naming. Ahrari died in 895-1491 when the child was about seven
years old but his influence was life-long ; in 935-1529 he was invoked
as a spiritual helper by the fever-stricken Babur and his mediation
believed efficacious for recovery (pp. 619, 648). For the babe or boy
to be where the three friends held social session in high converse,
would be thought to draw blessing on him ; his hushed silence in
the presence would sow the seed of reverence for wisdom and virtue,
such, for example, as he felt for Jami (a.v.). It is worth while to tell
some part at least of Yunas' attainments in the gentler Arts, because
the biography from which they are quoted may well have been written
on the information of his wife Aisan-daulat, and it indicates the
breadth of his exemplary influence. Yunas was many things
penman, painter, singer, instrumentalist, and a past master in the
crafts. He was an expert in good companionship, having even
temper and perfect manners, quick perception and conversational
charm. His intellectual distinction was attributed to his twelve
years of wardship under the learned and highly honoured Yazdi
(Sharafu'd-din 'Ali), the author of the Zafar-nama [Timur's Book
of Victory]. That book was in hand during four years of Yunas'
education ; he will thus have known it and its main basis Timur's
Turki Malfitzdt (annals). What he learned of either book he would
carry with him into 'Umar Shaikh's environment, thus magnifying
the family stock of Timuriya influence. He lived to be some 74 years
old, a length of days which fairly bridged the gap between Timur's
death [807-1404] and Babur's birth (888-1483). It is said that no
previous Khan of his (Chaghatai) line had survived his 40th year;
his exceptional age earned him great respect and would deepen his
influence on his restless young son-in-law 'Umar Shaikh. It appears
to have been in 'Umar's 20th year (dr.) that Yunas Khan began the
friendly association with him that lasted till Yunas' death (892-1483),
a friendship which, as disparate ages would dictate, was rather that
°f father and son than of equal companionship. One matter
mentioned in the Khan's biography would come to Babur's
remembrance in the future days when he, like Yunas, broke the Law
against intoxicants and, like him, repented and returned.
