_Note e_. The causes which led to the sign of Sol in Leo becoming the arms of Persia cannot be distinctly traced, but there is reason to believe that the use of this symbol is not of very great antiquity. We meet with it upon the coins of one of the Seljukian princes of Iconium; and, when this family had been destroyed by Hulâkû [A.D. 1258], the grandson of Chengiz, that prince, or his successors, perhaps adopted this emblem as a trophy of their conquest, whence it has remained ever since among the most remarkable of the royal insignia. A learned friend, who has a valuable collection of Oriental coins, and whose information and opinion have enabled me to make this conjecture, believes that the emblematical representation of Sol in Leo was first adopted by Ghiâs-ud-din Kai Khusrû bin Kaikobâd, who began to reign A.H. 634, A.D. 1236, and died A.H. 642, A.D. 1244; and this emblem, he adds, is supposed to have reference either to his own horoscope or to that of his queen, who was a princess of Georgia. _Note f_. Hanway states, vol. i, p. 199, that over the gate which forms the entrance of the palace built by Shah Abbâs the Great [A.D. 1586 to 1628] at Ashrâf, in Mazenderan, are 'the arms of Persia, being a lion, and the sun rising behind it'. _Note g_. The emblem of the Lion and Sun is upon all the banners given to the regular corps of infantry lately formed. They are presented to the regiments with great ceremony. A mûllâ, or priest, attends, and implores the divine blessing on them. _Note h_. This order, with additional decorations, has been lately conferred upon several ministers and representatives of European Governments in alliance with Persia. _Note i_. The medals which have been struck with this symbol upon them have been chiefly given to the Persian officers and men of the regular corps who have distinguished themselves in the war with the Russians. An English officer, who served with these troops, informs me that those on whom these medals have been conferred are very proud of this distinction, and that all are extremely anxious to obtain them (_History of Persia_, ed. 1829, vol. ii, p. 406). In Curzon's figure the lion is standing, not 'couchant', as stated by Malcolm, and grasps a scimitar in his off forepaw. CHAPTER 23 The Râjâ of Orchhâ--Murder of his many Ministers. The present Râjâ, Mathurâ Dâs, succeeded his brother Bikramâjît, who died in 1834. He had made over the government to his only son, Râjâ Bahâdur, whom he almost adored; but, the young man dying some years before him, the father resumed the reins of government, and held them till his death. He was a man of considerable capacity, but of a harsh and unscrupulous character. His son resembled him; but the present Râjâ is a man of mild temper and disposition, though of weak intellect. The fate of the last three prime ministers will show the character of the Râjâ and his son, and the nature of their rule.