[129] I.e., Khan of the Khans, like the Mirimiran of the Persians, and the Beglerbeghi of the Turks.
[130] Correctly, Kurur, that is, 10,000,000 rupees, equivalent to about $5,000,000.
[131] Birshegal, probably a Hindustani word.
[132] In the text Kish, i.e., "winter," also "bad weather," "rainy season." Compare Kish Kiamet, i.e., "very foul weather."
[133] Opinions differ as to the exact nature of the Tughra (signature of Turkish rulers: more correctly, tora, meaning "decree"). Some say that it is merely a flourish, others hold that it is the impression of the hand. In Central Asia, Turkish monarchs used to dip their hand in blood, hence the expression al-tamga, "red seal." The descendants of Baber first introduced into India the use of the yellow dye, saffron.
[134] Mir Ali Shir, the greatest poet of the Turks in Central Asia, was born, according to Khondemir, in the year 844 (1440) and died in H. 906 (1500). He wrote under the name of Newai. His compositions, which are unquestionably superior to any other East Turkish productions, enjoy to this day great popularity amongst the Turks of the interior of Asia.
[135] Afetabe, "water-basin," and Afetabedji, "he who holds the water-basin"; a high court dignity in Central Asia, and later on also among the Moguls in India. The former Khans of Khokand had received the title of Afetabedji from the Sultan of Turkey.
[136] Our author means by Siwas the old seat of the Osmans, but in India and in Central Asia, Rum is generally understood to stand for the West, and more particularly for the Ottoman Empire.
[137] As the Turks never conquered Vienna, this is a mere boast on the part of the Turkish Admiral. Possibly, in the Far East the news of the conquest of Vienna may have found credence, for the campaigns of Suleiman against Vienna fall about this time.
[138] Khatib is the name of the Mollah who on Fridays says the Khutbe, or Friday prayer, in which the names of the Caliph and of the local ruler are inserted.