[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Mughals (1526–1857)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal) › [Humāyūn and the Sūrs (1530–1556)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.humayun) › [Qānūn-i Humāyūnī](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.humayun.qanun-i-humayuni) › [Humayun-nama of Khondamir (extracts)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.humayun.qanun-i-humayuni~en-elliot) › 7 # The Institutes of Humāyūn 7: Gradations of Rank. Humáyún-náma of Khondamír (extracts) 7 - **Language:** English ### [7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.humayun.qanun-i-humayuni~en-elliot.7) Among the customs introduced by this King, one was, that of the distribution of arrows, by means of which the distinction of ranks and stations among servants of the throne was marked. The pen of eloquence thus writes a full detail of this particular head. According to the different standards of gold, the ranks of all the people composing the three classes were divided into twelve orders or arrows, and every one received a grade and rank suitable to himself. The twelfth arrow, which was made of the purest gold, was put in the auspicious quiver of this powerful King, and nobody could dare to touch it. The eleventh arrow belonged to His Majesty's relations and brethren, and all the Sultans who were in the government employ. Tenth, to the great mushaikhs, saiyids, and the learned and religious men. Ninth, to the great nobles. Eighth, to the courtiers and some of the King's personal attendants. Seventh, to the attendants in general. Sixth, to the harems and to the well-behaved female attendants. Fifth, to young maid-servants. Fourth, to the treasurers and stewards. Third, to the soldiers. Second, to the menial servants. First, to the palace guards, camel-drivers, and the like. Each of these arrows or orders had three grades; the highest, the middle, and the lowest. - [Previous: 6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.humayun.qanun-i-humayuni~en-elliot.6) - [Next: 8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.humayun.qanun-i-humayuni~en-elliot.8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.humayun.qanun-i-humayuni~en-elliot.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.mughal.humayun.qanun-i-humayuni~en-elliot.7) · Pramāṇa