Indian Antiquary Vol 13

SR No.: 032505
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: John Faithfull Fleet, Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 492
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 22 MB

Page 166

142
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[MAY, 1884
Khuárezm Shah sent three envoys, of whom he envoys specially sent by Chinghiz, who were names two, namely Ahmad of Khojend, son of named Mahmud Yelvaj, of Khuârezm; Ali the Amir Husain San, and Ahmad Taijikh (? Khoja, of Bukhara ; and Yusuf Gemrga, of the Tajik)," and they took with them gold Otrar. The caravan took with them silver bars, embroidered cloths, thick cloths, fine cotton musk, jade, and tarkal," as presents for the stuffs, &c. Abulfaraj says they were met at Khuárezm Shâh, and they also bore letters the Mongol frontier by the Guards, called which, we are told, were phrased as follows:Karakjia, and taken to their master.
"I send you my greeting. I know your power We are told that Ahmad exhibited his wares and the vast extent of your empire. I know before the great Khân, and asked him an that you reign over the greater part of the exorbitant price for them; two or three gold world. I have the greatest wish to live at balishes for things only worth ten to twenty peace with you. I shall regard you as my dinars. Chinghiz was enraged, and said, " This dearest son. On your part don't forget that man fancies that we have never seen such I have conquered China, and subjected to my things before ;" and he ordered the riches of his authority all the Turkish tribes north of that wardrobe to be displayed before him," and then empire. You know that my empire is an anthad the merchant's goods confiscated, and had hill of warriors, a mine of wealth, and that him put under arrest. When his two com- I have no occasion to covet other realms. I panions were introduced they diplomatically fancy we have a mutual reason for encouraging pat no price on their goods, and merely said, commerce between our peoples."10 “We have brought these for the emperor." This letter, it will be seen, breathed the arroThis pleased him so much that he ordered a gant spirit which pervaded all Mongol docugolden baligh to be given them for each piecements, and, although politely worded, Muhamof golden tissue, a silver balish for every two mad was given to understand that his corresponpiecus of fine cotton, and another for every dent was really his patron, and that in addresstwo pieces of coarse cloth. He then summoned ing him as his son he really meant that he the merchant whose goods had been config- should consider himself his vassal. Muhamcated, and paid him after the same rate. The mad treated the envoys well, and in the eventhree traders were well treated, were supplied ing he summoned Mahmud Yelvaj to him, and with food and also with white felt tents. On addressed him thus :-“You are a Musalman, their departure Chinghiz ordered his relatives and a native of Khuârezm. Tell me the and the noyans and other grandees to choose truth. Has your master conquered Tamghaj, two or three agents each, and to supply them or no ?" At the same time he gave him a generously with money, and then ordered the costly stone from his casket. "As true it is as whole body to return with the merchants to that the Almighty lives, and he will shortly be the empire of Khuárezm to purchase some of the master of the whole world," was the answer. its products, and no doubt also to report on the "Oh, Mahmud," the Sultan said, "You know the condition of the country. This caravan, accord extent of my empire and my widespreading ing to Juveni and Rashidu'd-din, consisted of power. Who is this Khân of yours, who 450 Musalmans. Abulfaraj says 150 Musal- presumes to call me his son, and speaks mâns, Christians and Turks. Muhammad of to me in such an arrogant tone? How Nissa, who was a high official at the court of great is his army-how extended his power P" Muhammad's son, and is therefore very reliable, To which he replied ; " The army of Temujin says their number was only four, all subjects of is to that of the Sultan as the light of a the Sulțân, whom he names, Omar Khoja, of lamp beside the sun; like the face of a Otrar; Al Jemal, of Meragha; Fakhru'd-dîn, of monster, compared to that of a Rumelian Bukhara, and Aminu'd-din, of Herat. They Turk." The result of this interview was the were probably the four leaders of the caravan. arranging of a treaty of peace between the The caravan was apparently preceded by three two sovereigns. After which the envoys
11 Erdmann, p. 356.
Abulfaraj says the rich vestures which had been presented to him by the kings of Cathay.
13 Abulfaraj, Chron. Arab., pp. 284 and 285. Erdmann, pp. 366 and 367.
1. D'Ohsson, vol. I, p. 206 note. 10 Vide ante.
10 D'Ohason, vol. I, p. 202.