Mir Abdul Jalil Wasiti Bilgrami wrote an eye witness account of Emperor Farrukhsiyar’s wedding in 1715 with Indira Kunwar daughter of Raja of Marwar called Ghizalul Hind.
It is in Persian Verse and described by S.A.I. Tirmizi in his book Indian Historical Vistas. He chanced upon this manuscript in the second hand book market at Jama masjid.
Bilgrami describes the Dola being brought from Jodhpur by Shaista Khan, the Emperor ‘s maternal uncle. The bride was housed in Haveli of Hussain Ali Khan.
The Queen mother sent a sanchaq and a few days later henna was applied on bride’s hands.
Raja Ajit Singh ( r. 19 February 1679 – 24 June 1724) sent clothes for the bridegroom with Khivsi Bhandari.
Wearing clothes sent by his father in law the Emperor left on his takht e ravan for Hamid Ali Khan ‘s house.
The wedding procession was preceded by women dancing on wooden takhts ( many details of atishbazi, chiraghan etc too given).
On arrival at the bride’s residence, as per Rajput custom Khivsi Bhandari did arti, applied saffron tilak and the bridegroom ‘s nose was pinched. Bridegroom’s party were given a drink of rose water sugar and water.
Detailed description of instruments and ragas to which the dancing girl danced given.
One lakh gold coins were given as Meher.
However, as Farrukhsiyar was unwell ( Hamilton was treating him) the rukhsati took place 70 days later.
Emperor Farrukhsiyar’s wedding in 1715 with Indira Kunwar daughter of Raja of Marwar
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I have a masters in medieval history from the prestigious Centre for Advanced Studies, Dept. of History, AMU. A firm believer in our Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb, I am passionate about gaining and sharing knowledge and these days I am doing it via the social media platform.