former production, entitled 'Pandurang Hari.' Gratified by the flattering reception that work has met with, and remarking that an episode therein contained appeared to afford satisfaction, he was led to the idea that a set of Indian Tales would probably be acceptable. Having selected what appeared to the Author the best amongst the collection, he proceeded to form, on the basis and leading features of them, the following Tales, which may be more approved of than if sent forth in their original shape. Anxious to effect a variety, accompanied by some information, the Tales are arranged in a manner which it is hoped will afford the readers some amusement in their leisure hours. THE OF THE TALES OF CHAPTER I. A DISTURBANCE IN COURT. IN the year 1741, in the latter end of the reign of the Emperor Mahommed, many years before the British appeared on the Indian stage in the characters of rulers over that vast country, the city of Surat was under the government of Nuwab Jelal-eddeen Khan Behauder, who, though he was responsible for his conduct to the Court at Delhi, was nevertheless possessed of such unlimited power as to differ but little from the Emperor himself. Previous to delineating the character, habits, and customs of the Nuwab, and his court, a short description of the city over which he ruled may not be deemed unnecessary. Surat is a large and populous city, in the Province of Guzrat, situated on the banks of the river Tapee; and during the government of Nuwab, Jelal-ed-deen's father preserved its extensive commerce, being considered a port of the greatest consequence in India, and the resort of merchants from every quarter of the world. |