CH# 8: THE MUGHAL ECLIPSE
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan met Mirza Ghalib
...What else a readymade commander
in chief could sort out. Niaz Din, Aneel, and Ranbir had no choice to leave the
court for the time. Crown Prince Mirza Mughal was nervous, excited, or burdened, but he
really needed some time to make his mind to comprehend his new authority. It was just
like a dream for him to lead an army without putting in any effort.
‘I think I should start
working on my archery…actually on my shooting…no, I should visit the cavalry...after
all, I’m commander in chief…,’ he was roaming in the court confused.
The news of Bahadur
Shah Zafar’s consent spread like a fire and blew fresh enthusiasm among freedom
fighters. The British couldn’t resist this outbreak. Lucknow and Fathepur also
fell into freedom fighter’s lap. There was a massacre all around Delhi. Many whites were killed while fleeing to safe places.
Umer hardly opened his
eyes and the sight of a ceiling amazed him.
He remembered that he was sleeping at an open place in the backyard. He felt weary and blazing with fever.
‘There is an infection
in his wound after it had been bleeding all night that’s why he’s drowsy,’ a
Hindu herbalist was examining him.
‘Hi, how are you
feeling? We found you unconscious on your bed in the morning,’ Syed Ahmed Khan
asked him politely.
‘I’m…fi…,’ Umer tried
to keep his eyes open but things seemed to bop in a circle above him and he had
to close his eyes again.
‘This wound needs to
clean and cared for upon regular. I’ll visit again to see him,’ herbalist held his
things and got up.
‘So nice of you, I
know you have a lot of patients around because of the turmoil in the city,’ Syed
Ahmed khan walked after him.
‘Yes, there is but I
believe under the Mughal flag we’ll pass this intricate time and freedom will
be our only destination. Everyone is hopeful after Red Fort has taken the command of matters,’ Hindu herbalist’s optimistic overheard voice consoled
Umer’s tired and drowsy nerves and he went to sleep again.
Just then, Angeline who was peeping from one side came forward and tried to finger the dressing, Umer just had from the herbalist.
13TH MAY, 1857
Crown Prince and Mughal Army Chief Mirza Mughal along with his son Prince Abu Bakar led a meeting with freedom fighters on Iftar dinner and discussed the plan for organized attacks on the British. Prince Khizar Sultan was advised to collect the taxes from invaded areas. King Bahadur Shah Zafar has illustrated a new design of coin with his picture as a new currency of state when he was resting with his favorite wife Queen Zeenat Mahal.
Nobody
believed how the world and status of Red Fort residents transformed just in three days.
In evening carts from Red Fort approached Syed Ahmed Khan’s house with mouthful Iftar dinner.
Princess Hamida Bano and Prince Jawan Bakhat entered with their servants to look for injured soldiers and rescued British families. Prince Jawan Bakhat advised Syed Ahmed Khan to take good care of injured fighters. He saw Umer and met a few male members of British rescued families to assure them all the security from Red Fort. Princess Hamida Bano cherished the ladies in another portion of Syed Ahmed’s house.
The day was tough and
busy. As soon as Syed Ahmed Khan found time at night he came to his room and
started to read Ghalib’s letter again. He couldn’t count the exact number, but he
was reading the same letter for two years. He then opened the wooden chest and
took out a heavy piled book titled,
‘Ain e Akbari
An Urdu translation of
Abu Fazal’s book’
He just remembered
with how much passion and hard work he translated the book from Persian and
sent the book to Mirza Ghalib for a critic note. He was expecting a great praised
note of his effort to glorify the Mughal period by reminding all about the laws
and administration of great emperor Akbar but instead, he got the book back with
the letter that jolted his ideas and philosophy for forever.
‘You have burdened
this letter at your heart, Ahmed. Place it on one side and have some dinner.
You’ve been busy with guests all the time,’ Princess Hamida Bano entered
following the maid with a tray in hands.
‘Not really but it
takes time to understand what exactly Ghalib tends to get out from me and I’m
afraid how I’m going to meet his expectations,’
‘If Ghalib doesn’t want
to comment or write critic note on Ain e Akbari then you should see for any
other scholar instead of taking it on your heart. Go and publish this piece of
writing like many of your other published work,’ Princess Hamida Bano put curry
in the plate while looking at him but Syed Ahmed didn’t reply.
‘Dumb Indians…
‘Poor…illiterate…Indian…,’
he could still feel the fume of words.
‘Mirza Ghalib is a genuine poet. I'm amazed that he not only refused to write a note on your book but also sent a letter full of advice and counseling. You’re resting with this
insult for two years. You instantly should see for anyone else better to do the
task,’ Princess Hamida Bano held that letter from him irritate.
‘For such a task this book is the basis
The only hypocrite can say its praises,’
Syed Ahmed Khan
repeated a verse from that letter.
‘I don’t think there
is anything bad in translating a famous historical book at any time. Abu Fazal
put a lot of effort into describing the great era of King Akbar’s period in this
book and you did translate this from Persian into Urdu with very fine intentions. The great Mughal era is being revived and
your work will be greatly appreciated in free Hindustan,’ Princess Hamida
Bano’s tone was confident and big as a princess of a revived empire.
‘I bet, you can’t win
freedom at least in this century…,’ the echo of harsh words pierced his ears
again. Syed Ahmed started to recite Mirza Ghalib's poem aloud.
‘For such a task, of which this book is the basis
Only a hypocrite can
offer praise
None know what I know
of arts and letters
Open your eyes, and in
the ancient halting-place
Look at the sahibs of
England
Look at the style and
practices of those
See what laws and
rules they made for all to see
What none ever saw,
they have produced?
Science and skill grew
at the hands of these skilled ones
Their efforts overtook
the efforts of the forebears’
'None knows to rule
better than them
Justice and wisdom
they’ve made as one
The fire that one
brought out from the straw
How well these skilled
ones bring out from the straw
What spell have they
struck on water?
That a vapor drives
the boat in the water’
Go to London for in
that shining garden
The city is bright at the night, without candles
For Syed Ahmad Khan-e
Arif Jang
Who is made up
entirely of wisdom and splendor?
Let there be from God
all that he might wish for
Let an auspicious star
lead all his affairs.
‘How could I overlook
the truth…how could I steal my eyes of foreseen fate which Chacha(uncle) Ghalib
has perceived long ago…he is right; I just wasted my time to dig up history. I should pave modern and up-to-minute conducts
for my society. This was not my work…I’m born to do something productive for my
people…I should play my part to
get rid of slavery…I get it…at last I get it….but how…how…?’ Ahmed started to walk in the
room restlessly.
‘But…we’re no more
slaves. We’ve thrown out the whites from Shahjhanabad, from Delhi and soon…,’ Princess Hamida was
about to say something when she observed Syed Ahmed khan wrapping his
translated book in a cotton cloth. He was about to put that back in the suitcase
when Princess Hamida took that.
‘Wait… let me talk to
Ghalib regarding your concern. He’ll definitely look upon my words. I can’t see
you upset,’ Princess Hamida held his shoulder.
‘You don’t worry…I was
but not now…today I came to know each word of this letter…I don’t
need any foreword from anyone now…,’ he smiled and took that book back to
conceal it from his own eyes.
‘Let’s have dinner,’
Ahmed changed the topic trying to act cheerful.
Prince Jawan Bakhat
walked to the lady's compartment to see Princess Hamida Bano
when according to his lucky intentions he found Angeline walking in the garden near Jasmine plants.
‘I’ve arranged tight security outside Ahmed’s house but I'll be satisfied just when you and your mother become our guest,' he approached close to her from the back and showed his offer.
'I'm alright here. I'll be pleased if you can do something for my aunt who is in your prison along with her kids.' Angeline stepped back shortly.
'Dont get worried. In the Mughal rule, all foreigners will be given due respect and security despite the fact they don't really deserve this. Let me tell you that our procession will not halt at capturing the Delhi but great Mughals will invade all lost areas of the subcontinent to restore Aurangzeb’s period,’ Prince Jawan Bakhat let out in a loud and big-headed royal tone.
‘Really, you captured… Delhi and looking forward to restoring Emperor Aurangzeb's era!’ Angeline plucked one flower while asking.
‘Then who else did it,
I was also a part of commanders when freedom fighters were seizing the city.
I’m sorry whites have doomed to leave, but you can stay here. I’ll take care…,’
‘What else you do other than of bragging, respected prince…I mean what are your goals…my cousins of your age in England attend schools and learn skills. Many of them work in industries, some turned to be scientists, and others like to join forces,’ she plucked another Jasmine flower without turning back.
‘I also learn…from
teachers…at Red Fort…,’ Prince Jawan Bakhat swallowed the insult with patience.
‘Which is your
favorite subject?’ Angeline showed up curiosity.
‘I like to learn…,’
Prince paused.
‘Math…,’ she bucked
him up.
‘Not at all...it’s too
difficult…I learn…,’
‘Science?’ she went on
asking.
‘Nope…I don’t
understand what use of learning science is?’ Prince questioned back.
‘OK then literature…,’
she was tough now.
‘Ann…yes…sometimes but
princes don’t need to study when they are born to rule and I've capabilities to heir the throne,’ Prince couldn’t bear
it anymore.
‘Really, I’m
impressed…then rulers and kings don’t need to study…you better go and command
your fighters. They’ll cherish and successful in your authority,’
Angeline grinned and made her way inside.
‘Hey stop, it’s an
order…,’ Prince Jawan Bakhat buzzed to stop her but in vain. Angeline vanished
behind the pillar in the garden.
'You'll have to pay for this.' Jawan Bakhat turned back chaotic.
Angeline stopped by Umer's room for a while. He was still laying drowsy in his bed.
The night was dark but
still alive in Red Fort. Everyone was concerned and manipulating about the responsibilities of an independent state.
‘How could you announce
that dumb Sharif ul Mahal Sayyidani’s son, Mirza Mughal as a commander in chief
without my consent. It’s only me, who is holding this crippled empire for
years. Only my son Prince Jawan Bakhat deserves this throne,’ Queen Zeenat
Mahal was trembling furiously.
‘Mirza Mughal is a Crown
Prince if you don’t forget. Prince Jawan Bakhat is too young and inexperienced
to hold this responsibility,’ King Bahadur Shah Zafar replied calmly.
‘I’m telling you…Mughal
sultanate will be drowned in Mirza Mughal’s hands. You need to revive your
decision,’ Zeenat Mahal insisted again.
‘This sultanate is
already doomed, dear,’ king Bahadur Shah looked outside the balcony of his big
room. The freedom fighters were entering the fort from the Lahori gate to meet
their commander.
‘I know to twist the
fate in my favor. Mirza will not enjoy this status for long,’ Zeenat Mahal
stopped her maids, who were fanning her with peacock wings, and left the room to
observe the situation in Mughal court.
‘We should impose and
start collecting the taxes on people as early as possible. It’ll aid us to
collect revenue for a new state and to bear the expenditures of cavalry.’ Mirza
Mughal was busy meeting with his loyal minister instead of snoring in the Rang
Mahal.
‘Also, I
don’t want Prince Khizar Sultan as a finance minister to indulge in any state
affair,’ prince Mirza Mughal showed his concerns.
‘We can work on it
too, my prince,’ one minister smiled wickedly. Another new minister showed Mirza Mughal, the new
Mughal coins embed with Bahadur Shah’s picture.
‘They’re really fine,’
Mirza Mughal holds the coins delighted.
The time of Sehri was
near and the hustle-bustle started in the royal kitchen of Red Fort. Muslim residents
of Red Fort were doing ablution from Nehr-e Bhisti for Tahjud prayers.
‘Representatives of
freedom fighters are outside and are requesting to see you,’ just then a fort
servant entered. King Bahadur Shah also approached the court and Sehri was
served there. The early morning ritual breakfast was appetizing with Mughlai
parathas, mutton qorma, roasted mince, mixed vegetables yogurt, and Lassi. Aneel
and Niaz Din also joined the feast.
‘Aali jaa, British
soldiers and officers have fled outside the city for the time being, but according
to our information, they’re waiting for aid from near cavalries and
reorganizing them. They tend to attack back to recapture Delhi,’ Aneel
showed his concern to King and Princes.
It was their second
meeting with their commander.
‘Then, deploy all soldiers at city gates. There should be more men on the Kashmiri gate and Moori gate. I believe the Yamuna River will protect us from the back. What about the northern border of the city?
If few rebellion sepoys can easily enter the walled city by
Lahori gate then the British will thump it easier,’ Prince Mirza Mughal used the
stick to ponder grave on a map like any professional officers and ordered nervous. Aneel and Niaz Din looked at each other.
‘Our soldiers are fighting and getting success
outside Delhi too. We’ve arranged security on gates but we need to
up the morals of our advancing soldiers. You should have a visit on front rows
to buck up the soldiers Ali jaa,’ Niaz Din explained the motive of their
meeting.
‘Your men haven’t
submitted the captured ammunition in Mughal cavalry yet,’ King Bahadur Shah asked to
handle the situation first.
‘We’ve captured many
rifles and cannons from other areas and we’re about to figure and store
them in the cavalry. We already have towed all seized weapons and our white hostages to the fort
jail yesterday,’ Niaz Din briefed while mentioning “their” prisoners in the custody of
Red Fort.
‘Ask Prince Khizar to look for the storage and
supply of ammunition,’ Mirza Mughal ordered his minister. He opened the map to
check the exact position of soldiers. He was reluctant to visit tougher
areas. It was hard for any raw commander to lead an experienced army. Mirza
Mughal didn’t want to miss the chance, though. The correspondents of freedom fighters
were spotting the non-professionalism of their commander.
‘Freedom fighters are speculating about the destiny of foreign prisoners of Red Fort, Aali jaa. We don’t
want to see any sympathy for them, ’ Ranbir asked while rolling the map.
‘Most of the European prisoners are women and kids. His highness Emperor of Hindustan Bahadur Shah
Zafar will announce his verdict after considering the situation,’ Mirza Mughal
answered and looked at Bahadur Shah Zafar. The dawn was infringing the black
shroud on the sky. It was drizzling outside. Bahadur Shah ordered to pull the
curtains to feast with the pleasant morning breeze.
‘We’re in a war. We should keep the enemy’s prisoners safe to bargain with any turmoil,’ Bahadur Shah announced.
'But...,'
King dismissed the meeting disregarding the fact that the
correspondents didn’t like his idea at all. They were planning something brutal for the prisoners to thumb their victory.
The weather was overwhelming since morning. Umer felt a soothing relief in his wound when someone put a medicated bandage on it. A familiar scent groped his nerves. He was still snoozing under herbal medicines and a servant was on duty to change his bandage but it was not him..Link to CH#9
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Disclaimer: all characters of the story are imaginary. They bear no resemblance to anyone living or dead.