Events

Tehran had witnessed many triumphs, yet few spectacles equalled the procession which entered the capital beneath the Lion and Sun following Persia's victory in the north.

At its head rode Bahram Mirza Qajar, second son of the late Abbās Mīrzā, brother of the Shahanshah, and Governor of Kermanshah and Khuzestan. Behind him marched five thousand veteran sarbāz, their muskets shouldered and their captured standards displayed amongst the colours of Iran.

Before them stumbled the prize Bahram Mirza had promised his brother.

Kamran Durrani, once ruler of Herat, was dragged through the streets in chains. The fugitive who had defied Abbās Mīrzā, broken his oaths to the Qajar Crown and hidden beyond the reach of Persian justice was at last carried towards the Golestan Palace.

Crowds pressed against the roadsides to witness his humiliation. Some cursed the captive as he passed. Others cried the name of Mohammad Shah and praised Bahram Mirza for fulfilling the royal proclamation.

At the palace gates the soldiers halted.

Bahram Mirza dismounted, took hold of Kamran's chain and led him personally into the presence of his brother. Before the Sun Throne, the Prince forced his prisoner to his knees.

“Shahanshah,” Bahram declared, presenting the chain to Mohammad Shah, “your servant returns bearing the justice which our father was denied.”

Kamran Durrani had returned to the Persian court.

This time, he would not leave it.