A Translation of the Memoirs of Eradut Khan

A nobleman of the court of the Mughal emperor, Iradat Khan (c.1649–1716) experienced the rule of Aurangzeb (1618–1707) and observed at first hand the decline of the Mughal empire. This English translation of his memoirs was first published in 1786 by Jonathan Scott (1754–1829), a captain of the East India Company. He translated Khan's memoirs in order to educate the British about India's history and inform them about the Mughal empire. In these memoirs Khan relates anecdotes of his encounters with Aurangzeb and recounts the events following the emperor's death, including the rule of his son Bahadur Shah (1643–1712) between 1707 and 1712. The memoirs conclude with the death of Jahandar Shah (1661–1713), who ruled only briefly before being beaten in battle, captured and executed. Also included are extracts from Aurangzeb's last letters.