The Institutes of Akbar 34.1

34.1

The Shamsah of the arch of royalty is a divine light, which God directly transfers to kings, without the assistance of men; and kings are fond of external splendour, because they consider it an image of the Divine glory. I shall mention some of the insignia used at present. 1. The Aurang, or throne, is made of several forms; some are inlaid with precious stones, and others are made of gold, silver, &c. 2. The Chatr, or umbrella, is adorned with the most precious jewels, of which there are never less than seven. 3. The Sáibán is of an oval form, a yard in length, and its handle, like that of the umbrella, is covered with brocade, and ornamented with precious stones. One of the attendants holds it, to keep off the rays of the sun. It is also called Aftábzír. 4. The Kaukabah, of which several are hung up before the assembly hall. These four insignia are only used by kings. 5. The ’Alam, or standard. When the king rides out, not less than five of these are carried along with the Qur, wrapped up in scarlet cloth bags. On days of festivity, and in battle, they are unfurled. 6. The Chatrtóq, a kind of ’Alam, but smaller than it, is adorned with the tails of Thibetan yaks. 7. The Tumantóq is like the Chatrtóq, but longer. Both insignia are flags of the highest dignity, and the latter is bestowed upon great nobles only. 8. The Jhandá is an Indian flag. The Qur necessarily contains a flag of each kind; but on great occasions many are displayed.