I had to come to New Delhi due to my official job. From Airport hiring a paid taxi, I boarded in my most familiar hotel Fab Hotels Shervani, near the zoo garden. The hotel was booked earlier. Going to my office headquarter from this place was easier. About two days passed to complete the official works. Now I had a supreme leisure period. I thought earlier I visited nearly all the tourist spots of Delhi. Hence no use in visiting these further. The Manager of the hotel suggested to me in Hindi, "Saab, you've already visited the tourist spots of Delhi. Why not you turn about Agra?"
"Agra! Good suggestion. But what shall I see there?"
"Why? There are so many places of interest to visit. Let me book a Volvo tourist bus for you."
"Volvo Bus! Shall I have to travel at night?"
"No Saab. The bus will leave Delhi in morning six. Please don't worry about that. I'll make all the arrangements for you. You just give your consent. Do you like to go to Agra tomorrow? Shall I book the bus for you?"
"OK. Please book a seat for me. Please wake me up before morning six."
Chapter 2
MORNING SIX
Due to the arrangement of the manager of the hotel, the bus arrived in front of the hotel fifteen minutes earlier than morning six. I was prepared already. Carrying an airbag with me I boarded the bus. The bus fare included the expenditures for breakfast, lunch, etc.
As usual, the bus started in morning six. There were several tourists sitting on the bus. After a while, I started dosing sitting on my comfortable seat. This is my bad habit. During the plane journey also I become drowsy. However, I don't know how long I was in a slumberous state. I woke up due to the uproar of the travelers. I found the bus halted.
Chapter 3
MORNING NINE
All the passengers got down. I looked at my wristwatch. It was morning nine. The bus conductor came & asked me, "Saab. Everyone has gone to have breakfast. Please go to take breakfast."
Getting down from the bus I noticed all the passengers of the bus were busy taking refreshments sitting in a restaurant. Stretching & removing my lethargy I sat on a table. Consuming bread butter I sip a cup of tea. Meanwhile, the horn of the bus started sounding.
That was the signal for the departure of the bus. Everyone quickly got on the bus. I also got in a sluggish manner. The trace of drowsiness was still in my eyes. The bus started moving. Again, that monotonous rattling sound of a moving bus. The whizzing sound like the plane was deafening my ear. Closing my ear I relaxed on my seat. That was another bad habit of mine. Let the bus take as much time as required. I started dosing as usual. The bus was going on moving. Again uproar of the passengers. What's the matter? A sudden & forceful jerk to my drowsiness. I look at my wristwatch. It was morning ten. The bus stopped moving.
Chapter 4
MORNING TEN
With my drowsy eyes, I soliloquized, "Where the bus has come? All the passengers are getting down!" The conductor of the bus came forward. While chuckling he said, "What happened Saab? Will you go on sleeping? Ho! Taj Mahal has come. Please go & visit it."
"But an entry ticket is required to enter the premises."
"You don't worry about that. Entry tickets for entire bus passengers have already been taken. You just go there & visit this wonderful mausoleum. A guide will show you everything there."
"How long bus will halt here?"
"Two hours for visiting Taj Mahal & one more hour for the lunch break. All together three hours stoppage."
Chapter 5
TAJ MAHAL
We tourists of Volvo bus entered the premises of Taj Mahal. There were a number of foreign tourists also. A guide was going on narrating the history of the Taj Mahal.
"Look at this beautiful mausoleum, 7th wonder of the world. This Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in the memory of his queen consort Mumtaz Mahal, who died on 17th June that year, while giving birth to their 14th child. Construction started in 1632, and the mausoleum was completed in 1648, while the surrounding buildings and gardens were finished five years later. The imperial court documenting Shah Jahan's grief after the death of Mumtaz Mahal illustrates the love story held as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal" I was listening to his narrative attentively. I was moving with the tourists in & out of the mausoleum. It was really commendable work. But I recently came to know that this mausoleum was actually a Shiva temple. I intercepted the description of the guide. When I asked about this controversial matter, the guide began describing a titbit of those controversial stories.
"Just see Saab. It's a controversial matter. Even then I am reproducing the facts. As of 2017, several court cases about the Taj Mahal being a Hindu temple have been inspired by P. N. Oak's theory. In August 2017, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stated there was no evidence to suggest the monument ever housed a temple. Mr.Vinay Katiyar of some political Party in 2017 claimed that the 17th-century monument was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan after destroying a Hindu temple called "Tejo Mahalaya" and it housed a Shiva Linga The theories about Taj Mahal being a Shiva temple started circulating when Oak released his 1989 book "Taj Mahal: The True Story". He claimed it was built in 1155 AD and not in the 17th century, as stated by the ASI. This is in short about the controversial theories." I kept mum & came out of the mausoleum. Let the historians find out the truth. Why should I bother about that? I came & sat by the side of the beautiful marble water tank with a reflecting pool positioned on a north-south axis to reflect the image of the mausoleum. The elevated marble water tank is called al Hawd al-Kawthar. It was really praiseworthy place from where we can view the reflection of the Taj Mahal.
All of a sudden it came to my notice that when all the tourists were busy moving nooks & corners of the mausoleum while taking snaps, a passenger of our bus was sitting alone under a bowery garden under a tree. I looked at him curiously. That person seemed to be a Muslim, busy praying 'Namaj'. He was wearing a red 'Zobba' (Long loose-fitting outer garment), a red fez hat, (also called Tarboosh) on his head, there were colourful several strings of beads on his neck & hand. I was staring at that strange person amazingly. Meanwhile, the conductor of our bus while loitering came & sat beside me. "What happened Saab? You didn't go around this mausoleum? Look how the foreigners are taking snaps."
"I had been there. Now I am relaxing here. I am enjoying the beauty of the Taj Mahal from outside of it. But I can't understand one thing."
"What's that Saab?"
"Just see. A Muslim person is sitting at a distance under the tree. I think I've noticed him on our bus. But why he is praying here?"
"Saab this man is a very strange person. He comes with us on the bus to every Jumma bar (Friday). He sits under the same tree to offer 'Namaj'. And going to Fatehpur Sikri he stays there overnight. He never returns with us. A peculiar habit."
By that time two hours passed. We were asked by the driver of the Volvo bus to take lunch at a nearby hotel. All the tourists on our bus went to that particular hotel to take lunch. I also. But I noticed that the strange Muslim person didn't come for lunch but sitting at the corner of the hotel took out some lunch box & began taking some food from that. Strange!
We got on the bus at 13 hours. The bus started moving. Curiously I stared at that strange Muslim person, sitting alone on the rare seat of the vehicle, going through some of his religious books. It took one & a half hours to arrive at the Agra Fort. It was noon 2:30 pm.
Chapter 6
AGRA FORT
We the passengers of the bus were asked to visit the fort for one hour. The bus had a halt time of one hour. We hurriedly visited one of the most important and robustly built strongholds of the Mughals, embellished with a number of richly decorated buildings encompassing the imposing Mughal style of art and architecture. The guide of the fort described the history of the fort in short.
"My tourist brothers, I am describing the history of this fort in short. Emperor Jahangir mostly resided at Lahore and in Kashmir, though he visited Agra regularly and lived in this fort. Shah Jahan, a great builder, raised white marble palaces here. He also built three white marble mosques in it: Moti-Masjid, Nagina-Masjid and Mina-Masjid.
Later on, Aurangzeb imprisoned Shah Jahan, his own father, in this fort for 8 years until he died in 1666 and was buried in the Taj Mahal. The barbicans around the two gates and on the riverside were built by Aurangzeb to strengthen its defenses.
Though Shah Jahan had formally transferred his capital to Delhi, in 1638, he continued to live here. But after his death, Agra lost its grandeur. Aurangzeb remained busy in the regional conflicts and wars. Yet, time and again, he lived here and held the durbar. Shivaji Maharaj came to Agra in 1666 and met Aurangzeb in the Diwan-i-Khas. Aurangzeb died in 1707 and the 18th-century history of Agra Fort is a saga of sieges and plunder during which it was held by the Jats and the Marathas and finally the British captured it from the latter in 1803."
After visiting the fort while we were returning to the bus I observed that the strange person was mumbling something looking at the fort. The conductor called him to get on the bus. He came, got in & sat on the rare seat of the bus but still mumbling. Really a peculiar character!!
The bus departed for Fatehpur Sikri at 3:30 pm afternoon. That was our final destination.
Chapter 7
AFTERNOON 4:30 PM
FATEHPUR SIKRI
The bus arrived at Fatehpur Sikri. The conductor informed us that the bus would halt for two hours. In case of urgency, some extra time might be allowed. The entry fee for visitors was Rs.50.00 for us, Indians but for foreigners, it was Rs. 485 per person. We entered through the Buland Darwaja. A guide accompanying us was going on describing each & every part of the amazing architecture. "Buland Darwaza or the Door of victory was built in 1575 A.D. by Mughal emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is the main entrance to the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri, which is 43 km from Agra."
While visiting the amazing architecture of Fatehpur Sikri, crossing one after the other of Jama Masjid & others the guide began his narration, "Brothers this is the Tomb of Salim Chisti: A white marble encased tomb of the Sufi saint, Salim Chisti in the year 1478 to1572, within the Jama Masjid's courtyard. The single-story structure is built around a central square chamber, within which is the grave of the saint, under an ornate wooden canopy encrusted with mother-of-pearl mosaic.
Now we've arrived at Diwan-i-Aam or Hall of Public Audience, where the ruler used to meet the general public.
Next, we've come to Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience is a plain square building with four chhatris on the roof. However, it is famous for its central pillar. It is here that Akbar had representatives of different religions to discuss their faiths and gave a private audience.
Dear friends look here. This is Anup Talao. Anup Talao was built by Raja Anup Singh Sikarwar A ornamental pool with a central platform and four bridges leading up to it. Some of the important buildings of the royal enclave are surrounded by it including, Khwabghar (House of Dreams) Akbar's residence, Panch Mahal, a five-story palace, Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Ankh Michaeli, and the Astrologer's Seat, in the south-west corner of the Pachisi Court."
I abruptly stopped in front of Anup Talao. It is said Tansen, an eminent musician, one among nine jewels of Akbar's courters, used to create here various musical notes & inundate heaven & earth with a cadence of classical notes. Stepping forward I approached Panch Mahal. A wave of "Shayery" was emanating in the air. Targeting at the source of the verse, I came to a dead stop in the vicinity of an unknown stranger sitting at the corner of the ground floor of Panch Mahal. I stared deeply at him. It seemed to me that person was no other than our co-passenger of the bus, whom I had already come across at Taj Mahal. The guide said sarcastically, "Don't talk to that person. He is madcap. Every Jummabar (Friday) he comes here & mumbles all nonsense."
But I couldn't discard the person so easily. I approached him. He was in a colored 'Zobba', a red 'Faze' on the head, Mehendi' smeared red beard, 'Surma' painted on eyes, 'Nagra' shoes on his feet. The fragrance of 'Atar' was emanating from his body. Closing his eyes, he was reciting 'Shayery'.
"Duniyame hun duniyaka talabgar nehi hun
Bazarse gujra hun kharidwar nehi hun,
Woh o gul hun, khiza jese barbad kiya hai
Uljhu kisi damanse mai woh khar nehi hun."
(I am in the world but not the custodian of the world
I passed through the market but not a purchaser
I am that flower, autumn has ruined whom
I am not that Barr entangled in the loincloth.)
I was overwhelmed with wonder listening to the verse. I could not resist my feeling, "Wah Wah, Keya khub, keya khub." My voice broke his concentration. Opening his eyes, he stared at me.
"You are an excellent 'Shayer'. Please recite once more." I praised him.
His eyes flashed shortly & said in a grave voice, "Take your seat".
As I sat, the person said in a stentorian voice, "I am not 'Shayer'. Mai Selim Hun."
I said in equal enthusiasm, "Oh Selim Sahab, that's only my intention. I am very much interested in listening to 'Shayery'."
"Again you misunderstood. I am not a 'Shayer'. Mai Selim Hun. I was Jehangir, son of 'Badshah' Akbar. I am that Selim,"
Because of his strange dialect, I thought him a mental patient. Else, how a person considered himself as 'Selim' of past years? Selim Sahab presumably could read the skeptical language of my eyes.
"Can you not believe it? I think you are guessing me as an insane person. Oh, noh! Really 'Mai Selim Hun' I am Selim."
Even then, I said in hum & haw, "Nevertheless that was a very ancient anecdote. After so many years of interval..."
Discontinuing my discourse, Selim Sahab burst into laughter, "That's true. That was much ancient anecdote. It was 1569 when I was born. My 'Abbajan' Akbar shifted his capital from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri, when I was only two years old."
Still, the cloud of disbelieving didn't disperse. I thought most probably that person had good knowledge of the history of the Mughal Empire.
"Well Selim Sahab, after a lapse of so many years, how can you claim to be Selim of Mughal era?"
"Do you want to listen to my anecdote? Can you believe that?"
"Please narrate that story. I will listen to & believe it."
I thought why not listen to the episodes of this crack-brained person. Had that person really cracked-brained? From the very conversation, he didn't seem to be so. Perhaps he had enough knowledge about Mughal history. Or the person might be a history teacher of any school or college. Whatever it may be. Let me listen to his description of the Mughal Empire.
Staring at my face, he said being seized with suspicion, "Bhai Saab. It seemed to me you do not believe my words. I never described anything about this to anybody else so far. Since you've personally come to me inquiring about this, I'll tell you everything. Please keep reliance on me. Believe in my words. I won't do any incoherent talk about the history of the Mughal Empire."
Being embarrassed I replied, "Selim Saab, I am not keeping any disbelieve in my head. I am desirous to listen to the past & present events of your life. I'm not a student of history. That's why I want to learn the history of the Mughal Empire from you. Please don't mind about that. Please go on telling. I won't interfere with your description. But during your narration, I may ask for any clarification if required. Please begin your story."
Chapter 8
The gentleman contemplated something keeping mum for a while. Looking at the Panch Mahal muttered something of his own self. Thereafter folding his hand looking at the sky, he played towards Allah. Thereafter looking at me he said, "Now whatever you are viewing at Fatehpur Sikri, it was not like this during my time. It was resounded with grave sound day & night. Everything was faded away due to the wheel of time. Now people have designated it as a desolate spirit world; as a ghastly palace. No, it was not a ghastly edifice. It was 1569 when I was born in the royal palace in Agra on the lap of Jodha bai. On that occasion, the entire Agra was in a festive mood. I like a tiny doll was on my mamma's lap. Delhi was also illuminated with colorful lights. People were being enjoyed the dances & songs by the kanchanis. With my tiny eyes, I was observing the illuminated royal edifice. I was observing the display of fireworks, shooting up the rockets in the sky. As a tiny baby, I was enjoying the glowing garland flying tearing the night sky. Sounds of various fireworks echoed the capital of Agra.
When my age was two years, my abbajan Shahenshah Akbar established an edifice by red stone with several towers, monuments like Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, and Diwan-i-Aam some of the famous monuments in the city. This city was installed memorizing the victory over Gujarat & named Fatehpur Sikri. The capital was shifted from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri.
I was then a small boy. I used to run about hither & thither, nooks & eves of Fatehpur Sikri premises. The maidservants & attendants used to run behind me. I found nobody was permitted to enter the begum mahal (Harems of Begums). Eunuch gourds were guarding the entrance gate. I was the only prince Selim. Hence I didn't need any permission to enter the harem. Of course, that was up to a certain age only. But during my childhood, I achieved the viewpoint of mature youth. With that viewpoint, I perceived the happiness & miseries of the begums, princess & women folk of the harem.
I used to observe the entire harem & its dwellers. That was a strange society, a peculiar but magnificent realm of females, mothers & their aunts and sisters, wives & concubines, princesses & roqqasahs used to assemble at any festivals of the harem. All of them used to be present wearing colorful dresses & decor themselves in costly ornaments of jewels & gold. I used to be amazed looking at the maid-servants & kanchanis, wearing dazzling dresses & gold & silver ornaments, looking like some princess from some other kingdoms. My childish eyes used to feel that their inherent intention was in searching for their bodily pleasure. Thus behind the sight of others, maidservants used to satisfy their sexual pleasure. Some of the libidinous women used to select some darkroom spending time with the eunuchs.
Sitting on the lap of my mother I used to notice the begums of the harem along with their personal maidservants, who used to be intoxicated while emptying the wine pots after pots, dancing with the kanchanis during the festival of Khushroj – ki- mela.
While playing at the nooks & corners of Begum Palaces, running on the courtyards of harem I used to perceive everything with my childish eyes & intellect. It seemed to me harem was a prohibited place. Here paragon of beauties was glorifying the harem. Here there was love & amorous conversation. The tales of secret love affair & romance of the Nawab, Shahjadas & wealthy noble persons are scattered in each & every fold of the stone walls of Harem. The anecdotes of the secret romance & love affairs of the spinster princesses & their pathetic end used to float in the suffocating environment of the harem. The use of intoxicants in the harem led to excitement and passion and resulted in jealousies, tensions, vilification, and vengeance."
Continuously narrating his previous birth as prince Selim of Fatehpur Sikri, he became out of breath. Inhaling a deep breath he closed his eyes. I didn't want to interfere now. After a while, I asked him "you are often mentioning kanchanis. Who were those kanchanis?"
"During my childhood, I knew kanchanis are dancers. But during my grown-up age, I came to know about the classes of singers known as 'Kanjari':
The Kanjarí: The men of this class used to play the Pakhawaj, the Rabab, and the Tala, while the women used to sing and dance. Shahen Shah used to call them Kanchanís. Their extraordinary performances are beyond description and each of them affects a special style of vocal accompaniment.
The name 'kanchani' or gilded was given to the accomplished singers and dancers.
The girls were trained in music and dance from the age of five-seven, and by the time they grew up to Ten to Twelve, they would accompany older girls in small-sized gatherings. As they grew up they would be attached to some rich patron. I think I could clarify about kanchanis to you?"
"Yes. I could follow this sect, though it's new to me. Now continue your story." I replied.
"The portrait of happiness & miseries of the harem were strung within my tiny heart. While observing images of those loathsome & gloomy Harems, my age was growing. I arrived at the adolescent stage as a small boy. Entrance in the harem was practically prohibited to me. But those pathetic memories of harem used to chase me during my slumberous state.
In the meanwhile, my abbajan Shahenshah Akbar gave stress on my studies. Various teachers were appointed for my education in different aspects of life.
Shahenshah Akbar gave more stress on education in various languages & religions. I was being cultivated in the Urdu language in a madrasa by an Urdu teacher. That was the period when the Persian language was the Mughal Government's official language. Hence prevision was made to teach the Persian language in Muktab. I was educated in the Persian language in the Muktab. Of course, the students who used to come for education in the royal Madrasa or Muktab were offspring of some royal family or belonged to Nawab or Badshah family. The entries for students from sub-status families were not permitted. For them, separate madrasa or muktab were scheduled. Hindu students used to be educated in pathshala but the Hindu students from royal families were permitted to get education in madrasa or muktab. Besides these educations, we were given preliminary knowledge of politics, financial condition, the art of warfare, war policies, etc. Getting the primary knowledge of languages, when I was grown up to youth then I was given detailed training in politics, financial condition, the art of warfare, war policies, etc. I had to learn riding on a horse, riding on an elephant, use of arms, forming a line of battle."
"Oh! So nice! I am being educated about the detailed history of the Mughal Empire." I astonishingly was observing the face of Selim Bhai. What a deep knowledge of this strange person had about the history of the Mughal Empire. One doubt appeared in my mind. Was this person a historian or a scholar of the history of the Mughal Empire!! Observing my amazed eyes the strange person said after a pause, "I am extremely sorry. I was going on narrating about my own episodes. No. I was not the only son of my father Akbar. I had two more half-brothers. Murad Mirja was about one year younger than me and Danial Mirja was three years younger than me. Both of them were offspring of Akbar & his concubines. Of course I, Murad & Daniel was mentionable three princes of Shahensha Akbar. Among us, Murad was initially educated separately under the guidance of Abu Fazal. Thereafter two Christian missionaries were appointed to teach Murad about Portuguese & Christianity. Why I am mentioning this? Since Akbar decided to educate Murad on Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, Islam & Christianity. Amalgamating all these Akbar created his new religion 'Din-e-illahi'.
I am not here to describe elaborately the history of the Mughal Empire. That's why I narrated some portion of the history full of conflicts amongst father & his sons. Well, one more mentionable fact is that Akbar sent his favorite son Murad as commander-in-chief to South India for war. Murad faced death due to excessive drinking of wine during the war.
You know Daniel took birth by the blessing of Sheikh Daniel, a pious person of Ajmer Sharif.
Badshah Akbar was very much happy. That's why while he attacked Gujarat, he kept baby Daniel under the custody of the queen of king Bharmal of Amber.
Returning after victory over Gujarat Badshah Akbar created a new capital city Fatehpur Sikri inclusive of monuments like Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, and Diwan-e-Aam some of the famous monuments in the city and shifted his capital here. Another remarkable creation of Badshah Akbar was the Masnabdary system in his Empire. He donated three Masnabs to his three princes e.g. I, Murad & Daniel. Daniel was only five years old when he was made Masnabdar of six thousand. I & Murad were only eight & seven years old. We were donated by him more responsible posts as Masnabdars. Thus I was experienced from childhood to become a custodian. I had my own armed forces, small durbar."
"I wonder! In such a childhood you all became Masnabdar? What's about your education then?" I had to interfere.
"Dear brother. Why I described this you know. Besides our education, we were given charge of this Masnab .(Govt office vested with power)"
"But one doubt is arising in my mind."
"What's that?"
"Earlier you described you were permitted to enter the harem as a small boy. But now you told that you were given charge of a Masnab at the age of only eight years. How is it?"
"I took over the charge of Masnab at the age of eight years. Before that at the age below three to four years, I used to enter the harem. Thereafter our education started. I have entrusted the responsibility of Masnab. I was completely absorbed in the control of my Masnab."
"Really it's surprising that princes in their adolescent age used to make responsible for commanding a force to face conflict with the enemies."
"Dear brother, this system was introduced by Shahensha Akbar to get trained his offspring from boyhood onwards, so that during the matured age they would be a real ruler of the country. However, let me come back to my own stories. I became Masnabdar. Being a prince of such an important portfolio I had to carry on my shoulder in this adolescent age. How I was spending my hackneyed time can't be expressed orally. My other two brothers became addicted to wine as they were grown up. I too spent most of the time playing dice or chess."
"Excuse me. Did your father Akbar used to play chess?" I interfered.
"Oh yes! He used to play human chess."
"Human chess! Surprising! What's that human chess?"
"Dear brother we are being deviated from the original topics. However, for your information, Mughal Emperor Akbar used to play this chess but with a slight deviation. He made the floor of the entire garden depicting the chessboard on them. It was made at Agra fort & Fatehpur Sikri. Instead of using Shells or seeds the dancing girls of the harem were used. Akbar was very much fond of this game."
"It's really amazing way of playing chess. However, let us come back to main topics."
"You know that the kings or Nawabs of earlier days had a special addiction for going out for hunting. I too became the victim of the same addiction. I used to go hunting birds or wild animals in the forest area. It so happened, once I set out for hunting along with my bodyguard. I was so much maddened in hunting; we crossed the border of our territory entering the territory of Persia. I didn't have remembrance of that. We entered a far distance in the desert area. Meanwhile, all of a sudden a sandstorm aroused. We were stuck up in the sand dune. Lying down on sand could prevent us from sand storms. As & when the storm subsided, I & my bodyguard took rest lying on the sand. I knew there won't be anybody to rescue us. Meanwhile, the evening was descending down. What should we do? Walking slowly we reached our occupied territory. By that time about twenty-four hours were spent. I was extremely embarrassed in thirst & hunger. As a soldier or a commander-in-chief, I can tolerate hunger. But what's about thirst? That also in that dry desert region? My bodyguard took out a pouch of wine from his bag & offered it to me. So long I didn't touch any type of wine. Yes, it was true my mother used to apply an alcoholic medicine to me to combat cough & cold. That was a separate issue. But now? I would have to drink that wine to combat my hunger & thirst. Hence accepting the pouch of wine I drank the first time in my life. Initially, I had hic couch drinking that bitter tasted wine. But I felt well. And that was the beginning. Thereafter I was inclined to drinking wine. For forgetting my loneliness or tremendous mental pressure during the conflict it became my habit of drinking wine. Due to excessive drinking, I became seriously ill. My addiction to drinking was not alleviated even with any advice or solicitation. The news reached the ears of Badshah Akbar. He appointed an hakim for my treatment. I continued drinking & taking medicines simultaneously. Finally, a British physician came & examined me thoroughly. He opined that if I won't relinquish my drinking habit my life span would be limited to only two months. I became afraid. Oh no! I don't want to die. I'll have to leave long. Hence I stopped drinking gradually & finally got rid of it."
"Well. I want to ask you something. Please don't mind. I am often disturbing you putting some questions." Some queries appeared in my mind.
"OK. What do you want to know?"
"See. You told me you & your two brothers were appointed as Masnabdar at so early age. As you grew up you started drinking wine regularly and became sick. Finally as directed by a British physician you left drinking habit. But your two brothers were drunkards. I presume there were differences between you three. Did you have amenity amongst you?"
"No. Not at all. No amenity among us. I never used to tolerate Murad & Daniel. Rather I appointed a spy behind Murad. Considering no concord between us three princes, Badshah Akbar engaged us with separate assignments. His most favorite prince Daniel was appointed as the Governor of Allahabad. I think I could clarify your doubt."
"While listening to the partial history of Mughal Empire, its politics, its rivalry, its suspicion, its conflicts, its tragedy, its pathos of harem I became supersaturated with the events. Now please for the time being change the topics. Earlier you were talking about kanchanis. Please continue those episodes." Actually listening to the complicated lifestyle of the Mughal Empire I was about to forget about our present simple lifestyle.
"Yes. Now listen to me. Eighteen years old kanchani named Nadira Begum performed dance at the festival. Originally of Turkmen origin, Nadira came to Lahore with a traders' caravan. She held a mujra (dance performance) in the court of Emperor Akbar, where the latter was so enamored of her ravishing beauty that he renamed her "Anarkali", meaning "pomegranate blossom", for her flushing red complexion. Selim that is me was sitting in the court of Akbar, where Anarkali was dancing in front of Akbar. Akbar liked that exclusively beautiful girl to be in his harem as chief court dancer".
"Oh! It's an interesting but awesome environment within the harem. A Badshah might have several begums in the harem? Is it not? How many begums your father Akbar had in the harem?" I became more inquisitive.
"Dear friend, a Badshah can have any number of begums. Look about my abbajan Badshah Akbar. I heard about this from my ammajan Jodha Bai & some of the courtiers.
Akbar's first wife and chief consort was his cousin, Princess Ruqaiya Sultan Begum, the only daughter of his paternal uncle, Prince Hindal Mirza, and his wife Sultana Begum. He married the daughter of Raja Bharmal the, ruler of Amer. She was Mariam-uz-Zamani gave birth to Akbar's eldest surviving son, Prince Salim that is me. She has been referred to with several other names, including Hira Kunwari, Harka Bai, and Jodha Bai. She Born as a Hindu Rajput princess. I can't remember all the names of Akbar's begums. However, Badshah Akbar had 35 begums in the harem. Besides that, he had several concubines in his possession. So my dear friend you can now guess the capability of a Badshah to marry any number of girls."
"I am being informed about the Mughal Empire. Now please describe your love affair at Fatehpur Sikri."
"Anarkali a court dancer was taken in the harem as bed partner of Akbar. But during a dance performance in the royal court by Anarkali, I fell in love with her. It was love at first sight. She also looked at me with an amorous look. That's the beginning of our romantic love affair. We used to meet each other surreptitiously."
Chapter 9
Now he had a deep sigh, glanced at the sky up, and closed his eyes. Then he said in a pitiable voice, "Yes. This is that place in Fatehpur Sikri, where Anarkali & I used to be engaged in amorous conversation. This is that place where we used to be in amatory embracement. Still, now I could remember our amorous conversation. That's why I am in a habit of writing down those dialogues of our amorous conversation on a piece of paper in this birth. A part of the paper is still with me. Do you like to read the same?"
"With pleasure." I thought why not I believe these untold stories of a love affair.
He took out a long paper and handed it over to me. Opening that I found it was written in Hindi dialect. I began reading the written dialogues.
"Selim – Gulbanu.
Anarkali – (Kurnish) Kindly place your order Shahjada.
Selim – No, no, no more kurnish (Muslim salutation in respect) Gulbanu. You are my Janna ki Houri, a fairy of paradise. I desire to have look at you only.
Spreading the pleasant drowsiness of cheerfulness in your collyrium black
eyes I want you to be very close to me. (Pulled Anarkali to his proximity).
Anarkali – My Shahjada is very benevolent.
Selim – Oh my Gulshan, Gulfak, Gulbanu ...
'Kuchh to tanhai ki raton me sahara hota
Tum na hota to ehi jikar tumhara hota.
Oh agar aa naa sake maut hi aayi hotii
Hizar me koii to gamkhaar hamara hotaa.'
(It could be some support in the solitary night
If you weren't there, your mention would be there
If she wouldn't come, death would have come.
Among thousands, there would have been the pride of mine.)
Anarkali – Oyah Zanab!. Sohan Allah. Sohan Allah. Your shyar is really wonderful.
Selim – Is it more beautiful than you? You are as beautiful as a budding bud of a
heavenly flower. You are Anarkali. You are not Gulbanu since today.
You are my Anarkali today onwards. Have you got any objection to this name?
Anarkali – Objection! Tauba, Tauba. This type of audacity should never come in me.
The desire of Shahjada is my Royal mandate. Yes from today onwards I
am Anarkali. Shahjada Selim's love sick Anarkali.
Selim – Yes. You are my own Anarkali. You know Anarkali, staring at your eyes
in fascinated look, a word repeatedly comes to my mind.
Anarkali – What's that Shahjada? Have I committed any impertinent?
Selim – Impertinent! Oh no Anarkali noh. It's not your impertinent. It's impertinent
of my destiny. (Deep sigh) If I wouldn't be a Shahjada, I would've been happy.
Anarkali – Why Shahjada? Are you not happy?
Selim – Noh! Anarkali noh. No happiness, no contentment. I don't have a trace
of pleasurable sensation.
Anarkali – What are you saying? No happiness!! Why Shahjada? Allah is merciful. You're
the competent Shahjada of Badshah Akbar. You're taught like that. Male &
maidservants, kanchanis all are for you. So much wealth preserved for you.
You are kept with full of comfort & pleasure.
Selim – Yes, yes, all these worldly matters are kept for me. I am getting excellent
eatables, most costly garments. The maidservants are attending me at every
moment. Kanchanis are entertaining me. Even then...
Anarkali – Even then! Even them what Zanab?
Selim – Even then I can't forget. I can't forget that I am a bird encaged within a golden
cage. I am uttering the crammed speech. I am singing the tutored Gazal. I am
sinking in wine. But don't have any freedom. I am chained in the drudgery life.
Anarkali – My lord. I can't get it. It seems to me as a new word.
Selim – It's not a new word. Really I am confined, I'm captivated.
Anarkali – So long I knew my hearty Shahjada is a free bird in the sky. It's his fancy to
float mounting in a raft of happiness. Who will confine such a free bird?
Selim – It's there. It's there Anarkali. There is a person who can confine us. I presume
you know about the rules & regulations of the Mughal court. It's a pity that I am
carrying the blood of Mughal Badshah in my body. We are unable to move
according to our own will. We can't marry except a distinguished family. And
the condition of Shahjadis of the harem is much more precarious.
Anarkali – Why? I heard that they get married.
Salim – You've heard wrong. Shahjadis can't marry. Badshah is afraid of conspiracy
if Shahjadis are married. While looking after the palaces of begums, their
death is approached. They die unmarried.
Anarkali – So! Shahjadis are not getting married?
Selim – Yes. Some of them get married. Secretly making love with somebody else. Once they are caught red-handed are buried alive.
Anarkali – I beg your pardon Huzur. It's a sin to take birth as a female.
Selim – It's not a sin Anarkali. It's not a moral lapse. It's the moral lapse of our
system. It's the wickedness of our formation of law. There is no value of
willingness of any human? There is no humanity at all.
Anarkali – Why not Shahjada. Leave aside about us the females. Whether they have any
will or not what's there? But your case is different.
Selim – No Anarkali noh. Nothing is different. I have a long-concealed desire to take
you as my personal begum. Could I do that? This is my repentance.
Anarkali - (Snorting) Begum! That is also personal Begum!! I didn't take birth with the
Good fortune to become a begum. I was born as a mere 'Roqqasah', a court
dancer. Even then I got your love. I received your affectionate embracement. I
am satisfied with that. I don't expect more than this Zonab.
Selim - But I want. I desire to take you to my palace as a personal begum, Anarkali.
Anarkali - That's not possible. Not possible Shahjada. If Badshah Akbar comes to
know this affair, he will entomb me. I pray to Allah to bless me so that I can
see your face with my eyes till my last breath.
Selim - For looking at my face, I want you by my side always.
Anarkali - Kindly take me as your private maidservant, Zanab. I'll attend to you day &
night and will look at your face with my two eyes.
Selim - But during the night festivals only begums are permitted. My all festivals will
become gloomy; will become cheerlessness, without you Anarkali.
Anarkali - I'll decorate the premises of the festival with my own hand. I'll fill up the
goblet with wine. While drinking the wine you'll percept my touch at every
moment.
Selim - Wine will be there. Goblet will be there. But where can I get the 'Saki', the
young tapster to pour wine in the wine pot? That's why I require you. That's
why I want you as my begum.(puling her face) You're not roqqasah or
Gulbanu, You'll be my lovable begum Anarkali.
Anarkali - (Infatuated viewing) Begum Anarkali! Am I in dreaming state Shahjada?
Selim - No Anarkali, no it's not a dream. It is reality. Today onwards you are my
Begum Anarkali.
Anarkali - (Keeping her head on Selim's shoulder) Yes Shahjada. Yes. Your will is my will.
I am your Begum. Begum Anarkali."
Chapter 10
I finished reading the dialogues. While returning the paper to that strange person I said, "So nice dramatic dialogues. It seems to me that you are also a good dramatist."
The person burst into laughter & then sarcastically said, "I presume still you can't believe
that I am Selim, Badshah Jehangir."
I being embarrassed said, "Oh no! It's not like that. I have full belief in you. I was just praising your dramatic dialogues. That's all. Please don't mind. Carry on your story. What happened to your Anarkali? Could you bring her as your personal Begum in the harem?"
"I & Anarkali used to meet secretly after evening. But you know as I grew up as an adult youth, several people including some of the concubines of Akbar's Harem used to conspire against me. One of the concubines & roqqasahas poisoned Shahenshah's ear about our romance. Hence, once Badshah Akbar caught red-handed me & Anarkali in amorous embracement. As Badshah Akbar shouted in rage, 'Shahjada Selim!, Anarkali flew up detaching herself from me. Akbar Badshah being infuriated shouted again in a rage, 'Shajada Selim, don't forget you are carrying holy blood of Mughal Badshah. You know the result of your unlawful act?' Faltering in the speech I said, 'But Jahampona, I love Anarkali.' He equally shouted at me furiously, 'Shut up your mouth. You know I can punish you severely. In our distinguished Mughal Badshah family, Shahjada can make love with the princess of Amir & Omrah and not with a roqqasah of below status. Now you have two options. Either forget this roqqasah or accept a death sentence.' I kept my head down replied, 'I love Anarkali & can't forget her.'
He shouted & ordered a sentry to take me to the punishment ground. While I was going with the sentry, noticed Badshah Akbar was threatening Anarkali for severe punishment."
"Badshah Akbar was so cruel in nature! Did he send his own shahjada for a death sentence? Cruelty, jealousy, conspiracy, and sexuality what was not in Mughal Empire?" I became perturbed hearing the episode of Selim's death sentence order by his own father Akbar.
The person said heaving a deep sigh, "Except few good qualities, those inhuman qualities became the part & parcel of Mughal Blood. Even a son of Badshah had no freedom to love any girl of his choice. I was rather a confined bird in a gold cage."
"But did you get death punishment? Or it was avoided."
"When my mother Jodha Bai came to know about my punishment she begged Badshah for my life. Badshah listened to his favorite Begum and didn't punish me by death sentence. But to keep me away from Anarkali he sent me to South India as Commander-in-chief to conquer the southern kingdoms."
"Oh! That's a one-way good decision. So what happened? You had been to South Indian region for war?"
"Yes. I was sent to the Southern region by Badshah Akbar. There was a big reason behind that. My age was then 22 years, Murad 21 years & Daniel 18 years. But we didn't have concordance among us. Sick Akbar was afraid of any civil war amongst us three brothers. We might start conflicting with each other as the claimant of the throne. Luckily Akbar recovered from illness. To avoid any conflict among us he decided to separate us sending us to different geographical regions. I was never in the good book of Badshah Akbar. More so there was a conspiracy behind me by some of the concubines of Akbar's harem as well as some of the courters. That's why they tried their level best so that I won't get the throne. However, premature deaths of Murad & Daniel due to excessive addiction to drinking wine, my obstacles to enthrone were removed. But Akbar's desire was to enthrone his grandson Khusrau remained as an alternative to me. But finally, that attempt became futile. Just before the death of Akbar, some powerful imperial nobles met to override the candidature of Khusrau. Respecting their desire Akbar gave consent to ascending me to the throne of Mughal Empire."
"Selim Saab. Listening to your episodes I felt what a difficult life you had with full of tension. However, you became Shahenshah Badshah of the Mughal Empire. But what happened to your love Anarkali? Did you ever recollect her love affair?"
"Dear brother. Returning from the Southern region after victory in the war, I found my father Akbar in death bed. After assuming the throne after the death of Akbar in chronic dysentery, I came to my mother Jodha Bai. I came to know that Badshah Akbar punished Anarkali entombing her alive within a wall of his palace where she died."
"Oh! What a pathetic tragedy. How a Badshah like Akbar was so cruel to entomb a female dancer in the wall alive? It was an inhuman act."
"Yes. It was an inhuman act. He could have punished Anarkali in some other way. But not.
He had peculiar whimsical character. For celebrating the victory over Gujarat he constructed this Fatehpur Sikri in a spectacular way. Separate palaces for his special Begums, Dewan-i-aam, Dewan-i-Khas, Pachasi court, Panch Mahal, Gosal khana, Buland Darwaja so many famous monuments in the city. But all of sudden he abandoning Fatehpur Sikri shifted his capital to Lahore. The actual reason was not known to anybody else. According to some due to scarcity of water or sub-standard water he abandoned. Some people opined that to coerce mutiny he had to shift his capital. Staying there for about 14 years again he shifted his capital to Agra, where he reigned up to his death."
"It seems to me Badshah Akbar was fickle-minded. Shifting his capital from here to there again back to his old capital."
"He was something like that. But he was of very strong personality. He had to abandon Fatehpur Sikri due to some unknown circumstances. When I returned to Capital Agra, some courtiers' hearsay came to my ear. Akbar entombed Anarkali alive on the wall of the palace at Fatehpur Sikri. After some days some uncanny thing happened. People said the spirit of dead Anarkali used to roam about inside the palaces of Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar ordered to remove the dead body of Anarkali from the wall secretly & bury it in Lahore. It was done. Badshah became sick and finally abandoned Fatehpur Sikri."
"It looks like a ghost story. Fatehpur Sikri has become a hunting house?" I became sarcastic.
The strange person replied, "No. It's not any ghost story. And it might not be the reason for vacating Fatehpur Sikri. Shahanshah Akbar was a very much courageous emperor. But this ghost story was the assumption of some courtiers & roqqasahs. It might not be correct."
"Leave it. Now please tell me something about your present birth. Why are you coming to Fatehpur Sikri at every Jummabar (Friday)?"
The Muslim gentleman heaved a deep sigh. Kept silent for a while looking at the roof of Panch mahal. Then he started delivering his miraculous unbelievable anecdote.
"My name of present birth is Muhammad Saifuddin, a resident of Shalimar Township of Lahore. That is the place of my birth & education. I was an English teacher at St. Anthony High School on Mall Road, after completion of my Master's Degree in English. Once I had been on an education tour with my school students at some of the historical places of Lahore."
"Just a minute Saifuddin Saheb."
"Why? What happened?"
"Saab, along with your students of the school you visited some historical places. I am interested to know about the historical places in Lahore. Will you please describe in detail those historical places?"
"No problem. Listen to me. At first, I took my students to Badshahi Mosque. It is the epitome of magnificent Mughal architecture and design. It was built around 1673 and it is also the second-largest mosque in Pakistan. The Badshahi Mosque was commissioned by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671, with the construction of the mosque lasting for two years until 1673. The mosque is an important example of Mughal architecture, with an exterior that is decorated with carved red sandstone with marble inlay.
Next, I went to the Lahore fort along with the students. Lahore Fort was the residence of Mughal emperors in ancient times. It is also a UNESCO-protected site, owing to its historical significance. The fort became popular during the reign of Akbar but its presence dates back to the 11th century. To enjoy & acknowledge the majesty and mystery of the fort, I took a walk along with the students in its garden during the time of twilight. After visiting the fort, we paid a visit to the Mughal museum, armory gallery, and the Sikh museum simultaneously.
The foundations of the modern Lahore Fort date to 1566 during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Who bestowed the fort with a syncretized architectural style that featured both Islamic and Hindu motifs. Additions from the Shah Jahan period are characterized by luxurious marble with inlaid Persian floral designs. While the fort's grand and iconic Alamgiri Gate was constructed by the last of the Mughal Emperors, it faced the renowned Badshahi Mosque.
After the fall of the Mughal Empire, Lahore Fort was used as the residence of Emperor Ranjit Singh, founder of the Sikh Empire.
One thing I forgot to tell you is that within the Lahore fort there was a Sheesh Mahal. Sheesh, mahal means a palace made up of mirrors. It was constructed under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631–32. It is among the 21 monuments that were built by Mughal emperors inside Lahore Fort. It has a huge hall as well which was used by the imperial family only. It was constructed under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631-32. The ornate white marble pavilion is inlaid with the complex mirror-work of the finest quality. The hall was reserved for personal use by the imperial family and close aides. It is among the 21 monuments that were built by successive Mughal emperors inside Lahore Fort and forms the 'jewel in the Fort's crown'. Visit of this Sheesh Mahal is a lifetime experience on the creation by the Mughal Emperors.
While moving around we reached the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh -It is an 18th-century building that has the funerary urns of the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh who died in 1839. The Samadhi i.e. mausoleum is located right next to the famous Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque. The building is the epitome of Hindu, Islamic, and Sikh architecture, design, symbolism, and motifs.
On the way we came to the Wazir Khan Mosque -The Wazir Khan Mosque is a historical mosque built in the 17th century. The construction of the mosque started during the rule of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The construction of the Wazir Khan Mosque began in 1634 C.E. and was completed in 1641.
Next, I took my students to Haveli of Nau Nihal Singh-The haveli was constructed during the 1840s for Nau Nihal Singh, grandson of the founder of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Currently, the Victoria Girls' High School operates in the building.
My students started repeatedly requesting me to take them to Fakir Khana- Fakir Khana is a privately owned museum. The museum has 20,000 pieces of art and artifacts dating back to the 18th to 20th centuries. Some of the items in the museum include 10,000 manuscripts, 180 displayed miniature paintings, Sikh-era textiles, statuary, pottery, and carved ivory pieces.
My students desired to enjoy the beauty of Shalimar Gardens – I took them inside the beautiful garden. The gardens date from the period when the Mughal Empire was at its artistic and aesthetic zenith. Construction of the gardens began in 1641 during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan and was completed in 1642. It is really praiseworthy work by Emperor Shah Jahan. Students were going on moving here & there. They enjoyed it a lot.
The evening was descending down. I wanted to return early but the students wanted to visit more historical places. I didn't discourage them & took them to visit Lahore Museum -The Lahore Museum i.e. 'Lahore Wonder House', was founded in 1865 during the British colonial period. Lahore Museum is now one of Pakistan's most visited and highly regarded museums. The museum, along with the Zamzama Gun located directly in front of the building, was famous. The museum is now also renowned for its extensive collection of Buddhist art from the ancient Indo-Greek and Gandhara kingdoms.
I told my students that it was time to return to school. But some of the students desired to go to visit the Tomb of Jahangir -The Tomb of Jahangir is a 17th-century mausoleum built for the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The mausoleum dates from 1637 and is located in Shahdara Bagh in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, along the banks of the Ravi River. We all stood silent in front of the tomb. I was very near to the tomb. While observing the tomb, I thought that Emperor Jahangir when he was alive was so much powerful. But now he is lying under the earth. What a fate of a person. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Somehow controlling my emotion I took my students to the school bus waiting for us.
I think brother I could describe the places of interest of Lahore to you. All these descriptions I narrated to you, which I learned from a history book & mugged up thoroughly."
"Thank you very much Saifuddin Saheb. I am educated now about the historical places of Lahore. But one thing stuck to my mind."
"What's that brother?"
"While visiting the Tomb of Emperor Jahangir why your eyes were full of tears? Did you feel that you are the same person that is Selim?"
"No. No. It was just an emotional outbreak. That's all. I didn't feel near the tomb that I am Selim."
"Then when did you come to know that you are the reincarnation of Selim?"
Chapter 11
Saifuddin Sahab didn't reply to that. He wiped his eyes & began describing his past anecdote.
"After visiting historical places while returning with the students, some invisible attraction was pulling me towards 'Anarkali Bazar'. It was evening, hence after dropping the students at School, I returned to 'Anarkali Bazar'. I stood alone. I thought amazed, 'Why this market was named Anarkali Bazar'? 'Why then a street is known as Anarkali Street?' Looking at the old-fashioned market it seemed to me it's losing its old gravity. Even then this old market was the heart center of Lahore. The various garments sold here were very much famous in the undivided old India. This old Anarkali Bazar was famous for its very tasteful & delicious foods. It is said the origin of this market was since the reign of Emperor Jahangir. This old market was named after the fiancée Anarkali of youth Jahanjir e.g. Selim.
Thereafter when the British occupied Lahore, then they decided to establish a cantonment here for the British soldiers. But due to the hot atmosphere & unhygienic environment, most of the soldiers became sick. Then they decided to establish the cantonment at a somewhat hygienic area by the side of a channel. Thus a new bazaar was established. It was too named as New Anarkali Bazar. In due course, it became a 'Gora Bazar' i.e white people's market. Various English fashionable items are available here like English hats, gowns, etc. for the Sahibs & Memsahibs. As a result, old Anarkali Bazar is losing its historical heredity. No, I didn't go to 'Gora Bazar'. The name Anarkali was attracting me time & again. That's why standing near the old-fashioned shops I was trying to perceive the ancient history of the Mughal Empire. I was trying to inhale the scent of the old market dearer than life.
After a pause, I started walking. An attractive force was pulling me towards Anarkali's tomb. I arrived at 'Anarkali's tomb. It stood on an octagonal platform & each corner had a domed octagonal tower, in the center was a large dome on a high cylindrical neck. That sarcophagus is made of pure marble. On the sarcophagus are etched the 99 names of Allah. Two years, namely Hijra 1008 and 1024, are also inscribed, which correspond to AD 1599-1600 and AD 1615-1616 respectively. On the northern face of the sarcophagus had the following inscription, written in Persian:
Ta qayamat shukr goyam kard gar khwish ra
Ah! gar man baz beenam rui yar khwish ra
"Ah! If could I behold the face of my beloved once more;
I would give thanks unto my God
Unto the day of resurrection"
Chapter 12
I stood like a log looking at the marble white sarcophagus. Several foreign tourists were also standing beside me. A guide was describing in English this sarcophagus to the foreign tourists.
'Respected tourists, hope you have visited & enjoyed most of the rich architectures as well as the cultural & historical treasures of Lahore. Now you have come here to visit the mausoleum made up of white marble stone. Look at the wonderful semi-white dome above the mausoleum. This tomb is situated within the premises of the Punjab Civil Secretariat surrounded by boundary walls. This tomb is of such an individual, who was known as a mysterious woman. Her name was Anarkali. Yes Anarkali, a conspicuous court dancer of the royal court of Emperor Akbar. There are ample stories behind her. Before describing in detail, I would like to narrate in nutshell the linage of Emperor Akbar.
Well, ladies & gentlemen, you might know about Genghis Khan, also spelled Chinggis, Jenghiz, etc, was a Mongolian warrior-ruler, who consolidating the tribes that established united Mongolia. I must tell you about another ruler named Timur, who was a Turco-Mongol conqueror, who founded the Timurid Empire in & around Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia. He became the first ruler of the Timurid dynasty.
Now you may ask why I am dragging those two names here. Now I'll clear your doubt. You know Babur rather Zahir Ud-Din Muhammad was a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan through his father & mother respectively. He was the founder of the Mughal Empire and the First Emperor of the Mughal dynasty. The word Mughal seems to be derivative of the word Mongol. I hope I could clarify why I dragged two names Ghenghis Khan & Timur.
Now Babur's son was Humayun and Humayun's son Akbar. Emperor Akbar was the most renowned Mughal Emperor in history. I'll tell you in short about Emperor Akbar & his Empire. He is known as Akbar the Great. But why Akbar was great? Great in which respect?
Akbar continued his military expansion throughout his reign as being cunning general. Before his expiry, he extended his empire to North, West, East & South at Afghanistan, Sindh, Bengal, and the basin of Godavari River respectively. His ability to earn the loyalty of his conquered people brought Akbar success in expanding his empire. He allied himself with the defeated Rajput rulers, and instead of imposing a high tax left them to rule their own territories. Thus he created a central government system. Akbar used to reward talented, loyal, and intellectual people. He never forced Hindu Community to convert to Islam.
Because of these superb qualities, Akbar was called Akbar the Great.
Besides all these good qualities Akbar was fond of the company of womenfolk. Hence he married several princesses from different cast & religions. His harem was having 35 begums. Besides that he used to copulate with the concubines & roqqasahs means dancing girls. During that period a trafficking girl, a paragon of beauty arrived at Lahore along with the caravan of traders from Iran. But there is a difference of views. Whether she arrived at Lahore or Fatehpur Sikri? Since Akbar shifted his capital from Agra to his new city Fatehpur Sikri. Someone says she arrived at Fatehpur Sikri. There are various stories behind that mysterious girl. According to somebody, her actual name was Nadira Begum or Sharf-un-Nissa. Her dazzling beauty attracted the eyes of Akbar. She was ordered by Badshah Akbar to perform a dance in his royal court. She danced in presence of Badshah & other courtiers as well as Selim, the Shahjada of Akbar. Observing her blood-red dazzling face Akbar named her Anarkali means pomegranate bud. Akbar awarded her as the chief court dancer of his royal court. She was placed in his harem as his bed partner. But on an occasion of her dance performance in royal court Selim, the Shahjada became infatuated with Anarkali's dazzling beauty. Selim fell in love at first sight with Anarkali. Anarkali too expressed her love towards Selim by gesticulation. Both of them engaged in romance. It was a royal romance. Secret tryst was going on in the darkness of evening within the palace.
Some concubines & roqqasahs began conspiracy against Selim. They informed about the secret love tryst of Selim & Anarkali to Badshah Akbar. Getting the news from his secret agent, Akbar suddenly raided the place of love tryst. Enraged Akbar caught both of them red-handed in the amorous embracement. Furious Badshah Akbar didn't approve of the relation between Selim with his own bed partner. The court dancer Anarkali being of low birth can't become Begum of the future Emperor of his Empire. In view of separating his son Selim from Anarkali, he punished Selim sending him to South India as commander-in Chief to fight against the rebels. Then Akbar took his wrath out on Anarkali sentencing her to death by bricked alive in a wall of Fatehpur Sikri.'
Now a European lady tourist interfered & said, 'Hello Mr. Guide. I have a doubt about the death of Anarkali.'
'Yes, madam. What's your doubt?' The guide asked.
'Just now you told Anarkali was punished by entombing alive on the wall of Fatehpur Sikri. How then her body was buried here at Lahore?' the lady asked the guide.
I was anxiously waiting for the reply from the guide. The guide shrugged his shoulder and replied, 'Madam. There are two versions on this matter. One version said Anarkali was entombed alive in the outer brick wall of Fatehpur Sikri. There was hearsay that after the untimely death of Anarkali, an uncanny environment was created. It was said Badshah Akbar ordered to remove the dead body of Anarkali & secretly bury it at a lonely place in Lahore. It was done. This is that place. Of course later on a mausoleum was erected here.
Another version said Anarkali didn't die. Immediate after her punishment by entombment alive in the brick wall, her mother piteously appealed to Badshah Akbar praying for the life of her daughter. It is said that at some time she saved the life of Akbar from enemies. Being delighted Akbar asked her to pray for any reward. She told that she would ask for it when required. Akbar remembering that assent her pray. He ordered to take out Anarkali from the wall and asked her to leave Fatehpur Sikri at night along with her daughter Anarkali to some distant place in guise. They left Fatehpur Sikri at night in guise and reached Lahore. Exactly this place they lived in a small cottage. After the death of her mother, Anarkali, then known as Sharf-un-Nissa, lived alone covering her face with the black yashmak. Once when she was found dead, local people buried her here in an ordinary graveyard.'
One of the European tourists asked him, 'Mr.Guide. Who then built this beautiful mausoleum for her?'
'Sir, this mausoleum was built by Shahenshah Jahangir. Before entering this mausoleum let me enlighten you about Jahangir in short. Jahangir or Prince Selim was not in the good book of Badshah Akbar. Akbar's two other sons Murad & Daniyel experienced premature death due to excessive drinking of wine. That's why Akbar desired to enthrone his grandson Khushru. But some of the noblemen opposed Khushru's enthronement. Hence, there was no claimant of the throne except Prince Selim. At last, Badshah agreed to enthrone Prince Selim. Akbar was affected by a serious disease. No hakim or physician could give him relief. Akbar expired in the Lahore Fort. Prince Selim was enthroned in the Mughal Empire after Akbar. Prince Selim was designated as Jahangir. The full name was Nur-Ud-din- Muhammad Jahangir means world Seizer. Jahangir Badshah was very much laborious in learning. He became competent in the Persian & Turkish languages. He was fond of the litterateurs & cultured persons and had great respect for them. These were the good qualities of Shahensha Jahangir. Even then he had to face hostility from his own son & kinsmen. Of course, he had to quell the insurgency with iron hands.
Jahangir Badshah shifted his capital from Lahore to Agra. Before leaving Lahore to keep himself well-informed about Lahore, he came to know about this place where his sweetheart Anarkali's mortal body lying under an ordinary grave. He ordered to build an unprecedented mausoleum of milk-white marble stone with due honor. Hence before quitting Lahore he visited this very beautiful pleasing to the eyes the mausoleum made of white marble for his lover Anarkali dearer than his life.
Yes before entering this mausoleum I must let you know that though Jahangir shifted his capital to Agra, his last will was that his mortal body is to be entombed at Lahore only. Hence their celestial love remained under the soil of Lahore after their death.'
After completion of the guide's narration, I entered the mausoleum along with the foreign tourists. I entered with other tourists also & came near the central part of the tomb. With a topsy-turvy heart, I stood silently there. Anarkali was lying five feet below the marble floor! Standing like an immobile near the sarcophagus of white marble, I was looking deeply at it. The guide was going on delivering his speech to the foreign tourist party slightly apart from the sarcophagus. Without paying heed to his sermons I was thinking about the stories delivered by the guide outside near the mausoleum. The heroine of those stories, lovelorn of Prince Selim, that mysterious court dancer is lying down under the heavy white marble-stoned sarcophagus with her unsatisfied love. Her affliction of heart, her mental agony for not getting her lover, with her entire sorrowful life she had to endure the entombment alive in the brick wall of Fatehpur Sikri. But why? Why a beautiful maid was unable to get her beloved one as her own. Was the competency of falling in love is preserved for the princesses only? Why? Didn't the note of love song play within the heart of an ordinary girl, who was not a princess in the exuberance of love? Why those hard-hearted Mughal emperors utilized these unfortunate maidens as their concubines or their bed partners? Shouldn't these maidens have a soft heart? Why this proficient court dancer Anarkali would live as a bed partner of Emperor Akbar? Why Shahjada Selim didn't have the freedom to select his sweetheart as his own begum? Why the maidens of below standard were not permitted to love high standard youths? I have an accumulation of a lot of grudges in my mind, within my concealed heart. My tears were rolling down from my eyes looking at the sarcophagus."
So far I was giving a patient hearing to Muhammad Saifuddin's lengthy narration. Now being inquisitive I asked him, "Saifuddin Sahab, standing in front of the sarcophagus of Anarkali did you feel you are Selim of Anarkali?"
"No. I didn't have any feeling that I am Selim. As a common visitor, I was observing the sarcophagus of Anarkali, like other foreign tourists. But the outbreak of my inner grudges against the Mughal emperors was being flashed within my mind."
"Then, when you came to know that you are the incarnation of Selim rather Emperor Jahangir?" I asked
"Yes. That I am going to narrate now." Muhammad Saifuddin Saab began his mysterious narration.
"The foreigner tourists started going out after visiting the sarcophagus. I was about to follow them. As soon as the tourists exited, the lights went off suddenly. In that pitchy darkness, a fragrance of fresh Jessamine flower began floating in the air. At that moment, I perceived a piteous female voice was floating in the air."
'My dearest Selim, at last, you have come to me after so many years. I am feeling suffocated here. Save me, save me my love-sick, my loving Selim'. I was feeling a thrilling or uncanny sensation in my body. A feeling came to my mind that I am Selim. Tumbling down on the marble tomb, I screamed, 'Anarkali, my love, how to rescue you from here? Tell me where we will meet again? Where we'll be in amorous embracement?' The female voice vibrated, 'My dearest Selim, you go to our old place of meeting at Fatehpur Sikri palace. We will meet there at each 'Jumma Bar'.'
All of a sudden, all the lights were enkindled. The curator of the tomb forcefully pulled me up from the floor, shouting 'Hey, what are you doing here? You madcap, get out from here.' The caretaker pushed me outside the tomb. And that was beginning of my feeling that I am an incarnation of Selim in this birth."
"Then? What happened to you? How did you rescue Anarkali?" I asked him inquisitively.
Chapter 13
Saifuddin Saab continued his stories.
"I came back to my residence. Obtaining a passport & arranging a tourist visa I arrived at Fatehpur Sikri of India.
Now, in every 'Jumma Bar,' I come here. The daylight recedes at the advent of the darkness of night. 'Maifil' begins around 'Anup Talao'."
The sweet laughter of 'Bandis' (Maids) reverberates on the walls of 'Gosal Khana'. The sound of 'Shahnahi' is being played. Sounds of 'Satranjee' players are heard from 'Pachisi Court'. The neighing of horses floats in the air from stables. Within this gloomy night of 'Jumma Bar', the entire Fatehpur Sikri becomes alive. I wait at 'Panch Mahal' for my love 'Anarkali'. Bell of a clock declares midnight. I sniff some fragrance of 'Jessamine' flower begins floating in the air. The disheveled wind blows in the surrounding atmosphere. I anxiously wait for her appearance. An eerie sensation of the sound of jingling anklet is heard. A thin mist envelops the area. She comes, covering her face with transparent white 'Urnee', putting on white 'Ghagra', with rhythmical prosody of jingle anklet. Anarkali comes. The note of 'Gazal' (love-lyric) is being played throughout the Panch Mahal. The Gazal is being reverberated in the walls.
Sab kahaaN kucch lala-o-gul men numaayaaN ho gayeeN
KHaak men kya soorateN hoNgi jo pin'haaN ho gayeeN
Yaad theeN hum ko bhi raNgaa-raNg bazm~aaraaiyaaN
Lekin ab naqsh-o-nigaar-e-taaq-e-nis'yaaN ho gayeeN
Joo-e-KHooN aaNkhoN se behne do k(e) hai shaam-e-firaaq
MaiN yeh samjhooNga k(e) do sham'eN farozaaN ho gayeeN
In pari~zaadoN se leNge KHuld men hum intiqaam
Qudrat-e-haq se yehi hooreN agar waaN ho gayeeN
NeeNd us ki hai, dimaaGH us ka hai, raateN us ki haiN
Teri zulfeN jis ke baazoo par pareeshaaN ho gayeeN
JaaN~fiza hai baada(h) jis ke haath men jaam aa gaya
Sab lakeereN haath ki goya rag-e-jaaN ho gayeeN ...
(Some, not all, came back as tulip and rose;
What faces must lie beneath the dust, who knows.
What colorful gatherings I would recall,
Now pictures in oblivion's niche, they repose.
Let my eyes shed blood, this night of parting:
As two lighted candles I shall imagine those.
On those beauteous women shall fall my revenge
In paradise: they'll be hooris, forever close.
To him belongs sleep, peace, the fullest nights
on whose arms, disheveled, your hair flows.
Wine rejoices the heart. To whom the cup came,
His hand's lines like the vein of life arose.....)
The Gazal is being continued. I am being fascinated to listen to this old Gazal. I minutely listen to the silent footsteps of some invisible souls. Thereafter comes one after another more & more roqqasahs. The prosody of the jingling anklet splits the silence of the night. The jingle of bells in their anklets reconciling with the notes of 'Gajal' starts playing. Roqqasahas absorb themselves in dancing & singing along with Anarkali. 'Mahfil' (musical soiree) continues in front of me. Anarkali lifts up the goblet of wine in my hand while dancing. I sip the wine from the goblet being overwhelmed in delight. The darkness of night becomes thickened in the outer world. The sound of the bell of midnight floats from some distant place. Anarkali stopping her dance asks the roqqasahs to go away. The sound of the jingle bells of the roqqasahs gradually fades away within the edifice of Fatehpur Sikri. With a startled & timorous glance I look at the face of Anarkali, my queen of heart. Anarkali slowly sits by my side. She pulls me in her warm embrace. I lie down on the lap of Anarkali. While caressing my head she kisses me on my lip. Being fastened to her warm embrace, I lie down throughout the night. The morning star glitters in the distant sky. Embracing me at the end Anarkali gets up. In the early dawn, Anarkali goes away. Gradually the jingle of her bell fades away from the premises of Fatehpur Sikri. I sit being spell-bound. The morning birds declare the advent of dawn. I get up. It is my time to leave Fatehpur Sikri after the love-tryst of the night with Anarkali."
Listening to that unbelievable story, I asked Saifuddin Sahib, "Will she come today to you?"
Saifuddin Sahib replied confidently, "yes, she comes every Friday to me. Today also she will come. The darkness of evening is descending down. A cold wave of breeze started blowing. A fragrance of Jessamine flower is now floating in the air. Can you smell it?"
Being more astonished I felt a cold breeze started blowing. A faint fragrance of Jessamine flower was floating in the air. Being struck dumb I replied, "Yes, Saab, yes. I am getting the fragrance of Jessamine flower in the air."
Enthusiastically Saifuddin Sahib murmured, "She is coming. My sweetheart Anarkali is coming. You just wait for a while. Let me change my dress." Saifuddin Sahib leaping up went behind a shadowy wall. After a while, he came out from the hiding wearing a gorgeous silk Sherwani, a princely headdress on the head, Surma (kohl) on eyes, Nagra shoe on feet. He was looking like a prince of drama. He said anxiously, "She is coming. She is coming. Don't be here now. Please quit this place, without any further delay."
It was about 1900 hrs evening. I was already late. The bus was going on sounding horn for me. Buland Darwaja would be closed soon. I started running towards Buland Darwaja. While running I looked back. I heard a voice floating in the air. "She has come. She has come. My dearest loving Anarkali has come. I am Selim. I am Selim I am Selim."
As I boarded the bus, it started moving.
Chapter 14
I had to stay in Delhi for a week for a specific reason. Now it was my turn to return. While returning I boarded the plane. Casually I took out the English newspaper carrying with me. Opening the paper my eyes struck on strange news. The news was like this.
"On Friday night a dead body was found at Fatehpur Sikri at dawn. The person was found dressed in the apparel of a Mughal prince. Police suspect the person died in a heart attack. Police recovered a piece of paper, where it is written in Urdu the following lines.
'I am Muhammad Saifuddin from Lahore, Pakistan. Nobody believed I am an incarnation of Selim, Jahangir Badshah. My love Anarkali comes here at Panch Mahal of Fatehpur Sikri every Jummabar night to spend time with me. She returns at early dawn. Now she desires to take me permanently with her. So, I am going with her. My last request. My mortal body may kindly be sent to Pakistan & entomb at Lahore near Anarkali's tomb.
"Chaand ke nikalne se dikhti hai aapki jhalak,
Aap samne hote ho toh na jhapakti hai palak,
Aapke aage feeki lagti hai heere ki chamak,
Aur aapse he toh aati hai zindagi mei raunak."
Means;
(I see You as the moonrise,
My eyes don't even blink when you are in front of me,
The light of a diamond turns dull in comparison to you,
And from you only comes the colors for my life)