A History of the Mahrattas v1.c17.93.3

v1.c17.93.3

Chinese silks of every description, and Indian muslins and cloth of gold, were employed in all the tents with the utmost profusion and effect. Gilded balls and cupolas surmounted the tops of the royal tents; the outside of which and the canvas walls were of a variety of lively colours, disposed in a manner which heightened the general splendour. The entrance into the royal enclosure was through a spacious portal flanked by two elegant pavilions, from which extended on each side rows of cannon forming an avenue, at the extremity of which was an immense tent containing the great state drums, and imperial band;—a little farther in front was the post of the grand guard on duty, commanded by a nobleman who mounted with it daily. On the other sides, surrounding the great enclosure just mentioned, were separate tents for the Emperor’s armoury, harness, &c., a tent for water, kept cool with saltpetre, another for fruit, a third for sweetmeats, a fourth for betel and so on, with numerous kitchens, stables, &c. &c. Such luxury in a camp is scarcely to be conceived; but besides what has been described, every tent had its exact duplicate which was sent on in advance to be prepared against the Emperor’s arrival. His march was a procession, and when he entered his pavilions a salvo from fifty or sixty pieces of ordnance announced the event; and he assumed and maintained every form and ceremony observed at the established residences of the imperial court.