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Friday, 29 June 2018

CH# 8 THE Mughal Eclipse | Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Mirza Ghalib upon Ain e Akbari-fusion stories

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

 Link to CH# 1

Above complete novel of 'THE MUGHAL ECLIPSE' is also available KINDLE AMAZON


Disclaimer: all characters of the story are imaginary. They bear no resemblance to anyone living or dead.

The writer can be followed at fusion stories@facebook.com.

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