A new book brings translations of Sarmad’s quatrains, which had enchanted even Prince Dara Shikoh

Wandering in the wilderness is love’s favourite pastime, since it hones and matures the intellect. Majnun, who stands at the forefront of lover’s ranks, has the unique distinction of having no rival in “sehranavardi” (wandering in the desert). Sarmad wandered through the deserts of Sind, warming the soles of his feet. Many harsh winters and blistering Indian summers ravaged his naked body. At last, he realised:

Why do you wander in the wilderness
Looking for Him? Sit still.
If he is Khuda
He will appear on His own.

Those were days when Alamgir was about to make another move on the chessboard of the Indian Empire. During the last days of Emperor Shahjehan, Dara Shikoh was heir-apparent. A man of Sufi temperament, he was unique among Mughal princes. It is a blot on historical veracity that the pen which recorded the history of the Mughal period was always held by Prince Dara Shikoh’s enemies. Behind the screen of political manoeuvres, the real picture has become blurred.

From his early years, Dara displayed the attributes of a Dervish. He always kept company with philosophers and Sufis. His writings indicate that the author was a man of excellent taste. The overwhelming proof of his taste is that in pursuing his goal...

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