Karaka, Dosabhai Framji: History of the Parsis: including their manners, customs, religion and present position ; in two volumes (Band 2) (London, 1884)

22

HISTOR Y 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 hap-
pened 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
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
the custom dues of Surat, besides several "jaghirs"