Later Mughals v1.c10.s7.1

v1.c10.s7.1

During the few months that he was Emperor, Rafi-ud-darjat was completely in the power of the two Sayyids. Until this time, the Emperors, however much they might leave State affairs in the hands of a minister or favourite, retained complete control over their own palace and person, and no man could be prevented from access to them. Ultimate power resided in their hands, and they could at any time transfer authority from one minister to another. In this reign all this was changed. At first, the palace was guarded by the Sayyids' most trusted soldiers, and all offices within it were held by their nominees. On the 14th Jamadi I. (3rd May, 1719) a concession to propriety was so far made that the hereditary doorkeepers and palace servants were allowed to return to duty. But the change was more nominal than real. It is asserted that even then the Emperor's meals were not served without the express order of his tutor, Himmat Khan, a Barha Sayyid. The young Emperor was allowed little liberty, and in his short reign he seldom left the palace. He visited Qutb-ul-mulk on the 19th Jamadi I. (8th April, 1719) at his house in the Moti Bagh, to condole with him on the death of a daughter. He paid another visit to Husain Ali Khan on the 14th Jamadi II. (3rd May, 1719) ; and he also went on one hunting expedition to Shakkarpur (24th Jamadi I., 3rd April). [Kamwar 200, Siwanih.]