The Institutes of Akbar 75.3

75.3

Whenever His Majesty rides out, or at the time of the Bār i ’Ām or Levee, the sons of the Amīrs, and other Mansabdārs and Ahadīs, carry the Qūr in their hands and on their shoulders, i. e., every four of them carry four quivers, four bows, four swords, four shields; and besides, they take up lances, spears, axes, pointed axes, piyáz, war-clubs, sticks, bullet bows, pestles, and a footstool, all properly arranged. Several qitárs of camels and mules are loaded with weapons and kept in readiness; and on travels, they use Bactrian camels, &c., for that purpose. At Court receptions the Amírs and other people stand opposite the Qur, ready for any service; and on the march, they follow behind it, with the exception of a few who are near His Majesty. Elephants in full trappings, camels, carriages, naqqárahs, flags, the kaukabahs, and other Imperial insignia, accompany the Qur, while eager macebearers superintend the march, assisted by the Mírbakhshís. In hunting expeditions several swift runners are in attendance, and a few others are in charge of harnesses. In order to shorten the trouble of making references, I shall enumerate the weapons now in use in form of a table, and give pictures of some of them.