The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c15.99

v4.c15.99

He now had some leisure which he employed in indulging his passion for building. He had been attracted by the situation of the village of Kakrālī, seven miles to the south of Āgra, and there built himself a palace, to serve as a hunting lodge and pleasure house. The courtiers were encouraged to build houses for themselves, gardens were laid out, and a small town sprang up round the palace. To this Akbar gave the name of Nagarchain, or “abode of ease”, and here he amused himself with coursing, pigeon-flying, and polo, which he played at night with balls made of the wood of the *dhāk* or *palās* tree (*Butea frondosa*) which smoulders when ignited.