The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c30.23

v1.c30.23

“One of those days (during the Jesuits’ first stay at Chandragiri) the King invited the Queens to a garden outside the city to enjoy themselves there... The retinue which accompanied them proceeded as follows: in the van there was a good cavalry detachment headed by a captain, who was a Muhammadan, surrounded by four or five knights; there were several silk standards in this company; after this there came a flute and a vinaband; the players rode several camels; many foot soldiers were also to be seen. Then the Delenais (Dalavays), or chief captains followed; they proceeded on foot and were fully armed; in their rear walked one of the royal elephants, over which the imperial standard was carried: there were several court nobles around. Next, a huge iron gong was carried by four porters, and four soldiers were continuously striking it ¹; the King himself then advanced on a gold sedan-chair, with many courtiers and servants around, who carried four very handsome umbrellas; then the royal insignia were to be seen on the top of picks; the hairy tail of a white wild cow, which is very much appreciated in the East; a big representation of a fish and another of a lion and finally another standard. After this there came the chief Delevay (Dalavay) of the kingdom, and at last the Prince (Ranga) with the King's wives, accompanied by very many women carried in silver and gold sedan-chairs, with great pomp; the Queens were carried in shinning gold litters, covered with rich golden drapery adorned with precious stones; next to every litter two umbrelas were carried to keep off the glare of the sun; there were besides many handmaids, moving their fans to and fro on each side of their mistresses. Such was the order of his state procession when the King went to the garden in the suburbs of the city to spend a holiday. He came back on the same day after sunset; so many torches illuminated his way that it seemed day in spite of the hour ².