Later Mughals v1.c6.s29.11

v1.c6.s29.11

Owing to the late hour of the audience, neither the elephants nor the horses had been presented. These were sent on the 4th January, but according to custom sent back again, the object being to ensure that everybody should notice the valuable nature of the present. In the afternoon an officer arrived with a complete dinner prepared after the Mughal fashion, and half an hour later another with apples, pears, pomegranates, oranges and other fruits. These favours were acknowledged by three bows, or salams, made with the face turned towards the imperial quarters. Even the Emperor's wives and sons were required to observe this ceremonial. The men who carried the gifts were regaled with betel leaves, attar of roses, and received a considerable sum of money. An omission of these gifts might be fatal, for the Emperor was in the habit of enquiring what had been given and thereby gauging the value set upon his presents. On the 5th the envoy went to audience taking the nine elephants and nine horses. The horses were accepted, but there was no time before the night fell to present the elephants. The envoy received a gift of a dagger studded with fine stones which he stuck into his sword belt and acknowledged by three low bows.