Travels in India (Tavernier) 56.1

56.1

Concerning the preparations which are made for the festival of the Great Mogul, when he is solemnly weighed every year. Of the splendour of his thrones and the magnificence of his Court. After having completed all my business with the King, as I have related in the first Book, and on going to take leave of his Majesty on the first of November 1665, he told me that he was unwilling that I should depart without having witnessed his fete, which was then at hand, and that afterwards he would give orders for me to be shown all his jewels. I accepted, as in duty bound, the honour he did me ; and thus I was a spectator of this grand festival, which commenced on the fourth of November and lasted five days. It is on the anniversary of the King’s birthday that they are in the habit of weighing him, and if he should weigh more than in the preceding year, the rejoicing is much greater on that account. When he has been weighed, he seats himself on the richest of the thrones, of which I shall speak presently, and then all the nobility of the kingdom come to salute him and make him presents. The ladies of the court send some also, and he receives others from all the Governors of Provinces and other exalted personages. In diamonds, rubies, emeralds, pearls, gold and silver, as well as rich carpets, brocades of gold and silver, and other stuffs, elephants, camels, and horses, the King receives in presents on this day to the value of more than 30,000,000 livres.