434 A Sketch of the MaJiomedan History of Cashmere. [No. 5. 



pot of charcoal fire ; without which a modern Cashmeree is seldom 

 seen, A. D. 1597. And it is possible, that this measure, one out of 

 a long series of acts of systematic tyranny and spirit-breaking 

 oppression, may have had its effect in changing the character of this 

 once brave and warlike race ; for at the present day although 

 remarkable for physical strength, the natives of Cashmere are 

 totally wanting in all those qualities for which they were formerly 

 distinguished. Whilst, however, thus carrying out the severe policy 

 suggested by his minister as regards the inhabitants, it must not be 

 supposed that the beneficent Akbar neglected the improvement of 

 his fairest province ; on the contrary, in addition to his acts for the 

 amelioration of the condition of the ryots, he appears to have done 

 much towards the embellishment of the country, which he adorned 

 with palaces and gardens, and beautified by the introduction and 

 cultivation of various trees and shrubs. 



A. D. 1600. — He erected at an expense of £340,000 (thirty-four 

 lakhs of rupees) the noble palace of Nagur Nagur below the Harrie- 

 parbut, of which however, scarcely a trace exists; and the cele- 

 brated Poplar "Walk (which remains to this day a memorial of his 

 taste) attests his magnificence. 



He introduced an improved breed of large horses, as before his 

 time the country only contained ghoonts and yaboos. 



Cur chronicle records cherries as owing their introduction into 

 the valley to Akbar ; this fruit, being in small quantities, has always 

 been considered royal property in Cashmere, and was afterwards 

 named ( ^\ *L£ ) " king apples" by Jehangire. 



He commenced many other works of public utility, which his 

 successors completed. 



The East India Company was founded in 1600. — It was perhaps 

 about the beginning of the 17th century that the Emperor visited 

 his province of Cashmere for the third and last time, about which 

 period also, a power was organized in a far distant land, destined, 

 before two centuries had set, to exercise dominion over the mag- 

 nificent Empire which then called him master; of all his pro- 

 vinces the fair valley of Cashmere being now nearly alone in its 

 independence of that beneficent rule. Under Akbar Kabool and 

 the intervening countries (Pnklie, Bhimber, Sewad, Bijore, Kanda- 



