Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 5.4.4

5.4.4

Besides these two streets, the citadel contains many smaller ones, both to the right and to the left, leading to the quarters where the Omrahs mount guard, during four-and-twenty hours, in regular rotation, once a week. The places where this duty is performed may be called splendid, the Omrahs making it a point to adorn them at their own expense. In general they are spacious divans or alcoves facing a flower-garden, embellished by small canals of running water, reservoirs, and fountains. The Omrahs on guard have their table supplied by the King. Every meal is sent ready dressed, and is received by them with all suitable ceremony, they three times performing the taslim, or salute of grateful acknowledgment, by turning the face toward the King's residence, and then raising the hand to the head and lowering it to the ground. There are, besides, many divans and tents in different parts of the fortress, which serve as offices for public business.