Life of Ahmad — Page 135
as MARRIAGE 135 river Jumna, the Old Fort, palaces and mosques, the Mausoleum of the Emperor Humayun, the tomb of Feroze Shah, the Qu t ub Min a r, Ni za mud D i n Auly a ’, covering an area of 45 miles, drew visitors and sightseers from everywhere. Its native craftsmen were famous for their jewellery, ivory carving, silver, brass and copper work, pottery, weaving and embroidery. There was nothing of the kind at Qadian. She must have missed even the streets of Delhi where had walked in the olden days mighty kings and queens. She had now come to a place unknown to the world. There was also the difference of language. The ways, manners and customs of the people must have appeared to her strange and queer. The cold and negative, nay, the positively bitter attitude of her new relatives must also have aggravated the feeling of change. Scarcely could she foresee the time when her new home was to become a thousand times dearer to her than Delhi. She has now lived in Qadian for more than sixty years; and none of those queer men and women who looked askance at her can be seen anywhere. The cold and tense atmosphere with which she was greeted as a bride has completely disappeared. She is now the Mother of the Faithful and thus reigns supreme in the hearts not only of the inhabitants of Qadian but also of the thousands that flock to this sacred place every year. She is enthroned in their affection as an Empress. And it is no exaggeration to say that the day is coming soon when kings and queens will seek blessings from her and her