Description
It is probable, therefore, that Utbi did not long survive the date at which his Memoirs terminate. It is to be regretted that this history, being thus cotemporary and personal, does not extend to the whole of that remarkable reign; it, however, comprises that portion of it which was most stirring and eventful. It must be observed, however, that if the dates given by Dow, in his historical memoirs of India, and probably taken from Ferishta, be correct, Utbi must have survived to a very late period of Mahmud’s reign, as some of the transactions recorded by him appear to coincide with those mentioned by the above author. There are difficulties, however, attending the hypothesis of Dow's correctness, and possibly the authority of a contemporary writer may be more appropriately preferred, at least by Al Kitab translator. In estimating the value of the present contribution to Eastern history, as it must be allowed that many of the incidents herein comprised are already to be found in Ferishta and other authors, so others appear to be unknown or attended with varying particulars and circumstances: the personal narrative also of a contemporary probably conveys a more correct impression of events, even because it is somewhat diffuse, since character and motives are obtained from details. Dow, one of the earliest English authors who treated of the history series of Hindustan, complains of the dry brevity and conciseness of Ferishta; Al-Utbi may occasionally overlay his facts with too much that is extraneous,