keen desire to visit the fascinating valley of Kasmír at the earliest possible opportunity. The valley came to be described as his private garden, after his visit. The Emperor started from Lāhore on April 22nd, 1589, and reached Srinagar by the end of May. Entering the hilly region through Bhimbhar, he crossed Pir Panjal (Pantsāl) range by the improved—though still bad-road which his Engineer-in-chief had constructed. He stayed in the valley for a few days. Prince Murād and the ladies who had been left at Bhimbhar were directed to meet the Emperor at Rohtās near Jhelum. Akbar travelled by the Bārā-mūla route and through the Hazāra District, then known as Pakhli, to Attock. In accordance with the amended instructions his family met him there instead of at Rohtās. Thence the Emperor proceeded to Kābul where he spent two pleasant months, often visiting the gardens and places of interest. During his stay
there, he received news of the deaths of Rājās Bhagvāndās and Todar Mall. On Nov. 7th · he started for India, leaving Kābul, in charge of Muhammad Kāsim, the Engineer
(P. 243, V. Smith's "Akbar”) and reached Lāhore on 12-3-1590 (Akbarnāmā) corresponding with Fågan Vad 1st S. Y. 1646 Thursday.
Second visit to Kasmir:-In August, 1592, Akbar started on a hunting expedition along the banks of Chināb, intending to pay a second visit of Kāśmir. While on his way, he received news that a nephew of his governor over the valley, had rebelled and set himself up as independent Sultan. A little later the Emperor received pleasing piece of news, announcing the victory of the Khān Kbānān in Sind. He considered the information as a good augury for the speedy suppression of the Kāśmir rebellion. He was not disappointed in his expectation, for, before he entered the hills from Bhimbhar, he had the satisfaction of seeing the rebel's head which was sent by his officers. His stay in the valley was for only eight days, during which he amused himself with sport. Then he departed as on the previous occasion, by the Bårāmüla Pass and through the Hazāra District (Pakhlī) to Rohtās. Thence he returned to Lāhore where
40 Vide (1) Hirasūri Rāsa p. 183, verses 46 to 48 and p. 184, verses 1 to 3; and (2) Hira
Saubhagya-Kavya P. 741. Chap. 14 verses 285 to 286, as regards the conferment of the title of the "Upadhyāya" on Bhānucandra. The Rāsa states on this occasion Saikh Abul Fazl gave in charity 25 horses and Rs. 10,000'.
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