1923.] Life and letters of Malik ‘Aynwl-Mulk Mahrii. 287 
? 
was long read for the beauty and elegance of its language 
(vide p. 91 Ziya-i-Barani’s History). 
In Shams-i-Siraj Afif’s History of Firiz Shah and other 
histories, no mention is made of Firaiz Shah’s intention of 
returning to Jajnagar—a tedious and hazardous journey— 
once he had left Bengal, after the peaceful termination of 
Lakhnauti affairs, and proceeded so far as Jaunpur, where he 
passed |the rainy season. It may be gleaned from ‘Aynu’l- 
Mulk’s review that Gajpati Rai did not come to amicable terms 
with Firaz, disobeyed his orders, and declined to send elephants. 
He gave him cause of further displeasure by despatching one 
chief one was elephant-hunting. 
The Rai of Jajnagar, before the arrival of the Imperial 
army, had left by boat. The two places mentioned by Mahru, 
Arkanid, and Sarang-garh are not to be found in ‘Afif. Sarang- 
garh is noted in the map not far from Katak. According to 
Stirling the Raja of Sarangarh had the mansab of 500, exclu- 
Sive of Mahals, Kellas and Zamindaris. The Rai left two 
officers— probably military—to carry out the engagement with 
the Emperor, viz. Ahmad Khan, a Muhammadan, and Bali 
Patar, a Hindu, before he left for Arkanid(?). The word is 
doubtful or misspelt. There was hardly any skirmish, as the 
Rai’s generals let the elephants adrift and fled. The Shahna or 
the military prefect, as appears from the name, Sahasmuk 
( 2) was a non-Muhammadan, who secured the elephants. 
It is a significant fact that the potentate of Jajnagar had a 
Muhamadan general or officer in his employ. The manner 10 
which the Rai and his patars or officials prostrated is new, and 
must have astonished and amused the Turkish monarch, and his 
ourt 
soners is only mentioned by ‘Aynu’l-Mulk.  _ . : 
tT ooty and presents received by Firaz Shah and his 
cnc 


| With Firdz Shah used to march ninety thousand soldiers, four 
hundred and eighty elephants. 
