Travels in India (Tavernier) 17.2.5

17.2.5

When the King is seated on his throne, some great noble stands by him, most frequently his own children. Between eleven o’clock and noon the Nawáb, who is the first Minister of State, like the Grand Vizir in Turkey, comes to make a report of whatever has passed in the chamber where he presides, which is at the entry of the first court, and when he has finished speaking, the King rises. But it must be remarked that from the time the King seats himself on his throne till he rises, no one, whosoever he may be, is allowed to leave the palace; though I am bound to say that the King was pleased to exempt me from this rule, which is general for every one — and here, in a few words, is how it occurred.