I do not know the names of my ancestors prior to this, but I have read in certain books which contain information about my ancestors that they hailed from Samarkand and that they were a family of rulers and sovereigns. Then trials and tribulations befell them due to which they left their homeland, their neighbours and friends, and travelled until they reached this land where they settled along with their brothers, friends and servants. Then they went to meet Babur, the Emperor of India and requested him to include them among his courtiers. By the Grace of the Merciful God, they attained their purpose and became companions of the honourable Emperor’s courtiers. Then they decided to make this land their home. They were awarded many villages, properties and estates by the Mughal Empire. Thus, they forgot their days of homelessness, adversity and tribulations. They were in this state when, suddenly, the affairs of the Mughal Dynasty were turned upside down and there was great upheaval at the borders. The Empire did not have the strength to protect its people from the evils of the tyranny of mischief-makers, aggressors, thieves and rogues. Bloodshed, murder, looting and rape was rampant. It became impossible to run the affairs of the state, and pain and suffering increased. Thus, the Mughal Empire lost its status. The chiefs of this land freed themselves of its yoke and refusing to render obeisance to any government, became independent like the Tawaiful-Muluk1 and became self-governing. In those days our lost state was temporarily returned to us, and so we targeted happiness with the bow of tranquillity and lived a joyous and comfortable life. We remained in this state as long as the Lord of Majesty and Generosity willed it.
1 This refers to smaller territorial kingdoms that emerge at the decline of a larger state. [Publisher]