History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

22 HISTORY OF THE PARSIS. [CHAP. I.

possessed considerable knowledge of mechanics, and was a man of real talent. A lucky circumstance laid the foundation of his future success. It so happened that a clock, which had been presented to the Emperor of Delhi by the Sultan of Turkey, got out of order. Many persons tried to repair it, but failed to put it right. The emperor thereupon sent orders to the authorities throughout the length and breadth of his dominions to find out and send to Delhi all persons competent to repair the clock. Sorabji’s fame as a mechanic was not unknown to the Nawab of Surat; and, in obedience to the imperial commands, he sent him to Delhi in the year 1744. He was entrusted by the emperor with the work, which he performed most satisfactorily to the astonishment of the emperor and his nobles. This achievement gained for him the title of Nek Sant Khan, or lord of the auspicious moment. By the emperor’s desire Sorabji remained at court for some time, and while there taught many persons, without remuneration, the art of repairing watches. The emperor was much pleased, and bestowed many favours upon him. Among other honours he conferred upon him the title of Sardar of a force consisting of two thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry. At the same time his two sons received the titles of Beheremandkhan and Talyarkhan. He also gave him the right of collecting

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the custom dues of Surat, besides several ‘‘jaghirs