Source: 'A Translation of the Memoirs of Eradut Khan, a Nobleman of
Hindostan, containing interesting anecdotes of the Emperor Alzmgeer
Aurungzebe and of his successors Shaw Aulum and Jehaundar Shaw; in
which are displayed the causes of the very precipitate decline of the
Mogul Empire in India'. Trans. [from the Persian] by Jonathan Scott,
Captain in the service of the Honourable East India Company and Private
Persian Translator to Warren Hastings, late Governor-General of Bengal,
&c. &c. &c. London: John Stockdale, 1786, pp. 8-9.
These two letters are not part of Iradat Khan's actual text, but have
been inserted by the translator with the following note: "It may not be
amiss to insert here two letters written by Aulumgeer to his sons, Azim
Shaw and Kaum Buksh, a few days before his death" (p. 7). All
annotations in parentheses are those of the translator.
Aurangzeb's Last Letters
I. To Shaw Azim Shaw
Health to thee! My heart is near thee. Old age is arrived: weakness
subdues me, and strength has forsaken all my members. I came a stranger
into this world, and a stranger I depart. I know nothing of myself,
what I am, and for what I am destined. The instant which passed in
power, hath left only sorrow behind it. I have not been the guardian
and protector of the empire. My valuable time has been passed vainly. I
had a patron in my own dwelling (conscience), but his glorious light
was unseen by my dim sight. Life is not lasting; there is no vestige of
departed breath, and all hopes from futurity are lost. The fever has
left me, but nothing of me remains but skin and bone. My son (Kaum
Buksh), though gone towards Beejapore, is still near; and thou, my son,
art yet nearer. The worthy of esteem, Shaw Aulum, is far distant; and
my grandson (Azeem Ooshawn), by the orders of God, is arrived near
Hindostan. The camp and followers, helpless and alarmed, are, like
myself, full of affliction, restless as the quicksilver. Separated from
their lord, they know not if they have a master or not.
I brought nothing into this world, and, except the infirmities of man,
carry nothing out. I have a dread for my salvation, and with what
torments I may be punished. Though I have strong reliance on the
mercies and bounty of God, yet, regarding my actions, fear will not
quit me; but, when I am gone, reflection will not remain. Come what
may, I have launched my vessel to the waves. Though Providence will
protect the camp, yet, regarding appearances, the endeavours of my sons
are indispensably incumbent. Give my last prayers to my grandson (Bedar
Bakht), whom I cannot see, but the desire affects me. The Begum (his
daughter) appears afflicted; but God is the only judge of hearts. The
foolish thoughts of wojmen produce nothing but disappointment.
Farewell! farewell! farewell!
II. To the Prince Kaum Buksh
My son, nearest to my heart. Though in the height of my power, and by
God's permission, I gave you advice, and took with you the greatest
pains, yet, as it was not the divine will, you did not attend with the
ears of compliance. Now I depart a stranger, and lament my own
insignificance, what does it profit me? I carry with me the fruits of
my sins and imperfections. Surprizing Providence! I came here alone,
and alone I depart. The leader of this caravan hath deserted me. The
fever, which troubled me for twelve days, has left me. Wherever I look,
I see nothing but the Divinity. My fears for the camp and followers are
great; but, alas! I know not myself. My back is bent with weakness, and
my feet have lost the power of motion. The breath which rose, is gone,
and left not even hope behind it. I have committed numerous crimes, and
know not with what punishments I may be seized. Though the Protector of
mankind will guard the camp, yet care is incumbent also on the
faithful, and my sons. When I was alive, no care was taken; and now I
am gone, the consequence may be guessed. The guardianship of a people
is the trust by God sommitted to my sons. Azim Shaw is near. Be
cautious that none of the faithful are slain, or thtir miseries fall
upon my head.I resign you, your mother and son, to God, as I myself am
going. The agonies of death come upon me fast. Bahadur Shaw is still
where he was, and his son is arrived near Hindostan. Bedar Bakht is in
Guzarat. Hyaut al-Nissa, who has beheld no afflictions of time till
now, is full of sorrows. Regard the Begum as without concern. Odiporee,
your mother, was a partner in my affairs, and wishes to accompany me in
death; but everything has its appointed time.
The domestics and courtiers, however deceitful, yet must not be
ill-treated. It is necessary to gain your views by gentleness and art.
Extend your feet no lower than your skirt. The complaints of the unpaid
troops are as before. Dara Shekkoh, though of much judgment and good
understanding, settled large pensions on his people, but paid them ill,
and they were ever discontented. I am going. Whatever good or evil I
have done, it was for you. Take it not amiss, nor remember what
offences I have done to yourself; that account may not be demanded of
me hereafter. No one has seen the departure of his own soul; but I see
that mine is departing.