Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 15.2

15.2

Yesterday, at night, the King left these suffocating quarters. He was accompanied by Rauchenara-Begum and the other women of the Seraglio, the Raja Ragnat who acts as Visier, and Fazel-kan, the High Steward: and last night the grand master of the hunt also left the camp, with some principal officers of the royal household, and several ladies of distinction. To-night it will be our turn to depart: besides my Navaab Danechmend-kan's family, the party will consist of Mahmet-Emir-kan, son of the celebrated Emir Jemla, of whom I have already spoken so much; of my excellent friend Dianet-kan and his two sons, and of several other Omrahs, Rajas, and Mansebdars. The other Nobles who are to visit Kachemire will depart each in his turn, to lessen the inconvenience and confusion that must attend the five days' journey between this place and Kachemire, through difficult and mountainous paths. The remainder of the court, such as Feday-kan, the Grand Master of the Artillery, three or four principal Rajas, and a large number of Omrahs, will continue stationed as guards, in this town and neighbourhood, during three or four months, until the great heat be over, when the King will return. Some will pitch their tents on the banks of the Tchenau, others will repair to the adjacent towns and villages, and the rest will be under the necessity of encamping in this burning Bember.